20 years

I know for a fact I am positive for an Human Gamma Retrovirus (HGRV). Looking back on my health history, I suspect I have carried this retrovirus for at least 30 years, possibly longer. But it was 20 years ago today when I got "really sick" and went down hard with what was eventually labeled Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). I would invite you to read my reflections on the past 20 years at http://infertilitymom.blogspot.com/2010/09/and-then-life-changed.html

If you did not see my announcement yesterday, I would also like to invite you to join my new facebook page tied to this blog at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Given-Me-a-Thorn/160505560633099

Now on Facebook

If it is easier for you to follow Facebook than Blogger, I now have a page where these posts will auto-post, along with the benefits of Facebook commenting and interaction. Feel free to join me at http://www.facebook.com/GivenMeaThorn

Blessing of the Thorn

Great sermon outline on why Paul's Thorn was a Blessing! Addresses questions I will also be tackling in my book such as, "what was Paul's thorn?" Satan's hand in suffering v/s God's sovereign will, how God's "no" answers can be better than the "yes" we are seeking, and much more. Worthwhile read:
http://cnview.com/text_sermons/blessing_of_the_thorn.htm

On a totally unrelated blog, I was also reminder today by Lysa TerKeurst what satan is up to when he tries to trip us up with "thorns":

"Do you know why Satan’s tactics are called schemes in 2 Corinthians 2: 10-11? A scheme is a plan, design, or program of action. Satan’s schemes are well thought through plans specifically targeted to do 3 things:
1. To increase your desire for something outside the will of God.
2. To make you think giving in to a weakness is no big deal.
3. To minimize your ability to think through the consequences of falling to this temptation."

Going back to the original sermon posted above, I love this quote:

Who gave Paul the thorn? "There was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan". Satan gave it to Paul. God allowed him to do so for a real beneficial purpose. " exalted above measure".(lest I should be overcome in pride) There is a mystery between sin, sickness, and Satan. Satan rules but God can overrule the messenger of Satan. (a fallen angel, or demon sent by Satan)

Paul's sufferings were to prevent him from being lifted up with pride. Satan's part is clear, he cannot bring evil to the believer except by God's permission. (see the story of Job- Satan had to have God's permission to inflict him)

Satan was permitted to inflict Paul to serve God's purpose. Satan sure is dumb in ways. He will inflict a saint, all the while DOING GOD'S WILL.

God has a definite purpose in mind for our good in allowing sufferings in the believer's life. Our sufferings may not be due to specific sins we have done, but may be ministers to our benefit.

Character

‎"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved."

~ Helen Keller

 Sounds like James 1:2-4 to me:

"Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way." [The Message]

or

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." [New International Version]

from God not us

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."
2 Corinthians 4:7-9

September 13-19, 2010 is National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week. This annual event, started in 2002 by Lisa Copen, features a variety of ways to get involved including a virtual conference September 13-17 online for free with speakers each morning 10:30 – 12 USA Pacific time.

There is a Meme “30 Things You May Not Know About My Invisible Illness,” you can sign up to blog for the cause, read guest bloggers’ posts, and get involved in the campaign on Facebook. Receive a free 80-page ebook offering 263 tips on living well with chronic pain and illness when you sign up for daily email updates. This ebook was authored by 20 experts and addresses a range of daily life issues, including my own 10 tips on homeschooling with chronic illness.  (If you want the ebook and don't want to commit to ongoing emails, even though they really are great, you can always sign up and unsubscribe after you download the ebook resource.)

With nearly 1 in 2 people living with a chronic condition, about 96% of those people are suffering silently with invisible illnesses. See InvisibleIllnessWeek.com

Learning to Walk

My friend Ginger Garrett has been dealing with a debilitating ankle injury for over a year now. Here's her story about undergoing surgery for a tendon graft last week. In her typical entertaining manner, she will make you smile even as she addresses a stressful reality. As strange as it may sound, I think "Enjoy!" might be the right invitation to give as I share her link. :)