The Light of the World

I just had a revelation today.I had a horrible episode last night, I just let all my pains, doubts, surround me and it just over whelmed me so much! I realized that I let my fears take me over because I didnt go to God when I was scared. I should of have looked up one of them "Emergency Phone Numbers". [http://thelifeofthomascslater.blogspot.com/2008/09/emergency-telephone-numbers.html]

I didn't and I suffered because of it. Lesson learned!

The reason I am so addicted to God is because he is the only cure for my pains, that is why I have been sorrounding myself with him, through reading the Bible, TBN, praise music, and so on. I realize I am in pain all the time because of everything I have been through. It can be a negative but it is also a blessing because I am always searching for God to take the pain away. Like Jesus said, "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." [Matthew 5:4-8 KJV]

I believe that this is true because those that have suffered alot have been through a sense of hell. When you experience this hell, whether emotional or physical pain and if it is constant it can be very draining and devastating if you let it! The answer for me is not drugs, alcohol, or medicine it is the word, thought, worship, of my God. Praise the Lord! This is why it just hurts me so much to see those people who have turned away from God and seem to have no idea what peril they are in. Why would anyone want to go to hell? I just couldn't imagine a world without God or in other words love!

I am not trying to say in any way, that I am better than someone because I have found God. Not even in the slightest form, I am sharing my love of Jesus Christ and my stories so that people can see that he loves everyone no matter what. We all have our stuggles with God, we are all human, we all are like Jacob (Israel) from Genesis, we all struggle with God. It took me, getting diagnosed with cancer 3 times, to finally realize this. This was my struggle. Everyone is different and will have different stories, I just figured I would share this with those that have to go through hard times so that maybe it will be a little easier for them! The secret is to submit to God, trust in God, let him lead the way, everything will work out!

My Invisible Illnesses

I was diagnosed with cancer when I was two years of age, so I Have been living with an invisible illness pretty much my whole life. My God and family have given me more love and encouragement than I could handle, and I want to thank them for everything they have done for me. When I got sick my parents, family, friends prayed for me daily.

"This was the beginning of a nightmare for my parents, but an awakening for me. This is where I learned that God loves me and I have a purpose."
[My Tattoo (The Early Years Part 1)]

The doctors who helped me get rid of the cancer used chemotherapy and full body radiation. God did answer my families prayers the cancer disappeared, but I would be dealing with the side affects from the medicines used.

"The side affects I have received from the chemotheropy and radiation are hearing loss, weak roots in my gums, cataracts, heart failure, kidney failure, gout, diabetes, and weak veins. About 2 years ago my kidneys have failed completely, so I decided to go on Peritoneal dialysis. I would use hemo-dialysis as a last resort, because of my small veins." [Chemo and Radiation (The Early Years Part 2)]

"I remember the looks I received from other kids and their parents. It was very discriminating! I remember being very self conscious about this. I mean I had these veins popping out of my chest and it was very noticeable. I was still under the spell of the world, I didn’t know Jesus like I do now. That is why I believe I felt so self conscious about the way I looked. I should have been proud of these marks, these bulging veins popping out of my chest. These were medals, these were badges of honor! This was God’s mark on my body saying lay off this one he belongs to me! He is going to share his story with the world! I am NOT finished with him yet!"
[My Tattoo (The Early Years Part 1)]

So I guess you can say, that I have more than one invisible chronic illness that I am dealing with. Let me tell you that I am glad I did and do, I wouldn't be half the man I am today, if I hadn't. All the things I have been through have taught me many valueable lessons and I thank God for helping me get through them all! I am just happy to be alive! I am so thankful of what I do have, and I try not to focus on the different illnesses I am dealing with. A wise man once said,"You are what you think"(James Allen) So do yourself a favor and think positive, it's healthier for you!

I think it’s important to be involved in invisible illness week because there are many people out there that are suffering from their illnesses and they need to know that there are people out there who do care. They should feel proud that they are living their lives the best they can with their illnesses and the last thing they need is to feel ashamed or discriminated for what they have been through. So the next time you see someone that may look different, just follow what Jesus commanded, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." [Matthew 22:39 KJV] If you practice this, everyone will be happier.

Thanks for stopping by and God bless!

You Never Let Go

Since I have been listening to Pandora Radio(http://www.pandora.com/), I have been listening to alot of praise music. One of the songs, I heard and liked so much, I wanted to share it with you all!



Matt Redman You Never Let Go Lyrics

Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I’m caught in the middle
of the storms of this life
I won’t turn back
I know You are near

And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?

Chorus:

Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming
for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We’ll live to know You here on the earth


Picture is from http://www.christart.com/



Chorus:

Yes, I can see a light that is coming
for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You,
still I will praise You!

[ You Never Let Go Lyrics on http://www.lyricsmania.com/ ]

Emergency Telephone Numbers

These are more effective than 911. Call when...

You are sad...........................................John 14
You have sinned.......................................Psalm 51
You are facing danger.................................Psalm 91
People have failed you................................Psalm 27
It feels as though God is far from you................Psalm 139
Your faith needs stimulation..........................Hebrews 11
You are alone and sacred..............................Psalm 23
You are worried.......................................Matthew 8:19-34
You are hurt and critical.............................1 Corinthians 13
You wonder about Christianity.................2 Corinthians 5:15-18
You feel like an outcast..............................Romans 8:1-30
You are seeking peace.................................Matthew 11:25-30
It feels as the world is bigger than God..............Psalm 90
You need Christ like insurance........................Romans 8:1-30
You are leaving home for a trip.......................Psalm 121
You are praying for yourself..........................Psalm 87
You require courage for a task........................Joshua 1
Inflation and investments are hogging your thoughts...Mark 10:17-31
You are depressive....................................Psalm 27
Your bank account is empty............................Psalm 37
You lose faith in mankind.............................Corinthians 13
It looks like people are unfriendly...................John 15
You are losing hope...................................Psalm 126
You feel the world is small compared to you...........Psalm 19
You want to carry fruit...............................John 15
Paul's secret for happiness...........................Colossians 3:12-17
With big opportunity/discovery........................Isaiah 55
To get along with other people........................Romans 12

Alternate Verses
For dealing with fear.................................Psalm 3:47
For security..........................................Psalm 121:3
For assurance.........................................Mark 8:35
For reassurance.......................................Psalm 145:18

All of these numbers may be phoned directly.
No Operator assistance is necessary.
All lines to Heaven are available 24 hours a day.

Feed you Faith and doubt will starve to death!


Picture is from http://www.christart.com/

I found this on a pamphlet that came from a non-denominational church in Hammonton, New Jersey. It is called Calvery Chapel Hammonton,
here is a link to their website http://www.calvarychapelhammonton.org/

Just wanted to share it with all of you!

Invisible Illness Awareness

"National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week is held annually in September and is a worldwide effort to bring together people who live with invisible chronic illness and those who love them. Organizations are encouraged to educate the general public, churches, healthcare professionals and government officials about the impact of living with a chronic illness that is not visually apparent."[(Rest Ministries Chronic Illness Pain Support)http://www.restministries.org/invisibleillness/invisibleillnesshome.htm]

A Call to Arms!

Like I was saying I met some nice people on Blog Catalog. I met some fellow Christians on there, like Chris Esty who has also started a blog not too long ago! He has a very nice blog called, "The Bible Post: Where there is a will Jesus is The Way". I have learned some things already, that I haven't yet known, from his blog.

From Chris's Blog, "What are You Saying about Jesus Christ."

"You may not be aware of this, but testimonies of Christians are weapons of great power to overcome the hold that Satan either has, or attempts to have on God’s people. In fact, the Bible makes this point very clear when it says: “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony…” (Revelation 12:11 NKJV)"

This passage was taken from this article: The Bible Post

I am glad I have started this blog to help those that need motivation and inspiration to keep fighting the good fight! I believe that it is by no mistake of Chris and I meeting on Blog Catalog and becoming friends.

This reminds me of these Bible verses, "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up." [Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 KJV]

To be able to communicate with fellow Chrisitians is a great tool, because we all know how hard it is to live in our world today! When we talk about our faith and God we can help each other build up our faiths and become stronger Chrisitans, so that we can be ready for what ever the world brings against us!

Is it not obvious the world does not take kindly to Christians, which brings us to another Bible verse. "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." [2 Timothy 3:12 KJV] There will come a time when we will get persecuted for practicing our faith and religion. We are going to have to be strong when that time comes. But until than, get close to God while you still can and build up your faith. Who knows when Chrisitianity, will become illegal.

Blog Catalog

"BlogCatalog is more than just a social community for bloggers; we are one of the largest blog directories on the internet. Whether you are looking to search blogs, connect with bloggers, learn more about blogging, or promote your own blog, BlogCatalog is for you!" [Blogcatalog]

It's funny as soon as I started an account on Blog Catalog which is a social community. I did it, to get some traffic to my site, which I have done! Plus I have met some really nice people! A win-win situation!