How to Worry

I love the way the Lord created what we call a “day.”

Sunshine and light for activity and a moon to glow in the dark night to slow things down and ease us into rest.

We have definitely become adept to upsetting this gentle flow, as many of us have to work at night and sleep during the day. Kids are also great for putting a kink in our awake and sleep patterns!

It is commonplace now for stores to be open all night. Just to age me ( and maybe you,) I remember when stores closed by 8pm and many were not open on Sundays!. AND, get this: TV programming went off by midnight!

We have learned how to beat the clock!

Or have we?

There are just so many options available to keep us awake and our brains on high alert!

With more and more to think about, do and get, are we inadvertently allowing ourselves to be pick pocketed by the very things we are giving our attention to?

Listen to this sound advice given by “the man who had everything” -King Solomon in Psalm 127, verses 1 and 2

“Unless the LORD builds the house,

They labor in vain who build it;

Unless the LORD guards the city,

The watchman stays awake in vain.

It is vain for you to rise up early,

To sit up late,

To eat the bread of sorrows;

For so He gives His beloved sleep.”

I love that the Lord doesn't want us to be stressed out basket cases! It is not Him who is pressing us to stay up all night and get up early to brood over things that concern us.

Instead, He invites us to cast all our cares on Him, because He cares for us. (1 Peter 5:7)

Isn’t it amazing that the God who spins the stars into place cares about the details of our lives?

Worry can feel like a roller coaster ride in your stomach. 

When we recognize it’s gnawing momentum, we can get off the ride by taking a couple of really practical steps.

1.Tell the Lord exactly what it is you are concerned about.

For some of you this is easy, You’re acutely aware of precisely what it is that eating you up.

For others, you know you have the disease of worry and will readily admit it, but the real thing you are concerned about is shrouded by the symptoms you have grown accustomed to feeling: a vague sense of queasy uneasiness.

Getting to the bottom line of what is causing us anxiety is important and freeing!

Ask yourself, “what am I really worried about right now?”

For example: Is it concern over being able to perform my tasks? 

Or is it a deeper fear over what someone might think about me if I don’t do them a certain way?

2. Live in the present.

Jesus said..”Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:34

I love that Jesus didn’t negate the reality that there are things that we will be concerned about. He just told us today’s are enough for today!

I think that is the key to dealing with crippling worry. Not projecting all our “what if’s” into tomorrow.

In all these passages, I see the love of our Father reaching out to lift the burdens of His weary children. A touch made a reality because of Jesus.

It is He who cries out to us, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Wherever you are right now, may you be deeply comforted by fact that He is right there  with you, awaiting to graciously lift off your weights of worry.

Now, to Him..

As Christmas Day approaches, it’s good to remember just whose birth it is we are celebrating.

The baby born in that humble manger over 2000 years ago, was not simply a good man, a great prophet or a son of God.

Jesus is God.

Evidences of His deity are splattered all over the pages of scriptures.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.”  John 1:1-3

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us..”John 1:14

For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily..” Colossians 2:9

“And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power.” Hebrews 1:3

Jesus, the Creator left heaven to come to earth and become like us, to ultimately give His perfect life, to pay the penalty due for our sins.

Jesus became fully man while remaining fully God.

Meekness and Majesty, manhood and Deity, all wrapped together in the best gift any of us could ever ever receive.

For me personally tonight, when considering the greatness of our God and Savior, this passage comes to mind:

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:15-17

Today, the invisible God, visibly showed His hand at work in my life.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words and I must concur.

As the doctor handed me the images of my PET scan taken Friday, some things were missing when compared to my previous scan in Oct.

Where, I had 3 cancerous lymph nodes before, 2 “cannot be seen” and the remaining one has reduced in size.

The primary cancerous tumor in my lung, has gone from roughly 3 by 6 centimeters, down to approximately 2 by 2 cm.

The nurse said they were all jumping up and down in the back room and want to use me for a case study, as this is pretty significant change in a short period of tome.

When I told my son Chris that, he said, “Yeah, a case study in PRAYER!!”

Amen!

I see prayer as a great act of love and sacrifice and I am forever humbled and grateful for every single one uttered on my behalf. 

I am also thankful for the medicine that has been used in this process.

BUT no prayer and no medicine, would ever have any effect were it not for the God who is Lord over every atom and every cell, as He holds all things together by His Mighty Power.

All Glory and Honor and praise to HIM, as I find myself this Christmas week rejoicing like the angels did that very first Christmas.... in awe at His appearing.

“Glory to God in the highest,

And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”  Luke 2:14

May He be glorified in all things in our lives, as we receive the wonders of His great love for us each and every day, in every circumstance. He is faithful.

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Eph. 3:20-21

Winter Wonder-land

Winter has never been my favorite season. Growing up in Albuquerque (yes, it gets cold there) and dealing with snow and frosted car windows, sliding through ice on the roadways, and all the time and hassle of having to bundle yourself and the kids up just so you can go outside...ugh!

Let’s just say for this, among many reasons, I am so thankful to live in Tucson!! 

Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy..:)

Adverse weather has a way of slowing things down. People are forced indoors more of the time as the circle of manageable activities tightens. As it does, household members are usually together more, which can be an opportunity to focus in on those relationships.

Adverse situations can change our pace too. In fact, I don’t see how they can’t. Our routines are shaken up when events out of our control take over. 

We can react to these situations by gritting our teeth and just making it through the storm until till things clear. Or, in the eye of the hurricane, we can take comfort and strength from God’s direction in Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God”.

As the winter months bring a sense of stillness to nature, so can “winter” season in our lives.

Often, when this happens, we freak out! We simply are not used to a lack of busyness and activity. 

These times can be invaluable for stripping things down to evaluate what we really need to give our time and attention to.

As my daily routine has been “minimized” during this time, I have discovered that God doesn’t really want anything from me most the time. He just wants to be with me. To show me His love and His faithfulness. 

And then to let that flow through me to those around me.

This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. John 15:12

It truly is all about the Giver and not the gifts. Being present more than presents.

Today may you be stopped in your tracks by His avalanche of love for you. 

Hey, you are His favorite!

* I have PET/CT scan this Friday and a follow up appt. Monday the 19th with the doctor. I appreciate your prayers!

Water, Water Everywhere!

We’ve had quite a bit of moisture here here last couple of days. And not only in Tucson, Much of the west and southwest is experiencing the effects of a major storm off the coast of California. Winds were 90 mph in Los Angeles yesterday and clocked at 100 in parts of Utah. The storm brought snow to many regions, while we Tucsonans are getting wet with rain.

Rainy days can seem dreary, but the water they bring is essential to life and growth in the desert.

Storm waters can be destructive, but even after the greatest flood the world will ever know, the lives God preserved, emerged from the ark untouched. The promise and hope of a new life for Noah and his descendants was brightly painted in the sky as they beheld His striking visible promise-the rainbow.

Just like weather driven storms, storms in our personal lives can often strip away debris, leaving only what is immovable and unshakable.

The truth of God’s Word is the Rock that remains through all of life’s storms.

Listen to Jesus words regarding the importance of not only hearing but applying God’s word in Matthew 7:24-25: 

“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.”

Difficult times are inevitable in life. We will all face them to varying degrees. Running, away, hiding from or trembling in anticipation of their arrival won’t make them disappear.

Solidifying His truths in hearts daily, will help prepare our spiritual houses for their descent.

Since entering this “current trial” in my life, I have felt and (expressed) a million different emotions and have gone through some pretty physically challenging moments. Through them all, the faithful companion God has so graciously given me has held me, cried with me, (alot) prayed with me, encouraged me, walked with me, cooked for me, shopped for me and driven me when I couldn’t. 

There have been so many of you that have helped me in so many ways and I am so so grateful for you all and humbled beyond words. I simply couldn’t have done it this far without your prayers, encouragement and acts of generosity and kindness. Sincerely.

But this particular shout out goes to my sweet husband for so faithfully living up to that word. 

Solomon’s song, chapter 8, verse 7 says: 

“Many waters cannot quench love,

Nor can the floods drown it.”

True love withstands the tests and trials of life’s storms. It is not drowned out, diminished or discouraged. When the turbulent waters rise, it only grows to billowing swells that overcome each menacing wave.

If this day and age of unfaithfulness and selfishness, true love shines brightly like a welcoming lighthouse beam on the shore of hope, seen eagerly by those in the midst of a stormy sea.

So thank you, Robert.

And to all of you who daily and faithfully care for those you love by: giving, helping, hanging in there, laughing and crying with your loved ones...keep it up!

When the storms come, your boat will not be overtaken.

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

1 Cor, 13:13

Weak or Strong?

I don’t know how many of you caught the Gabby Gifford’s special broadcast last week or so (I seem to have lost track of time a bit as the days run together)

Anyway, it was very inspiring on many levels. At one point she and her husband, Mark Kellly were being interviewed and she was asked how she was doing, she replied “pretty good”...then a few seconds later with her signature fist swing she added, “strong, strong, strong!”

It was a powerful and touching moment, as this women who had escaped death and was fighting her way back from a myriad of physical effects associated with her brain injury, proclaimed herself as strong.

Gabby may be small in stature, but she is big in courage and hope. ( that must be why her book is called A Story of Courage and Hope..:)

I have felt WEAK this past week ( no pun intended) physically, as the anti-cancer drug races through my system, it feels like a roller coaster ride in my very being. Nausea and her host of nasty friends come to visit and make it hard to get off the ride!

I consider others who have gone through far worse treatment in their battle against cancer and I exclaim, “I don’t know how they did it! 

Like one person said, ”It’s like having a case of the flu for a year.”

I applaud you ..seriously!

But I AM WEAK! I admit it. I hate feeling sick. In such a moment of proclamation,  a verse came floating back to me: 

“But I am poor and needy;

Yet the LORD thinks upon me.”

 Ps. 40:17

And thus, I was so encouraged!

I AM POOR AND NEEDY (and really insignificant in this world of 7 billion people,)

BUT the Lord - the God of this vast universe .....thinks upon me.

Amazing.

Why would He? Why does He?

I honestly have no answer,  I mean, I know the theological answers: He loves me (understatement), He is faithful to those that are HIS, (indeed) He does so, for His name’s sake ( He is GOD!)

I just know that daily He hears my every minor cry, He answers somehow when I call, He picks me up when I am weak, and gives me strength to keep going.

So all you weaklings, c’mon!
Shout it out with me ” I am weak!!” and when you do, realize you are in good company!

Listen to the apostle Paul concerning his bodily affliction:

“And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Cor. 12:7-10

And then look at what God has promised us!:

“He gives power to the weak,

And to those who have no might He increases strength.” Isaiah 40:29

A song came to my attention last week (surprise!) It has become my theme song for right now. I just love it and am so en-courage-d by the words

Here are the lyrics and below is a link - you simply must listen!

It’s true--fear is a lie!

Strong Enough to Save

by Tenth Avenue North

You fought 

but you were just too weak 

so you lost 

all the things you try to keep 

now you're on your knees, you're on your knees 

But wait, 

everything can change, 

in a moment’s time, you don't have to be afraid, 

Cause fear is just a lie 

open up your eyes 

And He'll break 

open the sky to save 

those who cry out His name 

the One the wind and waves obey 

He's strong enough to save you 

Look 

now is not too late 

lift up your head 

let the rain fall on your face 

you’re not far from grace, your not too far from grace 

And He'll break 

open the sky to save 

those who cry out His name 

The One the winds and the waves obey

is strong enough to save you 

I know the weight of this world can take you down like gravity

And I know the current of yourself can take you out, out to sea

But hold on, hold on 

And he'll break 

open the sky to save 

those who cry out His name 

the One the wind and the waves obey

is strong enough to save you

To listen:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8gsTLF9pL4

*As for me, I am just daily taking the medicine and waiting for Jesus!

 I have another PET /CT scan on Dec. 16th..

“Let the weak say, “I am strong..” Joel 3:10

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil 4:13

The Word of Life

The night that I bowed my head and asked Jesus to forgive my sins and come into my life, there were three very special girls present.

After we prayed and I experienced the inexpressible freedom and joy of the new birth,

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become      new.” 2 Cor. 5:17

one of them looked at me and said in earnest,

“Read your Bible everyday.”

This scene took place in a small meeting room in the girls dormitory at Zion National Park,where a friend and I had gotten summer jobs after high school

That night changed the direction and destination of my life forever; but, 

what has continued to change my heart still thirty one years later, is the Word of God.

I love God’s Word.

It is a blazing beacon of truth. When my soul has a dark night at sea, the light of HIs Word shines brightly; proclaiming peace, hope and security within the fall of its beam.

When my ship gets off course, it illuminates the way, correcting and redirecting me back to safe waters.

When I discovered the reality that there was ABSOLUTE TRUTH in the world, my soul found it’s much longed for resting place.

Searching for answers much of my teen years, dabbling in this and that, subscribing to the notion that there were many paths to God and that what worked for one might not work for another...never comforted my restless and wandering heart.

Encountering Jesus, the God of the Bible, and HIs Word did.

I will say unashamedly, it is the absolute rock of my existence. I seriously could not live without it. 

The other day, I heard a well known, solid Bible teacher commenting about inductive Bible study. As most of you know, that is a method of studying the Bible, verse by verse within the context of the book it was written in.

This technique is far different from picking and choosing verses at random or approaching the Bible with preconceived ideas.

She mentioned how studying inductively takes time and continued on, by sharing that some women had complained to her that they just didn’t have the time for that, stating,”Just tell me what to believe!”

I love her response, 

“Grow up! You are in a battle!”

Amen!

We are in a battle from life’s first breath: but, after we become citizens of the Kingdom, we either stand our ground or advance into new spiritual territory. Retreat is not an option, for victory is ours because of Jesus. 

We wouldn’t dare go into battle without the proper artillery and armor, and such it is in the Christian’s walk.

God’s Word is the essential weapon of mass destruction for taking down strongholds, banishing the lies of the enemy, and marching on with the banner of truth held high.

There are days when I get very overwhelmed with all the things going on around and inside of me.

If it weren’t for the truth of His Word assuring me, reassuring me and giving me the hope that only He gives..I would be left floundering in a sea of dark emotions.

It was about 2:30 a.m. that morning, July 25 when Jesus rescued me. A few short hours afterwards, I walked down the path from my dorm room and into work at the resort restaurant. One of the special girls with me that night was a hostess there and began walking towards me with a box. A package had arrived. For me. It was a Bible.

She had ordered it several days, if not weeks before, but there it was... arriving when I needed it most, on the very first day of my new life.

God’s Word is like that. In the days when you have been left bare, like a faithful friend and a rushing wind, it will come back to you.  It’s powerful truths will punch through the darkness and pierce the painful moments with absolute clarity.

To have it impact and sustain our lives, The Word must be ingested deep into our souls, by our:

Reading it

Understanding it

Applying It

Sharing it

We can’t afford to skip any of these steps in our preparation as soldiers. 

So go on, grab your Bible and may you discover anew or for the first time, the joy of God’s love letter to you today!

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” Luke 4:4

If you feel led to, post a current favorite passage!

I’ll start, with Psalm 103:

Bless the LORD, O my soul;

And all that is within me, bless His holy name!

2  Bless the LORD, O my soul,

And forget not all His benefits:

3  Who forgives all your iniquities,

Who heals all your diseases,

4  Who redeems your life from destruction,

Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,

5  Who satisfies your mouth with good things,

So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

6  The LORD executes righteousness

And justice for all who are oppressed.

7  He made known His ways to Moses,

His acts to the children of Israel.

8  The LORD is merciful and gracious,

Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.

9  He will not always strive with us,

Nor will He keep His anger forever.

10  He has not dealt with us according to our sins,

Nor punished us according to our iniquities.

11  For as the heavens are high above the earth,

So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;

12  As far as the east is from the west,

So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

13  As a father pities his children,

So the LORD pities those who fear Him.

14  For He knows our frame;

He remembers that we are dust.

15  As for man, his days are like grass;

As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.

16  For the wind passes over it, and it is gone,

And its place remembers it no more. [fn1]

17  But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting

On those who fear Him,

And His righteousness to children’s children,

18  To such as keep His covenant,

And to those who remember His commandments to do them.

19  The LORD has established His throne in heaven,

And His kingdom rules over all.

20  Bless the LORD, you His angels,

Who excel in strength, who do His word,

Heeding the voice of His word.

21  Bless the LORD, all you His hosts,

You ministers of His, who do His pleasure.

22  Bless the LORD, all His works,

In all places of His dominion.

Bless the LORD, O my soul!

* We are slowly increasing the dosage on the medicine, please pray with us for no side affects and maximum effectiveness!   

Unstoppable Love

A couple of days ago, I went to a nearby park with my daughter and 2 and half ( “almost 3! ”, she will proudly tell you) year old granddaughter.

In a children’s area there, they had a brightly colored concrete fountain which emptied into a little stream.

Given a small piece of wood (a boat) upon arrival, to put into the fountain, you could watch it glide into the stream and float all the way down, until the boat plopped out onto the ground at the end of the stream.

Of course this was purely fascinating and had to be done multiple times to our delight!

I think part of the reason that children ( and some adults..:)  like to do things like that over and over again, is because the results come out basically, the same every time. The game or activity becomes a “safe” adventure that through repetition, provides a satisfying sense of security and confidence. 

And it proved true in this instance too. The water moved the little boat along to it's final resting place every time it was placed in its flow.

How true this is of God’s love. It’s power continues to flow into our lives steadily and consistently.

In the river of life, there are pebbles, often boulders and maybe even a fallen tree or two. 

Sometimes, great storms will upset a river’s landscape greatly. By dumping so much silt and dirt into it’s path they can threaten to stop the flow of the river altogether. It may indeed appear that no water will be able to pass by these daunting obstacles.

But water, like God’s love makes a way. If water can't go through, it will go over. If it can't go over, it will go under. Though sometimes undetectable to us on the surface, it is at work underground, creating great channels that go down deep.

1 John 4:8  says that “..God is love”

Love is His very essence. His nature. It’s not that He created this thing called love, it’s that HE IS love.

Earlier in his epistle, John exclaims, 

“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! “1 John 3:1

What obstacles are trying to hinder the flow of God’s great love for you, His child, from freely rushing into your life today?’

Busy-ness?

Fear?

Lies of the enemy that you are not good enough? Or that God’s not good enough, strong enough or cares enough?

The facts are, God is love and He loves you immeasurably. Nothing you have done or haven't done can stop that.  Amazing. Humbling. Empowering.

Wherever you are today, if you place the boat of your heart into His stream of life, God’s love will make a way to carry you through all the storms and peaceful crossings. 

Dive in and become persuaded of this unchanging truth!  

 “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

Song for today!

May your heart sing..:)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXsWAAhnGhc&feature=related

• I am doing really great on this half dose of medicine with no side effects! Praise our Lord!!!

Thank you for praying! Please pray for increases to follow HIS plan and timing!

Love you!

The Beauty of Forgiveness

I have been pondering more of the life of Joseph and am so struck by this powerful portrait of forgiveness.

Joseph had many years to relive, remember and recount the story of his brother’s abominable act of betrayal, which included throwing him in a pit and then selling him to slave traders.

Yet, many years later,

AFTER Joseph has risen from slave to servant in Potipher’s house;

and AFTER he was falsely accused of inappropriate behavior towards Potipher’s wife and thrown in prison for it,

And way AFTER he was forgotten there for years,

and then AFTER he was remembered because Pharaoh had a nagging dream and needed an interpreter,

Then finally, AFTER God gives Joseph the dream to interpret and Pharaoh raises him to second in all the land of Egypt......Then, yes then, when his brothers appear in Egypt to seek bread due to a famine in their homeland, Joseph is remarkably not a bit....bitter. 

Rather, he is so overcome with love and longing for this rag tag bunch that he has to leave the room to contain himself.

In place of the cold shoulder he embraces.

Instead of revenge Joseph blesses.

Instead of recalling all their legitimate offenses, he redirects them to God’s provision in spite of their actions.

Joseph’s hardships had brought him to a place where he could do the most good for others.

Even those who wronged him.

Because of his position, Joseph is able to bring the whole family down to Egypt and provide for them there with Pharaoh’s blessings.

After his father, Israel (Jacob) dies, the brothers become worried that now that he is gone, Joseph will take revenge on them.

Listen to his response to their concerns:

“Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.” 

Genesis 50:19-21

They say the heart never forgets.

Perhaps there’s is a person you think of often and wish things were right with.

A regret that has festered into a wound.

Maybe there were unkind words said or actions done. Or even far greater wounds were inflicted.

I know not all relationships can or should be restored. 

But, Joseph’s life holds out a promise of hope and a lighter load for all who are willing to turn the key in the lock that has kept them imprisoned.

1. Acknowledge the offense. 

Joseph says of his brothers,  “....you meant evil against me”

Wow. No sugar coating or excuses made here! They did! And maybe the person who hurt you did too...

Go on. Say it. Say it loudly if you need to! They hurt me!! It hurt! Tell the Lord all about it.

To deal with an infliction you have to first go to the source of the pain; but, it is imperative not to stay there! Quickly..move on to the next step!

2.Let God be God.

Joseph’s question , “..am I in the place of God?”, demands the obvious answer for all of us,- “No, we are not in the place of God.” 

God sees everything. Everything. Every heart, every motive, every intent. He is the Just Judge. Forgive and trust Him to take care of the rest. 

3.KNOW that God is good.  

Joseph’s conclusion is the key to not becoming bitter ”..God meant it for good.”  

Can God take really bad situations and make really good things come out of them? Joseph’s experience shouts a resounding, “YES!”  And He can for you and me too. As a matter of fact, it’s His specialty!

The past itself can be a chain that we need  loosed. To not let it keep us from experiencing God’s new blessings, we must do as one of my friend says in her New York accent, “Fahget about it!!”
Good advice.

The apostle Paul elaborates:

“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,...”

Phil. 3:13

Today is a new day! What good things could be ahead for you and me..... today? I’m excited to hear, trusting with you that again, He is working all things together for His good!

*Today, finds me back on the medicine, which I began taking last night at half strength. 

Praying for minimal and manageable side effects!

This is the song in my head for today..:) Listen and be blessed!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B300gQkgDS0