God is so good! This evening I was lying on our bed under the fan doing some gentle arm and leg lifts. My mind was full of the day's physical, mental and spiritual struggles, of which there were many. I found myself in prayer, crying out to the Lord for patience, wisdom, forgiveness, assurance, and more than anything that he would restore my joy. I'm not talking "happy" here. I mean the deep down joy that comes from knowing the Risen Lord as Savior. The joy that one has regardless of circumstances. I can handle PD, I can handle nausea, I can handle depression, but I can't handle losing the joy of the Lord that has been in my heart all these years. I don't particularly believe in asking for signs, but I confess that I did ask for something to give me hope that his joy hasn't left me. Suddenly Richard came running into the room yelling for me to come quickly. I thought something was wrong. I followed him, both barefoot, into the back yard. The sun was shining, a gentle rain falling, and there in the eastern sky was the most beautiful rainbow that either of us had ever seen!! I stood there crying in my husbands arms, sharing with him my prayer. Now I don't think this means that all my troubles are over, but I do take it as a reminder that the Lord will never "flood" my life with more than I can handle and that his timing is perfect. Praise him!

Rough morning. Increase meds causing nausea. PD causing slowed movements. I feel like I'm in the boat with the disciples during a big storm on the Sea of Galilee and Jesus is sleeping while we are panicking. How can he sleep? He's awakened and rebukes the storm and says, "Where is your faith?" Three things strike me about this story. First, Jesus is in the boat with me during my storm, even though it may feel like He's sleeping, He is here. Second, with a few words, "Peace, be still" He calmed the storm and in the same way He can calm this storm in my life. Third, where is my faith? Is it in doctors or medicine or having a good day free of fear? While these are all good, my faith must be in Christ alone.

The image I've posted is from an art class my hubby taught at church. It shows the artist's severely disabled daughter being lifted up by some of his students. It speaks volumes to me about trust.

I have Parkinson's Disease, which from now on I will refer to as PD. I found out about it 1 1/2 years ago when I was 51. I've been in denial since then, but recently the reality has hit me, hard. This is my story of my struggles and victories. I pray it blesses someone.