Chalk up Day 6 with no coffee.
None.
Not even a cup.
It’s been a grievous experiment to say the least as I try and figure out what’s been causing the source of my swallowing and sinus maladies lately.
When antibiotics failed to do the trick Dr. Google pointed me to “silent reflux” – which my doc couldn’t rule out. So she ordered up different meds and my top five food loves cleared from the table- caffeine (as in coffee), tomatoes and tomato based sauces, spicy foods, fried foods and chocolate.
Over half my regular menu is officially off limits for the time being.
But there’s still peanut butter and bananas.
Praise God.
So needless to say, I’ve been doing a lot of praying {over my meals} lately.
And crafting, that is when I’m not outdone from medication side effects and reading all the ingredient labels figuring up what I can eat and what might cause me serious indigestion.
I first saw the idea for this bunting as I read through Hunt and Host’s series in conjunction with The Greatest Gift.
It was supposed to be for Christmas…
Somehow I managed to squeak it out just before Valentine’s, which was still wholly appropriate I think.
And I’m sure it will still be hanging around come Halloween because that’s just how we roll.
I’ve been walking with some friends at church through our winter bible study on the “Power of a Praying Woman” and I’ve found God using the same tactics he used in last year’s study: Just when you think something in the word doesn’t apply to you, think again.
Never do I pray so much as when I’m ailing with something that I can’t quite get under control. But that’s when he wakes up to gently {and sometimes not so gently} remind me that he’s been in the boat with me all along.
And He sweetly tells me – much as the pastor told us {lovingly} this past weekend – that sometimes we just need to get over ourselves.
For weeks I looked at all the little half cut out hearts laying in the middle of the mess we call a kitchen table and lamented, “If only I had more time…”
The truth is we have enough time we just don’t always spend it in the right places.
And prayer is the best place of all to start.
God will make us a witness in our pleasure and our pain if only we’ll pray and then obey. Through praying I found myself convicted that I’ve let stresses of work and over scheduling myself to the brink of exhaustion tie up my thoughts and silence my lips.
I’ve been hiding- wallowing even- under the blanket of this sickness on occasion I’ll admit. But he’s nudging me back out of the nest- to take a shower and wash my hair and at least pretend like I’m still in the land of the living for starters.
Because it’s one thing to hide His word in our hearts but a whole other thing to get lost just hiding behind them.
We’re called to live gloriously but it doesn’t stipulate the conditions will always be that way as well.
God does not comfort us to make us comfortable, but to make us comforters. ~ Dr. Jowett, Streams in the Desert
So while I ask God to give me my wish of healing and reconciliation with my morning coffee (decaf maybe??) I’m asking first and foremost for him to give me a restored heart.
A humble heart.
A transformed heart.
An obedient heart.
A forgiving heart.
A loving heart.
After all, everything we do or say flows from what state our heart is in. And as long as my heart can say all is well, I’m sure the body will follow suit.
Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days. The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses. Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers and singing and joy! The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon, as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plain of Sharon. There the Lord will display his glory, the splendor of our God. With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands and encourage those who have weak knees. Say to those with fearful hearts,“Be strong, and do not fear for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.” ~ Isaiah 35:1-4
♥
Tell me what you’re walking through and wishing for lately? I’d love to pray for you! And if you haven’t gotten your set of scripture cards yet with one of my all time favorite verses about the heart, won’t you go and put your email in here?
Sometimes I link up with these lovely blogs
recollecteddesign.com 
Oh I can relate how difficult not having coffee can be to get you going! And setting aside all your favorite foods is not an easy challenge. But I’m praying that an answer will be discovered soon! Your thoughts about a healthy and restored heart are so insightful since everything starts with our hearts and flows outward and upward from there. But aligning them with God’s purposes is an ever-mindful and intentional endeavor, isn’t it? I’m hoping soon you can enjoy a good cup of java again — even if it’s decaf — it’s just as good! 🙂
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Yes! Sometimes aligning my heart is more exhausting than anything else requiring will power! But always worth it. Thanks for you prayers and encouragement as always! Going to another appt. Wed with a specialist so praying for some grace and answers there. Have a beautiful week Valerie! xo
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Hi! I found you from the Fresh Market Friday linkup. I am not sure from your post what has been going on, but this I do know, whatever you are going through, God must have a lot of faith in you! Faith that you will continue to serve Him no matter what befalls you and faith that you will not stop believing in Him. My pastor once said that to me and I was floored when he said it because I never thought about it that way. God has faith in me and you too! I have had tumours, cancer, a fall down a flight of stairs that left me partially disabled and now I have an incurable disease that will one day kill me and I’ve always wondered “Why God?” Well – that is why – because He has faith in me and He will use whatever the enemy throws at me for His glory. He will do it for you too. Thanks for the post.
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Wow Laura I had never thought of things that way either… How sweet of you to pop over and share those inspiring thoughts. All this- the good and the bad – is for His Glory. Amen. And I can’t wait to see what God is doing through you and your incredible story. So happy to cross paths with you Laura and thank you again. ♥ God bless!
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Heather so sorry to hear of all you’ve been contending with of late. You’ve been in my thoughts and prayers a lot of just recently so now I know why. Maladies that drag on can really take there toll so I’m glad you’ve taken time to do a few creative things and are resting in those beautiful scriptures you shared. Prayers your way continuing my friend xxx
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Thank you dear- I know the Lord lays folks on our hearts in not so mysterious ways sometimes! I hope all is well on your side of the world! Getting ready to start a third round of antibiotics so I sure could use an extra prayer for that! xo
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Will do – praying it will be the last round needed xxx
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Have you ever considered that it may be allergies? You can get resistant to antibiotics. I pray you have discernment, and rest in His healing power. And you can read all the Bible verse you want. I gave up coffee a long time ago, I very seldom a cup. People always wanted me to drink water, but living water is better. Glad you liked my post.
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Thanks for your encouragement- it’s nice to hear from another non coffee drinker! 🙂 And actually the ENT I saw today said it was acute sinus infection and a case of silent reflux… the perfect storm indeed, but I know Jesus will bring me through!
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Heather, You will never know how much your comment meant to me! I LOVED the thoughts you shared…I am really pondering them and they are such a blessing. It is so nice to meet you and be introduced to your blog. It is beautiful, as are you, my new friend. I will be following now. 🙂
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Aww Cheryl I’m so glad they were meaningful! Thank you for stopping by for a visit and for your sweet comment– you are welcome any time my friend! ♥
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