Category Archives: affliction
Treasures that Can Only be Found in the Clay
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing” 2 Corinthians 4:7-8 (NASB). Paul speaks of treasure, or of something of tremendous worth. We seldom place value on [...]
What’s Your Pain Number?
If you have fibromyalgia, suffer from migraines, or have some other chronic pain illness, I think you can develop a skewed view of pain. Then when you go to the doctor because of some new or acute pain, and they ask “What’s your pain level on a scale of 1 to 10?”, I wonder if [...]
Painchange: Transforming Life’s Trials
“He comforts us every time we have trouble, so when others have trouble, we can comfort them with the same comfort God gives us.” -2 Cor. 1:4, NCV “We are alive, but for Jesus we are always in danger of death so that the life of Jesus can be seen in our bodies that die.” [...]
Poetry of the Broken
Last Saturday I purchased a wonderful find at Powell’s Books (Portland, Oregon’s own homegrown new and used bookstore) – a used book called “Invisible Light: Poems about God” – for only $4.50. And it is in excellent condition. It is a collection of poems by various poets, some well known and some not so well known, [...]
The Silver Lining in Pain and Suffering
This post and poem were originally written for a ‘Thankful Thursday’ post at my blog, Linda Kruschke’s Blog. It was written while I waited in my doctor’s waiting room to talk to her about my pain medication prescription. When I told her I was writing a thankfulness poem titled “Pain and Suffering” she was skeptical, [...]
Outside the Darkness Are Certain Colors
A Poem of Certain Colors Living in darkness no color I see a hint of deep blue maybe red– but no, only blackness Tears flood the darkness trying to wash away the blackness to reveal the color I know must be near I’ve heard stories of vibrant yellow sunshine smiling green trees happiness in [...]
Guidance When Life Hurts You Terribly
Quotes to Guide A.W. Tozer “It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until He’s hurt him deeply.” (Roots of Righteousness, Chapter 39) Calvin Miller “Hurt is the essential ingredient of ultimate Christ-likeness.” (Quoted in Christianity Today, July 2007, p41) Larry Crabb “Brokenness isn’t so much about how bad you’ve been hurt but [...]
Hold Onto What You Know
A dear and wise friend of mine once told me that I should never go by what I feel, but by what I know. Feelings can be fickle and reactionary, and oftentimes they do not reveal the truth about the situation they are a reaction to. There are times when my feelings have been all of those things. [...]
Pressed Roses
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33, ESV This world is not our friend. And then we often face issues that create ugly things– a fight with a spouse, poor choices, money problems– a lengthy list [...]