This month God really had me look at my heart. This month was full of ups and downs. But, when I stop and pause, I see all the blessings that God is working in my life.
Courage is not a fruit of the spirit, but it is a commandment. Joshua 1:9 says, “I command you—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” This past month one of my back teeth was hurting off and on for about a month. I was not sure what was causing it, so I made another appointment with my orthodontist. While I was waiting on the doctor to come in, I was nervous. My mind was so worried about losing my tooth or getting a bill that I would be unable to afford. I took a deep breath and the Holy Spirit reminded me of this verse. My cousin also reminded me before the exam to “Be anxious for nothing…” and to “Cast all cares upon him…” I prayed a quick prayer. My orthodontist came in and did an exam, and he had a technician take an x-ray. He could not find anything wrong other than I was hitting that tooth before my other teeth. I am back to wearing my retainers full time for two weeks and I need to make a dentist appointment for a cleaning and another x-ray just for a more thorough exam since my orthodontist can only do so much. I am still trying to make my appointment; however, I am happy to report that I am feeling better than what I was.
Another way I showed courage and it was a huge blessing was I got my phone repaired. Last November I threw my phone against my carpet when I became angry about my hard drive. I thought the screen was cracked. I was saving for months to get a new screen put on. Come to find out it was only the screen protector and case that needed to be repaired. The cost of the screen protector was less than what I thought the bill was going to be. Praise God! Another blessing is getting a new case should not be that hard; I just have to find one I like from Amazon and have it shipped to me. God is amazing! He also has shown me ways that I can curve my anger.
Self-Control is a fruit of the spirit. This is one of the things that I have asked God to help me work on this year.
God has shown me that some of my BDD comes from a lack of control of food. I go to food for comfort most of the time. I need to learn to better control my sweet tooth. I need to eat my fruits and vegetables and get more exercise. My goal for next month is to get a doctor appointment and get my eyeglasses frames updated. I need to also research more of a diet plan that will work for me.
Joy is also a fruit of the spirit. I have also asked God to help me find joy in my life. This month he has! God has allowed one of my friend’s book’s Seeing Through Blindness to be added to Bookshare.org. My friend, who is the author of the book, was hoping to one day get it out to the blind and visually impaired community. I was happy to help another friend of mine to help make this prayer answered. God be praised! My friend’s voice reflected this joy when I told him it was quickly added to the collection. I used my scanning skills to scan a copy of the book to prepare it to be proofread by a volunteer.
Another thing that makes my heart sing is I was able to bring a friend of mine to Christ. For over a year I was praying for this young man. I was asking for the right words to say and to help him see that we have all sinned and that through God’s grace he could be saved. I am so happy to now be able to call him my brother in Christ.
How was August for you guys? What Joy did you see? What prayers were answered?
Harris' InkWell 