Category Archives: Suffering/Grief

The Thing That Everyone is Probably Afraid of but No One Wants to Discuss

I will put this in first person, because this is how I used to be and sometimes still am. I used to watch people suffering deeply and wonder, “Will God ask that of me?  Will He not protect me from … Continue reading

Posted in God's Grace/Encouragement, Suffering/Grief | Leave a comment

Why I Love Cemeteries

Parks are becoming more in use, so they are beginning to fill with car exhaust, grilling smoke, etc.  People will probably start bringing bug spray, and in another month, there will be spraying of thistles, etc. Praise God there are … Continue reading

Posted in God's Grace/Encouragement, Homelessness, MCS/Chronic Illness, Suffering/Grief | 3 Comments

Poor Wayfarin’ Stranger

“Poor Wayfarin’ Stranger” lyrics (author unknown) I’m just a poor wayfarin’ stranger A-travelin’ through this world of woe. But there’s no sickness, toil, or danger In that great land to which I go.   I’m goin’ there to meet my … Continue reading

Posted in God's Grace/Encouragement, Homelessness, MCS/Chronic Illness, Suffering/Grief | Leave a comment

Unexpected Suffering, Unexpected God

by Christa Upton If you find God leading you on a frightening journey you never expected, you might want to check out this CD: http://www.traviscottrellstore.com/found-cd-p-9.html In particular, a song on this CD called “Falling” has ministered to me time and … Continue reading

Posted in Caregivers, God's Grace/Encouragement, Homelessness, MCS/Chronic Illness, Suffering/Grief | Leave a comment

What it Feels Like to Have Severe Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

Last summer we “dry camped” with no electricity for three months.  (And then with electricity for almost two months.)  Yeah, it was hard.  (But it sure helped my health!) Anyway, one day during that time I wrote this: Outcast.  Banished. … Continue reading

Posted in God's Grace/Encouragement, Homelessness, MCS/Chronic Illness, Suffering/Grief | 4 Comments

B L T I and the Secret About Illness

Wanna know my new secret code?  (Sounds like a new sandwich, right?  🙂 ) BLTI:  Before Long Term Illness Yes, sometimes my life naturally divides into “before” and “after” getting so sick. But, it’s interesting to me that almost all … Continue reading

Posted in God's Grace/Encouragement, MCS/Chronic Illness, Suffering/Grief | Leave a comment

Most Important Lesson for Caregivers

by Christa Upton  It was the day of my scheduled C-section, and I was extremely excited about the birth of our third child.  I was nervous as well but expected that the worst would be over soon. The medical professionals … Continue reading

Posted in Caregivers, God's Grace/Encouragement, Suffering/Grief | Leave a comment

Sometimes God Calls us to Greater Action; Sometimes He Lifts the Burden

Today, we were facing “one of those times” again. Outside play is terribly difficult for us, because our youngest child cannot do 90% of the “normal” activities kids do outside.  Her level of spina bifida (T-12) means that she cannot … Continue reading

Posted in Caregivers, God's Grace/Encouragement, Suffering/Grief | 4 Comments

Beautiful “Easter” Song

This song sums up Easter better than I ever could: “In Christ Alone” http://www.gettymusic.com/hymns-inchristalone.aspx?fb_action_ids=141872605986196&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=aggregation&fb_aggregation_id=288381481237582 I just listened to it again, and wept. God be with you this Holy Week!

Posted in God's Grace/Encouragement, Suffering/Grief | 2 Comments

When the Bible Doesn’t “Feel” True

by Christa Upton When the Bible doesn’t “feel” true, God understands.  He knows we sometimes feel like withered grass. BIG disappointment yesterday (regarding my Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and housing). But, a good friend reminded me to focus on God, knowing … Continue reading

Posted in God's Grace/Encouragement, MCS/Chronic Illness, Suffering/Grief | 4 Comments