While many of you have shared with me since I wrote my Raw and Guilt posts that you can relate, that you have been or are in the same boat, or that you appreciate that I am being open – I believe I may have caused some of you to worry.
First let me say this: You all are rockin’ for caring so much. Thank you. God is powerful and I can tell you are praying. Second, let me assure you: I am okay. In fact, I’m more okay now than I ever have been. Why? How can I be more than okay when I’m going through something challenging?
That, my friends, is what we call peace that passes understanding (Phil. 4:7). This is what James meant when he said to consider it pure joy when you face trials of many kinds (James 1:2-4). I had to become broken in order to see the beauty God was waiting to reveal.
God is working to help me break down and clear away yuck that has been inside my head and heart for a very long time. I’m learning how to be more fruitful for Him. I’m struggling, laboring, fighting hard, and am occasionally discouraged and weary. But I am not defeated. In fact, the victory has already been won. I just happen to be on a journey right now to help me discover how to completely embrace that victory.
I love this difficult path that I’m on right now. Why? Because I don’t want to be the girl I was for 39 years. That girl was self-seeking, anxious, and almost constantly overwhelmed with life. Sure, I was a blessing to many and productive for Christ in many ways. God has used me, without a doubt. But learning to let go of self while seeking to become more whole for God? Yes! I want this!
Am I or should I be under a doctor’s care? As a matter of fact, I am. That’s actually what started all of this.
I was on a mission in September, 2012 to get on top of my migraine headaches and asthma. My migraines had been getting worse through the years, until I was having them at least twice a month. They lasted three days each time. Six days of migraines every month? No, thank you.
I found a natural doctor in a city nearby who has been giving my physical self a big time over-haul. I see her once every 3-4 weeks, and I have seen much improvement in my health during the past year. Nothing is a fast fix, as she is getting to the root of my issues, instead of just slapping on a band-aid. Through this process of physical healing, I am learning more and more about how our physical and emotional selves are intertwined. As my physical body has de-toxed, my emotional self has gone through major over-haul too. Layer after layer of emotional crud has been brought to light, and I’ve found that God wants to heal all of me.
Well now. It seems that God really intends for me to share more of this story. Put on your seat-belt. I’ll continue to share more of the lessons God is teaching me through all of this. I believe after I share more, you’ll understand why I really do find joy in this trial. Truly, there is a way to live life without freaking out, worrying, fretting, stressing out, being overwhelmed…
Can’t wait to hear more! I, too, have been struggling with more frequent and longer headaches and I’m so tired of it. I hate not being able to be my best for my family.
There is a powerful way to restore health and adopt a healthy lifestyle to continue in good health. My husband and I have recommended this to many and have had all positive feedback from everyone who believed and did it. One great Christian friend had chronic migraines and an “irreversible” diagnosis of gastroparesis (intestines shut down–sporatically). After doing the “master’s cleanse” by Stanley Burroughs for 10 days. He restored his intestines (able to eat all the healthy food he wants :)) and no longer has migraines. Also, completely came off anti-depression meds. He said he feels like his health is 100% better. The principles are what matters and you’ll love the results you get from taking the first steps to restoring you health. Step 2–is to live free from toxic foods/substances. A book that helps (while there are many) is called “Bragg Healthy Lifestyle” by Paul and Patricia Bragg. It’s a good start and you can make your own personal adjustments from there. Hope this encourages and helps anyone facing any health issue.
Oh Laura! Thank you so much for opening up and sharing. I am so very thankful that you are willing to share this journey with us. May the Lord continue to bless you, use you, and give you peace!
I’m so glad that you are sharing. God is so good. It’s good to share sometimes because it could help someone that may be going through a rough time or something similar to what you are going through.
Blessing to you,
Phil. 4:13
Paulina
Laura, it is hard and wonderful to realize that something isn’t right and you need to dig deep with God’s help to understand what is going on. Hugs and prayers!
Prayers for you! I’ve had migraines since I was young, but a few years ago I started getting them a lot more often. Thankfully taking magnesium and feverfew has helped me very much.
I’ve also walked some roads in the past couple of years I would’ve never chosen myself, YET I’ve watched God work and He has grown my faith and grown me in ways I would never undo. I’m starting to realize it takes a lifetime just to catch a glimpse of how awesome God is!
Makes me like you even more :-)
Dear Laura, I so appreciate your transparency. When we are weak, He truly is strong!
In Him,
Laurie
Until you find the root cause of your ailment, may I suggest peppermint oil? I have been having some of the same symptoms as you of late, plus I am chronically anemic. BP isn’t a problem for me, unless it’s too low. I had bought some peppermint essential oil for a project and I felt impressed to try it. Why? I have no idea. But after ibuprofen and aspirin failed to relieve my headache, and extra iron…and coffee…after putting peppermint EO on my temples and around the hair line at various places, my headache was literally gone within a minute. I couldn’t believe it! I don’t sell it, so it’s not a gimmick, just something that worked for me. Since, I have found that this is one of the #1 EOs for headaches. Thanks Jesus for the tip! Now, I am considering making little roll-on tubes for Christmas gifts for family and friends. I’d rather carry that than a bottle of pills any day! Plus, you get the benefit of smelling sweet! Oh, and did I mention that it helps with muscle cramps and opens airways? :)
I think we walk through these paths not only to strengthen us and to lean on God but also to encourage others. This is authentic and I for one love this. This is what being in a community is all about-encouraging others to press on and to love each other. Such beauty. God did provide us with doctors and medicine. I have a chronic disease and my drs and the medicine I am on help me to be able to go out into the world for Him. AMEN! Not feeling guilty over it. Satan will use ANY tactic to make us feel like we are not walking as God’s children. Satan will make us feel as if we do not have enough faith and he uses other people to do his dirty work. Rebuke and claim God’s promises!! Thank you for sharing. Looking forward to more of these posts :)
Thanks so much for sharing! I have been LOVING this blog for a bit now enjoying your real food and recipies. Also, that you have all boys (me too!). BUT, it is icing on that cake that you are also a sweet believer who knows that really God is all that matters. Thanks for being honest and real! I love that your blog is encouraging in Lord as well!
I can’t wait! There is so much God wants us to learn, and many times it is through what others are facing. Thank you for your courage to share something so personal with those you don’t even know.
Laura, I feel you are partially writing this story for me, or rather, you are writing part of my story. Your blog has taught me so much with feeding my family healthy foods, but it has been so overwhelming for me! Ever since I had a health diagnosis 7 years ago, I have been worrying and stressing over everything. It has affected my family and our lives too. Praying for you, and praying He uses you to be a witness and light to many!
Thank you for sharing your story. I have been having some emotional issues surface lately that are causing problems in my marriage. I am meeting with a therapist later in the week to talk. I’m embarrassed. I felt relieved to read your story and to hear that I am not alone in needing some extra help to get to the root of my problems.
I’ve had migraines since I was 8 yrs old. An alternative medicine doctor suggested I take vitamin E with Magnesium. I was healed if Fibromyalgia but I still have many migraine headaches a week. I tried even a head massager, peppermint oils, massages, detox programs,exercise, but still debilitating migraines. I forgave those that offended me and asked forgiveness also. I believe in God’s healing and experienced it many times, but why do I still get this terrible pain and so often. I take Imitrex when the other stuff hasn’t work. Thank you for sharing. Blessings!
“Truly, there is a way to live life without freaking out, worrying, fretting, stressing out, being overwhelmed…”
Wow, that really hit home. Thanks for being brave enough to share this–I can’t wait to hear more.
I’m a fellow migraine sufferer and my headaches have also increased in frequency the past few years, ever since I turned 40. It stinks! For years, I always got one “PMS” migraine every month. Now, it’s often two or three a month, and they always happen when there is a hormonal shift (right after ovulation and right before or right after my period). I have read/heard that this is very common for women in our forties because our hormones are going whacko as we enter perimenopause.
Hugs to you! I find so much greatness here. I love your peace through the trial. Passion, death AND resurrection. That is salvation. Thanks for being such an awesome example. Praying for you!
What am awesome testimony Laura. God is so good and gives us strength. When we are weak He Is strong can’t wait to hear more of what God is doing in your life.
Laura, great post!
Can you share some of the things learned regarding the migraines? My husband has had a horrible time lately…much more frequent than they used to be. thanks!
Thank you for sharing your journey with us. God’s work in our lives is for Eternity! May He continue to bless and guide you. By the way, I have had an herb business since ’83 and have learned many things by studying to find the best answers for my customers. I have seen first hand how Feverfew taken daily to get them under control has worked. One elderly woman had headaches her whole life and the herb stopped them…she couldn’t believe something so simple could do that. She was ecstatic! You can find the capsules in any healthfood store or get them cheap 300 to a bag from Ameriherb in Ames, IA. I have bought from them for over 15yrs.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I can relate to much you have said and that is comforting to me. I appreciate and admire you honesty and guineness :)
It’s not easy to share the scary and ugly side of our life. Bless you heart and keep it up!
I do so appreciate your transparency and thank God he put you in a place where your openness is needed and received. I liked your advice that if you ask him to reveal what needs to change, he will show you (in the Raw post – it was something like that). That is the most important thing to know when going through something like this. Which I am, though not yet dived into the fire. I’m working on a blog post (for a few months now – about a sentence is written) about “Doing” vs. “Being” and how we can get them to come together. I just crave grounded-ness and wholeness within the daily grind.
We lost that perfect life when Adam and Eve sinned. Everyday is going to be a battle…some more than others. BUT, God gave us friends and family to fellowship with and that in itself is such a blessing. Believe it or not, you are a blessing to the people who read this blog and in essence you are our friend we fellowship with. You may never know if and how you are touching someone’s life…but thank you for being a REAL woman who is not afraid to be honest.
FYI- Try something different for a change. Sometimes that helps us to gain new perspective on something that feels like a never-ending road:)
Loving this. Thanks for sharing. I would like to be at a point where I am okay with the battle; I’m not there yet but growing daily.
Can’t wait to hear more and I pray that God continues to de-stress me by helping me let go of my sinful self. I’m so thankful to know I’m not the only one struggling with these issues. I will continue to pray for you and please pray for me as well. Have a blessed week Laura!
I have been going through a similar treatment for over 2 years and have had some of the same issues as you. I believe that it caused at least in part by all of the toxic junk that we are getting rid of being released and circulating in the body. I have had my ups and downs with it but the thing that has kept me feeling the best is ‘Sunshine’ essential oil blend from Heritage Essential Oils (dot com). It really helps me to feel better about myself and more balanced.
Laura, you absolutely rock! I am so thankful for you sharing how God is working in your life. You have put into words so many of the things I’ve been feeling. I know He is working through you to bless so many of your readers. Keep it up!
Thank you for sharing, last October God rocked my world. After a high of a ministry trip into the inner city with middle schoolers and God breaking my heart for what breaks his, we returned to a year of stippling away. As I read these 3 post, I cried. I cried because I understand where you are at and I cried because I know that I have so much farther to travel. I have found that my faith of 27 years is being reshaped, refined and renewed. We have left our big church where my husband was on staff part time. We have floundered as we search for a new place to worship. With the loss of our church, friendship have been loss. Our whole way of life and support system has been stripped away, yet I can see God working. The Refiners fire has burned away the impurities, yet it has so much farther to go.
I look forward to this series because even though it reminds me of the battle we are still in, that it is a much needed refinement and someone out ther *understands* what I’m going through.
I have really appreciated your openness and honesty. I have been battling a similar struggle. I feel the need to go, go, go and be productive all of the time. With Mitch in ministry, but also with my desire to please people, I feel like I have to be everything to everyone.
I also recently realized that the “career” I had been pursuing was so far from what I actually wanted and from what God had gifted me to do. It was hard to swallow and accept that what is practical is not always God’s plan. But it has forced me to face up to a lot of things I was avoiding and trust God more. I am still muddling through it, but my desire to know and trust God has grown so much stronger, even though the past few months have been challenging and scary at times.
Thank you for sharing you heart Laura.