healing

  • Ever Feel Like The Devil’s Trying To Take You Out?

    kill imageI’ve been sitting on this miraculous story for a few years because I’ve been too embarrassed to share, but today, I feel it’s time to push aside my pride because maybe you’ve been through a time like this? 

    Do you ever feel like the devil’s trying to take you out?

    This is more than a devotion; it’s a testimony of God’s miraculous work and I believe it will encourage you!

    Ever Feel Like The Devil’s Trying To Take You Out?

    It was April 2016, I was flying here and there, in the middle of a very busy speaking season. I was getting ready to head out to Dallas to speak at the annual Christian Women in Media Conference in a seminar on publishing with some great friends. I can’t tell you how excited I was to get back there and spend time with my tribe of people. God had miraculously provided funding, so I was excited for all he had in store.

    GETTING RUN DOWN

    In the busyness of that season, I was run down and started experiencing symptoms of a bladder infection. Two days before I was supposed to leave, I had a massive allergic reaction to the medication that was helping get rid of the infection. Hot, itchy hives started on my neck but traveled all over my body. In the middle of the night, I had to get Todd to take me to the hospital as I could feel my throat swelling inside. 

    Hives In The Hospital

    There was no waiting at the ER this time as they rushed me into a room, looked at my throat and started giving me shots of Benadryl and Prednisone straight into my bloodstream through veins in my arm.  We were there for hours until my throat swelling went down, and they felt I was stable. I asked the doctor for a note to give the airlines, so I could get a refund on my ticket, but he said I would be absolutely fine by 6pm that day and ready for my 6am flight, cautioning, if they weren’t gone by 6pm to come back.

    The hives completely disappeared as I kept taking the prescribed doses of Benadryl and Prednisone, so on the advice of the ER doctor, I boarded the plane. 

    THEY’RE BACK!

    IN CHICAGOAt the stop in Chicago, I felt my neck starting to itch and slight hives begin to resurface.

    By the time I got to Dallas, I had hives growing at a fast pace.

     

    Hives In The Hotel

    By 2am the hives were everywhere from head to toe, even in my ears. The skin on my face looked like it was drooping off. The symptoms were even worse than what I experienced in Canada, so I woke my friend Kandi up and let her know I was going to the hospital. 

    Before I left, I thought it would be wise to call my insurance company first and when I did, they told me a hospital visit wouldn’t be covered because I had gone to the hospital in Canada, just days before. I feared the medical bills more than the advice of my friends at the time and decided to stay at the hotel and rest. I had determined I wouldn’t go to the hospital unless my throat felt worse than it did or if I felt God urging me to go.

    You can see the hives from head to itchy toe! No need for a collagen plumping in these lips!

    The Embarrassing Photos

    HIVES
    Not trying to do duck lips!
    HIVES
    So much larger than they look.
    HIVES
    My face and neck were drooping.
    HIVES
    In my ears & scalp
    HIVES
    Top to Bottom Hives
    Hives all over the body
    On fire & itchy!

    I Felt Like The Devil Was Trying To Take Me Out

    Have you Ever Felt Like The Devil Was Trying To Take You Out?

    John 10:10 tells us how the enemy of our souls has a nefarious plan for your life and mine when it says,

    The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.
    John 10:10

    In that moment, I felt sure the enemy was trying to steal away my chance to attend and speak at the conference, that he wanted to destroy the opportunities God had set up for me and literally wanted to kill me. 

    I didn’t have the strength to fight, but my hotel roomie, Kandi Rose began to pray for me. As she prayed, I fell back asleep. She told me that she prayed a lot of the night for me but I woke up with no changes and very groggy from taking a little extra of the meds.

    She prayed again and then I went back to bed for hours and saw an ever-so-slight change. Kandi brought me food and left me to sleep again, but the next time I woke up hours later, a miracle had taken place and the hives were almost completely gone! 

    The Miracle Came

    healed from hivesThis is a picture of me getting ready to leave for the evening service and event called Jeans and Bling. God did the miraculous! I was able to attend the conference the rest of the conference, speak in the seminar, and meet the people God organized for me to meet. 

    CWIMA seminar with Jen Strickland

    I’m thankful for my roommate Kandi who has continued to be a blessing in my life and also that John 10:10 doesn’t end with the words telling us how the enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy. Jesus went on to say:

    The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.
    I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
    John 10:10

    No matter how hard the devil tries attacking you, God is greater and He wants you to live an abundant life. Even if your life is taken, the enemy still loses… if you keep your faith. As Paul said in Philippians 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Your eternal reward is much greater than life on this earth, but it sure is wonderful to have a miraculous experience, this side of heaven.

    Audio Inspiration

    I’m praying this testimony of mine helps build your faith in times when the enemy is trying to take you out. If you need a little more inspiration, check out these episodes from my Soul H2O Radio & Podcast Show filled with miraculous stories of healing, salvation and rescue, one even from my praying roomie and tv host, Kandi Rose.

    Soul H2O Resources

    RADIO SHOW EPISODES WITH MIRACULOUS STORIES

    Want a Refreshing Inbox?

    Get a FREE Soul H2O Book Sampler {and a coupon} when you Sign Up to Get the Soul H2O Devotions, Show Notifications, and updates from me!

    Soul H2OIf you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you’ll love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.

    Share With a Friend


    DOWNLOAD THESE REFRESHING RESOURCES TO HELP QUENCH YOUR SPIRITUAL THIRST!

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  • Washing Machine Clean

    WASHING MACHINE CLEAN

    “Cleanse me with hyssop,
    and I will be clean;
    wash me,
    and I will be whiter than snow.”
    ~Psalm 51:7 NIV

     

    I love my washer and dryer!!!

    I know, I’m kinda weird getting excited over appliances, but if you’ve ever had not-so-good ones and then you’ve gotten knew ones that make everything washing machine clean; you totally get my exhilaration.  When we moved in May, we included the owner’s shiny new washer and dryer into the offer to purchase, and she accepted!

    This weekend we really got to test those appliances with all the kids home for Thanksgiving.  In preparing the house, I used the Steam mop to clean the floors.  The mop gets really dirty from the sand in our area so, it has to go on the ‘Sanitize’ Setting taking two hours and 17 minutes!  Freshening up sheets on the quick wash setting only takes 26 minutes.  Towels were washed in abundance, taking 44 minutes a cycle.

    Today at church I was talking with a dear friend.  She’s going through a really hard time, having to deal with past hurts that have cropped back up in her life causing a whole new set of issues. She expressed frustration over needing to get help again, so I shared with her how God’s been taking me through a time of deeper healing from some of the pains in my past.

    The amount of hurt or dirt in your life
    will determine how long you need to
    stay in the ‘wash’.

    Sometimes you need an extra cycle before you can come out
    washing machine clean!Psalm 51:7

    In this verse,
    David understands what it’s like to deal with the issues of his past. Once again, David is asking God to clean him up and he’s not talking about dirt on his face.

    HYSSOP

    It’s interesting to me how David asks the Father to cleanse him with hyssop. Since I’m not a gardener I had to look it up.  Hyssop is often called the ‘holy herb’, and in Bible-times it was used for “cleaning holy places.”1  Because of it’s wonderful aroma; hyssop cleans and refreshes, leaving you whiter than snow.

    Just like my fancy appliances that chime out a song when the cycle’s done, God knows the right setting to wash us clean.  Trust God with your timing.

    Prayer

    Father…I thank You for loving me just like I am, but caring enough to not leave me this way!  Help me to ‘stay in the cycle’ long enough to be washed clean; free from the dirt and hurt in my life.  I’m crying out like David did…please, make my heart, washing machine clean.  In Jesus Name…Amen

    [tweetthis]The amount of hurt or dirt in UR life will determine how long U need 2 stay in the wash[/tweetthis]

    ***If you want an interesting Bible Study,look up all
    ‘Drawing From The Well’
    verses this week on times Hyssop
    is mentioned in Scripture.
    I think you’ll be amazed!
    If you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you’ll love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.

    #Dare2Share
    Post in the Comment Section below and bolster the faith of someone else!

      DRAWING FROM THE WELL-PINKY

    1. Psalms 51:7
    2. Leviticus 14:1-6, 49-53
    3. Exodus 12:22
    4. John 19:28-30

    For an interesting read on Hyssop, Check out this Word Nerd Wednesday post on Hyssop!

    1. https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/hyssop/profile Website Accessed: 2017-10-15
    2. https://www.gotquestions.org/hyssop-Bible.html Website Accessed:  2017-10-15

    Blogger Prayers-Pinky BrownYOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP WITH:
    MONDAY Monday Meditations – Laura J. Davis, Soul Survival – Donna Reidland,
    TUESDAY Cheerleaders of Faith #RARaLinkup – Kelly Balarie,
    WEDNESDAY Coffee For Your Heart – Holley GerthWord Nerd Wednesdays — Liz Giertz
    THURSDAY Heart Encouragement Thursday – Crystal Storms, Chasing Community  Barbara Bradford Ottinger
    FRIDAY Dance With Jesus Linkup – Susan B. MeadGrace and Truth Linkup – Arabah JoyCounting My Blessings – Deb Wolf, Fresh Market Friday – Crystal Twaddell ELLEN’S PICKS– Ellen Graf-Martin

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  • Music From The HEART ART Blog Post

    Art Ache © Todd Stahl  http://www.toddstahl.com
    Last week I blogged about my husband Todd’s heart issues and some “Heart Art”. I was overwhelmed with the response. I want to thank so many of you for emailing, messaging, leaving comments on the blog or just letting us know that you would be praying for Todd. It truly meant so much.
    If you’re a regular reader you will know that I love music and how much it speaks to me. Music can make an impact in ways that words can fall short of.  Some of you sent MUSIC FROM THE HEART ART BLOG POST and we have been loving them all week long.
    I’ve listed the links to the songs you’ve shared with us, who they’re sung by and a few of the lyrics. I want you to be as encouraged as we have been by this great music!

    Steven Curtis Chapman’s Song, The Glorious Unfolding.

    The words to this song are amazing and spoke to Todd and I in profound ways!  Here are just a few of the lyrics to whet your appetite:

     Don’t try to figure it out
    Just listen to what I’m whispering to your heart

    …this is going to be a glorious unfolding
    Just you wait and see and you will be amazed
    Check out this link for the song     LYRICS       YOUTUBE OFFICIAL VIDEO
                                                                            http://www.stevencurtischapman.com

    In Jesus Name by Darlene Zschech.

    I will live, I will not die
    I will declare and life You high,

    Christ revealed and I am healed
    In Jesus’ Name

     Check out this links for the song.     LYRICS       YOUTUBE VIDEO
                                                                     
          http://www.darlenezschech.com

    When You Walk Into The Room by Bryan and Katie Torwalt.

     My favorite lines in this song are:
    When you walk into the room
    Sickness starts to vanish
    Every hopeless situation ceases to exist

     Check out this links for the song.     LYRICS       VIDEO
                                                                            Facebook for The Torwalts

    Chris Tomlin , I Lift My Hands (Let Faith Arise)

    Be Still, There is a healer.
    His love is deeper than the sea
    His mercy, it is unfailing
    His arms are a fortress for the weak
    Let faith arise…I lift my hands to believe again

     Check out this links for the song.     LYRICS       YOUTUBE VIDEO     http://www.christomlin.com
    Thank-you to Chrysta, Peggy, and Julie for sharing these songs with us!  May God Bless You for sharing your MUSIC FROM THE HEART ART BLOG POST!
    In His Grip,
    ~Sherry
    xoxo

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  • God Speaking through

    A CHILD’S HEART ART

    Keaton Heart Art
    My friend Danielle sent me this wonderful piece of heart art. To me, it’s a masterpiece! During a prayer time at Braeside Camp this summer, I told Danielle’s mom about my husband Todd’s heart problems. Well, Grandma told her grandson Keaton and Keaton’s art delivered the message to his momma, Danielle.
    You see, Keaton is a big prayer warrior and has his own prayer journal. One night, Danielle went to pray with him before bed and saw this ‘heart art’ in the front of his prayer journal. She asked Keaton who Todd was and what the picture meant.
    I hadn’t talked to Danielle about Todd’s heart problems yet, but she put two and two together and began to join in prayer with Keaton for Todd. When my Danielle told me about the heart art in Keaton’s prayer journal, she said to “expect miracles, because he’s a serious prayer warrior and God moves when he prays”!
    I am expecting nothing less than the miraculous!

    [tweetthis]I am expecting nothing less than the miraculous for my life![/tweetthis]

    Last Saturday morning I was up doing my devotions and praying for Todd. We met with the surgeon and it was all a little overwhelming. Hearing of the possible issues that can follow a heart valve surgery was disarming. Up to this point when we talked to people we have only heard positive reports about how better people felt after valve repair or replacement. We didn’t understand the possible complications, but the doctor made us fully aware of them!   Maybe a little too aware of them!

    THE ORIGINAL HEART ART

    Art Ache

    ART ACHE (c) Todd Stahl

    The night before last Saturday morning’s epiphany,  I had made a quick comment to Todd, my artist hubby, about how much more his Heart Art entitled, “Art Ache” means in light of his current health issues and the fact that he painted this masterpiece back in 2009 or 2010…five to six years before his heart problems!  Back then, God was speaking to Todd about the inner healing He was doing on his heart after divorce.  Now, this painting is holding a whole new meaning!
    As I prayed I couldn’t stop thinking about Todd’s Heart Art, so I went and got it off the wall.  As I looked at the painting, I felt a sense of peace coming over my soul.  Fear was washed away with faith.  I could have broken out in the song “It Is Well With My Soul”, but everyone was sleeping and they would have woken up thinking a cow was dying in our house…singing is not my gift 🙂
    God began to speak to me about all the messages He had intended to come out of the art; some Todd understood as he created, while others are still being revealed.

    HERE ARE SOME OF THE MESSAGES FROM TODD’S HEART ART

    The Band-Aid is on the left side of the heart…the same side of the heart where Todd needs the valve repaired or replaced!
    How cool is that! In Todd’s painting where the healing is taking place under the Band-Aid, is beginning to glow yellow. God is at work where no one can see what He is doing. It’s hidden from others. Healing happens in the secret places of our hearts. Sometimes when we don’t see things happening we assume God isn’t doing anything about our problem. God is always at work!
    [tweetthis]Healing happens in the secret places of our hearts <3 [/tweetthis]
    The bottom of the heart is black. All those things that have happened in life to bring hurt to the heart and create unwholeness weigh us down.  The heart has strings around it. On the unhealed side the strings are woven tight and close together like they are holding the heart bound. The strings on the healing side are coming loose, setting the heart FREE!
    [tweetthis]God wants you to live FREE![/tweetthis]
    The side that is being healed turns red as God created his heart to be. A red heart symbolizes LOVE in our culture. The healed heart is full of God’s love! Healing doesn’t just affect one area of your life. Healing spreads!
    [tweetthis]The healed heart is full of God’s love![/tweetthis]
    As the healed heart begins to pump healthy blood properly, love is beginning to flow to the other side. The colors are beginning to lighten up as it turns to purple. Even under the black, you can see yellow: a visual showing how God is at work in the darkest places of our heart. The darker the heart, the deeper the wound, the longer the healing process. Allow God time to heal your heart.
    [tweetthis]Allow God time to heal your heart.[/tweetthis]
    Soon the whole heart will be filled with God’s love.
    You can see red starting to peek through around the edges showing that the heart is not destroyed. The heart is going to be healthy again as God originally created it to be!
    The verse that comes to my mind is:     Joel 2:25


    “I will repay you for the years the loctusts have eaten…
     you will have plenty to eat, until you are full,
    and you will praise the name of the LORD
    your God who has worked wonders for you.”
    Joel 2:25(NIV)

    We don’t understand all that Todd has had to go through or what he possibly is going to have to face, but we will walk forward each day in the confidence that God is at work in places we don’t see.
    We trust God is giving Todd a new heart to accomplish all of the great things He has for him to do—That book needs to hit the shelves and more artwork needs to be painted! We know that God is with us. Whatever way God chooses to bring about this miracle of a new heart, we know He’s going to do it! We in boldness proclaim the promise of God that when this is all over, God will have repaid Todd for all that has been taken away to the point that he is walking in abundance of life and health, prospering and praising God for His goodness!
    Waiting for a miracle,
    Sherry
    xoxo


    heart art surgery
    Todd going into surgery

    This post was originally written on July 24, 2014, before Todd had his surgery and made a miraculous recovery from complications after the surgery!  Then, I wrote a post called Heart Art Music from some of the songs you all sent me to encourage me.
    Man CaveSince then, Todd is back playing hockey, firefighting and creating art in many forms.  Within a year of surgery, his first book, 40 Days In The Mancave was published by Word Alive Press!  To hear Todd’s retelling of this miracle check out his site.
    To see more of Todd Stahl’s art, Check Out:
    Todd’s website: http://www.toddstahl.com
    His facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ToddStahlArtist
    The page dedicated to Todd’s testimony:  https://www.toddstahl.com/the-significance-of-art-ache/
    To read a sample from Todd’s Devotional, 40 Days In The Mancave: Click Here: https://toddstahl.com/devo_06_sample.pdf 
    To Buy his book on  AMAZON, Click the word Amazon

    [tweetthis]I am expecting nothing less than the miraculous for my life![/tweetthis]

    [tweetthis]God is at work in places we don’t see![/tweetthis]

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