A huge burp!

As I was sitting in my doctor's office this morning, I let out a huge burp. I mean, that no holding back loud kind of burp that there's just no way to politely release. Both of my doctor's and I started cracking up laughing. One replied, "that was awesome!" It felt pretty awesome too. Isn't it such a relieving feeling when you let out a nice burp?

That's the kind of relief I'm feeling right now, as I'm reminded that I don't have to carry the burden of this illness. Jesus has already done that!

"For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Mathew 11:30

My role is to accept it, seek Him fully, walk through it and watch in utter amazement as He uses it. After being treated for having a parasite, today, we found out that I have small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and inflammation. I've started some natural supplements to support and repair intestinal and pancreatic processes paired with probiotics. Additionally, I'm starting a three month antibiotic treatment to kill bacteria overgrowth. It's unknown what may have caused this. It could be as a result of the parasite. Or, it could have been the initial problem that made me an easy host of the parasite and prevented my body from fighting it on it's own. Either way, I'm accepting it and learning that healing is a process, sometimes a very looonng process. As I follow this treatment plan, I will have regular doctor's appointments and continued testing to rule out other things. I'm learning it's not always as simple as getting tests, a diagnosis and treatment. It's really one day, one step at a time. 

"I'm going to live for today. I'm going to follow in your ways. I'm going to let my little light shine like there's no tomorrow. I won't worry about the past. I know my future is intact. You told me not to worry about what lies ahead. So, I'm going to focus on today instead, making every moment count and counting every blessing" -Natalie Grant, Live For Today

For me, living for today starts with living a life of thankfulness. I'm going to start a "eucharisto" project inspired by the book One Thousand Gifts - A dare to live fully right where you are by Ann Voskamp. I'm going to share 1,000 "gifts" or things I'm thankful for by writing them out or by taking a photo. 

Next, living for today starts with remembering why I'm here...which Jesus makes pretty clear. Jesus came as my rescuer, took my place on the cross and died the painful death I should have died for my sins. Then, he rose, three days later, conquering sin and death and promised to give me the free gift of eternal life if I trust in Him.

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

And, all I have to do is trust in Him? What kind of a love is this!? When I saw and understood the depth of my sin and trusted in Him, He gave me new life and saved me from the eternal wrath and torment I deserved. Such a selfless undeserved love is hard to comprehend or understand. But, I get to live my life out in response to this with thanks by being on mission for His Great Commission!

"And Jesus came and said to them, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Mathew 28:18-20