Life’s Journey #12 – God whispered, “That’s your win.”

by | Feb 26, 2023 | Life's Journey | 4 comments

God whispered to me, “That’s your win.” My response, “Wait. What?? What’s my win?”

Can you imagine? This was the exchange I felt in my soul on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, while I was walking my dog, Grizzly. Let me back up to the events on Monday, February 20th…

On Monday, February 20th, I had my second, annual, ophthalmology appointment with my eye doctor to check for signs of progress of my autoimmune disease spreading to my eyes. It was supposed to be a quick, 15-minute appointment. However, my doctor quickly changed the plans for my appointment when he saw that I was on a medication that has a side effect of causing blindness. I had forgotten that I was switched to this medicine after my last appointment. He was extremely attentive, caring and flexible that other tests had to be run and he did not want me to leave before we had a complete understanding of my eye health.

My quick 15 minute, in-and-out appointment turned into two hours! After several scans, peripheral tests, cross section scans of my eyes, etc. the doctor gave me a perfect report on my right eye. He said that my right eye was in perfect health with everything where it should be and nothing added! Then he said to me, “Now, for your left eye.” Pause…. I thought, “Hmmm, this intro does not sound so good.”

He pulled out the cross-section picture of my left eye and showed me the results. Three obvious lumps were visible on the cross-section. He said, “These lumps are not supposed to be there.” He reviewed the three potential causes for the lumps with me.

  • First, it could be the result of the medication. He said it would be extremely rare for the medication to make a change to the eye this fast. If it did, it would normally effect both eyes at the same time not just the one.

  • Second, it could be the start of macular degeneration. He said if I was over 75 years old then he would positively diagnose macular degeneration. However, being only 53 years old, this disease would also be rare to develop this early.

  • Third, he said he had no idea what the cause was at this point.

Since this was my first, baseline exam with the tests performed, he had no other results to compare to my current status. He suggested we wait a year and retest to see how quickly the lumps are changing, if at all. He advised that I stay on my current medication at this time.

After discussing the lumps, the doctor mentioned that his second concern was my dosage of medication. He said I was taking double the amount of milligrams than was recommended by the FDA based on my weight. He said that my risk of experiencing negative side effects involving my sight was much higher since I was on such a high dosage. He recommended that I immediately reduce my medication to the recommended amount. Thankfully, he was proactive to say that he would immediately write my prescribing doctor a letter advising her of the recommended dosage change. Unfortunately, that may mean that my autoimmune symptoms with spike again.

The combination of these two new data points on my health caused me to experience a bit of increased anxiety for the rest of the day. My thoughts were swirling around the following statements:

  • Really?? More issues?

  • Will I lose my sight?

  • Is this macular degeneration or something else?

  • How long do I have before I notice my sight changing?

  • Is it reversible?

  • Why am I on the wrong dose of medication?

  • If I change my medicine dosage will my autoimmune flare up again?

  • Will I be able to tolerate additional pain and sores?

You get the picture…Now the good stuff!

The next morning I was walking my Grizzly-bear for our daily, 5:00 a.m., power walk around the subdivision. I had been practicing silence, solitude and prayer on our daily walks for about a week. At the end of my prayer-time before I was silent to listen for Him, I had been asking God to speak to me, nudge me, or impress something on me. So far, each day I came away feeling that God chose not to say anything. On this Tuesday morning, after I poured out my questions to Him and asked for patience and comfort regarding this new eye issue. I also asked Him to please say something to me. Anything. I really wanted and needed to hear Him. In the moments that followed this cry for a response, I felt the impression of the Spirit say to me, “That’s your win.” My response, “Wait. What?? What’s my win?” You see, for 2023, I decided to find a WIN each day during this difficult season of health issues. I wanted to choose the positive side of life and find a WIN each day…no matter how large or small. I wanted to be grateful for all that I had and all that God was doing through me, for me and with me.

I thought back on what I had just prayed about…my eye, my stress, my questions. And I heard again in my spirit, “Yes. That’s your win.“

I felt like I heard God telling me, “I revealed this issue to you. That is your WIN. You never would have known this was a problem or a new concern had I not revealed it to you. Now, you know and now you can work together with your doctors to deal with this and treat it ,if needed. That’s your WIN for Monday.”

Immediately, I spoke words of joy, gratitude and praise into the silence of the early morning with only my sweet, loyal dog to hear me. Nothing else had changed in my circumstances or the results except my own attitude and perspective. The doctor made room for me that very morning to do the necessary tests on my eyes. I did not have to reschedule or wait for a longer slot to complete the tests. We found our answers that same day and had a plan that same day. God helped me see that I was choosing to feel anxiety over this situation rather than experiencing His blessing in it. I am blessed that we caught it early, and we know what to look out for now. He opened my eyes to see Him in this situation. My tiny shift in perspective resulted in an enormous shift in my attitude from anxiety to joy. Thank you, Jesus.

The lesson that I hope I never forget from this hour alone with God on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, between 5:00-6:00 a.m. is that I have a choice. I have the ability to choose joy in my day, to look for Him in even the smallest of events, and to remind myself that a change in perspective has the ability to move me from anxiety to gratitude.

And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper.

~1 Kings 19:12

Thanks for listening, Sweet Circle, I pray that you too may find joy in each day, that you find your WINs, and you see God moving in your life.

Hugs and blessings,

Stacy

In The Word #13: The Wind & The Word

by | Feb 17, 2023 | In the Word | 0 comments

For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!  So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

~ 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

I was walking my dog Grizzly this week early in the morning, and I was shocked at the strength of the wind. It pushed against us constantly, blowing between 20 and 25 mph. The wind flapped Grizzly ears and whipped my hair in all directions. In the quiet of the morning during our walk, I reflected on how the qualities of the wind remind me of the presence of God and also my faith in Him.

The wind that morning was powerful, physical, and constantly present. I could not see it but there was no doubt that the wind was real. I contemplated how the force of the wind had the potential to be gentle and soothing as in the light breezes that flow off the ocean water, or the wind that tickles the stalks in the fields of corn, or the breezes that brush through our yards and playgrounds. It soothes us from the heat of a summer day on the beach, or at a ball field, or when we are working in our yard. Yet it can also be very violent and destructive to everything in its path such as in a tornado. Either way, the effects of the unseen wind are evident. Just as the effects of our unseen God are evident.

David wrote in the Psalms 34:17-18…

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears

    and delivers them out of all their troubles.

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted

    and saves the crushed in spirit.

and also in the book of Matthew 11:28-30…

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

We have proof in the stories of the Bible and in our own lives where God’s presence may feel like a gentle breeze or a violent gust of the wind, at different times. Jesus shows His gentle side in His compassion and care for the sinners, the lost, and the hurting. He also shows His might in the correction we experience through the consequences of our actions. Yet this correction is meant to remind us of our need for Him. He desires a loving relationship with us and for us to turn our lives back to him in faith and trust… not to harm us and turn us away. His correction is similar, yet even more pure, than a parent correcting and disciplining their child in the hopes that they will stop their harmful behavior. God is good. He loves us. He wants the best for us and His kingdom!

I have felt God’s presence in the midst of my troubles. My obstacles may not go away but they also will not last forever. If left on my own, I would more likely be freaking out and obsessed with myself and my issues. However, the peace and strength that I feel in the midst of my trials come from the Lord. And when I fix my gaze on the Lord, I experience renewed hope and faith in the unseen God and my eternal future with Him.

For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!  So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

~ 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

I am so thankful that the God promises me that He will stand with me through my trials, and He offers me the gifts of the Holy Spirit in me…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22)

God may not be visible to my human eyes, but just like the wind, He is real, present and powerful. His promises are ETERNAL. His will is FINAL. And His glory, love , mercy, and grace are INFINITE! Praise God. He is calling us to His kingdom and His forgiveness. He promises forgiveness and a home in eternity with Him. Let’s take hold of it and be free of our bondage to the world.

PRAYER:

Abba, Father. You are my Father, my Creator, and my Savior. You are powerful and present. Just as the wind is invisible yet present, so are you unseen to my human eyes yet present in my life. You offer us grace, love beyond our understanding, mercy, and forgiveness. Thank you, Jesus, for your sacrifice on our behalf and our home with you in eternity. Amen.

QUESTIONS / IDEAS TO PONDER:

  1. How have you “seen” the unseen God move in your life?
  2. Write out Matthew 11:28-30. Read through it a few times. What word or phrase stands out to you? Why do you think this word or phrase is important to you at this time in your life?

Hugs & blessings,

Stacy

In The Word #12: “I CONQUERED GROS PITON!”

by | Feb 10, 2023 | In the Word | 0 comments

My new t-shirt reads, “I CONQUERED GROS PITON!” That’s right! My hubby and I completed this hike on Saturday, February 4th, 2023. It was likely the most difficult hike I have ever completed. The journey up the mountain was filled with boulders, uneven terrain, and steep climbs! Our legs were burning and shaking with fatigue. Our lungs were straining to get enough air from our exertions. Our hearts were beating out of our chests. We were soaked with sweat. And we craved water for our thirst.

The hike reminded me a bit of my journey in life in this world, at times…

  • Life is hard.
  • I feel fatigued and drained.
  • I am out of breath from the pain and grief of heartache and loss.
  • I am shaky from my emotions due to my trials, challenges, and anxiety.
  • I am thirsty for more depth of community and closeness with friends, family, and my Savior.

BUT…on the positive side…

Our Lord does not leave us alone in our suffering or in our journey. If we invite Him into our lives and accept Him as our Savior, He promises to never…NEVER…leave us. He will be with us always, strengthening us and guiding us in our journey. I was struck by this similarity on the hike. The guide did not leave us or give up on us. She walked ahead of us…providing guidance and encouragement on how to navigate the climb. She sensed when we needed rest, but also pushed us to continue and to not give up.

Jesus does the same for His people. Scripture is filled with His words of encouragement to press on and to let Him guide our life. The stories of the Bible describe over and over how much God loves us, His great displays of mercy and grace, His intervention on of His people, and ultimately His sacrifice of His own perfect son, Jesus, to save us from sin and ourselves. The Bible is a love story. It is a love story of our Creator to His creation. Below are only a few verses speaking to God’s encouragement to us to press on and fight the good fight for the Kingdom of God; words of His love; and the Truth about His plans for us.

1 Timothy 6:12, ESV

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Romans 8:35, 37-39 (NLT)

Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?

No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Yes, life is hard. BUT we have Jesus standing strong beside us to lift us up! (Isaiah 41:10, Ephesians 3:16)

Yes, we will feel pain and loss. BUT we have Jesus and the Holy Spirit to provide us peace beyond our understanding. (John 14:27)

Yes, we thirst for more out of this life that leaves us parched. BUT we have the promise from Jesus that He offers us living water where we will never thirst again. (John 4)

I never thought I would be able to do a hike like this at this point in my life. With my anxiety issues, on-going pain, and vertigo, I thought this would be impossible. But I was wrong. I did it! I am praying that you have confidence through the power of Jesus, determination to press on through the trials, and hope for the future bounty of eternal life. All things are possible with God and He will never leave you alone.

QUESTIONS TO PONDER:

  1. What mountain is in your path of life today?
  2. How do you feel about it? Fear? Anxiety? Challenged? Determined?
  3. What first step are you willing to take today to climb up and press on through it?

Please share your thoughts in the comments. Your story will be an encouragement to all of us and we want to encourage you in your journey!

Hugs & blessings, Sweet Circle,

Stacy

Gros Piton in St. Lucia is the mountain in the front. It stands 2,619 feet tall.
Pat…my hubby…and I at the half way point with Petit Piton in the background.
We made it to the TOP!! Yay!!

Life’s Journey #11: Where Did She Go? Time Flies By…

by | Jan 31, 2023 | Life's Journey | 0 comments

Hello, Sweet Circle!  You may have been wondering…”Where did she go?”  And that would be a completely appropriate question to ponder.  My last post was 8/23/2022.  I am shocked by how long ago that was.  Bottomline:  Life took hold of me with both hands, and I was overwhelmed!  Have you ever felt this way? I know the feeling too, and I am here to share that, “It’s okay!” Sometimes this happens and we just need to keep putting one foot in front of the other and lift up our prayers ever minute, if necessary!

Here were some of the things that happened to me:

  • In August 2022, I was made aware that the IN Department of Revenue was going to perform an audit of both our businesses in October 2022. I went back to work full-time to prepare for the audit. UPDATE: That is still going on and we are hoping to receive our reports from the audit in March 2023.
  • September 2022, I went to Oregon to spend two glorious weeks with my daughter. My Hubby was there for the last week. She was in-between terms in Veterinary School at Oregon State University. We had an amazing time visiting, crafting, and traveling to Crater Lake…BEAUTIFUL!
  • October 2022, My Hubby and I went to Columbia, MD, to visit our son and daughter-in-law. We saw their new apartment. We visited Johns Hopkins University where Mitch is going to grad school. We went to a Purdue football game at University of Maryland. We went to an apple orchard for the fall picking. And we had an amazing time being with them too.
  • November and December 2022 were a blur with the holidays.
  • Through all of this…I had several relapses with severe break-outs of my autoimmune disease…Cicatricial Pemphigoid…due to stress and anxiety. This took a toll on my health. My stress, increased anxiety and depression, and insomnia were in full swing. Yikes!!

So, I needed to take a break to continue to have margin for rest, yarn-therapy and soul-care. God is GOOD, and met me in my trials. I was never alone. He continued to provide strength for me and hope for new treatment. My family and friends continued to support me, pray for me, and listen when I needed to vent. I am truly blessed. I am praying that you have people you can lean on too, when life seems out of control. Just remember…God is always in control!

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

~ Psalm 73:26

“The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? “

~Psalm 27:1 

BUT I MISSED YOU!! I missed writing to you, and I missed the chance to get to know all of you better.

I would love to hear from you!! Whether it’s a quick HELLO and introduction, a longer note to share your story, your favorite verse for encouragement, or anything else that is on your mind. Please COMMENT below or send me an email at stacy@stacyturley.com.

YOU are loved, valued and worthy!! Let’s stick together and support each other through our daily lives. I want to know you and pray for you too! Reach out, Friend. You are not alone and I can’t wait to hear from you!

Hugs and blessings,

Stacy Turley

Life’s Journey #10: The Results Are IN!

by | Aug 23, 2022 | Life's Journey | 0 comments

Hello, Friends. I asked for your prayers and support last week during my whirlwind of doctors’ appointments, and I THANK YOU for lifting me up. My appointments grew from four over two days to SIX over three days. Here is a summary…

Thursday, August 18th –

  • Audiologist for slight hearing loss
    • GREAT News! My hearing improved and the issues were due to swelling of my ear canal. We used antibiotic drops and my hearing returned to normal. I had no pain during this time. I had no idea my ear was irritated and swollen internally. Thank you, Jesus!
  • Orthopedic Surgeon for pain in my hips with a lovely limp to match
    • We have an answer! I have two strained muscles in two different locations. The left hip is a mid-glute muscle strain. The right hip is an upper IT band strain. So different locations of pain but both due to muscular issues. I have to cut back on high impact exercise. No running, jogging, or sharp changes of direction. Walking and elliptical machines are best for now. I am grateful it is NOT arthritis or anything more serious. Thank you, Jesus.

Friday, August 19th –

  • ADD ON Appt: Dentist for dental trays to soak my gums in a steriod gel to heal my blisters and help prevent more….at least that is the hope!
    • I love having another option in my cocktail of medicines to FIGHT Cicatricial Pemphigoid! The battle is not over and we keep fighting for a solution. God is GOOD!
  • Optometrist for a regular check up and vision test.  One of my meds may cause blindness so I have to get my eyes checked every three to four months. 
    • No serious issues, but my eye sight changed enough that new glasses are recommended. I cannot wear contacts so I love to shop for “new looks” with my glasses. I am trying something new and a little edgy…for me. That part is so fun!! Yay!!
  • Colon Surgeon…hmmm, nuff said!!
    • All is well now. Nuff said!

Monday, August 22nd –

  • ADD ON Appt: General Practitioner for increased anxiety and a few days of depression.
    • We have a plan! After a year and a half of trying to find a solution to control my autoimmune disease with little progress, my stress and anxiety has increased. I am currently on the lowest dose of anti-anxiety medication. So we will increase the dose and pray that it controls the anxiety which may be the cause of the bouts of depression. Thank you, Lord, for my understanding doctors and the medical assistance with these emotions.

Yes, I sometimes feel like this is a bummer that I have more and more ailments to keep track of and medicines to remember and food restrictions.  However, most of the time I am so grateful that God has blessed me with an amazing team of doctors to help monitor my ailments and provide solutions.  God is so good!!  I am never alone for I know Jesus is by my side through it all and I am grateful for the gifts and progress of medicine to help bring healing to so many people along with God’s power, strength and peace.

“Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.” ~ Jeremiah 17:14

I would also like to pray for you!  Please leave a note in the Comments section if you have a prayer request.  I would be honored to lift you up in the name of Christ.  Amen, Sisters!

Hugs and blessings, Sweet Circle.

Stacy