Tag: Hope

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Flu Season, Yuck!

1 Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

I am so sorry I have been absent this week. My family, like so many others around us, has been battling the flu🤢

I am feeling better today and wanted to do something I haven’t done in a while.

Yep, it is BRIGHT SIDE FRIDAY!

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Give me your five! Here are mine…

1. A husband, who was also very sick, still tried taking care of me when he could.

2. Being on Christmas break + being sick = no writing sub plans!

3. Having the sweetest service dog in the whole world, who wouldn’t leave my side and tried to cuddle real tight when my fever was causing me to shiver.

4. The beautiful dusting of snow we got today. Enough to make everything pretty, but not too much that makes it a pain.

5. This one is probably obvious, but thank you Lord for your healing touch.

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas! May God bless you this New Year! I can tell you I already feel blessed just being able to stand up without the world spinning out from under me.

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Copyright © 2017 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved.

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Light a Candle for Me

Psalms 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

This time of year can be quite difficult for those who have lost someone.  Every ornament you unpack, every Christmas song you hear, every smell or taste can bring back memories.  Some good.  Some not so good. But they all seem to hurt.

It has been many Christmases without my brother.  I would love to tell you the pain has gone away.  However, just when I think I have moved on and the pain is all gone something triggers a memory.

Yes, I cry and miss him dearly.  But I must say I wouldn’t wish any of those memories away.  As long as I have those memories, he will never be far from me.

Today, I would love to count the blessings you shared with your loved ones.  Sometimes that is the best way to get yourself out of a funk.  Remind yourself of what you had and still have.

So, here is my favorite Christmas memory with my brother…

It was Christmas morning and we were all excited, just like every other child in the world.  The tree was packed with presents.  My mom had gotten smart and not put our names on any of them.  Instead, she had wrapped our presents in specific paper. Only she knew which one was which.

I remember my dad handing both of us a similar sized package.  We were instructed to open them at the same time.

We dove in to see who could open the fastest.  My brother probably won, but I will never admit that…lol!

Our eyes were HUGE!  We both got radio controlled vehicles.  His was a semi-truck and mine a sporty little red car. We couldn’t get them out of the packages fast enough and into the kitchen to try them out.

My mom’s kitchen was really cool.  It had an island in the middle where the stove was.  So, we had the perfect race track to try our cars out.  I just knew I would win!  Being the little sister it was of great importance that I did!

We set the rules.  Three times around the track and the first one to get back to the tree was the winner.

He pulled ahead because he was so much better at controlling his truck. I seemed to be playing bumper cars with the wall. The next round found me more adept and I started to pull ahead.

Then something strange happened as we made our third round. Both vehicles began to slow down.  We pushed the buttons as hard as we could but there was no making them go faster.  The batteries were simply giving out. Neither of us made it back to the tree.

Our heads hung low with disappointment. We thought for sure our brand new toys were broken.  But then my father let out a laugh that made his belly rival Santa’s.  He looked at my mom and she too had a twinkle in her eye. It seems the night before they felt the need to check out our cars “just to make sure they worked.”  With all their quality control, they had run down the batteries.

My brother and I never let them forget that Christmas.

Through the years, as I wrapped my kids’ gifts and even now as I prepare to wrap my grandchildren’s toys,  I remember the story of the year the elves played with our toys.  I can feel my brother’s arm around me and hear his laughter once more. My eyes begin to fill, but the tears are filled with more joy than sorrow and a smile breaks across my face.

Hang on to the memories.  Cry when you need to but try to find a smile.  It is in those memories you will find comfort that your loved one isn’t gone for good.

I do want to send out a special hug to all of those who are celebrating the first Christmas without a loved one.  I want you to know I am thinking of you and sending you lots of love.  Nothing I can type or say will make the feelings go away.  So, I will just simply leave you with this thought.

Smile Upon Your Face
By Tabetha Frick

Take a moment to breathe
Take a moment to grieve
Then wipe those tears
Remember the years
That I brought a smile to your face

The good and bad
The times we had
Though not enough
I know its rough
But let them bring a smile to your face

I hope my dear
This brings you cheer
For I am now at rest
But was always blessed
By the smile upon your face

Thanks for the memories Kenny! I love you!

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Copyright © 2017 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved.

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Peace, Bah Humbug!

Mark 6:31 (NIV)
Then Jesus suggested, “Let’s get away from the crowds for a while and rest.” For so many people were coming and going that they scarcely had time to eat.

I’m afraid I’m going to say something that’s not very popular.  Some days, I hate  Christmas. I know this sounds really bad. I’m really not a Scrooge. There are just some days I feel pressured during this season.

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Here is why…

#1- I am a teacher. I spend the first part of December wrapping up lessons and preparing for semester finals. I deal with kiddos that finally wake up after 16 weeks and realize, yes she will fail me if I don’t turn things in. Maybe she will let me make up 16 weeks of work in a couple of days.

#2- I appreciate all the people who put countless hours and love into preparing parties, secret Santas, cookie exchanges, and other get-togethers. I feel awful turning people down but I can only be in so many places at once. I only have so much money to spend and I love you all but my grandkids come first.

#3- During this season, I also have play obligations and church functions to add to my evergrowing list of places to be and yet I must find time to decorate my own house and make it look all cheery.

#4- My family also celebrates Hanukkah so there goes 8 more nights of must be somewhere at sometime.

#5- Add to all of this the shopping, cooking, wrapping, mailing and shrink my heart and call me the Grinch! Bah humbug!

I know I am not alone in these feelings. I also know my schedule may seem pretty empty compared to others.

Can I offer a little advice?

Breathe! That’s it. Just. Breathe.

I could do my best impression of Linus and recite the reason for the season. I could read you the Christmas Story. But I am not going to.

I am not going to add to your stressed-out brain. I know people mean well, but seriously I don’t need guilt piled on top of my to-do list. What I need is a minute to call my own and recharge.

I need a moment to make my cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate and curl up with God and say thank you. Thank you for my moment of peace on Earth.

Take time this busy season for you. Fill up on some peace, so you can spread goodwill toward men.

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Copyright © 2017 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved.

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Who is driving the bus?

Psalms 29:11
The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.

I went to a new doctor today.  After many years of seeing the same doctor, I had gotten quite comfortable with myself.  My doctor was a good friend of mine.  Unfortunately, he had to move his practice far enough away that I was no longer able to see him.

I have known about this move for six months.  I have been on this new doctor’s list for about 4 months or so, but I had not gone in to see him.  I hate meeting new doctors.

Now, I do realize no one likes to go to the doctors.  I mean we don’t usually wake up and say…gee I wonder what my doctor is doing today.  I think I should make an appointment to see him.

However, I HATE going to the doctor’s office and I REALLY HATE seeing a new doctor!!!!!!

I have quite a few issues.  If you have read my older blogs you know one of them is seizures.  I have not seen a neurologist in over 10 years because I gave up on them.  So, I really hate discussing that problem, but I was expecting it.  I also have two types of arthritis, asthma and Crohn’s disease. Again, I don’t like going over my history and what I am currently doing about them, but I was expecting it.

What I wasn’t expecting to discuss, my PTSD.

Before you ask, no my PTSD is not combat PTSD. I was not in the military. I wish my doctor would have asked that and just left it there. But NO! He wants to dive into what trauma in my life could have caused my PTSD.

Here is my theory on PTSD.  It is kind of like Fight Club (movie reference). The first rule about Fight Club is you don’t talk about Fight Club!  Yep! That sums up my feeling on my PTSD! Unfortunately, this new doctor did not agree.

***INSERT MELTDOWN HERE***

Now you would think someone who is writing her dissertation on PTSD was comfortable with her own fight.  Well, most of the time I am.  Unfortunately, the nature of PTSD does not leave you in control.  You do not get to pick and choose how you will feel or respond. I have spoken in front of people before concerning my PTSD.  Today, however, was just a day that PTSD was driving the bus and it was racing out of control very quickly!

Flashbacks flooded my head.  I was crying the entire way home.  None of my mind techniques would work.  My service dog clung to me to try and make me feel safe and distract my mind.

I would love to tell you my first thoughts were some beautifully worded prayer that would tickle the ear of any Christian.

Nope!

I screamed at God! I screamed, “Why?”

I screamed, “How could you?”

I screamed, “Where are you?”

I screamed, “WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT THIS!!!!”

What did I hear back? The Holy Spirit brought to my mind Psalms 29:11.   He said I am giving you strength because you are mine.  I am blessing you with peace.  Accept it. Sit back and let me take control of the bus!

My heart stopped racing.  My anger subsided.  Reality began to return.

Thank you, Lord, for your strength and peace. You were with during the trauma.  You held my hand and screamed and cried with me.  You still hold my hand as you fill me with your strength and peace.

My voice has been heard by many young men and women.  My story has been shared before.  I have been the voice of the voiceless.  I wish I would not have gone through my trauma, but I am glad that I survived. For if my journey can save even one person from giving in to the darkness, then I would gladly do it all over again.

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Copyright © 2017 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved.

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Peace on Earth

Luke 2:14
Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests

My heart grows ill
And I wonder still
Is there place on Earth

So much hate
It seems our fate
To find no peace on Earth

Yet you came
To take the blame
To offer peace on Earth

My faith grows strong
That we’ll right this wrong
As I pray for Peace on Earth

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Copyright © 2017 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved.

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Mary Who?

Luke 1:38
Mary answered, “I am the Lord’s servant. Let everything you’ve said happen to me.”
Then the angel left her.

I am fourteen years old. I have known forever that our Redeemer was coming. But I NEVER imagined he would be coming like this. Through me!

Who am I?

I am just a young girl from Nazareth. Everyone knows nothing comes from Nazareth.

But yet you chose me. Me. You called me highly favored.

Who am I?

I am a young girl.  I am not even married yet. Oh my! My poor fiance. He could have thrown me to the side. He could have killed me.

But he didn’t. He loved me. He cared for me. He accepted this child as his own.

Who am I?

I’ve never delivered a baby. I am so far from home by myself. Without my family. What if I do this all wrong? What if I am a terrible mother? What if you hate me?

But you didn’t. You were so tiny. You loved me. You changed me. You came to save and redeem me.

Who am I?

I am every woman and man who has been called to a purpose. A bigger purpose than themselves. A purpose they feel so ill-equipped for but answer  “I am the Lord’s servant. Let everything you’ve said happen to me.”

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Copyright © 2017 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved.

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When in Doubt…Phone a Friend!

Psalm 37:30-31
30 The godly offer good counsel;
they teach right from wrong.
31 They have made God’s law their own,
so they will never slip from his path.

Do you remember the game show, Who Wants to be a Millionaire?

A player was asked a series of multiple-choice questions of increasing (or, in some cases, random) difficulty. Large cash prizes were offered for correctly answering each level. There were three lifelines you could use if you got stuck on a question: 50/50, ask the audience and phone a friend.

Today, I found myself stuck at one of those questions in life that I could not answer. As a matter of fact, the more I thought about it, the more frustrated I got.

Now, I know as a Christians we are called to go right to the source, pray and read the bible to find your answer. However, sometimes I just need that human contact. I need to be able to phone a friend.

God was prepared for that! I have been blessed with a group of friends I can call when I need them. They provide Godly counsel.

My phone a friend was not only able to talk me off the ledge today, but gave me a new perspective. I was able to see my situation from different viewpoints.

I pray that you have Godly counsel and if not I will continue to pray that God brings someone into your life. I will also pray you will fill those shoes for someone else.

So keep those phone lines open! I just might need to phone a friend.

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Copyright © 2017 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved.

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The Empty Chair

James 1:17
 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

A dear friend and one of the strongest women I know spent her first Thanksgiving without her mom. She wrote the most beautiful dedication. I wanted to share her words with you.

I hope it brings you peace and joy. I hope it reminds you, Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

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Today this chair sits empty because of a battle that is over.
However in the sadness of the first holidays without mom, we can find thankfulness.
I’m thankful for the 43 thanksgivings I got to spend with her.
I’m thankful for the gift of adoption that made that possible.
I’m thankful to the stranger who gave up her child and made that possible.
As a mother of 4, I know that was the worst day of her life.
I’m thankful for all the stories people who knew and worked with her have told me this past year.
I’m thankful for all the great memories I have and we are able to share.
I’m thankful that I have an awesome family and the best friends.
I’m thankful for my mom.
She was the best. ❤️

~Wendy Dement

 

Thank you Marsha for heeding the call to raising a beautiful, strong, Godly woman who has touched my life in so many ways.

To all of the chairs that may be empty this holiday season, know our hearts never will be because you were part of our lives!

 

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Learn to Fly!

2 Timothy 4:18
The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

I am reading Anxious For Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World, by Max Lucado. In his book, he talks about an acrobatic team.  The flyer explains how the key to their success is remembering he is a flyer and his partner is the catcher.  His job is just to jump and let his partner do all the catching.  It is dangerous for him to try and catch his catcher when he jumps.  It simply is not his job!

Max goes on to compare that to our relationship with God.  We have to put our full trust in him.  Let God do his job! “Your Father has never dropped anyone. He will not drop you. His grip is sturdy and his hands are open.” It is not our job to control things.  we must let go and Let God!  As Max puts it, a wonderful thing happens when we let go and let God, we FLY!

Paul went through some pretty horrific moments in his lifetime.  If anyone deserved to have fear and trepidation in their walk with God, I am saying Paul had reasons.  However, Paul never questioned any of the positions he was left in.  Not when he was stoned, ran out of town, or thrown in prison several times.  Instead, he went out of his way to encourage Timothy and the church by saying,

The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (2 Timothey 4:18)

Wow!  Can you sit back and let that sink in for just a moment? I mean really let that sink in!  No matter what we are facing in our lives, God is there. No job, God is there. Cancer, God is there. Divorce, God is there.  He will rescue you from every evil attack and will bring you safely to his heavenly kingdom.

What does that rescue look like?  I don’t know.

How long will it take? I don’t know.

What I do know is he has promised to catch me.  All I have to do is Fly!

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Copyright © 2017 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved.

 

 

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Peace Be With You

1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

I want to start by thanking all of you for your thoughts and prayers for my family. My father came through surgery fine. He did have to have some of his esophagus removed but the doctor was very confident of the work he did.

He will be in ICU for the next couple of days and of course, the next seven days are the critical ones. I have to say, he looked wonderful tonight when we left the hospital. My mother is also doing well and much more relaxed.

My family has spent many days in and out of hospitals through the years including ICU waiting rooms. Families tend to bond while there. Never do you stop and ask if you are the same race, religion, political viewpoint or sexual orientation. You hold each other’s hands, cheer, cry and pray together. Today was one of those days.

A family across the room from us did not get such great news. The matriarch of the family was brought in for open heart surgery. Once the doctor got in, he realized there was so much more wrong. My families hearts went out to them as they received the news.

I don’t know what people do when they receive horrible news and have no hope. I turn to my family and God and no matter what comes my way, I have a place to go for comfort. I am not saying things are always unicorns and rainbows, but I know rainbows will come. I just have to hang on.

God will sometimes calm the storm, but he will always calm the child! Just cast your cares on him because he truly loves you!

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Copyright © 2017 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved.