What is it like to be deaf?

I’ve always has wondered this. What is it like to be deaf?

I’m writing on this subject because I have a wonderful friend who is deaf. I do not know how to sign.

About 20 years ago I was diagnosed with hereditary otosclerosis. It is progressive hereditary disease the gets worse over time. The Audiologist told me I be completely deaf by the age of 50. I am 53 and last week my hearing got increasing worse within a few days. I went to being about to hear low tones to nothing at all. I am very nervous because my entire work process as well as my home situation will be altered.

Are you hearing? If yes have you ever imagined what it’s like to have hearing loss, I mean complete hearing loss?

It’s like being very isolated even though you are in the same room with someone. I attempted to work at the recovery center last week. I almost broke down in tears. People would call the center. I could see the red light blinking but I couldn’t hear anything that they were speaking. I have to keep asking them to speak up, I was petrified I could do my job.

When the work day was done, I got in my car and I didn’t even know if my car started. I was living in complete silence.

There is no background noise in which I am so used to. I realized how alone I felt.

As the day goes on there was no chatter, or laughing. I as alone with my own thought as they took over.

It made me paranoid and very self-conscious.

I went to church this morning, I didn’t enjoy singing the worship songs. I could only here my own voice inside my head. I am usually a very high spirited talkative person. But I felt completely alone and devastated.

I still have hope God will come through and fix by healing my ears. My hope and faith need to be in God right now, or I will go crazy handling this on my own.

So I wait as patiently for God to heal my ears. I have believe in God nearly all my life. And I’m not going to stop now.

Tomorrow I have an appointment with the audiologist. Today I’m praying for God’s hands to heal me.

Hear are some things I would personally miss if my hearing is lost:

  • Music
  • Birds singing
  • The radio
  • Voices
  • The Sound of the ocean
  • Phone calls
  • My cat purring
  • Having a talk with my husband

Hearing loss is an invisible disability. People don’t often think about the emotional and psychological impact that hearing loss can have on deaf individuals.

What Do You With a Your Time?

Whether your Rick, poor, male of female, we all have the same amount of one thing-time. How we use it will largely determine how far we’ll go in life and in our relationship with God.

Imagine there is a bank that deposits $84,400 into your account each morning. But there’s a catch- it carries over no balance from day to day, so you lose every dollar you don’t spend.

What would you do? You sound spend every cent of course.

Each of us has such a bank. And it’s name is time. Every morning it credits you with 86,400 seconds. Every night it writes off, as lost, whatever you have failed to invest to good purpose. It carries over o balance; it allows no overdraft.

Each day it opens a new account for you. Each night it burns the remains of the day. If you fail to use the day’s deposits, the loss is yours. There is no going back. There is no drawing against tomorrow.

You must live in the present on today’s deposits. Invest it so as to get from it the utmost in health, happiness and success. The clock it running. Will you make the most of the time you’ve been given?

Does Time Really Matter That Much?

Consider the following:

To realize the value of one year, ask a student who failed a grade.

To realize the value on one month. Ask a mother who gave birth to a premature baby.

To realize the value of one weak, ask the editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize the value of one day, ask a daily-wage laborer with several children’s mouths to feed.

To realize of one minute, ask a person who missed their plane.

To realize the value of one second. Ask a person who just avoided an accident.

To realize the value of a millisecond, ask a person who won a medal in the Olympic.

The anonymous author of the above words helps us to realize just how important time is.

Jesus told us to be careful how we handle our time, asking, Are there not twelve hours in a day [the daylight portion of the twenty-four cycle]?

If anyone walks in the day does not stubble, because he sees the light of the world. But if they walk in the night he stumbles, because the light is not in him. (John 11:9-10).

Time: It’s what our lives are composed of. Yet in this busy modern world it has become all too easy to let time, the stuff of life, run away from us. E-mails, new software, multiple television channels, cellphones and all the other products of our technological revolution that were supposed to simplify and enhance our lives seems to have conspired to strip of the time needed for the really important things in our lives.

What are some important things that you should occupy our time? Can you think of some?

When Does Faith Become Trust

There are people who claim to have faith and pray “Thy will be done,” do their beliefs probe to the depths of our souls. Will ours? When hard times come, will we worry and complain and lose out confidence in the Wisdom of God? Is a God really your rock? Your foundation.

It’s pretty easy to question God in this time of confusion during our lives today. The loss of control which we think we have anyway. Like we think we do. Especially as churches have locked their doors to the faithful. Our shelves become empty the grocery stores. Even the toilet paper hoarders that bought out the store’s supplies. Our minds almost naturally go to a level of forgetfulness, about one aspect or another of the unknown path stretching indefinitely out for us.

While crowds line up in grocery store lines and citizens load up on guns and ammo and self-isolate. We believe that we are working to protect our families and ourselves, but are we acting with Christian charity? Are we able to help others? Or are we putting ourselves first? Are we acting as followers of Christ? As my own “panic grocery shopping” outing, a cashier told me I was the nicest person he’s dealt with in days. I didn’t act out of the ordinary in any way. I just treated him with respect and common courtesy. Helping him bag my groceries because there was no bagger. Just simple things like telling him may God bless him seemed to brighten his day. I chose to bless him with my with my actions and my words. A simple thing everyone could do, if they wanted to.

As we are forced to slow down during this time and spend more time at home. This time offers us the potential to experience the closeness with Father God. Even though this time might leads us to deal with a lose of a loved on or our own death that have chronic illness that put us a risk. I joked around with my family and friends saying what’s the worst thing could happen “I could die” or is it “actually the best.” I still hold a reasonable awareness that when my time has come nothing can stop it from happening. I have a deep developed faith, and that is where I find my peace.

If you’ve read the Bible then you know how this world is going to end. But in the meantime God our Father will send us the endurance and grace we need in our time of need.

When Jesus died for us, the Bible tells us He sweat blood. Nonetheless, He accepted the ultimate wisdom of His Father’s Will, and acted in obedience and tremendous love, whatever the cost. He showed us how to live and die.

What we hold back from following God, we miss out on the greatest gifts. Our faith becomes empty (as empty as the shelves at the grocery store.) As we strive to make necessary preparations for the months ahead, we must turn to a God’s Word and become faithful to our church and our community. To act out what our Faith as a child of God should.

It’s time we start thinking of other more than ourselves that faith and love unite us. Unity can form a basis of trust. Which is the instrument of certitude and dependence that will carry us through these troubling times. Don’t let these times of penance be wasted in fear. Remember Our lives are in God’s hands.

The Be-Attitudes

Today I want to talk about something that everyone may not be aware of. In Matthew 5:1-12 it tells about when Jesus spoke to the people on the mount. Or the Be-Attitudes.

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went on the mountain side and sat down. His disciples came to Him and He began to teach them. The Beatitudes. He said:

  • Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
  • Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
  • Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
  • Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
  • Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy.
  • Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God.
  • Blessed are the pure in heart, for the will see a God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
  • Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
  • Blessed are you when people insult you, persecuted you and say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
  • Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were who are before you.

Have you noticed that all of these mean one thing. We all have to be in the attitude of prayer.

I also noticed that all these attitudes are so in tune with exactly where we are in America and the world. One thing came to mind as I was writing this. All the people who are against anyone is a Bible Believing are actually doing us a favor. Just by the way they say evil things and persecute us by hating us. It’s scary to think about this. God is here for all of us. Mercy and Grace is available.

Ways To Follow God’s Plan For Your Life

I uses to think it would be perfect if God would send down a blueprint for each of our lives. What if we were born with an instruction manual that God wrote for us? A manual that would out-line what we were supposed to do so we could follow His plan for our lives.

Life can be very confusing and stressful and very difficult to understand what God wants for us over the noise of the world. And the sounds of all the obligations pulling at us daily.

The truth is, God knows what He wants for us and He is in control of our plans. He had a blueprint drawn up for our lives. And He is guiding us and planting seeds in our hearts. God really does see, He hears us and He answers our prayer. Sometimes we just don’t see those blessings right in front of our lives.

When I was suffering horribly with depression all the way up to my cancer, I didn’t see His hand upon my life. All I saw was darkness all around me. Because I wasn’t looking for the light. The light was there, I was just to busy seeing darkness. God had a plan for me then, He has a plan for me now. He does all of us, We just have to choose to look for the light in the midst of the darkness. And choose to focus on that light.

This life is hard, but through our trials, the Lord God makes us stronger. During times of tribulation, our faith is able to grow and multiply. In Romans 5:3-5 it shows us that suffering produces perseverance and character, which leads to hope that allows God to pour into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.

We all know there is pressure from the world around us to succeed and to meet a certain standard. Through God and His calling He has placed n our lives, we can achieve what He wants for our lives.

Following God’s Plan For Your Life.

Be In Prayer.

A way to know that you are following God’s plan for your life is by being in prayer. Take time each day to devote yourself to the Lord and the plans He has for your life. If you are giving each area of your life to God, then He will bless it and be able to work through it abundantly.

Here’s something I tell everyone that comes to me for advice. Are You Reading Your Bible.

Be actively reading God’s Word

It is one thing to go to church on Sunday and hear the pastor’s sermon and another when you take time each day to spend time in God’s word. Take a few minutes each day to read God’s word ( maybe replace the time your spending drinking your coffee and listening to the media tell you lies) and place it with God’s Word. It will allow you to better live out the life a God has for you.

Here’s something We all don’t do often or at all.

Follow The Commands He Puts On Your Heart.

Allow God to guide your steps and trust the dreams He puts on your heart. Believe He will qualify you and know that there is a dream that He has placed upon your heart. He will help you achieve it. And He will be glorified in the process.

Here’s a simple example of Following Gods commands: awhile back a addiction recovery group came to the community, not a 12 step program, or a drug court. But a Faith Based recovery center. I admit I didn’t have any interest in helping anyone in this program. But reading my Bible one day. And a heard God tell me, that’s where you need to be. Of course my flesh resisted and I thought “No” I don’t want to do this. But I knew this was where God wanted me. And low and behold guess where I’m working. A recovery center helping the same people I had no interest in helping. That is how to listen and do What God commands you to do.

Seek A Godly Community

It’s a lot easier to follow a God’s plans and act in ways that honor him when you have friends around you that encourage you in your walk with the Lord. Seek out a bible believing church and the people there, that will hold you accountable and be able to give you Godly council.

Obey The Truth

What is written in the Bible is truth, we need to know what is written in it, and follow the way God calls you to live. Live by the commandments and intentionally be an example of what a Christ follower should be.

I firmly believe that the Holy Bible is our blueprint for life. I have been following God’s Word (the Bible) for over 15 years now and I have never been so happy and peaceful in my life.

Follow God’s plan for your life and you will not be disappointed.

Our Battles Are Against The Devil Is A Spiritual One.

So Consequently, using tangible weapons and worldly methods to fight against him is not applicable.

Scripture tells us to put on the full armor of God, that we may stand against the devils attacks and gain victory.

So what exactly is the full armor, and what does it mean? Ephesians 6:10-18 tells us the answer.

  • The Belt Of Truth. The belt of truth means wearing Christ, for He is the way, the truth, and the life. (John 14:6). In the olden days , the griddle (belt) held together the soldiers garments, to allow for freer movement while engaging in combat and also served to carry the sheath that holds the sword, for east access, meaning the belt has to be worn securely, meaning the Truth must be a close part of us at all times.
  • Breastplate Of Righteousness. The breastplate shielded a warriors vital organs from fatal blows. We are confident not in our own works of righteousness, but the righteousness of Christ, by faith, and this will guard us against accusations and charges brought by Satan.
  • Footwear (Feet Fitted) With The Readiness That Comes From The Gospel Of Peace. Our feet must be on the go- ready to take action upon command as we advance into Satan’s territory, win souls and reclaim this world for Christ.
  • Shield Of Faith. The first line of defense is the warrior’s shield. The devil tries to make us question God and His Word, but holding up strong faith in Christ will be like a solid shield that wards off every doubt.
  • Helmet Of Salvation. The head is the most critical of the body, where our innermost thoughts and beliefs are. When the gospel of salvation is securely placed in our mind, we are able to discern between false doctrine and spiritual truth, keeping ourselves from spiritual fatal blows.
  • Sword Of The Spirit/ Word Of God. The only offensive weapon in the armor of God is the sword of the Spirit; all others mentioned above are defensive armor. The Sword is the Word of God, against which Satan has no chance. There is no greater spiritual weapon that God’s Word, and Jesus also cited Scripture to ward off the devil when we was tempted in the desert.

Don’t Forget Prayer. Along with all this armor, we are told to pray in the Spirit. In spiritual warfare, prayer cannot be neglected, for it is our plea to God, through which we can draw strength by seeking His a Supernatural power.

All in all, warriors of Christ should take heart, that the Victory has already been Won. God is on our side. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with us wherever we go. (Joshua 1:9)

I have to say. When I was suffering from the bondage that Satan had be under nearly all of my life. I know none of this. And as a new Christian, I knew nothing about the Armor Of God. As I look back on the past and my journey to where I am now. I can see everything put into place my oppression that Satan had me under to the freedom I have in Christ. I sometimes cry tears of Joy because I now know how Our God loves each and every one of us.