Monday, June 15, 2015

STUPID TEETH...


Yeah, I am not having a love affair with my teeth right now.

Last week I went into the dentist's office for a "routine" cleaning.  Which turned out to be anything but that.  To be fair, I knew that something was wrong.  I'd been having pain in one of my molars, and upon closer inspection I had discovered that a piece of my tooth was gone.

All of my molars have fillings.  The story goes that as a child, I had "soft" teeth.  And every one of those molars got cavities at one point in time.  So, now I'm stuck with some very old silver fillings.

Which are weakening with age – (there's that word again…)

So, semi-prepared for bad news, I went in for my cleaning appointment.

My hygienist had to describe to me in full-detail dialogue how bad the situation was.  The missing chunk-o-tooth (that's the medical term) had left a deep pocket in the surrounding gum, which was now mildly infected.

"Let’s just have the dentist take a look."

Well, one x-ray, two consultations, and an hour later, I finally walked out of the office.

The verdict?

Well, they can't even begin to work on the tooth until my gum gets fixed. Which will require carving (that's what I'm calling it) off a portion of my gum, reshaping it, and then stitching it up.

I don't know about you guys, but stitches in my mouth do not sound like fun.

Or cheap.

After I heal from that, THEN they'll decide whether they can fill the tooth, or whether they'll have to do a crown.

More un-cheap.

I cannot tell you how bad the timing is on this.  Financially, it couldn't come at a worse time.  Taxes were not kind this year, and this expense is just another blow to the bank account.

$$$............... 

(My homemade emoji depicting overly expensive dental charges and the ensuing *money bleed*...)

Not to mention the time involved (weeks), the pain, the inconvenience (requiring several back-and-forth visits from where I live), the pain, the stress of it all…and oh, did I mention the pain?

In the whole scheme of life, this isn't really a big deal.  But, at this particular time, for some very particular reasons, it feels like a huge blow.


I've had some conversation with the Lord about it.  (Though mostly I've just ranted...)

You see, I don't get what He's up to right now.

OK, for instance, last year my Word for the Year was JOY.  And sixteen days into the new year, my father died.  Yes, the Lord had HIS lessons to teach me, and the year of joy did not unfold like I had anticipated.

I thought God was going to GIVE me joy, instead He TAUGHT me joy.

There's a difference.

I thought He was going to make joy-full things happen in my life.  That it would be a happy year.

But instead, He showed me other, deeper lessons.

This year my Word for the Year is HEALING.

And I am really not *getting it* yet.

So far, my granddog has had his spleen removed, my youngest son had his first ear infection in years (he's 28), my husband's shoulder (the one that had surgery a few years back) is acting up, a good friend just had a mastectomy, a family member has cancer and they just found some new lesions, another family member is going to the dermatologist for a "suspicious" mole, it's the year for my follow-up colonoscopy, I'm still coughing from a virus I had over a month ago, my mom is sliding rather rapidly into mental and physical decline, hearts and heads and spirits are hurting, and now…

My stupid teeth.

Last year when the word *healing* popped into my head, it sounded wonderful.  I felt overjoyed!  The possibility of feeling better?  Delightful! Oh yes, I thought, I could use some repair work from the difficult year of my father's passing.

But, it just seems that the hits keep coming.

I am not healing, as in feeling better.

So, Lord, what's the deal?

What are You doing?

And, the first thing that pops into my head is this:

Healing is not necessarily about feeling better, it's all about becoming well.

And becoming well is more about a spiritual state than a physical condition.


I do remember now, something that God said to me about the healing journey this year.  He said it might require more brokenness.  Like sometimes the "cure" involves more pain – much like a broken arm might need to be re-broken in order to heal properly.

Am I being re-broken?

Might I just insert my two-cents here?  

I don't want to be any kind of broken.  I'm exhausted.

(Funny (not ha ha) sidenote: The dentist pointed out to me that several other teeth had fracture lines in them, and need to be watched.  "Do you grind or clench your teeth?"  HA!  What are you talking about?!  Clenching only happens when you're way stressed out!  Me?  I'm calm and collected…always…can't you tell??)


So I continue my dialogue with God.

"Hey, I really thought my dad dying last year, and the ensuing difficulties of dealing with Mom now, was enough.  Why are You allowing all this other stuff to pile on?  Am I truly not broken enough?"

And then I stop and think about that.

Am I broken enough?

There's a difference between being exhausted (which I am) and being broken (which I am re-thinking).

Being broken means being yielded.

And if I'm totally honest with myself, I know I haven't arrived at total surrender yet.

Me and God?  We're in a sort of arm-wrestling match.  And though my hand is mere millimeters from the mat, I'm still fighting.  Am I like Jacob?  Do I need to be knocked out-of-joint before I change?

In some ways, I do feel like Jacob.  I know that I am refusing to let go until God blesses me.

I'm clinging to His heel in desperation, crying out from the depths of my heart:

"Show me Your favor, Lord!"

I am a little stunned by His answer:

"I am."


I'm confused.

How can Your favor come in stressful life situations?  How can Your favor be more pain?

If You love me, how can You want to break me?

Your favor should make me feel good.

Again, His answer surprises me:

"No.  My favor is not about making you feel good, it's about making you righteous."

Hmmm.

I stop and realize, yet again, that I am always trying to fit God into an earthly worldview.  And therefore, favor should be about good feelings in the here-and-now.  But really, God's favor stands outside of this earthly life.  

His favor stands in eternity.

His favor doesn't necessarily give me a "good" life.  

His favor gives me eternal life.

He doesn't show me His favor by necessarily making me feel good.

He shows it by making me righteous.

Like His Son.

And honestly, isn't that what the Christian life is all about?  

A continuing refining and purifying process to make us look like Jesus?

And how on earth (pun intended) can we ever hope to look like Jesus without the painful process of cutting out the sin stuff?

More brokenness.

It's the only way sin-stained me can be sanctified.


I looked up the word brokenness in the dictionary.  These three definitions made me think about my faith journey:

No longer in one piece or working order – yes, this sums it up for me.  I do feel like I've broken into a million pieces.  I've no longer *got it together.* I am not working like I want to, for my life is out of order.

Having given up all hope; despairing – yes, this is how I often feel.  Too tired to fight anymore, too tired to care.

Having an uneven and rough surface – oh yes, the rough edges that I hate within myself.  The cloudy reflection I am of Jesus.  The bumps and gnarls and knots of this poor little offshoot branch of The Vine.  


I am broken, and yet, still in desperate need of breaking.

Here the Lord reminds me of the story that He gave me to accompany my year of healing.  The story of the man at the pool of Bethesda.  Crippled by years of infirmity, he has never quite made it to the healing pool of waters.

And when Jesus met him, he made excuses.

Jesus did not immediately heal him.  Rather, He asked the man a rather startling question:

"Do you want to get well?"

Um, yeah.

I wonder, though.  Why didn't Jesus just heal him?  He'd done that before. Why ask his this seemingly silly question?  Why wouldn't a man who had been crippled for many years want to be healed?

So again, why ask the question?

I think it's because Jesus wanted to stop this man in his tracks.  Wanted him to go beyond the excuses.  Wanted him to let go of frailty and grab onto faith.  He wanted this man to acknowledge within himself that what he wanted he could not provide on his own.

Not just physical healing, but spiritual restoration, too.

The KJV translates the question like this:

"Wilt thou be made whole?"

And here, I ponder what Jesus is saying to me.

"Do you want to feel better…or do you want to be made whole?"

And my answer is not so simple anymore.  Am I willing to undergo the process of being made whole?  A process that will involve brokenness and pain as I continue to die to myself, and lay aside my comfort for a commitment to following The One?

Am I willing to pay the cost of discipleship?


Jesus said that He came to call those who knew they were sinners.

For only sinners know of their desperate need for a Savior.

Am I willing to admit that I need Him?  Will I put aside my excuses?  Will I open myself up even more to His healing hands?

Even if it means more brokenness?


Wilt I be made whole?

Dearest Lord, yes, I want to be well.

Give me the courage to go through what it takes…






My reaction to the
impending bills...


And please notice
my lovely silver fillings.


Oh Lord, give me strength for the journey!!



"[Jesus said]: 'Healthy people don't need a doctor – sick people do.  I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.'" (Mark 2:17, NLT)

"When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, 'Do you want to get well?'" 
(John 5:6, NIV)

"'Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.  For which one of you...does not first sit down and calculate the cost...'" (Luke 14:27-28, NASB)

"Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone desires to be My disciple, let him deny himself [disregard, lose sight of, and forget himself and his own interests] and take up his cross and follow Me [cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying, also].  For whoever is bent on saving his [temporal] life [his comfort and security here] shall lose it [eternal life]; and whoever loses his life [his comfort and security here] for My sake shall find it [life everlasting].'" (Matthew 16:24-25, AMP)

"'I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence.  In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]!  For I have overcome the world.  [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]'" (John 16:33, AMP)

"'Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.'" 
(John 14:27, NIV)

"When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn." 
(Psalm 142:3, NLT)


"'As for you, follow me.'" (John 21:22, NLT)



Are you willing to be broken in order to be made whole?



Linked with:

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BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

49 comments:

  1. It always comes as a surprise to me when I pray for something and see the way the prayers are answered... you said it perfectly:

    "I thought God was going to GIVE me joy, instead He TAUGHT me joy."

    God uses all of life, teeth included, to TEACH us and shape us. He doesn't just zap JOY or HEALING on any of those things we desire - He changes us as we go THROUGH them. This is such a great lesson Sharon and yo say it so clearly. I'm left smiling, not about your "stupid teeth", but at how we all react, and then how God changes us in the very ways we need, but very seldom in the way we would choose.

    Great blog!

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  2. So sorry about your mouth problems, Sharon. Our pastor just finished up a series about Joseph and how to live the resilient life. He said we need to remember when we are going through difficult times and problems that God is shaping us to be more like Jesus. Made me think when you were mentioning healing that it would not necessarily a physical healing but a spiritual one leading you to be more like Jesus. We live so temporary that we always think physical, but Jesus of course wants us to think eternity. I try to remember with money that "its just money" and remember how faithful God has been always meeting our needs, he'll do the same for you :)

    betty

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  3. I have seven crowns in my mouth all because the old fillings finally cracked the enamel in the original tooth, so I really, really feel your pain, Sharon! How you've woven this predicament into how God wishes you to be is nothing short of inspiring, though. You've demonstrated that lemons can be turned into lemonade with the Lord's help. Thank you for this mighty reflection, my friend. Blessings!

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  4. Oh...there is nothing I despise anymore than going to the dentist! Fortunately, I have been blessed with pretty healthy teeth and gums so far. By the way, GREAT PIC...lol! What would my answer be to your question? Well, whether I want to or not (which I don't), I have to be willing. I already have been broken many times and I know there will be more to come before it's all over. I think that the same way our sanctification is a process, so is the process of being broken...it doesn't all happen at once and then we are done...it happens over our lifetimes. Thank you for this reminder, my sweet friend. Better days are ahead, I just know it!

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  5. Oh Sharon ... I am so with ya' on "stupid teeth" or gums or both ... and all the impending problems of aging ... yet how absolutely spot on as regards so much about our "healing" and brokenness. Seems like you and I, both have this same dialogue with God. The difference is I believe half my mouth is crowns already and someone is pushing me to get dentures already (here) and I am so bad about pain and anything medical here in what I consider not so hygienically safe (even if it looks it and many come here for less expensive dental care). However, you definitely inspired me about our brokenness and God's favor. Always the most profound lessons come from you, even in the midst of piling up many of life's circumstances that seem like "enough" already. I would agree with you. So I am awfully sorry for all that's being asked (dumped) on you. I will continue to pray for
    healing and God's favor in all (especially the feeling and the pain) but also the finances and timing. You certainly have the knack to apply these life problems to our spiritual and Jesus' healing process of our sanctification and transformation.
    Most of us tend to see the enemy's pursuit more than what God might be doing. The sermon this weekend for me was also from your healing story of the one wanting to be made well or whole. And the question presented to us: how much do we want to be made well? "How bad do you want it?" Honestly Sharon ... sometimes I'd have to admit that I'm not living like I should and I'm not quite sure that I want it bad enough ... like to suffer this or endure that ... like we're seeing other Christians being persecuted. Oh yeah, I want eternal life and God's best for me and my loved ones, but most of the time, I take for granted so much and how much we have been blessed and given and saved from ... yet to suffer like Jesus or like when He told His disciples, etc. to leave it all and follow Him NOW ... no, wrapping up loose ends or saying goodbye or packing some necessities just come (as you are) and obey me (right now). Often choices are easy but some of life's decisions and choices just aren't and living a real Christian life, is not as simple as we're convinced (especially in the North American Church). Teeth and gums and pain are some tough life root problems and my, the difficulty in aging and living for Jesus brings healing to those root areas in our lives that definitely need the hard, invasive work to be well and whole ... and we may cry out that we want to be whole but often we aren't ready to bear what it takes: pain, passion, pursuit ... pulling out the old and providing us with the new. I can't answer your question because it's one that I keep asking myself over and over, having seen and gone through brokenness, not quite strong enough as you point out (exhausted) to handle anymore, feeling beyond 'enough' yet knowing that He is in control, He will give me strength if I surrender and trust, He gives us a way of escape (really), He promises better days ahead, His Word has many promises for us and He never lies, He can't ... can I deny myself? can I forget any excuse? can I obey even when it isn't simple? can I trust completely? can I surrender everything? am I willing to say "anything" Lord? Well, this is yet to be determined (maybe part of the result of this 8 week study of "Anything" launching with the Live Event today).

    I'll be praying for us and our teeth! I love your 'silver' horror photo!
    Love, hugs and prayers with many blessings and God's favor still,
    ~Peggy

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  6. You are going through so many rough things and now your tooth and gum problem on top of it. I hope the dental problems will be quickly solved. Your words are thought provoking, and a favorite Scripture of mine applies to us all: "For I will restore your health to you and I will heal your wounds, says the Lord." Jeremiah 30:17.

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  7. Thank you for this "healthy" dose of truth today on #Lifegivinglinkup! So full of Scripture and truth. I'm sorry about your teeth, WOW. You still have your sense of humor though - that picture says it all! Interesting your choice of words and the outcome both years - next year I say maybe go for "sickness" or "unhappiness", and maybe things will take a turn for the better...? Idk.
    Anyhoo, I'm your neighbor today. Hang in there, Sharon!

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  8. I love your honesty and humor, Sharon. You include these two things in every post you write, no matter what the topic. You are open about wrestling with what God is up to, yet understand that we (humans) are not always capable of understanding God's ways. I'm praying that this whole ordeal is so much less involved that you anticipate. Hang in there!

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  9. Sharon, this was us last year when the dentist gave Tom his diagnosis and cost estimate. I really sympathize with you; it's shocking. You're right, wholeness is promised us - that's what the word "Peace" means Shalom in Hebrew. Are you going to have your repairs done here or considering Mexico? My prayers and love to you, girlfriend.

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  10. Oh Sharon, I think Our Lord is and has been leading us on a similiar path for some time now. I never seem to feel 100% fit physically, mentally or spiritually these days and it is starting to exhaust me. I think my word was endurance, hmm seems apt, I know I have a lot to learn, as I said to my daughter a few hours ago, I just don't know what is going on at the moment on many counts, but I guess God does. - God Bless and Keep You and give you peace in all your pains and stresses.

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  11. Oh, teeth! Teeth, toes, and fingernails hurt or needing attention cause me to crumble from the capable, confident woman to the crushed kiddo crawling away...

    I LOVE this! and fell in love with your writing and humor, Sharon. Please share at DanceWithJesus Linkup at SusanBMead.com/just-like-eve-linkup/

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  12. I feel your pain. We have had some real set backs in our family and a few continuing problems that we have pleaded with God over. There seems to be no answer forthcoming. I hold on with my finger tips. Maybe it is time to let go and let God. Thanks so much for sharing this heart felt post. Visiting from Sharing His Beauty.

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  13. Oh Sharon that photo is priceless my dear! Isn't it funny (not in a laughing sort of way) how we can get all excited about the promises we get from God. Yet, He never quite goes about fulfilling them quite the way dreamed in our our heads. I sure hope the expense is much less than you expect.

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  14. Oh, wow Sharon. So sorry! Great photo with the perfect expression. I'm heading to the dentist soon myself....least favorite place to go.

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  15. Awesome image! Yikes! - Like your pictures and the way you write with such clarity - you are an inspiration and it is so good to see you sharing your story! Keep up the great work, we appreciate it!

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  16. That is a tough lesson. Sometimes (ok, often nearing on ALWAYS) I want God to judt take the pain away and make me feel better. The Lord is our comforter but that doesn't mean He's going to make all the bad stuff go away.

    I really appreciate you sharing your experience. I wonder what God wants me to learn out of my pain? Now that's a better question than my usual 'Why are you doing this? Why are you letting me suffer??' Food for thought indeed.

    God bless you Sharon. I pray that God will pull you through, hopefully not kicking and screaming ;)

    #SDGGathering

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  17. Oh, Sharon, I can so relate to what you are saying here. I love your humor. It really helps to lighten the burden of some very weighty truths.

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  18. Girl that pic caught my eye! Healing truly does encompass our entire being. And most of the time, it seems it's not fun. You made me laugh today at your humorous, beautiful way of reminding me that God does things different than me. ~your neighbor at Holly's place.

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  19. Hi, Sharon, I can so relate! I love this: Being broken means being yielded. Break me to pieces, God, but no, really, You don't have to. Thank you for sharing about your tooth and everything else. May He break us and use us all for His glory. Thank you for sharing!

    Christina Hubbard
    www.creativeandfree.com

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  20. Sharon, I feel your pain...similar situation with my gums, dentist, fees, etc. Keeping my eyes of Jesus, as the things of earth (drills, picks, other dental tools, and dollar bills) fade away...many blessings to you in the process...here's a scripture for us...Habakkuk 2:3Living Bible (TLB) But these things I plan won’t happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!

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  21. Oh, dear friend! I am so sorry things have been so hard for you lately. I am praying for you often! Thank you for sharing your precious heart with us here...I love the thoughts Jesus is sharing with you. The lessons He is teaching you are teaching us, too. I hate knowing your battles are so intense, but I look forward to the spiritual gold nuggets you have yet to glean and share with us! I'm here for you and believing with you for great results! God will make a way where is no way. Love you!!

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  22. Sharon, I can relate. I just had a crown done. And next week I go in for four cavities! Yikes! Thank you for sharing. Blessings to you.

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  23. I have those darn silver fillings to. Have had a few issues with them too. Crowns, etc. It seems even when you take care of your teeth, that old "age" thing always pops up. Can relate to this whole post. So glad I clicked on. God is good though through it all. From Waiting on Wednesday and Tuesday Talk.

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  24. Oh, Sharon! I'm so sorry you're dealing with blow after blow, but I am so thankful that we serve a God who knows when enough is enough and you can trust that you'll never be taken beyond that point. You can also trust, as you've already discovered, that He is faithful to bring good from even these trying times. Isaiah 45:3 is one of my favorite scriptures for times such as this. He really does give us treasures that can only be found in dark places so that we may know that He is God.
    When I was diagnosed with cancer years ago (only months after the healing of my youngest son who'd suffered for years from a debilitating illness, weeks after the hospitalization of another son for salmonella poisoning, and days after the unexpected death of my mother-in-law) I discovered that the lice (yes, lice!) that one of the kids had picked up somewhere was back AGAIN after weeks of treatment and, quite honestly, those stupid little bugs where THE straw that threatened to break the camel's back. In utter despair I cried out to God, "Really, God??!! Really? I canNOT take anymore! If you're not gonna heal the cancer, could you at least kill the lice?!" And He did. It was the last lice I saw. A cancer healing would have been nice, but looking back I can see His hand in that journey and He knew when enough was enough.
    Stay strong, sister. Keep leaning hard into Him. You'll look back and be amazed at what He accomplishes in and through you as come out on the other side of this brokenness.
    Thanks for linking up with us at Coffee and Conversation. I also enjoy reading your posts. :)

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  25. Sharon, your mouth picture cracks me up! I love this: "I thought God was going to GIVE me joy, instead He TAUGHT me joy." And this: "Healing is not necessarily about feeling better, it's all about becoming well." I feel like I am in the same place as you for different reasons. This really spoke to me. I thought God was done letting me break and putting me back together again in 2008 when I almost took my own life. I didn't know His refining process is really sanctification throughout our lives, and brokenness is where we actually keep talking and listening to and for Him. Well done!

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  26. Sharon, beside you at Women With Intention. Love your attitude and the way you took it all to Jesus and then listened for what He would say to you. Powerful are His words and what He is doing in you. He will give you grace and provide the way.

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  27. "If You love me, how can You want to break me?

    Your favor should make me feel good.

    Again, His answer surprises me:

    "No. My favor is not about making you feel good, it's about making you righteous.""

    This! Right there! YES! God is much more concerned with our character than our comfort. But thank God for that! His mercy and His grace is overwhelming. Thanks for sharing, Sharon! Glad I stopped by from the Women with Intention Link Up.

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  28. You have some serious wisdom, sister. And we know Where it comes from. I appreciate your life lessons and how God is teaching and refining you from the inside out.

    I've sworn off popcorn… since one of my teeth that is filled with silver fillings, that look eerily like yours, cracked from a kernel. Welcome to the world of crowns.

    Yours sounds much worse. Praying for you, Sharon. Thanks for the life lessons, sister.

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  29. wow! My socks have been blessed! Thank you for sharing honestly! "Show me Your favor, Lord!"

    I am a little stunned by His answer:

    "I am."

    Loved it so much! Stopping by from Reflect!
    I'm confused.

    How can Your favor come in stressful life situations? How can Your favor be more pain?

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  30. Great post!!!! Thank you for putting your wrestling into words. Totally inspiring.

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  31. Wow - truly beautiful reflection! I'm definitely thinking a little more about what "healing" means to me, and what it means in my own spiritual life. Thank you for this!

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  32. Making lemonade out of lemons - thank you for sharing!

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  33. I love the picture. It kind of sums (or gums) it all up! May your breaking be an abundant time of learning and resulting joy. Cheering you on from the #RaRalinkup on Purposeful Faith.

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  34. It doesn't always feel good in the moment, but God makes it -- whatever our struggle is -- worth it. He doesn't waste anything. Thanks for that reminder. And thanks for linking up at #ThreeWordWednesday.

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  35. There's a difference between being exhausted (which I am) and being broken (which I am re-thinking).

    Being broken means being yielded.

    This post steps on my toes for I find myself often not yielded which means I am hard to live with, moody, frustrated, short tempered and just not nice. It's interesting to me how I can say I am broken but really in my heart of hearts I am still fighting for control of whatever seems to be controlling my life. It could be teeth, a big toe infected which was my case just recently, then another infection followed that because of the meds...then...well I won't rant anymore but you get it. Finally I just have to say, bring it on God, I know I need to be broken, have your way with me and then wait and always I love the after math of broken..it's sweet, mind clearing, heart cleaning and excitement can once again flow through me. Great post Sharon...will be praying...

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  36. Oh yes our teeth are something you want to keep as long as you can. Do get a crown if your budget can handle it. I go tomorrow for an implant (the first step.) Fortunately I can handle pain fairly well, but infection is something you do NOT want in your mouth. I love the way you took all this brokenness and pain and turned it into healing and allowing God to make us whole how ever it fits into His plan. You are a survivor and this pain shall pass. Thank you for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story.

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  37. My sweet friend, just the fact that you are wrestling tells me that you are going to be okay. God will bless you, He will heal you, all according to His perfect will, which is not always clear, or painless, but it's always for our GOOD. I'm so sorry your having to deal with these issues with your mouth. Dental issues are one of the worst. You continue to be in my prayers.

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  38. Dear Sharon, a very important lesson you draw from your eperience. The question "Am I willing to be broken to be made whole?' I am still thinking about the question.
    Thanks for sharing your experience. I pray God grants you the wholeness you desire and the strength too.
    Followed you from fellowship Friday.
    God Bless

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  39. I can relate with all the struggles - when they feel never-ending. My family is suffering through some stuff right now too so this was a fitting post for me to read... It's amazing that through God's grace we can struggle through any thing and he never gives us more than we can handle. We just found out my husband has a disorder that could shorten his life, but he is leaning on God more than I have EVER seen him lean. Blessings for all you struggle with today! I found you at Grace & Truth (and was drawn to your post because of the photo :)

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  40. Perhaps God is also just using to speak into the pain in the lives of others. I needed this today. I'm so sorry for your teeth and all the other things you are enduring. You are so right in all you have said. This year has felt like one great big kick in the shins in my own life. My shins are feeling pretty bruised from repeated "kicks". And they also keep coming. I realized today that I was angry about it. While I know that God could just speak and it would all relent, I also know it isn't likely to go down like that because of the sanctification that it will bring. Still it is hard to keep going through it all. I like your contrast of exhausted and broken. I will think about that.

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  41. I love your transparency. God does care more about transforming us into the image of His Son, then in our temporary comfort, but oh how I can bristle when the trials come!

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  42. Loved your blog. I'm praying for God's strength for you. He will see you through this and yes you will be better for it. Because of His power working in you and for you!

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  43. You are a gifted storyteller. I wish your story had more good news for your teeth but knowing that God has your back even though it doesn't feel like is definitely good news. Barbie and I are blessed to have you as part of The Weekend Brew community.

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  44. Thank you so much for sharing this fantastic post with us at Good Morning Mondays. I always enjoy reading your posts and look out for them. I am so sorry that your teeth are giving you grief and I pray that God will bring you through this. blessings

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  45. Hi Sharon! I think I'm done laughing at that photo you put up...pure terror, and I totally get that. I was just telling my brother that I think my mom didn't drink any milk when she was pregnant with me. My mouth is also a mess. I recently had to be bonded again, because a 'chunk of tooth' decided to secede from the union. Sigh...

    I love the idea of healing as becoming. Not 'all done', but 'on the way'. That makes sense in my life for sure. It's like being by the dike and plugging those holes as they come. They keep coming, but somehow, God helps me plug them with fingers, toes, and whatever else I can find!
    Prayers for healing to you...I know it's going to be okay!
    Ceil

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  46. I literally FEEL YOUR PAIN friend!! I have spent hundreds and hundreds of dollars for dental work and it isn't about to stop yet. I have an appointment this week for Broken Tooth #5...all in the last six months. We don't know if it is medication causing it or what but it is ridiculous. Two root canals so far, three if we go back to a year ago. And the last root canal? Dentist broke a file in the canal and couldn't retrieve it. This is so me!! Story of my life . :( We do not have dental insurance either and it just makes me sick. This week I already know it is a crown. My good news? I have the most wonderful dentist. My pastor's wife works for him and they do not pressure me for money, ever. I only owe $134 right now and will pay that when I go in this week but this one will be ugly.

    I will be praying for you and your pain. Love your picture, your attitude and know that JESUS KNOWS all we go through here on this earth. He might even chuckle about it now and then as I am sure He is smiling at your picture and your fillings ♥

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  47. I will be praying for you. By the way, I just nominated you for the Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award. Visit my blog's latest post to find out more. God bless.

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  48. "Do you want to feel better…or do you want to be made whole?" - WOW! So powerful! Thank you so much for sharing with us at Waiting on...Wednesday! I can always, always count on your posts to make me think and want to love God more! You are so encouraging - even while dealing with pain. I'm so sorry about your teeth. I understand about all the fillings - currently I'm undergoing having all of mine replaced. UGH! Add a fear of the dentist and these multiple appointments have about done me in. Thinking and praying for you. Thank you again for sharing! I hope you'll share with us again this week!

    Holly @ www.iwillservewhileiwait.blogspot.com

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  49. Kudos for even going to the dentist! I have 4 broken fillings I've been ignoring for years because I hate the dentist that much. My teeth don't hurt so I'm ignoring them. Denial and avoidance are my best coping mechanisms.

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"So [I] have been greatly encouraged in the midst of [my] troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives [me] new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How [I] thank God for you!" (1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!

(NOTE: Anonymous comments will be removed. Thank you for understanding.)