God Used a Tick

How God Used a Tick........

 With perfect divine timing, God intervened with a tick and saved me and my new baby Angelina born February 1, 2013.


Not the actual tick.........

We spent many of our summer weekends having picnics and long walks in the park trails- Samuel, Rose and I.  My ipod was filled with countless scenic pictures of  tall forests and peaceful  lakes and we had even become familiar with a duck family that lingered by the pond.  Some afternoons were spent watching the schools of tiny fish in the murky water. We were successful in catching one tiny silver colored fish with a butterfly net.  We were going to bring it home to live in our sea monkey tank but changed our minds- for the sake of the sea monkeys which would surely be consumed by the fish, and also for the fish who would be doomed to a life of solitude in a small container. 

 I was completely oblivious to the unwelcomed souvenir that I brought back with me one Sunday afternoon.  In fact I had not noticed it until it was well over 24 hours later on my commute home from work the following Monday.  Driving home I noticed a  tick attached to my leg! Its deep reddish brown body was engorged with my blood.  The swollen bloodsucker had been feeding for at least 24 hours.  It was the size of a small raisin.  Adrenalin rushed through my body as I plucked it off and stared in shock and disbelief.  Fears of lyme diseased loomed heavily. To add insult to injury I was forced to hold onto the tick because Al wanted to stop the car to release it for fear that if I dropped it in the car, he'd become the next victim.  He quickly pulled the car off the highway to the nearest strip mall parking lot.  Within seconds, in a blur of activity the passenger door was opened and a stealthy hand reached over and quickly flicked the tick from my unsuspecting hand and into the parking lot.  The tick was gone- no where to be seen as it blended with the black pavement.  I was upset as I had wanted to keep the specimen to have it tested for lyme disease.

I went about life as usual.  This tick incident occurred in the aftermath of a late term pregnancy loss and in the context of some physical problems I was experiencing for an unknown period of time.  Coincidently, my symptoms progressed: extreme fatigue, chills, bloating and weight gain as well as intestinal disturbances.  Along with these distressing physical feelings, I just had a generally gloomy and depressed outlook.  I was prone to mood disturbances and lethargy.  Finally I found myself completely bedridden.  I felt as I was living with a looming  fog- mentally and physically.  I assumed I had contracted lyme disease from the tick and that was the cause of the fatigue.  As far as the weight gain, bloating and depression- I just figured it was hormonal imbalances in the aftermath of my loss.  The abdominal and intestine disturbances were common symptoms for colon cancer- but I just dismissed that worry as being overly paranoid.  The depression and  mood problems- I was told was depression- which was to be expected for what I had experienced.

After a few days of physically being unable to get up from the couch I decided to make an appointment with the doctor to look into the possibility of lyme disease.  I was convinced I had it.  I went to a doctor named Debbie, who worked in the same office complex at work and shared my suspicion with her.  She was doubtful of my conclusion, nevertheless took my symptom of fatigue very seriously and apparently tested me for a number of conditions that I didn't know about. From her medical detective work,  I learned that I had an undiagnosed thyroid condition and I was on the brink of thyroid failure.  My underactive thyroid was responsible for the fatigue, and also other seemingly unrelated symptoms such as weight gain, chills, depression, digestive issues and mood swings.  I was also told that untreated thyroid problems could possibly cause pregnancy loss and stillbirth- a possible cause of my late term loss.  This problem was discovered at the perfect time as I was once again about 6 weeks into a new pregnancy.  Without quick treatment I would have gone on to lose my new baby.  I think back to how God intervened at one of the most difficult times of my life, and helped me with an undiagnosed thyroid condition by an unexpected means.  I cannot say with any certainty how long I had my thyroid condition.  But it is more than likely, if left undetected and untreated it would have caused another pregnancy loss or stillbirth.  With perfect divine timing, God intervened with a tick and saved me and my new baby Angelina born February 1, 2013.































I remember my nine months expecting Angelina were filled with anxiety and worry about anything that could have gone wrong.  I feel like parent in the account of Mark, chapter 9- when he asked Jesus for healing for his child.  Jesus replied back to him- "'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." And immediately after the parent responded with "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"  I was like the doubting Israelites in Exodus with short memories and bad tempers who one moment saw first hand the miracle of God parting the Red Sea and tasted the Manna from heaven, yet the next moment complaining and bellyaching and then crafting false idols from gold to worship.  I did minimal preparing in advance for her birth.  I waited until the end to get all the things she needed and if it weren't for Al's insistence who took the initiative, I wouldn't have had anything prepared in advance.


I wonder how Angelina will start her autobiography when the time comes. Will it begin with something like this.....

I AM BORN

Whether I shall turn out to be the hero of my own life, or whether
that station will be held by anybody else, only time will show.
To begin my life with the beginning of my life, I record that I was
born (as I have been informed and believe) one freezing cold afternoon, at 2:38.
Before I even emerged, it  was remarked that my outstretched left arm groped for the daylight
and I began to cry, simultaneously....... and as for the rest, the end remains to be written.

As far as a baby book or a scrapbook with hospital bands, belly pics and sonogram photos? I don't believe I have one. If I do, I know I have never seen it.    My sister Rose and brother Samuel have their own pregnancy journals and first year calendars that chronicle their nine months of development as well as their first years!  I found an entire stash of books, notebooks  and little trinkets commemorating their births in a dusty old trunk.  There was even a small bow covered box dedicated to a sister who was born too early and never lived.  The only recorded memories specifically for me are a few scribbled sentences and blurry sonogram prints hastily included in the pages of her memorial book on a shelf behind glass.  ....

One Glorious Ambition by Jane Kirkpatrick

One Glorious Ambition: The Compassionate Crusade of Dorothea Dix  by Jane Kirkpatrick is a novel about a strong independent woman in the 1800s who makes it her life's mission to fight for the rights of the sick and imprisoned.  As with Jane Kirkpatrick's other works, this novel features a strong, self sufficient woman in the context of a specific historical period.  In contrast to the common expectation of seeking out a mate to marry and have children, her novels feature women who reject the social expectations in favor of an independent life with purpose. 

Dorothea Dix, the heroine of the story struggles as a child with an abusive father and neglectful mother.  In an effort to seek a better life for a younger brother, she leaves her childhood home.  At the age of 12 her independent journey towards self sufficiency begins.  Her strong biblical morals and faith lead her to set aside worldly goals of marriage, and wealth in exchange for an ongoing mission to help those less fortunate.  This book is in striking contrast to the genre of Christian fiction written for  women that focuses on a young woman's plight to find a man to marry.   For those readers that enjoy classics such as Jane Eyre, this book is a modern novel in a similar tradition.

This book is like two books merged in one.  While the first half is more of a novel focusing on the life and struggles of Dorothea, the second half of the book focuses on her reforming efforts in specific detail.  There are references to historical political figures and events that give historical realism to this book.  The second half of the book is like an auto biography that focuses on more specific details of her life and mission.  This epic novel covers an entire lifetime, starting with Dorothea at age 12, and continuing on to her mid 40s and beyond.  The reader can truly follow the events of her lifetime.  Her glorious ambition refers to her motive of helping others- a common theme throughout her entire lifetime.  In fact she forsakes marriage, children and wealth in order to help others.  The reader may wonder about such a strong woman who is willing to sacrifice her entire life. 
As a blogger for WaterBrook publishers I received a copy of this book for the purpose of writing this review.

Unglued Devotional

Unglued Devotional: 60 Days of Imperfect progress by Lysa Terkeurst is a new pocket sized 60 day devotional book based on the author's original book Unglued.  Regardless of whether you read the original book, Unglued, this independent devotional book can be appreciated and enjoyed.  Over the course of 60 days, the author sets realistic goals and offers practical biblical advice for the modern woman in today's world. 

Terkeurst's personal and friendly conversational tone is certain to draw in many readers.  To her credit, she acknowledges that women face different circumstances and are in different phases of life.  Her audience is broad and includes mothers, wives, grandmothers, and independent career women, students and singles. She also recognizes the variety of experiences women face- ranging from the trivial day to day issues to intense pain and grief.  I believe it is important that she recognize the varied life circumstances so as not to alienate a large portion of the female readership.

 Nevertheless as the devotional days progress, the reader find that Terkeurst draws heavily on her own personal experience and anecdotes.  While this is not a problem of course,  this may alienate some readers whose personal or financial lives are less than ideal- as these readers may not be able to relate to her circumstances or stories. The reader finds the author's life is heavily into modern, worldly convenience and commercialism. The backdrop for many of the daily reading and lessons are based on her family anecdotes and personal stories.  For example, married upperclass mothers will certainly be able to relate to the holiday shopping at 3am and the embarrassment of having a credit card declined due to a bank error.  There will be a host of readers nevertheless who cannot relate.  For example, readers who are too impoverished to be able to holiday shop and don't have the luxury of dining out after a hectic day of intense shopping.   For them, humiliation comes in the form of ragged clothing, broken down cars, and not being able to buy their children Christmas gifts as the worldly society dictates.  She also makes reference to her pastor's wife, Holly, who "loves her fashion" and is heavily into fashion magazines.  Personally I feel that is a major flaw to be so into worldly commercialism.  A brief glance at any fashion magazine shows hedonistic images of greedy, materialistic women in expensive, luxurious clothing and jewelry. The bible admonishes to build our treasures in heaven and not on earth. To me that is a misplaced priority especially for a pastors wife! What believer has any business in reading spiritually devoid fashion magazines that celebrate every manner and form of greed, explicit sin and pride and wealth. 

To the author's credit, she is aware of the fact that many of the issues she faces aren't really hardships and they do not even begin to compare to the hardships and grief that many women in the world face.  This gives the author an attitude of thankfulness and appreciation that everyone would do well to emulate. If you can get past the author's references about her carefree, and comfortable personal world view, you will find some meaningful and relevant spiritual  lessons.  For example, the author shared her dissapointment and anger to find that her special jewelry was suddenly gone from its drawer! Apparently it had been robbed, but rather than react with anger or despair, she purposely refocused to direct her thoughts on everything she had to be thankful for. Such a reaction took faith and dependence on God. 
Personally I feel this book is a perfect outreach in order to draw in the modern middleclass- upperclass woman to integrating biblical principles into her day.  This book teaches an attitude of thankfulness and appreciation- traits that are often overlooked in modern privileged society. The bible says that it is harder for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven than it is for a camel to crawl through the eye of a needle!  Oftentimes, its upperclass privileged society that needs to hear the gospel too as often their financial stability and prosperity erroneously lead them to believe that they do not need God in their lives.   In general, I feel this is an empowering book as it addresses the special and unique emotional needs of women.  Any reader who meditates on the author's messgaes will find better coping techniques in accordance with biblical teaching.
As a blogger  for Booksneeze I received this book from Zondervan publishers for the purpose of writing this review,

World Literature by James Stobaugh

World Literature by James Stobaugh published by Master Books, is a fully illustrated literature text for high school students. The most accurate first impression is that this book is a hybrid mix between a philosophy and literature text.  There is quite a bit of emphasis on various world religious texts and philosophical development with a small sampling of fiction literature. This book is one of a series of a thorough alternative high school home school studies curriculum.   The quality presentation of this book rivals that of many popular public school texts.  This is the conservative answer to all those revisionist, liberal revision of history that are disguised as text books that are so common in public schools and colleges today.  The Teacher's text is formatted for a three ring binder and basically contains work sheets and activities to supplement the student text.  I believe that teacher's text can serve as a student work book as well. 

The ambitious  title- World Literature,  in of itself is rather broad- encompassing the whole of world philosophical thought and written works  from the ancient times to the modern day. Historical events, as well as cultural and social events are captured in the context of literature and religious works.  The text begins with the Epic of Gilgamesh of Mesopotamia and a sampling of excerpts of other ancient writings.   Integrated within the coverage of widely known historical facts are biblical stories as well.  There is a focus on biblical personalities and writings in the context of world events and geographic locations.  This course is like a comparative literature course where the student is urged to compare and contrast ancient works with the biblical accounts of the bible.  For example, ancient world accounts of a world wide flood are compared and contrasted with the Genesis account.  This gives the student a comprehensive view of history and literature in its entirety!  Culturally relevant artwork, archeological sites and historical figures are photographed as well.  The information is presented in an easy to read magazine article type of format in contrast to large passages of bland text.  Basically the student can pick up this book starting with any lesson within any chapter. 
Aside from the recognition that for many, homeschooling is not an option- The book is complete with photographs, charts and other visual material- just as any other  text. It would make a good supplement to any public school curriculum. As a sampler of various works- it is not an exhaustive account of world literature.  In fact the book offers additional reading suggestions for a more rounded approach.  Additionally, the focus is heavily concerned with religious writings and works.  With a BS in History, I greatly appreciated the perspective of this book and the recognition that history and literature is not all about relativism, but there are morals and absolutes in life and history as well.  The only downside to this book is that all the photos and graphics are in black and white and not color.  Instead of the glossy full color pages that one would expect from a modern text, this book is in black and white- which is the only downside.  There is also a use of less formal slang language that is used by the author.  An example of this is found on page 12, when  the author states that Gilgamesh is a "selfish self-centered prig".    As a blogger for New Leaf publishers I received this book, published by Master Books for the purpose of writing this review.

Next Door Savior by Max Lucado

Next Door Savior - Near Enough to Touch Strong Enough to Trust By Max Lucado is among the most uplifting books that I have recently read. In true Lucado fashion, Max writes in an animated, easy to understand style that communicates biblical truths to the reader. His books bring bible stories and biblical truth to life in an inspirational way that speaks out to the reader.  His analogies are very relevant and simple to understand words, he expressed the warped priorities of our society where the speitiual insignificant such as physical beauty and sucess is valued while the dignity of human lived is considered worthless.

His words speak to everyone... "Catch God in a bad mood? Won't happen. Fear exhausting his grace? A sardine will swallow the Atlantic first. Think he's given up on you?" ..... Lucado's use of colorful language and his conversational tone, make it so that biblical truths are memorable and meaningful to the average modern reader. The text makes it easy to visualize biblical truth in a whole new way.  True to life dialog brings the gospel message and its heros to life.  The gospel message is made personal and relevant.  You need not be a theologen, educated in an expensive seminary or college to understand Max Lucado's books.
This inspirational book will be certain to leave the reader with a lasting impression. In today's self centered society, without offense Max Lucado illustrates the importance of living life based on biblical principles. Lucado illustrates with clarity the sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf.  In real life words he explains the significance of Jesus' diety- as God in human flesh.  In vivid detail, he makes clear, in everyday words and language, the significance of Jesus' life and death for us.  After reading this book, and really meditating on the biblical truths communicated via Max Lucado, one can feel a renewed sense of empowerment to live a selfless life style. Max makes use of personal anecdotes as well as bible stories to illiustrate the importance of depending on God rather than on the material things of this world. If you are a theologen, looking for an apologetic defense on the purpose of depending on God then this book isn't for you. But, if on the other hand you are simply looking for bible based motivation and a relief in a world that takes pride in materialism, selfish ambition and competition, then this book is perfect. Difficult biblical concepts such as Jesus being God in human form, are explained in a way that everyone can appreciate. As a blogger for booksneeze, I receive books from Thomas Nelson publishers in exchange for writing an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Unglued Devotional by Lysa Terkeurst

Unglued Devotional: 60 Days of Imperfect progress by Lysa Terkeurst is a new pocket sized 60 day devotional book based on the author's original book Unglued.  Regardless of whether you read the original book, Unglued, this independent devotional book can be appreciated and enjoyed.  Over the course of 60 days, the author sets realistic goals and offers practical biblical advice for the modern woman in today's world. 

Terkeurst's personal and friendly conversational tone is certain to draw in many readers.  To her credit, she acknowledges that women face different circumstances and are in different phases of life.  Her audience is broad and includes mothers, wives, grandmothers, and independent career women, students and singles. She also recognizes the variety of experiences women face- ranging from the trivial day to day issues to intense pain and grief.  I believe it is important that she recognize the varied life circumstances so as not to alienate a large portion of the female readership.

 Nevertheless as the devotional days progress, the reader find that Terkeurst draws heavily on her own personal experience and anecdotes.  While this is not a problem of course,  this may alienate some readers whose personal or financial lives are less than ideal- as these readers may not be able to relate to her circumstances or stories. The reader finds the author's life is heavily into modern, worldly convenience and commercialism. The backdrop for many of the daily reading and lessons are based on her family anecdotes and personal stories.  For example, married upperclass mothers will certainly be able to relate to the holiday shopping at 3am and the embarrassment of having a credit card declined due to a bank error.  There will be a host of readers nevertheless who cannot relate.  For example, readers who are too impoverished to be able to holiday shop and don't have the luxury of dining out after a hectic day of intense shopping.   For them, humiliation comes in the form of ragged clothing, broken down cars, and not being able to buy their children Christmas gifts as the worldly society dictates.  She also makes reference to her pastor's wife, Holly, who "loves her fashion" and is heavily into fashion magazines.  Personally I feel that is a major flaw to be so into worldly commercialism.  A brief glance at any fashion magazine shows hedonistic images of greedy, materialistic women in expensive, luxurious clothing and jewelry. The bible admonishes to build our treasures in heaven and not on earth. To me that is a misplaced priority especially for a pastors wife! What believer has any business in reading spiritually devoid fashion magazines that celebrate every manner and form of greed, explicit sin and pride and wealth. 

To the author's credit, she is aware of the fact that many of the issues she faces aren't really hardships and they do not even begin to compare to the hardships and grief that many women in the world face.  This gives the author an attitude of thankfulness and appreciation that everyone would do well to emulate. If you can get past the author's references about her carefree, and comfortable personal world view, you will find some meaningful and relevant spiritual  lessons.  For example, the author shared her dissapointment and anger to find that her special jewelry was suddenly gone from its drawer! Apparently it had been robbed, but rather than react with anger or despair, she purposely refocused to direct her thoughts on everything she had to be thankful for. Such a reaction took faith and dependence on God. 
Personally I feel this book is a perfect outreach in order to draw in the modern middleclass- upperclass woman to integrating biblical principles into her day.  This book teaches an attitude of thankfulness and appreciation- traits that are often overlooked in modern privileged society. The bible says that it is harder for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven than it is for a camel to crawl through the eye of a needle!  Oftentimes, its upperclass privileged society that needs to hear the gospel too as often their financial stability and prosperity erroneously lead them to believe that they do not need God in their lives.   In general, I feel this is an empowering book as it addresses the special and unique emotional needs of women.  Any reader who meditates on the author's messgaes will find better coping techniques in accordance with biblical teaching.
As a blogger I received this book from Zondervan publishers for the purpose of writing this review,

Crossroads: Inside Callisto by Matthew M DeGennaro

 Crossroads: Inside Callisto by Matthew M DeGennaro is a unique fiction novel incorporating a blend of mystical new age philosophies and science fiction.  DeGennaro has created his own hybrid fiction genre- in which he incorporates his philosophical views within the context of a science fiction-drama.  There is an eclectic mix of characters  and events including  time travel, aliens, gypsies, as well as esoteric new age and religious  philosophies.

The story centers around the  main hero, Angelo, who is himself an eccentric middle aged man who miraculously and supernaturally escaped death twice as a child.  Coincidently, he meets up with an odd gypsy named "Pop", who foretells his future death- which will occur in two weeks.  Pop is a supernatural guide throughout Angelo's personal journey. He has supernatural powers that guide Angelo throughout the story- he is like a personal counselor and angel rolled into one character.  Face to face with his impending death, Angelo experiences a series of unusual adventures as well as philosophical and mystical searching as to the purpose of life and concepts such as free will.

The chapters are short and filled with fast paced dialog.   At first in the first chapters it is vague as to whether the story is told in the first person point of view from Angelo's stand point or  the third person. Apparently, the point of view alternates between chapters. This might prove to be confusing for some readers although it gives it an omnipotent touch.    There are also many scene and time changes throughout the book- nothing remains constant.  For example in the opening scene its 1990 and the next chapter opens in the 1960s. This follows through with the theme of one's life flashing before his eyes before death.  If the reader can keep up with the constant fast paced setting and time changes,  and eclectic adventures, the author's philosophical beliefs are unraveled through the character, Angelo.  The reader is drawn to find out what happens at the end of this suspense piece of fiction.  As a blogger I received a copy of this book for the purpose of writing this review.

Live Second- another day- Enslaved

Live Second- another day- Enslaved


Decaying, putrefied flesh, dead necrotic tissue, dangling gangrene infested limbs.... glassy, foggy lifeless orbits, devoid of life- a cold, pungent corpse is apparently is re-animated by an unknown force or biological drive.......
The undead, otherwise known as zombies,  are everywhere: books, TV, film and anywhere else you can imagine in popular culture. 



The Physiology of the Zombie:

The introduction of  tainted biological fluid must contaminate the host victim.  Most commonly the initial contamination is introduced by means of a flesh wound such as that which may come from a bite or scratch from a infected individual.  Contamination  rarely occurs in the healthcare setting, but when it does it is usually  inadvertently through a needle stick or contact with bodily fluids during lab testing.  As with any virus or contagious illness, there is a period of incubation in which the victim appears asymptomatic.  Nevertheless, while the person may feel physically healthy on the outside, the contagion works behind the scenes at the cellular level creating havoc in the body's systems.

The very first initial symptom appears to be an elevated temperature as the body attempts to fight off infection. This is reflected in a fever- mild at first. The fever does not respond to medication.  Lymph glands may be swollen and  tender to the touch.  Ironically, though the body gives the appearance of  having a cold or flu, instead of the usual fatigue and lethargy that accompanies the flu, the individual may experience an increase in energy.  The metabolism is elevated as the thyroid works harder to fight the illness. Blood pressure increases as well as the heart rate.  Respiration becomes more rapid. The body's  attempt to thwart the contagion is unsuccessful.   This may give the affected individual an initial burst of energy, deceptively it may appear as if the patient is on the recovery as the metabolism, thyroid and immune system  work in overdrive.  Not long after the early stages of infection, the victim will exhibit symptoms similar to hyperthyroidism.  This will include increased appetite, anxiety, mild aggression, sleeplessness and intolerance to heat.  The mixed set of symptoms that follow the initial fever may mask the extent of internal damage caused by the contagion and often lead to a false diagnosis.

As the contagion   circulates within the bloodstream, all body organs and tissues are eventually affected, from the cellular level to the organ systems.  As the infection spreads, the effect on rapidly dividing cells is the first obvious sign.  Similar to the effects of radiation sickness or chemotherapy  in with the invading contaminant indiscriminately attacks the rapidly regenerating cells: healthy and non healthy alike, the same is true of the contagion. The rapidly dividing cells  of the scalp, mucus membranes and nerves, are the first to succumb to the infection as it begins its indiscriminately attack all cells in a similar way.  Hair will become brittle, thin, dull and some loss of hair will occur. Skin cells will become dry, raw and irritated.  Skin will become irritated, cracked and dry.   Mucus membranes lining the mouth, esophagus and stomach will become irritated, raw and slough off- causing irritation and tenderness  at first, and thereafter extreme gastrointestinal discomfort and bleeding.  As the body systems are affected and subsequently destroyed, pain and fatigue will set in.  Nerves will be affected in a similar fashion as ALS.  As the nerves progressively become damaged and die, loss of function is experienced.  This is first observed as a heightened sensitivity in the form of pain, tingling, involuntary twitches and numbness.  As nerves completely die, there is a loss of feeling altogether.  Yet, as opposed to ALS or traditional paralysis from CNS injury, the dying cells and cell tissue actually physically die- they experience cell death and become necrotic- resulting in furthering the infections.  As the body organs and fluids becomes septic, and the toxicity spreads throughout the body,  the body tissues decay giving the characteristic of the typical sterotypical zombie appearance: mottled necrotic skin that is easily bruised, injured and infected.  Internally, the organs cease to function as the cells become necrotic and  die.  Internal bleeding occurs throughout the body and the old, putrefied, congealed, thick, sludge-like black blood and dead cells is eliminated by the body from every orifice imaginable as wastes.  The slick, putrefied mix of wastes gives the zombie its characteristic decayed odor and disheveled, unclean appearance.

Needless to say, the brain does not escape damage from infection.  Apparently the higher functions of the brain are the first to experience the effects of impairment.  Initially the mental impairment is subtle.  Complete memory loss and purposeful  thought is eventually lost as the brain tissue becomes necrotic and shrinks.  Eventually all intentional and purposeful activity and thought is gone, leaving only a fragment of the functioning hind brain.  Mentally the person's capacity is  analogous to a persistent vegetative state, yet the body is inexplicably  animated and continues to physically function by minimum instinct and nerve impulses similar to that exhibited by lower life forms.  As a result, the individual is automated only by a basic instinct and basic physical sparks of electrical impulses.  Clinically and biologically, the person may be defined as alive simply because the brain is functioning at the most basic level.  Nevertheless, it might be argued that such an individual is legally dead in that  brain death has occurred in that there is no possibility of recovery and there is no purposeful brain activity.  An EKG most likely would reveal a flat line. Obviously putrefaction and contamination of the body's organs renders them useless for the purpose of donation.  The senseless aggression and bestial behavior makes the infected a danger to society, and therefore require containment.  The time line of the progression of the illness varies. 

Spirituality of the Living Dead:

A necrotic, shrunken brain- filled with useless, putrefied nonfunctioning brain matter. A stinking mush of dead cells and puss- incapable of thought whatsoever.  Nerve synapses are dead and destroyed.  The head is simply a shell that houses a walnut sized brain stem- functioning with minimal  activity.  Movement is the product of purposeless reflexes, and synaptic pulses guided by basic instinct.  As far as a mind- anything that resembled a personality is long gone.  Just as the body eventually deteriorates, the mind also disintegrates.  As far as the spirit?  The soul?  That no longer exists either.

An argument can be made that the concept of the living dead is nothing new. In fact there are a number of references to the living dead in the bible. ;A passage from Ephesians, a new testament book written by Paul, the apostle, states  "As for you, don't you remember how you used to exist? Corpses, dead in life, buried by transgressions, wandering the course of this perverse world.  You were the offspring of the prince of the power of the air- oh, how he owned you, just as he still controls those living in disobedience.  I'm not talking about outsiders alone; we were all guilty of falling headlong for the persuasive passions of this world; we all have had our fill of indulging the flesh and mind, obeying  impulses to follow perverse thoughts motivated by dark powers.  as a result, our natural inclinations led us to be children of wrath, just like the rest of human kind."  Ephesians 2: 1-3 (the Voice NT).  Zombies- the living dead:  A body, reanimated, disgusting, grotesque and barbaric- alive yet devoid of the essential part that makes it human.  I don't know who hasn't heard of zombies- they are the subject of many horror movies. Ironically many of us are no different from the personification of a zombie- the undead- physically alive, technically, yet dead, spiritually- alive in the form of a body, breathing, walking, existing- yet dead in spirit. Many have  appearance of physical life, that is true, but dead in all that really mattered.

Romans 6:19 explains that we are enslaved. Our hearts can not be trusted.  We are spiritually tainted and corrupt.  The physical putrafication of the zombie is an outward reflection of our spiritual lives. Just as the zombie is enslaved to its mindless bestial instinct so are we all.  Regardless of what we are enslaved to: career, drugs, selfish ambition, money..... it is no better.  Civilization, socialization, or acceptance in the world may validate our pursuits and existence in the eye of the world .  But we must strive to put God first. 

The Physiology and Spirituality of the Living Dead

Decaying, putrefied flesh, dead necrotic tissue, dangling gangrene infested limbs.... glassy, foggy lifeless orbits, devoid of life- a cold, pungent corpse is apparently is re-animated by an unknown force or biological drive.......
The undead, otherwise known as zombies,  are everywhere in popular culture: books, television, and movies.  But, you need not go to the theater to see the living dead- they are closer than you realize...... 



The Physiology of the Zombie:

The introduction of  tainted biological fluid must contaminate the host victim.  Most commonly the initial contamination is introduced by means of a flesh wound such as that which may come from a bite or scratch from a infected individual.  Contamination  rarely occurs in the healthcare setting, but when it does it is usually  inadvertently through a needle stick or contact with bodily fluids during lab testing.  As with any virus or contagious illness, there is a period of incubation in which the victim appears asymptomatic.  Nevertheless, while the person may feel physically healthy on the outside, the contagion works behind the scenes at the cellular level creating havoc in the body's systems.

The very first initial symptom appears to be an elevated temperature as the body attempts to fight off infection. This is reflected in a fever- mild at first. The fever does not respond to medication.  Lymph glands may be swollen and  tender to the touch.  Ironically, though the body gives the appearance of  having a cold or flu, instead of the usual fatigue and lethargy that accompanies the flu, the individual may experience an increase in energy.  The metabolism is elevated as the thyroid works harder to fight the illness. Blood pressure increases as well as the heart rate.  Respiration becomes more rapid. The body's  attempt to thwart the contagion is unsuccessful.   This may give the affected individual an initial burst of energy, deceptively it may appear as if the patient is on the recovery as the metabolism, thyroid and immune system  work in overdrive.  Not long after the early stages of infection, the victim will exhibit symptoms similar to hyperthyroidism.  This will include increased appetite, anxiety, mild aggression, sleeplessness and intolerance to heat.  The mixed set of symptoms that follow the initial fever may mask the extent of internal damage caused by the contagion and often lead to a false diagnosis.

As the contagion   circulates within the bloodstream, all body organs and tissues are eventually affected, from the cellular level to the organ systems.  As the infection spreads, the effect on rapidly dividing cells is the first obvious sign.  Similar to the effects of radiation sickness or chemotherapy  in with the invading contaminant indiscriminately attacks the rapidly regenerating cells: healthy and non healthy alike, the same is true of the contagion. The rapidly dividing cells  of the scalp, mucus membranes and nerves, are the first to succumb to the infection as it begins its indiscriminately attack all cells in a similar way.  Hair will become brittle, thin, dull and some loss of hair will occur. Skin cells will become dry, raw and irritated.  Skin will become irritated, cracked and dry.   Mucus membranes lining the mouth, esophagus and stomach will become irritated, raw and slough off- causing irritation and tenderness  at first, and thereafter extreme gastrointestinal discomfort and bleeding.  As the body systems are affected and subsequently destroyed, pain and fatigue will set in.  Nerves will be affected in a similar fashion as ALS.  As the nerves progressively become damaged and die, loss of function is experienced.  This is first observed as a heightened sensitivity in the form of pain, tingling, involuntary twitches and numbness.  As nerves completely die, there is a loss of feeling altogether.  Yet, as opposed to ALS or traditional paralysis from CNS injury, the dying cells and cell tissue actually physically die- they experience cell death and become necrotic- resulting in furthering the infections.  As the body organs and fluids becomes septic, and the toxicity spreads throughout the body,  the body tissues decay giving the characteristic of the typical sterotypical zombie appearance: mottled necrotic skin that is easily bruised, injured and infected.  Internally, the organs cease to function as the cells become necrotic and  die.  Internal bleeding occurs throughout the body and the old, putrefied, congealed, thick, sludge-like black blood and dead cells is eliminated by the body from every orifice imaginable as wastes.  The slick, putrefied mix of wastes gives the zombie its characteristic decayed odor and disheveled, unclean appearance.

Needless to say, the brain does not escape damage from infection.  Apparently the higher functions of the brain are the first to experience the effects of impairment.  Initially the mental impairment is subtle.  Complete memory loss and purposeful  thought is eventually lost as the brain tissue becomes necrotic and shrinks.  Eventually all intentional and purposeful activity and thought is gone, leaving only a fragment of the functioning hind brain.  Mentally the person's capacity is  analogous to a persistent vegetative state, yet the body is inexplicably  animated and continues to physically function by minimum instinct and nerve impulses similar to that exhibited by lower life forms.  As a result, the individual is automated only by a basic instinct and basic physical sparks of electrical impulses.  Clinically and biologically, the person may be defined as alive simply because the brain is functioning at the most basic level.  Nevertheless, it might be argued that such an individual is legally dead in that  brain death has occurred in that there is no possibility of recovery and there is no purposeful brain activity.  An EKG most likely would reveal a flat line. Obviously putrefaction and contamination of the body's organs renders them useless for the purpose of donation.  The senseless aggression and bestial behavior makes the infected a danger to society, and therefore require containment.  The time line of the progression of the illness varies. 

Spirituality of the Living Dead:

A necrotic, shrunken brain- filled with useless, putrefied nonfunctioning brain matter. A stinking mush of dead cells and puss- incapable of thought whatsoever.  Nerve synapses are dead and destroyed.  The head is simply a shell that houses a walnut sized brain stem- functioning with minimal  activity.  Movement is the product of purposeless reflexes, and synaptic pulses guided by basic instinct.  As far as a mind- anything that resembled a personality is long gone.  Just as the body eventually deteriorates, the mind also disintegrates.  As far as the spirit?  The soul?  That no longer exists either.

An argument can be made that the concept of the living dead is nothing new. In fact there are a number of references to the living dead in the bible. A passage from Ephesians, a new testament book written by Paul, the apostle, states  "As for you, don't you remember how you used to exist? Corpses, dead in life, buried by transgressions, wandering the course of this perverse world.  You were the offspring of the prince of the power of the air- oh, how he owned you, just as he still controls those living in disobedience.  I'm not talking about outsiders alone; we were all guilty of falling headlong for the persuasive passions of this world; we all have had our fill of indulging the flesh and mind, obeying  impulses to follow perverse thoughts motivated by dark powers.  as a result, our natural inclinations led us to be children of wrath, just like the rest of human kind."  Ephesians 2: 1-3 (the Voice NT).

 Zombies- the living dead:  A body, reanimated, disgusting, grotesque and barbaric- alive yet devoid of the essential part that makes it human.  I don't know who hasn't heard of zombies- they are the subject of many horror movies. But to see one of these creatures- look no farther than your own reflection in the bathroom mirror. Ironically many of us are no different from the personification of a zombie- the undead- physically alive, technically, yet dead, spiritually- alive in the form of a body, breathing, walking, existing- yet dead in spirit. Many have  appearance of physical life, that is true, but dead in all that really mattered.

Saved

I used to be among the living dead, until the day I was saved.  No one escapes the weaknesses of being human, not one single one of us is perfect.  No one is without failures, mistakes, pride or selfishness.  We all fall short of God's perfect standard.  The bible is God's book yet regrettably it remains a mysterious, dusty volume collecting dust on most people's bookshelves.  According to the book of Romans in the New Testament of the bible- Romans 6:23, the wages of sin is death. But the good news is that God offers forgiveness for sin.  When we admit that we sin and place our faith in the God of the bible and in his Son Jesus who died for our sins, we can be saved.

Surviving Seventh Grade by Clenn K. Currie

There is a new emerging genre of the first person "journal" or "diary" in the children's and young adult fiction. One notable series is the "Diary of the Wimpy Kid" series in which catoons and a handwritten type of font are used inorder to simulate a kid's journal.  The most common themes center around school and friendships of elementary and middle aged school kids.  Surviving Seventh Grade by Clenn K. Currie is a new book in the first person journal genre. It is a sequel to an earlier book written by the author.  Nevertheless, the reader does not need to read the first book inorder to enjoy this independent story. 

 One notable distinction with Surviving Seventh Grade is that Currie's story gives the reader a glimpse into the past.  The main character is a seventh grade boy who journals about his school experiences in the 1950s.  Some of these experiences are unique to the particular time period and the references will most likely be appreciated by the older generation of parents and grandparanets as well.  For example, what modern kid has never heard of yogurt?  It is now a staple in moden school cafeterias as a side dish with lunch.  Yet, the young hero had never heard of yogurt and had to ask his mother to explain the concept.  Described by the previous generation as "fermented milk" with "bugs" added, it sounds unappealing.  Apparently in the 50s, the cool kids used a type of grease known as "Brylcreem" in their hair.  Modern kids might not understand or remember the reference with the same nostalgia as urrie, but enough explanation in poetry form is included so that the modern reader can enjoy the story.  He also refers to a civics lesson about integration.  The author uses authentic 1950s references that might not be as politically correct today in 2012 as in the 50s.  The seventh grade hero also shares his experiences of universally common topics such as  report cards, Halloween, dances, assignments and the caffeteria that all kids will relate to.  Some topics covered in the book are not appropriate for younger readers such as the entries on bras, kissing and other teenaged health, dating, and relationship related topics.  Parents might want to at least read the book beforehand. 

Another distinction from this book and others in the modern diary genre is the format.  In contrast to identifying each passage or page with a date or day as in the typical journal entry, each page is devoted to a particular topic.  Each topic is written as a piece of poetry with a simple, uncluttered background of "lined" paper.  Other than the cover and introduction, there are no pictures or cartoons in the book to accompany the text.  For some younger, or more more visual readers the lack of cartoons or illustrations might detract from the experience.  However my 12 year-old sat, reading this book cover to cover- she found it very interesting.  I could imagine grandparents who grew up in the 50s getting this book as a gift for their grandchildren- or perhaps secretly enjoying it themselves. I imagine this book book is large part, an  autobiographical account of the author's on experiences during his youth.   I believe this book is probably a cherished part of his own family history that will be passed down to  future generations in the years to come.  As a blogger I recieved this book published by Snap Screen press for the purpose of writing this review. 

Deep Blue Bible for Kids CEB Version

Deep Blue Bible for Kids CEB (Common English Bible) Version is the perfect bible for kids and is marketed for the 7-12 age group.  This bible is the full and complete bible text made available in the easy to read yet accurate Common English Bible translation.  Throughout the bible are full color illustrations and graphics as well as bold headings. The full color, full page illustrations are very impressive. These illustration as well as graphic  features make the bible very inviting for the young reader.  Most likely, anyone younger than 11-12 years of age may have trouble reading the actual text of this bible independently. But that is to be expected with any accurate translation.  In such case, a parent should read to the child. Nevertheless the video game styled graphics and computer generated illustrations will capture the attention of younger readers as well.  Unlike many children's bibles which are simply a collection of stories or excerpts taken from the bible, this is the entire text, therefore a bible that can be used for years of reading and study.  The other extreme are those bible texts that are no different from adult bibles yet claim to be children's bibles because there is a picture on the cover.  Such bibles are a diservice because they contain no graphics do draw in the young reader and are a challange to read even for a teenager.  Such repackaged adult bibles serve to discourage the younger generation from reading the bible. 

  The reading level of this bible is comparable to the International Children's Bible (ICV)- for those familiar with bible versions.  It is also comparable to the readability of New Century version of the bible as well.  This bible is so readable yet true to the traditional renderings of the more widely used biblical versions, that parents will enjoy this translation as well. 

There are a number of helpful features in this bible.  An introduction written for the young reader on the very first page, gives simple instructions on how to use the bible and its features.  It is reminiscent of the directions you might find packaged with  board game or video game.  The special features are also identified by full graphic images within the text.  Basically these contain various notes or insights into the bible text to help the reader under stand and apply scripture.  There are even trivia facts and information as well. The only thing is that some of the illustrations of Deep Blue Crew, the two girls and the boy cartoon characters who appear throughout the bible,  are probably going to be appreciated more by the younger readers in contrast to the pre-teens. 

Of all the children's bibles and contemporary translations, This bible choice is perfect for any child.  As a blogger I received this bible for the purpose of writing this review. 

Learn more at the Deep Blue Kids bible website www.deepbluekidsbible.com

The Political Trial Of Benjamin Franklin by Kenneth Lawing Penegar

In progress

The Political Trial Of Benjamin Franklin: A Prelude to the American Revolution  by Kenneth Lawing Penegar is a thoroughly researched historical narrative offering insight into the life of Benjamin Franklin prior to the American Revolution as well as the poltical thought and controversy leading up to the revolution.  Kenneth Lawing Penegar acts as a forensic historian looking deeply into all the causal factors for a momentous hsitory making event that far too often is taken for granted.  Based on extensive research and actual historical records and original documents, the author tells the story of Ben Franklin and the major players: the British as well as colonial perspectives-  in the years leading up to the American Revolution in far greater depth that can be found in a traditional history book.

Beginning with the account of a comical duel between two political figures: William Whately and John Temple, the author captures the real life intrigue and controvesy that surrounded the American Revolution- which is often left out of traditional historical accounts.  To a degree propaganda played a crucial role in forming the opinions and motives and contributing to the crucial events of this important time period.  Penegar thoroughly analyses a series of influential letters known as a portion of the "Hutchinson Letters"  written and published in the two year period 1967-69.  The content of these letters spurred much controversy with their claims, stirring up feelings of revolution and  providing in part, the fuel for decisions made which shaped our nation and have world wide impact over 200 years later.  He also investigates the personalities behind the letters, the controversies and propoganda.  The back and forth dialog between the colonies and Great Britian and the various diplomats  is covered in great detail, based on the original sources.  I can also imagine that these events can be dramatized into a movie based on the detail provided.

Penegar focuses on a monumental point in our nation's history with  fine point precision.  Due to the broad scope of history texts, there is little time, space and opportunity to explore deeply into any single point of history.  Nevertheless the author brings to life a period of history and its major players, which at most only receive a few pages or lines of coverage.  The appendix includes actual historical records including letters by Ben Franklin and other notable figures and the text of the Hutchinson letters. Also included is a thorough index as well as a few illustrations.  This book makes a very good resource.  This book isn't meant for casual reading by  the layman. I imagine that a typical reader may not appreciate the research reflected by this work.  It is more appropriate for a history student or history professor who wishes to go behind the scenes to investigate the period of upheaval befor ethe American Revolution. Having a major in history, even I found that this work probed more deeply behind the scenes in its investigation, than traditional college level scholarship.  The author uses his investigative talents from his career as a law professor into exposing the facts and the truth behind the American Revolution.  In true attorney-like fashion he is not  content to simply accept facts, but rather Penegar seeks to answer the questions behind the scenes- and to find the root causes. I received this book, compliments of the author, published by Algora, for the purpose of writing this review. 

Prostate Cancer Armed & Ready by Don Kaltenbach

Prostate Cancer Armed & Ready: A Survival Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment and Recovery  by Don Kaltenbach  is an educational as well as inspirational book based on the author's personal experience with cancer.  This book is a hybrid between an autobigraphy of a man that survived prostate cancer as well as a prostate cancer survival guide book.  Intertwined with personal anecdotes based on his personal experience, Don Kaltenbach shares with the reader a wealth of information on cancer.  If you or a loved one is embarking on a cancer journey- this book takes the reader through the diagnosis stage to the treatment and recovery process.  The information is so thorough and complete it is almost as if you had first hand access to your own doctor or cancer advocate.  There is no  need to "google" prostate cancer on the web sorting through useless and irrelevant material when you have this complete book- almost like a "bible" of prostate cancer.

Most newly diagnosed cancer patients and their families are overwhelmed when hearing of a cancer diagnossi.  yet they are left to fend for themselves when it comes to finding information and support- via latenight, frantic internet searches at 2am.  This boom provides the support needed in a simple, professional yet reassuring format.  The author discusses the personal and emotional side of prostate cancer as well as the medical side of cancer.  In addition to providing self help strategies and coping options for the emotionally drained cancer victim, all the background information on prostate cancer as well as the various treatments and treatment options are covered.  Lab test terminology is defined for the layman, and prostate health & anatomy 101, complete with diagrams and captions. Cancer staging is thoroughly dicussed in sufficient detail to satisfy the questions of beginners as well as more advanced questions as well.  Simple yet effective charts and graphs are included concerning various procedures, treatments and statistics.  There is also a full color insert.  All these additional graphs and photos and illustrations are very professional- similar to what one would expect from a medical text or brochure.  In the back of the book are additional helps including an appendix on additional resoucres and sources of help and a detailed glossary.  There is even a section on questions to ask your doctor.

This book is a very good resource. The author used his experience with prostate cancer to help countless prostate cancer patients.   I believe doctors should offer this book to all their newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients.  Furthermore, I wish there was a book like this for every cancer: lung cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer and all the other cancers.  This professionally written, thorough medical book should is a resource that will be sure to help all prostate cancer patients and families.  As a blogger I recieved this book published by Victory Bookworks for the purpose of writing this review. 

LIVE SECOND #4

LIVE SECOND Blog Entry #4

Week 8: Day 6 Naked
The wise teacher in Ecclesiastes and Job recognised that we can not take wealth and material possesions with us. Ecclesiastes 5:15 explains that we enter into this world as babies, naked- with nothing and likewise, when we depart, we can not take anything with us either. Jesus calls us to build our treasures in heaven rather than amassing material wealth here on earth. How many people go through life with no regard for eternity! So many people's lives center around material things and the ambitious pursuit of wealth and material things. Yet, even the wise teacher in Ecclesiastes recognised that the pursuit of pleasure and material wealth dies not satisfy. In fact, if we are simply trying to fill that void with things, we will never be happy apart from God. Only with a personal relationship with God can we ever be spiritually fufilled. We have a longing for eternity and for personal companionship with God. try as we may we can never fill this void with things or pursuits apart from God. When selfish ambition and personal pleasure come before God we will never be happy: we will never be prepared for eternity. Only when we Live Second can we be truly fulfilled and prepared for eternity. I need to keep this perspective in my own life when I find I am discouraged by what I lack. With Jesus I am spiritually rich. When my treasures are stored in my heart and in heaven, I will never lack.

8 weeks left.....

 

I am going through a spiritually difficult time.  I find myself once again fearing the dark garden of Gethsemane, pleading that I do not have to go through another grief.  I am expecting a new baby girl in the first week of February, but my fear is that I will have to endure another loss.  But I know I must accept God's will and not my own. Ironically I have faith in God, its just that I don't know what will happens and I am afraid nevertheless.  I feel like the parent in the new testament that asked Jesus for healing, then asked Jesus to help his unbelief. 

 In my deepest misery: grief and pain I find the only source of comfort is when  I look to Jesus and meditate on  that long, dark, lonely night he spent in the garden of Gethemsane. Jesus was God in the flesh, divine in spirit. Yet, at the same time Jesus was fully human- with a body subject to the same pains, discomforts and sensations as the rest of us. Though he was God, he was also a man. He was subject to human emotions: pain, grief, fear, shame, thirst and forboding. With his divine nature, Jesus knew exactly what he was about to endure- a torturous death on the cross filled pain, suffering, humilation, shame.

In my time of greatest grief, lonliness and shame, the days, weeks and year that followed the stillbirth I experienced, was among the most difficult times in my life, yet  my greatest comfort was from Jesus. I basically was in hiding- staying away from the world.  I kept this "secret"  of my stillbirth mostly to myself.  I did not want to talk about it because of the shame I felt.  I was angry at everything- angry that the labor I endured in the hospital was longer than the labor for my two healthy children; angry at leaving the hospital empty-handed with only a memory box, tiny booties and a tiny blanket; angry  at the endless complications and humiliating  preocedures  requried afterwords, angry that the medical expenses and recovery were far greater than that I went through with my two children; angry and jealous of anyone else who was healthy.  Every medical bill, lab bill, and ultrasound bill that followed was like a stab in the back- an insult to injury!  The months that followed- even  up to a year later, I went through humiliating complications and the hemorrhaging that served as a reminder that my body had betrayed me and that I was no longer in control.  Medical apointments, medical bills and statements! All constant reminders itemizing each and ever laborous and painful detail. The last reminder was the undiagnosed  autoimune condition- which contributed to the humiliating deterioration of both my mind and body- all of which  were testament to my continued physical decline, as well as emotional downfall.  I could barely contain my tears as I had to attend follow up apointments and to be subjected to further degrading procedures to repair my broken body.  I could not even check the mailbox without the staement reminders of the overwhelming waves of grief and shame.

In fact the pain Jesus  was yet to experience in a few short hours while praying in the dark garden of Gethemane was described in explicit detail ahead of time  by David in the Psalms and the prophet Isaiah! The torurous, sensations of drowning in one's own fluid filled lungs, in a prolonged death of asphyxiation, stretched out on the cross, was described by David. Isaiah and David fortold of the nakedness, shame, and humilation and abandonment that Jesus was yet to face at the cross. The sensations of thirst, pain, flesh stripped to shreds- to the bone, and even the shame- all fortold! 

Jesus experienced pain and humilation too! I'm not the first person to experience shame and grief. Jesus was stripped of his clothing and dignity on the cross as he was mocked by countless onlookers.  I endured pain and humilation - but so did Jesus- and  Jesus even more so!  And on top of that,. Jesus endured his pain, nakedness and humiliation in front of friends, as well as enemies and in front of his own mother. Jesus was fully aware of what he would endure. Jesus was griefstricken, sickened, lonely, and axious. And who wouldn't be in the face of death on the cross? We complain and bellyache about much less! Jesus, in his despair and pain pleaded with God to take the cup of suffering away- three times! Jesus asked his apostles to have the strength to remain awake. But they could not remain awake. They simply did not have the strength. Blood stained sweat dripped from Jesus as he fervently prayed. (Whoever painted those santised, artistic renditions of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, depicting Jesus wearing a freshly pressed and laundered white robe, with a pensive yet peaceful look, in Italy in the 1400s, probably never read the actual biblical account. ) Yet, God gave Jesus- the supernatural strength he needed to persever, and Jesus responded "not My will but Your Will."

The power of the Holy Spirit is very real. The Holy Spirit is here and alive and ready for us. Not many people meditate on the significance of the Holy Spirit. Yes it is true, the Holy Spirit is the third person of the trinity. Intellectually many people are aware of the fact. Every Sunday morning, we are reminded. Yet the significance is enormous! When you consider the Holy Spirit- which is in fact God (just as Jesus is God and the Father is God), then the true meaning and significance become more apparent. It is nothing short of miraculous! God is with us through the Holy Spirit. The presence of the Holy Spirit of God is no less real than the presense of Jesus Christ in ancient Palestine, or the presence of God, the Father in his throne in heaven. All three are God, and the Holy Spirit is essentialy God with us- here right now. It is the Holy Spirit that gave Jesus the strength to endure his fate on the cross. It is the Holy Spirit that helped Jesus survive 40 torturous and lonely days & nights in a dry desolate dessert, parched and hungry in the face of the devil's temptations. It is the Holy Spirit that gave a band of unlearned men. the apostles, the strength and wisdom to persevere and spread the good news of the gospel message. This same Holy Spirit strengthened the early believers to face a painful death, being torn to shreds by wild animals, as the were marytered for entertainment at the hands of the ancient Roman government. That same very Holy Spirit can help each and every one of us, infusing us with supernatural, spiritual strength to persevere, even when our minds and our bodies fail us. This is not about our own will power. It isn't about keeping a new years resolution or being tough and independant. This is not simply another self help type of advise that is contained in countless dieting, and relationship and other self helpbooks. This isn't like having a voice in one's head telling us what to do or what not to do. This is about the power of the Holy Spirit that helps us, when we are at our weakest. We don't muster this strength on our own merits, but rather by placing our faith in God. When I want to give in to a pity party and complain and get angry I look to what Jesus endured.  And just as the Holy Spirit helped Jesus, the Holy Spirit has and will continue to help me.

Jesus explained that we must not live by bread and food alone but by the word of God. The word of God is more important than the food and water we need for our daily sustainance! Certainly food and water keep our physical bodies alive and functioning, but there is something much more important than the physical body- and that is the spirit. God's word is my lifeline even when my body betrays me and my health declines.  Our spiritual health is more important to true life than merely our physical state. And, even when our bodies betray us, when our physical bodies fail us and shame us, we can find renewing and refreshing strength that we need from the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has the miraculous life chaging power to renew each and every one of us spiritually. Replace the expression or term "Holy Spirit" with "God" and it will become clear that God himslef has the power to renew and restore our spirit in order to give us the strength we need to endure and persevere. With God at your side, who needs a counselor or physchologist? Pills, doctors, drugs and medications pale in comparison to the power of God himself through the Holy Spirit! Everything is second place- money, prosperity, career, selfish ambition- its all a counterfit when it comes to the power for peace and strength. You can spend hours in psychotheraphy, you may spend lots of money shopping, or to go on drinking binges, or mind- numbing outings at bars, parties, clubs, sports and other entertainment- all these things may numb the pain or provide diversion- but none of these things can heal. Only God can heal. The power of the Holy Spirit can heal the sick and weak spirit. The power of the holy Spirit can changes lives- no matter how many days you have remaining before you- whether its one day or 70 years.