Twenty years ago my phone rang; I was surprised to hear my neurologist’s voice on the other end. She began explaining to me that she was ordering some tests that I needed to take. She was very matter of fact and was irritated that I was confused as to why I needed these tests. She then proceeded to tell me with no hesitation that the reason she wanted to run these test was that she suspected that I had Multiple Sclerosis. Yes, she was that blunt, and my mind was reeling. After getting off the phone I sat down on the closest chair I could find. The older children were still in school but our youngest was at home from kindergarten and napping. While I was confident that God was in control of my life I had no knowledge of what M.S. was or how it would affect our family. I spent the next few hours in constant conversation with the Lord. Questions with no answers became frustrating so I determined to educate myself quickly. After weeks of testing and frustration of red tape with second opinions, doing research the old fashion way (local library) the diagnosis finally came back positive for M.S. It was good to finally know what was happening to my body but equally scary to know that it was an illness that was totally unpredictable. Over the previous few years our family had walked by faith in a ministry that was totally dependent on God, so I chose to give this health issue to Him and I asked Him to use it to open doors of opportunity for witnessing. At the time this was my way of coping, by giving Him the glory as I walked through the challenges of everyday health issues.
 
FACE EVERYDAY WITH COURAGE
Now before you start thinking how strong I was or how “good” I was, know that the reality was I didn’t know what else to do. God in His wisdom had already shown us His sovereignty and provision in meeting our needs everyday in our ministry, leaning on Him at that point through times of uncertainty became a lot easier. God taught me through those first few years to walk in His courage not mine. I later learned to walk with His courage, resting in the assurance that He would not lead me where I wasn’t equipped to go.
 
FACE EVERYDAY WITH GRACE
Learning to accept what life throws at you with grace I find comes with time. As a Christian I sometimes become frustrated with those around me who don’t see things as I do. Now I know this is because we are all different and at various stages of maturity and spiritual growth (I know this because I teach this stuff, The Personalities). However, my mind and my heart sometimes can’t quite seem to get together. Have you ever been there? What the Lord taught me was that He is in control of those around me and that I just need to be obedient to what He has called me to and He will take care of the rest. I need to extend grace to others as He has shown me grace. What a concept!
 
FACE EVERYDAY WITH HOPE
As with all areas of life no matter what the circumstances there can always be hope. Did you notice I said “can” instead of “should”? That’s because if you don’t have Christ as your personal Savior and are not living for Him you will have no hope in any circumstance. Without Christ there is no hope either in today or tomorrow.  I know this sounds harsh but it is true. We cannot build a life if we don’t have faith that there will be more than this life. As Christians we know what waits for us after this life is over, for those who have yet to find Christ this life can and will be very disappointing. All the wealth in the world, all the “things” that we acquire won’t bring us happiness, joy or a hope for a tomorrow.
 
FACE EVERYDAY WITH LOVE
There is an old praise song with lyrics that say “they will know us by our love.” I’m sure you have heard it at some point in your journey as a Christian. My question is this, “will they know who you belong to by the way you love others?” That is a very thought provoking question isn’t it? How do you love others, are you kind to your family, neighbors, friends, total strangers? Are you quick to judge others because they are different than you? Do you only show love to fellow believers? Did you know that you may be the only “Jesus” someone might see today? Wow, pretty scary to think that you represent the King of Glory and you might not be awake to see someone who is searching and watching you. I love this scripture in 1Corinthians,
 
 
If you aren’t sure where to start learning how to love read all of chapter 13. This is a great place to start.
 
FACE EVERYDAY WITH LAUGHTER
We seem to rush from one event in our life to another every day. We take ourselves so seriously, as if the universe revolves around us. Who do we think we are anyway? Learn to step back and see yourself through reality glasses. With my M.S. I tend to stumble sometimes; well if you were with me when this happens I usually laugh and chalk it up to what I call “ground turbulence.” Those around me just laugh with me. I could be embarrassed and withdraw from others but really, what’s so bad about the reality of what I deal with every day, this is who I am. God doesn’t intend to bring harm to me, and through adversity I can bring honor and glory to Him, even when I’m walking around looking silly, when I trip over nothing. Do you see my point? When crazy things happen in our life if we face it and learn to laugh at our own frailty as humans we can look up and revel in His perfection.  The statement that “laughter is the best medicine” is true. Things around you are a lot funnier than you think. Start looking at the humor in life and stop taking yourself so seriously. If you want a great laugh just look in the mirror, is your nose straight, are your ears even on your face, what was God thinking when He created us with multiple holes on our faces?  I mean really what’s with hair growing in places it shouldn’t? Stop and laugh it’s O.K. you might even feel better and who knows maybe someone next to you might see Jesus in you. When we can laugh at ourselves, our defenses drop and the people around us can then see our love for God and for others.
 
Today is a gift that’s why it’s called the present. What will you do with your “present” of today? As you “check your pulse” this week will you face life with courage, grace, hope, love, and laughter? Can you let go of your troubles and face each day with no fear? I know you can, I have faith in you and the one who created you just the way you are. Step up and face today’s challenges  with Him, you can do it!
 
Kathi Brixey
“Facing Today”
 
CHALLENGED TO THE CORE
P.O. BOX 414
LAKE ARROWHEAD, CA. 92352-0414