Disability

Gena’s Testimony

/ pastorpete51 / 2 Comments

Last Friday, Gena, who is one of our volunteers gave her testimony about how God has helped her deal with her daughter’s epilepsy. Her daughter Lindsey, who is just fourteen years old, already struggles with a non-verbal form of autism. But starting last year, that battle broke out on a second front, when Lindsey began experiencing seizures: some large, and some small. So far, they have run several tests, including an overnight study at a major hospital in our area. It is humbling to listen to how Gena talks about how God has helped her deal when the worst of these episodes come. She explains that there is no secret, it is all grace! Whether you have a family member dealing with any of these same issues, or if your struggles are in a completely different area, I think you will be encouraged, by what she has to say.

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10 NKJV

Can I Help You? – Special Guest Post

/ pastorpete51 / 4 Comments

A few of my followers know that one part of our nursing home outreach is a weekly newsletter which is distributed in 8-9 different facilities in Florida and Western New York. Sunshine Newsletter is a collaboration between me, Pastor Janice Burnett and Rob Keller. Rob provides the layout and graphic design for every issue but sometimes he also submits a short article and last week’s piece was such a gem that I begged his permission to include it on my blog. I pray you will also be blessed as you think about the question that Rob must answer every day.

Can I Help You? by Rob Keller

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 NIV

“Can I help you?” – I hear this question daily because my disability is apparent. I struggle with many simple, everyday tasks. These challenges range from opening food packages to keeping my balance while walking on uneven terrain. Some things are impossible for me, no matter how hard I try. I cannot afford to be too proud to accept help because I can’t live without it. Each morning, the first thing I do is tell God how much I need His help. That prayer has never gone unanswered. God’s compassionate heart and great strength carry me through all my difficulties. I have learned to accept help with a grateful heart. I see the people who assist me each day as God’s agents and His love for me takes on flesh and bones. In the darkest days of my life, I have learned that our Lord is an ever-present help.

For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. 2 Chronicles 16:9a ESV

That is amazing! God is actively looking for opportunities to strengthen you, so you don’t have to beg and plead, hoping that He will answer. All He requires is that you ask Him and trust Him to provide the help that you need. When God asks, “Can I help you?” – what will you say?

Photo by Eren Li on Pexels.com

Time To Come Home

/ pastorpete51 / 3 Comments 
We went with her along the path 
Through turns and twists and more 
Till angels took her by the hand 
As we walked out on the shore 

They led her to a waiting ship 
Then she smiled and turned to say 
“Don’t weep for me I hear His call 
 - Time to come home today!” 

Time to Come Home 
by Peter Caligiuri 
copyright 2021 all rights reserved

In memory of my wife’s sister Diane who we laid to rest yesterday after a year long battle with Interstitial lung disease. Over the last year Nancy spent 5 months caring for her. We flew out to California on Monday and it has been a long week for us both. Thanks for the prayers of those who follow this blog. This little verse puts in words a tiny piece of the comfort that God has given us right now. I pray it may touch someone else dealing with a season of grief.