Able or Available

Sometimes when life turns on us and afflicts us with some infirmity, disability, or we just get older we often feel misunderstood and underestimated as to what we really can do. Society today is conditioned to think that the best is always perfect and that perfection is all that is acceptable. We see it all around us. People think that if it isn't expensive that it is not as valuable. But when it comes to people, our value cannot be measured in dollars and cents. The Bible says in Psalm 139:14 "I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made..." The next two verses tell about something special too. Verse 16 mentions being ..."yet unperfect and in Thy book all my members were written" Please read these three verses to get the full impact of this statement.
What we have to remember is to stay positive about ourselves and what through Christ we can do. That according to Romans 8:28 says "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me"
There are several simple things that we can do. One is to offer a smile to those around us. That's not a very popular thing to do anymore, but time and popularity need not dictate as to what we do. Second, we can send cards to those who need a kind word. Third, the telephone. Calling up someone who has a need can be a very encouraging way to show the love of Christ to someone who may need it. Do you remember that little song This little light of Mine? The words and music are simple, but the message is as big as any anthem. Shine where you are. Be all that you can for the Lord and He will take care of the impact. It's our AVAILability more than just our ability that matters most to God both here on this earth and later when the crowns are placed and the awards given out.
As always, we are here for you. Let us know your needs and give us your feedback. You may contact us at eandlhuested@comcast net or through Shelby Bible Church at this website: www.shelbybc.org.

Until next time,

Ernest and LouAnn Huested

Changes

Recently, when I went to the doctor, he chose to discuss the idea of changing medications. This did not thrill me, since I had gone a long time without an episode. The process and possibilities are scary either way. He wanted to discontinue one medication and increase one other,leaving me on two different medications instead of three. It will take about six weeks to complete.

Change is never easy, but sometimes it is necessary.One is left vulnerable at this time, but care and paying attention is important at all times, but especially during transitions. I am trusting God, who is the Great Physician, to use the doctors and their prescribed medications to see me through this process.

If your life is in transition and seems stormy, remember the words of Jesus to His disciples as He walked on the sea to them one night. "...It is I, be not afraid." John 6:20b. Verse 21 goes on to say that immediately, they were on dry land after they received Him into their ship.

As always, we are here to help you in any way that we can and will send you literature to explain how you may know that you can have everlasting life. Please contact us at: eandlhuested@comcast.net We are anxiously awaiting feedback from you.

Until Next time
Ernest and LouAnn Huested

Update Letter

We decided this month to give you an update as to what is going on in our lives as well as let you in on some prayer requests. Currently, we are in the process of getting more exposure to our blog. Contrary to what one important person in America thinks, true progress and reform takes time. It should not be rushed because often "Haste makes waste". Please continue to pray with us as these things unfold.
The Lord has been very good to us and continues to guard our health even though sometimes we don't. Ernie has been seizure-free for one and a half years now. This is the first time that this has occurred in his entire life. It is truly of the Lord and we are extremely grateful. LouAnn is experiencing improvement in her vision and continues to take injections for the treatment of macular degeneration. He has sustained her and given her the much needed courage to do this. The last time she went, the doctor asked her to give reassurance to another of his patients who was feeling the same fear. She did and the patient accepted the help and is now on the way to saving her eyesight as well. We never know when our own weakness can become someone else's strength. That's why God allows some of us to suffer afliction, because we then can be of help; we have been there before.
We are hoping to hear from you, so please let us know what you think. Our e-mail: eandlhuested@comcast.net , Never forget our God is the Great Physician who never makes a mistake and doesn't need your insurance policy number!
Until next time.
Ernie and LouAnn Huested

Testing

A couple of weeks ago, I had an appointment to have a new EEG. It made me think of life's testing that affects us all. I have had several EEGs in my life and had different experiences each time. This particular time, the tech was very nice as she was attaching the wires to my head. Some phases of the test are done while the patient is asleep ( if they want) and at other times just relaxed . The point of the whole thing is to better locate and be able to determine any changes in brain-wave activity so that the doctor can determine the correct form of action. It could show changes, therefore meaning less medicaton or more, depending on how it changed, or it could show nothing at all in which no further adjustments need to be made (Yes, you can interpret that however you want LOL)

Just as there are preparations to be made to perform medical tests, so preparations are made in our life experiences as well. This is necessary for young and old, rich and poor, weak and strong. None of us can escape it. The good news is that for the Christian, they are NEVER ALONE. God is always there, guiding, protecting, comforting and instructing and always leading us through.

There are some things that testing is not: 1. It is not necessarily punishment. Often people rush to that conclusion. Yes, "For whom the Lord loveth, He chasteneth..." *, but all testing is not for that purpose. Most of the time it is to enrich us, challenge us to be more faithful to and trust Him more, and generally keep us in good spiritual condition.
2 Testing is not necessarily Satan- inspired. Not that we owe the Devil any compliments, but He is limited to ONLY what God allows. God is ALWAYS in charge, no matter what the circumstances. Sometimes this is hard to fathom, but it is the truth nonetheless.
So, the next time adversities come your way, run to the Father, He already knows the situation. He will be there. Never forget that when the trials come, it is an assurance that we are students in God's school of life.

As always, we are her to help you in any way that we can. We will send you literature about how you can have everlasting life. Please contact us at eandlhuested@comcast.net . We are anxiously awaiting feedback and to hear from you.

* Hebrews 12:6

Until next time,
Ernest and LouAnn Huested

Meanderings

Will you allow me to meander today? That's an old term that sort of puts one in a nostalgic frame of mind. But I've been thinking about what its like to lose something that means a lot to us. Recently, I was given the news that I have lost some sight in my right eye that I may never regain. Not that doctors are always right. They might not know my God. But it is a scary thought to be now limited in an area that really means a lot to me. I love beautiful things--nature in all of its glory, animals, birds, flowers. The thought of not being able to enjoy them is not a happy thought. But then I realized that not much here on this earth is forever. We need to cherish it. Yes, cherish it, because we only get one time around in this life. As a Christian, however, life is only beginning and I'll have a new body-- one that does not grow old, sick, crippled, impaired or forgetful. I'll be able to enjoy everything that is good and wholesome and not have to be somewhere or do something else. My life will be in the complete control of Him who loved me and gave himself for me. I won't have any negative thoughts or be distracted in any way. Really, its beyond human comprehension, but not unreachable. It just takes one moment of surrender to His invitation to "come just as you are" That's all there is to it. Say no to Satan who wants to destroy us and yes to Jesus who died to save us.
Have you lost something important? Find it again in Him. Let us know what you need. Contact us and let us help you find out how you can find peace in your heart and everlasting life in Christ. May God bless you.

LouAnn and Ernie Huested

The last time. we talked about living within our limitations and above the circumstances. Now I'd like to pose some common questions and give answers from a layman's perspective.

1. What is epilepsy? It is a neurological condition that produces brief disturbances in the normal electrical functions of the brain. The person could lose consciousness, muscle control, or ability to feel or all of the above for a short time. These things could occur in varying degrees depending on the individual and their specific form of epilepsy. It affects people all over the world as well as some animals.

2. What doctors treat epilepsy? Neurologists, pediatric neurologists, pediatricians, neurosurgeons, internists and family physicians. In one city in which we lived, we were put in touch with an epileptologist, who very specifically specialized in epilepsy. This one doctor of all those we had seen, played an integral part in my status today.

3. Is epilepsy ever contagious? No

4. What causes epilepsy? In about 7 out of 10 people with the condition, no cause can be found.
However, head injuries, high fevers in childhood and adulthood, birth delays with oxygen loss, brain tumors and brain infections such as meningitis and encephalitis, may develop seizures.

5. What should I do if suspect a seizure disorder? Talk to your doctor, explaining any unusual symptoms.

6. How is epilepsy diagnosed? A doctor needs medical history and symptoms of a patient to make an accurate decision concerning that patient. Also, there are several tests that he may use to help with his decision: EEG, C.T. Scan of the brain, MRI or a PET Scan

7. How is epilepsy treated? Medications are the most widely-used method. though some newer technical devices have come on the scene that have also proven helpful in cases that are difficult to control. Routine blood work is not only helpful, but necessary to provide the doctor with the proper levels to assure protection from overdosing or under dosing of any medication.

When you realize life leaves us with a lot of questions, think of a song written by Andre Crouch:

"Are you tired of chasing pretty rainbows? Are you tired of spinning 'round and 'round.?
Wrap up all the troubles you have in your life, At the feet of Jesus, lay them down.

Give them all, give them all, give them all to Jesus, shattered dreams, wounded hearts
and broken toys. Give them all, give them all, give them all to Jesus. He will turn your
sorrows into joys"

If you would like to know more about how to have peace and joy in your life, please contact me at eandlhuested@comcast.net or www.shelbybc.org

Until next time,

Ernie and LouAnn Huested

You're not alone

In our world today, we get so self-absorbed that we forget that others have problems that are similar to our own. In my case, being epileptic, I know first hand how easy that is. Research has brought out that seizures of many types have been known to mankind for thousands of years. It has also demonstrated how many people with this problem have overcome it. Some were very famous. Examples are:Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Napoleon Bonaparte, Charles Dickens, Agatha Christi, Beethoven, Martha Curtis ( a great violinist) Isaac Newton and Alfred Nobel to name a few. There are others, some famous, some not so well known, but the point is that they were able to rise above it and still maintain their integrity. Most of all, they did it with the help of God, other people and courage. It takes courage to overcome any set back in life, but that courage can be fired by the help of others who either share a difficulty, or who have the compassion to help those who do. God is still on the throne. He knows where we are and is waiting to hear from us. He is, after all, only a" prayer away". Some how, we seem so switch around the little saying, "why worry when you can pray" and say why pray when you can worry. That doesn't really make much sense, but we do it don"t we? Today and always, just remember, you are not alone. God is there for you and so are we. If you, or some of your friends or relatives feel the need to contact us, you may do so at eandlhuested@comcast.net or through the web site at Shelby Baptist Church www.shelbybc.org

Limitations

Lately I have been thinking about how important limitations are in life. I know this sounds negative, but it is not meant to be. By staying within our limitations, we will find we get more accomplished than by pushing the boundaries and getting less done.
This is especially true for epileptics and people afflicted with debilitating illnesses or challenges. We know that for epileptics, there are certain things that will trigger a seizure. Excessive heat or extreme temperature, fatigue, problems with medications are some examples. Other triggers may be more unique to individuals, but those need to be identified and life adjusted accordingly. No doubt this causes frustration, but just as finding the right combination is the key to opening a lock, so is finding the right combination of activities the key to living a successful life. So, it leaves us with the task of finding ways around things in order to bring peace within ourselves. Even the Lord Jesus lived and worked within limitations. He, being very God and very man, took on the form of human flesh and suffered thirst, hunger, felt tired, and suffered more stress in the three years He was on earth than any of us could begin to endure in our whole lifetime. His death on the cross paid the penalty and defied the power of sin for all who believe. Soon, and we believe His coming is eminent, He will deliver all those who believe from the presence of sin as well. Think today about your relationship to Jesus Christ. Today, let Him cleanse you and make you His child.
As just a closing thought: Let limitations be a gateway to freedom, not a wall of contention.
If you have any question or would like more information or literature, please contact us at eandlhuested@comcast.net

Ernest and LouAnn Huested