Marshall Protocol: Walking through Water

May 23rd--Last Thursday I think the minocycoline (now at 50 mg) went into its powerful work on the bacteria. The whole day was like walking through water. I was glad when the day finally ended. I tried to rest during the day but felt yucky and just as tired. However, the following day my body felt "normal" by 9 a.m. I enjoyed energy and clarity of thought. Saturday continued the same with the exception of my body did not want to shut off at night. This was something I encountered with adrenal insufficiency. My body would not stop when it needed to.

Strangely, itching in my hands has resumed. This is a complaint I had resolved many years ago with a careful diet avoiding iodine. Maybe I missed something that I recently ate or maybe the bacteria have taken up residence in another weak part of my body?

God's Simple Preparations, Part 3

After another teary day of school frustration, we went before the Lord, asking for His wisdom in how we could redeem this school time and make it work better next year. It has been of utmost importance that academics do not destroy our relationships with our children. Our school year has also been one of transitions: only student left in our school; my health issues; curriculum choices and direction; expectations for a bright student who would rather not work hard; tried a homeschool co-op; death of a grandparent resulting in multiple out-of-start trips, required house remodeling due to some major repairs. After our realization that we could not continue on the present course for our next school year and spending time in prayer, a plan came to mind. Hesitant to call it "from the Lord", I asked Jonathan what he would think about having his eldest brother write course descriptions for Jonathan's schoolwork. Peter and Jonathan think a lot alike. Jonathan respects Peter. Peter has excelled academically. Not only would Peter write the descriptions, Jonathan would need to get Peter's approval to make changes, thus, though I would be involved, I would have an advocate in trying to educate an out-of-the-box thinker. "Yes", Jonathan replied to the idea. So, I contacted Peter and hesitantly broached the subject. As soon as he realized what I was asking, he said, "Mom, I have been thinking about doing this very thing and was wondering how to start." Not that I should be surprised that God prepared Peter's heart and mind but I was. Thank You, Lord for the ways You prepare a path before us and direct us to that path.

God's Simple Preparations, Part 2

Over a year ago I met a woman who was going through some very difficult times physically and had a genetic condition that her children also had. Through this, she had become an expert on the best people in the nation to deal with these conditions. She gave me her name and phone number (scratched on a piece of paper, long since discarded). Last month a friend mentioned the results of her daughter's MRI following a series of scary symptoms. God brought to mind the conversation I had the year before and the NAME of the woman who had shared about this very same condition. To understand the gravity of this recall, you must know that my chronic illness causes me to forget very easily such details, but God had grafted this name on my mind for such a time. My friend was able to contact her and they had a very long discussion and, through this contact, they received information to help alleviate some of the symptoms and a direction for resolution. To God be the glory for placing us in position to help one another through "chance" encounters and giving us recall when it is needed. Truly, He prepares the way before us.

Is It Worth It?

This is not an easy question to answer usually because I am in a difficult situation when I ask it. I have heard many young moms ask this when they are tired (okay, probably moms of older children, as well) but I can say, "Absolutely, it is worth it." Forgiveness is worth giving. Homeschooling is worth doing. Marriage is worth protecting. Prayer is worth saying, if it is to the One True God. Evangelism is worth pursuing. Family is worth building. God's way is worth following. But then there are other things that are just not worth going through trials to achieve: I will not work at being a geek, or keeping manicured nails, or run really fast, or . . . Right now, I am believing that following the Marshall Protocol will be worth it. As I have mentioned before, I have been warned that symptoms will reappear and be even worse than before due to poisons released as the bacteria die. In fact, at our last support group meeting, some people mentioned that it felt like you had a really bad hangover--but you can just work through it. Well, I did not consider this particular comment very much maybe because I never experienced a hangover. That was until I bumped up the minocycline dosage(the first antibiotic). 24 hours later, I was a fuzzball. I could not think. I felt like I was moving through water with constant pressure around me. Everything bothered me both internally and externally. I wanted to close everything out. Nothing seemed to help except maybe time. I mused to my husband that if this is what a hangover feels like, why do people get drunk? Is it worth it? When my mind returned to me, I pondered that when in sin, I do not ask this question, "Is it worth it?" Or, if I do ask the question, I justify my actions, or make shallow responses. I do not want to or choose not to ask this question: Is it worth it? If I honestly did ask this question, I would see that the sin that so easily entangles me is not worth it--not for the immediate or earthly consequences, but also not in light of the weight of glory of my Lord Jesus Christ and His eternal plan in my life. Bitterness is not worth holding. Ignorance is not worth keeping . Division is not worth the cost. Failing to pray is not worth the time "it saves". Timid in proclaiming the gospel is not worth the life. Easily irritated is not worth the destruction. Turning from God's way is not worth the consequences. I am considering these things when my mind is clear. I pray that I will also think them when it is dulled by bacterial poison or the subtle poison of temptation. Is it worth it? Is it worth it to face the consequences of my sin? Is it worth it to negatively affect those around me? Is it worth it to turn one heart from Christ? Is it worth it to make it so God does not hear my prayer? Is it worth it to put nails through my Lord's hands?

God's Simple Preparations

God reminds me of how He prepared me for the steps of my life. Years ago my sister gave me a colorful scarf from France. As I wore this, other people noticed it and I received many other scarves--a great variety in style, material, and colors. I have four from other countries, warm handmade scarves, subtle colors, lively accents, long and short lengths. Each is special as they are all gifts from special people. At one point, someone mentioned that these wardrobe accessories had become a signature of mine. What I failed to realize at the moment was that God was preparing me for my present wardrobe. On the Marshall Protocol, to reduce the effect of sunlight on my worn out immune system, I need to wear dark and long clothing year round. Long, black clothing looks rather odd in the heat of the summer. Yet, all I have to do is add a colorful scarf and the effect can become a cheery outfit. I can dress up or make a casual impact depending on which scarf I wear. Every day I am reminded of friends, places, or times in my life as I put on these accessories. But even more, as I walk through this challenge of living even more differently, I am reminded of my God's caring hand to prepare my wardrobe. Not only will He dress me in His glorious gown in the eternity but He is mindful of my needs/desires even before I have a need or desire for them. Thank You, Lord for the simple preparations You have placed to allow us to walk through whatever path You have chosen for us. P.S. Thanks to those of you who have contributed to my scarf wardrobe. Not sure if I really need anymore but I do need a good way to hang them in my closet. Hey, globe-trotting sis, I will take another one from a land afar!

Marshall Protocol: Added minocycoline

May 4th--Yesterday I started on minocycoline (25 mg). This morning the bathroom light was BLINDING. I am glad I had the Noir glasses. Yesterday Trevor and I attended the support group for MP. Our doctor is wonderful and the people easily share their struggles and triumphs. This helps me stay the course. We also share ways to deal with the symptoms and new finds in the grocery store that are friendly (or "clean") for our diet. This time made me long for a group of Christians who would also share their struggles and triumphs and ways to deal effectively with the trials of this life. Help me, Lord, not to hide behind falsehood, but to be an encouragement to others.