Healing Lyme by Stephen Buhner

I am following the protocol in Healing Lyme by Stephen Buhner. I do not really know if I have Lyme Disease but my symptoms are similar to Lyme's and I was bit by a tick about 6 weeks before the onset of those symptoms.

Healing Lyme

This is an herbal protocol of a mixture of different herbs. I was pleased with the understanding of bacteriology in the book, the studies that have been done with these herbs, the author does not sell the herbs (conflict of interest), and Mr Buhner presents the reasons behind his herbal selection.

I started on this about 4 months after I discontinued the Marshall Protocol. My physician-recommended nutritional plan was not enough. I knew I was not getting better. Thankfully I was not getting worse.

As typical, I have to add the herbs very gradually. It took me about 3 months to work up to one-third of the lowest minimal dosage on the herbs--and then I had to back-off because of increased lightheadedness. This is not atypical but it can be frustrating.

I miss a support system for this protocol. My doctor is encouraging me to do what I think I need to do and he even took a copy of the book. The web support system is kind of disjointed and the master herbalist who authored this book is no longer practicing.

One recent victory is that I was able to hike to a beautiful waterfall in New Hampshire. It is great to have little bright moments. Trevor and I both agree that I could not have accomplished that 4 months ago.

How is my health?

The answer to the question, "How is my health?" is a tricky one. I cannot figure out what triggers extreme fatigue or inner shakiness or brain fog or numbness, nor what really relieves them. I cannot anticipate when the episodes come let alone when they will be bad. If I have to I push through them. If I can, I try to rest through the worst times.

I also have bright moments! This is when my brain is less cloudy, body has energy, and my spirit is lifted. I also do not know what triggers these episodes, when they will come, or how long they will last. I try to record them and remember to give thanks for them.

When I was on the Marshall Protocol (MP) with a certain antibiotic, I would experience this about once a week and these bright moments would last up to four hours. Yahoo! Since going off the Marshall Protocol, these were the first to go and most of my days were just numb. It has been hard to see those bright moments leave but I doubt I will go back to the MP for all the other reasons I listed last November--and because I am enjoying being back outside.

I am now on an herbal protocol which I will share more about in another post.

But, if you ask how my health is, it is all very relative--and I am not sure what rating to use: the Old Normal or the New Normal? Besides, if you wait a few moments to ask, it may go from "doing okay" to  "really poorly" to " a bright moment."

MP: Hard Time

Through God's grace, I went off the antibiotics in preparation for what was going to be a long emotional day. God sustained me with strength and a positive attitude. Thanks to all those who prayed. However, since we were traveling, I realized I had also been indulging in coffee and thought this might be affecting my body. After reviewing the information on the Martial Protocol site I understood better how coffee may be masking my symptoms and actually interfering with my immune system. So, I stayed off the antibiotics and decided to see how it would go if I went off the coffee as well.


The last two weeks have been the worst I remember for a long time. I am struggling to get up in the morning. I feel weak and often feel like I am going to pass out. Bright lights are a problem with increasing frequency. I am moving through molasses mentally and physically. I was already wondering if  I needed to quit but I did not know what I would quit.

Last night was the worst. Terrible nightmares plagued my sleep, first when I cried out and then to the point where I did not want to sleep anymore but I forced myself to sleep some more. The nightmare crept back into my sleep and troubled my mind through the day. Going back to sleep was an act of faith--much like getting back on a horse that bucked me off (which I really have done).

Now the challenge is not to make a decision while I feel like this. I must pursue the present path in faith for now.It is a time of transition and I pray for a transformation.

Marshall Protocol: Stones of Remembrance

When I began the Marshall Protocol, I thought I would be celebrating the completion of each year but this first anniversary found me in a deep brain fog with very little energy. In fact, as it dawned on me, I had to carefully reconstruct why I am continuing on this lifestyle-changing protocol (without a specific ending point except when my body is healthy again).

So, I am setting these stones of remembrance before my eyes that I may contemplate where I was going before I started on the Marshall Protocol. My body was spiraling downwards and though I did not experience everything at one time, more of my systems were becoming involved and the symptoms indicated my body was facing increasing danger.

• Emergency room visit for irregular heart beat
• Ongoing chest pain, shortness of breath and pain in arm
• Complete cardiac workup with no indication of heart problems
• Inability to sleep; had to keep moving
• Inability to get out of bed in the morning
• Constant naps without feeling more energy
• Eyes showed defective portion at retina
• Going to bed earlier and earlier/getting up later and later
• Pain at joints and soles of feet
• Thyroid stopped functioning
• Depleted Adrenal Glands 
• Breast Lumps 
• Pancreas decreased function
• Urinary tract infections
• Unable to think clearly resulting in costly errors
• Numbness in extremities
• Exploding headaches
• Yeast infection
• Pelvic and cervical pain
• Developed early symptoms of uterine cancer (nothing there)
• Shakiness; chills; dizziness; lightheadedness
• Inability to sing due to shortness of breath
• Difficulty in talking loud enough to be heard
• Difficulty in carrying on a conversation due to limited air
• Brain Fog and lack of focus
• Increased painful sensitivity to noise and light
• Digestive issues that were painful
• Tics
• Doctors wanting to place me on anti-depressants
• Doctors saying I was blocking healing because my spiritual views were too narrow
• Friends (who were further down the road of traditional medical approaches) taking more medicines and becoming sicker.

After 18 months of the start of this symptom/medical journey a friend directed to the Marshall Protocol which takes a completely different approach to dealing with chronic illness than traditional or alternative medicines. I am grateful that the spiral has stopped. Though I still am sick, less of my body's systems are involved at any one time and never as severely. I am healing rather than just suppressing the symptoms. At times I even feel almost normal. Trevor has said that he feels he is getting his wife back.

I thank God for opening this door for us. It has not been easy and I really wanted to be further along in the program than I am but I have hope. Placing these stones of remembrance are part of reminding myself of the Red Sea (or maybe Egypt) that God has allowed me to leave by His grace and mercy. His strength is what is allowing me to walk through this wilderness of wearing dark glasses, restricting sunlight exposure, being cautious about food intake and encountering the onset of an immune response. When I look at these stones, I remember why I am on this journey. I do not want to return to Egypt.

MP: Insurance vs. Assurance

Recently I was notified by my medical insurance company that they will no longer underwrite Benicar, a necessary component of the Marshall Protocol, for their customers. This will substantially increase my medical costs in continuing this protocol. In order to prove this is the ONLY drug that will work, we would have to show documentation of trying all their other "drugs of choice"--none of which provide the necessary cellular action to heal my body.

This situation has made me ponder the difference between Insurance and Assurance.We will examine the roots of these words--

Insure--provide or obtain coverage by contract on or against a loss; to make certain by taking necessary measures and precaution

Assure--to make safe; to give confidence to; to make sure or certain; convince; inform positively; to make certain the coming or attainment of

Insurance is based on rules. The medical insurance company made a contract with us that included the coverage of Benicar. Yet, they decided to change that contract to protect their financial loss on this very drug without regard for my loss. To insure is a business arrangement. Good thing to remember when jumping through their endless hoops and being on the receiving end of their limited-knowledge decisions.

Assurance is based on a relationship. These are the very terms that apply to my doctor as he walks me through the MP. He cannot assure the results but he provides knowledge that encourages me to continue and a way to do so safely. This also applies to others who have walked this path before me. None of us is guaranteed a certain outcome but we can encourage one another to take the next step.

I am challenged to consider if, in my roles (mother, wife, friend, daughter, sister), is it my desire to act with insurance (rules; contracts) or with assurance (safe, confident, encouraging relationships)? The rules are so easy to check off and one party can change the rules to their benefit! So enticing.

Yet, as I ponder Insurance vs Assurance I must consider my example:

The One True God Who Provides--

Assurance of Hope--Hebrews 6:11

Assurance to Draw Near to God--Hebrews 10:22

Assurance of Things Hoped For--Hebrews 11:1

Oh, the very things I want from the insurance company are simply a foretaste for what God promises, and He is the Only One can provide it. And His promises are sure.

So next time I have to pay more for Benicar or fill out the multitude of forms for the insurance company or face another hurdle, I pray I will rest in God's assurances. And if I don't, you have my permission to remind me to do so! Better yet, just start reading God's promises to me :) I am less likely to disagree!

MP: an alien in my own body

There is another struggle in chronic illness and the Marshall Protocol that I am discovering: wondering what activity will help lessen bad feelings or symptoms. Will eating a bit more help or hinder; did I get too much sunlight; will I feel more rested from a nap or is it exercise I really need? I used to be able to tell. Now, I am rarely sure. I try to rest and become more restless. I try changing activities and nothing changes. Distraction can be a good thing. Sometimes I just have to wait until the symptoms go away (or not go away).

It is strange not to know what will happen. I thought this was odd til I talked with others at our Marshall Protocol Support Group and found out that many had the same questions when they encounter "aliens in their bodies". This is also a challenge for those who live with us.

It is also VERY weird to discover that feeling normal, physically, emotionally, and mentally is actually an alien feeling!

I do know that having someone else stop and pray aloud for me always helps and brings peace whatever circumstances I am in, physically, emotionally or mental. Thanks God, for answering those prayers. And thanks, Friends, for taking the time to pray out loud for me.

MP: The healing of the spirit

Today, I am cheating on the Marshall Protocol. I am sitting on my deck, in the shade, appropriately dressed within MP standards, wearing my Noir protective lenses. But I am outside while the sun is up and know that it would probably be better to be away from the natural light (even in the shade).

However, my spirit needed to see the green trees and grass, to feel the breeze, and hear the birds.

I have been outside in daylight hours, but that was for a specific need. Today, it is just to refresh my soul.

I would be foolish to think this was not just as important in the healing process. I am glad our doctor says, "Do not stop living." For me, today, this is just what I need to be doing--outside and enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells of Creation. It is healing to my soul.

Marshall Protocol: An odd time to call the doctor

It is very strange to call the doctor to get advice when I am consistently feeling the best I have in almost two years. Very odd. Most of the time we call for medical help when we cannot take the symptoms anymore, but I am calling because I have had almost no negative reactions since starting the new antibiotic. I feel a little "off" about an hour before my Benicar dose (every 6 hrs) is due and a few minor symptoms but all very manageable. It is very strange to think you are doing something wrong when you feel good! I felt funny trying to explain this to the receptionist in my message to the doctor but she handled that information just fine. The doctor has been out of the office most of this week so no word back yet--but I guess that is okay because I am feeling fine. It is very odd to feel almost normal and it is even odder to think that is odd :) That is what happens when you take a different approach to defeating the enemy lurking in my body--there has to be something wrong if it is all quiet on the frontlines of battle. I had the same qualms when the children were very quiet in the house. They must be up to something. I've read much on what to do if my symptoms are going wild, but have not found literature on what to do if they are quiet. Very odd.

MP: When to step up the anitbiotics?

In the Marshall Protocol, small pulses of antibiotics are taken every 48 hours. Each time a new antibiotic is started, you start on a very small dose and slowly increase it to make sure you can handle the immunopathology that follows the dying bacteria. Immunopathology is a fancy word that means that you feel sick because your body is fighting the bad guys. The objective is to reach the full therapeutic dose without giving up on the protocol because it interferes too much with daily living. Therefore, you can step up to the next level of antibiotic when you can tolerate the side effects of killing those bacteria for a week or two (depending on the bacteria and your life). You can also hold off on the new level if you have an important meeting or event in the near future--just to avoid surprises. My body is doing a good job of letting me know when to change the dosage. I stagnant or plateau and wonder why I am even following this protocol. My husband said, "You seem to sense that it is no longer doing you any good." This is exactly the feeling that I get. My health does not go backwards I just feel like the scum-covered pond that was near my childhood home: water, home to many fish, full of food, important. Yet, it just does not compare to the life of the clear, bubbling brook set amongst the trees: sparkling, refreshing, clean. The other indicator is the ability to regularly take Benicar on the regular schedule of every six hours. If I am needing to take Benicar every four hours and increase my dosage, then I have eliminated the most effective method of making any bad immunopathology tolerable. One woman encouraged mothers to listen to their "mommy-gut" instinct regarding their children. If mothers are in obedience to God, they can listen to this instinct because they are filtering it through the lens of Truth. Likewise, I am listening to my body (which God designed) to determine how best to proceed through this protocol--for me. Your way may be different for you. Blessed is the doctor who realizes this that we need to listen to our bodies (my doctor does)! I am sure there are other ways to determine when to take what and when to stop. These are just two ways that have helped me at this time.

MP--A Gentle Introduction to Phase 2

My gracious God has gently introduced me to Phase 2 of the Marshall Protocol. I was just starting to feel more "normal" physically and emotionally on Phase 1 so I knew it was time to move on but I must admit that I was also reluctant to face the symptoms of dying bacteria. However, in my first week on Phase 2, I have continued to have a functioning brain and energy to do household projects. I have only had a few blocks of time that I felt poorly. I am very grateful for this time to enjoy thinking and attacking some neglected work. After reviewing a chart of the normal immunopathology associated with minocycline, with my husband's wise input, I switched to taking the antibiotics in the morning (instead of the night) so that most of my symptoms would hit when I am sleeping. Now, sleep has not been the greatest, but I am feeling better doing the day and my morning, in particular, has been more tolerable. Each antibiotic has a different schedule so we will see what happens with clindamycin. Chart for immunopathology of Minocycline http://mpkb.org/home/mp/mpmeds/minocycline I am presently taking 1/4 dose of the full desired dose minocycline (25mg) and clindamycin (37.5 mg) every 48 hours, and will continue at this level for at least another week, or until my symptoms are tolerable. Then I increase one of the antibiotics another 1/4. This stair-stepping continues until I can tolerate a full dose of both antibiotics. I am using these tools to chart my symptoms. I prefer the Phase 1 chart as it allows more room for a greater variety of symptoms. I also track my average ratings on any given day (which my husband and I devised and I posted recently into another blog). http://mpkb.org/home/lifestyle/toolsformp#symptom_chart Thank You, Lord for some gentle transitions and for providing wisdom and tools for those transitions.

Marshall Protocol: Communicating My Status

My husband worked with me to develop this rating system so we could communicate better how I was fairing for the day. I encourage others dealing with chronic illness to do likewise (or it may come in handy during other life-changing times like pregnancy, grieving, frustrating job situations). Of course, I may hit many stages throughout the day but I kind of average it and may note particularly bad or good times. Effective and brief communication is very important for me and my support. 10—GREAT! Sustained over time 9—Pretty Good; symptom free 8—Stable plus some creativity 7—Stable; productive, clear head, happy 6—Guarded; unsure what is going to happen 5—I’m getting by 4—Struggling; coping 3—Barely functioning 2—Hiding (not down but away from others/activities) 1—NOT doing ANYTHING Levels 1-4 call for specific coping strategies and intervention.

Marshall Protocol: Zombies Take Over

After my last posting, it is only appropriate that I am enjoying an breve in my favorite coffee shop in Louisville, Day’s Espresso. Maybe I should be exploring a new-to-me-shop, but I am not up to the unexpected today.

My sons have introduced Zombies to me and they have a Survival Guide to Zombies which is a good investment because Zombie is what I feel like with my chronic fatigue and brain fog. In fact, I have decided that the poor soul who created Zombies had some sort of chronic illness and that is how he could write so descriptively about Zombies (of course, a male developed this creature, right?).

Chronic illness definitely makes one feel that an alien has taken over her body! And an unpredictable alien it is. I used to be fairly confident that I would awake ready and motivated to tackle the day’s activities with an engaged heart and mind. Now, even if a spark of that comes, I never know how long it will last.

Lesson 1: Savor the moment of clarity and energy for you never know what tomorrow (or the next moment will bring). Thank You, Lord, for this moment when I can be productive and think to praise You!

Lesson 2: Do not try to make up for everything you have not done in that sparkly moment because you will probably pay for it and relapse to Zombie state sooner. Thank You, Lord, for answering my prayer for wisdom in what I should and should not do.

Lesson 3: Before the Zombie state returns, write up a Survival Guide for you and your family. This time, too, comes from the Father’s hand. Be at peace for He surrounds you with His love, comfort, and hope—even when you cannot see anything in front of you. Oh how my heart fights against this time unless I trust in HIM! Sometimes all I can say is, “I will TRUST YOU! I will TRUST YOU!”

Marshall Protocol: VERY hard day

Two almost normal days (though I am not sure I remember what normal feels like). Sigh. I was feeling hopeful that I had tackled this dosage level of minocycline and could enjoy a few days reprieve before starting the next phase. Then Sunday hit. I actually had hints Saturday evening that some more bacteria were being targeted as I experienced some chest pain and shortness of breath, however these were mild. Sunday morning it required all my energy to say a word. I ended up writing a note to my husband to let him know that I felt awful and tried to describe it. I was in a tunnel. Any talking required effort to even form the words. I could plod through daily activities but interactive activities were extremely taxing--and the day was full of just such activities. But I went to church, said little, and sang and clung to God. Or rather, He clung to me. We had a meeting in the afternoon: I listened and managed to let people know my name. We took some Nepalese refugees to the airport and some others to evening service. Finally, the tunnel darkness lifted and I could interact with others. Prior to evening service, my husband asked if I needed to stay home. This is something that is a challenge for me (and I think others who have followed the MP) is that you do not know if an activity will help get you through or if you are taxing yourself by doing that very activity--honestly, I do not think staying home to rest would have helped so I went to evening service. Our doctor stresses the importance of continue daily living while on the protocol. I need to keep seeking God's wisdom for the daily decisions of balancing light exposure, work/rest, interaction/quiet, etc. . . so that my body can heal but I am doing just what He calls me to do.

Marshall Protocol: Sleep

Since the developments of my chronic illness, my sleep has been disrupted by many things and I rarely feel rested. Since increasing my dosage of minocycoline (the antibiotic) to what is considered a therapeutic level on the Marshall Protocol (100mg every 48 hours), I had four nights that I slept through my alarm for my middle of the night dosage of Benicar (40mg every 6 hours). This is not good since my body needs the Benicar in regular increments to help my immune system deal with the killing of the bacteria action of the antibiotic. However, I must admit that I relished the undisturbed sleep and enjoyed the benefits of being a bit more rested in the morning. Yet, I know that I need the Benicar because my body was not happy in other ways. Overall, my sleep has been better since following the MP diet, limiting sun exposure, and beginning the medication protocol. To battle the alarm problem, I switched my phone alarm back to a normal setting instead of vibrate. It is more alarming to wake to this, but I do hear it. I have found my cell phone a good alarm device to help with remembering the medications. I have it with me most of the time and I can easily adjust the times if I need to reschedule a dose. Another reminder that many transitions impact our sleeping patterns--either in adjusting to them or recovering from them. I know this is true in my life from the times of great joy in giving birth to those times of sorrow in agonizing over a death. It is of great comfort to know that God gives us rest. He plans times of sleep. He desired our bodies to need and benefit from rest. He Himself rested, yet He never sleeps. He is ever vigilant and watches over me while I sleep (and while I am awake). I remember a man, when I inquired of how he slept in a hotel, said, "The Lord knows just what I need concerning sleep and that is what He provided. " Oh, Lord, give me a heart of gratitude that chooses to wake and say, "Thank You for the sleep I received from Your hand." "In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for Thou alone, O Lord, dost make me dwell in safety." Ps. 4:8

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!

Deadlines

Since I completed my first official week on the Marshall Protocol, I have been musing over the fact that we like DEADLINES. I don't know if this is an American trait but we like endings for events, school, jobs, church services, and medical procedures. I wanted to find a count-up gadget for this blog to record how long I have been on the Marshall Protocol, but I could only find count-downs. We like to count-down to the END of school, END of a difficult task, END of waiting for a special event or holiday. Yet, in Scripture, I find God often does not give DEADLINES or count-downs. We have no idea when a friend will come to Christ, when Christ will return, when the rapture will happen, or how long we will wander in a desert. Job did not know how long his suffering would last; Joseph did not know how long it would be until he was reunited with his brothers; Abraham did not know when God would provide a son--though it was promised. So, as I continue on this path of hopeful healing, I am needing to be content right where God has me at this moment. Though I cannot know the END, I do know He is with me and guiding me during these moments. I am reminded that He is faithful in all of His promises. Though we have wonderful plans for our children's lives (character, spiritual, physical, and mental goals), my husband often reminds me that what is important is progress otherwise our children would never graduate from our homeschool :). Did you know that in bygone eras, children completed a grade level when they had mastered the required material regardless of how long or short it took him? What an interesting concept! A friend recently told me how refreshed he felt just because he did not have a looming academic DEADLINE over his head. Yes, it is refreshing not to be staring at the calendar wondering how to fit it all in and do your best as the due date creeps towards you. My doctor tells me that this protocol may take anywhere from 3-5 years (everyone is different) to be successful. No promises, but to be encouraged if there is progress. I appreciate his honesty. It allows me to focus on what I need to be doing to help the process along and it helps me be steadfast. A friend has steadfastly persevered in physical therapy with many set backs but she sees slow progress and this is what she needs to keep going (besides the encouragement from her husband, friends, and therapists). Another person I know worked with her disabled child to learn to read. Though tempted to give-up, she continued looking for progress in little increments, several years later, the child has to be told put down the book while he is walking. Again, I am encouraged by the examples in Scripture: Some of the disciples got it right away and others were a little slow in applying the truth. God used the reluctant prophets as well as those who readily responded. God hounds the fleeing sinner and He embraces those who respond right away to the gospel. God is sanctifying me at the rate that is right for me--and the only DEADLINE I face is when I fall before His Throne. May my progress along the way be one that glorifies Him. So, if you are like me and facing a situation that you don't know if it will end or when it will end, I encourage you to be faithful today in what the Lord has placed before you. "He Who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it." Phil. 1:6 And, by the way, if you happen to know a good count-up gadget for blogs, would you please let me know? Good novel reading to reflect on the true one deadline we all will face--Deadline by Randy Alcorn Good resource if you want to focus on what your child needs to know instead of the end of textbook or school calendar-- Luke's Lists by Joyce Herzog

Marshall Protocol

In trying to resolve my chronic illness, I am going to be using the Marshall Protocol. It will be a life changing experience, I am sure. It is presently in a study stage but its purpose is to get to the underlying issues of several illnesses and to get your own immune system to work against the foes (bacteria) within your body. That is to put the concept quite simply. To apply this protocol, I will need to eat certain foods and dress in certain ways for probably several years. God is giving me another opportunity for a transition in my life. If I can use this experience to consider this from a Kingdom perspective, it will help me. First, I must be grateful for what I can eat (and not begrudge what I cannot eat or all the labels I need to read in the store). Secondly, I can reflect on the truth that my most formidable foe is within me: just as this bacteria is causing havoc with my body, my sin causes havoc with my spirit--I must deal with the root cause. Thirdly, the changes I want to have made inside, need to be practiced on the outside for the change to take place. Fourth, I may look a bit odd to others who don't understand, but I have to not be concerned about appearances. I am also learning about tricky bacteria: They hide, change forms, and even trick my body to think they are normal parts of me! That is what I do with sin if I let it harbor: I hide it, I call it something more acceptable, or I say it is just the way I am. Bottom line--this sin is not a natural part of my life now that I am a believer and belong to the King. Therefore, I have to not treat it as such and be just as radical as the Marshall Protocol in getting rid of it. I also need to be prepared for the battle. In the Marshall Protocol, I have been warned that I will have times when I feel worse than I do presently. That is because when bacteria dies, it releases poisons which make us feel lousy. So, even though this battle is painful and comfortable, that pain and discomfort actually means it is working. Hmmm, as I yank out the sin in my heart, it will not be comfortable, Satan will protest, and my heart will want to give up, but through Christ, I can be steadfast and call upon His gracious love to battle for me. One final contrast/comparison: Though I am not assured of physical healing using the Marshall Protocol, I am assured of victory in Christ in dealing with sin. "If I confess my sin, He is faithful and just to forgive my sin and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness."Praise Him!