I will remember Monday, February 13, 2012. After months of digestive distress, weeks of experimenting with cutting out gluten and dairy from my diet, a round of bloodwork, and finally a biopsy of my intestines, that is the day the results were in and the diagnosis became official. I have celiac disease.
Since many have been walking alongside me, praying me through this journey thus far, I thought it would be prudent to share a little about celiac disease and the implications it has on my life. It's really too much information for one blog post, so this will be the first part in a two-part series. In this post I will deal more with the physical aspects of celiac disease, and in a following post I will address more of my emotional and spiritual reactions and thoughts to the experience and the diagnosis.
Celiac is an autoimmune disorder. Basically, when I eat foods containing gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye, my immune system reacts by attacking cells of my own body as though they were foreign invaders. In the case of celiac, the damage is done to the intestines, greatly hindering the body's ability to absorb nutrients and causing a myriad of painful or otherwise uncomfortable symptoms.
There is no cure for celiac and the only treatment is a strictly gluten-free diet for life. While such a diet will enable me to lead a normal, healthy lifestyle, failing to cut out gluten greatly increases the risk of developing further complications, including intestinal cancer, osteoporosis, malnutrition, and other autoimmune disorders. One medical article I read said patients with untreated celiac disease are 4 times more likely to die from complications than their non-celiac peers.
On the bright side, a gluten-free diet is very doable. There are plenty of foods that are gluten-free in their natural state: fruits, vegetables, rice, beans, nuts, unprocessed meats, as well as alternative grains such as oats and quinoa. As more and more people are developing celiac and gluten-intolerance issues, more and more alternatives and gluten-free products are made available.
But celiac disease is not as simple as gluten-intolerance. Someone who is gluten-intolerant can usually eat small amounts of gluten without reacting or experiencing any distress. Neither are their symptoms the result of an immune reaction. Typically, their bodies just have difficulty digesting the proteins. Wheat or gluten allergy, however, is also an immune response, but it varies from celiac in that it does not specifically target the intestines. With celiac disease and allergy, the tiniest traces of gluten can cause a reaction. Even using a pan, utensil, or surface that was used to prepare foods containing gluten without thoroughly washing it first can contaminate gluten-free food.
Another challenge is that gluten, and particularly wheat, shows up in a lot of foods. Breads, pastas, cookies, cakes, chips, crackers and things of that nature are the most obvious sources, however, gluten or wheat is often used as a filler, thickener, or a bonding agent and shows up in many processed foods, meats, and sauces where you might not otherwise expect it. And, while a person with gluten-intolerance may be able to get by with those products labeled "May contain wheat", I am learning that I must look only for the glorious "Gluten free" label and avoid anything ambiguous or processed in a facility that also processes wheat.
In addition to avoiding gluten, I must also avoid dairy products as I am also currently lactose intolerant. Many people who are diagnosed with celiac disease are also initially unable to properly digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products, until they adopt the gluten-free diet and their intestines have time to heal. Depending on the damage sustained, healing may take anywhere from a few months to a few years. Some celiacs never recover the ability to digest lactose and must remain both gluten and lactose free for life. Only time will tell.
Needless to say, avoiding gluten and dairy has its limitations. Honestly, I miss milk, yogurt, cheese, and butter more than I miss wheat, so I am praying earnestly that the lactose intolerance is only temporary. Meanwhile, I thank the Lord for the availability of alternatives like almond milk.
But perhaps the most difficult adjustment is the social one. Going out to eat, or eating over at someone's house just became way more complicated. Even though more and more restaurants are training their staff to properly handle foods for gluten-free standards and adding gluten-free menus, there is a huge trust factor involved in letting someone else prepare your food. You can never be sure whether or not they really handled it properly, what really is or isn't in there, and whether or not they really understand the seriousness of the disorder or how easy it is to contaminate the food with trace amounts of gluten.
Many of my gluten-free friends have adjusted by simply bringing their own food to social functions or simply eating on their own before or after going out to eat with a group of friends. While it is honestly a little uncomfortable to be the odd one out at a social gathering, the physical consequences of throwing caution to the wind for the sake of social normalcy are also quite uncomfortable. For sure, these adjustments will take a while to get used to, but I am confident that in time they will be normal and not seem quite so awkward.
All-in-all, being diagnosed with celiac disease is life-changing on some levels, and initially very overwhelming, but as I am adjusting I find that I have so much for which to give thanks to the Lord. I can only imagine what God will accomplish as a result of my celiac disease, and what opportunities might come my way that would not have otherwise. I look expectantly to see the good that He will accomplish through it, and desire especially to grow in Christlikeness and humility as a result of this development. May I be faithful with this gift that He has given!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Dreaming of a Place to Call Home
Lately I've been daydreaming about having my own place. It's not that I want to be alone. Quite the contrary, my daydreams usually involve living in a cozy house/apartment with a roommate or two. Mostly I guess I just want a place where I have a sense of ownership, where I'd be free to decorate how I want, and to use the kitchen to make whatever I want whenever I want it, and (let's be honest) to try out all kinds of cool household things I have learned on Pinterest.
These recent daydreams may also have something to do with the fact that I have had several friends who have recently moved, gotten their own apartment, bought a house, or sold a house. Suddenly I am thinking about houses and homes and the reality of buying, renting, and selling.
I never thought I would want to buy a house. I figured I would be on the mission field, and would have no need for a home to tie me down in the States. I could just rent on furloughs and trust the Lord to provide for my housing needs. The thought of actually owning a home seemed a little worldly and materialistic to me.
But there is a difference between owning and acquiring possessions and materialism. One can own a great many things, several houses, cars, boats, planes, or whatever else, and still not be worldly or materialistic. The difference is the attitude one has toward those possessions.
I have been reading through Genesis this month, and recently read about Jacob and his dealings with Laban. Throughout the account, Jacob acquires wives, children, possessions, and all kinds of wealth. Some of this comes through hard work, and some through scheming, but ALL of it comes from the hand of the Lord.
What struck me was the fact that Jacob acknowledged that fact clearly. When he prayed to God, he recalled all that God had given to him since he fled Esau. He left empty handed, and returned a wealthy man. Though he acquired much, and through earthly means, Jacob did not hesitate to acknowledge that it was God who had given him all these things. (Genesis 32:9-12; 33:4-11)
After an honest evaluation, I'll be the first to admit that I don't tend to think of my possessions in that way. All too often I think of them as things that are rightfully mine, things that I have earned or even deserve. I think very little of the graciousness of the Lord in granting me the many things I own. But truthfully, if it were not for His generosity, I would have nothing at all.
This computer I am using to write this post, the car I drive to work in, the blankets that cover me at night, the phone that keeps me connected with the people I love, the clothes in my closet and in my dresser, the books on my shelves, the food in my fridge.... all of these things and so many more are gracious gifts from my Heavenly Father, things He did not have to give me, but things that He did.
My life might look a little different if I lived daily acknowledging this truth about my earthly possessions. I think I'd be happier, more thankful, more joyful. I'd probably have a better understanding of myself and of my God. I'd probably be more generous, giving more of my time and my resources to those around me. Just as it is easy to forgive when you realize how much you have been forgiven, it is easy to give when you realize how much you've been given.
James 1:17 "Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow."
These recent daydreams may also have something to do with the fact that I have had several friends who have recently moved, gotten their own apartment, bought a house, or sold a house. Suddenly I am thinking about houses and homes and the reality of buying, renting, and selling.
I never thought I would want to buy a house. I figured I would be on the mission field, and would have no need for a home to tie me down in the States. I could just rent on furloughs and trust the Lord to provide for my housing needs. The thought of actually owning a home seemed a little worldly and materialistic to me.
But there is a difference between owning and acquiring possessions and materialism. One can own a great many things, several houses, cars, boats, planes, or whatever else, and still not be worldly or materialistic. The difference is the attitude one has toward those possessions.
I have been reading through Genesis this month, and recently read about Jacob and his dealings with Laban. Throughout the account, Jacob acquires wives, children, possessions, and all kinds of wealth. Some of this comes through hard work, and some through scheming, but ALL of it comes from the hand of the Lord.
What struck me was the fact that Jacob acknowledged that fact clearly. When he prayed to God, he recalled all that God had given to him since he fled Esau. He left empty handed, and returned a wealthy man. Though he acquired much, and through earthly means, Jacob did not hesitate to acknowledge that it was God who had given him all these things. (Genesis 32:9-12; 33:4-11)
After an honest evaluation, I'll be the first to admit that I don't tend to think of my possessions in that way. All too often I think of them as things that are rightfully mine, things that I have earned or even deserve. I think very little of the graciousness of the Lord in granting me the many things I own. But truthfully, if it were not for His generosity, I would have nothing at all.
This computer I am using to write this post, the car I drive to work in, the blankets that cover me at night, the phone that keeps me connected with the people I love, the clothes in my closet and in my dresser, the books on my shelves, the food in my fridge.... all of these things and so many more are gracious gifts from my Heavenly Father, things He did not have to give me, but things that He did.
My life might look a little different if I lived daily acknowledging this truth about my earthly possessions. I think I'd be happier, more thankful, more joyful. I'd probably have a better understanding of myself and of my God. I'd probably be more generous, giving more of my time and my resources to those around me. Just as it is easy to forgive when you realize how much you have been forgiven, it is easy to give when you realize how much you've been given.
James 1:17 "Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow."
Monday, January 23, 2012
Thoughts on Matthew 14:22-36
When the disciples feared for their lives because of the very real danger of the storm, Jesus did not comfort them. He did not say, "Oh you poor things, I know the storm is scary." He made His presence known: "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." When Peter took his eyes off the Lord and began to sink into the waves, Jesus responded with a chide, a rebuke: "You of little faith, why did you doubt?"
Even in the most serious, most threatening physical condition we find ourselves in, when we are unable to help or to save ourselves, we can take comfort in the presence of our sovereign Lord; He is in control, and He is with us. The greatest waves cannot shake us, the fiercest winds cannot topple us, and the rain cannot soak our frail bodies without permission from the hand and mouth of their Maker.
Yet it is not as though we ought to go through the difficulties of life unaffected. It is not, "Put on a brave face," that Jesus says, but, "Why did you doubt?" Christ does not call us to embrace the storms of life with a foolish grin, as though nothing were wrong, but to face them with a faith that trusts in spite of our own fears and uncertainty.
There are many unknowns in life, and many times we cannot fathom any possible solution for the very real, very difficult trials that bombard and threaten us. We are not called to have the answer, but to trust the One who does, to have full confidence in the One whose hand guided this storm into our lives and is capable of guiding it out.
In such times of fear and uncertainty, let us cast ourselves on the Maker of the storm and trust in Him, for we dare not trust ourselves and what our senses perceive. There is no real danger for those who rest in the loving hand of the Father. The blood of Christ, shed for them, makes them more secure than anything in the universe, and there is no storm that can ever pluck them from His hand.
Even in the most serious, most threatening physical condition we find ourselves in, when we are unable to help or to save ourselves, we can take comfort in the presence of our sovereign Lord; He is in control, and He is with us. The greatest waves cannot shake us, the fiercest winds cannot topple us, and the rain cannot soak our frail bodies without permission from the hand and mouth of their Maker.
Yet it is not as though we ought to go through the difficulties of life unaffected. It is not, "Put on a brave face," that Jesus says, but, "Why did you doubt?" Christ does not call us to embrace the storms of life with a foolish grin, as though nothing were wrong, but to face them with a faith that trusts in spite of our own fears and uncertainty.
There are many unknowns in life, and many times we cannot fathom any possible solution for the very real, very difficult trials that bombard and threaten us. We are not called to have the answer, but to trust the One who does, to have full confidence in the One whose hand guided this storm into our lives and is capable of guiding it out.
In such times of fear and uncertainty, let us cast ourselves on the Maker of the storm and trust in Him, for we dare not trust ourselves and what our senses perceive. There is no real danger for those who rest in the loving hand of the Father. The blood of Christ, shed for them, makes them more secure than anything in the universe, and there is no storm that can ever pluck them from His hand.
Monday, October 24, 2011
National Abortion Federation :: Pro-choice?
DISCLAIMER: Some content in this post is graphic and may be disturbing to some readers.
I was doing a little research and reading on abortions and decided to leave the pro-life websites behind and look at the so-called pro-choice websites and what they were saying.
In so doing, I came across some things that really weren't that surprising, and some other things that just made me shake my head in disbelief. How could intelligent people read these things and not feel uncomfortable with the way they talk about human life? How could they read them and not feel patronized by the blatant euphemistic language?
One site I browsed, belonging to the National Abortion Federation, is not-so-aptly named www.prochoice.org. What didn't surprise me here was the fact that the baby in the womb is referred to as an "embryo" or "pregnancy tissue" or even "the contents of the uterus." It is typical for pro-abortion advocates to talk about human life as if it is just "tissue" prior to birth, and somehow not fully human.
On this particular site, the term "embryo" was used in reference to medical abortion, which is accomplished by means of drugs. One pill interferes with the attachment of the fetus to the uterus, while another induces contractions, expelling the "embryo" [i.e. baby] from the woman's body. [The website failed to mention the fact that the failure to attach to the uterus also amounts to a failure for the placenta to develop. Ultimately the fetus is starved to death, a fact which is noted on other websites, here and here.]
The second term, "pregnancy tissue", was also used in reference to medical abortion. A cited disadvantage of such a procedure is that "Women may see blood clots and pregnancy tissue" that are expelled from their bodies. [It seems even pro-abortion advocates recognize that such a sight could be emotionally devastating for a woman.]
The term "contents of the uterus" was used in reference to a vacuum aspiration abortion procedure, where the baby is [violently] sucked out of the womb. [The website didn't really explain what happens to the fetus during this procedure. Apparently, the fact that the baby is literally ripped limb from limb in the process doesn't seem as important to communicate as information about the ease and relative comfort of the procedure for the mother. For the brave soul who wishes to further educate themselves concerning the reality of what happens to a baby during a vacuum aspiration you can start by reading this article, then seeing the pictures in this article, or watching this video. NOT for the faint of heart.]
As mentioned above, the use of this kind of terminology wasn't surprising to me. I did find it a little blatant and found myself wondering if anyone is actually fooled or comforted by the obvious euphemism for human life. Sadly, I'm sure many simply "accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions" (2 Timothy 4:3-4) and embrace the euphemisms. They believe it is true and right because that is what they want to hear.
What surprised me about this site was the general vagueness about abortion procedures and what actually happens to the baby during an abortion procedure. Upon second thought, however, I surmise that it's not too surprising after all. Why would a pro-abortion organization want to provide any information that would surely prove detrimental to their cause? While claiming to be pro-choice, they really don't provide a lot of information for helping women to consider any other choice but abortion.
The site also failed to mention late-term abortion. At least I couldn't find anything about it while I was poking around. Another case of withholding information that would undoubtedly harm the efforts of a pro-abortion organization. [See this article to read how barbaric late-term abortion procedures really are.]
Also surprising was the lack of information about the baby at all. I couldn't find any information about fetal development, let alone any links to other websites that might have this information. It was kind of disturbing to see first-hand how the existence of a child was virtually unacknowledged altogether. Again, not really pro-choice. More like just plain pro-abortion.
I suppose that's only what can be expected of an organization called the "National Abortion Federation," but I would have to protest their obvious claim to pro-choice status with the web address www.prochoice.org.
At the end of the day, the attitudes expressed in an anonymous quote I found on one of the website's articles reflect the selfishness at the heart of the abortion issue:
Apparently committing murder to avoid the consequences of personal irresponsibility is justifiable when having a baby would interfere with our personal lives.
I was doing a little research and reading on abortions and decided to leave the pro-life websites behind and look at the so-called pro-choice websites and what they were saying.
In so doing, I came across some things that really weren't that surprising, and some other things that just made me shake my head in disbelief. How could intelligent people read these things and not feel uncomfortable with the way they talk about human life? How could they read them and not feel patronized by the blatant euphemistic language?
One site I browsed, belonging to the National Abortion Federation, is not-so-aptly named www.prochoice.org. What didn't surprise me here was the fact that the baby in the womb is referred to as an "embryo" or "pregnancy tissue" or even "the contents of the uterus." It is typical for pro-abortion advocates to talk about human life as if it is just "tissue" prior to birth, and somehow not fully human.
On this particular site, the term "embryo" was used in reference to medical abortion, which is accomplished by means of drugs. One pill interferes with the attachment of the fetus to the uterus, while another induces contractions, expelling the "embryo" [i.e. baby] from the woman's body. [The website failed to mention the fact that the failure to attach to the uterus also amounts to a failure for the placenta to develop. Ultimately the fetus is starved to death, a fact which is noted on other websites, here and here.]
The second term, "pregnancy tissue", was also used in reference to medical abortion. A cited disadvantage of such a procedure is that "Women may see blood clots and pregnancy tissue" that are expelled from their bodies. [It seems even pro-abortion advocates recognize that such a sight could be emotionally devastating for a woman.]
The term "contents of the uterus" was used in reference to a vacuum aspiration abortion procedure, where the baby is [violently] sucked out of the womb. [The website didn't really explain what happens to the fetus during this procedure. Apparently, the fact that the baby is literally ripped limb from limb in the process doesn't seem as important to communicate as information about the ease and relative comfort of the procedure for the mother. For the brave soul who wishes to further educate themselves concerning the reality of what happens to a baby during a vacuum aspiration you can start by reading this article, then seeing the pictures in this article, or watching this video. NOT for the faint of heart.]
As mentioned above, the use of this kind of terminology wasn't surprising to me. I did find it a little blatant and found myself wondering if anyone is actually fooled or comforted by the obvious euphemism for human life. Sadly, I'm sure many simply "accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions" (2 Timothy 4:3-4) and embrace the euphemisms. They believe it is true and right because that is what they want to hear.
What surprised me about this site was the general vagueness about abortion procedures and what actually happens to the baby during an abortion procedure. Upon second thought, however, I surmise that it's not too surprising after all. Why would a pro-abortion organization want to provide any information that would surely prove detrimental to their cause? While claiming to be pro-choice, they really don't provide a lot of information for helping women to consider any other choice but abortion.
The site also failed to mention late-term abortion. At least I couldn't find anything about it while I was poking around. Another case of withholding information that would undoubtedly harm the efforts of a pro-abortion organization. [See this article to read how barbaric late-term abortion procedures really are.]
Also surprising was the lack of information about the baby at all. I couldn't find any information about fetal development, let alone any links to other websites that might have this information. It was kind of disturbing to see first-hand how the existence of a child was virtually unacknowledged altogether. Again, not really pro-choice. More like just plain pro-abortion.
I suppose that's only what can be expected of an organization called the "National Abortion Federation," but I would have to protest their obvious claim to pro-choice status with the web address www.prochoice.org.
At the end of the day, the attitudes expressed in an anonymous quote I found on one of the website's articles reflect the selfishness at the heart of the abortion issue:
"I have often times regretted engaging in unprotected sexual activity which led to my getting pregnant in college. I have NEVER, not once, regretted having my abortion. By having an abortion in 1985, I did choose life - my life."
Apparently committing murder to avoid the consequences of personal irresponsibility is justifiable when having a baby would interfere with our personal lives.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
I will tell of Your greatness
Last year around this time I wrote a post about my sister Abigail in which I remembered the graciousness of the Lord in sparing my sister two years prior. I won't rehash the details again here, but those interested may read more in last year's post here, see my sister's website here, or read my facebook note updates about it from October 2008.
This week I have been meditating on Psalm 145 and Isaiah 40, and as I read them today I was struck by these particular verses from Psalm 145:
vv. 6-7 "Men shall speak of the power of Your awesome acts, and I will tell of Your greatness. They shall eagerly utter the memory of Your abundant goodness and will shout joyfully of Your righteousness."
Remembering the events of three years ago, I can think of no better way to describe them than as "awesome acts" and "abundant goodness." I hope I never forget the things that He did then, and never fail to tell of His greatness. If you see me around, I'd love to tell you about it in person. Please ask.
vv. 17-20b "The LORD is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His deeds. The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He will also hear their cry and will save them. The LORD keeps all who love Him..."
This week I have been meditating on Psalm 145 and Isaiah 40, and as I read them today I was struck by these particular verses from Psalm 145:
vv. 6-7 "Men shall speak of the power of Your awesome acts, and I will tell of Your greatness. They shall eagerly utter the memory of Your abundant goodness and will shout joyfully of Your righteousness."
Remembering the events of three years ago, I can think of no better way to describe them than as "awesome acts" and "abundant goodness." I hope I never forget the things that He did then, and never fail to tell of His greatness. If you see me around, I'd love to tell you about it in person. Please ask.
vv. 17-20b "The LORD is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His deeds. The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He will also hear their cry and will save them. The LORD keeps all who love Him..."
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