It seems to be the week to ask that question. I’ve asked that question and I’ve been asked countless times, where was God when…?

I made a visit to the home of a staff family today. On July 4, Johan Munoz fell from a ladder in a freakish accident and was literally minutes from bleeding out and dying in his front yard. His family was out of the country and the only noise he could hear in their peaceful neighborhood was a lawn mower several houses away. That lawnmower stopped running and couldn’t start again until its owner heard Johan’s cry for help. The neighbor called 911 and several surgeries later, Johan had his left leg amputated above the knee.

I went by their home with my good friend Carlos, the pastor of our Sugar Hill Espanol Church. It was our intent to be a blessing, to see what we might do to help, and pray with them. An hour later I found myself on the receiving side of the blessing as Johan poured his heart out about his prayer life and praying in the model of the Prophet Elisha. I heard him thank the Lord for sparing his life for greater service. He has been leading the Prayer Ministry at Sugar Hill Espanol and it has become an expectation for God to show up and He has been working greatly through Johan.

When we were about to leave, blessed immeasurably, he and his sweet wife handed Carlos and I thank you notes for all the church has done in rallying around them. And then he handed us a check for the church. It was one of those rare moments when I was speechless. I literally asked him if he was on crack? And followed that up with, are you sure? I was beyond shocked and beyond blessed. It was a time when God may have seemed distant on July 4, but clearly was doing something special in Johan and Paola’s life. Something beyond human comprehension. God was there today.

And then Sunday, right after church, I stopped by to pray with a family in our community that was in a state of shock and dire grief. Their son had taken his own life the previous evening. I told Jenny that I had never seen grief hang on a soul as deeply as I saw Sunday. Where was God in this heartache?

I suppose that I could offer a preacher answer, or lob a bible verse at them. But I had the sense that I was to be there to simply be their friend, their pastor. I was there to love and pray with them. The why may never be found this side of Heaven, and when we are there it won’t matter.

My prayer is that God will be seen, felt, heard and welcomed into their souls to the degree that as time heals and God holds, His church and His people will be present with encouragement, on their knees and be asking for the heart of God to be swayed toward abundant mercy, amazing grace and peace like a river for these gracious, loving family.

Where Was God? Where He always is…Right here, with us.

Seek His face today. Kiss your spouse and hold your kids tight tonight. And thank the Divine for His mercies that are new every day. Then stop and listen for His voice. He is so close that He can whisper when we are still enough and quiet enough to hear Him.

In both of these families and in your family, trust the promise that God wants to shower you with all of His affection. He says that you are worth it to Him. There is no place that He is not already there.

–AChuck

If I could go back to my life at about 30 years old, I would make several decisions with a great deal more thought, counsel and wisdom. But I know that I, without any doubt, would change the three things listed below. I wonder what might have become of me, had I known then, what I know now?

1. I’d have spent far more time seeking godly counsel and being in a mutually accountable small group than attempting to scale the ladder of mega-church success and church-fame (sorry, I couldn’t think of a more horrific phrase than church-fame). Being part of something greater than a bigger building, budget and parking lot would have saved me and a lot of other folks that I wounded a lot of sorrow. All of us need to be in a community of disciples while making disciples.
2. I’d have started writing far earlier than a few years ago. The cathartic process of writing has sharpened me and at times shaped my theological, psychological and relational positions. I always wanted to write but was too busy trying to impress other folks with a willingness to anything necessary to put more hind parts in seats. Now that I am writing with a pretty passionate desire to be fully vulnerable and transparent, I am enjoying experiencing a fresh wind in my life. If you have something within you that you think the Lord wants to get out of you, don’t let your ego, fear or relationships keep you from allowing Him to use you. At 58 years old, my mind might be sharper than ever before, but those years that I lost, well they haunt me occasionally.
3. I’d have learned to listen as opposed to always finding an answer and talking over everybody else. I can remember “listening” to others while looking past them, or worse, tuning them out while determining my next sentence. Listening isn’t yet my strength, but I am learning to discipline myself to this artful wisdom. I can see the faces of folks that probably needed to receive a ministry of kindness and presence more than a young know-it-all. If you are a good listener, thank the Divine. If, like me, you are not…start today!

Peace, AChuck

I’ve learned that there are times when the single best thought I have to share with the world are the lyrics of a song that I cannot get out of my head. Especially when every insecurity that you have is firing every bullet at you at supersonic speed.

Maybe you don’t have that kind of insecurity. Maybe you don’t offer yourself any negative talk. Maybe your life doesn’t jump up and down like an overactive EKG. But friend, my insecurities, negative self-talk and moments of anxiety can, at times swallow me up and suffocate me.

In a flash, I write something like that last paragraph and want so desperately to delete it and write about courage, valor and unshakeable faith. But that would be window-dressing. My soul is often restless, fearful, anxious and insecure. What horrible things for a real, honest to goodness large-church pastor to admit, right?

And then I listen to these words from Lauren Dagle’s song, “You Say”:

“I keep fighting voices in my mind that say I’m not enough
Every single lie that tells me I will never measure up
Am I more than just the sum of every high and every low?
Remind me once again just who I am, because I need to know

You say I am loved when I can’t feel a thing
You say I am strong when I think I am weak
You say I am held when I am falling short
When I don’t belong, oh You say I am Yours
And I believe, oh I believe
What You say of me
I believe

The only thing that matters now is everything You think of me
In You I find my worth, in You I find my identity, ooo-oh

You say I am loved when I can’t feel a thing
You say I am strong when I think I am weak
You say I am held when I am falling short
When I don’t belong, oh You say I am Yours
And I believe, oh I believe
What You say of me
Oh, I believe

Taking all I have and now I’m laying it at Your feet
You have every failure God, and You’ll have every victory, ooo-oh

You say I am loved when I can’t feel a thing
You say I am strong when I think I am weak
You say I am held when I am falling short
When I don’t belong, oh You say I am Yours
And I believe, oh I believe
What You say of me
I believe

Oh I believe, yes I believe
What You say of me
Oh I believe”

You might want to sing along with this video that includes her lyrics.

Will you join me in rolling up all of those insecurities and worries and toss them in the trash today? I Believe!

–AChuck

 

For more than two and 1/2 years I’ve been encouraging folks to get grateful in their everyday lives. That timeline is directly connected to the season that has reshaped my belief systems, my hopes, dreams and heartaches.

I’m so committed to gratitude that it has impacted every interaction in my personal, professional and emotional life!

Gratitude, including the actions that turn gratitude into gracious living is far more powerful than many of us understand.

By our human nature, and by our individualistic American nature, we rarely reward grateful, thankful people.

What if we were to the voice of gratitude in our family? We might change the heart of our marriages, children and legacy of our united family.

What if we were to be the voice of reason in our workplace? We might actually move the needle of anger, bigotry and abuse found in the corporate headlines today.

What if what we had, was seen as a blessing, rather than comparing it and whining over what we don’t have? We might change the trajectory of our future. We might actually be at peace with our soul. And when we are at peace, we make far better decisions and attract healthy, peace-filled relationships.

It’s a pretty simple process.

Start your day with writing down three things you are grateful for at that moment.

Tell others the magic words, “thank you.” Tell your spouse “thank you” for the smallest of things. Say “thank you” when your kids do something that may seem like something they should naturally do, but saying “thank you” makes it an action that they will learn to carry into their future.

Say “thank you” to your servers at restaurants, to strangers that hold the door for you.

This isn’t the softer side of life. This is the most powerful side of life.

Step up today, and find a reason to be grateful and gracious.

You will never regret being known as a grateful, thankful person!

—AChuck

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Most Saturdays, I enjoy sharing another author’s article, book or blog. This week’s Saturday Share is from Robin Williams. I think this might challenge many of us that are giving 60+ hours of work or more. Have a Great Saturday, AChuck

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Why You Cannot Ignore Your Fatigue Symptom & How to Boost Energy
Adulting is hard, there’s so much to do and so little time. Juggling between work appointments and personal commitments, commuting through traffic, paying bills – our days are marked by a series of endless tasks.

Feeling tired after a hectic day is quite normal – nothing that a warm shower and a good night’s rest cannot cure.

However, if the bouts of fatigue occur more often and last longer, you might have a problem. Here are some reasons why you shouldn’t ignore fatigue as a passing phase.

Warning signs of fatigue

Feeling tired all the time? You’re not alone my friend. Scientific studies show how fatigue has affected the productivity of people irrespective of their age and gender.

You cannot just take a relaxing vacation or a couple of days off work and expect the exhaustion and restlessness to disappear.

So, the next time you find yourself wondering “why am I so tired all the time?”, don’t blow it off. Here are a few red flags that one should look out for:

• Lack of sleep and excessive snoring

• Sudden weight gain or weight loss

• Irregular bowel movements

• Yellow colored urine

• Panic attacks, palpitations, anxiety

• Severe headaches and body pain

• Weak immunity

• The onset of allergies and itchiness

• Cracked lips, acne breakouts

• Sudden and excessive hair loss

Note: Victoria (Australia) state government’s BetterHealth portal offers a more detailed list of symptoms related to fatigue.

Why you shouldn’t take the fatigue lying down

We’ve all had those days when you’re so weary, tiredness no longer remains just a condition, it becomes an emotion. The reason behind this exhaustion can be both physical and psychological. Physical fatigue affects your bodily function (hand limb coordination, blinking frequently etc), psychological fatigue affects the cognitive function of your brain (i.e. feeling dizzy, “brain fog” etc).

Fatigue can be an early sign of depression or anxiety. And there’s no escape, not until you get professional help. People who have chronic fatigue may become depressed and experience extreme bouts of sadness along with the muscle cramps, joint pain and headaches – an unfortunate combination that affects mostly young to middle-aged adults.

Proper sleep and an orderly life might be helpful in controlling the sudden bouts of dizziness and acute fatigue you feel all day. In fact, it would come as a surprise to many that chronic fatigue actually keeps one awake at night. There’s nothing worse than being bone-tired but unable to fall asleep. Making a few changes in your routine cannot magically cure psychological issues such as depression or physical problems like high blood pressure. You need to see a doctor for that.

Do not dismiss your exhaustion, especially if it’s affecting your daily life and productivity.

Chronic fatigue vs Feeling tired – What’s the difference? Imagine feeling so exhausted that the simplest of tasks seem impossible. Now combine that physical exhaustion with severe headaches, joint pains and nausea. Finally, imagine telling this to a close friend only to have him/her roll their eyes in disbelief.

These hypothetical scenarios are part and parcel of someone suffering from chronic fatigue. Fatigue is a daily struggle while tiredness is just a temporary incontinence. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) is a legit medical condition and means a lot more than just your body feeling tired. In severe cases, the symptoms can last for up to 6 months or longer. A report by the Royal College of Psychiatrists has revealed how one in five people suffer from or show signs of chronic fatigue.

Underlying medical conditions triggering your fatigue symptoms

Most people blame the hectic lifestyle for their lethargy. And while that’s true to some extent, it’s not the only reason behind your exhaustion.

Fatigue can be a sign of some serious disease or medical condition. It could be a symptom of the following kinds of ailments.

Anemia

Anemia is a condition that affects your RBC count and blood supply to the brain, the heart and tissues. Women are more susceptible to feeling weak and tired because of blood loss during menstruation, or later in their pregnancy and breastfeeding stages.

Anemia is not a disease, but rather a sign of some other unresolved issue in your body that needs thorough diagnosis and fixing. It might be because of an iron or vitamin deficiency and other conditions like kidney failure, arthritis, and even cancer. Fatigue is a common symptom in anemic people, along with other signs like chest pains, breathing problems, insomnia and headaches. To combat anemia, increase your intake of Vitamin C, consume yogurt and turmeric, eat a lot of green vegetables, include sesame seeds in your salads and smoothies.

Diabetes

Many people with diabetes describe themselves as feeling unbearably tired or lethargic at times.

High sugar levels disrupt the blood circulation, the cells don’t get enough oxygen or nutrients to function properly. The RBCs are inflated due to excessive glucose, causing an increase in the production of monocytes in the brain that make you feel inactive and lethargic.

Low blood-sugar, on the other hand, can cause fatigue among other ailments as there is not enough fuel to power the cells. Proper medication, a balanced diet and plenty of exercises would keep diabetes and your fatigue in check. Bring home a reliable blood sugar/glucose meters.

Blood pressure issues

Given that so many signs are associated with fatigue, it is no surprise that blood pressure goes unnoticed. Almost every adult is struggling with a high or low blood-pressure problem. There are no prominent signs of hypertension and maybe that’s why it’s so difficult to diagnose. It is only when your arteries and other organs are at significant risk that we understand that all is not well with our body. Some uncommon symptoms include chest pains, headache, frequent bouts of dizziness, vision problems and fatigue. The physical exhaustion can also be a side-effect of the medication prescribed for blood-pressure fluctuations. To control your blood pressure, focus on reducing extra flab from your body, exercise regularly, quit smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol, reduce the amount of sodium in your food, avoid caffeine, and try yoga to de-stress. Also, use a credible blood sugar monitoring device.

Sleeping disorders

Feeling tired and run down during the waking hours is something we all struggle with. The ever-piling work pressure jam-packed schedules and chaotic lifestyle disrupt our body’s natural clock. And as you don’t get a proper shut-eye at night, you’re disoriented, confused and cranky in the morning. Chronic fatigue has often been associated with sleeping disorders. Sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome are a few common sleeping disorders that people with chronic fatigue are susceptible to. Researchers from Stockholm University showcased how sleep deprivation could negatively impact your social appeal. Don’t worry, some medications, sleeping aids and a good rest are all you need to overcome the exhaustion.

Adopt a regular sleeping schedule, don’t eat heavy dinners, don’t drink alcohol or coffee before sleeping, and make your room’s lighting and air quality congenial for a good sleep.

Also, as a potent short term solution, use a handy cleansing device along with your favourite cleansers to make your skin look better. Use some safe and useful skincare devices to combat the negative signs of sleep issues on your face.

Thyroid problems

Tiredness is a common sign of hormonal imbalances in the body. And when your thyroid hormones are out of whack, chances are that your body would tire easily.

The thyroid gland, located in the front of the neck, is responsible for controlling metabolic activity. An excessive production of the thyroid hormone (aka hyperthyroidism) speeds up the metabolism, while a deficiency of the hormone (aka hypothyroidism) slows the metabolic process of the body. Hyperthyroidism causes fatigue, muscle sprains (especially around the thighs), sudden weight loss, excessive sweating and an irregular menstrual cycle in women.

Heart disease

People having cardiac problems might have trouble performing everyday tasks like climbing stairs, carrying some weight or even walking for a long time.

Fatigue, excessive sweating and intolerance to exercise are a few common symptoms of heart diseases. The arteries in the heart are blocked by cholesterol, blocking the blood flow to the other parts of the body. As a result, you become more prone to breathing problems, high-pressure and even diabetes. Fatigue can also occur due to dehydration – the toxic wastes aren’t flushed out, it accumulates in the organs and weakens the body from within.

Menopause

A few symptoms of chronic fatigue also overlap with menopause.

Joint pain, headaches, anxiety, sleeping disorders, muscle cramps- they’re all part of menopause induced fatigue.

Hot flashes, excessive sweating, vaginal dryness and physical exhaustion can be your body’s way of coping with the hormonal changes when the menstrual cycle stops.

Almost every woman in her late 40s-50s has to go through this phase. However, if your symptoms are severe and extend over a long period, you should get it checked with a good gynecologist.

How to boost your energy

These days, we’re so used to luxury that even the most basic physical activity can tire us out. So, if you find yourself out of breath after climbing a few stairs, you need to stop and ask yourself – “Am I treating my body right?”. Staying up late all night binge-watching movies and hogging on pizza is exactly the kind of lifestyle that would get your body in trouble.

Some fundamental lifestyle changes can go a long way toward increasing your life expectancy.

Here are a few easy and natural tips to boost your energy levels and stay fresh and active all day long:

•Get more sleep. This is easier said than done, but there are sleeping aids and meds available over the counter that help you sleep better. Learn to hack your sleep cycle or try out Sleep Cycle app; it analyzes your sleep and wakes you up during the light sleep hours, ensuring you’re well rested before waking. It’s been positively reviewed by CNN, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and Wired.

•Regular exercise. Not just hitting the gym, but also yoga and meditation that keeps you mentally and physically fit. Try this guided meditation or try out Headspace, the most popular guided meditation apps of its times.

• Avoid smoking and alcohol. Any drug addiction can cause weight gain, breathing problems, sleep apnoea and other physical problems. If you find quitting smoking a herculean task, try replacements such as V2 Standard Starter Kit and V2 Pro Series 3 e-cigarettes, that cut down significantly on the nicotine intake.

•Stay hydrated. Drink a lot of organic fruit juices and water at regular intervals.

•Eat healthily. Include fresh fruits, veggies and proteins in your diet, do away with the calories. Eat a nutrient-rich, balanced diet. Find a healthy eating plan that suits you.

When to make an appointment with your doctor?

Chronic fatigue has recently been recognized as a disease by the medical community. Today, doctors are acknowledging fatigue as a problem that doesn’t just imply lack of sleep, but a host of other medical issues that might be hidden underneath the apparent exhaustion.

Unfortunately, the layman still sees fatigue as a blanket term used to define lethargy, laziness, complacent behavior and a bad hangover.

Make an appointment with your doctor if your fatigue is accompanied by depression, severe anxiety, chest pains, breathing problems, dizziness, abdominal cramps, rectal bleeding, vomiting and migraines. It might lead to some fatal consequences if left unchecked for long.

Summing it up

Chronic fatigue is tough to deal with, more so when people around you aren’t aware of your daily struggles to fight the exhaustion off.

Acknowledge the problem and get help – that’s the only way to deal with it.

Featured photo credit: Pexels via pexels.com

I’M ON A MISSION to manage my energy, not just my calendar. This is a more difficult task that I thought it would be. I completely underestimated the number of people that want a space on my calendar. I am attempting to restructure my time to accommodate the blocks of time that I feel more creative than others, and what time of day that I am better at counseling or administrative responsibilities. As a result, I’m making some pretty big changes to my calendar and time management!

Have a Great Saturday!

AChuck