Gods Will...

[StrawberryFields]

There has been some discussion on this topic but I would like to explore it more.

Just recently I saw the music video by Martina McBride- Gods Will and I was touched by it.

http://launch.yahoo.com/ar-257794-videos--...Martina-McBride

The Words

I met God's Will on a Halloween night

He was dressed as a bag of leaves

It hid the braces on his legs at first

His smile was as bright as the August sun

When he looked at me

As he struggled down the driveway, it almost

Made me hurt

Will don't walk too good

Will don't talk too good

He won't do the things that the other kids do,

In our neighborhood

(Chorus:)

I've been searchin', wonderin', thinkin'

Lost and lookin' all my life

I've been wounded, jaded, loved and hated

I've wrestled wrong and right

He was a boy without a father

And his mother's miracle

I've been readin', writin', prayin', fightin'

I guess I would be still

Yeah, that was until

I knew God's Will

Will's mom had to work two jobs

We'd watch him when she had to work late

And we'd all laugh like I hadn't laughed

Since I don't know when

Hey Jude was his favorite song

At dinner he'd ask to pray

And then he'd pray for everybody in the world but him

(Chorus)

Before they moved to California

His mother said, they didn't think he'd live

And she said each day that I have him, well it's just

another gift

And I never got to tell her, that the boy

Showed me the truth

In crayon red, on notebook paper, he'd written

Me and God love you

I've been searchin', prayin', wounded, jaded

I guess I would be still

Yeah that was until...

I met God's Will on a Halloween night

He was dressed as a bag of leaves

What do you think?

When a child comes to us with a handicap is that part of the plan?

What about when a child is injured and changed for life?

Are these things Gods Will?

[pushka]

A lovely verse...and an interesting theory too...are we taught that these sort of things are sent to test our faith? that we can endure extra hardships and not lose faith in God?

[Jenda]

You forgot to mention the kleenex.

I was a pediatric nurse for most of my nursing career, and took care of soooo many "Will's". I don't know if they are part of God's plan, but I sure learned many things from them. I am better for knowing each one.

[Setheus]

Originally posted by Strawberry Fields@Feb 28 2005, 10:11 AM

What do you think?

When a child comes to us with a handicap is that part of the plan?

What about when a child is injured and changed for life?

Are these things Gods Will?

I think yes and/or no.

Sometimes perhaps there is a larger picture when a child is born with a handicap but most often injuries and birth defects are a direct result of a poor decision. Now I know that small children aren't mature enough to always make "good" decisions.

I think that the "plan" is in affect in these situations in that LIFE is meant to test our resolve and faith. If we can over come it and touch the lives of others then that is added blessings for us. Agree?

[StrawberryFields]

Originally posted by Setheus+Feb 28 2005, 02:30 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Setheus @ Feb 28 2005, 02:30 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin--Strawberry Fields@Feb 28 2005, 10:11 AM

What do you think?

When a child comes to us with a handicap is that part of the plan?

What about when a child is injured and changed for life?

Are these things Gods Will?

I think yes and/or no.

Sometimes perhaps there is a larger picture when a child is born with a handicap but most often injuries and birth defects are a direct result of a poor decision. Now I know that small children aren't mature enough to always make "good" decisions.

I think that the "plan" is in affect in these situations in that LIFE is meant to test our resolve and faith. If we can over come it and touch the lives of others then that is added blessings for us. Agree?

No and Yes.

Some birth defects are in the genes and carried from parent to child. I don't see how that can be a result of a poor decision. Injuries are often the results of another's poor decision such of being hit by a drunk or careless driver and yet, it is the injured party has the changed life. I understand that to us LIFE isn't always fair and that we do not see the big picture.

I do agree that something¡Çs are meant to test our resolve and faith. The part you said about having added blessings if we can over come it...I am still thinking about that. Okay, yes there are blessing, but sometimes you have to take the time needed to get that big lump out of your throat first.

[Guest poiball]

What do you think?

When a child comes to us with a handicap is that part of the plan?

What about when a child is injured and changed for life?

Are these things Gods Will?

Absolutely - in the sense that these are things are just life. These things happen because those people around this precious child need to learn something from their association with the child. The child is a triumph it its own right and it's our job to learn what we can from them. They are almost our wisemen or "dali lama".

I do think that handicaps are part of the plan. I think how the handicap is dealt with is part of our plan.

[StrawberryFields]

Changing the scenario a bit...

What about disease? Is it Gods Will for our loved ones to become infested with disease? Do we have any power over this? Does fasting and prayer help to heal them or are we to just to submit to Gods Will?

[Amillia]

I believe there are challenges that, if given the power to over-turn agency and to control all things, God would not take hardships and challenges away from us.

We are here to gain experience and to over-come ~ to win the good race ( to use Paul's words)

If a student does more work and takes more challenges at school, he is put up to a higher level of honor and is given more than those who just go down the easy road.

I think it is the same in with God and us. If we understand that challenges mean more in our future with God, than having it easy here, then we will welcome those challenges as Paul did.

We also need to remember that children are adult spirits looking to further their progress.

[StrawberryFields]

Originally posted by Amillia@Mar 1 2005, 10:38 AM

I believe there are challenges that, if given the power to over-turn agency and to control all things, God would not take hardships and challenges away from us.

We are here to gain experience and to over-come ~ to win the good race ( to use Paul's words)

If a student does more work and takes more challenges at school, he is put up to a higher level of honor and is given more than those who just go down the easy road.

I think it is the same in with God and us. If we understand that challenges mean more in our future with God, than having it easy here, then we will welcome those challenges as Paul did.

We also need to remember that children are adult spirits looking to further their progress.

What?

I don't see how this relates to someone we love having a disease.

[Amillia]

Originally posted by Strawberry Fields+Mar 1 2005, 11:09 AM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Strawberry Fields @ Mar 1 2005, 11:09 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin--Amillia@Mar 1 2005, 10:38 AM

I believe there are challenges that, if given the power to over-turn agency and to control all things, God would not take hardships and challenges away from us.

We are here to gain experience and to over-come ~ to win the good race ( to use Paul's words)

If a student does more work and takes more challenges at school, he is put up to a higher level of honor and is given more than those who just go down the easy road.

I think it is the same in with God and us. If we understand that challenges mean more in our future with God, than having it easy here, then we will welcome those challenges as Paul did.

We also need to remember that children are adult spirits looking to further their progress.

What?

I don't see how this relates to someone we love having a disease.

Really? Have you ever studied Paul's writtings?

2 Cor. 4: 17

17 For our light aaffliction•, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and beternal cweight• of glory;

[StrawberryFields]

Originally posted by Amillia+Mar 1 2005, 12:51 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Amillia @ Mar 1 2005, 12:51 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>

Originally posted by -Strawberry Fields@Mar 1 2005, 11:09 AM

<!--QuoteBegin--Amillia@Mar 1 2005, 10:38 AM

I believe there are challenges that, if given the power to over-turn agency and to control all things, God would not take hardships and challenges away from us.

We are here to gain experience and to over-come ~ to win the good race ( to use Paul's words)

If a student does more work and takes more challenges at school, he is put up to a higher level of honor and is given more than those who just go down the easy road.

I think it is the same in with God and us. If we understand that challenges mean more in our future with God, than having it easy here, then we will welcome those challenges as Paul did.

We also need to remember that children are adult spirits looking to further their progress.

What?

I don't see how this relates to someone we love having a disease.

Really? Have you ever studied Paul's writtings?

2 Cor. 4: 17

17 For our light aaffliction¡¦ which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and beternal cweight¡¦of glory;

Two years ago, this month, I lost my mom at the age of 63 to cancer. How will her death help me to win the good race?

[Guest curvette]

Originally posted by Strawberry Fields@Mar 1 2005, 08:59 AM

Changing the scenario a bit...

What about disease? Is it Gods Will for our loved ones to become infested with disease? Do we have any power over this? Does fasting and prayer help to heal them or are we to just to submit to Gods Will?

Well, I'll give my 2 cents on this question. Since my daughter has an incurable disease, I'll offer my thoughts. I know that there is not one single documented case of a faith healing of type one diabetes. Once all the insulin producing T cells are gone, they will never come back. There is a short time (mercifully) when some type one diabetics seem to get "better" (in the beginning when some of the T cells still haven't been destroyed by the immune system), but this 'honeymoon" period seldom lasts more than a several months. I've heard of tumors shrinking, and cancers going into remission, but these things sometimes happen on their own too. It doesn't seem credible to me that, if we really had any kind of power over disease, that type one diabetes couldn't be healed through faith. Especially since it is a disease that almost always strikes innocent children. It isn't healed by faith.

So, is it God's will? I think it is, but in an indirect way. I believe that disease, poverty, illness, the effects of abuse and neglect, all of the negative things that are part of the life experience are a result of free agency, and an imperfect mortal world. If one person had made a different choice at a particular time, some of these tragedies wouldn't have occured, but perhaps a different one would have. If I had chosen to stop and child #4, I would not have had a child with diabetes. But, I wouldn't have had my precious treasure of a youngest child either! Whatever happens, happens. It's all God's "will" in that it's the plan He designed for mortals to attain maximum spiritual growth.

Submitting to God's will doesn't mean we have just accept and try to forget about it. I cry a lot, but I never think "why me?" because as long as I'm willing to live in a world where crappy things happen to other people, I can bet that something crappy will happen to me at some point. Of course I will continue to hope for a cure. I will donate money to research. I will be diligent with my daughter's treatment so that she can live a relatively normal life. Maybe "God's will" includes a cure in my daughter's lifetime. I sure hope so! :)

[Guest curvette]

Originally posted by Strawberry Fields@Mar 1 2005, 03:56 PM

Two years ago, this month, I lost my mom at the age of 63 to cancer. How will her death help me to win the good race?

Now that's a road I haven't crossed yet, so I'm not qualified to answer. I'll bet you are really missing her about now. Mother/child ties are the strongest on earth (I think.)

[Guest lt]

Gods Will......Means to not give up faith even if we don't understand......It's going in blindly, but fully committed to whatever the outcome is.

I have learned that gods will is not always what I would have desired, but it is what makes us stronger and better people, its what helps us feel, learn, grow, and become humble..........It's what brings peace and carry's us through the darkest night. I feel blessed to have walked death's edge, and danced in health.....I feel graced to have spent the last few hours with my grandma who died of cancer, she helped me learn that life is every secound lived happily through loving others..... Gods will is where we submit ourselves to his will, and through that we recieve the ability to become like him. That to some may seem not right, but it is through these difficulties and trials we gain strength and become like our father.

Laureltree

Life is.... today, tomorrow and yesterday, and every minute you live to help another, and live it for the lord

[Amillia]

Originally posted by Strawberry Fields+Mar 1 2005, 04:56 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Strawberry Fields @ Mar 1 2005, 04:56 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>

Originally posted by -Amillia@Mar 1 2005, 12:51 PM

Originally posted by -Strawberry Fields@Mar 1 2005, 11:09 AM

<!--QuoteBegin--Amillia@Mar 1 2005, 10:38 AM

I believe there are challenges that, if given the power to over-turn agency and to control all things, God would not take hardships and challenges away from us.

We are here to gain experience and to over-come ~ to win the good race ( to use Paul's words)

If a student does more work and takes more challenges at school, he is put up to a higher level of honor and is given more than those who just go down the easy road.

I think it is the same in with God and us. If we understand that challenges mean more in our future with God, than having it easy here, then we will welcome those challenges as Paul did.

We also need to remember that children are adult spirits looking to further their progress.

What?

I don't see how this relates to someone we love having a disease.

Really? Have you ever studied Paul's writtings?

2 Cor. 4: 17

17 For our light aaffliction¡¦ which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and beternal cweight¡¦of glory;

Two years ago, this month, I lost my mom at the age of 63 to cancer. How will her death help me to win the good race?

It will make you stand on your own two feet and grow stronger. You can't live on borrowed light. I not only lost my mother nearly a decade ago, I had to take care of her for 10 years before that while having to take care of my own children as well.

It was hard, it was insane, but most of all it helped me become stronger.

[StrawberryFields]

Originally posted by curvette+Mar 1 2005, 09:40 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (curvette @ Mar 1 2005, 09:40 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin--Strawberry Fields@Mar 1 2005, 03:56 PM

Two years ago, this month, I lost my mom at the age of 63 to cancer. How will her death help me to win the good race?

Now that's a road I haven't crossed yet, so I'm not qualified to answer. I'll bet you are really missing her about now. Mother/child ties are the strongest on earth (I think.)

Thanks for sharing your story Curvette.

Yes, my heart yearns to have my mom back. Just yesterday my dad got the results of his PSA test and his cancer is active again. He will go to meet with his doctor on Thurs to discuss his options. Do I pray for my father and his health? I have heard here on this message board where prayer doesn¡Çt change the Lords mind, it only changes ours.

These past couple of years have really been a test of my resolve but I have also been blessed beyond measure. I just feel that I need the world to stop spinning so that I can see where I am.

[Jenda]

Originally posted by Strawberry Fields+Mar 1 2005, 10:44 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Strawberry Fields @ Mar 1 2005, 10:44 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>

Originally posted by -curvette@Mar 1 2005, 09:40 PM

<!--QuoteBegin--Strawberry Fields@Mar 1 2005, 03:56 PM

Two years ago, this month, I lost my mom at the age of 63 to cancer. How will her death help me to win the good race?

Now that's a road I haven't crossed yet, so I'm not qualified to answer. I'll bet you are really missing her about now. Mother/child ties are the strongest on earth (I think.)

Thanks for sharing your story Curvette.

Yes, my heart yearns to have my mom back. Just yesterday my dad got the results of his PSA test and his cancer is active again. He will go to meet with his doctor on Thurs to discuss his options. Do I pray for my father and his health? I have heard here on this message board where prayer doesn¡Çt change the Lords mind, it only changes ours.

These past couple of years have really been a test of my resolve but I have also been blessed beyond measure. I just feel that I need the world to stop spinning so that I can see where I am.

God's will is for us to glorify Him. SF, your faith must be great for all these things to just keep happening to you and yet you find a way to praise and glorify God through it all. I will keep your family in my prayers.

[Guest curvette]

Originally posted by Strawberry Fields@Mar 1 2005, 10:44 PM

I just feel that I need the world to stop spinning so that I can see where I am.

Isn't that the truth!!!!

Of course you should pray for your dad. Whether it changes the outcome or not, it can help you deal with it, and him as well. My uncle (who was never a particularly religious man) said he could feel our prayers when he was going through a devastating illness. I think the support helped him as well as those around him.

[Amillia]

Originally posted by Strawberry Fields@Mar 1 2005, 11:44 PM

Just yesterday my dad got the results of his PSA test and his cancer is active again. He will go to meet with his doctor on Thurs to discuss his options. Do I pray for my father and his health? I have heard here on this message board where prayer doesn¡Çt change the Lords mind, it only changes ours.

I do believe that prayers can bring blessings of healing. I believe God expects us to ask according to His will in order to receive these blessings. Praying for one another definitely makes a difference in both ourselves and those we pray for.

It isn't just a change in ourselves and our perspective, it can have a change of outcomes. We are not powerless, we have the power to give of ourselves through prayer.

I remember a few years ago when my youngest son was struggling to learn to read. He just couldn't hold onto the knowledge and was failing horrible. I was an excellent reader. A fast and well educated reader. But I was old and felt I didn't need to read that well, so I told the Lord that I was willing to give my talent to read to my struggling son. It wasn't too long before I saw a surprising improvement in my son's ability to read and a lessoning of my own ability.

Through sacrifice and prayer I believe we can and do receive magnificent blessings. I believe we are given these opportunities to pray for others because we can make a difference.

[StrawberryFields]

Originally posted by Amillia+Mar 2 2005, 09:39 AM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Amillia @ Mar 2 2005, 09:39 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin--Strawberry Fields@Mar 1 2005, 11:44 PM

Just yesterday my dad got the results of his PSA test and his cancer is active again. He will go to meet with his doctor on Thurs to discuss his options. Do I pray for my father and his health? I have heard here on this message board where prayer doesn¡Çt change the Lords mind, it only changes ours.

I do believe that prayers can bring blessings of healing. I believe God expects us to ask according to His will in order to receive these blessings. Praying for one another definitely makes a difference in both ourselves and those we pray for.

It isn't just a change in ourselves and our perspective, it can have a change of outcomes. We are not powerless, we have the power to give of ourselves through prayer.

I remember a few years ago when my youngest son was struggling to learn to read. He just couldn't hold onto the knowledge and was failing horrible. I was an excellent reader. A fast and well educated reader. But I was old and felt I didn't need to read that well, so I told the Lord that I was willing to give my talent to read to my struggling son. It wasn't too long before I saw a surprising improvement in my son's ability to read and a lessoning of my own ability.

Through sacrifice and prayer I believe we can and do receive magnificent blessings. I believe we are given these opportunities to pray for others because we can make a difference.

This is what I have been taught from as early as I can remember. This is what I want to believe. The other way does leave me feeling powerless.

"God expects us to ask according to His will in order to receive these blessings." This is something that I don't always do and maybe that is where my confusion is with the question of prayer. Shortly after Nick was injured I heard a talk in Sacrament where the man was talking about priesthood blessings. What he said was that if is God's Will and a request of healing is given it shall be done. Being as far along in Nicks recovery that we were I especially liked hearing that. Then my thought turned to my mom who had received a similar blessing of healing just a year before and she didn't make it. Her passing at that time had also been God's Will. The part that strikes me now is what if we had never asked?

I believe (having been reminded) that praying for others is important just so we remember that the ultimate decision remains with the Lord.

A very beautifully written post Amillia, thank you for sharing it. I will remember your story of sacrifice just as I have learned other things from you. :)

[StrawberryFields]

Thanks Jenda and Curvette for your kind words.

Even though my parents have been less active my entire life, I know that they get much strength and comfort from what we have been able to offer them through our faith. It would hurt me not to feel that I could give comfort to my father now through my faith and my prayers.

[Lindy]

I think that everyone has had something good to say, it is amazing how much wisdom this board has in it's members.

Curvette~ I plan on putting in extra money to the Diabetes Fund thinking of your daughter...thank you for reminding me of the reality of it all....your post really made me think.

And even if it sounds silly, I wonder sometimes if God holds out His decisions He makes for the lives of others to see what kind of faith others have towards the situation. Like Amillia willing to give up something she had to help her son..... or like people who sacrifice a body part to help the life of another. Or the outpouring of prayers of compassion and love for strangers in other lands who need blessings of one kind or another.

I believe that God is a God of different reasonings and emotions, that He knows anger, and frustation, mercy and remorse. I know it is very hard for any of us to understand God's reasonings on all things. Especially when it comes to children and the handicapped. And I have been and always will believe in the power of prayer.....and if prayer doesn't seem to help the individual on this side of life (earthly life), then perhaps it was meant to help that person on the otherside. We may never know how they were effected, or who was effected from the aftermath of prayers.

In the song "God's Will" You know that Wills mother learned unconditional love, strength, responsibility and more...along with the joy of having this little "miracle", a daily "gift" for her in her life. And for the friend who watched Will while the mom worked....she learned a lot of things as well....including some answers she had been searching for all her life. God's Will made an impact of two people you hear about in the song....but what about the dozens, or hundreds of others, you don't hear about? In reality.....I am sure that there are hundreds of people who have met, or have experienced in some way a child like Will....someone who has impacted others lives for the good...someone who helped them with something that was needed during their life....whether it be compassion, ambition, or faith in what they couldn't understand,...things that impacted others, not only during his life but after his life as well.

It's hard to see the pain and suffering of a child....harder still to live with the pain and suffering of your own child, and try to accept the reality of what has or will happen to someone you gave life to. I would think that hearing "God's will" over and over again can lead to anger and resentment after a time. Maybe it would be better if we think of God's "chance" instead of His "will". I like the stories of pre-mortal spirits who choose their stations in life. And some chose hardships because they know they will be sent to earth for a purpose to help others. We just may never know the ways (however small) that those people on earth have made (or will make) an impact on the lives of others. It may not be our place to know, only the knowledge that, that life was here for a reason, that handicap, or that "life change" was for a reason....maybe not his, maybe not yours, but for the betterment of one single soul who needed whatever blessing they received from that individual. One single soul who in turn could affect hundreds or thousands of others with something special.

[begood2]

http://www.diabetes-eg.com/transp.htm

Curvette,

The above web address talks about type 1 diabetes - islet transplantation offering hope for patients.

"Islets are insulin -producing cell clusters found within the pancreas (about 1 million islets are present in a normal adult pancreas. To perform an islet transplant, islets are isolated from a donor pancreas, purified, and then injected into the recipient through a small abdominal vein. The islets lodge in the liver where they reside and begin producing life-sustaining insulin. To protect against rejection, transplanted patients will take a combination of new, potent anti-rejection drugs ... The procedure requires a one-hour operation, a two-inch abdominal incision, and less than a 24-hour hospital stay.

.... physiciants at the University of Edmonton, Canada ...as documented in the July 27,2000 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine. Thirteen of the 15 islet transplant patients in this series are now free from taking daily insulin injections. More recent reports from the Edmonton group indicate that the islets continue to function well two years later."

This may or may not pertain to your daughter's case but I'm putting this out there to convey the idea that there is always hope that help may be just around the corner.