Chronicles of a Healing Soul

Cancer. Nobody wants to hear that word. Nobody likes the things associated with that word... at least, not normally. But through an incredible and unexpected journey, my father-in-law, Dave, came to associate his own cancer journey with the love of his Heavenly Father. 
When I sat down to interview 'Mr. Dave' (as the students at his workplace call him), I was honestly not prepared for the incredibly raw yet inspiring story I was about to hear. I could never have expected to hear about such physical and emotional pain intermixed with such faith in a loving God. 
What an honor to get to carry his story on my own space here online. 
May this story meet you wherever you are today. And know that whatever you are walking through, you are not alone!
Music Credit: Kate Kody, "Butterfly;" all rights protected under the Creative Commons License; minor changes made to the length of the track.

It's so good to be back!
After a much needed holiday, I'm back with excitement for this New Year! Even though I'm laying on my bed because of ongoing back problems, I decided to record a podcast anyway! I'm learning to live joyfully amidst pain.
So, join me in my ponderings as I reflect on the new year and everything I've been learning about identity. Stick around until the end to hear me compare myself to a flower pot!
Music Credit: Intro music for this podcast was mixed by the lovely STELLA! 
My Reading: "The Ceramic Flower Pot" by Elizabeth Hayashi

Christmas is a season when we ache to be loved. But what does it mean to be loved at Christmas time? Does it mean that we get the most glittering gift or that we have the most beautiful family? Or is it possibly something deeper? 
Do you believe love can meet you in the dark moments of your life? I invite you to investigate a love that is real enough to meet you wherever you are today.
 
Music Credit: Intro music for this podcast was mixed by the lovely STELLA! 
My Reading: "An Unexpected Love" by Elizabeth Hayashi
Scripture Reference: Luke 1:26-40; Matthew 1:18-25

Is it truly "the most wonderful time of the year"? While Christmas can be a happy season, it can also be a heavy season. The grief is real. 
But let me ask you something: Do you believe there is a joy that can meet you where you are, despite the grief and pain? I believe it can, but it's gotta be real and powerful. And what is powerful enough to source that kind of joy? Is it possible that the answer lies within the Christmas story itself? Find out with me as we explore this powerful topic.
 
Music Credit: Intro music for this podcast was mixed by the lovely STELLA! 
My Reading: "Encounter with a Shepherd" by Elizabeth Hayashi
Scripture Reference: Luke 2:8-20

What gives a child the confidence to dream big? I think it's because she has no reason to doubt her dreams. She has not yet experienced enough disappointment to cloud her childlike faith. She is so confident that every Christmas morning, there will be presents under the tree. So far, she has always found this to be true.
But how do we keep dreaming when it gets hard? Hope so easily slips from our grasp. Past disappointments cloud our excitement for the future. What is a hope that is powerful enough to anchor our dreams amidst the storms of life?
Join me as I explore the power of hope. And how this Christmas could just be pointing us to the greatest hope of all.
 
Music Credit: Intro music for this podcast was mixed by the lovely STELLA! 
My Reading: "Hope the Resurrection of a Dream" by Elizabeth Hayashi
Scripture References:
When I talk about the pain of an unfulfilled hope, I am referencing Proverbs 13:12
When I mention Jesus as an anchor, I am referencing Hebrews 6:19

I cannot deny the divine healing in my life. But the miraculous might happen right where we least expect it. Sometimes, it happens even in the midst of the unpleasant. 
Join me as I share how God has brought healing in my life!
Also, happy Christmas Time!
 
Music Credit: Intro music for this podcast was mixed by the lovely STELLA! 
My Reading: "Now I Remember" by Elizabeth Hayashi

Welcome to the 'How Does Healing Happen' Intermission!
Today, I wrestle through the very human struggle of trying to balance both hope for the future and acceptance of the present. I admit, I have not figured this topic out!
I'm posting this episode not to share a victory or a finding. But rather to invite you into forming your own thoughts and to spark conversation surrounding this topic.
Dare to tread the depths with me!
 
Music Credit: Intro music for this podcast was mixed by the lovely STELLA! 
My Reading: "The Weary Gardener" and "Weakness and Stillness" by Elizabeth Hayashi
Scripture References:
When I say "The Gentle Shepherd that makes me lay down," I am referencing Psalm 23:2
When I say, "You call me to rejoice in my suffering," I'm referencing Romans 5:3 and James 1:2

In a hurting world, we all need healing from something. So, it's important for everyone to know how healing happens.
In this podcast, I explore the answers that many people have given to this question. I grew up in the church, and have heard a lot of different answers to how healing happens. I think the church is beautiful, but the church is for imperfect people. Which means sometimes, we give imperfect answers to important questions, like 'how does healing happen.' 
But I have found that every answer can only lead in one of two directions: trusting in myself or trusting in God. Which is it? And how do we define trust and faith? Listen to find out. 
 
Music Credit: Intro music for this podcast was mixed by the lovely STELLA! 
My Reading: "Beautiful Faith" by Elizabeth Hayashi
Scripture References:
Psalm 103:1-4
Passage about no more tears, pain, or suffering − Revelation 21:4
Passage about meeting with the elders to pray − James 5:14-15
The promise that if you ask, seek, and knock you will find − Matthew 7:7-8

So, I forgot to mention in this episode that when I got married, I moved. Keep that in mind because it helps explain what I talk about today!
Today is all about embracing new seasons. Each season has its unique beauty. And let's be real. Sometimes, it's really hard to see that beauty. Sometimes, that's because the season we're in is really hard. But sometimes it's because the season we just left was so amazing, we wish we could go back. To be perfectly honest, that's been me recently. But I want to live fully in the now! So, join me as I explore this concept, wrestle through it, and apply it to my own life.  
 
Music Credit: Intro music for this podcast was mixed by the lovely STELLA! 
My Reading: "Eyes of Gold" and "Still the Same Prayer" by Elizabeth Hayashi
Scripture References:
(I don't directly quote any Scripture in this episode, but some of my ideas in this episode are inspired by Biblical concepts. I'm leaving the references for those in case you want to explore them more!)
When I say God wants us to live abundantly, I'm thinking about this passage − John 10:10
When I say everything good in our lives is from God, I'm thinking about this passage − James 1:17
From "Eyes of Gold"
"Sweet as honey, rich as gold" − Psalm 19:10
"If spit and mud must get me there" − John 9:1-6
"Scaly eyes" − Acts 9:18

Why do I believe we can find light in the dark places? And why do I believe we can find beauty in pain?
Today, I touch the core of my approach to suffering. I have been talking a lot about chronic pain, searching for beauty and hope in the experience of it all. I believe hope can be found. But what is the source of that hope? Find out with me as I share a raw moment of my life, and a writing I created in that moment. 
Music Credit: Intro music for this podcast was mixed by the lovely STELLA! 
My Reading: "Pain and the Eternal Investment" by Elizabeth Hayashi
Scripture Reference: Matthew 16:21-27