No More Excuses

from The Whole Kid-and-Kaboodle-Summer 2022

The Problem: Anxiety

By Deborah Elum, Producer & Author Over the years, Ann’s pain grew worse because she suffered from severe venous or vein disease in both of her legs. As a result, she experienced swelling and extreme pain almost every day. Finally, her doctor told her that there was nothing he could do to help her right leg, which was the worst. One of her daughters searched for a doctor that specialized in vein treatments. After she located one in the area, she scheduled an appointment. Her new doctor recommended a compression therapy device to increase blood flow to her legs. A technician called to come to her house in a few days to let her try the device before it was ordered. Ann began to give excuse after excuse for not wanting the device. Finally, she even wanted to cancel the whole thing before the appointment but her daughter refused to let her. A trial device was slipped around her leg during the fitting and turned on. In less than ten minutes, all the swelling was gone. Ann could not believe her eyes! She was amazed and excited. Her whole attitude changed towards the technician when she realized that this was the answer to stop the suffering she was experiencing. Ann knew that once she got her own device, she could do things she had not been able to do in years! In the book of John, there was a man who had been sick for thirty-eight years. At a particular season, God sent an angel to trouble the water in the pool of Bethesda. The first person to step into the water was miraculously healed. When Jesus saw the man that had been sick for a long time, He asked him, “Would you like to get well?” The man gave excuse after excuse. First, he said he could not walk. Next, he complained, “I have no one to put me into the pool.” Followed by the excuse, “Someone always gets in front of me before I could get in the pool.” Jesus took away all the excuses when He told the man to stand up, pick up his mat, and walk!Instantly, the man was healed. He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking. In life, we must look to Jesus for the answer to every situation. In Him, we find hope, comfort, and direction. Whether it is your physical body, finances, or relationships, He is asking you, “Would you like to get well?”

For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.

- John 5:4

Children will love this charming rhyme and humorous read-aloud picture book! When Miss McDoogle gets ready for bed, she wiggles her toes and nods her head. Kids will giggle along with this perfect read-aloud story of the quirky Miss McDoogle and her cat, Jingles. Available at Amazon.com. You never know what Mommy will do next especially when she is behind the wheel! Slow Down Mommy is a picture book filled with hilarious fun as readers go on a wild ride with crazy twists and turns. Available at Walmart.com, Amazon.com, and BarnesandNoble.com.