I was going to blog about Christmas, but Go Fish says it better than I ever could. And it's a lot more entertaining. Check my music out on my profile . They sing another too, it's called "It's About the Cross", but I'm not savvy enough on this computer to find it.
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!!
Whew!!!! I think we're on the road to recovery finally. His experience in CCU after surgery was very terrifying. It's all we could talk about for a week. Still feeling weak, dizzy, short-breath, and tummy turning, we decided this just can't be right. Finally had the drs. address it and they pinned it down to the meds. Cut the dosage in half and already he is feeling better. We've been telling them for months about these feelings but until he had the ablation, it was unthinkable to shrink the dose.
Our support of family and friends has been overwhelming. I don't know and never want to know how people get thru tough times without the prayers and support of love ones. Prayers are more than just hoping for good luck. It's knowing that whatever the outcome, my God is with me in it. And He will never leave me or forsake me. I felt the presence of my Lord in a special way, this week. The same way He's been with me many other times in my life. He's with me at all times, but I don't always feel it. I had a perfect example of a Heavenly Father with my Earthly Father. My dad is 300 miles away, but I know he loves me and wants the best for me. I've always known that. It's the same with my mother, but I'm talking about the Father Figure. My dad, I'm sure, has been disappointed in my actions, but he never abandoned me or quit loving me. With that in my life, it was easy to accept a Heavenly Father that told me He would never leave me or forsake me.
OK, I'm stepping off the soapbox. I will close with this: Thank you, Lord for carrying me thru this time.
Won't be long now. Hope to God this does it for him. He's felt so-o bad for so long. Tomorrow starts 8 days of shots in the stomach. He gives it himself and dreading it. We have to be there around 6 a.m. By there, I mean Herman Hospital down in the medical center. Wish it could be done here, it's so complicated down there from parking to finding the right place to be. Guess we'll find out Monday where exactly to show up. We're a little nervous about this whole thing, but there doesn't seem to be any other options.
What feelings do we hope to eliminate, you ask??? Well, let's see:
the racing heart (as if he'd just ran a mile)
the bug crawling up and down the chest area
the dizzy spells
the ringing of the ears
the shortness of breath
the major weakness of whole body
That about covers it, I think. Please God, let this surgery work. He wants his life back. Gotta go, gettin' teary-eyed!!!
We find ourselves in quite a pickle right now, financially and healthwise. We've always been able to squirm our way out of trouble, but not so much now. The praise is being able to see God work in different ways to provide. And I believe He will continue to carry us thru this difficult time. It is a humbling feeling to receive what He has provided, knowing we don't deserve the grace and mercy, with the way we have managed our affairs. But God looks past that and sees our heart's desire. Not to say that's a free ticket, because He does need to see a contrite heart repenting of known mistakes and vowing not to operate in that manner again. And that's where we are right now, with nowhere else to turn but to Him. When you get to the point of saying "I CAN'T", God will show you what He CAN do, and He is showing us daily what He is willing and able to do.
So To God Be The Glory, Great Things He Has Done and Is Continuing to Do!!! I will for sure be blogging again on this same subject as God continues to move in our lives.
As I said earlier, I would be back on this subject. I had just written this blog and somehow deleted it, so I'll try remembering what I said. I knew I'd be back on this subject b/c I know God is continuing our journey with us.
He has blessed us thru His children being faithful in praying, encouraging and yes, even giving. One paid our mortgage for 2 months. Others gave in smaller ways, but none less important than the another. Each came at a time when only God and we knew the needs we had. The gifts have helped buy groceries, pay workers, etc.
He has walked with us thru the health problems we've encountered (probably due partially to the financial woes). He's gone before us and made the path much shorter to attaining what was needed in medical attention. Surgery has been moved up from Nov.6th to sometime in October because we change insurances Nov. 1st. Stress has not seem to have affected MG for me, as it usually does in patients. I'm claiming the verse that promises when I am weak, He is strong within me.
These times have drawn us closer to one another. Cherishing time together and leaving nothing unsaid.
Lesson for me--don't let things go unsaid. Good things, that is, we hear enough bad. Be the soft place to fall for your mate.
I'm done for now.
Here's a word from Susie-Homemaker: I'm back-k-k!! Yes, I've been away for some time now, but I wasn't dead, for crying out loud!! I am best noted in the last few years, to cook only for holidays and sometimes birthdays. It's a long story, but hey, if you don't want to read it, don't. You know I'm wordy and detailed, so you know what you're in for.HA!
It all started with Mary Ann's high school basketball games and practices, with Wayne working shift work. Yes, yes, Mary Ann, it's your fault. I never liked the idea of fixing a meal and everyone eating separately on their own schedule. So if we weren't going to be together, then we'd grab something later. Of course, after home games, it was always Tejas for us. God, I miss that place!!!
Next phase--Wayne and I went fulltime in the deck business he started years ago on the side. I found myself actually working along side Wayne. With that being said, would anyone in their right mind come home and cook??? There was no energy. Back then, we showered and dressed and went out to dinner. I can't imagine peeling Wayne out of the recliner now days to do that!! Then we ran out of energy to do that, so would buy take out. (I love where we live, so close to all the eating places) If I remember right the fast food started when our sweet Rebekah was born. We would rush home, shower and grab fast food so we could race to their house and stare or rock the baby. Oh, such fun!! I mean it when I say raced! Who could get to and thru the door first.
Next phase--Mary Ann started college basketball. We were off and running all over East Texas to watch her play. One game was always on the weekend, so no cooking then either. After two years of doing this we settled down to camping on the weekends. That was really fun for awhile, no more comments on that!
Next phase--Now I'm just plain old and tired from working with Wayne and eventually going back to cleaning houses again. Still no cooking!!
Next phase--Went from working to being diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis--yada yada yada surgery yada yada yada radiation yada yada yada no energy by the end of the day yada yada yada and just out of the habit of even thinking about cooking.
I'm not proud of what I'm noted for. And now I have the chance to redeem myself. I'm cooking now, because I need to,but I find myself wanting to. I feel needed or useful where as before I didn't. I feel I'm contributing to us. I catch myself thinking about it more, though I'll never be a great cook. And that's ok, because we still have Rick cooking now and again. Lisa's cooking is always a welcomed treat also. So there's no threat with me being back in the kitchen, we still take hand-outs. HA!
My reputation is so well known, my parents back home joke about it. Oh, well, I'm glad I can make them laugh. I hope to have them around awhile longer, At 55, I still learn from them. ( you'd think not, but it's so!!)
Had a visit from my sister and her husband the last 2 days. I enjoyed it so much, I thought it was worthy of a blog. When we were growing up, we didn't get along that good. I must have been the bratty little sister. As our own children were growing up, things were good. But I wouldn't say we were best friends. She was pretty busy making a living and raising her kids. Her husband had a job that was weather dependent, so her paycheck was a must. Me, on the other hand, had it pretty easy on myself because Wayne always had a great steady job. And for the most part, I was able to be a housewife, although I did clean houses for almost 30 years parttime. But I never had to depend on myself like she had to do. 2 years ago we lost our oldest sister to cancer. That was a very rude awakening I think for both of us. Since then, we have coveted the time we have together. My sister got to retire last summer and I was so happy for her. She deserves it, she has worked HARD all her life. I think she's a much more relaxed and happy person now.
On this visit, I was comfortable enough to unload my burdens with her. She listened and was so understanding. She could have thought--well girl, you've had it pretty easy, don't cry on my shoulder. But that was not her reaction at all. She has really been supportive and has helped in ways she could.
Since my oldest sister died, we have made a point to tell each other we love one another. I think it was awkward at first, but now it's music to my ears.
Love your siblings, once they're gone-they're gone.
Chocolate belongs on a page all by itself. In no way does chocolate compare to smoking. Yes, it may be a sort of addiction, as I for one can testify; but I was wrong to suggest it was something to GIVE UP! GOD FORBID!!! Bear with me a minute:
Chocolate comes in many different versions. Although tobacco has different brands, they're basically the same.
Chocolate doesn't offend other people when one partakes. Whereas, smoking pollutes the air others around you breathe.
Chocolate is not harmful to one's health; except for overdosing(which normally calls for a potty break) Tobacco on the other hand---blah, blah, blah, we all know the hazards, so I won't go there.
Chocolate in the darkest form has recently been proven to be helpful to one's health as it is an antioxidant. YEA!!! To my knowledge, tobacco has no good benefit.
Chocolate does not come with filters to be later stuck in a potted plant or in the lake, or someones yard. In fact one can be caught licking the wrapper of chocolate to get every last morsel. (That's very embarassing) Yes, I know, there are a few idiots who litter with the wrappers, but not to the extent of the butts I see lying around or stuck in the dirt of a pot plant as if it's a Jobe fertilizer stick.
Chocolate is accepted by the FDA to add to recipes or to comsume by itself. Hee! Hee! Getting carried away aren't I? Tobacco has become TABOO
Chocolate doesn't smell up one's hair, skin or clothes. It doesn't discolor one's teeth or dry up one's skin. Tobacco- well, you know.
Chocolate doesn't require one to acquire the taste for it. One doesn't go thru misery to decide " yeah, this is what I've been looking for all my life" I'm sorry, I sense a bit of sarcastic humor spilling over. Anyway, with chocolate-you take it or leave it on the first try. Taste buds kind-of rule on it.
BUT, chocolate leave a sensational feeling of pleasure and contentment as I'm told tobacco does also. And so, comes the feeling of wanting more of it and wanting it on a regular basis. So, that takes me back to the beginning of comparing the two. In that sense, I can't imagine a life without chocolate, and it would be very hard to give it up if the dr. told me I had to for my health. But I can't compare it to trying to quit smoking. Those of you that want to quit, I really do feel for you in your quest to do so, should your decision be to quit.
What I have decided to do, instead is to exercise regularly. I do this for myself, b/c I know I need to. But it will be a challenge for me, maybe not as big as quitting smokes, b/c I've been out of practice so long due to uncontrollable circumstances. It's discouraging not to be able to do what used to be done and what your mind wants to do but body doesn't cooperate. I have a 70 yr. old lady in my support group that has inspired me to push myself to the limit in the privacy of my own home. She spurs me on along to do the uncomfortable- along side Wayne as he struggles doing the uncomfortable (something his body does not not want to cooperate in doing.)
The End!!
Ok , people, today was the first day for Wayne not smoking. Help him out (you know who you are). I get that it is very addictive!! He quit for 20 yrs., he can do it again! Situations are different this time, but the urgency is too.
BUT, help me out too. I don't know what ya'll think you read before, but I'm telling you--it ain't so. My nature is very impulsive and that was one of those moments. Help me not to be a nag to him. yeah, that what I'm trying to say. Forget what I said before, this is what I mean. There is no comparison to my weakness--mine comes in many many forms, and I don't have a chance. They don't make chocolate patches. So I will vow to exercise regularly. And that-- my dear ones, is a challenge for me. Anyone up to joining us??
All kidding aside, I wish Wayne the success he deserves in quitting smoking.
Whew!!! I feel better now!!
You'd think by the time your 55 you'd be settling in to a comfortable place in life. Not so.. B/c that's when it happens. Your body starts to fail you and your loved ones. So my advice to anyone, is to spend your time here on earth developing relationships with family and friends. That's what counts when it's all said and done. And for me, my relationship with the Lord is what sustains me thru all the trials I face. So when your 55 and things aren't like you thought they might be--you will have what counts.
I am richer by far than any customer we might have. I have my family and friends and most of all the Lord. He's there when your family and friends are asleep or when you just don't want to burden them with stuff. I am rich b/c of the family and country I was born in.
I have a peace that passes all understanding, I have God's favor upon me. Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. My God shall supply all my needs according to His purpose.
What more could I ask for. The 3 F-words FAITH, FAMILY, FRIENDS
OK, I think I've gotten it out of my system. I didn't get to go to church today, so I guess I just had my own little worship time, and had to share it.
Tragedies have a way of straightening priorities out. The little things that aren't the way you'd like seem to vanish. Right now, or actually around 6 this evening-while I was catching up on some "Tivoed soaps", there were people up north falling into the Mississippi River with a bridge. Fighting for there lives, some dying. Children on school buses scared to death. Now, there are loved ones waiting for news of the victims, and rescue workers still finding people.
This is not a Debby Downer or at least it's not meant to be. I know stuff like this happens somewhere on the earth all the time. But, I can still be thankful for where I live and for what I have. And I'm sorry that sometimes it takes a tragedy to bring it to the forefront. Luv U guys!!!
Can't get it off my mind. I've just gone thru 12 weeks viewing The Truth Project dvd study. It explains things like I've never heard before. Yes, you suspect right. It is a Christian based study, but not like you would think. Focus on the Family out of Colorado Springs has sponsored it. It deals with all the questions one might have from beginning to now a day. It explains how God is in this in a logical way, if you can believe that. It makes everything make sense.
Check it out--www.thetruthproject.org/ Check the trailer out and read a few of Del Tackett's blogs. I dare it not to interest you. He is a very interesting man. You know I'm new at this stuff, so why isn't the website in blue and underlined like any other website I've typed. Yes, kids, go ahead laugh at yo momma. You have my permission!!ha! ha!
A certain person we all know and love proclaims they do. I really don't think he believes that deep inside. Why??? Have you ever seen such generousity, kindness, and thoughtfulness in one human being???? If people sucked, why would he feel all these things. Well, yes, he is a perfectionist, and is discouraged at people's actions. BUT, he lights up like a christmas tree when they display good actions, which proves he hasn't given up on mankind. That's pressure for us all, to think someone reacts to our actions this way. Who else feels this way, the checker at the store? the server at a restaurant ? the receptionist on the other end of the line? the repairman? etc. etc.
I challenge anyone reading this to look for the good and also do or say something good of mankind today and everyday. Brighten someone's day today. Since WE ARE PEOPLE, we are the only ones that can change it to PEOPLE SUCK SOMETIMES!!!???
Quite a shift from DEBBY DOWNER, eh Mark????
Well, I have been sucked in by the latest of communication tools. Will I be successful in this? who knows!
Life deals alot that you plan and enjoy. Life also deals you things you DON'T plan on. Your only choice in the matter is how you will deal with it. How you choose affects not just you but those around you. That's the catch. When you want to just curl up and cry, life is happening all around. I think that is one of the reasons God created families. It's the glue that keeps you in one piece. What would we do without our families??
That's it! That's my first blog. I won't get too serious on the first go around
