Happy New Year's Eve and Day!

Just wanted to check in with a few things that have been floating around Facebook.

 

First is a reminder that I think a lot of us need.  

 And I love this message of this one!

 

I know a lot of people are making resolutions or choosing a word for the year.

And before the night is over - I will write out some resolutions.

And for a word? Well last year I ended up with the word Courageous.
And I don't know for sure what this years word will be yet. But will be praying about it.

 

I hope you all have a safe and warm New Year's s Eve and New Year's Day. We are staying home - like we always do. There is a chance of some yucky, icy weather tomorrow. So I am thankful that we are all off tomorrow- so we can stay home and be safe.

If you have any special traditions for New Year's Even or New Year's Day - I would love to hear about them! :O)

"dropping like flies"

Ok - So I went to the Dr and found out that I have bronchitis. She prescribed some antibiotics and some pearls- a pill form - of cough relief that work pretty good. I did not sleep very good last night. And then today I actually felt worse than I had been feeling. Had a worse headache and felt queasy - I am thinking from my meds- cause I am suppose to eat with them and I don't think I had eaten enough. So today was basically a stay around the house kind of day.

So last night we got a phone call that my Mother's brother had passed away Sunday evening and they had found him Monday afternoon. He lived in the Oklahoma City area so the funeral will be there. Problem is that there is bad weather in OKC - and looks like more for Thursday and Friday.

After we got the phone call - I really felt like people were "dropping like flies" I mean seriously in 4 days 4 people that we know passed away. Usually when I hear of one person expecting a baby - we hear of a series of babies that are expected. Well it seems that the older I get - death seems to be the same way.

I am planning on getting to bed early tonight- hoping to have a much better night than last night.

I hope you all are doing well. "Keep looking up, cause that's where it all is"

This and That and Catching Up

I think today's post will be a this and that kind of a day- because I have a lot of thoughts running through my head and so we will just have to see where this post goes.

First of all- I am still sick - and it has not gotten better- in fact, I have probably gotten worse. So I called my Dr today and thankfully they are going to be able to get me in today. I have not mentioned it on Facebook - because I am seriously thinking that some of my friends might be getting tired of hearing about all my problems. It seems over the last 6 months I have lost a couple of friends and I am not quite sure what happened- I just know that the number of my friends has gone down from what it was. I am hoping that I did not offend anyone, because that is never my intentions on what I put on Facebook. Anyway I am thankful for all of you and all of my friends on Facebook that have put up with so many posting for prayers and such. You all mean so much to me.

Over the last 4 days- 3 people that I know have died- these are not people that are close to me- thankfully. But I still feel so sorry for the families. Two of these that died were men in their 40's. And then a lady in her 50's I think- she was an owner of a place that we like to eat at in a town nearby- and it was a sudden death- so shocking to those around her. It is just so sad. It reminds us that our time here on earth is short and we don't need to be putting things off. We need to love those around us. We need to make sure that we are right with the Lord. And place a relationship with Him as a priority.

Our SweetPea had to go back to her Momma yesterday at noon. So we got to see her for a bout 30 minutes on Sunday. It will be close to 3 weeks before we get to see her again. My husband and SweetPea both have birthday's during that 3 week period. Thankfully at least my son will get to see his daughter for 2 hours on her birthday. We will be planning a party for her - for the week end we get her in 3 weeks.

After having her all week - it sure is hard to have her gone. I really enjoy my time with her. It was a bit draining sometimes - with not only taking care of her but all the extras that the holidays bring- and with me struggling with being sick. But we made it through.

Sunday after she went back home my husband and I worked on getting the house back in order. Thankfully my husband took down the tree -his village and the lights and all. And I worked more on organizing the play room. Going through toys and packing up some of the baby toys to make more room for the things she plays with. And also worked on the rest of the house - since when a child is around toys seem to be all around the house. I have a lot more to do -but need to just do what I can as I can and hopefully once I am well I will feel up to getting more of the things done.

I know a lot of people wait until New Year's area to take down their Christmas stuff - but I just really like taking it down and working on getting the house back in order sooner than that. That way when the New Year gets here we can focus more on the New Year. Our house is not very big so we have to move things around to make room for the Christmas stuff- and actually this year our Christmas stuff was out and up for the shortest amount of time. Usually we try to get the stuff put up the day after Thanksgiving but we did not get that done this year. It feels really good to have that stuff taken care of - we still need to get the stuff up in the attic but I can't lift anything over 10 pounds so I am useless when it comes to helping my husband get the stuff up there - so we will wait till one of our sons comes by and has time to help. But at least the stuff is mostly packed up(washing the Christmas table cloth this morning) and out in the garage.

Well there you have it - a lot of this and that. Anyway this at least catches you up on what is going on around here. I hope you all are doing well. :)

Traditions

So this year we started a new tradition. This "The Christmas Story" was given to our oldest son by his great-grandmother- Granny Lollypop for Christmas years ago. And this year we decided to read it and let SweetPea play with this nativity set before we opened presents.

 

I think that it makes it extra special that there is a special history behind this book.

 

Traditions help make the holidays even more special.

 

This year because of finances we were not able to follow through on all of our traditions- like the tradition of us buying each of our kids their own Christmas ornaments. This is a great tradition - because when they move out- they have ornaments to hang on their own tree.

Another new tradition for this year was to have Mexican for lunch. I had made up a pan of cheese enchilada and a pan of chicken enchilada the day or two before - and so today we just have to bake them up and make up a few sides. We also used the left over corn tortillas - and my husband made up tortilla chips with them and we had a great thing of guacamole for that. It made for a fairly easy get together - without a lot of fuss.

Anyway we are hoping that next year we can think of even more traditions.

 

I am curious - what are some of your Christmas traditions- that make it extra special for your family?

Merry Christmas to you all - I hope you have all had a wonderful day.
And that you have remembered the reason for the season.
Without the birth of our Lord and Saviour- We would not have the hope that we have.

    For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:16



Checking In

Just taking a minute to check in and say Hello and Good Morning. More than likely I will not have much time this week to write very many posts. I will be taking care of my Granddaughter this week - and then all sorts of stuff added to that.

I have also been dealing a bit with discouragement- Just in the last couple of weeks I have been through so much and my body is working hard to repair itself. I have a little bit of lingering congestion hanging on - which is not helping. I am so ready to have a chance to just let my body heal and repair itself without all sorts of stress.

I would really appreciate it if you all would leave comments of how you deal with discouragement. What helps you the most? Thanks so much.

God's Grace--- Amazing Grace

Since I have so many things to do today- I thought I would leave you all with a great video of a wonderful song that goes right along with what I have been talking about today. Amazing Grace!
That is what God gives us - Amazing Grace. I hope you all enjoy this! :O)

It's ALL done.....

Ok - I am very, VERY happy to report that all the poking, probing, blood sucking, and cutting on me is totally finished for the year!!

It was an adventure - just trying to get to my appointment this morning. The way that I had planned to take had a major road shut down- so that was detour number 1.

So I have to drive through town instead of the around town route that is much quicker. Ok - that will work.... well nope- because a semi broke down and so the lane got closed down and by the time I got there - there was a big back up(probably more people like me that were having to drive through town instead of the faster route around town). Anyway so I had to take another detour. I was about 5 minutes late. Not as bad as I thought it was going to be.

Anyway the appointment went pretty good. After it was done- the lady left the room. As I sat there with a bandage on my newly removed mole area- blood started coming out of the sides of the bandaid in several areas. When the lady came back she had to take the bandaid off and clean it up and get the bleeding to stop. Then re bandaged the area. I asked for some of the round bandaids to take home - just in case. Thankfully there has been no more bleeding. The lidocaine is wearing off and it is a little sore.

I am so happy to have that done and over with. It marks the end of appointment for this year! YAY!! I am SO happy about that. Now to relax and maybe enjoy a Christmas movie before I get some of my chores done. Hope you all are having a good day! :o)

Verses and the Privilege of Prayer

Here is a list of some great verses that a sweet reader shared with me in response to yesterday's post. I wanted to share them with you all here today.

 

The Lord is good to all, And His tender mercies are over all His works.   

Psalm 145:9

 

    that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.   

Matthew 5:45

 

    But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.

Luke 6:35

 

Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness."

Acts 14:17

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Ok - I would like to once again.... yep again..... ask for prayers. This morning at 11am Central time. I will be having my mole removed - its a mole that is on my nose - on the right side - up by my eye. I know that God will come through and keep His promise of Deuteronomy 33:25b "As are your days, so shall your strength be." God will supply the strength and courage needed for me for this appointment. He has been faithful all year long.

I also wanted to share something with you all. This year has been full of me requesting prayers. Earlier this week I was talking with my husband and I told him that I was getting tired of having to ask for prayers and that I thought people were probably getting tired of it. He said no- Lisa your true friends are not tired of it - they appreciate the chance to pray for you. And as I thought I about it I begin to understand what he meant. Then yesterday a friend shared an important prayer request about her son. And as I left a comment - I told her "thank you for allowing us to lift your son and family up in prayer." It is a privilege to be able to lift someone up in prayer. It is a privilege to be able to see God work in wondrous ways! And when you are a part of those praying for someone - and you see the way that God answers - you get to feel like you were apart of that. And that is a privilege. I am thankful that I know people who are willing to share their burdens and allow me to help them carry it to the Cross and allow Jesus to carry it from then on. No one should have to carry their burdens alone.

Please if you have a problem and you feel like you have to carry it alone - don't. You don't have to share what the problem is - but I would sure appreciate it if you would allow me to help - by praying for you. Just leave a comment and let me know that you need prayers. I pray for each of you already - but if you need a special prayer - I would be more than happy to pray for you.

And a BIG thank you to each of you who pray for me. I do appreciate it. Have a great day! :O)

"Can an atheist have grace?"

I was asked a question in the comment section from one of my posts about grace and I wanted to share the reply here as a post - just in case anyone else has this question.

"Can an atheist have grace?"

First of all I need to say that I am no expert in the area - that is one reason why I have felt so drawn to learning more about grace - because I don't fully understand it. And to be honest- I don't know if we will ever fully understand grace - this side of heaven.

Now the first thing I did once I was asked this question was to go to google and typed the word "Grace" out to see what it would bring up. I was intrigued to see what the first posting would be. It was from Wikipedia. Here is what I found that was helpful to me to understand grace better:

"grace has been defined, not as a created substance of any kind, but as "the love and mercy given to us by God because God desires us to have it, not because of anything we have done to earn it",^[1] "the condescension or benevolence shown by God toward the human race".^[2] It is understood by Christians to be a spontaneous gift from God to man — "generous, free and totally unexpected and undeserved"^[3] — that takes the form of divine favor, love, clemency, and a share in the divine life of God." This definition from Wikipedia.

From just this short explanation of what grace is answers the question - Yes - God gives grace to  atheist as well!

When I typed out the characteristics.... with and without grace- I noticed something important to note, As I typed out the lists - I could  so see myself in the lists. I could also notice how I am beginning to see a few more of the characteristics of "with grace" now as opposed to 5-10 years ago. Why the change?

Well the best way to answer that question is to share a beautiful quote that I found that helps us understand what grace can do for us:


"John and Judas are representatives of those who profess to be Christ's followers. Both these disciples had the same opportunities to study and follow the divine Pattern. Both were closely associated with Jesus and were privileged to listen to His teaching. Each possessed serious defects of character; and each had access to the divine grace that transforms character. But while one in humility was learning of Jesus, the other revealed that he was not a doer of the word, but a hearer only. One, daily dying to self and overcoming sin, was sanctified through the truth; the other, resisting the transforming power of grace and indulging selfish desires, was brought into bondage to Satan.
Such transformation of character as is seen in the life of John is ever the result of communion with Christ. There may be marked defects in the character of an individual, yet when he becomes a true disciple of Christ, the power of divine grace transforms and sanctifies him. Beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, he is changed from glory to glory, until he is like Him whom he adores."  AA558-559

    But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

2 Corinthians 3:18

I am hoping that maybe this post has at least some how answered the question above and if not maybe in some of the following posts that I will be doing about grace that this question will be more fully answered and understood.  So stay tuned. :)


If you are reading this post and missed out on the other two posts about Grace so far, you may click the links below to check them out:

Characteristics...with and without Grace

Grace Nuggets

Don't just watch pricing...

Ok - Well I learned another lesson in saving money and I wanted to share it with you all to remind you of this lesson I learned. This is a lesson that I have realized and should have checked out. Anyway learning now is better then never, even if I should have already known.

 

When comparing prices- be sure to compare sizes of the product as well.

 

I had been paying $4.98 for my good popcorn from Walmart.
When I found what I thought was the exact same product at HEB for $4.78 a 20 cent savings, I jumped on the deal! I am so happy with myself.........

 

Until this past Friday when my husband went to Walmart to pick up some things that we needed. Popcorn had been on the list and so I reluctantly thought it would be ok to get a bottle of it - even if we had to pay more for it.

 

When he got home - we realized that the bottle from Walmart - the bottle that was $.20 more- was in fact - 15 ounces more popcorn!!!

 

Yes- the LARGE bottle on the right was Walmart's bottle of popcorn- costing 20 cents more.

Once you realize you are getting 15 ounces more of popcorn - that 20 cents doesn't look so bad.

 

I had thought that I was saving us money by getting our popcorn at HEB, in fact I was paying about $2.18 more for my popcorn by buying it as HEB.

 

So when you are comparing prices - be sure to take in consideration the amount of ounces or pounds. I think a lot of products are doing this kind of thing lately so it is best to be on guard all the time. Watch for shrinking sizes and soaring prices.

 

Sometimes getting the bigger size is the better deal- like with this popcorn but not all the time.

 

Sometimes we need to relearn lessons we thought we already knew. And that is ok - at least we are open to learning.

I am so thankful that my husband went ahead and bought that bottle of popcorn - I don't know how long it would have taken for me to have figured it out.

I have been pre-occupied lately. I am really going to try to get back to being a better steward of the money my husband works so hard for.

 

And by the way - we have noticed a big difference in the amount of popcorn that is popped and the better quality of popcorn - when we use this more expensive popcorn. Sometimes cheaper is not always better. Another important lesson. :)

 

 

Grace Nuggets

Today I wanted to share a little more of the treasure trove about grace that I found in this book.  

 

"In my continuing attempt to entice you to seek God's grace in your life, here are some "grace nuggets" for your consideration:

 

Grace is the life of God in your soul.

 

Grace is an attribute of God sent n search of undeserving human beings.

 

Grace is the Brussels sprouts of the soul. It may not taste great at first, but it leaves the life sweetened and empowered after it's been ingested.

 

Grace is pivotal to successful relationships.

 

Grace is available only to weak people like you and me!

 

Grace softens men and soothes women.

 

Grace enables the useless to become useful.

 

Overtime, grace enables  you to break bad habits and form good ones.

 

Grace give you the ability to forgive the unforgivable.

 

Grace destroys critical and negative feelings.

 

The only way to receive more grace is to give away the grace you have.

 

Grace makes the life fragrant.

 

Grace lets you become a Teflon* Christian- it prevents sin from getting a foot hold in your life.

 

Grace enlarges your capacity to know God.

 

Grace is what's happening when you're ok - and shouldn't be.

 

Open your life to Jesus, and you'll always receive grace.

 

The ideal time to ask for Grace? When that's the last thing you want to do.

 

What does the Lord require of us? That we learn to be gracious. (1)

 

1. "What does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8, NKJV "

 

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By the way~ My husband has another scope tomorrow morning. Please be praying that the radiation treatment that they did last time will have done it's job and that he will not have to have another radiation treatment. Thank you so much. :O)

 

Characteristics...with and without Grace

Lately the idea of Grace has captured my attention. I am intrigued to learn more about it. I was blessed to find an excellent list of "characteristics of people without grace" and characteristics of people with grace" in the latest book that I am reading. I know I have said this several times but it still amazes me how God brings just the right book for me to read at the right time. This time the book I am reading is "Sometimes I Don't Feel Like Praying! Everyone has two faces. One we show the world. One we don't want anyone to see." by Mike Jones. This book covers the author journey through life - how he left the church and came back and lots of topics in between.

This book has blessed me by reaffirming some choices I have made recently. And not only that but also this quote which has been a great reminder to me. "God's in charge- and that's enough!"

Not only those blessings but here I am, not even half way done with this book and just after the idea of Grace has begun to entice me- and I find these great lists. I wanted to share them here with you - just in case you too are drawn to the idea of grace and want a better understanding of it.

A note at the bottom of the page says "You might use this list and the one that follows for some self-testing." They really do give you a lot to think about.
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Some characteristics of people without grace:

1.  Selfish and self-centered.
2.  Emotionally needy; impossible to satisfy.
3.  Tendencies towards addictions~ alcohol, drugs, food, sex, work, etc. The Bible says we can be overly religious too (see Ecclesiastes 7:16).
4.  Fight. Argue. May be prone to abuse and violence.
5.  Quick to bail on a relationship and throw in the towel.
6.  Thoughtless. Throws garbage out the car window.
7.  Discourteous in traffic- and in life.
8.  Coarse, crude, rude,. Causes pain.
9.  Overly sensitive, easily upset or hurt.
10. Quick-tempered. Lots of anger.
11. Rarely says "I'm sorry."
12. Slow to forgive. May never forgive.
13. Negative thinker.
14. Superficial, manipulative.
15. Spiritually shallow.
16. Little joy, dissatisfied, unhappy.
17. Restless, always searching for something more.
18. Unpleasant, mean- spirited.
19. Intolerant, unsympathetic.
20. Little elf-control.

Some characteristics of people with grace:

1. Unselfish, concerned about others.
2. Emotionally and spiritually balanced.
3. Loving, kind, joyful.
4. Peacemakers.
5. Balanced. Few addictions.
6. Enduring relationships. Fewer divorces.
7. Thoughtful. Unlikely to little or harm the environment.
8. Courteous, especially in traffic.
9. Refined, gentle, kind.
10. Patient. Even-tempered.
11. Quick to apologize.
12. Accepts responsibility for behavior.
13. Positive in outlook.
14. secure in Christ.
15. Accepting, affirming.
16. A general sense of contentment. At peace.
17. Sympathetic, empathetic, compassionate.
18. A sweet spirit.
19. Healer, rather than causer of pain.
20. Meek, gentle spirit.

*These Lists from the book "Sometimes I Don't Feel Like Praying!"

Tomorrow I will be sharing "Grace Nuggets" from the same book.
(*(*(*(*(*(*(*(*(*(*(*(*(*(*(*(*(*(*(*(*(*(*(*(*(*(*(*(*(*(*(*(

I am doing well. Still struggling with the cold which is making it harder for me to get a good nights rest but hoping that it will run its course and will be out of my system soon. I am still sore but healing. Thanks for the continued prayers.

Making It Through

Just checking in to let you all know I am doing pretty good. It is still pretty sore to sit on anything except my couch and recliner - which are pretty soft. Sitting here at the computer is very sore. So that explains me not being on the computer much. The cold that I worked so hard to get rid of on Wednesday came back with a vengeance on Thursday night- and it kept me from getting a good nights sleep - with my nose running and coughing up stuff - and all that coughing was really hurting me because I am experiencing a lot of soreness from below my ribcage down to my thighs. And the coughing - let me tell you - really hurts my abdomen a lot.
So I have had a rough couple of nights actually. I am trying to get rid of it - but it still is hanging around.
I am not as so as I was the first night - well the soreness was more in the legs and walking and such - that soreness has calmed down- while the soreness in my abdomen has increased. Anyway I am healing and that is good.

Yesterday I have a really bad headache with my cold and ended up laying down and taking a nap. I usually don't like to nap because I usually wake up from naps with a headache - well I already had one - so I knew it couldn't be any worse than I already felt. Thankfully today I am not having too much problems with the head ache. I am tired but that is also because I have not slept very good the last few nights.

Anyway hopefully in a few days I can be back to posting good again. I hope you all are having a good week end! :O)

Benefit of Hiding God's Word in Your Heart

Hello~ I just wanted to check in and say that I did have the surgery and I made it through. I got home about 3:30pm area- but have been taking it easy. I am very sore and sitting here at the computer is not the most comfortable thing to be doing right now. But I did not want to get on here and let ya'll know I am alright.

 

I also wanted to share a little something that I shared on facebook today. I thought it would be easier to just take a photo and use it in this form instead of tying it all out again.

I have been working on memorizing Psalm 27 for the last few weeks. Even though I was skeptical at first that I could memorize a large passage - I decided to give it a try.

Here is my experience today:

 

 

This is just one of the wonderful benefits of hiding God's Word in your heart. He will bring it to your mind when it is needed. I can't even begin to tell you how wonderful it is when people come to me with breaking hearts over situations in their lives and I am able to pull from the verses that I have memorized - out of need in my own life. It is very important to hide God's Word in your heart. If you haven't ever done it before - start today. Find a verse that has meant a lot to you and write it out on an index card- place index cards with the verse written on it - on your bathroom mirror - in your purse on your kitchen window- so when you are washing dishes you can read through the verse.

Ok off of my soap box- I just know that this experience really helped me today and I would like you, too, to be able to experience it.

 

I need to close for now. I am really tired. It has been a long day and I am very tired. Praying that I can find a comfortable position- a little worried about that. But God will take care of that too.

 

Thanks again for the prayers. :O)

Some Encouragement for Me and You

My Devotional from Streams in the Desert this morning! It really spoke to me - especially the bold/underlined part.

We will be headed to the surgery center in a few minutes. Surgery will be at 11:35am. I am still struggling with a bit of congestion - so please pray that it can clear up. I know that God can answer this prayer if it is his will. Thanks so much!
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Attention! Praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord,

who serve in the Lord’s temple during the night.

 May the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion!

—Ps 134:1,3

 

Strange time for adoration, you say, to stand in God’s house by night, to worship in the depth of sorrow —it is indeed an arduous thing. Yes, and therein lies the blessing; it is the test of perfect faith. If I would know the love of my friend I must see what it can do in the winter. So with the Divine love. It is easy for me to worship in the summer sunshine when the melodies of life are in the air and the fruits of life are on the tree. But let the song of the bird cease and the fruit of the tree fall, and will my heart still go on to sing? Will I stand in God’s house by night? Will I love Him in His own night? Will I watch with Him even one hour in His Gethsemane? Will I help to bear His cross up the dolorous way? Will I stand beside Him in His dying moments with Mary and the beloved disciple? Will I be able with Nicodemus to take up the dead Christ? Then is my worship complete and my blessing glorious. My love has come to Him in His humiliation. My faith has found Him in His lowliness. My heart has recognized His majesty through His mean disguise, and I know at last that I desire not the gift but the Giver. When I can stand in His house by night I have accepted Him for Himself alone.—George Matheson

 

“My goal is God Himself, not joy, nor peace,

Nor even blessing, but Himself, my God; 

’Tis His to lead me there, not mine, but His

’At any cost, dear Lord, by any road!’

 

“So faith bounds forward to its goal in God, 

And love can trust her Lord to lead her there; 

’Upheld by Him, my soul is following hard 

Till God hath full fulfilled my deepest prayer.

 

“No matter if the way be sometimes dark, 

No matter though the cost be ofttimes great, 

He knoweth how I best shall reach the mark, 

The way that leads to Him must needs be straight.

 

“One thing I know, I cannot say Him nay; 

One thing I do, I press towards my Lord; 

My God my glory here, from day to day, 

And in the glory there my Great Reward.”

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Time Set

Ok I got my phone call- we have to be at the hospital by 10:00am and surgery will be at 11:35am. I accidently took a medicine that I guess I wasn't suppose to take. I told them about it and it looks like it is alright. I have been drinking a lot of water today - I can not have any water or food after midnight. Which it will be earlier than that since I got to bed about 10pm. Anyway the surgery by noon area is so much more doable than the 3pm surgery. Please continue to pray for me. God has been faithful and I am doing alright. I was able to get a lot of my stuff done here at the house. And I think I am going to watch a Christmas Movie now. Thanks so much for the prayers! :O)

Bless it or Block it

Ok - so here is what is going on with me today: I woke up with some drainage still. I decided to call my Dr's office and see if I could get in to see her. She told me I also needed to call the Dr's office that would be doing the surgery. I did and I let them know what was going on. They told me to call the pre-op place and let them know what was going on and find out what could take to help clear up this drainage.

My Dr does not think that I have anything serious. She is thinking allergies too. The morning that I started feeling drainage was the morning that I went to the pre-op appointment(yesterday) and it was VERY foggy. Seriously foggy- I could not see but about 3-4 car lengths in front of my car during half or more of my drive up to the appointment. So I am thinking that maybe that some how caused me to have this drainage. My Dr prescribed some nasal spray stuff that is suppose to help and I got a medicine - Tussin stuff that I think I was told I can take. I say think- because they were telling me you can take this and you can't take this and I may have gotten confused. I just pray that God will heal me by tomorrow and that I will not have any problems and that I can get through this surgery and get it behind me quickly. I hate the anticipation of having a surgery.

I am thankful that a friend reached out to me- her father has cancer and is probably in his last months of life and it has been very hard on her and her family. And she asked me some questions about going through this cancer journey- and I was able to share with her things that really helped me - verses in the Bible that were of great encouragement. I really needed to use my brain to help her to bring to memory verses that not only helped me in the past but that helped me today. It helped me get the focus off of me.

Now I think I will be turning the computer off for a while - and work on getting a list of things done here at my house. I want to vacuum, sweep, mop, laundry, and clean bathrooms. Things that I will like to come home to being done tomorrow.

Also I am waiting on a phone call that will tell me when my surgery will be for sure tomorrow. I have a tentative scheduled surgery for 3pm- but with cancellations I could get moved up. Like I have said I really hope it can be moved up some. That way I will have more of a chance to recover and be able to come home after the surgery. I was told yesterday to bring with me some of the basics I would want if I had to spend the night - just in case. So I will work on a list of that stuff as well this afternoon- so that tomorrow I will not have to feel any stress about gathering a bag together.

I will try to get on here and post an updated time for my surgery once I find out more. Please continue to pray for me that my nose will clear up and that I will feel much better tomorrow and that the surgery can go on as planned. Unless it is not God's will. So basically I am praying that God will bless it or block it. :)

A few more prayers needed....

I want to start this post by saying Thank you to each and everyone of you who are there and are willing to not only listen but to pray for me. I really appreciate it.

As you all know I am set to have surgery on Thursday. Today I had my pre-op appointment. Well this morning I woke up at 4am(like I have for several days in a row) and couldn't seem to get back to sleep. The only difference this morning is that I had some drainage- causing me to cough a bit. Well it has stuck around all day long. And my head hurts a bit and maybe even my chest. Well that is NOT good. I can not have surgery if I am sick. But I don't want to cancel the surgery unless I have to. Anyway this has discouraged me, almost to tears. I have been so busy over the last couple of weeks and the last two weeks or more have been more stressful than usual. It is hard not to be stressed when you are looking at having surgery. Anyway so I would sure appreciate prayers- please pray that I will not be getting sick. I am trying to eat good and I am going to get out and go walking to get some fresh air and the little bit of sunshine that I can get. And drinking lots of water. And I am hoping to be feeling better by tomorrow. If you could also pray that the surgery will be moved up to earlier in the day. And that the surgery is totally successful! I would be so happy if you all would do that for me. I am going to try to keep a positive mind set. I have my same verse - Joshua 1:9 in front of me telling me not to be afraid or discouraged. I needed to reminder today.

Again - Thank you for the prayers and for listening! :O)

God IS Love

Yesterday I heard just a bit of a sermon and was so touched by what I heard that I wanted to share with you all - just in case you have not thought of it this way.

The pastor was talking about God's love and how it was not just a fuzzy warm feeling - it went much deeper than that. That His love was loyal and faithful. In my life- God's love has always been faithful- I think that I just did not fully understand it until the last year or so. And truthfully I probably still don't totally get it.

There have been times over the last year, especially, when I have questioned God's love for me. I think it is human nature to question the love of God when we are going through tough times. We don't always understand that God allows hurtful things in our lives to teach of things, to sand the rough places off of our character and to help us better understand His love for us. This past year for me has been a tough one. If you understood how much I do not like needles and the poking and prodding- then you would understand the volume of grace, strength and courage that God has provided for me over the last year or so---and will continue to do so through the rest of the things that I have going on this year. Each step of the way He has been faithful to me. Each time I begin to feel panic I turn to the One who provides what I need.

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

 Philippians 4:19

 

Speaking of Philippians 4:19- I used to always think that this verse was basically speaking of our material needs- over the last year - I am learning that when it says ALL it means ALL of our need. And I am truly thankful for this.

 

God is Love and God is Faithful.

If you haven't given Him a chance to show himself faithful- try Him today. You won't be sorry.

    He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

 1 John 4:8

 

I Made It ...Good News....Bad News

Ok - So I just wanted to check in for a bit and let you all know that I made it through my tests without too much discomfort. Of course as any medical test or procedure there was some discomfort but it is all behind me. I got some good news and some not so good news.

First for the good news - No cancer. Praise the Lord!!! I was so thankful to get this news. We had been concerned.

The bad news is that there seems to be a problem with my bladder and I will be having surgery next Thursday. Ugh.... Right now the surgery is set for like 3pm. But I am praying that somehow I can be moved up in the day. I just don't want to wait all day long for a surgery. Would much rather get it done early. So that is my first prayer. My second prayer will be that this surgery will be a success.

So next week will have it's share of medical testing - Tuesday - I have to go for a pre-op appointment to have some blood work done and ekg. And then the surgery on Thursday. I will also need to call and set up an appointment to have my mole removed - probably the next week. Anyway once this year is over - I am hoping that there will be a calm period of hardly any medical stuff- just my visits with the oncologist. That is my wish for the new year.

Anyway so that is what is going on with me. Thanks everyone for the prayers. I would appreciate prayers for my granddaughter as well. She has strep throat and we will not be able to see her this week end after all....it's been a while since we have gotten to see her. :( We should get to see her next week end- hoping I am recovered enough by the week end. I'll just take it one day at a time.

Ok - I am off of here and going to rest and take it easy. Hope you all have a good week end. :)

Prayers Requested

Today finds my schedule busy with medical appointments. I have one at noon and one at 3:30pm. I would sure appreciate prayers as I am nervous about these. I am hoping to find out at least some info today. I will try to check in later today - it will be a busy day but I will try to at least check-in and let ya'll know that I survived. Hope you all have a great day! :O)

Information Needed

Ok - I am hoping someone can help me. One of you kind ladies let me know some information about Denise over at Just Me Being Me- and I have lost the info to find out more about how she is doing. Please send me the info again - or if anyone else have any information I would love to know how she is doing. Thanks so very much.

And By the way - The rest of you - From what I had heard she needs lots of prayers right now. Sorry I did not post anything earlier I have been so distracted by all of the extra stuff going on in my life- no excuse though - I should have asked you all to be praying for her back when I found out she was going through a really tough time. So please keep Denise and her husband Eddie in your prayers. Hopefully I will hear something soon.

My New Best Friend....lol :o)

I just wanted to check in and let you know that I made it through the surgery today. I am awfully sore now - and will need to get an ice pack back over my incision- but I wanted to get on here and let you guys know that it went well.

After the nurse did her stuff- taking my vitals and asking me all sorts of questions. She said it is only 7am so it will be a while before they come get you. I asked- so am I not getting an IV? She said no- that they would just be doing a local. Taking the port out is not as detailed as putting it in -so there is not as much of a need of the meds to cause you to be "stoned" as the nurse said. I did have the choice of having an IV and going to lala land or just doing the local. Well I did not want an IV so I went with the local. It does make it a little bit stressful- it took about 30 minutes once Dr gave me lidocaine in the are to numb it up. And I could feel pulling and tugging. And ended up having to have more of the numbing meds a couple of times. But my Dr was great at explaining what he was doing and making sure I was doing good. I had a nurse in the room that is excellent at talking to the patients and really helped distract me and helped let the Dr know I needed more numbing meds at one point. This nurse along with another one in the room - ended up being in the operating room the day I had my port put in.

The first 30 seconds or so I did not think that I would like the Dr - but soon realized that he was a really good guy and that he had compassion. There is something about a Dr that does not like needles himself that seem to have more compassion for his patients. I was thankful that God picked him out to be my Dr. God being in control is a great thing - because He brings great people into your live - especially if you will just keep an open mind(obviously I still have a bit of a problem with that since I passed a bit of judgement so quickly with my Dr, but I am working on it). 

So now I have tomorrow as a day off (yay!) and then Friday at noon and at 3:30pm I have my appointments. My husband will be able to go with me. And I am hoping that since I have the ultrasound and the port removal out of the way - that it will be a bit easier to deal with these two tests.
Still claiming - Deut. 33:25b  ~ As are your days, so shall your strength be. Both of these tests scare me but I am depending on God to get me through.

I hope you all are doing well. Now I am off to get the ice pack back on my chest. It's funny how an ice pack seems so annoying until you really need them - then they are your new best friend! LOL :O)

Not to Get, but to Give

Wednesday morning I had my appointment with the urologist that basically opened a can of worms. After I left the appointment I decided to stop by a thrift store that usually has some great finds. The neighborhood that this store is in - is a little rough and one that I would not go to after dark unless someone was with me.

 

So I looked through stuff and tried on about 6-8 things- did not find anything at all. This in itself was unusual. Usually I find at least one item that I just can't pass up.

 

As I approached my car as I was leaving the thrift store I heard a man say, "Excuse me Ma'am." I stopped and walked to the back of my car to see what he wanted. He began to tell me that he had recently gotten out of prison and had just finished eating a bag of Cheetos and a coke for lunch. You could still see the remains of Cheetos in his teeth.

 

In my pocket I had a few different bills and because I did not want to bring the money I had out of my pocket, I prayed that God would direct my hand to what ever amount that He wanted me to give this man. As I handed the man a twenty. He was stunned and said, "Are you sure, Ma'am?"

 I told him, "Yes, God bless you."

 

The man continues to tell me that he had been studying the Bible while he was in prison.

 

We ended our conversation and I walked to my car door, as he walked away he says, "Lady, I love you." And without skipping a beat, I said, "I love you, too." In my mind I thought in Christ I DO love you.

 

Sometimes when I go to thrift shops, I find something really special and I know that this was the reason why I came to that thrift store. Well as I left the thrift shop this day - I knew that the reason I had come to this thrift store was not to get something, but to give.

 

Later that day as I was sitting at my computer- all of a sudden the thought comes to my mind that in the "I love you" from a stranger was really an "I love you" from God. Just when I needed to hear an I love you. I had just come from my appointment in which I had found out I would have to have 3 procedures added to my  next week- on top of my port removal surgery. I truly needed encouragement. And God used a man~ who was down on his luck to bless me. And to reassure me of His love for me.

 

    Let brotherly love continue.

            2 Do not forget to entertain strangers,

for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.   

Hebrews 13:1-2

 

One of the reasons it has taken me to along to write this out is because I really do not like sharing - when I do things to bless others. I try to live by Matthew 6:3-4

 

    But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.

 

But I felt led to share this story- not to highlight what I did- but to put the spotlight on what God did!

 

When we allow God to guide and direct our lives we can be more of a blessing to others and in turn they can be a blessing to us.

 

  

Be Strong and Courageous

I have shared how I feel that this year I have been called to being Courageous. Well it seems that the plan for this year was not for me to be able to end the year without more courage called on. It seems that courage has been a big thing this year. Every Step of the way - something new that requires courage. I am learning more and more to depend upon God to get me through each obstacle that I face.

This morning as I was sitting at my computer I noticed a hand written verse that I have taped to my computer screen:

"Have I not commanded you?

 Be strong and of good courage;

 do not be afraid, nor be dismayed,

for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." 

Joshua 1:9  

 

And the part about "God is with you wherever you go" really stood out to me this time. And I am happy for that reminder. As this week I face 3 procedures I have never had before- plus a surgery to remove my port. Plus the fact that the 3 procedures could possibly lead to yet another surgery. It is so nice to have the reminder that God is with me wherever I go.

 

On the other side of my computer is another hand written verse:

 

    "For God has not given us a spirit of fear,

 but of power and of love

and of a sound mind. "  

2 Timothy 1:7

 

This also was a great reminder because all the things I have going on this week - take me totally out of my comfort zone. Some of them will be very uncomfortable. One of the procedures if they don't get answers the first time the test is run - there is a possibility that I will have to have it again. Please pray that it can go smoothly the 1st time and that there will be no need to do it again.

 

This past year - I have faced so many 1st time doing this or that medical procedure. Each time God has been there and has gotten me through. I am not saying it has been smooth sailing, what I am saying is that God is with me wherever I go and strengthens me when I call upon Him. I will continue to claim this promise of God being with me wherever I go and have the confidence that He will continue to be with me.

 

Please continue to pray for me. For answers to why there is blood in the urine and also for a resolution to solve the problems I have been having. For peace and courage through it all. Thank you so very much! It means so much to me! :)