New Year's Resolutions

I think when thinking of what New Years Resolutions that we would like to make for the new year - we need to keep this in mind. Maybe look outside of ourselves- you know the regular resolutions that we end up failing - like losing weight, making lots of money, whatever. These things are temporary. We need to look outside of ourselves and think of what we can do change the world. We can do a lot on our knees. I know I want to make a resolution and not just a resolution - but a commitment to God to spend more time in prayer. Will you join me?

Roman's Road

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

Romans 3:10

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Romans 3:23

 

But God commends his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8

 

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 6:23

 

that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe in thine heart that God has raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Romans 10:9-10

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Romans 10:13

I got a cool ruler that says Romans Road and share these verses. I thought it was neat and wanted to share it with you all.

Higher or Not?

I live between two towns. In one town I have a Goodwill Super Store and in the other town - just a regular Goodwill.

I have heard people say that the super stores have higher prices on things than the regular stores. Well I am here to say that just isn't always the case. And I have a prime example to share.

Last week in the hustle and bustle of holiday activities I dropped by my local Goodwill. I found something awesome a vintage Avon Pitcher and Bowl set.

 

It cleaned up nicely and is a beautiful addition to my Avon collection. I do not collect ALL Avon things- but I do enjoy finding pretty Avon things for good deals.

On Christmas eve - I found my self in the other town and decided to drop by their Goodwill store where I found this:

I picked it up and turned it over and was surprised to see that it had a price tag of $3.99. No - I didn't pay that much for mine at the Goodwill Super Center. Nope- I only paid $1.99- for mine.

 

So you see it is best to keep an open mind and remember good deals are every where, you just have to look for them.

Picking Up the Machine

As you all know - I had a sleep study done and I was diagnosed with mild sleep apnea.
On Tuesday, December 22, was the day that I picked up my cpap machine. Cpap stands for : Continuous positive airway pressure. 

When I went in for my trial run with my cpap I was allowed to pick which ever mask that I wanted to - so I picked a nasal pillows sleep mask. And it seemed to work just fine.

But when I went in to pick up my machine - I was told that a full mask was prescribed for me. Apparently I breath with my mouth at time. I was not happy about the change at all. I tried to be nice about it but let them know I was not happy about it. They fitted me for the full mask and also for the nasal pillows. By the end of it I decided - well maybe the Dr had a good reason to prescribe the full mask - so I went ahead with it.

I learned a few things about the cpap machine- they are prescribed for different reasons- the one I remember the most about was that they are prescribed for those with Down Syndrome- apparently sometimes at night they forget to breath.

I also learned that those who have heart problems can benefit from using a cpap machine. Apparently those with heart problems - when they don't use a machine can end up with me problems. Because when you stop breathing you put more pressure on the heart and damage can be done.

Anyway so it is a good idea to talk to your Dr about it if you think you may have sleep apnea.

I will be posting another post to let you all know how things have gone with my cpap machine and all. So check back later in the week. :O)

My Study Group and What's to Come

Last Monday was actually the day that ended my Bible Study group on the book "Steps to Christ" Most of the time throughout this 13 week series - it was just a new friend and I. As I shared - at first I was discouraged about it just being the one person. I had -had high hopes for the group. And although things did not go as I had thought they would, I still believe that God was in control. We were both blessed. And my friend is thinking of starting a group through her church(that is encouraging people to start small groups.) I am not sure if she would have felt capable of having a group if we had not studies this book for the last 3-4 months.

On our last meeting this quote was read in our last chapter. (If you are interested in reading the entire chapter- click on the link.) It ended up being a real blessing to me and I wanted to share it with you all just in case it could bless you too.  

"If we keep uppermost in our minds the unkind and unjust acts of others we shall find it impossible to love them as Christ has loved us; but if our thoughts dwell upon the wondrous love and pity of Christ for us, the same spirit will flow out to others. We should love and respect one another, notwithstanding the faults and imperfections that we cannot help seeing. Humility and self-distrust should be cultivated, and a patient tenderness with the faults of others. This will kill out all narrowing selfishness and make us large-hearted and generous."   SC121

At this point - I am not sure what my plans are - if I will start another study or not. I am going to focus on my family and such and wait on the Lord. If he wants me to do another study- He will make it clear to me. Please pray that God will lead. Thanks so much! :O)

If any of you are interested in looking at or copying out the study guides for "Steps to Christ" just click on this link.

A study that I am very interested in doing - maybe just on my own is from the book " Mount of Blessings. Click HERE for a link to the study guide for it.

Oh I am SO excited! I just found a study guide for a book that I just bought. The book is called " A Sanctified Life" Or click here for a study guide of the book!

So one way or another I will be working on both of these books/study guides- either with others or on my own. I hope you will check them out - maybe you too will be blessed.

Power of Prayer

Just a little something that I saw on Facebook last week that I wanted to share with you all today.
There is so much truth in this.

Earlier I said that my husband had gotten me the "War Room" movie. Well we watched it this afternoon. And I have to say that I HIGHLY recommend it. It lives up to the high standard of the  Kendrick brother movies- such as "Flywheel" "Facing the Giants" "Fireproof" and "Courageous." All of these movies are great and well worth the money spent to add them to your movie collection. Be sure and check out Walmart - or other places - you might be able to get them in a set and save some money.

So the movie is about prayer. a favorite quote from the movie- maybe not word for word -but here it goes "Hey Devil you just got your butt kicked!" said by Clara on the movie. It is a great scene! 

^"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,

against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world,

against spiritual wickedness in high places."

Ephesians 6:12

 

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone!!  It is certainly not snowing here, in fact it's about 52 degrees and an expected high in the 70's - actually probably just 70 degrees. The sun is shining and it is a pretty day!
My husband❤️ is having to work today. So it's a very quiet day for me. I'm planning on spending time in my sewing room! We don't get our granddaughter until the 28th. That will be when we do our family Christmas.
 My husband got me the movie "War Room" it is by the makes of "Courageous" "Facing the Giant" and "Flywheel" all of which are excellent movies! If you haven't seen them, I highly recommend them! I look forward to seeing this movie!

Well I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas! Remember Jesus is the reason for the season!  Love and prayers to you all!

Something to Consider

A friend got this in an email and shared it with me. I thought it was something worth considering:
*****************************************************************************

The first day of Christmas Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.

 -The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.
-Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.-
-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John....
-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching,Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.
-The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness,Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.
-The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.
-The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

I Feel Bad...

I feel so bad. I feel as though I have really been neglecting my blog over the last several months. During this time I had some good ideas of things to write about, but most if the time I did not make it to the computer to write out a post. And sometimes I did. So I'm just going to share now that I will try to do a better job of posting and I'll apologize up front just in case I repeat a thought or idea that I may have recently written of.

I look forward to spending more time in Bible study. During the last three months I have been trying to keep up with my Steps to Christ study group study guide. And my Desire of Ages study for Prayer Meeting. And also my Sabbath School lessons each week. So I have been quite busy with uplifting reading and such but I really enjoy studying the Bible and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and direct my studies. There is nothing wrong with all the other studies I've done. I'm just really looking forward to studies in which God leads me to awesome finds that I am then able to share with you all.

I hope you have all been well. I continue to pray for you all. If there are any specific prayers that I could pray for you- don't hesitate leaving a comment with your special prayer request. Thanks to those of you who have stuck with me through these quiet months, I really appreciate each and everyone of you.  :0)

Thrifty Tips

So I wanted to share a thrifty tip that I have been reminded of recently. The last couple of weeks as we have visited a local thrift store- we have found some awesome Christmas items! I realized that I have not really like the new Christmas items sold at stores these days. What brings me more joy is the things made years ago. Not all of what we have found have been considered antiques but - some have been. It just seems that I like things that were made before the last couple of years. The things now seem to not have as much detail and character to them. Anyway so today I wanted to share that if you would like more items to decorate your home for the holidays - you may want to start looking at thrift stores and such because up until this year - I really did not enjoy decorating for Christmas because I did not have as much stuff as I really liked to decorate- and now with a few purchases - I have a decent amount of great things that bring me joy. Now I will look forward to decorating the house for Christmas!

Here is a sampling of some of the great deals we have found:

This center piece I showed last week - $1.00 - and it look great with my table cloth!

I love this "JOY" nativity set. We found this at the Antique Mall and paid just over $3.00 for it.

I love it!  

This next set - almost got over looked by me. In fact, I had walked past it. My husband took a little more time at the Christmas shelf and found it. I was thrilled when I saw it.

And for 75 cents- we thought it was a great deal! 

Oh this photo shows how tiny the set is! We are on the look out for a great little stable for it. Hoping I find something great - when I do - I will post it on here.

And of course this great Mr Christmas Marching Band set - that cost me $5.00 but was well worth the money!  

This next photo shows a cute little set. I actually have the exact same set - that were not made to be ornaments, notice the gold thread on these to hang up. Well my husband found it for about $3.00. We bought it because my granddaughter loves my set. So we bought this set. We cut off the gold thread and we are going to give the set to our granddaughter for Christmas. She loves to decorate her room at her daddies house.

And my plan is that we are going to let her open this present up first. Then we will read our Children's Nativity book and let her play with these guys while the story is read. This will be done before opening the presents.

 

Anyway - so like I said - if you are looking for holiday decorations- you may want to try thrift stores or Goodwill stores. You are sure to find some gently loved great items that will brighten your holidays as well and for a fraction of the price.

 

Oh I actually found my Christmas Cards at my little thrift store for $1.00. And they were very pretty cards! Give it a try. Oh and if you find some great finds come back and share your finds with me! I love to see good deals- even if they are not my good deals! :O)

 

Getting Gas in God's Timing

Did you realize that even when you get gas could be something that is done in God's timing? I did not know until last week. Here is what happened:

My husband had planned on getting gas on his way home from work, but ended up working over a bit and by the time he was headed home - he was too tired. So he decided to wait until the week end and us go get gas. Well we had a lot of errands to run and by the time we were done - we just did not get around to getting the gas. So on Monday on his way home from work - he stopped by QT and filled up. This ended up being a blessing in more than one way. First of all the price for gas had been $1.68 when he filled up. The next morning on his way to work, he noticed prices of gas were $1.86. What a jump in price!

But that was not the biggest blessing. Tuesday morning I got a phone call. It was from the fraud department from our bank needing to speak to my husband. Well I got the phone number to my husband and waited patiently to hear what was going on. Well come to find out someone in Illinois had used my husbands debit card number to make 3 purchases - one of them was for over $100.00! These charges came through and then my husband stopped by QT, a normal place for him to stop, and got gas and the bank knew something was wrong and they cancelled his debit card. And then the next morning contacted us. So as you can see - had my husband gotten gas on Friday or on Sunday - as was his plan - it would have been much longer before this fraud was caught. And it would have been stressful for us indeed. The way it worked out - by him getting gas in God's timing - the problem was taken care of before we realized there was a problem.

I am praising God for this blessing. We don't realize how many blessings we have or how many times we are protected from harm and danger coming our way. God is good and only allows what could be beneficial to us to come our way. The things may be painful but God has promised to give us what we need for each day. As one of my favorite promises says- in my rendition of it- "As are your days, so shall be your strength!" Deut. 33:25b God provides what we need - we just need to look to Him. :O)

too tired to post - but checking in anyway

Be sure and stop by tomorrow for a great post on "God's Timing - even when to get gas" It's a great story to show the importance of following God's leading. Sorry I have been missing in action. I have been busy and right now too tired to share the special story with you all. See ya'll tomorrow. :O)

A Healthy Substitution for Mac and Cheese

So last week - I shared about how I found the awesome cookbooks! This week I thought I would share a recipe with you all that I have already tried and found that I liked it. It is a healthy Mac and Cheese recipe - using no milk or cheese. It is not only really pretty good - but it is also very filling.

 

Mac and Cheese

1 1/2 C. whole-wheat macaroni

 

Cheese Sauce:

 

1 C. water

3/4 C. raw cashews

1 1/2 T. nutritional yeast flakes

1 tsp. sea salt

1 tsp. onion powder

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1 T. lemon juice

2 oz.  pimentos OR 1/2 red bell pepper

1/2 tsp. paprika

 

Boil 6 cups of water. Stir in macaroni. Boil for 10 minutes. Stirring occasionally. Drain. Do not rinse. Return to pan. Add Cheese Sauce and cook until thickened.

Cheese Sauce: Blend all ingredients until smooth.

 

When I made this - I did not use the whole-wheat macaroni. My husband does not like the whole wheat products like that. So it's find to use either. I was listening to a program earlier this week and they were talking about food sources for calcium- because it's better to get our nutrients through our food if possible. Anyway one of the things listed was regular spaghetti- so I am figuring any of the noodles would be a good source of calcium- since they all have about the same basic ingredients.

One thing I would like to add - if you make this and have left overs- you may have to add a little milk or water to it when you reheat it to cream it up a bit.

 

Remember my step-dad had a heart attack earlier this month? Well he is suppose to really be watching his salt intake. He really loves Mac and Cheese- but as you know it is very high in sodium. Well that is one reason why this Mac and Cheese recipe was the first one that I tried- a way for him to still have something he loves but a lot lower sodium content and also lower in fat- well it may not be a lot lower in fat - but it is a healthy kind of fat. A fat that your body needs. Anyway my Mom and he really liked the Mac and Cheese. We all think it is a good substitution. :O)





Keeping it fresh in our Memory

This week I was reading the chapter "The Touch of Faith" in The Desire of Ages book. It is a great chapter. If you have the time I would recommend you reading it, the link is below.
When I read the very last paragraph, it brought this great song to mind so I had to share them together. I hope you are blessed by both! :O)

"It is for our own benefit to keep every gift of God fresh in our memory. Thus faith is strengthened to claim and to receive more and more. There is greater encouragement for us in the least blessing we ourselves receive from God than in all the accounts we can read of the faith and experience of others. The soul that responds to the grace of God shall be like a watered garden. His health shall spring forth speedily; his light shall rise in obscurity, and the glory of the Lord shall be seen upon him. Let us then remember the loving-kindness of the Lord, and the multitude of His tender mercies. Like the people of Israel, let us set up our stones of witness, and inscribe upon them the precious story of what God has wrought for us. And as we review His dealings with us in our pilgrimage, let us, out of hearts melted with gratitude, declare, "What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all His people." Ps. 116:12-14." DA pg. 348

To read the whole chapter in Desire of Ages ~ The Touch of Faith.

Power of Prayer

"Christ's lessons in regard to prayer should be carefully considered. There is a divine science in prayer, and His illustration brings to view principles that all need to understand. He shows what is the true spirit of prayer, He teaches the necessity of perseverance in presenting our request to God, and assures us of His willingness to hear and answer prayer." ~Christ Object Lessons, p. 142

If you would like to read the whole chapter - that this quote is borrowed from - click on this link.

Heart Gifts....series

Where Can We Find Him?

 

Where can we find the Holy One?

Where can we see His Only Son?

The Wise Men asked, and we're asking, still,

Where can we find this Man of Good Will?

Is He far away in some distant place,

Ruling unseen from His throne of grace?

Is there nothing on earth that man can see

To give him proof of Eternity?

It's true we have never looked on His face,

But His likeness shines forth from every place,

For the Hand of God is everywhere

Along Life's busy thoroughfare...

And His presence can be felt and seen

Right in the midst of our daily routine,

The things we touch and see and feel

Are what makes God so very real...

The silent stars in timeless skies,

The wonderment in children's eyes,

The gossamer wings of a humming bird,

The joy that comes from a kindly word...

The autumn haze, the breath of spring,

The chirping song the crickets sing,

A rosebud in a slender vase,

A smile upon a friendly face...

In everything both great and small

We see the Hand of God in All,

And every day, somewhere, someplace,

We see the Likeness of His Face...

For who can watch a new day's birth

Or touch the warm, life-giving earth,

Or feel the softness of the breeze

Or look at skies through lacy trees

And say they've never seen His face

Or looked upon His throne of grace!

 

~Helen Steiner Rice

Treasures Found

 Ok - So I had meant to get on here yesterday morning and write out the next poem for our Heart Gifts series, but I ended up having to take care of a few things instead. So that post might be delayed till tomorrow since right now I am more of a mood to share with you some treasures that I found.

I went to my favorite little thrift store in a town nearby and I found some awesome cookbooks!! These first 3 cookbooks are usually 12.00 or 15.00 dollars. I paid - $1.00 a piece for them! You can't beat that. That is why I love this thrift store! I just have to be patient.

 

One thing that I really love about these cookbooks is that they have so much more than just recipes in them. At the beginning of each book there are a few extras. This first book has a couple of pages that tell of home remedies- like essential oils, charcoal and herbs. It has a pages that explains what Omega- 3 is and why it is important in our diets and how we can incorporate more into our diets. The next several pages tell of different ingredients and why they are so important in filling our nutritional needs. Then there are a couple of pages telling of the benefits of fruits and veggies in our diet - and what nutrients that they provide and also the good that they do for our bodies

With 150 recipe in this book there are plenty to try out and I am sure to love some.  

At the beginning of this next book - you will find a broader explanation of the "Simple Home Remedy- Charcoal." Next up is a page telling of "Spices, Condiments and Leavenings." Then a "Glossary- Food Dictionary" here again different ingredients are listed and there is important information on them.

At the back of this book - it has a section telling how to make "Healthy Baby Foods" 

So we are at book three in this set. At the beginning of this book - we find a section called, "Water, Water, Water"

"In health and in sickness, pure water is one of heaven's choicest blessings.

 Its proper use promotes health."

 quote from Ministry of Healing, page 237)

Next we find the author's testimony - along with a page or two of other testimonies.

Then another food glossary. This is to help because there may be ingredients in these books that you have not heard of before. 

This next cookbook that I found- I actually have a copy of it already. My copy is well worn and the cover is long gone. So I was happy to see this nice copy- in much better shape than how I got my copy. It was written and copyright date of 1979 and revised in 1983.  This cookbook was written by Agatha Thrash, M.D.
If I understand correctly Agatha Thrash and her husband(both have passed way) were the founders or part of the founders of Uchee Pines which is a lifestyle center that puts on seminars and training programs. On the website there are counseling sheets that have some information that may be very helpful in dealing with different health ailments. I am including links to both the home page and the counseling sheets pages - just in case anyone is interested.



"Blessed art thou o'land when the princes eat for strength and not for drunkenness."

Ecclesiastes 10:17

SO that was all the cookbooks that I got.

Next is something so very cool! I found a Mr. Christmas Santa's Marching Band!

I have looked it up on google and I think that they play 35 different Christmas songs. One of the people on ebay had a photo of the songs but I could not see the photo big enough to see what the songs were. I do have 1 of the ringer rods-(what the people hold that they use to hit the bells to make music) missing. The set came with 2 replacements - originally - I saw that in the ebay ad as well. Wish we had a replacement want thing. I am hoping somehow I can figure out how to get one or maybe we can figure out how to make one.

You have to see a close up of Santa. And notice the clear bulb on his hat- it lights up when he hits a bell.

The Marching band people have a little red light that lights up on their heads as well.  

And for now this is where I have them - on my table - around my new center piece. Eventually I am thinking of setting up a place on our bar - and putting them around a small Christmas tree- but we don't have the Christmas tree - right now so that will have to wait till we get the tree.  

 

In the photo you saw the other cool thing that I found- for only $1.00 - I found a great thing to put in the middle of my table!

 

And finally when I took my MIL to the Dr this week - we saw this great sign. I took a photo of it because I thought we all need to be reminded of this. While we are going through this season- many times it is easy with so much to do - we can feel overwhelmed - but be sure and not get your tinsel in a tangle!

 Oh please do keep me in your prayers. I have to go back to the sleep study place tonight- to try out a machine to see how I do and how best to set up the settings for me. Please pray that I am able to get some sleep and that I can get used to what ever it is that I am going to have to use. Thanks so much! :O)

Sleep Study and more

So sorry, but I am just now getting a chance to get on here and share with you what has been going on and also share with you about the sleep study. I had hoped that I would not have any problems and would not have to go for the second night - to try out what ever device that might be needed, but I was not so lucky...

Last Tuesday at 9:15pm - I checked in at sleep study place. You either need to wear something comfortable that you can sleep in or change into pajamas. I changed into pajamas.

After I changed the attendant hooked up to all sorts of wires and things. Keep in mind you can not see everything that was hooked up to me in this photo, but it give you an idea:

So there are also 4-5 different leads hooked up or glued to my head- that was fun to wash out later. They have to put really thick sticky stuff onto your scalp in order to keep the leads where they are suppose to be. I also had 2 things connected to each of my legs and then one lead to each side- of upper chest - up and over a bit from the underarm. I also had an heart rate thing pinched onto my pointer finger. And right now that is all I can remember.

Once you are hooked up - you are kind of confined to a small area. You are given a wrist bang thing that had a call button for the attendant. This is important because if you need to go to the bathroom(or need any other help) you will need to call them and let them know. They come in and unhook you from the equipment  and you carry a lot of the stuff with you to the bathroom. I always have to get up at least once( sometimes more) to go to the bathroom.

The bed was comfortable and they had 2 different types of pillows so you will probably find one you like. They do usually let you bring your own pillow if you think that would help.

I tried to go to sleep - believe me I really tried. I have to say here- I have a hard time going to sleep when I am away from home. So I knew I would have problems I did not realize that I would have this much trouble. Oh and I also really like a pretty dark room to sleep in. It is better for you to sleep in as dark of a room as possible. My room had a pretty big gap at the bottom of the door to the floor and the bright lights in the hallway shining under the door did not help in my efforts to sleep. There was a fan that I turned on so that the noise would help me go to sleep.

I did end up sleeping for about 1 1/2-2 hours and then needed to go to the bathroom. I think that he bright lights in the hallway and bathroom made it harder for me to get to sleep the next time. I finally got to sleep and may have slept about the same amount as before - then I woke up. Then I just laid there for the next 45 minutes to an hour. Then the attendant came in and unhooked me. And told me once I was change I could leave. It was about 5:20am when I left. It was cold outside and there was frost on my windows. So I had to wait there long enough to clear my windows.

When I got home - I knew that my husband did not have to wake up for 10 more minutes or so - So I moved his vehicle where it would be easier for him- and then I scraped the windows on his car. There was a thicker layer at home for sure.

After my husband left- I went and scrubbed the sticky stuff off of either side of my forehead. I did not want that stuff getting onto my pillow. I then changed into my pj's again and laid back down. I was about to sleep about another hour and 45 minutes.

I am telling you - I needed that last bit of sleep. I would have been no good during the day had I not done that.

When I left the sleep study - I did not have any information about how I had done during the night. I was discouraged because when my husband had his done several years ago - he came home knowing that he had sleep apnea.

I waited and waited to hear some results. Well when we set up my first appointment - they set up a second appointment with you so just in case - you will have it set up. They had sent the results to my primary Dr but because it said that I had a follow up appointment with the sleep study - she thought I already knew results. Anyway so on Monday at 4:30pm - I decided I would call my Dr to see if she had gotten results back - sure enough she had. I do have sleep apnea - she said I had a 87% saturation- or something like that. So basically ideal is that your oxygen level stay at 100% or as close as possible - but I was having some issues with interruptions of breathing and it caused my level to go down. It isn't a horrible case but it is something that I need to take care of. So as much as I really do NOT want to go back - for another rough night - Thursday night I will. And hopefully we can get through the night with a bit more sleep. I have a few things that I will do differently - I will be wearing a short sleeved top(I may have gotten to hot last time) and I will see if I can put my hair up in a pony tail. I always do and I sleep better than having hair all over. I am also going to see if I can go in at the 10:15 appt. instead of the 9:15 apt. Maybe if I am more tired- I will be able to sleep easier.

Anyway I know that there are at least a couple of you reading this that may need a sleep study done. And I would have to say - it isn't fun and games but in order to get a better nights sleep(I am assuming that I will get a better nights sleep once I get used to the machine) And sleep is really important for us. It helps our bodies recover from the assaults that it endures. I have also heard that getting plenty of good sleep helps in weight loss.

Speaking of weight loss~ I know that being over weight can cause sleep apnea. So I am really going to be trying to lose at least 10-20 pounds if at all possible. My plan is to get back onto a more plant food based diet. With my husband not wanting to do a plant based diet- I can not go 100% but I can work towards a bigger percent of what I eat being plant based and work on getting a variety of nutrient. It is much better to get your vitamin from food. So anyway I am hoping to be able to lose weight and I am hoping maybe eventually I will not need a sleep apnea machine - but for now it is what I need to do to be healthier- so I will do it. I will come back and share with you about my next experience with the Sleep Study.
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Ok - so an update on my step-dad: He is still in the hospital. The Drs and the physical therapist have said that they think it would be best for him to go to a skilled nursing center -to help build his strength back up and to control pain in the process and it looked like he was willing to go yesterday afternoon. But apparently he has changed his mind. He wants to go home. I am leaving this worry in God's hands. Please continue to pray for them.
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Well I had planned....

Well I had every intention of getting on here on Wednesday after my sleep study and telling you all about it. However Tuesday morning my step-dad had a heart attack. So he has been in the hospital since then. I will try to get on later and share about the sleep study- oh and by the way - you might get to see a photo of me all hooked up....it's too funny not to share. I really believe going through the whole - no hair things has helped me be a lot more able to share photos of me - not at my best. I used to hate photos of me looking crappy- I still don't really like them but I have come to figure out that photos only give a small glimpse of who a person is - and there is so much to who people are than their looks. And if someone is going to think poorly of me because of how I look - I really feel sorry for them for not taking the opportunity to get to know who I really am. Anyway I do have a photo I just don't have time at this moment to get it where I can upload it and get a post written up about it.

So I have been very busy. Oh and on the sleep study - no results yet. I was SO disappointed. Several years ago when my husband had it done - he got the results before he left the place. I have to wait - I guess at least 5 days. So maybe I will have the results by the time I have time to share about it.

If you could keep my step-dad - David in your prayers - I would really appreciate it. It has been a stressful week for him and my Mother, pray for her also. There are problems with him that really need a bypass done - but the Drs say it is too risky. Hoping to be able to find a combo of meds to help manage his health. Thanks so much! :O)

Heart Gifts....series

Anywhere Is a Place of Prayer If God Is There

 

I have prayed on my knees in the morning,
I have prayed as I walked along,

I have prayed in the silence and darkness

And I have prayed to the tune of a song-

I have prayed in the midst of triumph

And I've prayed when I suffered defeat,

I have prayed on the sands of the seashore

Where the waves of the ocean beat-

I have prayed in a velvet-hushed forest

Where quietness calmed my fears,

I have prayed through suffering and heartache

When my eyes were blinded with tears-

I have prayed in churches and chapels,

Cathedrals and synagogues, too,

But often I've had the feeling

That my prayers were not getting through,

And I realized then that our Father

Is not really concerned where we pray

Or impressed by our manner of worship

Or the eloquent words that we say...

He is only concerned with our feelings,

And He looks deep into our heart

And hears the "cry of our soul's deep need"

That no words could ever impart...

So it isn't the prayer that's expressive

Or offered in some special spot,

It's the sincere plea of a sinner

And God can tell whether or not

We honestly seek His forgiveness

And earnestly mean what we say,

And then and then only He answers

The prayer that we fervently pray.

~Helen Steiner Rice

 



Insight about the Burdens that Cause Discouragement

So yesterday we talked about how times of discouragement give us opportunities to be courageous. Well this morning as I was reading one of my devotionals - I just knew that I needed to share it because it goes right along with discouragement. And I think it is some great insight and will better help us to deal with the things in our lives that cause discouragement. I hope you are blessed.

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Streams in the Desert Devotional for December 1st:

There remaineth, therefore, a rest to the people of God (Heb. 4:9).
The rest includes victory, "And the Lord gave them rest round about;... the Lord delivered all their enemies into their hand" (Joshua 21:44).
 "Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Cor. 15:57).

An eminent Christian worker tells of his mother who was a very anxious and troubled Christian. He would talk with her by the hour trying to convince her of the sinfulness of fretting, but to no avail. She was like the old lady who once said she had suffered so much, especially from the troubles that never came.
But one morning the mother came down to breakfast wreathed in smiles. He asked her what had happened, and she told him that in the night she had a dream. She was walking along a highway with a great crowd of people who seemed so tired and burdened. They were nearly all carrying little black bundles, and she noticed that there were numerous repulsive looking beings which she thought were demons dropping these black bundles for the people to pick up and carry.
Like the rest, she too had her needless load, and was weighed down with the devil's bundles. Looking up, after a while, she saw a Man with a bright and loving face, passing hither and thither through the crowd, and comforting the people. At last He came near her, and she saw that it was her Saviour. She looked up and told Him how tired she was, and He smiled sadly and said: "My dear child, I did not give you these loads; you have no need of them. They are the devil's burdens and they are wearing out your life. Just drop them; refuse to touch them with one of your fingers and you will find the path easy and you will be as if borne on eagle's wings."
He touched her hand, and lo, peace and joy thrilled her frame and, flinging down her burden, she was about to throw herself at His feet in joyful thanksgiving, when suddenly she awoke and found that all her cares were gone.
From that day to the close of her life she was the most cheerful and happy member of the household.

And the night shall be filled with music,
And the cares that infest the day,
Shall fold their tents like the Arabs,
And as silently steal away.
--Longfellow

Opportunity to be Courageous

Last year was a year in which I had many chances to be courageous. At every turn there was some sort of procedure in which it was very necessary for me to be strong and courageous. In the waiting room of Texas Oncology -while waiting for yet another round of chemo - I learned of courage.

This year; thankfully, I haven't faced anywhere near as many opportunities which called for courage. I am realizing that this sleep study will require courage because I am nervous about it already. But I will claim Deut. 33:25b - "As are your days so shall be your strength."

As I was doing my quiet time this morning, I realized that this year I have actually struggled with discouragement- maybe because last year I experienced so many opportunities to feel courageous and not as many this year. I know what I am about to say is going to say is going to be a duh statement- but please pay attention- I think it is very important:

Discouragement is the opposite of courage.

 

When you face struggles and disappointments that cause discouragement

- you are really facing opportunities for courage!

 

 

Courage is not just facing scary medical testing or chemo sessions or even facing our biggest fears. Sometimes courage is holding onto our trust in God even when our prayers go unanswered, or holding on to faith when a surgery we had, failed to correct the problem, or maybe when life's problems get us down and we choose to find joy instead.

 

We need to learn that we don't need to be discouraged- it is only an opportunity to be courageous!

 

Cast your burden on the LORD,
And He shall sustain you;
He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.

Psalm 55:22

 

When you are tempted to be discouraged just "Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart. Wait, I say, on the LORD." Psalm 27:14

 

God knows that we will face discouragement, but we are promised that if we wait on the LORD - He shall strengthen our hearts and give us courage.

 

SO the next time you are tempted to be discouraged - realize that it is an opportunity for you to be courageous. Put your trust in God and He shall strengthen your heart.



So...It's Been a While

So I have been awfully quiet lately - not just on line but off line as well. I have a lot of issues going on in my mind and just trying to get my thoughts sorted out. Some I can share some I can't. But I thought today I would do a bit of a catch up type of post. And I am sorry if I repeat stuff that I have already shared. I think to myself - oh I should post about this or that- and so I don't know if I actually did- or if I just thought about doing it. lol :o)

So Thanksgiving...How did yours go? Mine- well by the end of the day I was tired and not in a good place - but as I think back over Thanksgiving I am very thankful. We are very blessed and even though the day was busy and involved a lot of work and driving back and forth several times and I didn't have much time to reflect on what I was thankful for - I was very blessed! My Mother in law has always made sure that there was a Thanksgiving meal - and that everyone was welcome, even this year - 1 month out from her latest surgery - a major surgery that put her colon back together. And incision all the way down the front of her. Yes- it left more work for the rest of us - but as I reflect on it - I realize that it is just another way that I can bless her and show her Jesus' love.

And besides, God never meant for us to just reflect on what we are thankful for on one day of the year!

Rejoice evermore.

17. Pray without ceasing.

18. In everything give thanks:

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

 

 

So what else is going on? Well this week I have a sleep study. I am NOT looking forward to it at all. I had wanted to do the home sleep study but was told I don't qualify. At first I was aggravated about it but after she explained that it is actually better to do the test there- they test for many more problems when you are at their facilities. And then when you go back in(yes - about a week or so after the first night - I will have to go back for another night) they have you use what ever device that they think will fix what ever problem you have. If you have the at home study- the insurance company things that you should just get the product and use it. And I was told this can be dangerous. It is much better to have someone monitoring you that first night - making what ever adjustments that need to be made. So I am ok with it. And actually can't wait for it to be behind me. When I think back to last year and ALL the things I went through - this is really a minor thing, but it is out of my comfort zone - so I am a little nervous about it. I have a hard time sleeping when I am away from home - so I figure it will be a night that I won't get much sleep. But I need answers. Why am I tired all the time? Plus - my husband recorded me sleeping and I am doing some snoring and then every little bit I am moving - like I stopped breathing and I am trying to get a breath. So no wonder I am not getting much real good, deep sleep, no wonder I am tired all the time. I just hope that we can come up with answers and with something to help me.

We have official made a record here in Texas this year! This has been the wettest year on record! Oh Friday I dumped our rain gauge - it was at 5 1/2 inches - and then yesterday my son dumped it again 2 1/2 inches. Haven't checked it yet today. So just in two days we got at least 8 inches of rain. I am SO thankful for the rain but I would have been much happier for it back when it could have saved my favorite tree, that we lost a couple of years ago.

Well that is all I can think of at this time. I hope you all are doing well. Have a great day! I think we are going to get out tree out and get it decorated. I actually have a few presents so I can get them wrapped and under the tree when I get a chance. We still have a good amount of shopping to do but we are doing quite good on presents bought already and it is not even December yet! Waiting on some inspiration for gifts for a couple of my harder to get for people.

Oh and Susan posted her next installment on the Prayer Journal series she is doing. Be sure and check it out- She has a very clever set up. And like she said adjust things to make this journal work for you. I think it will be a treasured journal for years to come.

Power of Prayer

The great strength of the Christian~
"The prayer of faith is the great strength of the Christian and will assuredly prevail against Satan. This is why he insinuates that we have no need of prayer. The name of Jesus, our Advocate, he detests; and when we earnestly come to Him for help, Satan's host is alarmed. It serves his purpose well if we neglect the exercise of prayer, for then his lying wonders are more readily received."
~ 1 Testimonies, 296.

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!! It's a special day to focus on what we are thankful for- but because of what Jesus did for us on the cross long ago- we have something to be thankful for every single day! Plus so much more- "exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we ask or think."

Heart Gifts....series

Widen My Vision

God, open my eyes

so I may see

And feel Your presence

close to me...

Give me strength

for my stumbling feet

As I battle the crowd

on life's busy street,

And widen my vision

of my unseeing eyes

So in passing faces

I'll recognize

Not just a stranger,

unloved and unknown,

But a friend with a  heart

that is much like my own...

Give me perception

to make me aware

That scattered profusely

on life's thoroughfare

Are the best Gifts of God

that we4 daily pass by

As we look at the world

with the unseeing eye. 

 

~Helen Steiner Rice

You Can't Miss This

My good friend Susan over at "Susan's Spot" has been sharing an awesome series on "How to Organize Your Prayer Life" Click here to take you to the first in the series. She posted part 5 this past Sabbath. So be sure and read through to catch up. It is WELL worth your time - you will be blessed!

Power of Prayer

If we surrender~  "If we surrender our lives to His service, we can never be placed in a position for which God has not made provision. Whatever may be our situation, we have a Guide to direct our way; whatever our perplexities, we have a sure Counselor; whatever our sorrow, bereavement, or loneliness, we have a sympathizing Friend. If in our ignorance we make missteps, Christ does not leave us. His voice, clear and distinct, is heard saying, 'I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.' " - Christ Object Lessons, 173

Great News!

So 2 years ago today I had the surgery that found the cancer. Today I went to my 3 month check up. And I got great news. Dr said everything looked good and I was promoted to every 6 month check ups! Yeah! Just what I wanted! I'll get blood result in just a few days. I'll try to check in when I get them.

Tomorrow I have to renew my drivers license. It seems like every day I have important things to do. It's been a busy week.
Hope you all are doing well. :0)

Heart Gifts....series

There's Sunshine in a Smile

Life is a mixture of sunshine and rain,

Laughter and pleasure,

teardrops and pain,

All days can't be bright,

but it's certainly true,

There was never a cloud

the sun didn't shine through- 

So just keep smiling

whatever betide you,

Secure in the knowledge

God is always beside you,

And you'll find when you smile

your day will be brighter

And all of your burdens

will seem so much lighter-

For each time you smile

you will find it is true

Somebody, somewhere

will smile back at you,

And nothing on earth

can make life more worthwhile

Than the sunshine and warmth

 of a beautiful smile.

~ Helen Steiner Rice

Power of Prayer

Fervent Prayer

Keep Asking~ "God does not say, Ask once, and you shall receive. He bids us ask. Unwearyingly persist in prayer. The persistent asking brings the petitioner into a more earnest attitude, and gives him and increased desire to receive the things for which he asks.

"But many have not a living faith. This is why they do not see more of the power of God....They plan and devise, but pray little, and have little real trust in God. They think they have faith, bu8t it is only the impulse of the moment. Failing to realize their own need, or God's willingness to give, they do not persevere in keeping their request before the Lord.

"Our prayers are to be as earnest and persistent as was the petition of the needy friend who asked for the loaves at midnight. The more earnestly and steadfastly we ask, the closer will be our spiritual union with Christ."
~ From Christ's Object Lessons, 145,146

That's When It Happened... A Clever Idea

So a lady I know had shared on Facebook about how she organized her essential oils in a nail polish wall hanging rack. I thought it was an awesome idea. It would beat all of mine just huddled together in an out of the way -still causing some clutter for the view kind of way.

So because I thought it was a great idea - I started looking on the internet for them. Goodness- they can cost quite a bit. And being that I am kind of cheap - I decided to start looking at thrift stores for some kind of way to store my oils. About a month ago I thought I had found a great little shelf for them at a little thrift store. I had planned on taking a photo of it and sending it to my husband to ask him if he thought he could secure it to the wall sturdy enough to hold my oils. Well I got distracted by something and ended up leaving it behind. The next time I went in I looked for it but it was gone. I was disappointed. I continued looking for something that would work, but was not successful until this last Tuesday. That is when it happened! I actually found the exact same shelf I had seen a month ago and had thought it would work perfectly:

 

With two screws at the top and on in the middle towards the bottom of the shelf, it is securely mounted to the wall. The doors can be opened with ease - not disturbing anything inside.  

 Here is my oils collection. Oh I do have a lavender one also but we keep it in my room - because we diffuse that one in the evenings.

I am hoping, someday to find a great book that tells about what oils to use for what? But until them I just either look at the bottles and find suggestions or look on the internet.

Well I thought this was a special gift from God. He knew that it would work perfectly and by the way - the best part of the whole things - I ONLY had to pay $1.00!!! Yep - $1.00 - that is no typo. What a blessing!!
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It's been a busy week and looks like it will be busy next week as well. Some of the things I have going next week: my Bible Study group, Helping with the Food Bank at my church, my MIL birthday, my appointment with my oncologist(please pray it goes well), taking my MIL to a Dr appointment, and then preparing for the week long visit with our granddaughter. Our son will get SweetPea for the whole week- I will take care of her while he works. It will be a fun week. So I will be busy for the next two weeks. I am hoping to at least get my basic posts up - Power of Prayer and Heart Gifts. I will also try to pop in when ever I can. I will at least jump on and let you all know how my oncology visit goes - this will be my 1 1/2 years since the end of chemo!! Praising God for that!

Oh I got a hair cut this week and each time my hair it getting closer and closer to where it was before losing my hair- the front has already arrived - it's just taking the back a little more time. I don't plan on cutting any length (other than cleaning up split ends) off until next summer. May not do it even then. Don't know yet. I have just been forced into short hair so long - I am ready for it to be long again. Thankful for my hair!!!

Hope you all are doing well. :O)

Heart Gifts....series

Prayers Are the Stairs to God

 

Prayers are the stairs

We must climb every day,

If we would reach God

There is no other way,

For we learn to know God

When we meet Him in prayer

And ask Him to lighten

Our burden of care_

So start in the morning

And, though the way's steep,

Climb ever upward

'Til your eyes close in sleep_

For prayers are the stairs

That lead to the Lord,

And to meet Him in prayer

Is the climber's reward.

 

~Helen Steiner Rice

 



Power of Prayer

"Every morning take time to begin your work with prayer.

Do not think this wasted time;

it is time that will live through eternal ages.

By this means success and spiritual victory will be brought in.

The machinery will respond to the touch of the Master's hand.

God's blessing is certainly worth asking for,

and the work cannot be done aright unless the beginning is right."

 - 7 Testimonies, 194

A Treasure I Wish I Had

Well I believe I told you that I was planning on doing a recipe book for each of my boys. So my original plan included the use of these: 

It was just like an original recipe binder that I set up before my husband and I went to Germany for his tour of duty in the military.

So my idea was to be - use each color for different things, breads, entree's, deserts, you get the idea. The only problem with this plan is that once a color is full - no more recipes can be used. The other problem is that if I wrote in pen - I could make mistakes and make it look messy. If I used pencil - it could get smeared and look messy. I didn't know what I was going to do. But I knew I needed to do something.

Several years ago- my Grandmother passed away. She was from Colorado. I did not get to see her very much. But I know she was a great cook! After she died - I really wanted her recipes. Well I wanted recipes but I also wanted to know more about her. I regretted the wasted time of not being able to find out who she really was. And as I would look at old recipe books I would be reminded of wanting some of her favorite recipes. So I knew I needed to revisit my recipe book idea for my boys and someday for my granddaughter.

I was talking to my husband and he actually gave me my idea. And I really don't know why I hadn't thought of it sooner. The plan was to type out my tried and true recipes- then I could copy off as many as I wanted to make.

So it was awesome when while I was thrift store shopping this week, I found a pretty pink 3 ring binder- probably a 1 inch binder. I thought it was great. It actually has 2 pockets on each side, instead of the usual one only pocket. I also found some dividers and bought a package of them. Here is a photo of my new recipe binder:

 

So now I am going to begin to work on my recipe folder. And then I will work on getting the boy's theirs made up. And I figured in order to make it more personal - I will write had written notes on some of the recipes. Like as I find something that might work better or options that can be done with the recipe. Just what ever I can do to make it more personal. That way my sons will have the recipes that mean the most to them. And something personal that their mother made them. Maybe it can help answer some questions for them after I am gone. Just a link to the past. And something they can pass down. A treasure- I treasure I wish I had. So I making it happen for the next generation.   

 

It Happened Again

So remember that I said that on Thursday I was going to have to take my mother in law, Charlene to the Dr appointment to have her stitches removed? Well I had heard the weather reports and they kept talking about stormy weather being here on Thursday. And I had allowed it to worry me. Trying to figure out how we could get a parking spot close enough nearby the hospital with all the construction going on and then how we could get into the hospital without getting soaked. How? How? I was a bit stressed about it as well. And I let myself worry about it too much.

I found out this morning that my brother in law was able to take Charlene to the appointment. Was surely a blessing. And to top it off- the bad weather did not come in as early as they thought it would. It is 1:30pm as I write this and it has not started raining yet. So as I was busy working around my home making up the first big batch of granola of the year, I was reminded that God is still in control - of everything. He can control weather or the abilities for others to be able to step up to the plate. And I need to learn how to wait on Him quietly...without worrying...without complaining...without fussing. These are things I need to work on....

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Today I also tried out another one of the recipes of the cookies that we used to make at the bakery that I worked at. The recipes there were huge and in pounds and ounces, not cups and teaspoons. Anyway so my mother in law, Charlene, had been going through her recipes and found her original recipes and gave me copies of them- pride of Texas and snicker doodle cookies. And so today I made up a batch of the Pride cookies. They turned out awesome. So now it is time to type up the recipes.
Which reminds me, I have a new project that I am going to work on. I think that I have told you all about it before but I have a bit different way that I am going to do this project that I feel will work much better. Be sure and check in tomorrow to read all about it! :O)

Heart Gifts...series

 

 

A Sure Way to a Happy Day

 

Happiness is something

we create in our mind.

It's not something you search for

and so seldom find_

It's just waking up

and beginning the day

By counting our blessings

and kneeling to pray_

It's giving up thoughts

that breed discontent

And accepting what comes

 as a "gift heaven-sent"_

It's giving up wishing 

for things we have not

And making the best of

whatever we've got_

It's knowing that life

is determined for us,

And pursuing our tasks

without fret, fume, or fuss_

For it's by completing

what God gives us to do

That we find real contentment

and happiness, too.  

~Helen Steiner Rice

interrupted plans

Update on my mother in law, Charlene, she was released from the hospital and was able to go home. The timing wasn't the best but we made it all work out.  The day did not go as planned. Thankfully I had started a roast in the morning because it was 7pm before I was able to fix our supper.

So 15 minutes after my husband should have been on his way home I got a call from him saying that I would need to go pick him up, he had a flat - that could NOT be fixed. And then come to find out even the donut in his car was messed up. So I drove the 50 miles during rush hour to go pick him up.

So it was past supper time. I was a bit stressed because let me tell you- I could not handle driving all around the big city every day. We start to head for home and before we have even figured out how we are going to solve the problem at hand, Charlene calls. They are releasing her from the hospital could we pick her up. "How long till you get here?" She wants to know, anxious to go home. At least 45 minutes we tell her, it depends on all the traffic it could be more. We spend a good portion of the time headed to the hospital figuring out how we will get tire fixed and get car picked up and then, because of the way the tire shredded we knew that we needed to get all the tires looked at. Oh and after seeing the tire we were both thankful that there had not been a blowout or anything dangerous happen during his long commute.

By the time wide are driving into the hospital parking lot, Charlene is calling us again. We got her and got her taken home and things set up at the house for her. And got home a little after 7pm.

Thankfully my chickens all decided to go to the chicken coop(we are working on training them to do that instead of roosting in the trees). It's safer for them in the coop.

I was also thankful that I had peeled potatoes before I left- I put them in some salt water and into the fridge and they were in good shape when I got home a couple hours later.  So even though my plans got disrupted, we were able to have a good meal.

Well so this week will have trips to discount tire, another trip for me up to the big city- so we can get our other car home. And taking Charlene to see her Dr to have staples removed on Thursday . We are suppose to get stormy weather on Thursday so please pray that her appointment will be during a lull in the bad weather. I don't really like getting out in stormy weather.

Oh and something I was reminded about yesterday. I am very thankful for my husband and the fact that he works hard for us, but I was reminded on top of that he has to deal with a lot by driving in that mess every day. Also that I need to pray for his protection more often. There are a lot of crazy drivers out there.

Power of Prayer

 

Our Daily Prayer

 

"In the future life the mysteries that here have annoyed and disappointed us will be made plain.  We shall see that our seemingly unanswered prayers and disappointed hopes have been among our greatest blessings. We are to look upon every duty, however humble, as sacred because it is a part of God's service. Our daily prayer should be, "Lord, help me to do my best.

Teach me how to do better work. Give me energy and cheerfulness.

 Help me to bring into my service the loving ministry of the Saviour.' "

Ministry of Healing, page 474