Hello Dear Ones,
I hope that you are all well and full of joy today!
I wanted to pop in with a quick update, and prayer request...
My recovery from the surgery has been amazing--God made our bodies w/the amazing ability to heal so well! The only set-backs I suffered were not surgery related. I have had a lot of intestinal difficulties, and so now they are suspecting that I may have lymphoma in my colon.
I of course am praying against this, and ask you to join me in that!
My wonderful church family and other friends have been taking great care of us with meals! And I am blessed beyond words by the meals, cards, flowers, fruit, calls and prayers!
My mother has been the very best of nurses--I am so thankful for her...and for my husband and children who have pitched in, waiting on me hand and foot!
I am walking daily again--although I can only go a partial distance, I have picked up my pace quite a bit over the last week! My mom, son, or husband accompany me when I go.
This Tues. I will go to the oncologist for the biopsy report, and Wed. to the surgeon to get the staples removed. (I will find out then when they can do the colonoscopy)...
I so much appreciate your prayers on my behalf, and hope you will continue to do so--we're not at the end of this thing yet!
Most gratefully yours,
Monday, December 5, 2011
Almost Time...
My times are in thy hand: Psalm 31:15a
Well, I have spent the last couple of weeks busily preparing for my upcoming surgery on Wednesday.
I had about 2 weeks to get my Christmas shopping done and wrapped, cards out, and decorations up.
It was just enough time!
(Plus, I had excellent help!)
And, it kept me busy, and my mind off of things...
It also made me think about TIME.
We think we're in control of it, when actually, all of it is in God's hands.
It is a lesson I have learned these last few weeks....that all is in God's control
And, that's a good thing!
When you face something like cancer, it puts so many things in perspective.
Like...what's really important.
Like... am I spending enough time in the Word, and in prayer?
Is my focus on the Lord-and His timing---or, is it on mine?
I'm learning, and growing through this whole situation, and I covet your prayers.
Specifically: That they can remove the spleen and no further treatment is required.
And, that I will have a speedy recovery from the surgery.
May God get all the glory!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Our Daily Bread
I loved November 30th Our Daily Bread by David C. McCasland and thought I would post it here:
On November 24, 1971, a man known today as D. B. Cooper hijacked a commercial flight between Portland and Seattle by threatening to blow up the plane unless he received $200,000. After landing to receive a ransom, he ordered the plane back into the air. Then the rear stairs of the 727 aircraft were lowered, and he parachuted into the night. He was never captured, and the case is still unsolved. This act hastened the age of airport security in which trust and confidence have been replaced by suspicion and fear. What he did affected us all.
The Bible describes two actions that changed the world in a far more significant way. Through Adam’s choice, sin and death entered the world, “and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned” (Rom. 5:12). But through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, God provided a remedy for the results of sin. “Through one man’s [Adam’s] offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s [Christ’s] righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life” (v.18).
Christ did what no one else could do when He broke the power of sin and death by His resurrection. He offers forgiveness and eternal life to all who will accept His gift. And for that, we thank Him with all our hearts.
On November 24, 1971, a man known today as D. B. Cooper hijacked a commercial flight between Portland and Seattle by threatening to blow up the plane unless he received $200,000. After landing to receive a ransom, he ordered the plane back into the air. Then the rear stairs of the 727 aircraft were lowered, and he parachuted into the night. He was never captured, and the case is still unsolved. This act hastened the age of airport security in which trust and confidence have been replaced by suspicion and fear. What he did affected us all.
The Bible describes two actions that changed the world in a far more significant way. Through Adam’s choice, sin and death entered the world, “and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned” (Rom. 5:12). But through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, God provided a remedy for the results of sin. “Through one man’s [Adam’s] offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s [Christ’s] righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life” (v.18).
Christ did what no one else could do when He broke the power of sin and death by His resurrection. He offers forgiveness and eternal life to all who will accept His gift. And for that, we thank Him with all our hearts.
When Adam sinned, death spread to all—
One act condemned the human race—
But Jesus’ death upon the cross
Provides mankind God’s saving grace. —Sper
One act condemned the human race—
But Jesus’ death upon the cross
Provides mankind God’s saving grace. —Sper
The cross of Christ can cure the condemnation of Adam’s choice.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Vision Forum December Sale & Free Shipping Code
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Offers end at midnight on Friday, December 2, 2011 (CST).
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Changes
photo credit Briana Faye
Looking at this lovely fall picture, it reminds me of changes. Summer changed into fall, which
causes us to close pools, rake leaves, get out winter clothes, gather firewood, and put away lawn furniture...
at our house my husband also cleaned out the chimney, & cleaned out the garden...
Thanksgiving preparations are in full swing (thanks to my precious mom and daughter),
and my dear son is putting up our outdoor Christmas lights while the weather is still good
I personally have other changes that await me...due to a recent diagnosis of what they believe
is lymphoma, I am about to have the biggest change of my life...
for certain I will enter into life without a spleen...which may affect my future health for the rest of my life...
and I don't know what awaits me as far as treatments (chemo etc...)
But one thing I do know...although my life circumstances change, my God doesn't
For I am the LORD, I change not; Malachi 3:6
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Hebrews 13:8
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. James 1:17
And so I am thankful today that I have an unchangeable God that walks with me through
the changes I experience on earth.
Thinking of this brings to mind the lyrics of this great hymn:
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Have a blessed Lord's Day
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Have a blessed Lord's Day
and, cling to Him during your changes too!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
20% off Everything at Vision Forum!
Great sale 20% off EVERYTHING at Vision Forum!
Please order through my blog--either by clicking above or at right on my affiliate button--I'd appreciate that!
Make sure you use ALLEXTRA20 as your coupon code--only through Nov. 19th
Also they have $5 shipping! Woohoo!
Get your Christmas shopping done!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Hall of Fame
Some of you may know that I have been having some major health issues recently...
And, as a result, I created a Hall of Fame!
My dear, sweet, Prayer Warrior friends & family have sent me flowers, apples,
fruit, fruit salad, cards, and given me phone calls.
I am so blessed by it, I have entered them in the Hall of Fame!
Each person who prays, writes, and cares just blesses me so much, and
I just wanted to express my gratefulness!
The Lord is hearing the prayers of His saints and is answering.
My life is being blessed so much! :0)
And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
Rev. 5:8
Rev. 5:8
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Crazy Kids!
Recently our kids went to a party w/lots of their friends...
They got the insane inspired idea to "stuff our VW bug"
They fit as many people as they could in our poor little beetle!
Their GRAND TOTAL was....
15!
lol
only the young! :)
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Lord's Day Thoughts
Someone sent me this picture this week, and I've had this song on my heart ever since. It is particularly meaningful to me right now. Hope it blesses you too.
Under His Wings
By William O. Cushing, 1823-1902
He shall cover thee with His feathers,
and under His wings shalt thou trust . . .
-Psalm 91:4
He shall cover thee with His feathers,
and under His wings shalt thou trust . . .
-Psalm 91:4
Under His wings I am safely abiding,
Tho the night deepens and tempests are wild;
Still I can trust Him—I know He will keep me,
He has redeemed me and I am His child.
Tho the night deepens and tempests are wild;
Still I can trust Him—I know He will keep me,
He has redeemed me and I am His child.
Under His wings, under His wings,
Who from His love can sever?
Under His wings my soul shall abide,
Safely abide forever.
Who from His love can sever?
Under His wings my soul shall abide,
Safely abide forever.
Under His wings, what a refuge in sorrow!
How the heart yearningly turns to His rest!
Often when earth has no balm for my healing,
There I find comfort and there I am blest.
How the heart yearningly turns to His rest!
Often when earth has no balm for my healing,
There I find comfort and there I am blest.
Under His wings, under His wings,
Who from His love can sever?
Under His wings my soul shall abide,
Safely abide forever.
Who from His love can sever?
Under His wings my soul shall abide,
Safely abide forever.
Under His wings, O what precious enjoyment!
There will I hide till life’s trials are o’er;
Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me,
Resting in Jesus I’m safe evermore.
There will I hide till life’s trials are o’er;
Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me,
Resting in Jesus I’m safe evermore.
Under His wings, under His wings,
Who from His love can sever?
Under His wings my soul shall abide,
Safely abide forever.
Who from His love can sever?
Under His wings my soul shall abide,
Safely abide forever.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Home Organization Notebook
Back in 2007, my dear friend Marci made me one of the best gifts ever for my
birthday!
She handpainted this lovely notebook for me!
And, it's beauty is not its only feature!
I have tabs in it to keep a lot of my organizational pages all together in one place
The one above is a booklist page
This one is for prayer--there are also pages for prayer lists behind this one
These pages are "To Do Lists"
I can jot down things I need to do for the day
This one is good for an overall of what I need to do for the day/week/month etc...
This master shopping list is kept in a plastic sleeve that I can mark on
and also wipe off when I want to start a new list
This is another list that is in there that I can use to jot down items
needed at the store
I love this sheet--it is a list of menu items for "company"
I have them listed per menu item: Main Dish, Side Dish, Dessert etc...
I keep some of the recipes on sheets behind this.
I love the reminder to be faithful in the basics--I need that from time to time!
What a lovely and practical gift!
I was using it today, and thought I'd do a little post on it.
Hope it gave you some ideas too!
Blessings!
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Fall Creativity
Bri has been using her art-gifting to make these neat fall creations...
She started w/plain pumpkins, added some wording...
some pretty dried flowers...
and these little pumpkins turned out so adorable!
A sweet friend of ours let her sell them through her beauty salon
(thanks Lydia!)
I love seeing my daughter use her talents!
May the Lord bless you Briana!
Friday, October 14, 2011
Busy baking day etc...
Bri gave me a big helping hand on Thursday as we had a baking day
Above she puts the finishing touches on Applesauce Gingerbread
Bri's been wanting Banana Bread...she holds the loaf she just took out of the oven
It turned out sooo delicious!
After we got the baking done, we hopped to reorganizing this cabinet
(This is the only food storage I have in my kitchen cabinets)
I should have taken a "before"--it was a mess! lol
With this cooler weather, I hope to be getting more organizing done!
I want it done before the holidays come--which will be sooo soon!
What are you up to this week?
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
To every thing there is a season...even for being sick
And this was my season to be sick.
I rarely get sick like this, and that is often hard for me to "knuckle under to"...
but this time, instead, I tried to count my blessings...
- My comfy home to shelter me while I'm sick
- My lovely daughter to keep the house running while I"m "down"
- My responsible son who does everything that is needed w/o being asked
- My sweet husband who is compassionate and caring
- My wonderful Mom who brings me chicken noodle soup
- I have no "outside job" to pressure me to return to work
- I have friends who pray for me
- I had lots of extra time to pray
I have to admit that I hope this season for being sick is coming to a close, but I am thankful for this season as I know God uses it for my good.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Photography Feature by Briana
For those of you who don't know her, my daughter Briana is a talented photographer and artist.
She is currently taking a photography class at our local community college, and had to
take several pictures for assignments.
I asked her if I could do a post using her class assignment photos and she didn't
mind a bit!
A lot of these are maybe a little different than normal angles etc...
she shot per assignment info
Enjoy looking through her lens!
Thanks Bri for letting me share!
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