Happy New Year's

I hope that everybody is going to have a fun, safe day today!!  It is a day to reflect on the past but also to look forward to a new beginning.  Every year I have made some of the same resolutions and looking back most of them are still sitting there with no results. This year I am going to make goals.  I am going to make them and remake them as needed.

Looking back over the blogs that I have written this year many of them are about being busy, having too many piles and too much junk in my life.  Even though I have written about this, many of these things are still sitting there.  Here is one goal:  I am going to get rid of my piles, one pile or one piece at a time.  I am going to give myself time and not be overwhelmed with the mounds.  Another goal will have to do with the busyness:  I am going to take a long look at my life and some of the busy will have to go.  I hate to say this but I think one thing might be the hand bells.   A third goal will be about my junk: I am talking about the junk in my heart.  This is the junk that covers what matters.  I am going to began my junk removal with a goal of reading the Bible and praying daily.

What about you?  What are you going to do with this New Year??

Psalm 62:5-6

New International Version (NIV)

 ⁵ Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
   my hope comes from him.
⁶ Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
   he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

Philippians 4:13

New International Version (NIV)

¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

The Gift of Time

One of the gifts that I received for Christmas was a mantel clock.  It is fairly large and really only looks right if it is situated in the middle of the mantel.  The only problem with that is the fact that there is a large picture, on the wall above the mantel, of Jesus and this clock hides part of the picture.  I can't see all of Jesus with this clock in the way.

I was pondering the situation when I realized that this is a picture of what my life can be.  How often do I let time  block Jesus.  I am too busy going to ballgames, work, band concerts, handbells, choir, book signings, writing, paying bills, talking on the phone and cleaning that I am not taking time to really see Jesus.  I am letting time block out the essence of Jesus.

Time is a gift and I should use it wisely.  I should take the time to read my bible, pray and feel the presence of Jesus.  I should be letting my life reflect my Savior!  I need to let go of some of my busyness and remember that I need to use my time for the Lord.

What about you?  Is your time blocking Jesus?

Ecclesiastes 3:10-12

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁰ I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. ¹¹ He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet^[a] no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. ¹² I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.

Article I wrote for contest

I am a writer for examiner.com and they have a contest going.  The deadline was December 23rd and that was the day I entered.  The article is 'The unexpected path'. and I am going to try to put a link here that you will be able to use if not you can go to examiner.com under America Inspired or under family or you can check it out on my page on facebook. http://www.examiner.com/parenting-in-oklahoma-city/the-unexpected-path     
I wrote about Richard's journey.  The judges are going to figure out the top twenty-five articles and let the writers know the end of January.  I am not sure how they will figure out who is in the top twenty-five but if you would like to read it and leave a comment in the comment section below the article it could only help. 


Then the top twenty-five will go to the people's vote.  Every day between Jan. 7 and the Jan. 29th a person can go in once a day and vote for their favorite one.  The person that the writer wrote about will win a monetary prize and also the writer will win.  To vote in the contest you will have to register with examiner.com with a valid email address.


Also if you would like to follow my articles, you can subscribe to them at the top of any article that I have written.




I am thankful for all that  follow this blog and those that read my article on examiner.com.  Thanks so much!!!

Colossians 3:15

New International Version (NIV)

 ¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Merry Christmas

Just thought I would tell everybody MERRY CHRISTMAS today.  I don't know that I will get on here tomorrow and wanted everybody to know that I love you and wish you a Christmas day full of fun and surprises but most of all I hope that you remember what the season is about!!!

It is not about this!!

         
  It is about this!!!

This nativity depicts what happened so many years ago.  A Savior was born to save us.  He was born to rescue us.  He was born to die on the cross.  He was born to rise again.  He was the best GIFT ever!!!
We celebrate a birthday tomorrow.  The birthday of a KING!!

Yes, tomorrow, we may wake to see that Santa has left presents under our trees!  We do need to enjoy those gifts with family and friends, have a meal and take a nap but most of all we need reflect on that gift that was given to us many years ago.  We need to tell Jesus, "Happy Birthday and Thank-You!!!"

“So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” Luke 2:16-20 NIV

                 

The Day I became the GRINCH

This was a horrible, no good, rotten, terrible day.  Yes it was my day off and I had promised my 13 year old daughter and 8 year old granddaughter that I would take them Christmas shopping.  I had started the day wrapping a few presents while humming silent night, then cleaned the kitchen and dining area.  I was thinking in my mind that this would be a good day.

We went to Hobby Lobby and JC Penneys and by the time we left the last store my credit cards were smoking and the girls were begging for food.  I needed to go to Wal-Mart but told the girls I was going to drop them off at the house first and would then bring them their favorite lunch, McDonalds.  Wal-Mart was getting crowded and people were stopping in the middle of the aisle with no warning.  I left there with a scream stuck in my throat.

My daughter had a dentist appointment at three and that is where I turned into the Grinch.  I was sitting there thinking about my day and that it could only get better. Wrong!  The dentist, who is my dentist, thought I was the grandmother.  Well I am a grandmother but not of my daughter!!  I had smoke now coming out my ears, nose, mouth and horns were growing out of the top of my head.  My lips were snarling and I thought about my low, down rotten, no good day and was fixing to give someone a Grinch speech when I heard the words Merry Christmas.

Those words broke the spell and the Grinch slowly left leaving me with feelings of shame.  What did it matter if somebody thought I was old.  I am old.  What did it matter if somebody stopped in front of me without warning.  It doesn't matter that my credit cards are smoking but it does matter when silly things affect how I treat others.

I do not want to represent the Grinch! I want my life to represent the One who came to save me.



“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” Luke 2:6-7NIV

John 3:16

New International Version (NIV)

 ¹⁶ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

What if purple was green and green was purple???

What if purple was green and brown was red and yellow was pink and white was black??? Would the colors still be the same? Would they look different or would purple look green and brown look red and yellow look red and white look black?? I think these colors would still be the vibrant colors they are, they would just have a different name.  I bet these colors are all the same on the inside!!!

When I had childcare in my home one of the things that I had the children do from time to time was make play dough.  It was a fun experience for them and taught them several things from following instructions to using their fine motor skills.  Here is the recipe that I used:
1 cup flour
1cup warm water
2 teaspoons of cream of tartar
1/4 cup salt
food color

Part of the fun they had was putting the food color into the play dough.  They enjoyed the different colors they could make and even sometimes would put 2 or 3 different colors to see what color they could come up with.
My point is the inside was the same.  Even though they made different colors the basic recipe was the same.

I have friends of many shapes, sizes and shades.  They color my life though not because of their outward appearance but because of their insides.  I am the same on the inside as they are. We might have different personalities but my basic recipe is the same as theirs!

God made me and he made you!!! We were made to worship and give adoration to the Lord!!

Do you know HIM????

Psalm 99:9

New International Version (NIV)

⁹ Exalt the LORD our God
   and worship at his holy mountain,
   for the LORD our God is holy.

The Journey Continues: some good news!

Yesterday the Dr. smiled when he saw Richard.  He looked him over and told him that he was looking good.  The nurse that drew his blood had made a similar remark.  She said that he looked like he was getting over the hump, that he looked good and even had a smile on his face.

The Dr. put him on lower dose of the steroids.  Then next week he will go down 10 more mg, and the week after that 10 more.  He did tell him that if he started seeing signs of the graft/vs/host to call immediately.  He doesn't want it to get out of control again.  The Dr. mentioned how puffy and round his face looked and told him that coming off the steroids would help that and the swelling in his legs.

His counts were good and he will only have to get blood work twice a week now.  He doesn't have to go back to the Dr.s until January.  The Dr. said that it was fine for him to have cataract surgery and even offered to do the surgery even though he has never done that kind of surgery before.  Richard passed on that offer. LOL

He did tell Richard that he thought it was his stubborn, bullheaded ways(well he used another name) that helped get him to the point where he is.  I think that could be part of it but I believe that he is alive today because of the prayers.

God has a plan for each one of us and He does listen to the prayers of His children.  Thank-you so much for the prayers!!!

Ephesians 6:17-18

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me

Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me, or will they?  I have seen a lot in the news lately about bullying and I have even written an article or two on this subject for examiner.com.  Bullying can be vicious and leave the victims hurting or worse.  I think sometimes the hurt that words can inflict stay there forever.  I am not sure why bullies become bullies and hurt people but we all say things sometimes that we regret.

I remember a day in the fourth grade when a group of girls let their words loose on one girl.  They called her names.  They called her smelly.  They called her dirty.  They told her that her clothes looked terrible.  It reduced this young lady to tears.  The teacher did impose punishment on that group but I will never forget the look on the girl's face.  She was embarrassed and mortified.  I have a feeling she can remember that day just like it was yesterday.

I even remember one time when I was in fifth or sixth grade when I told a young lady that something was her fault when it wasn't.  I don't remember the exact words I said to her but I do remember the reaction.  She was hurt and to this day I feel shame that I said something that wasn't true and hurt her.  I hope that she has forgotten and forgiven me.

I have had things said to me that I will never forget.  There were times that I wished the person had just hit me and got it over with.  The words that hurt linger long after the forgiving.  Words are so hard to take back once they have been said.

I think the saying should be sticks and stones may break my bones but words will linger forever.

There is ONE that can soothe those hurtful words and calm your soul.  HIS words are a balm to the desperate and hurting. HE can even forgive those who say those words that leave such hurt behind.  HE is the ONE that was broken by sticks and stones and had hurtful, untrue words screamed at HIM.  HE forgave them and HE will forgive you!

Ephesians 1:7-8

New International Version (NIV)

⁷ In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace ⁸ that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding,

The Hustle and Bustle

This year I really have came to a new understanding of the term hustle and bustle.  This season I have had book signings, dentist appointments(root canal,yesterday), two trips to Oklahoma City, basketball games, choir, extra choir practices, church, Richard's cataract evaluation , trips to the pharmacy, errands on my lunch hour, work, cleaning house and grocery shopping.  I still have another book signing, work, church, housecleaning, laundry, errands, gifts to buy, gifts to wrap, decorations to put up, cookies to bake, basketball games, choir, church, dentist appointments, Dr. appointments, school band concert, flute tryout for all area band(daughters), church programs and more to do before I get to December 25th.

Tuesday I came home from work and a trip to Wal-mart, ate supper and claimed the couch.  I stretched out and promptly went to sleep and slept for two hours.  I woke up, announced that I was going to bed and did.  I slept through the night and didn't wake up until six the next morning.  It felt good to just do nothing.  Sometimes at this time of year it is hard to find time to rest.  I know that amidst all the hustle and bustle I need to slow down and remember what this season is about.  I have become so busy that I am not remembering the gift.

I need to take time to remember and give thanks to my Lord and Savior!  I need to be still and savor the season.  Without this gift there would be no season.  There would be no hope.  There would be darkness and loss.  I need to give thanks to my God for the gift of a Baby born long ago.  Without this gift I would be lost!!

Have you discovered the Gift?

Luke 2:6-8

New International Version (NIV)

⁶ While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷ and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
 ⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.

“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 NIV

The Journey Continues:Out of the hospital again and back at work.

Richard spent three nights last week in the hospital.  When he went to the Dr. on Wednesday they discovered he had pneumonia.  He had a fever exactly when they took his vitals so they did blood cultures and a chest ex ray.  Since then he has not ran a fever again.  He was also low on potassium, magnesium and most of his blood counts were low.  They pumped him up those three days with blood, potassium, magnesium and platelets.  He also received antibiotics through IV.  Those three days seemed easier for him to take this time.  This might have been due to the fact that there was finally a good report on his pet scan.  There are still spots lighting up but they are much smaller than before the transplant.  The Dr. told him that he was not out of the woods yet but that the trees were getting thinner.

He said he never felt bad the whole time he was in there.  If he had not had that fever at the exact time that they were doing the vitals, they would not have known about the pneumonia.  They said that if he had came home with his white blood counts being so low and the pneumonia  that it could have became really bad.

Have you ever had something happen at just the right time?  I believe that fever was a GOD thing!!! He is the GOD of miracles!!!
What have you had happen that later you realized came from God???

Psalm 77:14

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁴ You are the God who performs miracles;
   you display your power among the peoples.

The Journey Contiues: Back in the hosptial at six and a half months

This was a day of anticipation and dread.  We knew that the pet scan showed that there were still spots.  We just didn't know what the Dr. would say about this.  This was also the first time that I had not been with Richard on a visit to see the bone marrow Dr.  I had to rely on phone calls and text to find out what was going on.  A BIG thank-you to Richard Stephens for being Richard's side kick today.

The first time I called Richard I found out that when they did his vitals he had a fever of 101 so they were going to do blood cultures and a chest ex ray.  He was not happy but he said that he had not bitten off any heads yet but maybe a few ears.  His igg infusion went well this time and he said it actually only took a little over an hour.  He then had the ex ray and a snack.

He saw the Dr. right at 1:30 and found out that he has pneumonia.  The Dr. said that he would need to be treated in the hospital  because his white blood counts were really low.  The Dr. did not give him a choice in the matter.  He told him that he would be admitted to the hospital. Richard has told the nurses that he does not have pneumonia and that there was a mistake made somewhere.

When Richard called to tell me about this he told me that he had good and bad news.  The bad news was the pneumonia so I knew immediately that the good news had to be about the pet scan and the spots.  The Dr. said that the spots were much smaller and that he was not even concerned about them.  He feels like that they will disappear or they could even be scar tissue from the chemo.

I think this good news has made Richard just a little more tolerate of this hospital stay.  He seems to be in  a good mood and is letting out some big yawns.  I have a feeling that he might sleep well tonight!!

Jeremiah 29:11-13

New International Version (NIV)

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ¹² Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. ¹³ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Crumbs??

Yesterday evening we had the hanging of the green.  It was a great service with singing, prayers, readings and the hand bells.  Yes the hand bells and yes I did play.  I have to say that I would have played better with more practice but thought I did fairly well except for that one song where I lost my place.  Probably no one noticed except for the director and he doesn't miss anything.

I was glad when the hand bells played the last song and sat down with a sigh of relief.  Then I  looked down and saw crumbs on my shirt.  My first thought was that I hoped that nobody else saw them but then thought is this what I give to God.  Do I just give the crumbs?

On the way home I could not get that thought out of my mind.  How many times do I just give crumbs? I should give my all to God no matter what I am doing.  Whether I am playing, singing, working I should give all.  God gave all for me and I should give Him more than the crumbs.

Romans 6:23

New International Version (NIV)

²³ For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in^[a] Christ Jesus our Lord.

I AM THANKFUL!!!

Today is Thanksgiving and I am thankful.  I am thankful for my family and friends.  I am thankful for those in my past and those that will be in my future.  I am thankful for the freedoms that we have in this country.  I am so thankful for those that serve to protect those freedoms.  I am thankful for my hometown of Wellston, Oklahoma!!  I might not be the person I am without that little town that was part of my growing up years.  I am thankful for that school and the teachers that tried to mold me into a person with knowledge in my head.  I am thankful for music, books and writing.  I am thankful for the ones that read my words and encourage me.  I am thankful for Doctors and nurses.  I am thankful for Falls Creek, preachers, song leaders, youth ministers, Sunday school teachers and nursery workers.  I am thankful for my job, boss and co-workers.  I am thankful for the clouds, the trees, flowers, snow and rain.  I am thankful for food, especially chocolate.

Then there are a few things that I am now thankful that I never thought I would be.  I am thankful for Enid.  When I moved here in 1990 I hated it.  I didn't want to move from my hometown.  In that town I left behind my parents, my house, and all my friends that I had grown up with.  They had been there for me in good and bad times and now I was in a town with no friends.  Those 100 miles that separated Enid and Wellston seemed more like 1000.  I am glad I didn't give up because I have so many wonderful friends in Enid.  When I go to Wellston I feel like I am going home but when I get back to Enid I feel the same way.  Enid is my home but Wellston will always be home too.

In 1995 I went through a heartbreaking divorce and I felt God leading me to First Baptist Church here in Enid.  I didn't want to have any part of that but I did visit.  It was so BIG.  I hated it!!  I visited other churches but I kept hearing God tell me to go to First Baptist Church, so my boys and I kept visiting.  The boys didn't really want to go to First Baptist either. I remember going to a training union class and nobody even spoke to me.  I told God, "See that is what happens in a big church." He kept leading me to First Baptist.  I finally yielded and joined First Baptist in the spring of 1996. I love First Baptist Church now.  This church is where I met Richard.  This church is where one of my sons and my daughter found the Lord.  Some of my best friends are at this church.  I am so thankful for this church!!!

Most of all I am thankful for my God.  He gave His Son that I might live! I am thankful for that Son and that He was willing to die for me.  I am thankful that he is my provider and comforter.  I am thankful for all that He has given me.  I am thankful that He does not give up on me.  I am thankful that He loves us all.  I am thankful that He is Father.  I am thankful for His protection.  I am thankful for all the brothers and sisters in Christ.  I am thankful for the Holy Spirit.  I am thankful that no matter what happens in my life God is there.  Thank-you  God for who you are and what you do!!

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7 NIV

LET ME IN!

Last night I hurried down to the church for hand bell practice.  I had missed several of the practices because of my daughter's ballgames.  I had been to an out of town ballgame but actually got back into town just ten minutes after the start of  practice so I decided to go to practice.

I started calling cellphones, of the other members, to alert them I was on the way.  No one answered but I hurried to the church.  I checked the door but it was locked.  I went to another door and it was locked.  I called but still no answer.  I banged on the door but the only response I heard was the ringing of bells.  I tried to knock on a window but I couldn't reach it so I called one last time with no answer.  I headed back home with the thought in my head, "Well, at least I tried!"

I may have tried but trying doesn't get me ready to play.  I needed that practice to prepare.  I don't want to mess up.  I don't want to be thinking, "Oh, I wish I had been ready!!"

I might not be ready to play hand bells on Sunday but I am ready for heaven.  When that day comes I won't be saying, "I wish I had been ready."  I know with out a doubt that I have Jesus in my heart.  I realized that I was a sinner, repented and asked my Lord and Savior into my heart.  I won't be knocking at heaven's door saying, "Let me in!"  That door is unlocked!

Is it unlocked for you?

Revelation 3:20

New International Version (NIV)

20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

The Journey Continues: A birthday, six months out from transplant!!

This is a day to rejoice and say thanks!! Six months ago today Richard received his new immune system.  That was an exciting day or night to be exact.  It was around eleven p.m. when the transplant started.  The nurses were in and out of the room and there was an air of excitement.  That was the day that his prognosis changed from no hope to hope for more days on this earth.  Richard knew that his hope was in the Lord and that no matter what happened he would be ok.

This last six months have not been without a few bumps and bruises along the way.  The fact that he landed in ICU less than a month after the transplant makes this day even more special.  The first night in ICU the Dr. thought he would not make it out of ICU.   He was having some graft/vs/host disease problems with his lungs and a medicine that he was on had caused his kidneys to quit functioning. They told me that he had went septic and it might be a good idea to call the family in.

Richard's blood type has went from b- to a+ and the new immune system has been in place for a while.  This new immune system still doesn't seem to like it's new host and has been on attack.  Richard was back in OU Medical again with this problem the end of September and beginning of October.  He is on steroids and they are trying to wean him down off of them.  Hopefully that immune system will behave and figure out that Richard's body is it's new home.

This last week has been an interesting week also.  Last Friday we spent most of the day at the hospital because Richard was dizzy and thought the room was dark when the light was on.  He was low on potassium and his blood pressure was low.  Then Monday he got his feet tangled up in the ottoman and fell hitting the fireplace so back to the hospital where he endured getting eight stitches above his right eye.  I am ready for some boring days!!

Richard will have a pet scan on Monday and the results on the 30th of November.  My hope and prayer is that the cancer is gone.No matter what happens I am still thankful to the bone marrow donor and the gift she was willing to make.

God is still in control and He is good all the time.

Philippians 2:13

New International Version (NIV)

¹³ for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

Mouth full of germs

I went to the dentist last week.  It had been over two years since my last visit and my mouth showed that fact.  The only reason that I went is because I have a tooth that is not whole anymore.  There is a  gaping hole right in the middle of the tooth.  The dentist even asked me if that tooth was used for anything besides storing food.  I guess there were a few bits of food stored in that hole.

I used to go for cleanings every six months but I guess I just didn't make the time or thought it wasn't that important.  I may rethink my thinking!!  I now have a tooth that needs a cap. I also have gum disease. The food that I thought was going down my throat was lodging between my teeth and gums.  It was stuck there and no amount of brushing was adequate.  I have been an intermittent flosser at best and without those cleanings that stuck food turned into germs, bacteria and sick gums.  My gums bleed and are sensitive and gum disease can lead to strokes, blood clots and heart problems.

Since that appointment, I have been back for a cleaning and have scheduled an appointment to fix the tooth with the hole.  The dentist is working on a plan for the gum disease which could include lasering or a new treatment which involves having a cast made of my mouth to make a tray to wear fifteen minutes twice a day with medicine.  The medicine will be in the trays and will soak into my teeth and gums.  This has all came about because I didn't think it was that important to floss or to get regular cleanings at the dentist.  I thought that brushing was all my teeth needed.  I didn't realize that my teeth needed a deeper cleansing to stay well.  My gums will heal with treatment and cleanings but I need to keep those appointments.

I sometimes don't realize that my soul needs a deeper cleaning.  I just go through the motions. I might read a quick verse, pray a short prayer and plan my week during the preacher's sermon.  I guess I just don't take the time or think it is important.  I think my weak attempts are adequate until I have a gaping hole in my soul. I have soul disease!  My soul becomes sensitive and full of germs that can result in heart problems.

I have to go the Soul Doctor!  He will repair the hole in my soul. My soul will heal with regular visits. He reminds me to keep my appointments that cleanse and keep me whole.  I need to keep those appointments!

Do you have a hole in your soul?

Psalm 51:9-10 (NIV)

⁹ Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity.
¹⁰ Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

RELEASE DATE!!!

Today is the day of the release of my second book!!!  I have had the books but they have not been available in the stores or online!!  They are now!! 

It just seems like yesterday I was in high school at Wellston, Ok. telling my German teacher Mr. Alcorn that I wanted to be a writer.  I let that dream get put on the sidelines but somehow that makes this just a little bit sweeter!!   Never give up on your dreams!!!

Buy a book today!!!!

The Journey Continues: 5 months and 3 weeks after transplant

Quick update:  Richard's appointment went fairly well yesterday.  We didn't even have to wait to long. A first. LOL!  The Dr. said he is going to try to get him off of the steroids as quick as he can.  They are supposed to call today to let us know if they are going to cut it half or do away with it completely.  He still has some swelling in his feet and ankles but they didn't seem to concerned about that.  He will be doing a pet scan sometime before his next appointment which will be in THREE weeks.  He will receive an IGG treatment that day also.  It will be a long day starting at nine and his Dr. appointment at 1:30.  This will be anther first because I won't be able to go with him that day and will have to find someone willing to spend the day with him at the Dr.'s office.

As always thank-you so much for your prayers!!!

Earthquake!!!

I have never experienced an earthquake until Saturday night.  I apparently slept through the foreshock earlier that morning.  The one on Saturday night was a strange experience that started with a weird noise and than a sensation of the room moving.  It took me several seconds to realize that this was an earthquake.  It only lasted about 30 seconds and there was no damage to our home.  The newspaper did report that two water lines were affected in Enid.

Last night I heard that weird noise again but didn't really feel any movement.  This noise was in the middle of a thunderstorm but I knew that this was earthquake noises.  My daughter and I were standing looking at each other when this happened and we both said earthquake.  It only lasted about 15 seconds but others felt it too. 

Those closer to the epicenter did experience damage and have been feeling the aftershocks with more intensity than I have.   Their lives are more affected but those shock waves did spread and was even felt in those that live in other states.  There was even a report that the quake was felt in Wisconsin.

Sometimes my life is like an earthquake.  Things happen that I can't control and I can see the shock waves spreading.  The shock waves can spread far depending on the way I react.  The glass of my life might shatter, if I don't remember that the Source who controls the earth shaking earthquakes also controls the life shaking ones.  The Source brings peace even in the midst of chaos!

Isaiah 53:5

New International Version (NIV)

⁵ But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed.

Mama Bear

Have you ever heard that you don't mess with bear cubs because the mama might be close.  You mess with those bear cubs and you are in trouble if mama finds out or sees.  She may even perceive something innocent to be something bad and you are in trouble.  She is a fierce champion of her cubs.  Don't mess with those cubs!!

I have been somewhat like that with my children especially when they were small cubs.  If I thought that someone was messing with my cubs, watch out, the mama bear in me came out.  I even kicked a nursery worker once because I perceived that she was just letting my baby cry without trying to comfort him.  She took it in stride, she was somewhat of a mama bear herself.

There does come a time when you have to let those cubs out of your sight.  They have to figure out their path.  It is hard to watch a child fail or get hurt but if we don't loosen the grip those cubs might never learn how to make it in the world.  Sometimes they choose the wrong path and there are consequences but those are learning experiences.  It is so hard to watch your cubs as they struggle to figure out who they are.  I still get mad as a mama bear if I see any of my cubs, even the grown ones, getting mistreated but I know they have to experience every aspect to learn and grow.

I have a God like that.  He doesn't like me being mistreated or taking the wrong path but He knows that sometime I have to wander around in the desert for awhile to figure out what His will for my life is.  He knows that the experience and even mistreatment will help me grow and become the Christian that I should be.  No matter what path I choose God is always there.

Nehemiah 9:19

New International Version (NIV)

 ¹⁹ “Because of your great compassion you did not abandon them in the wilderness. By day the pillar of cloud did not fail to guide them on their path, nor the pillar of fire by night to shine on the way they were to take.

Writing the write way

I have been accepted as a reporter for examiner.com but they want me to write their way.  I am really struggling with this.  I have gotten very used to writing in the first person.  I like being able to interject my opinions whenever I want to!!! :)  They want me to just state the facts.  Now I can state the facts but I find that it is so hard not to write my opinion about the subject.

I do have opinions about so many things and I am not very shy about sharing them.  I am not saying that my opinions are always the right one but they might be.  Maybe there are two sides to a subject and I can write that but it is hard not to be biased when I think my opinion is the right one.

I have learned though that sometimes my opinions are wrong.  I do need to look at all angles of a subject and report that and let readers decide for themselves.  Sometimes all the facts fit together and everybody is wrong and sometimes each side is a little bit right.  Sometimes there is only one right way but sometimes it is hard to admit being wrong.

There is one subject that I will not budge about  no matter how many sides some might want to present.  That subject would be my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I do know that there are debates that have went on for centuries about this subject but I am certain of this.  Jesus did come to earth to die for me and nothing will ever change that!!  Three days later He rose again and paved a way to Salvation!

He died for you too!!

John 3:16

New International Version (NIV)

 ¹⁶ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

examiner.com

The Journey Continues: Month 5 and 10 days from transplant.

Yesterday we got to Richard's appointment at 9:40.  He was to be hooked up to the IGG infusion at 10:00 or so we thought.  It was 12:30 before they finally got him hooked up but that was not without lots of griping from my ever so patient husband.  He was upset because he couldn't figure out why they had to do blood work again for this procedure when they already had blood work from Friday that showed he needed it.  He finally griped so much that the nurse told him that she was surprised that the Dr.s were still treating him. LOL She said that normally when a patient has such gripes they let them go.  She also told him that it was up to him to take the treatment, that he could refuse anytime.  I told her that one DR. just gave it back to him and the other one just ignored him.

He did have to have a bag of potassium for low levels and a shot for his low white blood counts.  His red counts are right on the edge of needing a transfusion.  He did have some good counts though.  His kidney counts are normal and his cmv cells are moving down.  Richard did apologize to the nurse and she accepted.

She really was very patient with him.

The Dr. he seen seemed pleased with his results and he will go back in two weeks.  She is cutting the steroids again and will see what happens whether they can be cut more next time.  He has lost 18 pounds since his last visit so the fluids are coming off though his feet and lower legs still swell after being on them.

Hopefully we are moving in the right direction and next time more results will be on the good side.

Thanks again for the prayers.  It would be hard to make it without them!!!!

John 17:9

New International Version (NIV)

⁹ I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours.

How's your bloom?

This is a plant I received in 2004 from a family that was in my childcare.  I had childcare in my home for five years.  This family was moving to another town and gave this plant to me on their last day.

For those of you that know me well, you probably are very surprised that I somehow have kept this plant alive.  This is a plant that likes water so all I have to do is give it water.  I have never given it too much water.

You may notice the beautiful bloom and the green leaves though the branches do look a bit twisted.  This plant only produces blooms at certain times of the year but when they bloom this is what they look like.  Please don't ask me when they are supposed to bloom because I have no idea.  I do know they have bloomed at different times of the year. The blooms last about a day and then they fall off.  Even when it is not time for the blooming I still have to water the plant.  It still needs the water and the green leaves.

There have been times that I have forgot to give this plant water and that is when the limbs became twisted and dried.  There was even one time that it was time for a bloom and the pod was in place but the bloom never happened.  The pod just dried up and disintegrated.  When I finally remembered to water the plant the limbs stayed twisted.

My life in Christ can be like that.  When I can see the blooms and the flowers I  stay in the word and pray but sometimes when I can't see the flowers I get discouraged.  Sometimes I let the prayer and bible reading go.  Then I feel like that pod.  I feel like I might dry up, become twisted and disintegrate!!

My dry spell may even leave a mark on me.  I need to remember that I don't have to see the blooms to blossom. Blooms can fade but the word of God will be with me forever!!

Isaiah 40:8

New International Version (NIV)

⁸ The grass withers and the flowers fall,
   but the word of our God endures forever.

1 Peter 1:24

New International Version (NIV)

²⁴ For,
   “All people are like grass,
   and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
the grass withers and the flowers fall,

Fair weather fan?

I am an OU fan!!!  I thought it was funny that some people thought that I would be in mourning, just because OU lost their game Saturday night.  I did stay up to the very end watching.  I do love it when they win but I am not going to be depressed when they lose.  I am a fan whether they win or lose!!!

I grew up in a house that was full of OU fans and it was hard not to be a part of the excitement of those games. I remember being planted in front of the T.V. watching those games with my dad and brothers.  I remember, even then, I knew names of the players and being a girl I even thought I was in love with one of their quarterbacks.  Steve Davis didn't even know I was alive.  He was a very good quarterback though!!

OU has been through some good and some bad years since I became a fan of theirs but I have continued to be their fan every year whether they won or lost!!  There are some people though that jump from team to team, rooting for them as long as they win but the second the lose, they are rooting for the next winning team.
Have you been jumping from team to team?

I know ONE who roots for me.  He roots for me whether I am winning or losing.  He gives me strength when I am down and is there when I am happy.  No matter what is going on in my life there is ONE that is closer than a brother!!

His name is Jesus!!   Do you need HIM today?

Proverbs 18:24

New International Version (NIV)

 ²⁴ One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin,
   but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Happy Birthday, Brianna

To my sweet, adorable Brianna, Happy Birthday!!  You are the best granddaughter that anyone could every have!!!  I love you and miss you!!!  I wished we all lived in the same town where I could see you all the time!!

Eight years ago today, one of the best things that has ever happened to me was born!!! That was you!!!
                             HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! SWEET, SWEET BRIANNA!!

I love you!!!! Memaw

The Imitators

Have you ever imitated anybody?? I have!!  I worked at T.G.&Y. headquarters in the late 1970's and early 1980's.  For the most part I liked my job and I liked the people I worked with and most of the time I liked the bosses that I had.

There was one boss in particular that was always smiling and every morning he would walk down the row of employees in our department and tell everybody "Good morning" and ask them how they were doing.  The week that he went on vacation I decided that I would imitate the boss.  Every morning that he was gone I walked down the rows of people and told them "Good morning" and ask them how they were doing.  It was all fun and we had a few laughs.  The Monday that he came back I was in my seat talking to the person next to me when the boss came up to my desk and thanked me for 'taking care' of things while he was gone.  Then he smiled and went on to the next person.  I was busted and I knew it.  I also knew that no matter how much that I imitated the boss I was not the boss.

My boys, when they were small, were always imitating somebody from transformers to their favorite ball player.  My daughter was a princess or a ballerina.  They all had fun imitating their favorite cartoon character,  ball player or movie star but at the end of the day they went to bed as themselves.  No matter how hard they might want to become a favorite person they could not achieve it.  They could only imitate.

In the late sixties I watched a movie called "Imitation of Life" and even though I was young it made an impact on me.  It was a movie where a singer pretended to be white.  No one knew that her family was of African American heritage.  If they tried to speak to her and someone came around she would talk to them like they were servants.  She was an imitator but at the end she received word that her mother had passed away and she ran to the funeral procession out into the street.  She grabbed onto the horse drawn carriage that was carrying her dead mother and screamed out in anguish, "Mom, I'm sorry, I'm sorry."  It was to late.

We all are imitators and at times we are trying to be somebody else or something that we are not.  There are people that you might want to imitate but there is One that we should always imitate!!.  His name is Jesus.  Not only should we imitate Him we need to embrace Him and accept Him and follow Him.  Don't wait until it is to late!

Who are you imitating today?

1 John 4:17

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁷ This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus.

1 Corinthians 4:16

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁶ Therefore I urge you to imitate me

Hebrews 13:7

New International Version (NIV)

 ⁷ Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.

Happy Birthday, Sarah

Happy Birthday, Sarah!!! I am so blessed to have you for my daughter.  You are a precious gift from God and I thank God for you daily!!!  I have watched you growing up from the 8 week early, preemie to a young lady and I am so proud of you!!!  I wish I could keep you forever but I know that God has plans for you and I am fairly sure that doesn't involve living at home the rest of your life. :)

Most people know that I was married for 17 years to the boy's dad and I thought my baby days were over.  Then life and Divorce happened and I never wanted to get married again.  I was doing fine with just me, the boys and God.  Then I met your dad and we became friends even though I thought he was a male chauvinist.  He still is sometimes. LOL  We had been friends for over a year when he ask me for a date and I thought why not? The rest is history.

You were born 14 months after we married and yes you have the oldest mother in your class but I am so glad that God allowed me to have one more baby!!  You completed our family and I think you changed everyone from your dad and me to your brothers.  What a blessing you were and still are!!!

Happy Birthday to my wonderful Sarah!!!  I love you most!! and yes I do have a verse for you!!!

Colossians 3:20

New International Version (NIV)

 ²⁰ Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

The Journey Continues: Back home again, last day for home health.

I have been waiting to post an update until we got lab results.   The results were called to Richard on Friday but I have been either running or too tired to look at the computer much less type on one. LOL

Richard's white blood counts were down to 700 and he did have to get shots Friday, Saturday and today.  He will be doing the IGG infusion once a month at the Doctor's office. He also had to take a 24 hour sample of urine out put to the hospital lab today.  Don't tell him that I posted this.  He thinks that is too private.  He is feeling a little stronger but he hasn't touched the computer in weeks.  The urine sample from Wednesday did show protein and that is why they wanted more, over that 24 hour time frame.  He will be doing blood work every other day at the hospital in the mornings.

I hooked him up to his last IV medicine this morning!!!!  No more getting up an hour early!!! The home health nurse came this afternoon and took the power port needle out and had him sign release papers from them.  She kept saying that if we need them to just call.  I am hoping that we will never need them again and I know Richard is too.  He is still on about ten medicines, by mouth, a day but I can handle that.  It is so much easier than hooking up to the IV.

Richard still has quite a bit of swelling but is planning on going to work tomorrow.  We made a quick trip to the shoe department in K-Mart to get him a bigger pair of safety shoes.  He can't get his work boots on.

This journey has been so much longer than ever anticipated but God has given the strength and endurance to   keep going.   Richard has felt at times like this journey will never  end and that God was not hearing his prayers but then he would get a call, a visit or a card.    He has sent angels to lessen our burden and He has wrapped His loving arms around us!!  God will give the strength and endurance to finish this journey!!

Colossians 1:11

New International Version (NIV)

¹¹ being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience,

Spreading Roots

This summer (2011) has been a record breaking summer.   We had record breaking heat and no rain.  Not only did I feel wilted so did the grass, plants and trees in our yard.  They were parched and needed a drink.  I have felt like that many times.  I needed a drink and I wanted it right then.

  The tree in my front yard was so parched that it roots spread across the yard.  It was looking for moisture of any kind.  As the summer progressed so did the roots.  They spread out in all directions.  That tree needed water and it needed it fast.  It was looking for water to sustain its life.  

  We did finally receive the rain.  It was a nice, slow two day rain and I think I heard that tree sigh in relief.  Those long, stretched out roots are still there. They are the evidence of a long hot summer and the tree's search for water.

  I remember a time in my life when I was searching.  I spread my roots looking for life sustaining water.  I was looking for something that would last. I was looking for something to water my soul.  I was looking for something that would keep my parched lips wet.  I found my drink when my roots spread to the cross. 

  My roots are still stretched to Jesus.  Where are your roots? 

John 7:37-38

New International Version

 ³⁷ On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. ³⁸ Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”^[a]

Too Much Stuff!

Well I have written about junk so I thought that now I would write about stuff.  I have way too much stuff and from the post I have seen on facebook lately I know I am probably not the only one with this problem.  I really need to go through my stuff and have a yard sale, give it away or throw it away.  I know if I got rid of some of my stuff I wouldn't have to deal with my piles!

There is some stuff though that I don't want to get rid of but I need to at least limit time with it.  I am talking of the electronic stuff.  In the last thirty years electronics have boomed.  Most of the people I know have at least a computer and cell phone.  Now my daughter has a play station,  personal play station, a dsi, a stereo but she wants, wants, wants more. I am thinking she has too much stuff.  Doesn't it seem weird to have to tell your daughter no electronics when you tell her good night.

I think that the electronics have invaded our lives and left us changed.  I think that electronics have sneaked into our lives and stolen something precious.  TIME!!!  The time that we used to have talking with each other, going outside, reading and so many more activities is now spent with computers, games, T.V., I pads and more. I wrote a poem called  T.V., several years ago, for a class I was taking but I think this poem could be any of the electronics that takes our time.

                                                                T.V.
                                                  Like mindless robots we sit
                                                  Pushing the buttons daily
                                                  Invading familiar territory

                                                  Stuffing food all the while
                                                  Watching others engage in crime,
                                                   passion or sports
                                                  They are family

                                                 Communication is rare
                                                 Grunts and silence reign
                                                 As OUR family fade

These things also affect another area of my life.  I know that when I let these items become number 1 in my life I don't take time with my God.  I don't have time to read the Bible and pray.  I actually quit playing farmville because I felt like I spent most of my free time playing that game.  My spiritual and family life was suffering and I had to let it go.

I don't even miss it!!!

Exodus 20:1-5

New International Version (NIV)

Exodus 20

The Ten Commandments

 ¹ And God spoke all these words: ² “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
 ³ “You shall have no other gods before^[a] me.
 ⁴ “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. ⁵ You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,

The Journey Continues: Back home again, but with home health.

This has been an exciting and rough week.  Richard was released from the hospital Tuesday and he was very excited.  He was sick and tired of being there and I was just tired from sleeping in the recliner and from running back and forth from home to Oklahoma City.  Richard was released but still had to have IV medicines and fluids so home health was contacted and planned on meeting us at the house as soon as we got home.

It was one of those hurry up and get here to sit and wait on the release.  I should have known. LOL  He finally got released around four.  Home health got to our house at six to explain their process, give us their number and to show me how to get Richard hooked up to the IV.  Our insurance will pay for home health 100 percent but they expect somebody in the family to learn how to do the medicines and fluids.  The nurse did come three times in a row before I was on my own.  She came by also on Friday morning to get vital signs and call a report in to the Doctor.  She will also do this Monday, Wednesday and Friday this week.

It seemed like when the nurse was there I was doing everything just perfect but it was different by myself.  I had several problems that I had to call the nurse.  She was able to walk me through it on the phone two times but had to make a trip to the house once.  She said it just takes experience.  I am sure that I don't want much more experience in this field.

Richard was glad to be home but he has had a really rough week.  The "runs" came back with a vengeance and his legs and belly are very swollen.  His legs were so swollen that for a while he could not even bend his legs.  He had to get a transfusion of platelets on Friday.  He has just seemed miserable and my husband has been a very grumpy patient at times.

I have to say I admire all the nurses and caregivers!!  It is very hard, tiring work.  There is the running.  Go get the medicines which in our case took about ten trips because they couldn't get all of them in at one time.  Go get the food that the husband/patient can eat.  Go get the daughter, take her where she had to go, go back and hook up the patient/husband to his medicines.  Go back and get the daughter, make sure to get back in time to get the husband/patient unhooked.  Go to work, run back home at lunch, get off early to go hook up medicines or go take him to get platelets.  I know I got a glimpse of myself leaving as I was coming in the door several times. I am so glad I was not called to be a nurse/caregiver and after this week.  I know why I was not called to this field.  It takes very special people.  I would have probably been the nurse that told a patient that I was going to leave the room and they(the patient) could just take their OWN vital signs.  I don't relish the role that I have had to do this week but would do it again if I had to.  I love my wonderful, grumpy husband/patient and if I can help him this way I WILL!

This week was a week of grumpiness, tears, screaming, prayers, laughter and apologies.  There were times when Richard had stated that God was not listening to him and that God had turned his back on him.  He is tired and discouraged and ready to feel normal  but he did realize that God is there and had sent angels to us.

Those angels came in the prayers, the phone calls, the comments on face book, those that picked up and took care of daughter, the cards and the surprise visits!!  We could not have made it through a week like this without our friends and the way you have ministered to us.  God kept sending us angels just like you!!


Read through this song sung by Delbert Mcclinton.

 Standing on the bank of a river

By the shore

Seems like the devil's always tryin'

To get in my door

Just when I thought I

Couldn't take it anymore

Here he came again

My friend


He keeps sending me angels,

From up on high

He keeps sending me angels,

To teach me to fly

He keeps sending me angels,

Sweet and true

He keeps sending me angels,

Just... like... you...


As I stand on this mountain

Face to the wind,

Amazed by the number of times I have sinned,

And the countless number of enemies

That should have been friends

Here he comes again,

My friend


He keeps sending me angels,

Here they come a-flyin'

He keeps sending me angels,

To keep me from cryin'

He keeps sending me angels,

Sweet and true

He keeps sending me angels,

Just... like... you...


Some say that it's comin'

I say that it's already here

The love that's among us through

The joy and the fear

When I look into your eyes

Everything is so clear

My friend, oh here he comes again


He keeps sending me angels,

From up on high

He keeps sending me angels,

To teach me to fly

He keeps sending me angels,

Sweet and true

He keeps sending me angels,

Just... like... you

Richard is feeling better today.  The swelling seems better and he has been able to keep the food in him.  Thank-you to all for your prayers and support!!