Why am I always in the wrong line????

Do you guys have the same problem that I have.  It  doesn't matter which line I end up in, it becomes the wrong line and I always search out the shortest, fastest moving line that I can find.  I do this in Wal-marts,  the supermarkets, McDonalds drive through and any place that requires a line but no matter what line I am in it becomes the wrong line quick.  It seems like within minutes of getting in a line something happens.  Either the cashier has to get a price check, the person at the counter remembers they forgot something and go running to get it, or something breaks. This always happens if I am in a hurry, needing to get somewhere or just wanting to get home after a long day at work.

As I stand in line, I can feel my patience running out.  The longer I stand in line the more steam I feel coming out my ear.  Why does this annoy me so much?  Why am I impatient??  I promise you that I do not pray for patience!!

Maybe God is trying to teach me something.  Maybe He wants me to slow down, relax and look around.  I might see someone that needs a kind word, a frazzled checkout person that needs a smile or a crying baby that needs someone to play peek-a-boo with them.  If I am in too much of a hurry I might miss a blessing.  This is really hard to write but maybe I should thank God for  allowing me to be in the wrong line.

Colossians 3:17

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁷ And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

The Journey Continues:A quick update.

This really is going to be a quick update.  We did find out that Richard's blood work last week showed a higher CMV count but the nurse did not have the counts back for this week.  She said she would call us when she got them.  Richard has had some swelling again and started having some trouble getting his boots on yesterday.  This morning though he said they slipped right on..... YEA!!!  We will always be thankful for all the prayers!!  Keep them coming!

The trail of cats

Yesterday, I headed to an appointment with my arthritis Doctor. I traveled down highway 81, then turned East onto highway 51, then South onto Highway 74 and then finally on into Edmond.  There was a strange sight on highways 51 and 74. There was a trail of cats on those two  roads. Squashed cats!  I counted eight cats that were splattered in the middle of the road, on those two highways.  Now those cats are the ones that have a white stripe down the middle of their back.  Polecats or skunks are their name.

They must have been headed to the skunk convention or something but those eight didn't make it.  They were squashed, mangled and torn apart but they did leave something behind.  I didn't recognize some of the smashed, ripped apart cats until I had driven by and their smell wafted into my car.  That smell is not pleasant.  In fact it is down right disgusting.

Skunks are not really that bad looking. They have shiny black hair with a distinct white stripe and a bushy full tail.  They have dark eyes that might mesmerize and beg me to come closer. Those eyes don't tell the truth. They don't tell of the stench! The stink is what would invade my body, mouth, nose and eyes if I ventured to close and then everyone I came in contact with would know what had happened to me. They would know until the smell wore off but I would remember forever. 

The devil is like that.  He is full of mesmerizing stuff that looks good, is enticing and begs me to come closer.  He sends people, chocolate and songs that don't seem to look, taste or sound bad.  He is the master of disguise and will come in many shapes, forms and sizes.  He knows my weakness' and will put them in front of me.  If I can only remember the smell of sin.  That stench of sin is far worse than any black, white striped cat every smelled. Will I smell it forever?

I will not smell it forever because I have been redeemed!  I will smell the sweet smell of my Savior forever!

What does your sin smell like?  Can you still smell it?

Psalm 115:6

New International Version (NIV)

⁶ They have ears, but cannot hear,
noses, but cannot smell.

The Journey Continues: Lab results

Just a quick update on Richard.  He is still having to have lab work twice a week and a week ago Wednesday he did have to do an IGG infusion.  They said that this was his sixth one and did not make an appointment for next month.  They said that would be up to the Dr. and would depend on his IGG counts.

Richard has been feeling fairly well.  He has struggled some with drainage and tiredness.  His CMV counts had been wavering around 300 and they have been watching those.  The nurse called on Monday with results from last week and the counts are up to 3000.  He has had to go back on the medicine that brings all his other counts down.  In the past, they have told him that if his CMV counts went to 1000 he would have to go in the hospital but they didn't even mention the hospital this time so they must think that he is doing well.  He had blood work Monday but we don't have the results yet.  He also will have lab today.

They last two days he has started having some swelling again.  He has gained several pounds.  Pray that his CMV counts will go down and that the swelling will disappear.

Thanks again for all your prayers.  We covet those prayers!!

James 5:15

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁵ And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.

My brown drab coat.

I have a coat that is brown in color, made of corduroy, long to the knees and very drab looking.  It does keep me warm most of the time though.  When the Oklahoma winds swirl down around me I am thankful for that coat even if the coat is not very pretty.  That coat keeps me warm in the midst of dreary, cold days.

One day I threw my coat down with the inside showing and I was reminded of what the inside looked like. It is shiny with some white flowers, some swirls of orange and other colors. It made me think of spring, brightness, flowers and of green grass pushing through the ground.

This winter season in Oklahoma has been warmer than usual but there is still that dreary look of winter.  It is drab, no flowers, no green, no leaves, no brightness other than the sun.  The sun is warming but the landscape is drab.  Spring will bring a change.  It will be full of color and brightness.

I have many drab, no color days that have nothing to do with the weather.  It has to do with my outlook and my frame of mind but I have a Son that warms me and reminds me of His brightness, His sacrifices and His love.  He brings the fragrance of spring back into my darkness that leaves a warmth that only He can give!

Isaiah 60:19

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁹ The sun will no more be your light by day,
   nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you,
for the LORD will be your everlasting light,
   and your God will be your glory.