The Heart of a Wellston Tiger, Music in Junior High

My mind often wanders back in time.  I was in such a hurry to grow up but now I long for those days.  The days, of my growing up, were not nearly as complicated as I thought they were especially as a young teenager.  I remember fights with my siblings with fond memories now.  The school days that I thought would never end are now many years ago but linger often in my mind.

Today my mind traveled back to the seventh grade. It was a year of change. The first band ever for Wellston, Oklahoma, was formed that year.  Every year we always had singing and music but this year it became more organized. The  new music/band director was from the area and I knew his family. His mom had played the piano at a church I had attended as a child.  I remember they lived in  a nice house on a hill and they even had their own lake.

Today I was thinking about my first experience singing in an organized choir.  This was the first year that I remember that we sang in parts.  I had just always sang the melody so I thought I was a soprano.  I vividly remember that first concert.  The seventh grade and maybe the eight grade were singing the songs that we had practiced.

The choir director had pushed the choir to his perceived perfection and had a smile on his face as we sang.  Then as I hit the last high, very high note of the last song of the concert something happened.  My voice cracked!  I was embarrassed but didn't move a muscle in hopes that no one would know it was me.  The choir director knew though.  He looked straight at me with a smile on his face.  He never said a word to me about it but I wondered how he knew it was me.

That choir director didn't just know me, he knew what the sound coming forth from my mouth sounded like right down to the cracking of an alto trying to sing soprano!  He never said a word to me about my voice cracking but it wasn't long until I moved to the alto section.  He understood things about music and sound that I will never understood.  He knew when to push and he knew when to be quiet.

There is one though that knows me better than that choir director knew my voice.  He knows more about me that I know about me. He knows more about me than I will ever understand.  His name is Jesus.  He knew that my voice would crack on that song long before the song was ever sung.  He knew that I would miss my hometown of Wellston and that I would long for those days.  He knew that in my heart I would always be a Wellston Tiger but that I would be content and enjoy living in Enid, Oklahoma.  Jesus has bigger plans for me though.  He knew before I was even born that I would need a Savior.  He died on the cross and rose again for me.  He knew that one day I would long to spend eternity with Him!

He knows you too!  Do you know him??

Romans 6:22-23

New International Version (NIV)

²² But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. ²³ For the wages of sin is death,but the gift of God is eternal life in^[a] Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 14:1-3

New International Version (NIV)

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God^[a];believe also in me. ² My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

The Journey Continues:Doctors Visit Yesterday

The doctor's appointment yesterday went really smooth.  They called Richard's name first and the PA came in  fairly quick.  She said that Richard's blood work was good.  His platelets and white counts had came up from the week before.  We had no idea that his white counts were down in the first place but did know the platelets were low.

He has been bothered with some stomach distress this week and they are going to keep him on the steroids for five to seven days.  The stomach distress could be graft/vs/host but she said it could also be a virus.  She said we might not ever know what the cause but because his counts were low and have now came back up she speculated that he might have caught a virus.

His kidney function is still not where it should be and he will need to keep drinking lots of fluids.  He also will continue doing his blood work once a week.  He will be seen again in four weeks with staying in touch this week by email or phone to figure out which day to stop the steroids.

Richard's appointment was 1:30pm and on our trip home we reached the East side of Enid by about 3:40pm and I know that this had to be a first.  A quick trip plus a quick appointment.  It's a miracle!! LOL

Our hope is that Richard will continue to have good days and that his health will continue to get better but we both know that no matter what happens our hope in is God!  He is in control and His love will bring us through whatever road lies ahead!

Romans 5:4-5

New International Version (NIV)

⁴ perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵ And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

The Journey Continues:Some good news

This morning we will be heading down to Richard's doctor appointment but we don't have to leave as soon!!

His immunoglobulin counts are at 593 and that is close enough to the 600 that the Doctor wants it to be so Richard does not have to get the IVIG!!  One step at a time!  He had another good day at work yesterday, also!

I will try to post results of the Dr. visit tonight or tomorrow morning and coming soon a post called Confessions of a Caregiver.

Psalm 30:12

New International Version (NIV)

¹² that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.
    Lord my God, I will praise you forever.

The Journey Continues:Tuesday update, Sept. 25th, 2012

I never thought that in September 2009 when Richard was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma that I would be writing updates on his health in September 2012.  Our hope was that he would have long ago been in remission.  Our hope was that our life would have returned to normal, ok so we were not that normal before cancer either so I guess what I mean is that our hope was that Richard's health would be back to normal.

Richard has fought every step of the way.  His stubborn, bull headed ways may have helped him through this journey, but more than that his faith and dependence on God have helped him down a three year path and whatever lies ahead.  Our hope is that he is in remission.  Another pet scan will be done in a month or so.  He will tell anybody that ask that he is in a win, win situation.  He wins if he lives and he wins if he dies.

Since May he has fought hard with graft/vs/host issues and is at this point coming down off the steroids that help with that issue.  He had some sinus problems and stomach issues on Friday.  He seems to be doing better but is back down to 158 pounds.  He has seemed more tired that usual also but did have a good day yesterday and seemed ready for the day when he left this morning.

We both so much appreciate all the prayers that you guys have been sending up on our behalf.  You guys are great!!!  Thanks!!!!

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray continually, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

The difference one word can make

I think it was Friday that I saw on facebook a post that a facebook friend and fellow blogger had posted.  It talked of her weirdness.  I thought I had posted, weird is not bad but in fact I had typed, weird is bad.  I somehow in my hurry omitted a crucial word.  I am sure that the comment weird is bad made her feel weird  and it did bring forth a reply from her.  I was very confused until I noticed that I had left out the word not.  I immediately deleted the original post and posted a new one letting her know what I had meant to post.

This kept me wondering most of the day of other things I might omit to do.  How often do I in my hurry not say the right word or just don't say anything.  I sometimes just let the days blur by.  I go to work.  I come home.  Do I make a difference? I think I should be more weird.  I think I should be careful with my words.  I should say or write words that are helpful and will impact. It could make a difference.  I should think before I write or speak and I should be careful to not leave out a crucial word.

I was called to be different even if I am weird.  The Bible tells us to be in this world, not of this world.  The world should see that I am different and I need to make a difference!

How about you??  Are you of this world or are you weird?

Romans 12:2

New International Version (NIV)

² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

The Journey Continues:Drainage

Today Richard woke to drainage and a stomach ache.  He is down to 10mg of steroids and my concern is that the drainage is a result of that.  I hope not.  I have seen lots of people suffering with allergies but the drainage and stomach problems are how his problem in May started.

He threw up at least once this morning and still felt some nauseated but he has went to work.  Maybe his body just needs to get regulated to the dosage. He did just start the new dosage on Wednesday.  Pray that this is just an allergy problem and not graft/vs/host rearing it's ugly head again!  He does have an appointment scheduled with the doctor for Wednesday.

Thanks for the prayers!!!

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray continually, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

What is wrong with me??

Every morning I wake up with the thought that this is the day.  This is the day that I am going to eat healthy and that I am going to do some form of exercise.  Well I think something must be wrong with me because I can't seem to let go of chocolate in any shape or form.  I am thinking that I could probably eat broccoli or cauliflower if it was coated or dripping with chocolate.

It's not just the chocolate thing that is bothering me though.  It is the thought that I have no discipline.  I am sure that there is something wrong with me!! I can't even seem to go the moderation route.  I think that I was made this way.  I was made to crave that sweet,  delicious food and apparently I missed out on the gene that makes me want to exercise.

The problem with the lack of discipline though must be something lacking in my genes, right?  Well, probably not!  I am thinking that maybe, just maybe, it is a habit thing.  I let chocolate become my best friend during a very trying time in my life.  Now that habit lingers.

I have felt the Holy Spirit pricking at my soul.  I have read blogs that touch me and make me want to do the right thing but I fall back into the chocolate trap.  It is my best friend.  I see what my best friend is doing to me.  It is ruining my health.  If I see chocolate though, I know I am in trouble! What is wrong with me?? Why would I want something in my life that could take my life??

I have to give this to the Lord.  I have to keep giving this to Him.  EVERYDAY!!  I want HIM to be my best friend.  He is the One that gives me life and sustains me!  Not Chocolate!  I want to live my life the way that God wants me to. A disciplined life!  There is nothing wrong with me that He can't help me with!!

What about you??  What or who is your best friend??

Psalm 34:19

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁹ The righteous person may have many troubles,
    but the Lord delivers him from them all;

Plumbing fixed??

Yesterday a plumber came to clean out the lines at our house.  We can now flush without sewage spewing out into our tub and shower in the bathrooms!!  It is just a temporary fix though.  The plumber said that there is at least a crack in the pipe and possible a break.  He is going to send somebody out next week to give an estimate on how much it will cost.  He did give us another possible solution but it could also just be a band aid.  He said to put one cup of rock salt down each stool one night a week.  He said it would at the least probably buy us some time.  He knows one homeowner that has done this for six years after having similar problems.  He hasn't had to have his line cleaned out since using the salt rock.  The salt rock will break down and clean out any roots.  He did pull some roots out when cleaning out our lines.  So do we go with temporary, which could last quite a while, or do we pick a permanent solution?

Sometimes things in life leave us with several options but choosing the right one can be a guessing game.  There is one choice that anybody can make that is the right choice.  Choose Jesus!!  He is the ultimate plumber.  He will clean out your soul and can mend a broken heart!  He is the direct line to heaven.  He will clean out all your roots!  The love of Christ will flow freely through you!  The choice is yours though! A band aid might cover your hurts and brokenss but JESUS is a permanent solution!!  Will you choose Jesus?

Romans 10:10-13

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁰ For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. ¹¹ As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”¹² For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, ¹³ for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Ephesians 2:8-9

New International Version (NIV)

⁸ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast.

Cross references:

1. Ephesians 2:8 : S Ro 3:24
2. Ephesians 2:8 : ver 5
3. Ephesians 2:8 : S Ro 9:30
4. Ephesians 2:9 : Dt 9:5; Ro 4:2; 2Ti 1:9; Tit 3:5
5. Ephesians 2:9 : 1Co 1:29

The Journey Continues:When it Rains if Pours

Just a quick update to let those following Richard's story know that he seems to be gaining strength most weeks.  This last week was not quite as easy though.  He is down to 20 mg one day and 10 mg the next day on the steroids and I think that he is still adjusting.  Starting Wednesday he will go to 10 mg a day. He did seem more tired than normal and quite cranky at times.  I don't even think he realizes that though.

One day last week he had a fight with a tree limb and lost.  He is so stubborn and will not ask for help.  He tried to get a broken limb down out of the tree and in the process fell twice.  He was banged up, cut, bruised and very sore.

We are having some major plumbing problems.  We have had to have our system roter rooted out twice since July and it had been done in March also but now it needs something again.  Richard says that it is probably a busted or cracked pipe under our bathroom.

Richard has been mumbling and grumbling all weekend.  He is worried how we can get this done and feeling helpless that he can't do some of the work.  He is a licensed plumber but he can't get in that dirt because if he comes upon a certain kind of fungus, it could kill him. The doctors have said it would be almost 100% fatal.

Please pray that Richard will realize his limitations and learn to ask for help!  Also that we will figure out and get fixed our plumbing problems.

Proverbs 3:5-6

New International Version (NIV)

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
⁶ in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.^[a]

The Free Pass:Part Two

The other day I wrote about giving my daughter a free pass.  I wrote that I like to surprise her sometimes just to see that smile or something all gushy like that.  I guess I just need to tell you guys about the rest of the day.  It was horrible.  Sarah bugged me all day.  I was in the middle of doing laundry(about 8 loads), boiling chicken so that I could fix chicken and noodles for supper and by the way I did the dishes as I went.  HER dishes.  She just couldn't understand why I would want to be at home all day.  I was so BORING.  We needed to go shopping, go to mall, do anything that was away from the house. If you read the first Free Pass then you know that she had been to the county fair and watched the horse show with her dad.  She also went to the store with him.  She could only see that I was reading.  She wanted her wants meet and she wanted it right then.  By the end of the day I was ready to stuff that free pass or any future ones in her hands.  I was ready to choke her for not understanding what I had done for her.  She had NO gratitude! Not one inch.  She only was thinking about what she wanted to do.

I wonder if Jesus thinks that about me??  Just look at that Brenda, she has NO gratitude.  Does she realize how I gave her that free pass.  Does she only think about what she wants??  Does she understand what I did for her??  How often do I take His sacrifice for granted and act like I don't understand?  How often do I think reading the Bible and praying is boring? I only want what I want RIGHT now!

I need to remember every day what Christ has done for me!!  What about you?  Do you take your free pass for granted??

John 3:16-17

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. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

The Free Pass

Today I gave my daughter a free pass.  One of her jobs around the house is to load and unload the dishwasher.  She was still in bed and I decided that I would give her a free pass.  You know just between her and me.  No one else needs to know.  So, shh don't tell anyone! I love my daughter and it feels nice to give her a free pass sometimes.  I like to see the surprise and delight on her face.  I don't want to give free passes to often though.  The value of that free pass might not feel so delightful, except to her.

Have you ever been given a free pass?  I have!  Someone took my sin to the cross.  His name is Jesus!  Jesus was and is sin free but He took my sin and yours and prepared the way for a free pass. He loves everyone!  He is delighted when one receives the free pass and wants the news spread!  The value will not ever decrease!  It is the key to eternity!

Acts 4:11-12

New International Version (NIV)

¹¹ Jesus is

“‘the stone you builders rejected,
    which has become the cornerstone.’^[a]

¹² Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

My review of 'The Odd Life of Timothy Green'

My husband and I went to the movies for the first time in a long time.  We both enjoyed the movie 'The Odd Life of Timothy Green'.  We laughed, we sighed and tears came to my eyes.  This is a movie with a message of love, hope and NEVER GIVE UP!

Timothy was sent to a childless couple and he arrived to them in a very interesting way.  He full filled every dream that they had dreamed of for their child.  Timothy touched the lives of many as he spread his message to extended family and to the whole town.  He was wise beyond his years and he arrived on earth with a specific purpose!

I recommend this movie to all.  It is a touching story with no bleep, bleep, bleeps.  You will leave the theater with a smile on your face and renewed hope!

Last night as I was falling asleep I thought of another Son that was sent with a specific purpose.  The Son left a glorious home to spend time spreading a message of hope, never give up and a redeeming love.  His name is Jesus. Many would say that He lived an odd life but He did it for me and for you!  His time on earth was short but the Message He spread lingers still, more than 2000 years later.  He is the way, the truth and the light!

John 14:6

New International Version (NIV)

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