Saturday, December 02, 2006

She's Home!



She is home! These are some of the nurses and aides who helped to take care of her. There were tears shed by Mom, as well as the staff.

Now, I can honestly tell you that I had no idea what it really was going to entail. My dear friend Pam tried to tell me on several occasions. But I don't think I ever really "got" it. As Pilot used say, "My bad."

I do believe that part of her fear of being left alone, for longer than 7 seconds, is because home is actually a new place for her. It's a new routine, one she isn't used to yet. I'm hoping she will calm down and we will develop our own little schedule.

The big news? She was tired when she got home so we put her in bed for her to take a nap. She slept for about an hour and a half when she called me. I was actually on my way down the hall to her room with some of her clothes. We were unloading the cars (yes, that is plural) of all her "stuff." Imagine my shock, let me say that again, imagine my SHOCK when I find her on the floor!! She had fallen!!! I had not yet unpacked the box which had her bed alarm so it was not on her. I'm sure you can imagine how unglued I became. She hit her head (again) but it really was superficial. Thank the Lord!!!

We didn't even get dinner dishes done until 9:30 tonight and that was not "we" but Jim doing them while I was in trying to keep mom calm and to answer all her questions, the same questions, over and over again.

After about 4 hours home, I was already rethinking this decision. I admit I need more help. I will have full time coverage. Day and night. That way, I can sit and visit with her etc but someone else will be here to sit with her and keep her company, too. I couldn't even unpack and hang up her clothes in her dressing room, which is in full sight of her bed. She wanted me sitting right next to the bed. There is no way I'll be able to cook dinner, or clean a room, GO TO THE BATHROOM, for crying out loud, without having someone else here.

Jim is so concerned about my health, and will allow it to continue for 2 weeks, IF I get more help in. At the end of two weeks we will need to re-evaluate the situation and see if she has calmed down, accepted the 'routine', etc. In one 10 minute time, I had to take her to the bathroom 3 times!! I finally told her that I had just taken her 3 times in less than 10 minutes. She didn't remember that!

I called my sister right before dinner, so that was only about 2 hours into being home. I told her to pray, pray, pray, and pray some more.

I'm going to bed. There's no doubt about it, I'm tired. I've used proper lifting techniques each time but I'm worn out.

May the Lord above reach down and restore my strength. May He grant me a restful night sleep. Most of all, may He provide me with an abundant amount of loving patience to reach out and minister to my mother. Grant me the grace to minister to her with love, compassion, kindness, and care. Thank you, Lord Jesus!!

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

A telephone conversation...

One phone call out of eight phone calls within 1 hour. Ya just hafta love her!


Riiinnnng, riiing, ring

Me: Hello?

Mom: Claire?

Me: Yes, Momma?

Mom: Well, it just occured to me that I am over here at the Air Force Academy in our room and you might not know where I am. I thought I had better call and let you know.

Me: Oh, Momma! I know exactly where you are at all times, sweetheart!

Mom: You do?! Oh I am so glad. I was just afraid you would have problems finding me.

Me: Nope! We'll be there shortly to pick you up, okay? You make sure you lie down and rest so you won't be too tired for our big evening out, okay?

Mom: Yes, I see. So you will be here at what time?

Me: At 5:00.

Mom: Well, okay, but if you can come sooner just do that. Don't worry about anything, Claire. We can just go out to eat.

Me: That's right Mom. We are going out to eat...at 5:00. We'll see you then, ok?

Mom: Okay. I'll see you then. You are sure you know how to find me?

Me: Without a doubt, I know how to find you. I love you, Mom.

Mom: I love you. Good-bye.

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

New pic of Nana

The above pic was taken tonight, October 24, after my Sister arrived for a two week visit.
The weight loss shows up in her face, don't you think?
This pic, of course, was taken on August 19, the day before her birthday and the fall.
 Posted by Picasa

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

OH NO!!!

Marsha and I arrived at Mom's late morning and found out that Mom fell this morning. Someone had left her call button draped across her bed table and it was pushed away from the bed. Mom needed to call for the aide and thought she could maybe reach it. The bed rail had been left down (after having informed the director upon Mom moving in that I wanted the rail up at all times). She is finally on an air bed, which inflates and decreases at different areas all over the bed, to help ease the pressure on her bed sores. This type of mattress is very slick which resulted in her slipping out of bed onto the hard floor. Her arm got caught in the rail and she is bruised from that but otherwise, praise the Lord, she is just sore. Tomorrow she will really feel the effects of the fall, at least, that's been our experience in the past. When we arrived Mom told us how "all of a sudden the room was filled with people, from the administrator and the director of nursing down through the ranks to several aides. It was amazing how fast everyone acted!"

We've been going through her room here at home and cleaning out some "stuff," as well as getting her king size bed out of the room. We are making room for the hospital bed once she comes home. She still wonders if she will ever make it home and we keep assuring her that we are fully expecting her to recover enough to do so. Regardless, early December she will be home, one way or another.

Update on Nana

We received excellent news on Sunday. News that sent our spirits soaring. Mom has not been doing well at all. She hasn't been able to eat. Nothing tastes right to her. She has been experiencing a ton of nausea and overall generally feeling bad. With all the belching she has been experiencing I went and talked with one of the nurses. I asked him if she could be checked for an ulcer. He said he would have blood drawn and see if she had "h pylori" (sp?). I reminded him that not all ulcers are of the bacteria kind. There are those which are caused by acid reflux. So, if the blood work came back negative I wanted to make sure they continued to seek out what was making her so ill.

Sunday morning I went to be with Mom while everyone else went on to church. The results of the blood work was in and she does have H Pylori. This is really great news because it is treatable with an antibiotic! We feel sure once she is over this setback she will begin to improve by leaps and bounds!

Mom still has a long way to go but we are so encouraged after finding out what has been wrong. We are rejoicing!

Sunday, September 17, 2006

Mountains first snow of the season!




We have had a definite change in temperature over this weekend. It brought lots of rain to the valley floor but the mountains received their first snow fall of the season! These are pics which Pilot took while hiking today with Pilot C up in Pilot's beloved mountains!  Posted by Picasa

Thursday, September 14, 2006

A Chance to Win!!!

A Blogger's Dream Come True

All of you bloggers out there have a chance to win a totally new design from Susie at Bluebird Blogs! Here's the quote from her page....

Autumn is my favorite time of the year, and it's just right around the corner. To celebrate the beginning of the season, I'm having a contest for 2 lucky people to win a totally free, completely customized blog design from Bluebird Blogs.

Information on how to enter:
- Send an email with your name and blog address to bluebirdblogs@gmail.com.
- Entries will be accepted from 7:00pm EST on Thursday 9/14/06 until 11:59pm EST on Friday 9/22/06.

*Bonus* - Mention this contest in a post on your blog and receive 5 extra entries into the drawing!

The winner will be announced on Susie's
Bluebird Blog on Saturday, September 23rd, 2006. Good luck to everyone!

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

Finally!!!

Oh Happy Day!!!


We are pleased to announce that Pilot passed his final check ride today which makes him "Mission Qualified!"
It has been a very long road of intense preparation for two years to reach this destination. We salute you Pilot for achieving your goals. And for all your future plans may you always realize that even when you are "the Pilot" you truly are the co-pilot to God!!! May all your missions be successful!

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

A Spiritual Revolution...

Repentance means altering one's habits of thought, one's attitudes, outlook, policy, direction, and behavior, just as fully as is needed to get one's life out of the wrong shape and into the right one. Repentance is in truth a spiritual revolution. ~ j.i. packer

Update on Nana

I'm glad to report that Mom is back mentally once she got started on the antibiotic for the UTI. :) This is such a relief to me! And another relief is my sister will be arriving in a few hours! What a relief it will be for me to have her here.

The progress of her walking is very slow and the pain is still very intense. If the Lord brings her across your mind, would you pray for her recovery? It sure would be appreciated.

I'm exhausted. So I'm heading to bed. I have an early morning appt. so I can't sleep in!

Friday, September 08, 2006

Quote for the day....

Our sense of sin is in proportion to our nearness to God. ~ thomas d. bernard

Thursday, September 07, 2006

Friday Feast

Feast One Hundred & Ten

Appetizer
Name 3 things that you are wearing today.

My capri's, a top and my sandals

Soup
Who was the last person you hugged?

I hugged my Mom upon leaving the care center but then I hugged my hubby when I got home. :)

Salad
What do you like to order from your favorite fast food place?

I really like Fries and fry sauce to dip them in. But then again, I do love really good onion rings...very crispy!

Main Course
What time of day do you usually feel most energized?

Usually, my best time of day is in the morning unless I've stayed up too late the night before. There are times, however, when I can get really energized around 9:30 pm and accomplish a lot before I fall into bed. If I'm on prednisone, for my asthma, then I'm energized all the time, 24/7 but just feel really crappy the whole time. But I do accomplish a ton when I'm on prednisone. *sigh*

Dessert
Using the letters in your first name, write a sentence. (Example: Sweet unusual spaniels are nice.)

Catchy lyrics always intrigue recluse experts.

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

Thursday Thirteen


Thirteen Things about Care Centers



1…. The marjority of people in them are elderly.

2.... Most of the aides and nurses are very caring.

3.... Most of them seem to be understaffed as compared to a hospital.

4.... The people who are living there need to be treated with dignity.

5.... Actually, the food is quite tasty. And, they don't charge me if I eat right along with my Mom.

6.... It doesn't seem that the patient information (like, what is wrong with them) gets passed down to the aides who will be caring for the patient. Thereby resulting in more pain for the patient.

7.... Some Care Centers are cheerier than others.

8.... This particular CC doesn't have an "odor" which is typically associated with CC's.

9.... The people in the CC still need to have friends and visitors come to see them.

10.. It's always nice to send a card on a regular basis.

11... It's nice to drop in with flowers too. They could be ones grown in your own garden.

12... It's nice to say "hi" to the other residents too. Some of them are starved for visitors.

13.. Remember someone could see Jesus shining through you!
Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)



Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!






Monday, September 04, 2006

Uh oh...Out of control?

I know. It's late and with all that I have to do during the days I do need to be in bed. I had good intentions. Everything seems to be swirling around me. So much coming at me from all directions. It has been difficult for me to focus. I function much better when everything around me is in order. So really, it is no surprise that I am still up and going strong.

You see, it began once I arrived home from seeing Mom at the rehab center. By the time I finished talking with my sister (who DID give me strict instructions to wash my one load of clothes and then go. to. bed!) and I walked through door, I had every good intention of doing just that. I started the clothes washing and unloaded the dishwasher, fixed Pilot Dad's lunch to take to work and remembered that tomorrow is garbage day. I opened the refrig to clean out any old stuff (like Mom's little tidbits of leftovers) and it began. I kicked into high gear. There was no controling it! From the refrigerator I moved to my mom's bedroom. I thought I would just make room in a drawer for her holders of meds. Well, that led to bringing a garbage bag in and...and...I just couldn't help myself! I emptied this drawer where she had stashed a bunch of garbage er, stuff that she will never miss. Then I moved to the top of her desk. And then it was to a tv table tray that some "overflow" was on. It seemed like I was out of control but let me assure you I wasn't!

I cannot tell you how much better I feel! I can honestly say it is the best I've felt since this whole awful fall took place on August 20. My mind is clear. There has been a weight lifted, albeit maybe it's only for a short while.

The more I see of mother the more I feel it is going to be a very long process. Oh, don't get me wrong. I do see progress. Progress every single day, but it is in very small increments. Now, I do realize that she is 90 years old and frail so I should not expect huge strides each day (no pun intended). Honestly, I feel she will be able to come home again. I pray to that end, anyway, knowing that it is the good Lord who is sovereignly in control. I just don't see her coming home anytime soon. More like...months.

The other good news is now that it is Tuesday morning, it is just one week till my sister arrives. And just a couple of weeks till Pilot and Pilot's former roommate arrive. His roommate (I'll call him Pilot 2) has never seen the Rockies so they are coming out to go hiking AND Pilot is requalifying on his little plane in which he got his private pilot's license in what seems like eons ago! Do you realize what that means? We will get to fly again with Pilot!!!

So, in the midst of all the daily "getting through" there are blessings falling all around me for which I am so grateful. It comforts me tremendously knowing that all of "this" has first passed through His hands before it ever touched my mom or me or our family. And because He has allowed it to touch me, then I know that I will be able to move through it victoriously, as long as I keep my eyes on Him.

Okay. NOW I am heading off to bed to get some sleep. I have to get up early for my 8am appointment. Catch you all later!

Thursday, August 31, 2006

Focus!

O VERCOME BY HIS FAITHFULNESS
V ERTICAL THINKING
E NTRUSTING HER (AND ME) TO HIS CARE
R ELEASING EVERYTHING TO THE ONE WHO IS ABLE
W ISELY KNOWING MY LIMITS AND HIS POWER
H UMBLING ACKNOWLEDGING MY NEED BEFORE HIM
E NLARGING MY FAITH
L EAVING EVERYTHING IN HIS HANDS
M ORE GRACE AND MERCY EXTENDED
E TERNALLY GRATEFUL
D EPENDING ON HIS STRENGTH

Wednesday night sunset....




We had a fast moving storm come through yesterday evening which left our skies with a multitude of different images at sunset.  Posted by Picasa

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Hypocrisy

Have you ever had a conversation with an unsaved friend and wonder where they come up with some of their thinking? For instance, have you ever had a conversation with an unsaved friend who thinks they have to "get it together" before coming to the Lord? That they needed to clean themselves up before coming to God? Did you ask yourself where on earth did they get a stupid idea like that? Then did you hear a still small voice call out your name?

Often times, we have a zeal to demonstrate that "Jesus is the answer." But sometimes I think we go too far by pretending that we have all the answers too. Do you feel like being a good witness means never letting on that you still have plenty of problems in your own life? That, my friend, is being a hypocrite.

Our world is fed up with Christians trying to sell quick, easy solutions to complex problems. What the world needs to see is something very REAL in our lives! If we are ever going to break free from the snare of hypocrisy we have to admit we don't have all the answers. I know I don't have the perfect marriage, nor do I have a perfect child (that's right Pilot---you are not perfect!), nor do I attend the perfect church. I'm a sinner just like everyone else. There isn't a person alive on this planet who is not a sinner. My life will have a far greater impact when I'm willing to admit to the world around me that I blow it every day of my life. The difference is I'm not who I used to be, and I'm not who I would have been.

As I've pondered God's faithfulness over the past several weeks as I have been reading Isaiah, it is my prayer that God will deliver me, and you, from all remnants of hypocrisy. I do not need to feel the need to pretend to be someone I'm not. Neither do you. Be open to growing in your understanding of how great God is and all He has done. As you grow you will be increasingly aware that there is nothing we can add to God. He doesn't need you and I to enhance His reputation with outward displays of religiosity. God doesn't need us to turn in a shining performance for Him. Indeed, I believe God's faithfulness shines forth most brightly through our imperfections rather than our perfection. You see, it's then that people realize that Christians really aren't perfect, just forgiven. If God has accepted us just as we are then they can believe that He will accept them just as they are. It isn't a bumper sticker, friends, it's the truth. Let's live like we believe it!

Saturday, August 26, 2006

Lacking 90 by a few hours!!

With all that took place on my Mom's 90th birthday I totally spaced out her OWLS luncheon (Older Wiser Ladies Society) that was held in her honor the day before. So, here is the birthday girl! Who would have ever thought that the very next morning our lives would be forever altered! All I can say is that she is one TOUGH lady to be only 4'9" and 79 pounds!

Her pain is still very excruciating but she is moving better. She was able to sit in a wheelchair today to eat her lunch. The confusion hasn't totally left, but the being in a fog, out of reality with that vacant stare, mumbling and "picking" the air has left! For that I praise the Lord!

So as Mom continues to come out of the acute delirium brought on by the broken pelvis I am much encouraged. Does she still have a long way to go? Oh my yes!! But there is hope, and encouragement as we see progress each day, even though it is in small increments. We can see the possibility of her returning to our home in the future.

Psalm 77:14 "You are the God who works wonders; You have made known Your strength among the people."

Mom, we are so proud of you and all the progress you have made in a week! We LOVE you!!! Posted by Picasa

Thursday, August 24, 2006

Friday Feast 108

Friday Feast 108


Appetizer
If you could have a free subscription to any magazine, which one would you like to have?

This is easy because I already have a free subscription to my favorite magazine, compliments of my MIL. :) It's Taste of Home.

Soup
Describe your living room (furnishings, colors, etc.).

Well, my family room (which is where we live, rather than our formal living room) has green/tan/maroon plaid couch and love seat which recline. We have a coffee table and some end tables. Out tv is on an oak tv stand. We also have our stero/cd system, a gun cabinet which my husband's grandfather made, an antique hall/hat tree which also has a seat on it. My desk is there along with 5 bookcases (floor to ceiling). Behind our sitting area we have a round solid oak table and four chairs. There is a rocking chair next to the fireplace. We have a lot of accent things from all over the world, like a ceramic elephant which holds an old oriental boat, items from Turkey, German beer steins, and Russian dolls which stack. And of course, scads of pics of our son, the pilot!

Salad
What does the shape of a circle make you think of?

Hmmm, I would have to say a ring...like a wedding ring, which symbolizes a neverending love.

Main Course
Name 3 things in your life that you consider to be absolute necessities.

Things and not people? Besides food, clothing and housing? I don't know that I could limit it to three things. :) Okay, my Bible, my fan (I sleep with my fan on all year long---even in the winter, making my hubby wear a long sleeve turtleneck pullover and flannels to bed!), my computer, and I cannot leave my books behind...unless there was a fire. Then I would leave my books behind.

Dessert
What was the last really funny movie you watched?

I can't remember the last funny movie. It was either Fun With Dick and Jane or Failure To Launch.

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Say Thank You to our Soldiers...


I hope the military personnel get tons of these cards. Do your part to let them know how much you appreciate them. And then pass on this website so others can send them, too. What a great idea!

If you go to the web site www.letssaythanks.com you can pick out a thank you card and the Xerox Company will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq. You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to some member of the armed services. It is FREE and it only takes a second. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these? I sent mine, now you send one too! (Some cool designs - all made by kids!)

Sunday, August 20, 2006

Prayer for my Mom...

My Mom passed out Sunday morning, (her 90th birthday!), fell and broke her pelvic bone. She did not break her hip so will not require surgery. That is a praise. However, she is in the hospital and will be there for a little while. She cannot put any weight on it so is bedridden. She dislikes hospitals (can I hear an amen?) so pray for her in that regard. She can become fearful there and, she doesn't sleep well there. Pray also for a speedy recovery.

We were going to do lunch today with another couple in celebrating and then we were having some neighbors in for cake and ice cream tonight. But one friend, who had made the cake and decorated it, and her husband came on up to the hospital with the cake and lemonade and we still celebrated for a short while. The rest of the cake we passed out to her roommate who will go home tomorrow, and the nurses and aides on her floor. There's nothing like bribing the staff for good care, right?! LOL!!!

Of course, she feels really bad about all this happening on her birthday. She was blacked out for about an hour and then still lay there because she couldn't get to her glasses to see my cell phone number. We were in church. The awful thing is she lay there until almost noon when we could get there. We called the ambulance and they were able to get her up and on the stretcher and to the hospital.

I'll update as I know more. We just appreciate your prayers so much!

Resting in His arms...

Friday, August 18, 2006

Isaiah and the Bible!

I'm so excited! In all the times I've read Isaiah I've never seen it in quite this light. Do you know that the book of Isaiah presents a nice fascinating microcosm of the Bible? Well, let me tell you, it does.

The entire Bible consists of 66 books. The first 39 are what comprises the Old Testament which tells of God's law and holy requirement, as well as His judgment on His people for their inability to fulfull the law. The next 27 books comprise the New Testament which presents a new covenant through which God offers salvation for sin. It tells how Jesus fulfulls the law's requirement and offers Himself as the spotless Lamb of God, sacrificed for the redemption of our sins. Old hat, right?

Well, in the same way, the book of Isaiah divides quite neatly into two sections. The first 39 chapters deal with judgment for sin, while chapters 40-66 deal with the comfort of salvation.

You see, the O.T. opens with God's case against us humans because of our sin. Isaiah, likewise, opens in the same way. Look at Isaiah 1:18, '"Come now, and let us reason together," says the LORD, "Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool."' The first section closes with the prophecy of the coming King of Righteousness and the redemption of Israel, just as the prophets close the O.T. with the prediction of His coming kingdom.

The second section of Isaiah opens with John the Baptist, "the voice of him that crieth in the wilderness," and is concerned with the person and work of Jesus Christ (Isaiah 40:3). The N.T. opens in exact accord with this. John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus, is announced in John 1:6, 23, "There came a man sent from God, whose name was John....He said, "I am A VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS. MAKE STRAIGHT THE WAY OF THE LORD,' as Isaiah the prophet said."'

Isaiah ends with the vision of new heavens and a new earth where righteousness dwells. The N.T. closes with this same view in Revelation.

Isn't that a striking similarity between Isaiah and the whole Bible? I think so. It's things like this which makes my journey into God's Word deeper, richer, and unforgettable!

Thursday, August 17, 2006

Friday Feast...

FRIDAY FEAST


APPETIZER
What color is your car?
Silver.


SOUP
If you could wake up tomorrow with full training in another occupation and a job in that field, what would it be?
This is really difficult for me because all I've ever wanted to be was a wife and mother. Ever since I was a little girl that's what I played and imagined being. I've always been fascinated with the law, so maybe a lawyer. Or maybe a research scientist. I secretly LOVE writing research papers! I know, kind of nerdy. But, truly, in college I loved to write papers. However, for both of those professions I would have had to pass certain criteria to be able to do that kind of work. Especially the research scientist. And, science was never my long suit. Ever. So I would need the brain power to go along with those professions.


SALAD
How many times in your life have you had the flu or something similar?

Oh my goodness. I have no idea. Maybe ten times? I certainly have had my fair share of illnesses which always seems to turn out to be some weird or exotic or near extinct illness but the flu? Not too many times.


MAIN COURSE
What is something that has happened to you this week that you didn't expect?
Oh, this is so easy! We had a phone call just yesterday from dear friends in Scotland wishing us the best on our anniversary! :D


DESSERT
How old were you when you had your first kiss?

I'm sure I wasn't very old at all before my dad kissed me!!! ;)

The Spoon

The Spoon

A holy man was having a conversation with the Lord one day
and said, "Lord, I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are
like.

"The Lord led the holy man to two doors. He opened one of the
doors and the holy man looked in. In the middle of the room was a large round table. In the middle of the table was a large pot of stew which smelled delicious and made the holy man's mouth water.

The people sitting around the table were thin and sickly. They
appeared to be famished. They were holding spoons with very
long handles that were strapped to their arms and each found it
possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful, but
because the handle was longer than their arms, they could not get
the spoons back into their mouths. The holy man shuddered
at the sight of their misery and suffering. The Lord said, "You have seen
Hell."

They went to the next room and opened the door. It was
exactly the same as the first one. There was the large round table
with the large pot of stew which made the holy man's mouth water. The
people were equipped with the same long-handled spoons, but here the
people were well nourished and plump, laughing and talking.

The holy man said, "I don't understand." "It is simple" said the Lord, "it requires but one skill. You see, they have learned to feed each other. While the greedy think only of themselves.. "

A friend is someone who reaches for your hand, and touches your heart.

Sadly, I'm afraid the Bible is very clear what hell will be like, as well as what heaven will be like. I pray that you would seek out and learn what Christ has to say about both. It is my heart's desire to see each and every friend of mine in heaven because I will most assuredly be there!

Celebrating!

Here we are at the restaurant last night. We had a fabulous time all day!



This was the sunset on our way home. Posted by Picasa

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

I do, I do, I do....

You Are The One I Will Always Love


Today we celebrate
the anniversary
of our wedding...
the day when
we first pledged
our lives and love
to each other.
and on this day
I want to honor you
by recommitting
to the vows
we made when
we first married.
I say to you anew...
You are the one I love.
You are the one I will be faithful to.
You are the one I will never leave.
You are the one I will always cherish
as God's gift to me.
I still do...love you today and forever.

Friday, August 11, 2006

Friends...

I have been reflecting on a verse lately. It's Revelation 21:7 "He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. " There is a wonderful history behind this verse for me and for my friend, L. I had been over visiting with her when she received a knock on the door. It was a young man who desired to visit with us and share some things about his beliefs.

After a very lengthy discussion in which we discussed many, many spiritual things it was winding down. But before he left he desired to meet with us again at the beginning of the next week. He was leaving right in the middle of a talk about people becoming gods. One of our criteria that we had all agreed on was the Bible would be our final source of authority. Both sides needed to show how their position lined up with God's Word. If it didn't then there was no point in going further down that path.

Well, on Sunday, L was sitting in her church listening intently to her sermon. At the exact same time I was sitting in my church, also listening intently to my pastor's sermon. Our sermon touched on this very verse. I sat there stunned. It was as if the Lord had sent me my own personal message marked: "Read this, Claire." I could hardly wait to get home and call L and tell her about this verse.

In the meantime, L's pastor preached out of Revelation 21 and also touched on verse 7. She too thought she had received a personal message from the Lord. She raced home to call me after church. We were both so amazed how God confirmed for both of us, using the exact same scripture verse, in churches across the city from each other.

We were able to meet with the young man again and shared our scripture verse with him, even sharing our story on how the Lord gave it to both of us on Sunday morning. We met a few more times with this young man and then he went on his way.

I'm very grateful for the friends which the Lord has given me. He has even widened my friendships through my blog. I never ever dreamed that I would develop friendships with people in Canada, Scotland, Finnland, England, Australia, and all across my own great country. What I love about the friendships which the Lord has blessed me with is they support and strengthen me in difficult times. They laugh with me in the good times and come along side me in the difficult times.

These friends are all different denominations. Like my friend, L. I read something a short while ago which suggested it would be helpful to get to know my future neighbors. I did a double take to make sure I read that correctly. It went on to say not the ones I always hang out with but the ones who are different. Maybe their worship services are a little more robust or contemporary, or too loud or too staid. Their services may be more charismatic or not charismatic enough. Maybe they are a different skin color and worship in a much more vibrant way. These are the different ones I should get to know. Why? Because I'm going to be worshiping side by side with them one day in heaven. And on that day, no one's going to be debating denominational differences! Can I hear a Hallelujah?!

Isn't that a grand thought! It made me smile. I have been meeting my "future" neighbors. One way has been through our Christian Chapter Chat. (It's not too late to sign on board!) And now we have more new neighbors joining in on our discussions. I'm glad. Because until I actually get Home to Heaven, I'm catching a glimpse of it right now and I am able to participate with a small taste what Heaven will be like. Thank you to each one of my blogging friends. You are all very special to me.

What's Your IQ?

I was visiting over at Rod's place, Unspace-Show; Not Tell, and found this quiz to take. I don't think I've ever heard myself called extremely brilliant before so I think I shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth! *grin* What do you rate?


Testriffic IQ test

Thursday, August 10, 2006

It's Friday's Feast again!

Feast One Hundred & Six


Appetizer
Tell about a toy you remember from your childhood.
For Christmas one year (I think I was 4) I got a doll with beautiful long, silky, black hair which could be washed. She came with her own shampoo, styling brush and mirror etc. I was so excited. When everyone went upstairs to fix breakfast I immediately took my new doll into the downstairs bathroom and proceeded to wash her lovely, long, silky black hair. Of course, I had no idea how I was supposed to do it since I couldn't read the instructions. And, no one in my family thought I would go IMMEDIATELY into the bathroom and try it without a little supervision. Well, she lost most of her hair. What was left was kinky, tufted hair that stood out about an inch or so from her head. I went running upstairs to show how WONDERFUL my doll looked after her first only hair washing episode. My mom, dad and sister looked aghast at the hideous thing, but to me, she was still beautiful and her mostly bald, somewhat kinky tufts still looked magnificent. I played with her for years!!! I guess beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder. *grin*

Soup
If you could make one thing in the world absolutely free for everyone, what would it be?
Well, there is already something that is absolutely free for anyone and that is eternal life with Christ. He is the one who has provided it. So it isn't technically something that I can give but I can share the good news with any and all who are interested in knowing more.

If it was within my power to do so, I would make the world a democracy. At least have other countries out from under ruthless dictators who treat their citizens horribly.

Salad
Approximately how many times per day do you think about your significant other?
Oh my goodness! I think about him all the time. It's hard not to because he sleeps during the day and I don't want to wake him up unnecessarily. (I will wake him up for snakes on toilets emergencies.) I can't fathom life without him because he is everything to me! He makes me laugh and brings such joy into my life! (And, our 31st anniversary is coming up next week!)



Main Course
What is something you believe in 100%?
My favorite verse (well, one of my most favorite) in the Bible. It's the greatest assurance a person can ever have: "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us [me] from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39).


Dessert
Name one thing you have done this week that you would consider a "good deed."
I took my Mom to get her glasses adjusted and then we went to a sewing/craft store and I pushed her around in her wheelchair so she could look at all the new pretty things on display. Afterward we went out to eat together.

UPDATE ON Christian Chapter Chat

UPDATE
We've already added more new members to the book club!

Kim from "Can You Hear Me Now?" was the first to sign up.

Chris from "His Unfinished Work" jumped in last night.

Gayla from "Journey of the Heart" claimed a space this morning.

Dave from "Dave's Place" is our first gentleman to join the group!

These three wonderful women will be joining us again from the original group:

Jules at "Maced With Grace"

CJ from "Flavor of the Month"

and Addie, our "mom-in-the-making" at "Diary of a Gwenabee."

Anbody else want in?????

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

Our Next Book at Christian Chapter Chat (CCC)

It looks like we've got the next book picked out for Christian Chapter Chat! If you are thinking about joining us then go take a look at the new book "Story: Recapture the Mystery" by Steven James. According to Jules, over at Maced with Grace, who just happens to have a copy in her hot little hands, it has short chapters, tons of Scripture references, some unbelieveable poetry, and the author walks you through the story of the Bible from beginning to end. What a deal and all for under $10.00.

After checking it out and you decide you would like to participate in the reading club then let either myself know or email Jules at Heyjules@att.net. We will be starting either Monday the 21st or Monday the 28th, depending on member's schedules.

Once we know whom all will be participating then we'll decide what schedule works best for putting up posts about the chapter we will currently be reading.

Now, some of you might be asking what is so special about joining Christian Chapter Chat. Well, I'm just going to copy and paste what Jules wrote on her blog about her association with the other participants (men as well as women are welcome to join). I quote, " What made reading a book as an online bookclub so great last time around? I'd have to say that it taught us so much about each of the other members. It really drew us together despite our different beliefs and backgrounds. By the time we finished the first book, "Moments with the Savior" by Ken Gire, we had become accountable to each other in various stages of our Christian walk. We also shared personal revelations about ourselves and we were amazed at how God used each of us to open the hearts up of the other members. It was really an amazing experience!"

So there you have it. Go buy yourself a copy and read along or jump in and post your thoughts along with the others. Let Jules know...or me....and we will get you added to the website over at Christian Chapter Chat!

How nerdy are you?

A tip of the hat to Eija for this!



I am nerdier than 11% of all people. Are you nerdier? Click here to find out!

Thursday, August 03, 2006

Friday Feast

Feast One Hundred & Five


Appetizer
Name an actor or actress you think is totally underappreciated.
John Cusack. I don't know why. His name just came to me.

Soup
Impress us by using a big word in a sentence.

Periodically 'verdigris' shows up on my copper floor lamp requiring me to take action.

Salad
What is something inanimate that you've given a name to (such as a pet rock)?
We have named our cars in the past. Two of our cars have had the same name: Chort.

Main Course
What color would best represent your personality and why?
Definitely green. It is very soothing and restful to me. Calming. I think my personality is a lot like that. I'm mellow, not easily perturbed.

Dessert
Fill in the blanks: ____
God________ is so ____Good________.

Praises Indeed!!! Shout to the Lord a new song!!

"O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things" (Psalm 98:1a).


Good morning, Lord. I'm hear to plan our day. You alone know what my day holds for me. May I have victory in You throughout my entire day....


"O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth. Sing unto the LORD, bless His name; she forth His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the heathen His wonders among all people. For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods" (Psalm 96:1-4).


Is this true, LORD? I'm feeling nothing....


"O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation" (Psalm 95:1).


Truly, LORD, I have gone through my morning....is it possible? Is today the day? I almost hold my breath in anticipation...


"It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: to shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night" (Pslam 92 1-2).


"O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep" (Psalm 92: 5).


Thank you, LORD, for my lunch with my young friend, G. It still is almost too much to hope for, LORD. Why do I doubt?


"So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom" (Psalm 90:12).


Thank you, LORD, for every breath you give me. Even with pain, I praise You...


"Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications. In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me" (Psalm 86:6-7).


Truly, LORD, I am beginning to have hope....


"For thou are great, and doest wonderous things: thou art God alone!" (Psalm 86:10).


LORD, it's me again. I'm still free. I've hoped for this day. I've prayed for this day. I was content if it never arrived. However, I rejoice with my heart and soul that today is my first day being pain free since the night of June 17th. Hallelujah! Then sings my soul.....


"Thou art the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people" (Psalm 77:14).


"I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings" (Psalm 77:12).


Oh yes, Lord! I will gladly tell people what You have done. I now begin my one month countdown....trusting You that the nerve pain will not return.

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

Thursday Thirteen




Thirteen Things I stress over.



1…. I stress having to come up with a new catagory of 13 things each week.

2.... I stress over heights. I get vertigo very easily. In fact, on hubby's and my 2nd date he took me climbing at the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. Over and over I told myself it was mind over matter. I could do this. Nope. When it came time to come down he was blithley walking and talking but I was seated on the ground trying to scoot my way down. And just think, we will celebrate our 31st anniversary on August 16. (That part doesn't stress me!) ;D

3.... I stress whenever I have to get up and talk in front of a group of people. No matter how much I practice it before hand everything goes out of my mind. I'm left with nothing but notes and a red face.

4.... I stressed over buying our home when my parents came to live with us. My mother is a perfectionist and to buy a home taking into consideration our tastes and their tastes was a little daunting. And, to think, it was sight unseen for them.

5.... I stress out when my kitchen is in disarray. I can't stand to work in a messy kitchen. It drives me nuts.

6.... I can stress over having to do something outside of my normal routine, especially if I'm having to do it by myself.

7.... I stressed prayed mightily over every check ride during Pilot's year of UPT. Especially when he would call and be stressed himself!

8.... I dislike going to large parties where I know very few people. I much prefer to talk one on one or at least be in a smaller group.

9.... I hate snakes....and bugs...and spiders...and BIG moths. I know I'm bigger and smarter than they are but I still do. not. like. them. one. iota. They stress me when they are in my home.

10... Cooking for my mother (who lives with us) stresses me. In her old age (90 this month) she has become much more finicky than I ever remember her being when I was growing up. In fact, I don't remember her ever disliking anything. Now, I on the otherhand, was very finicky while growing up. Isn't it funny how the roles reverse?

11... I used to stress over if anyone liked me. Especially in high school. I struggle with low self esteem. It got better once I came to know the Lord. My value in His eyes is the most important thing to me now. However, every once in a while that old self esteem issue tries to slip back in.

12... When my dad died very unexpectedly in 2001 my sister was here visiting at the time. It bothers me to think I'll be here by myself when the Lord takes our mom. I have to constantly remind myself that when the time comes, and if I am alone physically, I'm not really alone. Christ is right here beside me and will give me grace to deal with it.

13... Even with AAA roadside service it still stresses me to have car trouble by myself. I much prefer to have hubby along with me if anythng is going to go wrong. :)

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. Laura
2. Somethings Missing
3. Cheeky
4. Gail
5. Jessica
6. Mysterious Lady
7. Shannon
8. Raggedy
9. Pam and Bill
10. Stacy
11. Melissa
12. Barbara
13. Dawn
14. Beth
(leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)



Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!



Tuesday, August 01, 2006

RAIN!!

What a delightful day! The rain came pouring down as did the temperature!! I don't think we made it out of the 60's today! What a relief. However, the storm wasn't nice to some people. It is what they call a super cell storm and it looks like a tornado came ripping through. So many places still without power. As for us...we are just fine. No damage at our place. Just much needed rain. Tomorrow we dry back out and climb to 85 before heading back into the 90's.

Saturday, July 29, 2006

A Promise....

(Click on images to enlarge.)
If you peer close enough you can barely see the rainbow in each picture. The top picture it is going across the sky and the bottom picture it's located at the end of the road. It had been brighter but was fading quickly when I remembered we had our camera with us. We had been to a little town about an hour from us, with another couple, to eat Mexican food. Yummm!


Genesis 9:12-16

God said, "This is the sign of the covenant which I am making between Me and you and every living creature that is with you; for all successive generations; I set My bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a sign of a covenant between Me and the earth. It shall come about, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow will be seen in the cloud, and I will remember My covenant, which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and never again shall the water become a flood to destroy all flesh. When the bow is in the cloud, then I will look upon it, to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth."

Have a blessed Sunday! May you find it in your heart to worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
 Posted by Picasa

Summer flowers...

Color to cool our H.O.T. weather.
 Posted by Picasa

Psalm 90:2

Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. ~Psalm 90:2

Have a great weekend everyone!
Posted by Picasa

Thursday, July 27, 2006

Friday Feast

Feast One-Hundred & Four


Appetizer
What's the funniest dream you can remember having?
Oh my! I don't have funny dreams. Isn't that sad? However, my husband and our son can have some pretty funny ones. But, I guess that doesn't count, does it? ;D

Soup
If you were a dog, what breed would you be, and why?
I know I would not want to be a chihuahua because they are too small and haven't any fur. I would love to be a Keeshond, or any breed that my friend Pam, over at Ramblings and Other Things, might have. Why? Because she LOVES her dogs and takes the very best care of them and, I have a sneaking suspicion...she spoils them.

Salad
Continue this sentence: "I get confused when I'm doing complicated math."

Main Course
Name two things that need to be done, but you are procrastinating in completing.
Just two? Oh come on now! 1) cleaning my desk top 2) yard work (because it is too hot---103 F)

Dessert
When was the last time you tried something new, and what was it?
This is easy. On July 21st I tried my new diabetic med which is an injection.

Snapdragons anyone?

I just want you to know that I have entered the snapdragon part of my life.




I received this in an email today. Enjoy!

A well balanced diet!

I want you to know that I really do believe in a well balanced diet. Don't you?






Posted by Picasa

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Thursday Thirteen


Thirteen Names of God



1…. The Creator: Elohim

2.... The God Most High: El Elyon

3.... The God Who Sees: El Roi

4.... The All-Sufficient One: El Shaddai

5.... The Lord: Adonai

6.... The Self-Existent One: Jehovah

7.... The Lord Will Provide: Jehovah-jireh

8.... The Lord Who Heals: Jehovah-rapha

9.... The Lord My Banner: Jehovah-nissi

10.. The Lord Who Sanctifies You: Jehovah-mekoddishkem

11.. The Lord Is Peace: Jehovah-shalom

12.. The Lord My Shepherd: Jehovah-raah

13.. The Lord Our Righteousness: Jehovah-tsidkenu


Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. Crayonsetc.
2. Mysterious Lady's Clues
3. Something's Missing
4. Juggling Mother
5. Raggedy
6. Army Wife
7. S Wilder
8. Southern Girl



Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!



Whom do you run to?

Where do you run for your help? What is your first instinct when you find yourself in trouble? Why do we run to man before we ever run to God?

What is the problem? Do we just want to run away from God, fearful of what He will tell us? Why don't we run to the arms of our all-sufficient God? My suspicion is that a lot of people out there don't really know Him. Admit it. We often see many people, who are Christians, collaspe in time of trouble or of times of testing. Why is it they become immoblized rather than standing aggressively in the face of fear? Maybe it's because Christians, for the most part, can't boast in the name of their God.

What does it mean to boast in? It means to have confidence in, to trust in. So to boast in God's name means to have confidence in His name.

If you don't know the Lord and His many different Names then I would encourage you to seek Him out and find out just Who this is. You might be surprised. Each of the Lord's Names has meaning and purpose. You will certainly learn where to run in time of need. The Father longs to have us know Him better so that we may "trust in the name of the Lord and rely" on our God (Isaiah 50:10). It was Christ's desire that "they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent" (John 17:3). It was also Paul's goal in life, "That I may know Him" (Philippians 3:10). Oh how I pray that it would become your goal in life, too!!

Here's some food for thought; a question to get you started...if someone were to ask you to describe God, how would you do it?

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

How about a smile?

Five things which made me smile today.

1. Taking the bandages off of my toes.

2. Coming before the Lord this morning.

3. A very good air conditioner in my car.

4. Gazing at my hubby! (Always a shoo-in for a smile!) :D

5. A phone call from Pilot (second day in a row!)


So often I think it is too easy not to notice the small things in life which are really, in truth, some of the very best things which life has to offer. Why don't we shift our energies on looking around us and focus on the good rather than the irritating? I've heard it said that it takes more muscles to frown than it does to smile. I don't know if that is accurate but it is so much more enjoyable to walk through a crowd and see people smiling rather than frowning.

If nothing else jumps out at you, then at least praise the Lord you are still living, or that you have family/friends who love you, that you are able to see with your eyes and hear with your ears. If you don't have any friends then don't wait. Go out and meet some new people. If you live here in the USA and consider yourself poor....did you know that you are actually wealthy compared to so much of the rest of the world?

There is beauty all around us which is free for the gazing. So much variety of color surrounds us. Just think of all the different shades of green, or red, or blue. Some days we are fortunate to see a rainbow filled with a multitude of colors all at once.

There is a richness in living life. A richness which should be shared all around. If you see someone struggling, why not go over and offer a helping hand along with a big smile. Spread some of that richness around. Be the cause of a huge smile in return showing up on someone else's face.

Blessings to you all today....

Monday, July 24, 2006

The Papa Prayer by Larry Crabb

I'm sitting here soaking my toes in epsom salt water and thinking about prayer. Is prayer the richest part of your spiritual life? It is for me. In fact, I would go so far as to say it's my lifeline. How would your life be without prayer? Mine would be one stressed out life, worrying constantly over things which I have no control over. It isn't a happy picture at all.

How do you see prayer? Is it something that is useful in asking God for different needs? Or do you see that prayer has more to do with God's speaking to you and you learning to be the listener? As Larry Crabb says in his book, The Papa Prayer, "It's a dance where He leads.

So far I'm liking this book. It is convicting in many ways. Depending on your prayer relationship with the Lord, you may find yourself learning some new thoughts regarding prayer and God. I highly recommend it.

Saturday, July 22, 2006

Does God exist?

A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed. As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation. They talked about so many things and various subjects. When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said: "I don't believe that God exists."

"Why do you say that?" asked the customer.

"Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist. Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain. I can't imagine a loving God who would allow all of these things."

The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he didn't want to start an argument. The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop. Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He looked dirty and unkempt.

The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said to the barber: "You know what? Barbers do not exist."

"How can you say that?" asked the surprised barber. "I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!"

"No!" the customer exclaimed. "Barbers don't exist because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside."

"Ah, but barbers DO exist! What happens is that people do not come to me."

"Exactly!"- affirmed the customer. "That's the point! God, too, DOES exist! What happens is that people don't go to Him and do not look for Him."

Friday, July 21, 2006

Need a laugh?

I'm telling you I haven't laughed so hard in a long time. You need to pop on over to Classic Adventures and read this post. Maybe it was just me, but I laughed till I had tears. Course, it could be I could relate since I did experience a close call with a snake.

ISFJ?

You Are An ISFJ

The Nurturer

You have a strong need to belong, and you very loyal.
A good listener, you excell at helping others in practical ways.
In your spare time, you enjoy engaging your senses through art, cooking, and music.
You find it easy to be devoted to one person, who you do special things for.

You would make a good interior designer, chef, or child psychologist.
What's Your Personality Type?


I can hear Pilot now in response to the child psychologist bit, "Oh heaven help us! That explains soooo much!" Lol! Hopefully, he won't hold it against me. However, I must confess, I use to take those personality tests for Pilot and Pilot Dad, as if I were them. Then, I would have them take the same test and I would see how well I knew my guys! They, of course, would roll their eyes! But, I will have you know that I always scored the exact same answers as my hubby and on my son's we disagreed on only one answer. I have to say I know both of my men very well!

In fact, awhile back Pilot called and asked me how he turned out on one of these frivilous things I post on and I told him I had no idea. He was shocked! He asked me why I hadn't done the test for him? I had to tell him that I didn't bother because he was no longer living at home. Isn't that too funny!

As for my free time...I don't really "engage mysenses in art, cooking and music." Oh, I enjoy them, yes, but I would much rather be reading, or spending time with a friend, and naps...naps are really good too! :D

A laugh for my sister!!!

Next best thing to seeing it in person, Sis! *wink*
 Posted by Picasa

Friday Feast

Friday Feast One Hundred and Three


Appetizer
Fill in the blanks: I feel contented and at peace when I finish praying.

Soup
Name something you use to make your home smell good.
Candles. Or baking some yummy treat to eat!


Salad
If you could receive a coupon in the mail for 50% off any product, what would you want it to be for?
Airfare to go visit Pilot! Duh...that's a no brainer! ;)


Main Course
Besides sleeping, what do you spend the majority of the hours of your typical day doing?
Hmm, I take care of my almost 90 year old mother which requires a lot of appointments etc, and I fix 3 meals a day, I manage to read quite a bit and, of course, I BLOG!!!

Dessert
What can you hear right now while answering these questions?
A huge fan going in the background to circulate the air. Birds chirping out my window. It's pretty quiet right now. Perfect time to take a nap!

My first self given shot...


I was greatly encouraged the other day to read over at Corry's site, Experiencing Rheumatoid Arthritis, that she had successfully given herself her first injection of a new medication she was starting on. Well, unlike Corry, who I imagine had to give herself a regular injection, I gave myself my first injection today with a pen filled with a month's worth of medication. I put on this little tiny needle and just poke it straight in, push down on the end of the pen and count, one...two, and then pull it out. Ever so easy and no worse than pricking my finger for my glucose testing. I don't even have to grab a roll of fat or anything, just poke, press, and count and I am done. Piece of cake!

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Christmas in July!!!

How about a little Christmas in July? Every one gets excited about what December holds. I've heard a trailer on the radio and maybe you have too. Go here to find out more. I think this will be an excellent film for Christmas.

Friday, July 14, 2006

Memories....

Today was nearly 105 in our little part of Salt Lake City. Much too hot to even grill. After picking Nana up from her hair appt. we went out to eat. The first thing we noticed when we walked in the restaurant was how absolutely pleasant it was! So nice and coooool!

We are fortunate that when we get high heat we do not usually have high humidity. Today's humidity I think was in the 20's.

Yesterday at dinner and today at dinner my mom shared stories from her childhood. Memories from a long time ago. She is going to be 90 in August. How we laughed at some of them. One of them was so cute. She was just a little tyke but she was getting to go with the older kids into town to see the circus. She had her coat on and was sitting in her little rocking chair impatiently waiting to go. One of the adults teased her about not going, but she adamently rocked away the whole time proclaiming, "Oh yes I am. I've got my coat on and I'm READY!" Finally, the young man, Romney (Rodney), who was driving everyone arrived and they all got in the car. As they got closer to town my mom was so excited as she grew close enough to town to see the lights. She cried out to everyone, "Oh LOOK Romney! Look at the lights of the town! Aren't they so bright and pretty?"

Well, ol' Romney just growled at her in his low, deep voice, "Those 're just possum hunters!"

She began laughing as she remembered that time. Her eyes just sparkled as she recounted about the lights. I could so easily visualize her as a little girl so excited about her trip into town after dark.

Then I stopped at the grocery store and had to go by the produce section. There were these little, itty bitty watermelons on an endcap. I immediately thought of the summer when I was about 4 or 5 and we were visiting my grandmother, my mother's mother. She had planted a fairly large garden out in the back along the fence of her pasture. We had watermelon maybe our first night there. I can't remember exactly, but it had to have been early enough in our visit that I could plant a seed. My little mind began asking questions about the seeds etc. and I declared I wanted to plant a watermelon seed and grow a watermelon.

My dad kind of pooh poohed the idea, not really putting any stock in the whole idea. I'm sure he never even really gave it another thought. But my grandmother took me and we went out back in the garden and planted one lone watermelon seed. Grandmother tried her best to encourage me to plant several seeds but no, I was determined to grow a watermelon from one seed.

It was so exciting to watch the progress. Every day I went to the garden with Mammy (that's what we called her) and kept a close watch on my little vine that began growing. I guess I helped her with her other vegetables, as well as the weeding, and we talked and talked.

Well, the day finally came to go back home. Mammy lived in Booneville, Mississippi and we lived in VA. The whole family was loaded into the car, all our goodbyes had been said and we were backing out. Mammy was standing just off of the back porch watching us back out when I REMEMBERED the watermelon!!!! We hadn't eaten my watermelon! "DADDY! STOP! STOP!" "What's the matter?" my Dad asked. "We forgot to eat my watermelon!" "Well, Claire, I'm sure it's not ready to be picked. We need to get on the road." "Oh no, Daddy, please!!! We can't go yet!" I begged. Of course, he had stopped the car on my first shriek of DADDY, and Mammy walked on down to where we had stopped on the gravel road.

Mammy was the best! Of course it would be ready for picking. It might not be a huge watermelon but it would be edible she told Daddy. Now my Daddy had grown up on a farm in Mississippi and knew all about watermelons. I'm sure he sighed knowing that he had lost. We all piled out of the car while Mammy went to get her butcher knife. While she was gone I went and pulled my melon. It wasn't even the size of a cantaloup but to me, it was perfect. The amazing thing was that God had allowed one single watermelon to grow from one tiny black seed. Mammy came with her knife and we cut it open and sliced it so everyone had a bite. It was the most delicious watermelon I ever tasted...well...um...that is until my first night at college when a group of us went and stole, um...heh heh...took some from a farmer's field...but that is another memory for another time.

Thursday, July 13, 2006

Email funny....

Do you want to hear something funny? Pilot emailed yesterday to say they weren't going climbing. This is what the email said and I will quote verbatim: " You can rest easy because he ended up getting scheduled to take a test today so we aren't going to climb." Now, please understand that I had just gotten up and was still under the influence of my heavy meds. I read the email and I thought to myself how odd that he would say "he" instead of "I". Oh well...I'll pray for his test today.

Pilot calls tonight. I answer the phone.

Me: So how was your day? Long I suppose?

Pilot: No, I was off today. I didn't work.

A pause. I assimilate what he just said.

Me: What about your test today?

Pilot: I didn't have a test today. The nav guy who I was going to go climbing with, he had the test today. I told you that in the email.

Me: *bursts out laughing* Well, ask how he did on his test. He was certainly prayed for today! I wonder if God passed it on to him or is He holding my prayers in a little box for safe keeping for your next test!!! LOL!!!

Whew! I'm sure glad it was I that was in the error regarding the email and not Pilot. I thought for sure he had a sound grasp of his pronouns.... *snicker* It's just me that's the dumb cluck!!!

Friday's Feast

Friday's Feast One Hundred & Two


Appetizer
Name one thing nice that you could do for someone else today.
I can take my mom to her hair appt. And, I'll make her breakfast for her. And last night at dinner I sat and listened to her as she told tales of being a little girl growing up. I asked questions and we laughed together.

Soup
When was the last time you were frightened by the weather?
Hmmm. If it means when I was safely tucked inside my home it would have been when Pilot was in the 10th grade having to drive home late from Basketball practice in his first major snow storm after getting his driver's license. It was 10 miles one way and he had to come on the freeway and it was so icy and...well, you know how Mom's are. His father told me not to worry. I prayed for him all the way home.

Salad
What would you say is the most useful website or blog that you visit?
I use Google an awful lot. Also, CBD, a Christian bookstore online, and I actually pick up some very useful tidbits over at Carol's place, She Lives.

Main Course
Who was your favorite singer/group when you were a child?
When I was a child?! Oh good heavens, I have no idea! But my favorite when I was a teen was The Beatles. As I "matured" (ahem) I liked Chicago and The Eagles.

Dessert
Do you have any rituals? If so, what are they?
Does this mean something I do all the time, without fail? Like cleaning my face before bed and putting on moisturizer? Brushing my teeth? Making sure my overhead fan is turned on to 'medium' before going to bed? Reading my Bible everyday? Or are we talking about OC things like having to check to make sure the doors are all locked at night...5 times. I don't do things like that. My family may can think up some but they don't blog, or comment, so I think I'm relatively safe from their sharing anything. :)