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!

 

Summer flowers...

Color to cool our H.O.T. weather.

 

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!

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?

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!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

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?

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....

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.

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."

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*

 

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!

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.

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.

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. :)

Climbing.....

Today Pilot and a friend will be doing this only it won't be on an indoor climbing wall. Nope. It will be outside...on the side of a mountain* (*read "hill" in Utah language)...hanging by a rope and a harness. Just every mother's nightmare,...I mean dream...every mother's dream for her son to be hanging off the side of a mountain like this.

Can you guess what I'll be doing? All day? Yep! PRAYING !

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
UPDATE: He isn't climbing today. Pilot emailed and said they called a test for today so there won't be any climbing. Gee, I hope he doesn't think because I prayed he had to take a test....he won't want me praying. Honestly, I didn't pray that he wouldn't GO...just that he would be protected. So I guess I'm praying for him and this test today.

Thursday Thirteen....

THIRTEEN THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY

1.... Open toed shoes. I love sandals and I hate to wear shoes. When winter comes I begrudgingly begin to wear shoes.

2.... Sunsets and sunrises. I used to see many sunrises when I had to drive Pilot to school. Those were really great times for us to drive and be blessed by God's display in the sky!

3....Chocolate. Anything chocolate.

4.... Well, those of you who know me already know this is a given. A phone call from Pilot. It's the next best thing to being here in person!

5.... Phone calls from friends! I love when friends (and family) call because they want to talk. It means they are thinking about me!

6.... A great book! I have several on order which should be coming soon!

7.... Flowers. I love to receive flowers from my sweetie!

8.... Not having to do the dishes! Sometimes that means I've cooked and Pilot Dad has done the dishes. But, more often than not, we have gone out to eat!

9.... Studying God's Word. It does more than make me happy, it brings meinfinitee joy!

10.... Having a clean home! *sigh* I love to come into the house after it has been cleaned. There is just something calming about everything in its place and in order.

11.... Sitting on my patio looking at the flowers which my sister helped me plant in June. It's really quiet and restful. A lot of times Pilot Dad and I do our daily Bible reading out on the patio.

12.... In the fall I love to drive up in the mountains and look at the fallfoliagee. I come back relaxed and happy.

13.... I am MOST happy when I am walking in His will for me!

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. Ardice

2. Lisa

3. Louise
4. Juggling Mother
5. Raggedy
6. Army Wife
7. Gail
8. Carmen
9. K. T. Cat
10. Lil Duck Duck

11. Swilder
12. Lazy Daisy
13. Stacy
14. Lady Jane
15. Susan
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!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Today's sunset....

I asked the Lord for a special blessing today and He gave me this beautiful sunset! My batteries died at the most crucial point where the sun was this brilliantly bright pink/red ball of fire. Breathtaking! I did get to see it but alas, I'm afraid you are not going to see it! ;) Enjoy! 

Need a smile?

If you need a smile I know just the place to get one. Here is a delightful video of a dad making his four babies laugh and giggle while snuggling with Mom. Check it out. It's bound to raise your spirits. I know it did mine!

Eerie...

I dropped in at Patty's place and found this little "puzzle" to try. If someone can tell me how to beat it I would really appreciate it. Go here and try it. Thanks, Patty!

Another Meme....

#1 - The book nearest me …page 18 line 4:
"...of cancer. The surgeon operated, but it was too late." The Red Sea Rules by Robert J Morgan

#2 Stretch out left arm…..what do you touch?
Air...or the edge of my desk.

#3 last thing watched on television…?
The 10:00 pm News

#4 Without looking what time is it?
11:20 pm

#5 What actual time is it?
11:15 pm

#6 With the exception of the computer what can you hear?
A fan going and my washer washing and my dryer drying.

#7 When did you last step outside?
About 9:15pm to put the garbage out.

#8 Before this survey what did you look at?
Barbara's blog.

#9 What are you wearing?
My robe.

#10 Did you dream last night?
If I did I don't remember it. (The drugs...remember?)

#11 When did you last laugh?
This afternoon when Pilot Dad surprised me by taking me to see the movie Pirates of the Carribean.

#12 What is on the walls in the room?
A calendar, 2 small plaques, pictures, a laughing Jesus (my favorite) 2 counted cross stitches of a Cross and one of an Ichthus which were wedding gifts from my sister, our Jesus picture of the name of Jesus handpained in Korea.

#13 Seen anything weird lately?
Nothing weird I don't think, just something sad...the bird's nest with 2 abandoned blue eggs. *sigh*

#14 What do you think of this quiz?
It's okay.

#15 What is the last film you saw?
See number 11 up above. :)

#16 If you became a multi-millionaire what would you buy?
We support several missionaries so I guess I would do more of that. I would put some in savings so we could go visit Pilot whenever we wanted. I would pay someone to come paint the inside of our home rather than having hubby and I do it. I can't think of anything else right now. I do believe the meds are kicking in.

#17 Tell me something we don’t know.
One time my mother was at the kitchen sink downstairs and I was upstairs supposedly doing chores. She was giving me a lecture. I could hear everything she said but just to spite her, I waited till she was in the final few sentences and then I yelled over the banister, "Are you talking to me? I can't hear you!" *snicker* She just about went ballistic. I'm sure she wondered what part of "the speech" she needed to repeat...
~*~*~*~*
Disclaimer: I was not a believer at that time. I have since asked forgiveness from my precious Lord. I have not ever mentioned to my mother that I did that on purpose. Some things are best left forgotten.

#18 If you could change one thing about the world, what would you do?
Hmmm...I would lower the price of gasoline.

#19 Do you like to dance?
Slow dancing with my hubby....yes.... ;)

#20 George Bush?
Oh yes!

#21 Imagine your first child is a girl.
Oh, I could never do that! She would be a 6'3", very closed shaved hair gal who loves to fly planes....but she would have gorgeous blue eyes (swoon) and a $1,000.000.00 smile!!! *grin*

#22 Imagine your first child is a boy.
Okay, this is much easier. He is 6' 3" and weighs about 185 lbs. He has dark hair shaved close to his head (to save time). He truly does have beautiful blue eyes and a million dollar smile that just makes me melt. He is kind, compassionate, generous, and godly. And, he's a pilot in the Air Force!

#23 Would you consider living abroad?
Oh, yes! I've lived in Germany when I was younger. (My dad was in the Air Force...flew planes) ;)

#24 What would God say to you when you reach the pearly gates?
"I find your name listed in the Book of Life because you are trusting in the sacrifice my Son made on the Cross. He died in your place for your sins. Come in. Well done my good and faithful servant." (I hope and pray it is "Well done my good and faithful servant.")

#25 3 people who will do this quiz:
I hate this part. If anyone wants to do this quiz feel free to do so. Just let me know so I can come read all about you!!!

A hat tip to Barbara at Being Barbara, Being Mum, Being Me!

Coping with trials....

As many of you know, I have been in constant pain since the evening of June 17th. Along with my new disease I also have had an intense flare up of my arthritis in both of my knees. Between those two things I have not paid much attention to my on going foot pain.

One thing I have noticed about being in so much pain is that you are consumed by it. It makes it very difficult to concentrate on anything else. It's hard to focus on a conversation or even try to accomplish some small task. Even without movement by you there is still constant pain. It isn't muscle pain but it is nerve pain which doesn't seem to be touched by most pain pills.

As I have pondered my situation I've studied how best to cope with it. I haven't questioned God on why it is happening to me because I know He would not allow anything to touch me that hasn't passed through His hands first. He is sovereign and nothing can happen to me without His allowing it.

There is an excellent little book out there called The Red Sea Rules by Robert J. Morgan. He has written a book with 10 God given strategies for difficult times. I've read this little book several times over the past several years. It's full of good, solid biblical information that is helpful to anyone who is experiencing difficult times. I highly recommend it.

Over the last couple of weeks as I have been in God's Word, I have discovered some points that have helped me to cope. My first avenue for relief has been prayer, but not that God would take this away (however, that would be very nice), rather He would give me the suffiency of His grace to endure and persevere throught out the duration. My prayer has been that I could continue as much as possible with the care of my husband and mother. Now, I admit, what I have been able to do has been severely cut. But I have tried to carry on as much as I am able.

One of the first things I've been reminded of is while conflict/trials are inevitable, prayer is crucial. Discouragement is understandable but I am given the ability to go through it. What should I do when I am discouraged? I believe unity is essential. Allow others to pray for you. Make the effort to get together with others. The other day, I went out to lunch with 3 other dear friends. Judy picked me up and took me (she was one of the luncheon gals) and then dropped me off for my hair appt and came back and picked me up from there and took me home. It is humbling to be dependent on others to get around because of medication. Trying to figure out how to get around when I can't drive can be a little tricky. But, the lunch out was a great boost for me. After all, I was going to hurt whether I was laying around at home or out with my friends.

Also, I think it's important to publicly declare my belief in God. To focus on who He is. It is one of the best remedies for discouragement there is to ponder on how powerful God is. God is strength. God is awesome. When "its" bigger than I can deal with that's when I need the right concept of God. I need to "remember." So often I can put the problem in front of God, blocking His greatness. Instead I should put God in front of my problem.

I need to remember that sacrifice is indispensable. The work of God doesn't just happen. A lot of times I may need to be out of my comfort zone for God to use me. But, I go back to "remember"....

• God is personal. He is my God.
• God is unique.
• God is attentive.
• God is righteous.
• God is powerful.
• God is awesome.
• God is sovereign.
• God is unfailing.

My view of God who will be with me through out is crucial. It's not the robustness of my faith but it is the reliability of my God. Remember....

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
What I've written has not come from the Red Sea book. It has mainly come from Nehemiah 4.

Psalm 16:1-11

Psalm 16:1-11

Preserve me, O God, for I take refuge in You.

I said to the LORD, "You are my Lord;

I have no good besides You."

As for the saints who are in the earth,

they are the majestic ones in whom is all my delight.

The sorrows of those who have bartered for another god will be multiplied;

I shall not pour out their drink offerings of blood,

Nor will I take their names upon my lips.

The LORD is the portion of my inheritance and my cup;

You support my lot.

The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places;

Indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me.

I will bless the LORD who has counseled me;

Indeed, my mind instructs me in the night.

I have set the LORD continually before me;

Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices;

My flesh also will dwell securely.

For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol;

Nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay.

You will make known to me the path of life;

In Your presence is fullness of joy;

In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.

40 Questions...a meme

40 Questions

I'm getting this from Pam over at Ramblings and Other Things. Thanks, Pam!

1. Have you ever been searched by the cops?
Well, I did get run in to the Police station my first year in college on Halloween. We were busted for T.P.-ing. We began buying rolls of toilet paper early on, like the end of September. But, the stores began to get wise and took all rolls of T.P. off the shelves so people had to ask for it if they wanted to purchase it. (I kid you not!!) It made for some interesting editorials in the local paper, mainly by the "older" poplulation. After the stores took it off the shelves we then had to resort to saving what we could from the dorm. They cut down on how many rolls we could request at a time. My first year of college was in a small town in Mississippi. I had a great time.

2. Do you close your eyes on roller coasters?
I've only ridden a roller coaster 3 times and yes, I closed my eyes on part of it.

3. When's the last time you've been sledding?
When Pilot was young. I took him over to a hill near where we lived and went down once that day.

4. Would you rather sleep with someone else, or alone?
I only want to sleep with my hubby!

5. Do you believe in ghosts?
Nope.

6. Do you consider yourself creative?
Oh my no! I certainly wish I was talented in that area but anything that I do which comes out "creative" I must have copied it from someone else!

7. Do you think O.J. killed his wife?
Yep.

8. Jennifer Aniston or Angelina Jolie?
Who on earth gives a rip? I certainly don't. The less said about Jolie the better.

9. Do you stay friends with your exes?
I've never had an "ex" and don't plan on having one at this stage in life. After all, our 31st wedding anniversary is coming up in August.

10. Do you know how to play poker?
I know the basics in poker but I would much rather play cribbage or Canasta. I'll play other card games too, like Uno or Phase 10 (which Pilot can't stand).

11. Have you ever been awake for 48 hours straight?
Sadly, yes.

12. What's your favorite commercial?
I love the Budwieser one (?) where the guy has a revolving wall with his refrig stocked full of beer. But on the other side of the wall in the next door apt the guys think it's a magic refrigerator which dispenses beer....it's pretty funny. The other one I like is the cell phone which has "theft" protection. These two guys are in the locker room telling each other about their phones and the one guy bests the other guy by having theft protection. All it is, is him throwing his phone at the other guy when he reaches for the guy's wallet. You would have to see both commercials in order to see how funny they are.


13. What are you allergic to?
The better question would be: What are you not allergic to? I'm allergic to most trees, all weeds, a lot of grasses etc.... I take allergy shots in both arms each month. I also suffer with asthma.

14. If you're driving in the middle of the night, and no one is around do you run red lights?
No.

15. Do you have a secret that no one knows but you?
Hmmm...probably I do but really, maybe not. My hubby knows most everything I know.

16. Boston Red Sox or New York Yankees?
I don't really care but I suppose Boston Red Sox since the Yankees have won so many times.

17. Have you ever been Ice Skating?
Yes, when I was young, living in Colorado Springs. Let's see, I guess I was in Jr. High school.

18. How often do you remember your dreams?
I don't usually. But there are a couple of ones which I have had over and over again. There are times where I remember them but it isn't too often.

19. When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried?
Not too long ago...I kind of get goofy sometimes when I'm on pain meds and I can crack myself up...I may not crack anyone else up but at least I get a good laugh. :D

20. Can you name 5 songs by The Beatles?
I'm terrible at song titles so I'll just go with what Pam wrote down: Norwegian Wood, Lucky in the Sky with Diamonds, Help, Sgt. Peppers Lonely Heart Club, All My Loving

21. What's the one thing on your mind now?
Pain. It's been solid since June 17th. And now, my arthritis in my knees is flared up as well as the baker's cyst behind my knee. I'm still dealing with the pain in my foot and that's all on top of the mononeuritis multiplex. Things like this are good because it helps to take my mind of the pain...well, at least a little.

22. Do you know who Ghetto-ass barbie is?
Don't have a clue and I don't care to find out.

23. Do you always wear your seat belt?
Yes. We always do.

24. What cell service do you use?
Verizon

25. Do you like sushi?
Oh, no! Of course, I've never tried it and I don't intend to.

26. Have you ever narrowly avoided a fatal accident?
Well, I don't know if it would have been fatal but I do believe that the Lord has certainly protected us on several different occasions.

27. What do you wear to bed?
Nightgown.

28. Been caught stealing?
No.

29. What shoe size do you have?
Just this year I've moved from a 7 to an 8.

30. Do you truly hate anyone?
Oh no. I can honestly say that. However, there are a few people in politics who make my blood boil.

31. Classic Rock or Rap?
Well, between the two of these I guess I would choose classic rock.

32. If you could sleep with one famous person, who would it be?
I wouldn't. I could never do that. I wouldn't want to.

33. Favorite Song?
Find Us Faithful by Steve Green. It's a Christian song.

34. Have you ever sang [sic] in front of the mirror?
Nope.

35. What food do you find disgusting?
Cooked spinach....unless it is chopped up very fine in a casserole or raw in a salad. Brussel sprouts, cooked cabbage, beets, liver, sushi, shrimp, lima beans, coconut.

36. Do you sing in the shower?
No, I usually sing in the car with the radio on, but that's only when no one is with me.

37. Did you ever play, "I'll show you mine, if you show me yours"?
No.

38. Have you ever made fun of your friends behind their back?
I'm sure I did when I was a kid. I'm sure I would be lying if I said no, even though I can't recall a particular incident right now.

39. Have you ever stood up for someone you hardly knew?
Yes.

40. Have you ever been punched in the face?
No, but I have received a head but when Pilot was little. I was coming down to kiss him goodnight and he was raising up and his head hit my nose. OUCH!!! It brought tears to my eyes!


From these questions one would think I've lived a pretty boring life, I suppose. But, I don't think I have. I just think there could be better questions. :) Anyway, I'll not list anyone to do this but, if you get a hankering to answer this meme then let me know so I can pop over and read your answers!

Another Pic....

Another pic from the Pfieferhorn hike of Pilot.

 

A quick prayer for today.

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. ~ John 16:33

Oh Father God, when I am troubled, You heal me. When I am afraid, You protect me. When I am discouraged, You lift me up. You are my unending source of strength, Lord; let me turn to You when I am weak. In times of adversity, let me trust Your plan and Your will for my life. And whatever my circumstances, Lord, let me always give the thanks and the glory to You. ~Amen.

Question...

I have a question that has been bugging me and I hope someone will help me. It's a silly question but I want an answer. How does one cross out a word while typing on one's blog. I come across blogs periodically where a word has a line drawn through it but you can still read the word. I know this is probably really easy to do but I haven't figured it out yet. Can anyone help me? Thanks ever so much!!!

Ten TopTrivia Tips...

Ten Top Trivia Tips about Pilot Mom!

1. Four-fifths of the surface of Pilot Mom is covered in water.
2. The porpoise is second to Pilot Mom as the most intelligent animal on the planet.
3. All gondolas in Venice must be painted black unless they belong to Pilot Mom!
4. Astronauts get taller when they are in Pilot Mom.
5. Over half of Americans are officially Pilot Mom!
6. If you lick Pilot Mom ten times, you will consume one calorie!
7. According to the story, Pinocchio was made of Pilot Mom.
8. New Zealand was the first place to allow Pilot Mom to vote!
9. Donald Duck's middle name is Pilot Mom.
10. Pilot Mom will always turn right when leaving a cave.

I am interested in - do tell me aboutherhimitthemA

A Hat Tip to Leslee!

Pilot has taken to the skies....

Pilot has left. It was a fabulous time with him. I felt bad that both hubby and I were not functioning at our top speed for his visit but Pilot seemed to understand. He was so very helpful to us. We had great times just chilling and talking and watching some tv and, of course, eating all his favorite foods. He managed to see friends a couple of times and some other friends dropped in for a visit. Sunday was a wonderful day of worship together. There is nothing I like better than worshipping together as a family! We had a special time of prayer together before he left for the airport. What can I say but it was wonderfully special!

Happy 4th of July!!!

The Pfieferhorn climb by Pilot!

(Click on picture to enlarge.)

Mt. Olympus Hike by Pilot

 

Mononeuritis Multiplex....

Mononeuritis Multiplex...I'm still trying to come to grips with it. After being in intense pain, sometimes quite excruciating since Saturday, June 17, I went to a doctor. She tested for a kidney infection which came back 'normal.' She made the diagnosis as a strained muscle. She did perscribe a Rx for pain meds. They absolutely did nothing to cut the degree of pain.

After another week I called my regular doctor but he was out of town and I could see his nurse practioner. She saw me the next day and was just positive that I had a kidney stone. She called and scheduled me for a CT scan that very day. It came back negative. The one thing she did do is write me a perscription for a much stronger pain med. And, she made me an appointment to see a different doctor in the same practice for the next day. The blood tests she had done on me did show a kidney infection but that was not severe enough to cause my pain. She added a perscription for an antibiotic.

I went to see Dr. K on Thursday and he said the blood work came back with some definite irregularities showing infection somewhere but not able to identify it exactly. He did a thorough exam and was quite perplexed. The pain is located on my left flank...from the kidney area in the back, around the side and into the front around the spleen area.

It hursts to breathe, it hurts to walk, I found out that I should never sneeze because that caused something to "pop" in my back and brought me to my knees screaming in agony. Dear hubby was so overcome as he came running because he has never seen my cry from pain in all our 30+ years of marriage.

Anyway, Dr. K kept me on the stronger pain meds and then put me back on neurotin (sigh* I had gotten myself off of it back in the summer). He also sent me for another CT scan, 0nly this time it was the one with the iodine injected in through the IV. He wanted to make sure there wasn't a blood clot hidden somewhere in there. That too came back negative, which is really, actually, great news.

Dr. K said that other than shingles without the rash, which is very rare, he would have to diagnosis my pain as mononeuritis multiplex, which is also rare. What on earth is that? Well, read here for more information explaining what it is.

Hubby and I have been reading in Job in our Bible, reading "Through the Bible in a year." I really identified with Job this time. However, I am so thankful that the Lord hasn't taken my family, our income etc away too. But the physical pain Job suffered I can identify with. I pray that we have caught this early enough so I will have a full recovery. If we haven't caught it early enough, then I pray the Lord will be gracious and allow me to endure and function with grace and dignity. May I be able to focus outside of myself, on others and their needs. In the meantime, I look at ways to be able to function throughout my days. I see my regualr doctor again on Wednesday. I am praying that I will have significant improvement by then. So far, I haven't experienced that but the Lord can do anything!

Meanwhile, we are having a wonderful visit with Pilot. He has been so helpful for his "old" parents! He has mowed the front yard and will do the back yard next. Today he went climbing up in his beloved mountains! Came home quite satisfied. Today's climb was Mount Olympus, about 8,700 ft. Monday's climb will be the Pfieferhorn Mountain which is about 11,000+ in altitude. He has managed to spend some time with friends but a lot of time has been spent with us. It is so wonderful to have your children grow into adults and still desire to be around their parents, hanging out and having fun. I want each day to last forever, however, I know that isn't going to happen. So we are enjoying every minute we have with him.