Welcome to My Blog
2010 Theme of Hope
>When I paused to ask the Lord about any direction for studying the Bible this year, the word hope came to my mind.I wondered, “Is that my theme for this year Lord or just an emphasis for this moment or for awhile or what?” I didn't receive any direction on that but I...
Trusting God’s Communication Abilities
Yesterday, I had my follow up appointment with the surgeon and he said I shouldn't have continuing pain. I may be bleeding inside where he did the work because that would cause inflammation and pain. But he doubts that because I haven't had fever and chills, which...
Is God a “No-No”?
Because of my back surgery, we've had to be careful allowing my 2 1/2 year old grandson Raphael near me. Yet, he doesn't realize that he can't climb all over me and yesterday he ran toward me fully intending to jump onto me. We all had to yell, "no, no, no..."...
My Family’s Unplanned Christmas Tradition
It wasn't intended to be a Christmas tradition and yet because it took place over several years when my brother, sister and I were young, it became a tradition. And I'm sure we'll speak of it this Thursday when we have our family get together.In our house in Norwalk,...
Thank You, James Hanger!
In preparation for my back surgery, I went to the Hanger Prosthetics and Orthodics Company to get fitted for a back brace; which of course, I'm wearing now all the time except when I'm laying down.As I waited in the office, i noticed a piece of paper explaining how...
I Recommend “Mystery of the Cross”
Larry and I recently sampled a sliver of chocolate at Trader Joe's called a “Dark Chocolate Crisp.” It's as thin as a Lays Potato Chip but wow! Was it powerfully chocolaty strong! We both commented that it was so rich we would easily have any chocolate itch scratched....
Loving Well
For several days the Lord keeps pulling me back to Philippians 1 and I'm fascinated trying to figure out the connection between discerning love and righteousness. The NET Bible says: “And I pray this, that your love may abound even more and more in knowledge and every...
Important Perspecitve About Guilt and Shame
Tim Chester writes, "Ongoing guilt makes your opinion the one that matters most; shame makes people's opinions what matters most. Repentance is making God central and accepting his declaration that you're righteous in Christ." pg 134, You Can Change, IVP, 2008.So...
Moving Day for Audrey
Six years ago when Larry's dad died, we began caregiving for his mom, Audrey, who was about 87. The first sign of what was to come--her Lewy Body Dementia--was the day she called to say she'd received a letter from her health insurance and they wanted to get rid of...
Announcement and Ramblings on Pain
After 2 1/2 years of having Audrey, Larry's mom, living with us, we are moving her on Tuesday into a care house with caregivers caring for 3 women. We visited the care house today. It feels so weird to think that the hands-on caregiving is over. Of course, if I were...
Quote for Contemplating Pain
We are, not metaphorically but in very truth, a Divine work of art, something that God is making, and therefore something with which He will not be satisfied until it has a certain character.”--C.S. Lewis, (The Problem of Pain, page 34)
Review for “Surviving One Bad Year”
I know I already mentioned this book in my last post, but I thought I'd share the review for it that I put on sites like cbd, amazon and Barnes and Noble. Obviously, I recommend this book."I was encouraged by Nancie's vulnerable sharing about her challenging time. It...
Analysis Paralysis
As I've traveled this road of back pain, I've sought the Lord for His purposes. Over the 5 months, I've had moments of great insight and yet wondering what I'm missing. I'm currently reading Nancie Carmichael's new book, Surviving One Bad Year, (Howard Books), and she...
A Cane is Like a Strategy
The pain meds are less effective—minus vicodin. Now it really hurts to walk. I'm going to use a cane. It's great how much that really does help. No pressure or less pressure is good.Larry just came home from taking his mom to elder day care and said, "Don't use the...
No Longer “Miss-don’t-Make-Waves”
First read the post before this.I'm shedding my "No waves" personna. I just called the health insurance referral service and asked about the referral to the surgeon. It has been approved.I then called the surgeon's office and they've rec'd it but doctor will go over...
Ascribe to the Lord….
>Last Friday, I'd decided I couldn't wait the additional 3 weeks the pain management doc wanted me to wait before referring me to a surgeon. I was in continuing great pain. So I got up my courage in the Lord, and left a message last Friday even though the doctor's...
43 Years of Walking with Jesus
Forty three years ago today, October 1st (it was 1967 then and I was 18!), I became a Christian. I specifically asked Jesus to be my Lord and Savior. I'm grateful for the foundation I'd received from going to church as a child, but I hadn't really committed myself and...
Prayer request & More on Psalm 27
My second spinal cortisone shot for sciatic pain is tomorrow/Tuesday morning. Please pray for favor with God to deliver me from pain.And the reason I use that wording, which for some reason, sounds a little weird to me, is because of additional insights from studying...