A BEAUTIFUL NEW DAY

HARD TO DECIDE WHAT TO DO!!

2007-11-28T11:07:00.001-05:00

For those of you who have ever had to be on long-term steroid use, you will understand what I am going through right now. I have been on high dose steroids for almost 12 years! I was supposed to be on steroids for 3 weeks but I have never been able to come off of them. I have severe difficulty breathing when I try to decrease. I am in the process of trying to lower the dosage once again - and once again I am getting weaker. So frustrating! The drugs help keep me going and alive yet the side-effects are killing me, too! Don't know what to do - except trust the doctors and God to get me through this!!

It is a beautiful day outside and I will try to enjoy the day and not focus on my health! So hard sometimes!

BRRR!! IT'S COLD OUTSIDE BUT WARM IN MY HEART!!

2007-11-07T08:35:00.000-05:00

It is finally getting cold here! We seemed to have just skipped a season and gone straight to winter. It is 37 degrees outside this morning and I have to go out! I am going to the thrift store to work today. I will be there all day, which is hard for me, but I am glad I can do it. My health seems to be doing a little better right now and I pray it continues. I am truly blessed by what God has done in my life - making friends, starting to be a little more active, going to a new bible study group for singles on Friday - things are looking up! And my daughter seems really happy, too! She is going back to work today and I think she is really excited about it - and it sure does help financially! God has truly blessed us both!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BABY!

2007-10-23T17:22:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was my little girl's birthday! She was 21! Not so little! Where did the time go?? I am so grateful that I was here to celebrate with her! We had a great dinner together and we are really going to celebrate this weekend. I am so grateful to God that He blessed me with her 21 years ago! She is truly a blessing in my life!

What a Wonderful Homecoming!!

2007-10-22T10:51:00.000-05:00

Here in Morgantown, WV, this past weekend was Homecoming for the WVU Mountaineers. It was a great game with the Mountaineers beating Mississippi State.

But there was an even better Homecoming here in Morgantown. It was the homecoming of Jacob Allen. For those of you who are not from this area and haven't heard, Jacob is an 18-year-old, severely autistic boy who was hiking with his family last Sunday and got lost. He was in the dense woods for 4 days before he was found, alive and well!! God is so good!! There is no earthly explanation why Jacob should have been found in the great condition he was in. Only God! The homecoming celebration at Chestnut Ridge Church, his home church, was wonderful! It was such a joyous occasion and I felt truly blessed to be a part of it!

The situation with Jacob reminded me once again that God is always faithful and when we think all is lost and we are all alone, God does work miracles and He is always with us!!

Praise God!! And Welcome Home Jacob!!

STAYING STRONG

2007-10-19T11:51:00.000-05:00

Haven't been feeling great the last few days. The doctor isn't sure what is going on but I had to go back up on my steroids, which is very discouraging to me. Sometimes I don't feel like I have the strength to go on. But then I came across something that helped me stay strong. Not sure who wrote it but I love it:

"True strength is told in the suffering you have already overcome."

I have overcome a lot and will continue to overcome as much as I need. I know there is a reason for all I have gone through and even though I may not understand it now, one day I will be healthy and whole again. I will stay strong!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

2007-10-17T09:52:00.000-05:00

"Success is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm."

Winston Churchill

"For a righteous man fails seven times, and rises again."

Proverbs 24:16

Coming Out of My Funk and Joining the World Again!!

2007-05-01T15:00:00.000-05:00

It has been a while since I have posted anything. I have been in kind of a funk. I have felt really bad and kind of just cut myself off from the world. But I have really been praying for strength and courage to keep on going and over the last few days I have felt that strength and courage. I went to church on Sunday and enjoyed it. It is really hard for me to go by myself but I know I have to. I can't use it an an excuse anymore. It has been beautiful outside and I have tried to get out more, too. Even walked down by the river today. Not very far and certainly not very fast, but at least I was outside! I went to lunch today with about 10 people from the Newcomers Club and really enjoyed it. My daughter's new landlord went with me and we really both enjoyed it. I am so glad I met her - think we will become great friends. I am going to go to a Bible study with her starting next week. Things are just really looking up. I refuse to give up even though sometimes it seems like it would be much easier. But I know that God has something planned for me and my life and I will just keep going and try to follow in the steps that God wants me to walk! I am so thankful for friends and family who don't give up on me!!

HAPPY EASTER!

2007-04-06T19:19:00.000-05:00

Happy Easter!! Though this story is not really an Easter story, it really struck me when I received it from a friend by email. It truly shows how Jesus wants us to treat others and how sometimes we fall far short of that. Let's try to remember on this special day, and everyday, that the way we treat others is the way we treat Him.

Have a blessed holiday!!

DART TEST

A young lady named Sally, relates an experience she had in a seminary class, given by her teacher, Dr. Smith. She says that Dr. Smith was known for his elaborate object lessons. One particular day, Sally walked into the seminary and knew they were in for a fun day. On the wall was a big target and on a nearby table were many darts. Dr. Smith told the students to draw a picture of someone that they disliked or someone who had made them angry, and he would allow them to throw darts at the person's picture. Sally's friend drew a picture of who had stolen her boyfriend. Another friend drew a picture of his little brother. Sally drew a picture of a former friend, putting a great deal of detail into her drawing, even drawing pimples on the face. Sally was pleased with the overall effect she had achieved.

The class lined up and began throwing darts. Some of the students threw their darts with such force that their targets were ripping apart. Sally looked forward to her turn, and was filled with disappointment when Dr. Smith, because of time limits, asked the students to return to their seats. As Sally sat thinking about how angry she was because she didn't have a chance to throw any darts at her target. Dr. Smith began removing the target from the wall. Underneath the target was a picture of Jesus. A hush fell over the room as each student viewed the mangled picture of Jesus; holes and jagged marks covered His face and His eyes were pierced.

Dr. Smith said only these words... 'In as much as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me.' Matthew 25:40.

No other words were necessary; the tears filled eyes of the students focused only on the picture of Christ.

Spring is Here!

2007-03-20T16:22:00.000-05:00

“Expect to have hope rekindled. Expect your prayers to be answered in wondrous ways. The dry seasons in life do not last. The spring rains will come again.”

Unknown

Happy Spring! Today is the first day of spring and I pray that along with the beautiful flowers and weather it brings that it brings good health and happiness to all!It has been a beautiful day here - a little breezy but beautiful! We are off to a good start!

After feeling like things were kind of "funny" between my daughter and I the last few days, we had a great night last night and things are fine. As she often tells me "I am just paranoid."! I am so blessed to have her and I thank God every day for her.

I pray for my friend who is having lots of health problems and marital problems. I just pray for her peace and health. Wish I could do something more for her but I hope she knows that I am there for her if she needs me.

I hope your Spring is off to a good start!

TOMORROW WILL BE A BETTER DAY!

2007-03-14T18:52:00.000-05:00

It has been beautiful outside the last few days - about 70 degrees! Much different from last week when we had 6 inches of snow on the ground! Don't think the 70 degree weather is going to last but spring is on its way!

I just wish my health would be so beautiful! It has been a rough for days. Feel like I am on the downhill slide again and it is so frustrating. I just don't understand why I can't stay well! I am trying not to get discouraged but honestly it has been tough the last few days. I have not been in the best of moods - just ask my daughter! I am trying to keep upbeat but some days that isn't so easy!

I didn't get to go to my HopeKeepers meeting tonight. Just too weak and my eyes to blurry and having too much trouble breathing! That really frustrated me because we only meet every 2 weeks and I was really looking forward to going. Debra called me and wanted to come over and pray for me and I didn't even feel like having her over. She prayed for me over the phone and that meant a lot.

Well, I guess enough for being down today. Tomorrow is another day and I just know it will be better!

GOD KNOWS THE PLAN!

2007-03-10T13:05:00.000-05:00

I went to dinner last night with Debra. I really enjoyed it but had to leave rather abruptly because I couldn't breath very well. I am trying to come down off the prednisone and it is really causing problems. I am trying to tough it out because I really need to get off this drug, but my body is really fighting it. I just pray that I make it through this weekend without having to call the doctor.

As frustrated as I get with my illness and the inability to stay well, I have to believe that even if I don't understand why, God has a reason for all of this.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you., plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

PRAISE GOD FOR HIS WONDEROUS WORKS!!

2007-03-06T09:22:00.000-05:00

Somedays, like the last few days, it is really hard to feel good about much of anything when my body is feeling as bad as it is. But then I think about the fact that God made me in His wonderful way and I praise Him! I may not understand why He made my body the way He did, but I praise Him for his wonderous works!

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb.

Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—and how well I know it.

You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.

You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.

Psalm 139:13-16 NLT

WHAT IS NORMAL WHEN IT COMES TO HEALTH?

2007-03-04T15:51:00.000-05:00

Not feeling great today. Tried to go to church - actually did go but had to leave. My eyes started to shut on me. They haven't done that in a while but I could feel it coming. They are open somewhat now but not all the way and I just in general feel tired. I was very disappointed and discouraged because I really wanted to go. I met Debra and her husband Don there and church had just started when I could feel it coming on. Debra was very sweet - came out and prayed for me and then called me after church to check on me. At least I know I have a friend here now!

But even when things seem to be at their worst, God is always there. I was searching the internet for devotions and came across this one which I feel couldn't be more appropriate for today - or my life in general! God truly is awesome!

What’s normal?
By John Fischer

“Grace must wound before it can heal.” — Flannery O’Conner

There are two schools of thought when it comes to the problem of pain. One says: “Sometimes the going will get tough, and in those times you need to remember that your faith will get you through and something good will come out of hardship. Hang in there, this will soon be over.” The other would be: “Get use to it. Pain, suffering, and hardship are necessary for growth. They will be constant companions to those who desire to know and love God deeply. Get ready for the long haul. If you’re feeling good and life is relatively painless, that’s the abnormal experience, not the norm. Enjoy it, but don’t expect it.”

These perspectives present what appears to be subtle differences, when, in fact, they have huge ramifications for the follower of Christ. One says that suffering is a glitch on the spiritual map, a storm one can weather, a malfunction easily corrected with a certain degree of patience and determination. This perspective believes that there exists a “normal” state for a believer that is relatively comfortable and risk-free. But in reality, this perspective is unbiblical and actually lines up more with a culture that treats discomfort as something we deserve to have alleviated. Multi-billion dollar industries are dedicated to creating and maintaining this myth, and convincing us all that the good life is attainable with, of course, the help of the product being touted. In other words, “normal” is just around the corner.

The other perspective is much more in keeping with reality and the belief that our real purposes go way beyond this life and this present darkness. It is a perspective that expects hardship and pain to be a part of the day-to-day program. If we are waiting for anything, we are waiting for eternity with Christ, not for everything to get better here on earth. We have learned that trials are such an integral part of our growing life in Christ that we even welcome trouble when it comes our way, because we know that by it, our faith is found worthy of being tested and our endurance will have a chance to grow (James 1:2-3).

This is not about being pessimistic. It’s about being realistic and learning how to find joy in the midst of even the most difficult things. Getting “normal” right is half the battle.

“God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith. As a result, I can really know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I can learn what it means to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that, somehow, I can experience the resurrection from the dead.” (Philippians 3:10-11 NLT)

Through all my illness, I truly know that God is with me!

STARTING TO FEEL LIKE HOME!!

2007-03-03T00:12:00.000-05:00

It has been a pretty good few days. I went to the HopeKeepers meeting Wednesday and really enjoyed it. I really didn't feel like going, had decideded NOT to go, but God kicked me out of my chair about 15 minutes before the meeting and made me go! I am glad He did and glad I listened to him. I met Debra and Barb and really enjoyed talking to them and getting to know them. I had dinner with Debra tonight and really enjoyed getting out and having some company!

I went to see my neurologist today. He is going to try to cut down on my prednisone a little. I am glad but at the same time, I get really nervous. Everytime we try to go down on the dosage, I start having trouble breathing. He is going to take it real slow so hopefully things will go well. It usually takes about 5 days or so before I can really tell if I am going to have problems. Hopefully not this time! I was supposed to be on this drug for about 3 weeks and it has been 10 years!!! Time to get off of it - the side-effects are horrible! Hopefully this is the time!!

I am really starting to feel at home more and more here in Morgantown and become more convinced everyday that I made the right decision in moving here. God really led me here, every step of the way. He is so awesome!! I am starting to make friends and feel like I really do have people who care - and who I care about! Even though I have friends in other places, it feels so good to start having friends here and feel like I belong! God's love is truly unbelievable!

~~Never Silent~~

A loving heart, a gentle smile, a warm and tender touch
We give so many things in life but nothing means as much.

A little inspiration when one loses hope,
A kind word of encouragement when they no longer seem to cope
A simple phrase, "I love you"when no one else is there
Taking hold onto a hand in a little heartfelt prayer.

Love is never silent. It has so much to say,
And it is our greatest blessing when we give it all away

Author Unknown

GETTING OLD IS TOUGH!!!

2007-02-27T19:59:00.000-05:00

I went to one of my doctors today. Not much to report yet - did some blood work to check the anemia, which is still ongoing, and to see if I am going through "the change"! I just don't see how that is possible - I couldn't possible be old enough for that!!!! These hot flashes MUST be due to something else!! Whatever they are due to, I hope it goes away soon. I am not sleeping at all at night, which is making recovery from my illness a little tough since I need a lot of rest! Hopefully this will all go away soon! My daughter and I had lunch today after my appointment and I enjoyed that.

I made a new friend today. I was reading my Quest magazine - a magazine for people with MD, which my disease is classified as. They have a section for penpals and there was a lady named Brenda, who is my age and has MG! Not that I am excited for her that she has the disease but it is nice to find someone my age who has the disease and understands what it is like. Even though this disease is different for everyone, it is nice to have someone who is going through some of the same things. We have corresponded by email and I feel like we will keep that up. It was a nice surprise in my day!

I start a new group tomorrow called HopeKeepers. It is a group I found for people with chronic illnesses. I think it is a national group but they have meetings here in Morgantown. I have spoken to one of the members and she is very nice - even offered to pick me up if I couldn't drive. They meet at a church right down the street from my house so it is really convenient. It is also a bible study, and I have been looking for one to join. This could be an answer to prayers. I am looking forward to meeting some new friends and growing in the Word!

All in all, it was a pretty good day! Really wiped out tonight so hope I sleep well but looking forward to another beautiful day tomorrow!!

GOD IS ALWAYS WITH US!!

2007-02-22T12:04:00.000-05:00

The snow is starting to melt and it is getting a little warmer outside. This Georgia girl isn't used to sub-zero temps! But things are getting better!

God is so good! Even when times are bad! I was on my way to a Newcomer's Club luncheon on Tuesday - I am trying to meet some new friends! - and my car would not start! Dead as a doornail! My precious daughter came to take me so I wouldn't miss my luncheon! I have AAA (thank goodness!) They came to tow my car because it just wouldn't stay started even after jumping it off. So off my car went to Superior Ford!

Then yesterday morning, my daughter calls me and tells me her car had been towed - not an unusual occurrence here in Morgantown where parking is always at a premium - but just a little frustrating because her house has its own parking and someone was in her place so she had to park on the street and got towed. Granted, she parked in a yellow zone but as she says everyone does, but she got caught. Well, of course, my car was still in the shop and I had no way to get her. I called my mechanic (and now dear friend!) Frank and he offered to loan me his personal car, even had someone come pick me up to come get his car. So I spent the morning going to the bank (it isn't cheap to get your car towed!), going to the Morgantown Police Department to get a release for her car, picking her up from class, then going to pick up her car and take Frank back his car. All this was done in 2 hours and she was back for her classes!

My car is still in the shop but it is not going to cost nearly as much as I thought - some of what is wrong is under warranty! Thank goodness for good and honest mechanics!

God is so good! It wasn't too long ago that all of this would have stressed me out completely and while yesterday morning wasn't fun, I handled it and just dealt with it (much better than my daughter did - she still has a ways to go in learning to deal with stresses!) But together she and I managed to get through it - all with God's help!

Footprints in the Sand

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky. In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there were one set of footprints.

This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints.

So I said to the Lord, “You promised me Lord, that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there have only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, you have not been there for me?”

The Lord replied, “The times when you have seen only one set of footprints in the sand, is when I carried you.”

Mary Stevenson

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!

2007-02-14T12:04:00.000-05:00

I hope you all have a very Happy Valentine's Day!! Celebrate with someone you love, whether it be your spouse, your significant other, your child, your friends. Remember, Valentine's Day doesn't have to be just for lovers - it is just for LOVE!!

"Love doesn't make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile."

~~Franklin P. Jones~~

REMEMBER THE BLESSINGS IN YOUR LIFE!!

2007-02-09T12:17:00.000-05:00

No matter what happens in my life, I am trying to be grateful for all my many blessings, of which there are many!!

"Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has many--not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some."

Charles Dickens, Novelist

GREAT WEEKEND WITH MY DAUGHTER!!

2007-02-04T12:22:00.000-05:00

I am getting a little stronger every day. It has been a good weekend. My daughter and I ran a few errands Friday and then went out to dinner. We had a great time. She spent the night with me and we just had a lot of fun together. She had to work Saturday but then she spent the night with me again. I love having her here with me! She does so much for me but the most important thing is she just spends time with me -and I don't even ask her! That makes it so special!! It is so cold today that I don't think I will do much but stay in and stay warm!! Good day to watch the Super Bowl! But at least I am feeling a little better - hope it keeps up! God is so good!!

MAY NOT HAVE GOOD HEALTH BUT HAVE WONDERFUL FAMILY AND FRIENDS!!

2007-02-01T14:17:00.000-05:00

I am still trying to recover from my latest hospital stay. I am doing a little better but still not able to do much. Get really tired and short of breath. My daughter is still helping a lot - going to the store for me, cleaning for me, etc. I am trying to do more on my own, though. But even though this has been a rough time, some good has come out of it. I have gotten back in touch with friends and family that for whatever reason, I had not been in contact with very much. It is a good feeling and I don't plan to ever loose contact again. When it comes down to it, it doesn't matter how much money or possessions you have, having people you love and who love you is what matters and God has blessed me with wonderful friends and family!

REMEMBER TO ALWAYS TELL THOSE YOU AROUND YOU THAT YOU LOVE THEM!!!

2007-01-22T14:29:00.000-05:00

It has been a while since I last posted. I did have to be admitted to the hospital and then had to be on a ventilator for 10 days. It was not a lot of fun! I am doing a little better now. At least I am home. I am still really weak but my breathing is better. My daughter has been staying with me since I got home. It has been nice having her here. She cooks for me and takes care of me. I don't have much of an appetite and probably wouldn't eat at all if it wasn't for her! She will probably go home tomorrow or the next day. She is only about 5 minutes away but I will miss her so much. But she needs to get back to her normal routine. These last few weeks have been rough on her - working 2 jobs, going to school full-time and taking care of a sick mom. But she has never complained and is always there for me.

Always remember to tell those around you how much you love them. You just never know when you might not have another chance!

SHOW SOMEONE KINDNESS TODAY

2007-01-03T13:43:00.000-05:00

I am still not doing great - going downhill. I go to the doctor tomorrow. I will probably be put in the hospital once again - should probably be there now!

But through it all, there have been some bright spots. My daughter came over two nights ago to check on me - she calls me all the time and comes over when she is not working. She got me something to eat and just spent some time with me. I was sitting in my chair, which is all I can do right now, and realized she was cleaning the kitchen!! And I don't mean just wiping off the counters - she was deep cleaning! It may seem like a little thing but to me it was huge!! I have not been able to do much and she knows how much I can't stand having it not clean. She even mopped my floor! And I didn't even ask her! It meant more to me than I can ever express. And everyday she calls me numerous times to see if I need anything, if I need her to bring me food, if I need to go to the hospital, just to check in. I am truly blessed!!

I just hope we all can remember that we don't have to do anything major to make a difference in someone's life. Just a call, a touch, a hug, an "I love you" can make all the difference in the world!

NEVER SILENT

A loving heart, a gentle smile, a warm and tender touch
We give so many things in life but nothing means as much.

A little inspiration when one loses hope,
A kind word of encouragement when they no longer seem to cope
A simple phrase, "I love you" when no one else is there
Taking hold onto a hand in a little heartfelt prayer.

Love is never silent
It has so much to say,
And it is our greatest blessing
when we give it all away.

Author Unknown

Show someone you love a kindness today - or someone you don't know who could use a loving touch!! It will mean more to them than you will ever know.

HAPPY NEW YEARS!!

2006-12-30T18:26:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year! It looks more and more like I may be in the hospital for New Years - not doing too well - so I wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Years in case I am in the hospital! I wish everyone a prosperous and happy 2007! While I am grateful for 2006, I honestly hope that 2007 is a better year!!!

GOD DOES ANSWER PRAYERS

2006-12-28T17:35:00.000-05:00

God is truly awesome. While I am not feeling a whole lot better physically, emotionally I am a new person today. Last night while I was relaxing in the bath, I just started crying and praying, asking God for some peace about what is going on in my life as far as my health and my finances. While no big check came in the mail today, I did receive a huge dose of peace and contentment! Nothing has really changed but I know that I will make it through! I feel calm and at peace - and that is sure to help my health.

I actually slept in my bed last night - something I have not been able to do in about a week because of my difficulty breathing. I have been sleeping in my recliner so it felt good to actually sleep in my own bed.

My daughter went back to her house today - kind of quiet without her here. But I am so blessed that she stayed with me during the holidays. She didn't have to do that - her house is only about 5 minutes away - but it was so nice to have her here! I am so truly blessed to have her for my daughter. She has had to deal with a lot but she is always there for me and I love her more than I can ever express!

I am trying to take it easy this week - don't really have much choice, not physically able to do much. I want to get good and healthy so I can start out 2007 on a good note!! I want to be able to focus on my on-line businesses, on my crafts, just on getting on with life!!

GOD CARES WHEN WE SUFFER

2006-12-27T17:27:00.000-05:00

Even though the holidays have been wonderful with my daughter, I am so afraid right now - health problems, financial problems. How am I going to make it through all of this? But I know that no matter how tough things are, God is always there for me and there is a reason I am going through this and He is walking with me.

I came across this story and felt is was so perfect for how I am feeling right now:

"A good friend of mine once went to visit his brother during a time of deep crisis. His marriage was struggling, his business was near collapse, and his money was drying up quickly. He had just sold his home and moved into a one-bedroom apartment and had no idea how he was going to dig himself out of his financial and relational problems.

My friend listened as his brother confided in him about his deep frustration. "Some days you want to go outside and shake your fist at heaven and say, 'God, why don't you help me?'" his brother said.

My friend looked at his brother in the eye and said somberly, "That wouldn't do any good. He doesn't even know who you are." The two looked at each other for several seconds then burst out laughing. The two brothers had spent their lives trusting God and studying his Word, and the absurdity of the statement left them both in stitches. Years later, the brother told my friend that his joke had brought him a great deal of comfort during his trying time. Even more, it gave him renewed perspective.

We've all felt abandoned by God at one time or another. God cares deeply when we suffer, and he is right there beside us all the time. At times like these the best thing to do is put your hand in his and trust him with your future. Because he not only knows what you're going through, he knows exactly who you are.

from Embracing Eternity by Tim LaHaye, Jerry B. Jenkins and Frank M. Martin (Tyndale) p 166 "

FAMILY TIME DURING THE HOLIDAYS!

2006-12-20T08:49:00.001-05:00

I really am starting to feel the Christmas spirit! I am feeling okay - not great but a little better. But the best thing is my daughter has spent the last few nights with me and we have had lots of fun. Even though we live in the same city and see each other a lot, it felt kind of weird not having her here at my house during the holidays. We have watched movies, played games, baked, laughed, and just had fun together! I am so lucky to be able to spend so much time with her - she is such a blessing in my life!!

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday and can enjoy your family and friends and the time you have together!!

FEELING A LITTLE BETTER, FEELING TRULY BLESSED!!!

2006-12-16T19:02:00.000-05:00

I am feeling a little better today. I finished my treatments yesterday, thank goodness!! They went okay but having some problems with the increase of steroids. But the medicine (yes, another medicine) the doc gave me yesterday for those problems seem to be helping.

I felt good enough to meet my daughter for brunch today before she went to work. We had a nice time together. On the way to the restaurant we had both passed a homeless man on the side of the road. She brought it up first to me but I had also seen him. We decided to go get him some lunch and take it to him before she went to work. She has such a heart for that and it makes me very proud. He said he was very hungry and was very appreciative. We hope to be able to do it on a regular basis. There seems to be more people in need around here lately, or maybe we are just noticing more. It truly makes me feel so grateful for everything I have - even though sometimes I feel like I have lost so much, I truly am so very, very blessed!!!

"If you want to life yourself up, lift up someone else."
Booker T. Washington

Keeping the Faith and Praying Health Gets Better!

2006-12-13T15:57:00.000-05:00

Another day of treatment down - 2 to go! I don't feel like it is helping a lot but I have to keep the faith! And I can't worry about tomorrow - I have to just focus on today and do what I can!!

So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today!"
Matthew 6:25-34 NLT"

I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME!!

2006-12-12T16:09:00.000-05:00

Today was day 2 of 5 of my treatments at the hospital. So far, so good. I am trying to avoid having to go into the hospital before Christmas! Hopefully these treatments will work! I feel okay, not great, but at least don't think I am getting any worse. The nurses have been so wonderful at the hospital and that really helps! I will make it through this and be able to have a wonderful Christmas!!

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! Phillipians 4:13

WE CAN BE CLOTHED IN KINDNESS EVEN WHEN LIFE IS NOT A BED OF ROSES!

2006-12-09T11:10:00.000-05:00

Clothed in kindness

"A doctor once stepped into a taxicab and discovered an unusually friendly driver.…he asked the man why he was so cheerful. "It all started," he said, "when I heard about a taxi driver who was so kind to a passenger that the man remembered him in his will, leaving him $65,000. I thought I would try it, and maybe somebody might leave me something. But after I tried it, I found it was so much fun being good that I decided I would do it for the fun of it, reward or no reward."

The world would certainly be a more cheerful place if we all had such good dispositions. Imagine walking down the street and seeing nothing but smiling faces.…Life is not a bed of roses, and most people are too happy to let you know that. That's what we tell ourselves when we want to appease our guilt on those dark and dreary days. I'm not the only one who's had a bad day, we think. People are just going to have to understand.

Maybe they do, but how does Jesus feel about it? Kindness should flow out of the life of a Christian. The world has an excuse to be angry, but we don't. Redeemed people should act like they're happy to be redeemed.This is what separates believers from those who haven't discovered the goodness of Christ. We have a reason to rejoice. We have a standard to uphold. We have a Savior to pattern our life after.

"…you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
Colossians 3:12 NLT

from Embracing Eternity by Tim LaHaye, Jerry B. Jenkins and Frank M. Martin (Tyndale) p 86"

"I AM PROUD I KEEP TRYING"

2006-12-07T09:38:00.000-05:00

I am off to the doctor today. There is a chance that I may have to go in the hospital. I hope not but I am going prepared. The breathing is not great but I am hanging in there. It just always seems to happen around the holidays which is really frustrating. But I am trying very hard to keep a positive attitude. I found a saying in a magazine the other day that kind of sums up what I feel - "I'm Proud That I Keep Trying!" And I will keep trying - to get better, to get my business going, just trying at life! I refuse to let any of this get me down - at least not for long!!

SHOW HOW MUCH YOU CARE

2006-12-04T15:55:00.000-05:00

People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care!!!

During this holiday season, and all year long, remember to show those around you just how much you care!!

Finding Joy in Your Life!

2006-11-29T10:02:00.000-05:00

Always remember that

Joy is not what is going on around you, but what is inside of you!

GREAT MEDICINE!!

2006-11-27T19:03:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a wonderful day. My daughter and I finally had Thanksgiving dinner - she had been out of town - but it was worth the wait! We had a great meal but an even better time together. We also decorated my house for Christmas and just had a great time. Even though I was not feeling great physically, I felt a lot better emotionally after spending the day with her. She truly is wonderful medicine for me!!

Remember the Reason for the Season!

2006-11-24T10:04:00.000-05:00

It seems that every year, Christmas becomes more and more commercialized. The stores start decorating sooner, ads appear earlier on TV, toy catalogs reach our homes before Halloween is even over. Please take a moment this season to remember the true meaning of the season. While it is fun to celebrate with Santa and to have all the parties and gatherings, the true meaning of the season is the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2006-11-23T10:55:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving and remembers all the things they are thankful for today. Even though sometimes things are tough, we truly have some much to be thankful for!! Happy Thanksgiving!

Trip to Honor my Father

2006-11-19T08:28:00.000-05:00

On my way to Columbia today. First time I have been back since my father died. His Rotary Club is honoring him and it is very important to me to be there. I am a little nervous - it is going to be a really emotional time. I am so grateful my daughter is going with me. I couldn't make it without her. Physically couldn't drive myself but also need her emotionally. God has truly blessed me with her!!

This Is The Beginning of a New Day

2006-11-18T11:55:00.000-05:00

This is the beginning of a new day.
God has given me this day to use as I will.
I can waste it or use it for good,
but what I do today is important
because I am exchanging a day of my life for it.
When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever,
leaving in its place something that I have traded for it.
I want it to be gain and not loss; good and not evil;
success and not failure; in order that I shall not
regret the price I have paid for it.

'Unknown'

Not feeling so good but still a great day!

2006-11-17T10:05:00.000-05:00

Not feeling too good today. Some days this neurological disease really gets me. I am not breathing too well and feel really tired. Kind of cold and dreary outside. It is a good day to take it easy at home. But it is a new day and I am here! No matter how I physically feel, it is a great day!! I have to remember that day by day God will take care of me and all I have to do is trust in Him for each day's needs. I know when I am having a difficult time, God sends me the strength and nourishment I need to face what comes my way. (Exodus 16:4).

Each Day is A Beautiful New Day!!

2006-11-16T15:12:00.000-05:00

I am new to this - this is my first blog ever! But the last 10 years have not been easy on me but I have refused to give up! This blog will be my story of the last few years and the story of my life now and what I hope my future will be. Hopefully it will be inspirational to all those who read because through it all, I have refused to give up!! Each new day is A Beautiful New Day for me!