Thank you for your prayers and for being a part of my journey!
Showing posts with label healing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label healing. Show all posts
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Prayer Request
Thank you for your prayers and for being a part of my journey!
Monday, September 12, 2011
News Blackout
I decided yesterday that I was not going to sit in front of the television yesterday watching all all of the ten year anniversary September 11 coverage. I watched little bit when I first got up in the morning and then listened to coverage on NPR on my drive to and from church. But besides that, I didn't watch much of it at all. I decided to put myself under a news blackout. It's not because I didn't think it was important to remember that horrible day in American history. It was more a way for me to say, as I did in my post yesterday, that life goes on.
I remember I was glued to the television back in 2001. I saw the image of the planes flying into the World Trade Center towers so many times, I felt numb. I heard all of the stories of survivors and all of the stories of family members of victims. I read everything I could in the news and online. Along with this, I was given the extra responsibility of trying to preach sermons in response to the terrorist attacks.
When I look back on those days and weeks following September 11, 2001, I realize that it was only by the grace of God that I was able to move through days. And this is also how I wanted to focus my heart on the tenth anniversary. I wanted to pause and give thanks for God's amazing grace in my life and along my journey since that time.
My pastor said it this way in his sermon on Sunday:
I like the way Julian of Norwich put it. Julian of Norwich lived in the fourteenth century during the Black Plague. Every day was 9/11 for her. But she had great hope that grew out of her faith as she faced the depths of the trials of her day. She wrote these lines: But all shall be well, And all shall be well, And all manner of things shall be well…He did not say, “You shall know no storms, no travails, no disease,” He said, “You shall not be overcome.”
Wow. What power. God did not say, “You shall have no storms.” God did not say, “You shall have no terrorists, you shall have no fires, you shall have no death.” God said, “You shall not be overcome.” All shall be well.
On this day, are the promises and protection of God enough for us? Are we able to say “All shall be well?” We may have to say it with a tear in our eyes. We may have to say it with a lump in our throats. We may have say to it with clenched fists. But in that whisper is eternity itself.
God’s faithful promises are our armor. Hope is in the enduring memory of God’s protection.
When the final 9/11 television special signs off for the evening, the last analysis has been offered, the last commentary spoken, and the last editorial written, I can think of no more beautiful eulogy than to say: But all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well…He did not say, “You shall know no storms, no travails, no disease,” He said, “You shall not be overcome.”
So, yesterday I napped and rested trusting that all shall be well and all shall be well and all manner of things shall be well.
Thanks for being a part of my journey!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
A Tree Planted by the Water
I saw this video as I was surfing the web today thinking about what I wanted to blog about on the tenth anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks. The video struck a powerful chord with me. Even in the midst of the horror that scarred our nation on that day ten years ago, life goes on. Though we felt mangled and helpless and vulnerable, God gave us the grace to experience the only thing that really matters - God's love. God was and is with us calling us to new life, forgiveness, and healing so that we might be like trees that never fail to bear fruit.
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in him.
They will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.”
- Jeremiah 17:7-8, NIV
Thanks for being a part of my journey!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Mystery Mission Trip
Today in worship at my church, we commissioned our youth mission team. They left today for a week-long mission trip. The pastor explained that they were leaving but they didn't know where they were going. The destination is being kept a secret from the youth. It sounds like they may be going to more than one place. We are going to be able to follow their travels and progress through the church website.
The pastor said a really neat thing. He told the congregation that in many ways this is what missions should be for all Christians. We should be willing to go wherever God leads us and needs us. We often try to control things and never leave our comfort zones. Yet, Jesus calls us to go into ALL the world - the dark places, the dangerous places, the hurting places, the starving places, and the broken places.
I am looking forward to following the youth mission team as they go into the world to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to the world. I hope you will join me in praying for them. I know God is going to bless them in huge ways.
Thanks for your prayers and for being a part of my journey!
The pastor said a really neat thing. He told the congregation that in many ways this is what missions should be for all Christians. We should be willing to go wherever God leads us and needs us. We often try to control things and never leave our comfort zones. Yet, Jesus calls us to go into ALL the world - the dark places, the dangerous places, the hurting places, the starving places, and the broken places.
I am looking forward to following the youth mission team as they go into the world to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to the world. I hope you will join me in praying for them. I know God is going to bless them in huge ways.
Thanks for your prayers and for being a part of my journey!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
A Wonderful Ministry
I attended a meeting today with the Director of Living Waters Ministry in Hamilton, Ohio. We met to talk about ways in which TriState Habitat for Humanity and Living Waters Ministry might collaborate to serve the people of Hamilton. I left the meeting feeling excited by the work that was already being done by Living Waters and how Habitat might come along side them and serve some of their current clients through our home ownership program and possibly through the new Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative that Habitat is helping to launch.
While the task before us seemed a bit daunting, I also felt much hope as I learned more about what Living Waters Ministry is already doing to make a huge different in the lives of the poor in Hamilton. I felt proud of my denomination to know that Living Waters was founded in 1999 by United Methodist Churches. Living Waters offers free programs for children such as recreation, academic enrichment, mentoring, nutrition, fitness, field trips, and service opportunities. They also help refer clients who need medical care, food, clothing, housing, utilities assistance, legal advice, translation services, job training, and transportation. Living Waters coordinates a community garden and teaches children and youth about gardening, food preparation, and nutrition. They sponsor a Christmas store, health fairs, and summer block parties.
Living Waters has also recently renovated a former public school building and they preparing to expand their work to that site. By the time I was done hearing about what they do and what they plan to do, I felt like I needed a nap. I could sense the great passion for serving as many people as they could all in the name of Jesus. They are doing much and realize that this is just the tip of iceberg.
I am grateful for what God is doing through Living Waters Ministry. I am grateful for my time of learning and listening today. I am grateful for people who had a vision to begin this ministry and their willingness to follow through to make that vision a reality. I am grateful that all of this is being done in the name of Jesus to help heal a broken world.
If you want to learn more about this amazing ministry, you can check out their website http://www.hamilton-living-water-ministry.org/
Thanks for being a part of my journey!
While the task before us seemed a bit daunting, I also felt much hope as I learned more about what Living Waters Ministry is already doing to make a huge different in the lives of the poor in Hamilton. I felt proud of my denomination to know that Living Waters was founded in 1999 by United Methodist Churches. Living Waters offers free programs for children such as recreation, academic enrichment, mentoring, nutrition, fitness, field trips, and service opportunities. They also help refer clients who need medical care, food, clothing, housing, utilities assistance, legal advice, translation services, job training, and transportation. Living Waters coordinates a community garden and teaches children and youth about gardening, food preparation, and nutrition. They sponsor a Christmas store, health fairs, and summer block parties.
Living Waters has also recently renovated a former public school building and they preparing to expand their work to that site. By the time I was done hearing about what they do and what they plan to do, I felt like I needed a nap. I could sense the great passion for serving as many people as they could all in the name of Jesus. They are doing much and realize that this is just the tip of iceberg.
I am grateful for what God is doing through Living Waters Ministry. I am grateful for my time of learning and listening today. I am grateful for people who had a vision to begin this ministry and their willingness to follow through to make that vision a reality. I am grateful that all of this is being done in the name of Jesus to help heal a broken world.
If you want to learn more about this amazing ministry, you can check out their website http://www.hamilton-living-water-ministry.org/
Thanks for being a part of my journey!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
First Day Back to Work
Today was my first day back at work after walking the half-marathon. It felt like a long day. The stack of stuff on my desk seems like it's a mile high. I am grateful to my co-workers for all of their encouragement along this journey. It was a real treat for me to show them my medal today.
My foot is still sore but I think it's getting better. I was really tired today but tried to keep moving. I came home and took a nap and now I'm not long from bed. Hopefully tomorrow I will have a bit more energy. I have my last writing class tomorrow night and want to be ready for that.
Well, I'm not long from bed. Thanks for being a part of my journey!
My foot is still sore but I think it's getting better. I was really tired today but tried to keep moving. I came home and took a nap and now I'm not long from bed. Hopefully tomorrow I will have a bit more energy. I have my last writing class tomorrow night and want to be ready for that.
Well, I'm not long from bed. Thanks for being a part of my journey!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Lessons Learned
I'm really tired and sore today but it's a good tired. I also know that I am sore because I accomplished a huge thing in my life. Yesterday I walked the Flying Pig Half-Marathon. I still can't believe it but I really did it.
As I've been reflecting on my experience, I have been thinking about the lessons that I learned throughout this entire process. So, I thought I would share with out some of the things that I learned.
Every Journey Begins with the First Step - This journey for me began last December. My sister Stacey sent out an email encouraging me to sign up to walk in the Flying Pig Half-Marathon. At first, I thought she was crazy. I think I just let the email sit in my inbox for a few weeks. However, I kept thinking about it. On the last day of the early bird registration fee, I decided to go ahead and do it. I had no idea really what I was doing but I decided this is something I wanted to do and really needed to do. It was going to be good for me. So, I took the first step and it forever changed the last four months of my life. Every important thing that I have done in my life began with a first step.
Pain Is a Part of Life - I have experienced new levels of pain in my training and in walking the marathon. My back hurt. My legs hurt. My head hurt. My knees hurt. My feet hurt. Today I'm nursing a blister on the bottom of my foot. The wet weather yesterday didn't help matters. However, what I learned is that you can push past the pain. It's still there. It reminds you of your humanness. However, it doesn't have to defeat you. I nearly had an anxiety attack on Saturday night thinking about the painful big blisters that were going to form on my feet. I also wondered if I was ever going to walk again after I stopped and tried to get out of my parents' truck after the ride home. I was so stiff and in a lot of pain. However, I rested and it is better. What I'm left with in spite of the pain is a huge sense of accomplishment. We all walk around with some kind of pain - emotional, physical, psychological. What we do with that pain makes all the difference in our journey of life and faith.
It's Better If You Don't Have to Make the Journey Alone - I thank God for my friend Karen's willingness to walk with me. Through our training, she held me accountable and helped me to stay motivated. When we were walking and we didn't know if we were going to make it, we lifted one another up. I don't know if I would have been able to do this on my own. The same is true in my life. I am an introvert and I need a lot of alone time to recharge my batteries; however, I cannot mistake my need for alone time as a license to be a social hermit. I need other people to encourage me, love me when I'm not very lovable, and laugh with me. While sometimes you need to walk alone to have time to reflect, having companions can really make a huge difference.
It's Vital to Have Encouragement Along the Way - One of the best things about walking in the Flying Pig Marathon are the different groups who encourage you along the way. There were high school cheerleaders, barber shop quartet groups, Gospel groups, rock bands, and even an Elvis impersonator. I think I most enjoyed the groups of people who just stood in a group and cheered for us and shouted words of encouragement. They told us that we could do it. They told us we were doing a good job. They clapped and whooped and hollered. Then at the end of the marathon, my parents, my nephew Cameron, and my sister Stacey were cheering us on to the finish line while they held up posters with our names on them. It was what I hope heaven will be like. I imagine all of the saints and those who have gone before me in the faith cheering me into the presence of God. Each cheer, each word of encouragement helped me to keep moving forward just as in all of life.
What You Wear Can Make a Huge Difference - I heard on the new last night that a man tried to run in the marathon completely nude. The reporter said that he ran the first mile before he was arrested. Thankfully for everyone involved, I didn't try this. However, I did get some new walking clothes. I got a new shirt that wouldn't soak up the water and keep me cool. I also got a new part of athletic pants. They were were also helpful at keeping me dry. I even got a new pair of special underwear for athletes. I didn't know there was such a thing but they seemed to make a difference. Life can be like this as well. If I would have worn my usual cotton T-shirt and sweat pants they would have been soaked and heavy I would not have been comfortable. My new sports outfit helped me to finish the race and keep me as comfortable as possible.
It's Okay to Take a Break and Rest - I took a vacation day today from work just to rest. I relaxed and rested. I knew that I would need time to recover. I've got a ton of work to do but I knew that I needed time to rest. While I sometimes feel guilty about taking time for myself, it's really important to do. In fact, when I don't take time to rest and relax, I get really grouchy and can't really give my best to the other parts of my life. God rested on the seventh day and gave us the Sabbath to rest and renew. In our 24/7 world, this is hard to remember. However, rest allows us to have the energy to work and produce and make a difference in the world.
Well, I'm sure there are many other lessons I learned; however, I'm not long from bed. I am still tired and it's going to be a long week of work.
Thanks for being a part of my journey!
As I've been reflecting on my experience, I have been thinking about the lessons that I learned throughout this entire process. So, I thought I would share with out some of the things that I learned.
Every Journey Begins with the First Step - This journey for me began last December. My sister Stacey sent out an email encouraging me to sign up to walk in the Flying Pig Half-Marathon. At first, I thought she was crazy. I think I just let the email sit in my inbox for a few weeks. However, I kept thinking about it. On the last day of the early bird registration fee, I decided to go ahead and do it. I had no idea really what I was doing but I decided this is something I wanted to do and really needed to do. It was going to be good for me. So, I took the first step and it forever changed the last four months of my life. Every important thing that I have done in my life began with a first step.
Pain Is a Part of Life - I have experienced new levels of pain in my training and in walking the marathon. My back hurt. My legs hurt. My head hurt. My knees hurt. My feet hurt. Today I'm nursing a blister on the bottom of my foot. The wet weather yesterday didn't help matters. However, what I learned is that you can push past the pain. It's still there. It reminds you of your humanness. However, it doesn't have to defeat you. I nearly had an anxiety attack on Saturday night thinking about the painful big blisters that were going to form on my feet. I also wondered if I was ever going to walk again after I stopped and tried to get out of my parents' truck after the ride home. I was so stiff and in a lot of pain. However, I rested and it is better. What I'm left with in spite of the pain is a huge sense of accomplishment. We all walk around with some kind of pain - emotional, physical, psychological. What we do with that pain makes all the difference in our journey of life and faith.
It's Better If You Don't Have to Make the Journey Alone - I thank God for my friend Karen's willingness to walk with me. Through our training, she held me accountable and helped me to stay motivated. When we were walking and we didn't know if we were going to make it, we lifted one another up. I don't know if I would have been able to do this on my own. The same is true in my life. I am an introvert and I need a lot of alone time to recharge my batteries; however, I cannot mistake my need for alone time as a license to be a social hermit. I need other people to encourage me, love me when I'm not very lovable, and laugh with me. While sometimes you need to walk alone to have time to reflect, having companions can really make a huge difference.
It's Vital to Have Encouragement Along the Way - One of the best things about walking in the Flying Pig Marathon are the different groups who encourage you along the way. There were high school cheerleaders, barber shop quartet groups, Gospel groups, rock bands, and even an Elvis impersonator. I think I most enjoyed the groups of people who just stood in a group and cheered for us and shouted words of encouragement. They told us that we could do it. They told us we were doing a good job. They clapped and whooped and hollered. Then at the end of the marathon, my parents, my nephew Cameron, and my sister Stacey were cheering us on to the finish line while they held up posters with our names on them. It was what I hope heaven will be like. I imagine all of the saints and those who have gone before me in the faith cheering me into the presence of God. Each cheer, each word of encouragement helped me to keep moving forward just as in all of life.
What You Wear Can Make a Huge Difference - I heard on the new last night that a man tried to run in the marathon completely nude. The reporter said that he ran the first mile before he was arrested. Thankfully for everyone involved, I didn't try this. However, I did get some new walking clothes. I got a new shirt that wouldn't soak up the water and keep me cool. I also got a new part of athletic pants. They were were also helpful at keeping me dry. I even got a new pair of special underwear for athletes. I didn't know there was such a thing but they seemed to make a difference. Life can be like this as well. If I would have worn my usual cotton T-shirt and sweat pants they would have been soaked and heavy I would not have been comfortable. My new sports outfit helped me to finish the race and keep me as comfortable as possible.
It's Okay to Take a Break and Rest - I took a vacation day today from work just to rest. I relaxed and rested. I knew that I would need time to recover. I've got a ton of work to do but I knew that I needed time to rest. While I sometimes feel guilty about taking time for myself, it's really important to do. In fact, when I don't take time to rest and relax, I get really grouchy and can't really give my best to the other parts of my life. God rested on the seventh day and gave us the Sabbath to rest and renew. In our 24/7 world, this is hard to remember. However, rest allows us to have the energy to work and produce and make a difference in the world.
Well, I'm sure there are many other lessons I learned; however, I'm not long from bed. I am still tired and it's going to be a long week of work.
Thanks for being a part of my journey!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
The Best Medicine
I love to laugh. I believe that laughter is a sign of God's grace in my life. If it were not for laughing, I'm not sure I could have made it this far in life. All I have to do is look in the mirror and I know for a fact that God has a sense of humor.
Tonight I laughed really hard. I attended writing class and it was just what I needed in my life right now. I had a really hard week and didn't get all of my homework done. I thought about not going to class because I just wanted to go home and sleep. I have been really stressed out and it all seemed to come to a head this afternoon.
I am so glad that I decided to attend class. This is such a wonderful group of people. We really seemed to gel tonight. We got to laughing and it was contagious. It was wonderful. I was laughing so hard I was in tears. It was a healing time for me. It was by God's grace that I was led to this class at this place at this time.
God is so good to me. Through the gift of laughter God raised me up and allowed me to experience joy and peace. Thanks be to God!
Thanks for being a part of my journey!
Tonight I laughed really hard. I attended writing class and it was just what I needed in my life right now. I had a really hard week and didn't get all of my homework done. I thought about not going to class because I just wanted to go home and sleep. I have been really stressed out and it all seemed to come to a head this afternoon.
I am so glad that I decided to attend class. This is such a wonderful group of people. We really seemed to gel tonight. We got to laughing and it was contagious. It was wonderful. I was laughing so hard I was in tears. It was a healing time for me. It was by God's grace that I was led to this class at this place at this time.
God is so good to me. Through the gift of laughter God raised me up and allowed me to experience joy and peace. Thanks be to God!
Thanks for being a part of my journey!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
A Beautiful Day to Walk
My friend Karen and I decided to walk after work today. I was really kind of tired and just wanted to go home. I have been really pooped since I was sick. However, I am so glad that I took the time to walk today. We walked on the bike/walking path that we walked on several weeks ago. It was a beautiful sunny day with temperatures in the low 70's. Any hotter and I can't stand it but this was great. The path winds through woods, along fields, under roads, and over streams. It was wonderful.
Karen and I are hoping to walk thirteen miles over the weekend. We were supposed to walk that far last weekend but I was not ready after being sick. I hope I am feeling up to in this weekend. It's hard to believe that it's almost time to walk the half marathon. Time has really flown by. I am ever grateful that I decided to do this. It is going to be one of the great accomplishments of my life.
Thanks for being a part of my journey!
Karen and I are hoping to walk thirteen miles over the weekend. We were supposed to walk that far last weekend but I was not ready after being sick. I hope I am feeling up to in this weekend. It's hard to believe that it's almost time to walk the half marathon. Time has really flown by. I am ever grateful that I decided to do this. It is going to be one of the great accomplishments of my life.
Thanks for being a part of my journey!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Answered Prayers
Today was a day of answered prayers for me. I had a dentist appointment and I was really nervous about it. I lost a crown about two weeks ago and I was afraid that they were not going to be able to get it back on. It looked like the tooth underneath was really messed up. However, they were able to glue it right back on. The dentist didn't even seem to hesitate. I said that I was worried they were going to have to pull the old tooth out and the hygienist just chuckled at me.
I was also worried about how much all of this was going to cost. However, I have new dental insurance and it was all covered under my insurance plan. So, I didn't have to pay a thing. That was a huge blessing because my budget is really tight this month.
I had a wonderful writing class tonight. I feel like I have really gotten to know some of the people in the class and it have enjoyed seeing how their writing is progressing. We laughed a lot tonight and were able to share ideas and give good feedback to one another.
I am so grateful for this day and for the many ways - seen and unseen - that God blesses me and answers my prayers.
Thanks for being a part of my journey!
I was also worried about how much all of this was going to cost. However, I have new dental insurance and it was all covered under my insurance plan. So, I didn't have to pay a thing. That was a huge blessing because my budget is really tight this month.
I had a wonderful writing class tonight. I feel like I have really gotten to know some of the people in the class and it have enjoyed seeing how their writing is progressing. We laughed a lot tonight and were able to share ideas and give good feedback to one another.
I am so grateful for this day and for the many ways - seen and unseen - that God blesses me and answers my prayers.
Thanks for being a part of my journey!
Saturday, April 9, 2011
An Evening with Cameron
I'm sitting for my nephew Cameron this evening. I thought we might be watching episodes of iCarly but instead he has a new game for his XBox called Kinect. It makes it so you can play more active games like the Wii games. However, you don't have to hold a controller in your hand. Somehow it shoots lasers or something at you and senses your movement. Then the avatar on the screen moves as you do. It's really something to see. Of course I felt a bit like I was being checked out in a grocery store scanner. The wildest thing is that it takes photos of you while you are playing the game and then flashes them up on the screen when the game is over. Usually it's a photo of you waving your hands or crouching down in some strange position. I was not very good at it. Cameron yelled at me the whole time and told me that I wasn't really trying very hard.
I was thankful that his friend Sam came over to the house and played with him for most of the evening. If had to play Kinect the whole time I would probably need to be hospitalized. However, I almost did have to be hospitalized when we went to McDonald's for dinner. I knew that's where Cameron and Sam would want to go. I should have realized that on a Saturday night the play area would be filled with screaming children and it was. I just sat there in a daze wondering how many bacteria I was picking up by just being in the room. I also wondered when the last time several of the children had washed their hands. They looked sticky and several of them were coughing.
All in all, it's been a good evening. Cameron is quieting down now since his friend Sam went home. He wants to try to stay up until his parents come home. We'll see how that goes. He does not want to seem to want to take a shower. I guess that's normal for a seven year old boy.
My friend Karen and I got back into our walking groove today. We only walked five miles but it was okay. I was worried about being tired and out of shape. I did fine. I think we will try to walk thirteen miles next Saturday.
I hope you are having a great weekend. Thanks for being a part of my journey!
I was thankful that his friend Sam came over to the house and played with him for most of the evening. If had to play Kinect the whole time I would probably need to be hospitalized. However, I almost did have to be hospitalized when we went to McDonald's for dinner. I knew that's where Cameron and Sam would want to go. I should have realized that on a Saturday night the play area would be filled with screaming children and it was. I just sat there in a daze wondering how many bacteria I was picking up by just being in the room. I also wondered when the last time several of the children had washed their hands. They looked sticky and several of them were coughing.
All in all, it's been a good evening. Cameron is quieting down now since his friend Sam went home. He wants to try to stay up until his parents come home. We'll see how that goes. He does not want to seem to want to take a shower. I guess that's normal for a seven year old boy.
My friend Karen and I got back into our walking groove today. We only walked five miles but it was okay. I was worried about being tired and out of shape. I did fine. I think we will try to walk thirteen miles next Saturday.
I hope you are having a great weekend. Thanks for being a part of my journey!
Friday, April 8, 2011
Closing
We closed on a house today with a Habitat Partner Family in Northern Kentucky. It was a great day of celebration for this family who has been waiting for a long time. They have worked hard, finished all of their sweat equity hours, and were hoping to be in their house long ago. However, construction delays and the harsh winter weather we had this past season hindered completion of this house.
I've felt bad for this family. I wished I could have hurried the process along. I wished I could have waved a magic wand and caused their house to be finished. However, all I could do is wait along with them and hope for the weather to break and everything to get done.
I found great satisfaction as I watched them sign their closing documents. I knew I was witnessing and miracle and an answer to many prayers. I knew that God was up to something good in this moment. While the wait was not fun, it most certainly was worth it.
It's been a long week and I am really tired. I am still wiped out after being sick. I continue to produce tons of snot and I'm tired of blowing my nose. My friend Karen plan to walk tomorrow. I am hoping I will make it. It's been two weeks since I last walked.
Tomorrow evening I am going to sit for my nephew Cameron. His parents are going out for the evening. I'm not sure what Cameron has in store for me. It should be interesting.
Thanks for being a part of my journey!
I've felt bad for this family. I wished I could have hurried the process along. I wished I could have waved a magic wand and caused their house to be finished. However, all I could do is wait along with them and hope for the weather to break and everything to get done.
I found great satisfaction as I watched them sign their closing documents. I knew I was witnessing and miracle and an answer to many prayers. I knew that God was up to something good in this moment. While the wait was not fun, it most certainly was worth it.
It's been a long week and I am really tired. I am still wiped out after being sick. I continue to produce tons of snot and I'm tired of blowing my nose. My friend Karen plan to walk tomorrow. I am hoping I will make it. It's been two weeks since I last walked.
Tomorrow evening I am going to sit for my nephew Cameron. His parents are going out for the evening. I'm not sure what Cameron has in store for me. It should be interesting.
Thanks for being a part of my journey!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Wild and Crazy Day
Today was my first day back to work after being sick all weekend. I am coughing a lot but feeling better. I'm going to keep up my medication because I certainly don't want to relapse. I've had pneumonia before and it is not fun.
I am really tired and ready for bed. It was a crazy day. I started out the day getting ready for our first session of our budget and finance classes for our Partner Families. This soon spiraled out of control into a saga of confusion and chaos. I called the place where we were having the meetings. It's some sort of civic center. A volunteer reserved the room for us several weeks ago. However, when I called the civic center to confirm the room reservation, they had no record of our reservation and all their rooms were booked by other groups. I needed to be off to a meeting in the city of Hamilton but I called our volunteer in a panic and asked her to make a few calls to see if there was another place we could meet. I stepped out of my meeting a couple of times to see if she had made any progress. Nothing was happening. I had twelve people signed up for the classes and no place to meet. We tried churches, the library, and other places we could think of and nothing was available on such short notice. I nearly had a meltdown.
Well, evidently there was some kind of miscommunication and we did have a room reserved. It's just that the person I talked to isn't in charge of the area where our room was in the building. It was a different person. Also, these two people in charge of reserving rooms in this same building do not communicate with one another in any way. This seems stupid and inefficient to me but I guess it's their system. Anyway, the meeting went fine. I got lost finding the building. My GPS had no idea where it was and sent me down a road the wrong way.
I am really tired and got nothing accomplished today and my work is piling up to the ceiling. I'm so tired of blowing my nose and coughing that I can hardly stand it. I am supposed to meet one-on-one with our new Executive Director tomorrow and I'm afraid I might breakdown in tears. So, I guess I need to head to bed.
Thanks for listening to me whine. Thanks for being a part of my journey!
I am really tired and ready for bed. It was a crazy day. I started out the day getting ready for our first session of our budget and finance classes for our Partner Families. This soon spiraled out of control into a saga of confusion and chaos. I called the place where we were having the meetings. It's some sort of civic center. A volunteer reserved the room for us several weeks ago. However, when I called the civic center to confirm the room reservation, they had no record of our reservation and all their rooms were booked by other groups. I needed to be off to a meeting in the city of Hamilton but I called our volunteer in a panic and asked her to make a few calls to see if there was another place we could meet. I stepped out of my meeting a couple of times to see if she had made any progress. Nothing was happening. I had twelve people signed up for the classes and no place to meet. We tried churches, the library, and other places we could think of and nothing was available on such short notice. I nearly had a meltdown.
Well, evidently there was some kind of miscommunication and we did have a room reserved. It's just that the person I talked to isn't in charge of the area where our room was in the building. It was a different person. Also, these two people in charge of reserving rooms in this same building do not communicate with one another in any way. This seems stupid and inefficient to me but I guess it's their system. Anyway, the meeting went fine. I got lost finding the building. My GPS had no idea where it was and sent me down a road the wrong way.
I am really tired and got nothing accomplished today and my work is piling up to the ceiling. I'm so tired of blowing my nose and coughing that I can hardly stand it. I am supposed to meet one-on-one with our new Executive Director tomorrow and I'm afraid I might breakdown in tears. So, I guess I need to head to bed.
Thanks for listening to me whine. Thanks for being a part of my journey!
Monday, April 4, 2011
I Guess I'll Live
While it's been touch and go for the past few days, I seemed to turn a corner today. I am feeling much better and have postponed my funeral for now.
I did a little work on my new laptop from home today. I don't understand how it works but I am actually able to connect to the server at the office and do everything that I do a work. I was able to do this before from my home computer but now I can save stuff right on my laptop. It's a miracle of technology.
I also took about a three hour nap this afternoon. It must have been what I needed because I slept really hard and felt better when I woke up.
I am planning to go into work tomorrow. I hope that I feel even better. It will be a long day. We have our first in a series of partner family classes starting tomorrow night. Also, I will have a chance to see our new Executive Director. She started today in the office.
Well, I'm watching The Sound of Music and then I'm off to bed. The Sound of Music always makes me feel better when I'm sick.
Thanks for being a part of my journey!
I did a little work on my new laptop from home today. I don't understand how it works but I am actually able to connect to the server at the office and do everything that I do a work. I was able to do this before from my home computer but now I can save stuff right on my laptop. It's a miracle of technology.
I also took about a three hour nap this afternoon. It must have been what I needed because I slept really hard and felt better when I woke up.
I am planning to go into work tomorrow. I hope that I feel even better. It will be a long day. We have our first in a series of partner family classes starting tomorrow night. Also, I will have a chance to see our new Executive Director. She started today in the office.
Well, I'm watching The Sound of Music and then I'm off to bed. The Sound of Music always makes me feel better when I'm sick.
Thanks for being a part of my journey!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Down for the Count
In case you've been wondering, I have been sick since last Thursday afternoon and have not felt like blogging. Actually, I have not felt much like living. It all started with a sinus headache and then moved to my chest. I have been coughing like crazy and trying to sleep as much as possible which is not much since I have been so stuffed up and can't breath. I didn't even feel like watching Netflix. I basically was in bed for two days thinking about where I wanted my ashes to be scattered after my imminent demise.
I have never been a very good sick person. When I get sick it's more than just illness for me. It's like some clash between the forces of good and evil. I make Job look like a rose-colored glasses optimist. I have a tendency to be overly dramatic and this is amplified to the power of ten when I'm sick.
Today I had to go out to the store because I was out of Kleenex and toilet paper. These are not good things to be without when you are sick. I've been through three boxes of Kleenex in the past three days. The weather outside was beautiful today when I went to the store but I was bundled up in several layers.
I am hoping the worst of this is behind me. I did watch some Netflix today. I've watched six episodes of Columbo. However, I don't seem to have much energy. I am doubtful about returning to work tomorrow.
I would appreciate your prayers for healing. I know I will get through this. Thanks for your prayers and for being a part of my journey!
I have never been a very good sick person. When I get sick it's more than just illness for me. It's like some clash between the forces of good and evil. I make Job look like a rose-colored glasses optimist. I have a tendency to be overly dramatic and this is amplified to the power of ten when I'm sick.
Today I had to go out to the store because I was out of Kleenex and toilet paper. These are not good things to be without when you are sick. I've been through three boxes of Kleenex in the past three days. The weather outside was beautiful today when I went to the store but I was bundled up in several layers.
I am hoping the worst of this is behind me. I did watch some Netflix today. I've watched six episodes of Columbo. However, I don't seem to have much energy. I am doubtful about returning to work tomorrow.
I would appreciate your prayers for healing. I know I will get through this. Thanks for your prayers and for being a part of my journey!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Birthday Wishes etc.
I want to first of all wish my sister Shelly a happy birthday!
I am typing this blog entry from a wonderful new laptop computer that I got at the office. I didn't expect to be getting a new computer but I guess there was a really good sale on them. So, I got one along with some other folks in our office. It's exciting. It's going to take me a while to get used to. It's got Windows 7 on it and that is a bit different but has some really cool features. The big thing will be getting used to a laptop. I have a docking station at work so that I can use a full sized keyboard, monitor, and mouse. However, at home I am trying to make a chubby fingers fit on this keyboard.
I would write more but I'm not feeling well. I came home early from work. I slept for a while and think I am going back to bed soon. This just hit me all at once. I hope to be able to sleep it off and be back in the office tomorrow.
Thanks for being a part of my journey!
I am typing this blog entry from a wonderful new laptop computer that I got at the office. I didn't expect to be getting a new computer but I guess there was a really good sale on them. So, I got one along with some other folks in our office. It's exciting. It's going to take me a while to get used to. It's got Windows 7 on it and that is a bit different but has some really cool features. The big thing will be getting used to a laptop. I have a docking station at work so that I can use a full sized keyboard, monitor, and mouse. However, at home I am trying to make a chubby fingers fit on this keyboard.
I would write more but I'm not feeling well. I came home early from work. I slept for a while and think I am going back to bed soon. This just hit me all at once. I hope to be able to sleep it off and be back in the office tomorrow.
Thanks for being a part of my journey!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Ice, Ice, Baby
We've got hit with the ice storm here in the Cincinnati area last night. When I woke up this morning to attempt my morning walk, I stepped out of my apartment building and nearly fell on my backside. It was a sheet of ice. Everything was covered in ice: the sidewalk, the parking lot, and my car. I decided to go back inside before I fell down and wait for a while until things warmed up. I made it into the office around 10 AM after spending about twenty minutes chiseling the ice off my car.
The roads were fine but many of the sidewalks and parking lots were skating rinks. I stopped at Wal-Mart after work and I nearly did a double axel getting out of my car. I came home and have been keeping an eye on the weather ever since. The temperature is supposed to go up over night but we may actually have thunderstorms later on tonight.
Thankfully the ice will melt in a relatively short time. It sounds like it will take a while for all the snow that the South Bend, Indiana and Chicago areas are getting tonight. With a blizzard moving through the area, they are expected to get up to two more feet of snow. While Cincinnati has had a rough winter, it's been nothing like Northern Indiana. I am grateful I am not there and having to dig my way out of that.
I'm feeling much better after being sick for the last few days. I finally got a good night's sleep last night and hope to do so again tonight. I was not able to walk today. I'm not sure if tomorrow will be any better. It looks like I may have to condense my three days of walking on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The weather is supposed to clear up a bit by then.
I hope you are staying warm and being safe during this huge storm that is whipping across the country. Thanks for being a part of my journey!
The roads were fine but many of the sidewalks and parking lots were skating rinks. I stopped at Wal-Mart after work and I nearly did a double axel getting out of my car. I came home and have been keeping an eye on the weather ever since. The temperature is supposed to go up over night but we may actually have thunderstorms later on tonight.
Thankfully the ice will melt in a relatively short time. It sounds like it will take a while for all the snow that the South Bend, Indiana and Chicago areas are getting tonight. With a blizzard moving through the area, they are expected to get up to two more feet of snow. While Cincinnati has had a rough winter, it's been nothing like Northern Indiana. I am grateful I am not there and having to dig my way out of that.
I'm feeling much better after being sick for the last few days. I finally got a good night's sleep last night and hope to do so again tonight. I was not able to walk today. I'm not sure if tomorrow will be any better. It looks like I may have to condense my three days of walking on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The weather is supposed to clear up a bit by then.
I hope you are staying warm and being safe during this huge storm that is whipping across the country. Thanks for being a part of my journey!
Monday, January 31, 2011
On the Road to Recovery
It looks like I'm going to live. I stayed home from work today. I had a terrible night and got very little sleep. I did get some good rest today and have not accomplished much beyond blowing my nose. My Mom read my blog entry from yesterday and called me to see how I was doing. She said she "heard me ring my bell". That was nice.
I'm going to go to bed early tonight. They are predicting a big ice storm for tomorrow. It's hard to tell if we will get a lot of ice or not. The local weather guy has us right on the edge of the storm. Who knows? I may have another day at home tomorrow.
Thanks for being a part of my journey!
I'm going to go to bed early tonight. They are predicting a big ice storm for tomorrow. It's hard to tell if we will get a lot of ice or not. The local weather guy has us right on the edge of the storm. Who knows? I may have another day at home tomorrow.
Thanks for being a part of my journey!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Sick Day
O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.
I've been in bed most of today. I have some kind of bad head cold or sinus infection or something that has me so stuffed up and unable to breath well that I haven't slept much the past few nights. Some of my co-workers have been sick and I'm wondering if I got it from them.
I am not a good sick person. I want to be babied and waited on. When you live alone that's hard to make happen. I remember when I was growing up my Mom would give me a little silver bell to ring if I needed her in the middle of the night when I was sick. I was thinking about getting a bell last night when I was in bed trying to sleep. I'm not sure my Mom would hear it way down in Texas if I rang it. I'm also not sure any of my neighbors would care or come to my rescue if I rang it. I guess if it was loud enough, they might call the police. Maybe I could get a police officer to rub Vicks-Vapo-Rub on my chest. They are supposed to serve and protect after all.
Thankfully I made it to the grocery store yesterday after walking before I started feeling really bad. I went over to my friend Karen's yesterday for a short while to watch a movie in the afternoon after we walked. She gave me vitamin C, hot tea with honey, and some kind of green juice substance made from fruits and vegetables. It looked horrible but was quite tasty.
I started feeling really bad while we were watching the movie. I came home earlier than planned from Karen's and had a miserable evening. I have not been out of my apartment all day today and am not going to work if I don't feel better tomorrow morning. I don't want to risk giving everyone at the office what I have.
Well, I'm back to the couch. Thankfully it's only a few steps from the computer.
Thanks for being a part of my journey!
- Psalm 30:2, NRSV
I've been in bed most of today. I have some kind of bad head cold or sinus infection or something that has me so stuffed up and unable to breath well that I haven't slept much the past few nights. Some of my co-workers have been sick and I'm wondering if I got it from them.
I am not a good sick person. I want to be babied and waited on. When you live alone that's hard to make happen. I remember when I was growing up my Mom would give me a little silver bell to ring if I needed her in the middle of the night when I was sick. I was thinking about getting a bell last night when I was in bed trying to sleep. I'm not sure my Mom would hear it way down in Texas if I rang it. I'm also not sure any of my neighbors would care or come to my rescue if I rang it. I guess if it was loud enough, they might call the police. Maybe I could get a police officer to rub Vicks-Vapo-Rub on my chest. They are supposed to serve and protect after all.
Thankfully I made it to the grocery store yesterday after walking before I started feeling really bad. I went over to my friend Karen's yesterday for a short while to watch a movie in the afternoon after we walked. She gave me vitamin C, hot tea with honey, and some kind of green juice substance made from fruits and vegetables. It looked horrible but was quite tasty.
I started feeling really bad while we were watching the movie. I came home earlier than planned from Karen's and had a miserable evening. I have not been out of my apartment all day today and am not going to work if I don't feel better tomorrow morning. I don't want to risk giving everyone at the office what I have.
Well, I'm back to the couch. Thankfully it's only a few steps from the computer.
Thanks for being a part of my journey!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Laughter Is the Best Medicine
Laughter is indeed the best medicine. It can heal my soul in ways that nothing else can.
I was feeling a bit hermit-like this afternoon after I got home from church. Even though the sermon was about going out and serving the community, I felt like I just wanted to go home and veg out. It was a beautiful day and I really wanted to just shut the blinds and watch Netflix movies.
As I was settling in on the sofa, my phone rang. It was my friend Karen. She was running errands and called to say she'd like to stop over for a visit. While I was anxious about the cleanliness of my apartment, I told her to come on over. I scrambled around to pick up a few things in my apartment and made sure the bathroom wasn't too disgusting.
When Karen came over we just sat and talked for a couple of hours. I don't know what it is about our friendship but it's a wonderful thing. We share one another's burdens and continue to catch up with another on the many years that we were apart.
Most of all, we laugh. We share funny stories. We laugh at ourselves for our frail human weaknesses. We laugh about life. We laugh sometimes to keep from crying and sometimes we cry because we are laughing so hard.
By the time Karen left late in the afternoon, I felt much better and even left my blinds open for a while longer. I felt newly energized and glad that Karen had come over for a visit. I felt so blessed and gave thanks to God for reconnecting me with such a wonderful friend. In many ways, I felt healed and delivered from my depressive funk.
God knows that laughter is a form of grace for me. I'm glad that when I'm with good friends like Karen, grace overflows in my life and heart.
Thanks for being a part of my journey!
I was feeling a bit hermit-like this afternoon after I got home from church. Even though the sermon was about going out and serving the community, I felt like I just wanted to go home and veg out. It was a beautiful day and I really wanted to just shut the blinds and watch Netflix movies.
As I was settling in on the sofa, my phone rang. It was my friend Karen. She was running errands and called to say she'd like to stop over for a visit. While I was anxious about the cleanliness of my apartment, I told her to come on over. I scrambled around to pick up a few things in my apartment and made sure the bathroom wasn't too disgusting.
When Karen came over we just sat and talked for a couple of hours. I don't know what it is about our friendship but it's a wonderful thing. We share one another's burdens and continue to catch up with another on the many years that we were apart.
Most of all, we laugh. We share funny stories. We laugh at ourselves for our frail human weaknesses. We laugh about life. We laugh sometimes to keep from crying and sometimes we cry because we are laughing so hard.
By the time Karen left late in the afternoon, I felt much better and even left my blinds open for a while longer. I felt newly energized and glad that Karen had come over for a visit. I felt so blessed and gave thanks to God for reconnecting me with such a wonderful friend. In many ways, I felt healed and delivered from my depressive funk.
God knows that laughter is a form of grace for me. I'm glad that when I'm with good friends like Karen, grace overflows in my life and heart.
Thanks for being a part of my journey!
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