Chapters

The year is almost at a close and while I tend to want to look back, I am choosing to look forward. For our family we are coming to the end of a chapter in our lives. My husbands job is ending in January and we are moving. All the waiting for some decisions were made and final so new decisions, plans are now in front of us. This is where we are right now.
I'm looking forward to new adventures, new doors to open and continue on this healing journey. We are all looking forward to the warmer climate in Florida.

My time here blogging will be shorter than I would like but I wanted to give an update. We still have waiting to do, waiting on others to finalize paperwork, waiting on last appointments and waiting for housing door to open. On a happier note - we are seeing some progress with my muscles and healing from my dental surgery. I have lost 30 lbs and still going. Waiting on blood work to come back but had a good report from cardiologist - EKG good and he was happy to know I am working on loosing weight and seeing some progress.

I thank you all for reading and praying for me and my family. May God bless you now and in the coming months.

"Bless the LORD, O my soul;
         And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
 Bless the LORD, O my soul,
         And forget not all His benefits:
 Who forgives all your iniquities,
         Who heals all your diseases,
 Who redeems your life from destruction,
         Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
 Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
         So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s" 

Psalm 103:1-5

TSMSS - Away In A Manger

Away in A Manger
"And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them,and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.  Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:  “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.”And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them." Luke 2:1-20

TSMSS - Silent Night

Stille Nacht (Silent Night) performed by Charlotte Church
“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,”  which is translated, “God with us.”Matthew 1:23 Jesus, Lord at Thy birth!

TSMSS - Freedom is Here

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.  And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
  They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?”
  Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.  And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever.  Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed."John 8:31-36


Freedom is Here by Esterlyn
The future comes alive
You speak your word and I
I'm running into Your hope

Because I've seen Your light
You bring my world to life
I'm coming after Your love

Cuz I'm not shaken
I'm not not letting go
And everything comes alive
In my life as we lift You higher
Let Your freedom arise
In our lives as we lift You up
Sing it out
Freedom is here

So take the limits off
No matter what the cost
I'm running after Your call
And I will run this race
See You face to face
Let Your power overflow

Cuz I'm not shaken
I'm not not letting go

And everything comes alive
In my life as we lift You higher
Let Your freedom arise
In our lives as we lift You up
Sing it out
Freedom is here
Your freedom is here

I will not fear
I will not hide Your love, Your love
All of my life
I can not deny Your life

And everything comes alive
In my life as we lift You higher
Let Your freedom arise
In our lives as we lift You up
Sing it out
Freedom is here
Your freedom is here
Freedom is here
Your freedom is here


"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."Hebrew 12:1-2
Praising God!
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2 years

My thoughts -
November 25, 2009 - the night I had a stroke on Wednesday before Thanksgiving

It has been two years since my life changed. Thankful to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit for saving me, giving me a second chance and bringing me closer to Him. While I might not be where I thought I would be, or even where Doctors told my family or me, the recovery process has been the toughest challenge I have ever had to face. I have bad days but the good days out do them. I cannot say recovery is easy but! I can say that the peace, strength and love from the Lord keep me going.

In the last two years I have come across so many people and I pray that God has used me to help others. I have seen so many that do not know the Lord, do not have His peace and are very miserable. I have also seen people that say they rely on Jesus in one breath and in the next breath are miserable. May His peace be on them that He so freely gives, that those that are miserable realize the refuge He provides. Before my stroke I never realized how much I am to rely on Him and how much His ways and plans are better than anything we can imagine.

His Words change people and life becomes manageable as long as He is the focus. Two years and that is my thoughts for today. Circumstance might be there - not having a full functional body, not always walking as best as I would like, not having a right hand that can do what it did before and lots of pain/muscle tightness in arm and leg. But God, makes my days better by giving me a family that helps even when it stops them for a moment, a family that ask what can they do to help or if I want help and giving me friends that have no idea how much I need their company at times but show up at the right time. Thank you.

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing,

in everything give thanks;

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Thanksgiving

A time for change is coming. The last few weeks have been busy with medical & dental appointments and visit from my mom. There were vacation times for my daughter and husband. (Of course at different weeks) So I have had lots of company every day.

I went to my neurologist appointment last week. Everything is progressing and my doctor was impressed with all that had improved in 6 months. I still have a ways but doing well. I did get a prescription for Baclofen to help my tight muscles and the spasms. We are still testing amounts and have seen some improvement with less pain and relaxing of my tighter muscles. Still have varying degrees of pain but in time, I think, the pain will lessen.

I also had a few dental visits - I'm embarrassed but I know that the doctors will take good care of me. I have several upcoming visits over the next few weeks to include removal of 4 back teeth and several filings. The combination of stroke side effects and bad past have brought me to this point but all is changing.

As far as waiting - I'm excited to what the future has in place with God's direction. The time is ending for us to be here so 1. base housing is no longer an option, 2. no longer waiting for an answer so now time is to move on and forward. My healing gives glimpses and I know that one day I will be fully healed. As far as when - only God knows. Now we have to decide where to move, when to move and what is provided in the move. More later...

As we get closer to when we have our Thanksgiving meal, we are choosing to be happy and look forward to spending time just us especially as a break/pause in all that goes around us. We will have our small feast with turkey, cornbread, dressing, and many vegetables. I can't leave out the pumpkin pie.
Thankful to the Lord Almighty God for providing what we have and need, for His peace as we make decisions and shedding light on changes that need to be made.

May you all be blessed in the coming days, weeks as we come to the end of this season/year!

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts,

to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.”

Colossians 3:15

God bless,

TSMSS - Blessed Be Your Name

Blessed be Your name - Matt Redman

"Blessed are You, O LORD!
         Teach me Your statutes."

Psalm 119:12

"And the Levites, Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said:

      “Stand up and bless the LORD your God
      Forever and ever!

      “Blessed be Your glorious name,
      Which is exalted above all blessing and praise!"

Nehemiah 9:5 

Praising God!
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TSMSS - Softly and Tenderly

Praising God!
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Earthquakes and Thoughts

As I write it is 2:10 AM - I can't sleep and time has already changed back an hour so last night it would have been 3 am. 25 hours ago I was awake because of a 4.7 earthquake that struck near Prague, Oklahoma (about 45 miles from me give or take a few). We felt the shaking as we had just settled for sleep and awakened by noise. I knew that something was happening but didn't quite know what but within a few minutes "Earthquake" flashed in my head. Sure enough! There was a red box about the size of a 5 magnitude on the website on my phone. I had to settle as this is not the first time I had felt an earthquake but the biggest one I had been in at that time.
Now just 3 hours ago we had a even stronger and major earthquake which started as a 5.2 but was upgraded to a 5.6. There were more news report feeds on my Facebook and this time more damage. A good amount of damage reports have been reported from cracks to items off the wall. Some roads have been damaged and DOT is working to fix. I'm sure some of the structural damage won't be found until morning. This earthquake has been said to "beat" the old record from 1952 in El Reno, Oklahoma of 5.5. The last two years we have had blizzards, floods, tornadoes, 50+ days of heat over 100, drought and now earthquakes (which are not new but never in the same time frame).

Time - running through my head - how much time do we have? to live here on Earth? How much time to spend with our loved ones? Time is short my friends. Time - I'm reminded of a verse:

"whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow.

For what is your life?

It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away."

James 4:14

The subject is about boasting even things tomorrow but in this verse the reminder that our life is short.


Do you know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior? He paid the price for us - the sacrifice for all our sins, redeeming us and making us white as snow. Without Jesus Christ, His forgiveness, we are apart from God Almighty and will not have eternal life. Will you choose today - life or death? Eternal life, I pray, is your answer. Asking Lord Jesus to forgive your sins and help you change your ways. Turning to Jesus with your whole heart, asking Him to heal, mend and shed His light on the areas in your life that need to change. He will forgive as this is a gift from God.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,

that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world,

but that the world through Him might be saved."

John 3:16-17

Thanking the Father for another day. Amen!

TSMSS - I'll Fly Away

Praising God!
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Small Update

Hi everyone. I hope you all are well. There really isn't much to write but I wanted to give an update.
We are doing ok - still waiting and talking about the options that we have and some plans in multiple ways. Either way we are waiting on decisions that others have for our future, my husbands career in the military. He passed his PT test with a 94 and did the walk/run 1 mile in 10 1/2 minutes. I'm so proud of him but more thankful to the Lord for allowing him to pass. My husband has done everything they have asked him to do but we are still waiting.

I am doing okay. Nothing new (in my opinion) but doing as much as I can for housework. I am not going to a place for therapy so it's all at our apartment. Trying things and working on doing what is needed. I'm thankful I have gone from having no feeling on right side to having some feeling with times that what I feel on right side feels the same. I still have hyper-sensitive areas and lots of pain but I push forward. Strokes have different levels of recovery and I have to remind myself. I do have days of sadness because I am still broken. However, I keep going after a small break. I will keep going and I thank the Lord for everyday He allows me to be here with my family and friends.

God bless you all!

“The LORD bless you and keep you;
 The LORD make His face shine upon you,
      And be gracious to you;
  The LORD lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26

TSMSS - Standing on the Promises

Praising God!
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Waiting

Hi friends. I do hope you all are doing well.

Waiting.. I have good patience most of the time but when it comes to the future, planning, I'm not great at just waiting. I want a plan, a purpose, a "to do" list, a dream to set in motion. Yes I am doing therapy stuff and using my frustrations to get me past challenges and succeeding most of the time in amazement but it's the future that is in a waiting period.

Waiting - that waiting list for base housing (already now at month 8) has been extended to an estimated 6-8 months

Waiting - for the healing process, the walking easily and using my right hand with ease

Now waiting - to see if my husband will be allowed to re-enlist in the military in January. This is not guaranteed so we are waiting. Another process. Which will eliminate the base housing if one decision is made but then opens so many more decisions and destinations.

I have to admit that waiting is hard. Sometimes there are tears - of sadness, of frustrations, of uncertainty BUT I turn to the Lord, taking to Him all that is bothering me, all that is on my mind. Asking for His desire for us, God's favor on my husband to stay, beat the odds if that is His desire for us to stay here in Oklahoma or give us the desire to be where He wants us to be so we will make the right decisions when the time comes. Thanking Him for all He provides for we are truly blessed.

My soul, wait silently for God alone,
         For my expectation is from Him.
 He only is my rock and my salvation;
         He is my defense;
         I shall not be moved.
 In God is my salvation and my glory;
         The rock of my strength,
         And my refuge, is in God.
        
 Trust in Him at all times, you people;
         Pour out your heart before Him;
         God is a refuge for us.  Selah

Psalm 62:5-8

TSMSS - Bring The Rain

Bring the Rain - MercyMe



"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:4-9

Praising God!
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TSMSS - Holy, Holy, Holy

Holy, Holy, Holy
Written by Reginald Heber, 1826. Tune by John B. Dykes, 1861.

Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee;
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! all the saints adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
Who wert, and art, and evermore shalt be.

Holy, holy, holy! tho the darkness hide Thee,
Tho the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see;
Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
Perfect in pow'r, in love, and purity.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise Thy name, in earth, and sky, and sea;
Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons blessed Trinity! Amen.


Praising God!
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Apartments and Strokes

This apartment is not made for the disabled but we make it work. Right after my stroke we talked a little bit on what changes needed to be made. At the time I was in a wheelchair and could barely walk and could not feel most of my right side. The wheelchair didn't work for me inside but we made do with what we had. The biggest thing rehab in the hospital taught me was how to go up and down the stairs so I could leave my apartment. Over the almost 2 years, whew November is approaching that mark, we have gone back and forth about our apartment. We could not change anything except a few things that could be changed back easily. The benefit for me is making do with what I had made me use what I have with my body, no matter how frustrating.
So what did we change?

The biggest thing is the shower and finally something I can do independently after 1 1/2 years. We had to include a shower chair and a hand held shower-head. Along we added a shower caddy that I got many years ago from a special lady, Josie who has gone to see the Lord. I never thought I would use it but sure came in handy when I needed it the most. Thank you!

We have had to change where food is in the refrigerator, for now. I'm still having stiff legs and makes hard for bending. Plus doesn't help that there is no close counter. So all my food for the day must be on top shelf or the door.
But there has been some light to me and we are seeing small progress between everything I do. The more independent I get, the more I want a new place on the first floor. I am thankful for all we have been through for it has made us all stronger, wiser and closer. But the most important, my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and the Almighty God has increased significantly. That's for another post.


I pray that you never go through anything like this so take care of yourself. However, if you do, know that you can make it! I am! God bless!

TSMSS - Hillsong

Lead me to the Cross - Thank You Jesus, Lord & Savior

Praising God!
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Every Day

Just doing every day things is therapy. The more I realize I am doing the more motivated I get. I'm still hit or miss on feeling sensation but the days that I feel more I get surprised and happy. To feel a muscle or defined movement=great!

Praising God!!

Where are we?

So it is September and fall is coming. Where are we?

The weather has been very crazy this year and even now we dealt with very high temperatures and then very low for our highs. At least this week is a constant 80's here unlike last weeks 100+ and 50's as our highs.

My muscles are acting up But, have had some good days and small progress. I am moving my right hand and arm more often. I still have tight muscles and stretching them everyday, as much as I can tolerate. I still need to motivate myself to try and do things around the apartment. Our cats make me work at playing and rubbing their soft fur. We have two toy birds that I get to work on picking up off the floor especially when they leave them in the way of my walking. The bending down and using right hand to pick the object off the ground is great exercise. I have even carried the cats from room to room on my left shoulder as a challenge to not use my cane and focus on balance. I am walking more without my cane, trying at least some everyday, and to go myself to get what I need instead of always asking family to help. I also got a laptop for the bedroom or anywhere I want to sit. The challenge is to use the mouse and type on the keyboard. I'm not always using my laptop because I am usually at my desktop in the living room but it is a nice change. I unloaded the dishwasher, most of it, with my left hand but great exercise for squats and stretching. I am happy to be able to help a little more around the house.

Family is doing well. Our daughter is adjusting to school and good grades. Husband is adjusting to changes at work. We are almost done with some issues but have a few more weeks. Waiting and leaving it to our mighty Lord but prayers are so helpful!

Losing weight - 16 lbs so far. I had almost a month of not loosing any but! I didn't gain either. I am slowly making changes but I never feel like I starve and still get to eat a lot of my favorites just moderation and not everyday as I once did months ago. I am finding that I actually like less sweet and more vegetables and meat. Sweets taste yucky and no more regular soda too! I still need a few more vegetables and fruits through out the week but overall doing great.

Are you reading in God's Word and what are you reading? I am reading with a Chronological plan of God's Word the Bible. I just finished the book of Job and what a wonderful book with many lessons. One major lesson is that God is mighty and commander of all, even the weather. (Job 38-42) Read it or even the whole book of Job, it is not very long. Praise the Lord for His teachings!

Then Job answered the LORD and said:

  “I know that You can do everything,
      And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You."

Job 42:1-2

TSMSS - Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace


Praising God!
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The Word

"The grass withers, the flower fades,
      But the word of our God stands forever."

Isaiah 40:8

But He answered and said,

“It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone,

but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”

Matthew 4:4

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.

John 1:1-2

All kinds of Weather

Hi all. I hope I find you all doing well in whatever season you are in right now. Weather is a strong topic in my house especially with my dad around. We talk about the weather almost all day with updates from him while he is out and about the town. I've learned so much over the years that his fascination with the weather has rubbed off on me. brb (be right back)
Ok, my alarm was going off in the bedroom. I was up almost 2 hours earlier then my alarm. All the talk about the hurricane Irene and getting daughter off to school, I forgot to turn alarm off when I got up. I was almost confused about what time it was when the weather channel showed a live shot of Miami, Florida. At 10 AM Eastern cars had to have their lights on and it looked like it should be night time. They are experiencing the outer bands of wind and rain. Still rocky weather.

Please pray with me for the East Coast, the islands and anyone else affected by the weather issues.

This week we have had earthquakes, Southern Colorado, Virginia (felt all up and down the East Coast) and even here in Oklahoma City. Small tremor and very brief but I felt it and was confirmed a few hours later when reading. We also are into day 54 of 100+ temperatures, yesterday 109 High yikes!!
Not only the outside weather, we all have our own weather brewing inside. I came down with a cold and still battling it but so much better than last week. Sometimes I "feel" like I'm in a tornado, everything spinning fast, tightly, creating disaster in the path and then a calm, peaceful breeze even if physically not recovered. Love God's peace and shelter! Other times, like a hurricane, with waves of turbulence. Calmness, rain and wind, calm light rain, heavy rain and stronger wind, calm - continues until you get closer to the center of the storm strong wind, tornadoes, heavy rain and then nothing right in the center eye. But to come out, you have to go through the same but instead of increasing, decreasing.

My husband and I are going through a hurricane season, waves of dealing with outside circumstances and sometimes rocky patches at home. Please pray for us, especially my husband. We are close to the center of our storm. Even if many more months left, the next few weeks are crucial. Please forgive me if I am vague and not around. I am needing time away to spend in prayer and with my family.

Seasons and all kinds of weather - Praying for you all and the season you are in now. May God's peace and light shine through and surround you.

“Great peace have those who love Your law,
And nothing causes them to stumble.”

Psalm 119:165 NKJV

"Trust in Him at all times, you people;
         Pour out your heart before Him;
         God is a refuge for us.  Selah"

Psalm 62:8 NKJV

Up, Down and Stand still!

Hi All! I hope you are having a great month of August.
We have had a "Weather break" from all those high high temperatures - rain and "cooler" temps. Praise the Lord! We are still in "summer" phase so more normal temps even if 100's but I'm thankful that I was able to get outside a few days. We enjoyed family coming by to see us and had a good meal together. My husband's side of the family that we have not seen since right after my stroke as they live in east Texas. Hopefully we will be able to visit again soon. This week we had news about our moving onto base where my husband is stationed and looks like we could move anytime between now and end of the year. So we are getting closer! I'm excited about the move even if means a lot of changes for us.

In one of my posts I had mentioned health issues, strokes and weight loss. Weight loss can be frustrating but as long as we keep trying and making changes we can do this! My husband and I are enjoying trying new foods and ways to eat/cook. I have frustrated moments because I'm now seeing and reading that the foods I really like are not the best to really eat. There are restaurants we have chose not to eat at due to lack of nutritional information and some that, even if yummy, are just not good especially when trying to be healthy. Smaller portions are getting easier but that second and third weeks were the hardest. Never knew how emotional food makes me *frowns* when I feel like I am depriving myself. So we are working on balance and moderation. Husband has loss 10 lbs and I am at 12 lb loss! We can tell and want to keep at it!

Therapy - Progression - very slow even though others can tell a difference. I feel like not doing enough or that I am being lazy. Our apartment is small, not a lot of room to do anything but walk between rooms and exercise on bed. So frustrating. Outpatient therapy is on hold for now. I do what I can and work on what I remember to do. I think the most frustrating part is after therapist show you the exercise or tell you what you need to do, you get home and then cannot figure out how to do what they said with what you have at home. I wish I had a home therapist at least for one visit so they can help me figure out how?!

Life changed so much and God is working on me. Even though it has been a roller coaster and still have moments of anger, guilt, sadness. Honestly, I would not change what has happened. This journey is a learning process and God loves me so much to allow me a second chance. A second chance to know the Lord, His Son Jesus and the Living Word.

Have a wonderful week and weekend! May God bless you,

TSMSS - Like Eagles

Like Eagles - Don Moen

"Have you not known?
      Have you not heard?
      The everlasting God, the LORD,
      The Creator of the ends of the earth,
      Neither faints nor is weary.
      His understanding is unsearchable.
       He gives power to the weak,
      And to those who have no might He increases strength.
        Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
      And the young men shall utterly fall,
        But those who wait on the LORD
      Shall renew their strength;
      They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
      They shall run and not be weary,
      They shall walk and not faint."

Isaiah 40:28-31 NKJV

Praising God!
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Then Sings My Soul Saturday

Breathe written by Marie Barnett

Praising God!
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August 1

Hi all! A short note today - it's Hot! and even the rest of the week even hotter. I'm a little bit behind in reading blogs and trying to stay in touch but it's hot!

Daughter had first day at school and was smiling this morning. She was all ready to go and got to see several friends from last year. They all have started a new school and season - the 3rd grade! My dad, Papa, took pictures and got to meet her teacher and see the school. I stayed home as I did not sleep well last night.

This heat is getting to me but I went to church yesterday. The best Sunday I have had in.. well years! I hope you all have had a great weekend. Time for a new month and time for me to sit in front of the fan.

Please pray for relief to all dealing with drought and this heat wave. Have a great week!!
God bless you all!

TSMSS - Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine

I hope you all have had a great week. Today I am sharing one of my top favorite songs. I was looking for a song but I could not think of any other as this one flooded my thoughts. From my past, however means so much more to me now.

"This is my story, this is my song,

PRAISING MY SAVIOR ALL THE DAY LONG"

Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine performed by Third Day

"Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine"
written by Fanny J. Crosby, 1873

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, wash'd in His blood.

This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight:
Angels descending bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.


This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest:
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Fill'd with His goodness, lost in His love.

This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long."

Praising God!
Visit Amy's post here or join with us!

Hemorrhagic Stroke and health issues

I am not a medical doctor nor have any degree in the medical field. I have my experience of a hemorrhagic stroke and what I have learned by having day to day effects of the stroke. I will not explain everything but to give you awareness as to what can happen when a person does not take care of themselves, like I did.

Strokes affect approximately 795,000 a year, new and re-occurring, 1 in every 18 deaths are because of a stroke, in America alone.
"It's the No. 3 cause of death behind diseases of the heart and cancer" in America. (statistic from the American Heart Association - http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/123/4/e18) For more statistics see website journal or American Heart/Stroke Association.

There are two types of strokes, Ischemic (blood clots) and Hemorrhagic (bleed - ruptured blood vessel). Even among the types there are several ways the stroke can happen as there are many blood vessels in the brain leading to different parts of the brain.
So I had a stroke, November 25, 2009, that is classified as a bleed (Hemorrhagic) but even more so the bleed was deep. *another statistic "Hemorrhagic stroke accounts for about 13 percent of stroke cases." 13% - not that many if looking at the whole picture.
The bleed as I was told was deep and there was nothing they could do without creating more damage to me to make it stop. However, I was lucky! My bleed stopped before I had my CT Scan (Computerized axial tomography) done and the bleed was not constant but boy did that do more damage then your normal cut.
In my last update post I asked if anyone had a question. Most have replied to blog about daily things. I will have to think as I really lead a boring life.
I walk to A - B and sometimes C and D. *chuckles*

Clint from Lyrics of Love and Lore writes: Is there medication that can help prevent strokes like you have experienced?

No and yes - No if you are healthy and have no need for medicine and your doctor has given you a low risk. Strokes affect any age, male or female, healthy or unhealthy, does not discriminate even if medical field puts age limits. But the healthier the better chance to not have a stroke or any other health illness.Yes, medication if there are health issues that need to improve. Improving your health helps to lower your risk for a stroke.

For my stroke, High Blood Pressure was the culprit. I did not keep up with my blood pressure nor did I have money or insurance for many years to keep my health in check. So yes, medicine would have helped my chances if my blood pressure was monitored. My blood pressure was so high at the time of my stroke that there was no measurement for me. By the end of all that went on in the first two months after my stroke, I was on four blood pressure medicines. 4!! Ouch! For the last 8 months I have been on three and more stable but still need to be monitored.

If you have not been to a doctor in the last year or have regular check ups, I urge you to have a complete physical and blood work done and know your numbers. Blood Sugar, Cholesterol, Blood Pressure, Weight etc. If you do not have insurance look around for free tests and doctors/clinics or ones that have pay plans. Just get checked!

I am improving but still limited use of right hand/arm and right leg. It's not fun and not anything I would want you all to go through.

I forgot to mention last update that my husband and I have started Weight Watchers. I cannot exercise that much so watching what I eat is so important especially if I am going to lose weight.
I hate to admit what a weigh but I started at 235 last Sunday but I am at 226 for the first week. We both did well and are really having fun counting our points and holding each other to this plan of eating healthier.

Time for dinner so I better go for now. Thanks for reading. Hope you are having a great week. God bless you!

Then Sings My Soul Saturday

Trust And Obey/The Solid Rock

Praising God!
Visit Amy's post here or join with us!

July

Hi All! I hope that you all are having a good month. I haven't kept up with my updates as much as I would like but there really isn't much going on here. We are having very hot days and that means I don't go anywhere unless I must leave our apartment. Talking 100+ temps the last 3 weeks if not more, I stopped counting. We have at least another week if not more according to our weather crew. I'm praying for relief!
School starts August 1st and registration is this week but there are issues at my daughter's new school. They are working on changes to school and getting the A/C working. No teachers have been assigned yet nor is there a bus stop. But kiddo is having some fun today at the local pool with a friend and his family. Pool, snacks and plenty of water! I'm glad she gets to do something even though it has been a hot summer.

As for my therapy, there is a hold so I'm doing what I can at home, daily tasks and trying to do what I remember. Progress is slow but to be honest - I would rather read my Bible and soak up God's word. My day goes so much better when I have spent time reading, asking questions and filling my mind with the Lord. Of course I need to balance my activities and I try. I spend some time on the computer in the afternoon/evening, catching up on blogs/facebook. I just can't get enough of God's word!
Progress - I was going to post some pictures but have not transferred them to the computer so I will tell you instead. I'm walking more without the cane in our apartment. I still have days where I need a little more stability but there has been less days. My husband's days can be filled with work so there are days that I need to take care of me by myself so another progress is - showers independently. Yes I use a chair but it's so nice not to wait on others. I make sure everything I need is in their place and I'm set. I feel good about my foot/stance getting in the shower and can actually use my right hand! Now to work on standing longer - not fun, muscles get tighter the longer I stand. I can feel some muscles but I don't have the outside feeling at least not fully. A little hard to explain that I can feel some things but not everything and not all the time. Makes for difficulties doing regular everyday tasks.

Having a stroke that affects many functions is the most difficult thing I have done in my life and I urge everyone to keep your health in check. I thank God for allowing me to be here and tell others!
So my question is - is there anything you want to know about? I sometimes don't know what to write.
You can e-mail me at sbatterton@gmail.com  or just leave a comment if you wish. I would like to know if there is something you wish to know about me or my blog etc.

Have a great weekend and try to stay cool!

Prayer requests -
1. That our daughter's school comes together and that the first week goes as smooth as possible.
2. The weather will rain or have some relief for those in drought.
3. For my husband - unspoken. God's direction and favor.
4. For my continued progress - feeling to fully return in right side, balance and use of functions, right hand and foot to work correctly, muscles to release when at rest.

God Bless,

Then Sings My Soul Saturday - The Lord's Prayer

The Lord's Prayer performed by Charlotte Church

Praising God!
Visit Amy's post here or join with us!

Would you? part 2

Please read "Would you part 1" if you have not read the first post.

The lady returned another day, almost in the exact condition if not worse. The young mother was outside with some family members when they were approached. The young mother, not knowing what to do, went back inside the house, leaving her family to deal with this stranger. The mother did this action of running, thinking to herself that her family can deal, they are wiser. They would know what to do. The young mother didn't stay to listen or even think. After all was said and done, pow! A thought smacked her in the face! A thought she will never forget.

"Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away."

Matthew 5:42 NKJV

"Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and He will reward them for what they have done." Proverbs 19:17 NIV

You have a loaf of bread and two jars of peanut butter, I thought. You have food, why didn't you look? I had a fear that stopped me from helping. A fear that comes from the media and word from others. She isn't the first nor last I have seen that I could have helped. Most on the street and yes scary but still needs help. Each situation is unique but still have a need. I could tell you more about the people on the street but for now, just think.

Would you? Would you turn away someone that needs help? Would you remember that you have food in your pantry that you can share? Would you have a loaf of bread or some leftovers? Would you take the time to talk with the lady and find out her situation, heat, cooking supplies or how they normally get food? Would you sit with her, talking, sharing life? Would you think about how you can help? Would you share Jesus?