May

I can't believe that May is here! This year, for me, has moved quickly. School is almost done for this year until fall. We have filled out the paperwork and our daughter will be in 3rd grade. There are two schools close to each other so the district has made one lower division (Pre-K to 2nd grade) and the other Upper division (3rd to 5th grade). So in August we will have a new school to learn, if we move by that time we will have a new area as well as district. Praying we will have a house on base!

I have joined up with several others for "May for Me". Here is my post.





I was "chatting" with my friend Belinda @ B Lines about our "May for Me" ideas and she helped me compile my list of books. I wanted to write a post but had not really written what all I had for ideas. She didn't know it but gave me the right nudge *smiles*. Stop by her blog sometime and see what is going on in her corner!

Here are a few books, projects and ideas that I have for the month of May:

- Therapy, in and out of the apartment and making sure I do my exercises
from stretches, hand exercises and writing to walking more and climbing stairs
- Clean, straighten, two corners of our living area
- Books to read
"Misplacing God (and finding Him again)" by Joanne Heim from "The Simple Wife"
"Secrets to Exceptional Living" by Joyce Meyer

I have two "Precept upon Precept" to finish, for books in the Bible - Jeremiah and Lamentations. While the bible study is finished I'm not quite done. I really like inductive study as I get deep into God's word and not just a place here and there.
For more information on Precept Bible Studies see Precept Ministries

Then I have a few other new books sitting on the shelf that I can choose from:
"Radical" by David Platt
"Made to Crave" by Lysa Terkeurst
"One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voshkamp
And one big book that has "Chronicles of Narnia" by C.S. Lewis which my husband got for Christmas. There are seven books that make up the one.

We will see what I get done. No matter what I do or don't do, I pray for the Lord's guidance.
 
Monday starts our daughter's dental procedures for the next four weeks. Something every week so we pray that everything goes well and that she doesn't miss too much school during this time.


Have a blessed weekend and great start for the month!

Then Sings My Soul Saturday

Today I want to share a song that I was introduced to this week by my husband. He likes alternative, heavy metal music. However, he came across a radio station and though might seem by accident, this was not by accident. God was meeting him where he was at! I totally believe that God meets us where we are at to encourage us and bring us back to Him. The radio station is Air1 Radio, Positive, Alternative Music. This song is not my usual posting but means so much. Please take a moment and listen to the lyrics.








Invisible by Disciple



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

All-in-one

The weather channel is blaring with news of tornadoes, damage and destruction. We are just at the beginning of this season but God has a plan. Pray for those that were affected, family and friends and those still in the path of the storms. I have family and friends in many East Coast states and I pray for their safety. After moving in 2009, from Florida, hurricane alley, storms and heat to Oklahoma, tornado alley, I did not expect to have blizzards two years in a row and spring last year, 2010, flooding and tornadoes and major hail storm that would damage buildings and cars. We just had our roof fixed at our apartment complex and panels replaced along with painting almost one year later.

I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
         My God, in Him I will trust.” Psalm 91:2 NKJV

I did not expect to have a stroke or have muscles that do not like to work. Nor have to deal with walking, writing that almost gets my daughter into trouble at school because they thought she was forging my signature, my sadness about not being able to do all the housework I did before (what! sad about not doing housework?!?) , or not being able to enjoy the freedom of leaving our apartment anytime I wanted. Some days are painful but I continue to try my limited exercises or make my breakfast and sometimes lunch. While there can be a lot said about what I go through each day I do not want to dwell on the negative. In fact I refuse! I do have some moments that sadness tries to overcome but I have an all-in-one package, He who is working in me.

"And I will ask the Father, 

and He will give you another Comforter 

(Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), 

that He may remain with you forever--

    The Spirit of Truth, Whom the world cannot receive 

(welcome, take to its heart),

because it does not see Him or know and recognize Him.

But you know and recognize Him, 

for He lives with you [constantly] and will be in you."

John 14:16-17 Amp

Thankful that we have a Comforter that is with us no matter what we are experiencing. Whether it is bad storms, health related, job issues or loss, loss of family, financial issues, even the good things in life, no matter what! He can be your comforter, guider, healer, helper who will meet you where you are in all things. But as a reminder, even I need at times, that we must allow Him to work, asking Him and believing. 

"And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive." 

Matthew 21:22 NKJV

Then Sings My Soul Saturday - Jesus

Jesus Saves









Jesus Paid It All


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

Then Sings My Soul Saturday - Trusting Jesus

'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus by Casting Crowns







Trust in Jesus by Third Day


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

Saying Hi!

We've had a busy week and I have not been around as much as I would of liked.
Monday was daughters dentist appointment. When we didn't have money or insurance things got put off, my own and hers. So this was her first visit and such a trooper. She likes her dentist but was a sad day for me because she has to have major work done. We think we know her hurts and issues but we don't. She doesn't tell me much. She has some bad teeth and luckily they are almost all baby teeth but she has 4 weeks of stuff to be done. Why didn't I know? Having a stroke I don't get to be the mommy I want to be but she is strong and hugs me. helps me, says "Yes Ma'am" when I ask her to do something and tells me she loves me often.
Yesterday was very challenging. The most I have been out and about in a long time. In the morning went to bible study for our last lesson of Jeremiah and get our books for the next 3 weeks to study Lamentations. Of course, my throat and I had a battle and I had to clean up. Luckily made it to a bathroom quickly but I was embarrassed. However, the day went on and I stayed the whole time. Then I had a Neurologist appointment in the afternoon. I was already getting tired after walking, doing stairs, down and up and back down again to leave. I had a good appointment. He was amazed and impressed with my progress. He didn't think I would progress after seeing me in August, but I did and I have God to thank for any progressing I do have at any time.
Right now the doctor wants me to keep on doing what I am doing.
Today, still sore from yesterday, I had therapy evaluation for this session of 2 months. My occupational therapist (OT) was thrilled to see my range of motion with my right arm. Even while I have tightened muscle I still am almost where my left side can reach/do including my right leg. My OT would really like me to use muscle relaxers but my doctor would rather me not unless I really feel the need. I'm on the fence between the too. We know I have some major tones going on but we will stretch and keep working on them.
Was a good visit and I will go twice a week to work some more. More steps today but I made it. So in two days 14 steps for a total of 6 sets = sore leg and foot = increase progression later.
I thank the Lord for all I am allowed to do and He will help do the rest.

"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 62:7-8

Come to Jesus

Come to Jesus by Chris Rice

Then Sings My Soul Saturday - Old Rugged Cross

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

Title?

Hi all! I hope you are doing well today. I couldn't think of a title but I wanted to post a little update. I've had a writer's block or something going on that I can't place my finger on but not sure what to write.

1. First and a big first - Thank you all that have commented and prayed for me. I have many praises and only through the Lord do these praises exist. For the holy spirit guiding you all to pray and His faithfulness to answer. My blood pressure has come down and have had some really good readings. Blood pressure is crazy business and I must keep tabs on it but so far doing good. I place my trust in God to help me. The second praise is that my disability went through and now my bills will be paid and I can help those in need. I've been praying for this for almost a year, going through an appeal but He made it happen. Ask and we shall receive in His timing! Hallelujah!

"Ask, and it will be given to you;

seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you"

Matthew 7:7

2. My mother's visit was a good visit. Emotional but we got to share feelings, ideas and life together in person. We got a few things done and while there are always things needed I'm thankful she was able to come here for a few days. My daughter on the other hand is having a hard time with her grandmother leaving. So hard to watch your child cry and be upset. I'm lucky that she will allow the Lord and myself comfort her. It's hard sometimes living so far away. Reminds me when I was little living 8 hours away from some family members.

3. Therapy starts again next week, twice a week. I also have a Neurologist appointment next Thursday. To go over what I need to do and what tests still need to happen. Maybe I can get some relief with something. From pins and needles, to tight muscles and muscles that cannot seem to disassociate themselves. Stand/walking makes arm/hand react. I'm still trying to loosen muscles on my right side but there are signs of new growth (returning sensation, function). I still have a ways but continue to pray for direction, manifestation of healing to be seen and felt, and the ability to help my family around the apartment. I'm not good with exercises *laughs*. I'm great when in the gym but at home, no. I can't picture doing them with the furniture we have and little space we do have here.

4. We are still on waiting list for a house on base and I am looking towards. To help prepare, we are going through boxes and "spring cleaning".

"Wait on the LORD;
         Be of good courage,
         And He shall strengthen your heart;
         Wait, I say, on the LORD!"

Psalm 27:14

Have a great week! God bless you and keep you!

Then Sings My Soul Saturday - Open My Eyes

Open My Eyes that I May See

by Clara H. Scott 1895

Open my eyes that I may see

Glimpses of truth thou hast for me;

Place in my hands the wonderful key

That shall unclasp, and set me free:

Silently now I wait for thee,

Ready, my God, thy will to see;

 Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine!

Open my ears that I may hear

Voices of truth thou sendest clear;

And while the wave-notes fall on my ear,

Ev'rything false will disappear:

Silently now I wait for thee,

Ready, my God, thy will to see;

Open my ears, illumine me, Spirit divine!

Open my mouth and let me bear

Gladly the warm truth ev'rywhere;

Open my heart, and let me prepare

Love with thy children thus to share:

Silently now I wait for thee,

Ready, my God, thy will to see; 

Open my heart, illumine me, Spirit divine!

Two different songs, both wonderful. The first is one that we would sing in church when I was little.
This second one has been very personal and close to me. Enjoy!

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

God bless you!