Spending Time Part 1

Summer is getting closer to an end and a new season is among us. New school class for daughter and an ending class for husband with a new class in September. Weather will still have some hot times but it won't be long and cooler weather will come and go. As some know from reading my blog, we have gone through many seasons. For me, we are back to several doctor visits, neurology, blood work, 2 MRI's next week and more follow-up visits.

I had to change Neurologists because my previous doctor is no longer in the area or no longer practicing. I'm not sure so off to a new doctor. Having a new doctor can be a good thing at times.  For once I have a doctor who wants to find out why I had a stroke in the first place. Most have just blamed my high blood pressure but this doctor is not agreeing. So I will have another MRI and a more detailed look at my brain. (not going to go into specifics until later) Also in coming weeks, blood tests to check to see if I have any blood disorders.

So we are spending time with our daughter. More tomorrow. Next week will be busy.


A reminder to all Elders and young pastors but also good words for all Christians. Many times we are told to humble ourselves and share our anxieties and burdens with the Lord. 
From my reading today of 1 Peter:

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:6-7 ESV

Therapy and August

I need a camera so I can bring you some pictures of the great places here around our area of Florida. We make comments about the different areas we have lived and how weather was for us in Oklahoma the last 3 years. The differences can make an impact in how we live and what we can accomplish. Therapy depends on, a good amount of the time, what type of weather condition is in the area. I wrote about it last year here . If we weren't having good weather I was not going to attempt therapy or even go outside.

The weather here in Florida has had really good times even if hot and humid. I've enjoyed the times that I'm going out which has increased since I wrote here. We started going to church more often and helping with WCIF 106.3 "Where Christ Is First" Radio Station with their monthly newsletter. I even got to place the donuts stickers on several using my right hand to peel the sticker and left hand to place. Progress in the midst of serving! Praise The Lord!

Today started new therapy with an evaluation from a physical therapist. There were several exercises to gauge where I am at and have a new starting point to continue progress. I do well with the standing still exercises but having to change stance or position I had a harder time. I'm still at a risk of falling but that means I get more therapy that will continue to increase balance and moving. We will also get more stretching exercises which I'm really looking forward to learning.

I thank the Lord for my biggest progress earlier this week, walking around my daughter's school to get her registered, small sits here and there but mainly standing and walking to the different stations and from the car and back, for 40 minutes! Usually by 15-20 minutes I have to take a break but not this time, I made it! My daughter had a good day today too as her first day of school!

More later - Therapy again on Friday.

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

Spring Break

I hope all is well with you. This week we are having spring break for our public schools in our area. As much as I would like to plan some fun activities, we are still working on getting boxes unpacked and arranging items so I can help more. We are finding that Oklahoma schools are definitely not on same track as Florida schools. This week we are trying to catch up and help our daughter learn what she will need to know for Florida's FCAT (the testing that seems to have a major impact on whether they pass or fail). I am trying not to get frustrated that we just moved and this test is in a few weeks. We will see how it goes and keep praying that all works out so that our daughter will go to fourth grade this fall. She has never had a major test before now.

Our washer and dryer were delivered this morning. We went yesterday to pick a set out and so my challenge for the day was shower, dress, eat, take pills, get everyone out the door and go to the appliance store. Walking around is getting easier (some) but still working on timing. We walked in the store and immediately was greeted by a salesman. He showed us some models that were right in front. They weren't too expensive but still well over my budget. I was praying while I walked to "behind the curtain" that we would find something less expensive but workable for me. We did!  Praise God!

By the time we got to the counter my legs had already started a small pain but I knew this was temporary. We finalized the paperwork and in less than 24 hours we now have them in our garage. The guy hooked all the hoses and now I need to get our laundry started. Standing takes more out of me than walking. As long as I keep walking I do a little better but I know in time I will have more energy. Thanking God for the great weather and the ability to walk when I need to walk.
I do have some posts that I am working on writing. Some are hard to write but I want to share what I go through and help others understand.

I hope you have a great week/weekend! More later!

"Therefore we do not lose heart.

 Even though our outward man is perishing,

 yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.

 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment,

 is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,

 while we do not look at the things which are seen,

 but at the things which are not seen.

 For the things which are seen are temporary,

 but the things which are not seen are eternal."

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NKJV

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!

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

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,

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!

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,

June

Hope you all are having a great summer! I haven't been around as much this week but still think of you all often and reading blogs/comments when I can. May God bless you and that this weekend is a great one. The weather is hot, hot, hot!

June has been another fast month but this week seemed to have slowed down for me but very busy for my husband. Our daughter is visiting her biological dad for the last few weeks but will be home the first week in July. I'm thankful that she is able to have some time with him and hope they are having some memorable times. I'm thankful that my schedule (not that I had one full schedule) has changed some. From sleeping a lot to now I'm having more energy to get up and actually make a routine. A routine of some time in God's word (reading through the New Testament of the Bible in a Summer Session and doing a Bible Study on Romans 8 with Precept Ministries.) and therapy times (from writing, stretching, walking and other exercises).

Speaking of walking, praise the Lord! I have had more good days this week! My walking seems to have improved some and I could have lots of moments without my cane in our apartment. This sudden change has helped me prepare my own food and drinks, deal with our cats (play toys and food/water), straighten up a few places that I hang out and put my own trash, dishes etc away. Even standing longer without as much pain, still sore but much better! I can only thank God for allowing continued progress!

Our prayer requests - Praises for progress but also for continued healing of my right side, for safe journey home of our daughter, and for God's direction for some unspoken decisions. May there be doors either open or close but His will be done.

"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 40:31

Thankfulness, Teeth and Tornadoes

Today is Wednesday, May 25, 2011... almost done with the month of May, wow! So today I'm thankful for another day to share the Lord's glory and more opportunities with my family and friends. For the storms, needed rain but that they weren't as bad as they could have been, they were bad enough. Thankful for God's strength and a place for refuge.

"God is our refuge and strength,
         A very present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1

Thankful that my Cardiologist visit was good, EKG was good and strong, waiting for blood tests to come back, whether good or not so great. For the last year have seen my Dr. every 3 months but now it's every 6 months, yay! Kiddo's last dentist visit is tomorrow and then she will have a good mouth again. Thankful she is following directions and doing so well. Thankful that we were able to get our medical needs met.

Yesterday started out as a good day. Good weather, a little windy, good Dr. visit and dealing with walking around the parking garage, to the different floors of the hospital and back to the windy parking garage. I had energy and did not stop except to sit in the waiting rooms and ride elevators. That is a first since my stroke. Yay I'm happy to know that I am improving with my breathing and walking. Another thankful! We did cancel my therapist appointment due to Dr. appointment and we did not know about the weather. Hubby took me out to lunch at Applebee's and was yummy chicken and rice. Then we went home and had a short nap. But I'm glad we cancelled my appointment as my daughter's school let out early and at the same time the first storm flared up. We decided to go to our friend's apartment but as time ticked on we realized that if the tornadoes came this way we would be in trouble. Hubby and I decided it was best to leave. We found our local television station on the AM station and listened while we road. Watching maps and tracking where storms were, from west and so we headed south. Then a storm from south so east we went and glad we did. Between the maps, listening to radio and calling my dad in Florida, we escaped to a McDonald's about 100 miles from home. We watched and waited, two storms went around us and then we had a feeling it was time to head back. Whew dodged two more storms on the way back. Did I freak out, nope! Did my emotions flare, nope! All at home was okay but there are those who were less fortunate.

Yes I'm thankful but I'm praying and ask you to do the same, for those who have lost their family and friends, their homes and necessity items and dealing with the emotions that come with storms. Please pray for a mother and two sons, who are in critical need and her 3 year old son who is still missing after a tornado came through their neighborhood in Piedmont, OK. Pray today for those having storms to deal with and that everyone stays safe. Thank you and God bless!

"Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us,
         But to Your name give glory,
         Because of Your mercy,
         Because of Your truth."

Psalm 115:1

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

Crazy Day

When I awoke this morning I thought today was going to be an average day.

Today, we have floods happening in the Northeast, earthquakes and flooding in the West/Japan, in the Central plains wild winds with fires, in the South more fires. Crazy - I am sadden by all that is happening but through my faith and constant reminder, "Do Not Be Afraid", I will believe God has a plan. Pray for those overseas in Japan and our west coast areas. Fires in Oklahoma are on the east side of town, near Midwest City and Harrah, with evacuations. As of this afternoon, winds are very high and the fires are not contained. In Jacksonville, Florida another fire and NJ is dealing with flooding. Praying.

No matter what our circumstances are, no matter what is going on, keep our eyes on the Lord. God is our provider. He answers prayers in His time and He is never late. He knows what is best. Believe in Him. To His glory!

"Holy Is The Lord God Almighty" by Chris Tomlin

More Snow!

                                  Wow! Time sure has gone by since my last post. I do not know where it went. *looks around* Nope no sign of the last 5 days!
We have more snow coming tonight. The news has said that we will have bad roads the next few days and wind chills well below zero. A repeat from last week. My daughter keeps asking "Is school out? I think they just said school is closed. Is it?" and we keep telling her that we are waiting. Waiting... something we do a good bit for many things in life.

                                  I try not to worry and sometimes I might talk about something but don't feel like I'm worried. Waiting can be difficult, especially on decisions that will be made in the months to come, things that might or might not happen. I'm learning more how everything ties together: worry, waiting, fear, tension, and different situations. Only through God's word can I learn how He views aspects of life. I am making my list and will post some later. Yesterday this verse stood out in several e-mails and blogs.

"Fear not, for I am with you;
      Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
      I will strengthen you,
      Yes, I will help you,
      I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

Isaiah 41:10

I pray that you all have a good week no matter what is going on around you! Hugs to all!

P.S. Don't mind the mess my blog is going through some changes.

Weather and stuff...

                We have had some really cold weather. While our apartment has good heat most of the time, there are moments that we are all cold, usually in the mornings when we come to the main part for breakfast.
                One of the issues that can appear with a stroke or after is a pins and needles sensation where the feeling is trying to come back. Most people have experienced their foot falling asleep when you sat on your leg too long. You try to "wake" your foot up by walking around and sometimes this can be painful. For me, this is daily since my stroke. My nerves are still writing and trying to connect. Some days are better then others and this sensation can be really neat at first when the pain level is low. When I wasn't feeling at all nothing was there but as time goes along the sensations are coming back. I say "zapping" and say that the feeling is "amplified" very intense but it comes and goes. If my eyes are following my hand or foot I can almost say "I feel the carpet" or "The material feels the same as my left hand" but the moment I take away my sight I have a hard time figuring out what I am touching. My husband helps me with lotion on my feet and let me tell you, if I do not watch him while he rubs my right foot my muscles take over. The sensation can be too much and my foot jerks away sometimes almost hitting him. We just laugh but at times I have sharp pains that accompany the movement. On the bad days my toes feel like they are going to burst out of the skin or my fingers. Not fun but I can't complain (I try not to!) even if my walking is affected. I keep going and work the muscles the best I can. One day I will have my sensation back. I have had glimpses of being able to really feel and felt great but they are small right now. The weather has not helped. My muscles are really tight. I don't feel like doing anything but lay in bed. I have to rest more and make myself do what I can. I'm glad to come sit at the computer and spend a little time with you all.

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!

For His mercy endures forever. Psalm 136:1 NKJV

                   

What a night/day! Welcome February 1st!

                     I am not used to this weather. I was raised in South Carolina (some cold/sleet/ice/snow) and Florida (maybe in the 30's). We have had some cold temperature this winter season but nothing like last night and today. We are living in Oklahoma City right now and wow! We are in single digits and starting to get into below zero the next few nights. All started yesterday with light freezing rain and some snow. Within 24 hours we have had almost a foot of snow and snow drifts of 3-4' maybe higher in some places. Wind chills have reached -10 and will be continuing the next few days. We are cold so everyone has bundled up with sweaters, long pants and socks. Even hubby had a sweater on! My muscles on my right side have been really tense and cramping. Makes walking and daily activities more challenging.
                     I have my hot chocolate in a mug with patchwork paint like a quilt and wanted to share a few photos that I took earlier today. Nothing special as I took from my phone.

 This is a view shot from our kitchen. Lovely snow! Someone actually left a few spots over, getting stuck several times. Hope they are safe as it was still snowing and blizzard winds.

I was sitting at the dining room table when I took this one. Misty, our cutey calico cat, was sitting behind the rocker watching the snow. This is our porch/balcony that has a snow drift pile. All our screens have snow in them, fun, fun! You can feel the coldness coming through the windows. Hubby put some towels around to try and buffer some of the cold.

While my daughter was doing her homework, I did some reading of God's word in Jeremiah. I started the second half this week and needed to go over Chapter 24. All about the parable of Good Figs and Bad Figs. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had invaded and captured many of the people in Jerusalem. These people were the Good Figs. Anyone left in Jerusalem and Judah were the Bad Figs. God planned this for His people. He saved some to bring them back later, to build up, to plant, to give them a heart to know Him. (Jer. 24:5-7) How amazing, that God saved some from Jerusalem to return to Him! The people during this time were not good, they didn't deserve His love. He still saved them for a plan and a purpose. Now for the Bad Figs, the ones that He did not allow to be captive, they will not be saved as they were so bad. Vs. 8. They had turned their back, not even attempting to worship Him. Look what is to come of them: "I will deliver them to trouble into all the kingdoms of the earth, for their harm, to be a reproach and a byword, a taunt and a curse, in all places where I shall drive them. ¹⁰ And I will send the sword, the famine, and the pestilence among them, till they are consumed from the land that I gave to them and their fathers.’” Jer. (24:9-10) If this can happen then, if God can do this destruction then.. I'm sure He can do the same to anyone! Sword, fighting, war, famine, drought, lack of food, pestilence, disease, sickness...

Where do you think you would have been placed if this happened today? Would you have been a part of the Bad Figs that were completely or almost all the way turned against God? or would you be a Good Fig, one that worshiped God but still needed to grow and deal with issues? That's where I would want to be.

 

I'm not going to go into details about all that has happened during this time but if you want to know more about this time and the prophet Jeremiah, read this book in the bible, Jeremiah. 2 Kings 22-25 also shares the history around the time of Jeremiah. If you have any questions and do not wish to post a comment, you may e-mail me at sbatterton@gmail.com and I will try to answer or help you in any way I can. Thanks for reading!

Oh no! Watch Out!

Have you ever had a thought...I will write that in the morning. Then morning comes and you can't remember what the words were that went through your head the night before.

That's me ... a lot lately. Usually right before I go to sleep or while getting settled for the night. I start having words and ideas of a post. Sometimes I just want to turn the computer back on and write. Not having your right hand functioning as it did can bring frustration, cannot just pick up a pen and write SO I want to remember - Your phone has a notepad! Texting or writing notes text on th iPhone can be challenging when it is a long note so I will do shorthand. *chuckles* I really want to remember what is given to me so this I will do when not near a computer.

The "Well" lady - a little funny - needed when frustrated

Me: blah blah something "Well," blah blah
Hubby: Don't take Timmy's Well.
Me: Sorry, I say that a good bit.
Hubby: You didn't say "that" you said "well".

For some odd reason we just start laughing. My husband is good at getting me to take my mind off things especially at the end of a frustrated day.
Laughter is good but God is even better. Night time is a great time to end the day with thanksgiving to Him. All day, from start to finish. Start the day with praise, not worry, good thoughts, not dreading the day. Ending the day with thanks. During the day, on breaks, mealtime, in car, however!
"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." Philippians 4:4-7 NKJV

What a great peace He gives us especially in our time of need. A few months ago when I started to reflect on my stroke, I realized more on how the Lord saved me during that time. The night of my stroke many family and friends prayed for me. Still not really understanding how or why, but my heart and mind was guarded when I had no control. I had suffered a stroke, affecting my brain yet protected, no damage to my actual thinking process, still had my memory and lucky no issue with my heart even if my blood pressure was high. God's peace!

We have a blizzard coming up or what some had said "blizzard like conditions", starting this afternoon and into tomorrow. It's our first big storm this season out in Oklahoma. My prayer is for the people. That they stay warm somewhere! In some parts looks like 8-12" of snow but other parts are going to have much more. Safety, warmth (as we get to -10 to -20 wind chill the next 48-72 hours), food and supplies are a concern. Thanking God for Him!

Have a blessed day!!