ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YUUUUUUUUMMMMMMMY!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
Amazing Birthday!
I had an AMAZING birthday!
1. I was surprised at work with a beautiful delivery of flowers!
2. What was to be a birthday dinner with my parents turned out to be a surprise as well: with John, Linda, and Chuck showing up.
There were lots of other highlights from the day....quite possibly one of the best birthdays I have ever had!
:) I love my family!!!!!
1. I was surprised at work with a beautiful delivery of flowers!
2. What was to be a birthday dinner with my parents turned out to be a surprise as well: with John, Linda, and Chuck showing up.
There were lots of other highlights from the day....quite possibly one of the best birthdays I have ever had!
:) I love my family!!!!!
Monday, December 8, 2008
forgot:
Ok, so I have never been one to flip out about my birthday. The whole 'getting older' thing never really struck a chord. It was just another day.......
Until:
I fully comprehended that in just more than 48 hours I will be closer to 40 than to 16. 16 seems like yesterday......so that makes 40 tomorrow. hmmmm. So, as I work on embracing the big, bold....(just around the corner from "30") big, fantasic, and wonderful 29.......i rationalize the occasion as follows:
1. Mark is still way older.
2. Chuck is still way older.
3. The parents are way way older.
4. Buffett is still older.....thanks to dog years.
5. That special dog Oscar is older......and at a ripe 49 in dog years he is finally using the restroom outside.....the majority of the time! Granted he pukes all them time and smells AWFUL...... but
I must concede that things do get better with time. People get better with time. I would rather spend 1 day "old" and loving Jesus than a lifetime denying Him.
And, so, I will wake up on Thursday morning...on alert for fine lines. And should they appear....well.......we will cross that bridge when we get there.
Until:
I fully comprehended that in just more than 48 hours I will be closer to 40 than to 16. 16 seems like yesterday......so that makes 40 tomorrow. hmmmm. So, as I work on embracing the big, bold....(just around the corner from "30") big, fantasic, and wonderful 29.......i rationalize the occasion as follows:
1. Mark is still way older.
2. Chuck is still way older.
3. The parents are way way older.
4. Buffett is still older.....thanks to dog years.
5. That special dog Oscar is older......and at a ripe 49 in dog years he is finally using the restroom outside.....the majority of the time! Granted he pukes all them time and smells AWFUL...... but
I must concede that things do get better with time. People get better with time. I would rather spend 1 day "old" and loving Jesus than a lifetime denying Him.
And, so, I will wake up on Thursday morning...on alert for fine lines. And should they appear....well.......we will cross that bridge when we get there.
What is normal?
Here are a couple pics from yesterday's service.
They brought all the kids out on stage for two songs. The great part? They did not sing.......instead they did some dancing......that appeared to be choreographed. The little little little kids looked like deer in headlights......it was priceless! The best part? These kids will think this is a 'normal' church. (Perry said that we are spending more on the new youth areas than they did to build our main building/sanctuary). What rocks? Resources are being poured into children's ministry!!!!!!
Here is what the tree and presents looked like (with one service to go!). It is amazing that SO MANY kids will have SOMETHING under their tree.
(pics courtesy of Greenville News).
So as I was sitting waiting for the service to start I noticed mr. telephoto lens walking around....snapping away. He took a hundred pics during the service (11:15).
Yet again Perry was on point. My favorite? "There is usually temporary pain for longterm gain".
P.S. How awesome is it to consider your church of over 9,000 normal?
They brought all the kids out on stage for two songs. The great part? They did not sing.......instead they did some dancing......that appeared to be choreographed. The little little little kids looked like deer in headlights......it was priceless! The best part? These kids will think this is a 'normal' church. (Perry said that we are spending more on the new youth areas than they did to build our main building/sanctuary). What rocks? Resources are being poured into children's ministry!!!!!!
Here is what the tree and presents looked like (with one service to go!). It is amazing that SO MANY kids will have SOMETHING under their tree.
(pics courtesy of Greenville News).
So as I was sitting waiting for the service to start I noticed mr. telephoto lens walking around....snapping away. He took a hundred pics during the service (11:15).
Yet again Perry was on point. My favorite? "There is usually temporary pain for longterm gain".
P.S. How awesome is it to consider your church of over 9,000 normal?
Friday, December 5, 2008
Happy Friday!
So here is a funny:
The other night Buff had a poo accident in the house. I didn't see it- nor smell it....and stepped RIGHT IN IT on my way out the door as Chuck was waiting in the car for me. As we drive down then road we kept getting 'whiffs' of what smelled like Oscar.......LOL!! He attributed the off and on bad smell to me having just held and played with special Oscar. Fast forward about 30 minutes......and it becomes quite clear that I have poo all over one of my Nike's. Nice huh? My shoes were then not allowed in the car- we rode around with them in the trunk. CLASSY!
Lessons that can be learned:
1. Aiming heat at you feet when riding in the car helps bring forth the lovely aroma.
2. Sometimes you don't see the poo you are in until its too late.
3. Its easier for others to recognize the poo.
4. Sometimes we have to walk through poo to cherish the days we don't!
5. The poo we carry around leaves tiny imprints everywhere we go.
Draw your own conclusions.
:)
HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!
The other night Buff had a poo accident in the house. I didn't see it- nor smell it....and stepped RIGHT IN IT on my way out the door as Chuck was waiting in the car for me. As we drive down then road we kept getting 'whiffs' of what smelled like Oscar.......LOL!! He attributed the off and on bad smell to me having just held and played with special Oscar. Fast forward about 30 minutes......and it becomes quite clear that I have poo all over one of my Nike's. Nice huh? My shoes were then not allowed in the car- we rode around with them in the trunk. CLASSY!
Lessons that can be learned:
1. Aiming heat at you feet when riding in the car helps bring forth the lovely aroma.
2. Sometimes you don't see the poo you are in until its too late.
3. Its easier for others to recognize the poo.
4. Sometimes we have to walk through poo to cherish the days we don't!
5. The poo we carry around leaves tiny imprints everywhere we go.
Draw your own conclusions.
:)
HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
In Everything Give Thanks.....
(I had this forwarded to me this morning........had to put it here) Love to all!
In Everything Give Thanks
Margaret Manning
"In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus"
(1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Had I read and understood this verse as a young girl, perhaps I wouldn't
have needed to read all the books I read about finding God's will for my
life, or attend all the seminars on discernment, or spend anxious nights
in prayer wondering if I was perfectly aligned with the will of God. Paul
tells the Thessalonian Christians that giving thanks in everything was
God's will for them, plain and simple.
On the surface, this seems too easy, too simple to encompass something as
deep and as wide as the will of God. And yet, praise and thanksgiving
have always been the markers of a people who walked in the will the Lord,
even of those who struggled with circumstances in which we would be
stretched to find any reason for praise.
For ancient Israel, the concept of thanksgiving was explicitly tied to
remembering all that God had done on their behalf. The people are told to
remember the God who "brought them out of the land of Egypt" and to
remember "the days of old" when the Lord found them "in a desert land, and
in the howling waste of a wilderness; He encircled them, He cared for them,
he guarded them as the pupil of His eye" (Deuteronomy 5:15; 32:7-12). The
psalmists remind the people to "remember that God was their rock, and the
Most High God their Redeemer" (Psalm 78:35), and Job cries out in defiant
praise after losing everything, "The Lord gave and the Lord has taken
away. Blessed be the name of the Lord" (Job 1:21).
A spirit of thanksgiving marked the earliest followers of Jesus as well.
These early believers were so overjoyed at the Spirit's work among them
that they shared meals, their property and possessions, and were
continually praising God (Acts 2:42-47). Paul exhorted the Philippian
Christians to offer their prayers and supplications "with thanksgiving"
(Philippians 4:6), and the endless song around the throne of heaven in
Revelation sounds the chorus for "blessing and glory and wisdom and
thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever"
(Revelation 7:12). Indeed, it is the will of God, from beginning to end,
for us to give thanks and praise.
The American celebration of Thanksgiving was founded because our earliest
leaders thought it important for the entire nation to stop and give
thanks. Written in 1782, one of the first declarations concerning the day
of Thanksgiving read:
"The United States in Congress assembled, taking into their consideration
the many instances of divine goodness to these States:[...] Do hereby
recommend to the inhabitants of these States in general, the observation
of THURSDAY the twenty-eight day of NOVEMBER next, as a day of solemn
THANKSGIVING to GOD for all his mercies: and they do further recommend to
all ranks, to testify to their gratitude to GOD for his goodness, by a
cheerful obedience of his laws, and by promoting, each in his station, and
by his influence, the practice of true and undefiled religion, which is the
great foundation of public prosperity and national happiness."(1)
This declaration reflects the notion that the mark of a great nation, like
the distinction of God's people in Scripture, is in its thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is God's will for God's people because when we give thanks
for who God is and what God has done in our lives, there is no room for
jealousy of what others' have, no room for complaining about what we lack.
Even in times of deepest sorrow, there is a joy that rises up on the heart
when praise comes even with tears. Thanksgiving makes the heart full of
gladness which overflows from our lives and spills out into acts of
kindness and generosity. When we are grateful, we cannot help but share
our gratitude. And this is the will of God for our lives.
I am grateful for a day set apart to focus on thanksgiving, but I am
challenged to live into God's will for my life by giving thanks in
everything, every day of the year. As the author of the letter to the
Hebrews concludes: "Through God then, let us continually offer up a
sacrifice of praise to God that is the fruit of lips that give thanks to
His name. And do not neglect doing good and sharing; for with such
sacrifices God is pleased."(2)
Margaret Manning is a member of the speaking and writing team at Ravi
Zacharias International Ministries in Atlanta, Georgia.
(1)Thanksgiving Proclamation State of New-Hampshire. In Committee
of Safety, Exeter, November 1, 1782 from https://www.history.com.
(2) Hebrews 13:15-16.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright (c) 2008 Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM)
"A Slice of Infinity" is aimed at reaching into the culture with words of
challenge, words of truth, and words of hope. If you know of others who
would enjoy receiving "A Slice of Infinity" in their email box each day,
tell them they can sign up on our website at
http://www.rzim.org/slice/slice.php. If they do not have access to the
World Wide Web, please call 1-877-88SLICE (1-877-887-5423).
Copyright notice: "A Slice of Infinity" may be copied and re-transmitted
by electronic mail, and individual copies of a particular "A Slice of
Infinity" may be printed, provided that such copying, re-transmission,
printing, or other use is not for profit or other commercial purpose.
However, "A Slice of Infinity" may NOT be reproduced in any form on the
World Wide Web or in print media or other media without express written
permission. RZIM considers requests to reprint, transmit, or otherwise
reproduce "A Slice of Infinity" (or portions thereof) in print, or other
media on a case-by-case basis; please contact RZIM at 1-800-448-6766 to
submit a request.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright(c) 2008
Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM).
Reprinted with permission.
A Slice of Infinity is a ministry of Ravi Zacharias International
Ministries
In Everything Give Thanks
Margaret Manning
"In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus"
(1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Had I read and understood this verse as a young girl, perhaps I wouldn't
have needed to read all the books I read about finding God's will for my
life, or attend all the seminars on discernment, or spend anxious nights
in prayer wondering if I was perfectly aligned with the will of God. Paul
tells the Thessalonian Christians that giving thanks in everything was
God's will for them, plain and simple.
On the surface, this seems too easy, too simple to encompass something as
deep and as wide as the will of God. And yet, praise and thanksgiving
have always been the markers of a people who walked in the will the Lord,
even of those who struggled with circumstances in which we would be
stretched to find any reason for praise.
For ancient Israel, the concept of thanksgiving was explicitly tied to
remembering all that God had done on their behalf. The people are told to
remember the God who "brought them out of the land of Egypt" and to
remember "the days of old" when the Lord found them "in a desert land, and
in the howling waste of a wilderness; He encircled them, He cared for them,
he guarded them as the pupil of His eye" (Deuteronomy 5:15; 32:7-12). The
psalmists remind the people to "remember that God was their rock, and the
Most High God their Redeemer" (Psalm 78:35), and Job cries out in defiant
praise after losing everything, "The Lord gave and the Lord has taken
away. Blessed be the name of the Lord" (Job 1:21).
A spirit of thanksgiving marked the earliest followers of Jesus as well.
These early believers were so overjoyed at the Spirit's work among them
that they shared meals, their property and possessions, and were
continually praising God (Acts 2:42-47). Paul exhorted the Philippian
Christians to offer their prayers and supplications "with thanksgiving"
(Philippians 4:6), and the endless song around the throne of heaven in
Revelation sounds the chorus for "blessing and glory and wisdom and
thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever"
(Revelation 7:12). Indeed, it is the will of God, from beginning to end,
for us to give thanks and praise.
The American celebration of Thanksgiving was founded because our earliest
leaders thought it important for the entire nation to stop and give
thanks. Written in 1782, one of the first declarations concerning the day
of Thanksgiving read:
"The United States in Congress assembled, taking into their consideration
the many instances of divine goodness to these States:[...] Do hereby
recommend to the inhabitants of these States in general, the observation
of THURSDAY the twenty-eight day of NOVEMBER next, as a day of solemn
THANKSGIVING to GOD for all his mercies: and they do further recommend to
all ranks, to testify to their gratitude to GOD for his goodness, by a
cheerful obedience of his laws, and by promoting, each in his station, and
by his influence, the practice of true and undefiled religion, which is the
great foundation of public prosperity and national happiness."(1)
This declaration reflects the notion that the mark of a great nation, like
the distinction of God's people in Scripture, is in its thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is God's will for God's people because when we give thanks
for who God is and what God has done in our lives, there is no room for
jealousy of what others' have, no room for complaining about what we lack.
Even in times of deepest sorrow, there is a joy that rises up on the heart
when praise comes even with tears. Thanksgiving makes the heart full of
gladness which overflows from our lives and spills out into acts of
kindness and generosity. When we are grateful, we cannot help but share
our gratitude. And this is the will of God for our lives.
I am grateful for a day set apart to focus on thanksgiving, but I am
challenged to live into God's will for my life by giving thanks in
everything, every day of the year. As the author of the letter to the
Hebrews concludes: "Through God then, let us continually offer up a
sacrifice of praise to God that is the fruit of lips that give thanks to
His name. And do not neglect doing good and sharing; for with such
sacrifices God is pleased."(2)
Margaret Manning is a member of the speaking and writing team at Ravi
Zacharias International Ministries in Atlanta, Georgia.
(1)Thanksgiving Proclamation State of New-Hampshire. In Committee
of Safety, Exeter, November 1, 1782 from https://www.history.com.
(2) Hebrews 13:15-16.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright (c) 2008 Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM)
"A Slice of Infinity" is aimed at reaching into the culture with words of
challenge, words of truth, and words of hope. If you know of others who
would enjoy receiving "A Slice of Infinity" in their email box each day,
tell them they can sign up on our website at
http://www.rzim.org/slice/slice.php. If they do not have access to the
World Wide Web, please call 1-877-88SLICE (1-877-887-5423).
Copyright notice: "A Slice of Infinity" may be copied and re-transmitted
by electronic mail, and individual copies of a particular "A Slice of
Infinity" may be printed, provided that such copying, re-transmission,
printing, or other use is not for profit or other commercial purpose.
However, "A Slice of Infinity" may NOT be reproduced in any form on the
World Wide Web or in print media or other media without express written
permission. RZIM considers requests to reprint, transmit, or otherwise
reproduce "A Slice of Infinity" (or portions thereof) in print, or other
media on a case-by-case basis; please contact RZIM at 1-800-448-6766 to
submit a request.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright(c) 2008
Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM).
Reprinted with permission.
A Slice of Infinity is a ministry of Ravi Zacharias International
Ministries
Monday, November 24, 2008
RAIN!
So- its a trickle. I suppose I will put off building an ark till another day. But it is super gloomy and has made a most wonderful, relaxing afternoon OFF with the Buff watching TLC. LOVES it!
And here is my shoutout! One of my childhood best friends (Jen) is currently awaiting the arrival of her first child (with husband Mike......HI MIKEEE!) at the hospital....any moment now in the sunny state of Florida. What is absolutely awesome is that Mike is blogging during the whole thing.........you can check out their blog listed in my favorites. (Hey Mike! Tell Jen I love her.....and I guess you are pretty ok too!) I am stalking it to see pics of the highly anticipated Annabelle!
Love to all!
And here is my shoutout! One of my childhood best friends (Jen) is currently awaiting the arrival of her first child (with husband Mike......HI MIKEEE!) at the hospital....any moment now in the sunny state of Florida. What is absolutely awesome is that Mike is blogging during the whole thing.........you can check out their blog listed in my favorites. (Hey Mike! Tell Jen I love her.....and I guess you are pretty ok too!) I am stalking it to see pics of the highly anticipated Annabelle!
Love to all!
It may- just may- rain today!
So I spent the day hiking yesterday all around Lake Hartwell. It was wonderful weather and probably the last time I can get in some good outdoor time before it gets way too cold to do so. The drought has brought the lake down MUCH more than when I was last out there (maybe a month ago). Kinda scary since two weeks ago an article in the paper said we have 300 days of water left. Not good. We are going to need rain of epic proportions.......Noah's Ark type rain.
Church was great yesterday! Only NewSpring can incorporate Barry White music into the teaching.
Turkey day is right around the corner! Yay for the upcoming good eats! Which also means that Christmas is coming coming coming.
Oh- and I failed to mention.......OHIO STATE OWNED MICHIGAN!!!!!! Go Bucks!
Church was great yesterday! Only NewSpring can incorporate Barry White music into the teaching.
Turkey day is right around the corner! Yay for the upcoming good eats! Which also means that Christmas is coming coming coming.
Oh- and I failed to mention.......OHIO STATE OWNED MICHIGAN!!!!!! Go Bucks!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Hi Aunt Judy!
So I hear that you have been missing my posts :). So- I had to go through two different sets of emails to find my password.........but......ta dah! Here I am!!!!!!!
Quick summary
1. Newspring still flipping rocks.
2. Buffett still flipping rocks.
3. I am amazed that one can go through 12 years of schooling, 4.5 years of college and NEVER have heard of Jonestown. Thanks to CNN, I am now updated. And I now 'get' the "Don't drink the kool-aid" off color comment that I have hear people make over the last many years.
4. My best friend moved into a house where a woman was murdered by her son 4 years ago. I finally went in a week ago yesterday (after church nonetheless) and it is.......HEAVY. Not to be superstitious- but........I will not go at night!!!
5. My new favorite food has changed from Mexican to Sushi. And tonight mom and I are going!!!!!!!
6. Its getting COLD down here.
7. I had two pairs of my favorite buckle jeans die on the same day a few weeks ago. SAD! So, I replaced them with one pair:).
8. I sat through a 4 hour district meeting yesterday afternoon. NOT FUN! The good? Our sloppy joe's rocked!!!!!!!
9. Turkey day is right around the corner!!!!!!!!!
Ok- hopefully I will be back on before I have to search for my password again!!!
Peace and LOVE!
Quick summary
1. Newspring still flipping rocks.
2. Buffett still flipping rocks.
3. I am amazed that one can go through 12 years of schooling, 4.5 years of college and NEVER have heard of Jonestown. Thanks to CNN, I am now updated. And I now 'get' the "Don't drink the kool-aid" off color comment that I have hear people make over the last many years.
4. My best friend moved into a house where a woman was murdered by her son 4 years ago. I finally went in a week ago yesterday (after church nonetheless) and it is.......HEAVY. Not to be superstitious- but........I will not go at night!!!
5. My new favorite food has changed from Mexican to Sushi. And tonight mom and I are going!!!!!!!
6. Its getting COLD down here.
7. I had two pairs of my favorite buckle jeans die on the same day a few weeks ago. SAD! So, I replaced them with one pair:).
8. I sat through a 4 hour district meeting yesterday afternoon. NOT FUN! The good? Our sloppy joe's rocked!!!!!!!
9. Turkey day is right around the corner!!!!!!!!!
Ok- hopefully I will be back on before I have to search for my password again!!!
Peace and LOVE!
Monday, August 11, 2008
Random updates....
1. Finally rented Juno. Jodi, Lorin and I had a great girls night Saturday night! Oh- and Jodi has a 105 lb lab who took to me......really took to me. In fact, at one point, he jumped up on the recliner I was in to give me more kisses and he FLIPPED US BOTH over! Now that is a big....big arse dog!
2. Church rocked it yesterday! The sermon was about being a Christian surrounded with all the pop culture. They even played "I Wanna Make Love in this Club" and "I Kissed a Girl" on the sound system with the videos and lyrics on the screen right in the middle of the sermon. Perry was especially fired up! This is a must see.. www.newspring.cc
3. I invited my parents to go with Chuck, his kids and I to the river yesterday. IT WAS A BLAST! I think my dad was in his own paradise. He LOVED it. And my mom got to find more rocks for her collection and, of course, Buffett swam his heart out. We managed to not get injured UNTIL we were hiking back to the car. On a smooth trail. We could see the car. And then my dad stepped on the ONLY rock around and rolled his ankle. It was priceless!!!!! And he has now lost his right to make fun of my river injury. At least I was running for my life :).
4. I have done a major cleaning today. It is amazing to me that the older I get, the more I enjoy cleaning!! (CRAZY!)
5. HI ALLISON!!!!!! I HAD A GREAT TIME WITH YOU GUYS!
2. Church rocked it yesterday! The sermon was about being a Christian surrounded with all the pop culture. They even played "I Wanna Make Love in this Club" and "I Kissed a Girl" on the sound system with the videos and lyrics on the screen right in the middle of the sermon. Perry was especially fired up! This is a must see.. www.newspring.cc
3. I invited my parents to go with Chuck, his kids and I to the river yesterday. IT WAS A BLAST! I think my dad was in his own paradise. He LOVED it. And my mom got to find more rocks for her collection and, of course, Buffett swam his heart out. We managed to not get injured UNTIL we were hiking back to the car. On a smooth trail. We could see the car. And then my dad stepped on the ONLY rock around and rolled his ankle. It was priceless!!!!! And he has now lost his right to make fun of my river injury. At least I was running for my life :).
4. I have done a major cleaning today. It is amazing to me that the older I get, the more I enjoy cleaning!! (CRAZY!)
5. HI ALLISON!!!!!! I HAD A GREAT TIME WITH YOU GUYS!
Monday, July 14, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
I love the summer- and Happy Belated Birthday Allison!
1. Happy 22 Allison!
2. I love the pool, the sun, relaxing outside, taking my dog to the park, and pretty much anything else to do with the outdoors. Minus the river. This is probably the first time in my life that I have spent most of my time (when I am off from work) outside. Love the fresh air! Its good for the spirit!
2. I love the pool, the sun, relaxing outside, taking my dog to the park, and pretty much anything else to do with the outdoors. Minus the river. This is probably the first time in my life that I have spent most of my time (when I am off from work) outside. Love the fresh air! Its good for the spirit!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
I stink at linking.....
http://tonymorganlive.com/2008/06/11/newspring-first-campus-outside-of-anderson/#comment-6052
Check this out! LOVE IT!
Check this out! LOVE IT!
Where are your eyes?
So- I wrote the other day about my friend hit by the car. Turns out, the young guy who hit her is 22. He had just left a doctors appointment where he found out that his cancer had returned. He looked down for a moment while driving.....and look what happened.
So after hearing this I started thinking about my driving. The past 2 days I have noticed just HOW MANY times I look down. Whether to grab a cd, check a text, or rummage in my purse..........Try it yourself for a couple of days. You will most likely be as amazed as I am at the amount of time your eyes are NOT on the road. It is by pure luck (more likely the grace of God) that I have not hit anyone or anything..............
On happier notes:
1. My brother, mom, dad and I went to a good lunch today for Father's Day. Unfortunately, the Crohn's kicked in- but I did manage to sit at the table long enough to eat half my sandwich. It was a nice time....and ruebens rock!
2. The washer is fixed!!!!! AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3. I got to spend a couple of hours at the pool this afternoon with Chuck and the boys. I LOVE being able to see the world through a child's eyes- if for just a moment.
4. Gas is still under 4$ a gallon here. I paid 3.79 today!
5. I see the doctor again tomorrow at 2. Please say a prayer!
Until then......
So after hearing this I started thinking about my driving. The past 2 days I have noticed just HOW MANY times I look down. Whether to grab a cd, check a text, or rummage in my purse..........Try it yourself for a couple of days. You will most likely be as amazed as I am at the amount of time your eyes are NOT on the road. It is by pure luck (more likely the grace of God) that I have not hit anyone or anything..............
On happier notes:
1. My brother, mom, dad and I went to a good lunch today for Father's Day. Unfortunately, the Crohn's kicked in- but I did manage to sit at the table long enough to eat half my sandwich. It was a nice time....and ruebens rock!
2. The washer is fixed!!!!! AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3. I got to spend a couple of hours at the pool this afternoon with Chuck and the boys. I LOVE being able to see the world through a child's eyes- if for just a moment.
4. Gas is still under 4$ a gallon here. I paid 3.79 today!
5. I see the doctor again tomorrow at 2. Please say a prayer!
Until then......
Thursday, June 12, 2008
But for the grace of God......there go I.
So in the past week....
1. One friend had one failed back surgery and a second to try to fix the first problem and newly created. She is now in a rehab hospital to learn to walk again. She has wonderful spirits and takes this as just another stepping stone.
2. A friend who I am not as close to as I used to be was hit by a car walking on her break at work. (She is a nurse at the hospital). She was dragged and the car didn't stop until it ran into a cab. She is alive and enduring several surgeries and still in the ICU. She is facing months of rehabilitation for the many fractures.....but she is alive.
3. Another friend was killed Tuesday morning when she went off the road into a tree. Her BAC was .24. Legal limit in SC is .08.
Every smile, every tear, every kiss, every EVERYTHING is a gift from GOD. Cherish it.
1. One friend had one failed back surgery and a second to try to fix the first problem and newly created. She is now in a rehab hospital to learn to walk again. She has wonderful spirits and takes this as just another stepping stone.
2. A friend who I am not as close to as I used to be was hit by a car walking on her break at work. (She is a nurse at the hospital). She was dragged and the car didn't stop until it ran into a cab. She is alive and enduring several surgeries and still in the ICU. She is facing months of rehabilitation for the many fractures.....but she is alive.
3. Another friend was killed Tuesday morning when she went off the road into a tree. Her BAC was .24. Legal limit in SC is .08.
Every smile, every tear, every kiss, every EVERYTHING is a gift from GOD. Cherish it.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Knee update.......
Ok- so......saw the ortho today......
My 'little rock' fall gives me some bad news to deliver:
1. Bad sprain of my MCL
2. Probable meniscus tear
3. Inflamed "fat pad"
The good?
1. My knee cap is ....and I quote "PERFECT". Still doing great from the overhaul in 03. God bless the Hughston clinic. My ortho is impressed.
2. We are going to hold off until my follow-up on 6/17 for an MRI.
3. Since I can (and this is also a quote) "practically teach rehab" I will be doing my rehabbing at home!!! HOLLLAAAAA!
4. No more knee immobilizer! New sporty (ha!) and much less bulky knee brace.
Lessons:
1. No more river for Buff and I.
2. Urgent care actually knew what they were doing.
3. There is positive in EVERY situation. I just have to look for it.
....anything above my head is still below His feet......
My 'little rock' fall gives me some bad news to deliver:
1. Bad sprain of my MCL
2. Probable meniscus tear
3. Inflamed "fat pad"
The good?
1. My knee cap is ....and I quote "PERFECT". Still doing great from the overhaul in 03. God bless the Hughston clinic. My ortho is impressed.
2. We are going to hold off until my follow-up on 6/17 for an MRI.
3. Since I can (and this is also a quote) "practically teach rehab" I will be doing my rehabbing at home!!! HOLLLAAAAA!
4. No more knee immobilizer! New sporty (ha!) and much less bulky knee brace.
Lessons:
1. No more river for Buff and I.
2. Urgent care actually knew what they were doing.
3. There is positive in EVERY situation. I just have to look for it.
....anything above my head is still below His feet......
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Ow Ow Ow!
So here is a funny story for you:
Went to the River/Dam on Saturday with Buff and Chuck. Let me set this up for you:
1. I go nearly every week as detailed by previous pictures.
2. I decided to bring an insulated cooler bag this time. I figured I needed a safer place to put cellphones/cameras besides in my sports bra. This is the first time I did this.
3. Once we made it to the island in the middle of the river, Chuck decided to take Buffett to the GA side of the river. Reason being: if the Dam horn ever went off (signaling impending doom) I would take Buff to the GA side as is was somewhat closer to the island. Chuck would take the longer route and cross back to SC to get the car and then come get Buff and I. This was all theory....... and it was also the first time Chuck showed Buff where to go.
Fast forward approx. 2 hours. There is this loud blaring horn.........that sounds like a semi truck on the bridge. However, about 30 seconds into it...chuck states....."thats the dam horn" along with some colorful language. PANIC.
I tossed him his keys from his bag- he handed me his cell phone and the adventure began.
People pulled off the side of an access road that runs along the GA side and were screaming "water is coming- GET OUT!". I had now escalated to full petrified panic.
Buffett got about 10 feet in front of me (THANK GOD he had had a practice run earlier) and I believed it was me and him.......ALONE. And then I fell- twice. In water approx 2 feet deep with large moss covered rocks underneath. I yelled for help. I hadn't realized it but Chuck was worried upon seeing the people stopped in their car- so he decided to follow me to GA. Buff turned around and CAME BACK and sat next to me in the now somewhat rising water! AMAZING! We finally made it to land and had to go up a 10 ft embankment. At that very moment, this very POS car comes driving by- bout 20 yrs old........falling apart kind of car. In it were two very VERY country people- a son and his 80 yr old mother with a wiener dog on her lap. They stopped and immediately offered us a ride back to the other side of the now raging river. I was soaked, with blood running down my leg. My dog was soaked. Chuck was soaked. And they welcomed us. God bless them!
Here is a pic once we got back to SC- with my fresh wounds......
I am finally giving in after 5 days of swelling and pain and going to the doctor today.
With all this in mind:
God had me in his hands the whole time.
1. The practice run with the dog to GA
2. The bag to protect cell phones.
3. The old beat up car that had more than likely seen much worse than the three of us.
Coincidence is merely God acting anonymously.
P.S. I am still terrified when I think of what could of happened. I will no longer be playing on the river rocks. I'll let ya know what the doc says!
Went to the River/Dam on Saturday with Buff and Chuck. Let me set this up for you:
1. I go nearly every week as detailed by previous pictures.
2. I decided to bring an insulated cooler bag this time. I figured I needed a safer place to put cellphones/cameras besides in my sports bra. This is the first time I did this.
3. Once we made it to the island in the middle of the river, Chuck decided to take Buffett to the GA side of the river. Reason being: if the Dam horn ever went off (signaling impending doom) I would take Buff to the GA side as is was somewhat closer to the island. Chuck would take the longer route and cross back to SC to get the car and then come get Buff and I. This was all theory....... and it was also the first time Chuck showed Buff where to go.
Fast forward approx. 2 hours. There is this loud blaring horn.........that sounds like a semi truck on the bridge. However, about 30 seconds into it...chuck states....."thats the dam horn" along with some colorful language. PANIC.
I tossed him his keys from his bag- he handed me his cell phone and the adventure began.
People pulled off the side of an access road that runs along the GA side and were screaming "water is coming- GET OUT!". I had now escalated to full petrified panic.
Buffett got about 10 feet in front of me (THANK GOD he had had a practice run earlier) and I believed it was me and him.......ALONE. And then I fell- twice. In water approx 2 feet deep with large moss covered rocks underneath. I yelled for help. I hadn't realized it but Chuck was worried upon seeing the people stopped in their car- so he decided to follow me to GA. Buff turned around and CAME BACK and sat next to me in the now somewhat rising water! AMAZING! We finally made it to land and had to go up a 10 ft embankment. At that very moment, this very POS car comes driving by- bout 20 yrs old........falling apart kind of car. In it were two very VERY country people- a son and his 80 yr old mother with a wiener dog on her lap. They stopped and immediately offered us a ride back to the other side of the now raging river. I was soaked, with blood running down my leg. My dog was soaked. Chuck was soaked. And they welcomed us. God bless them!
Here is a pic once we got back to SC- with my fresh wounds......
I am finally giving in after 5 days of swelling and pain and going to the doctor today.
With all this in mind:
God had me in his hands the whole time.
1. The practice run with the dog to GA
2. The bag to protect cell phones.
3. The old beat up car that had more than likely seen much worse than the three of us.
Coincidence is merely God acting anonymously.
P.S. I am still terrified when I think of what could of happened. I will no longer be playing on the river rocks. I'll let ya know what the doc says!
Monday, May 12, 2008
Monday, May 5, 2008
Some pics from yesterday....
Yesterday Buffett got to go to the Savannah River/Hartwell Dam.......Here are some pics....
and....MY FAVORITE!!!!!!
and....MY FAVORITE!!!!!!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
another great day off...
This morning I went with one of my best friends to Greenville so she could pay a past debt. Honestly- I really didn't want to go. It was rainy, yucky, and perfectly dark enough to stay in bed and do nothing all day. She came by at 9:45 and we headed to G-Vegas. It rained the whole way there but stopped once we left the tax office. So, we decided to stop by the house my brother is having built. My parents went by on Saturday and found the thing unlocked, so I figured it still would be. We get to the house and there were no workers.....so I was betting on it still being unlocked. Well, the front door was locked. So- my genius self walked through the neighbors yard around back. Reminder: It has poured all morning. So, since the house still isn't done, there is no sod. Nope- none. So- me and my pretty NEW sneakers run as quickly as possible across the RED CLAY DIRT. My best friend was laughing......I was sinking. And the dang back door was locked!!!!!
Lesson learned. In life......and construction sites, it is best to survey the scene before impulsively acting. I really need to focus on the whole picture.........and while the quickest way from point a to point b may appear to be a straight line- there may be obstacles.....both seen and unforeseen. I clearly saw that there was a better way to go- (around the OTHER side of the house) yet I chose the lesser option.
So- Lorin was cracking up. I had to take my shoes off and put them in the back of her truck for the ride home.
Then the sun came out and my shoes ACTUALLY CAME CLEAN. It only took a couple mins with the hose and they are good as new.
And, the sun has remained out all day! Got in a bit of tanning.
:)
Lesson learned. In life......and construction sites, it is best to survey the scene before impulsively acting. I really need to focus on the whole picture.........and while the quickest way from point a to point b may appear to be a straight line- there may be obstacles.....both seen and unforeseen. I clearly saw that there was a better way to go- (around the OTHER side of the house) yet I chose the lesser option.
So- Lorin was cracking up. I had to take my shoes off and put them in the back of her truck for the ride home.
Then the sun came out and my shoes ACTUALLY CAME CLEAN. It only took a couple mins with the hose and they are good as new.
And, the sun has remained out all day! Got in a bit of tanning.
:)
Friday, April 25, 2008
Mexican Food
What do I love almost as much as NOS? Mexican Food.!.!.! I pretty much eat the stuff 5 nights a week.......and have narrowed down all the Mexican establishments in town to my favorite: El Patron. Vegetarian E...extra cheese enchilada and a side of sour cream and the all important jalepenos. HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT! Here is the prob.....just like the ridiculous gas prices that keep going up...imagine our surprise last night when the bill was 2 dollars more. From 18.58 to 20.58. Bleh.
Also, what is this I hear about Sam's club rationing rice??? At least I am not a rice fan. And, I will continue the El Patron streak. Darn economy!
...What have you done for Him today?....
Also, what is this I hear about Sam's club rationing rice??? At least I am not a rice fan. And, I will continue the El Patron streak. Darn economy!
...What have you done for Him today?....
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Show up to your life!
So last night, I was in the car with a friend coming home from dinner- listening to DELILAH. Go ahead and laugh....but I love her show. Anywho, she mentioned that we should "show up to our lives."
It hit me.
My take: You can't sit back and expect to pray your way out of life's obstacles. I like to refer to those prayers as "foxhole prayers". You have to put action and true meaning behind your prayers AND your life. As 'they' say: faith without works is dead. (sidenote: who is they????). I have to meet my Savior somewhere in the middle........I have to do everything in my power to grow in circumstances- good and bad- asking for His assistance and guidance along the way- and when I can do no more, I have to ask Him to take over- completely.
Do you show up to your life?
It hit me.
My take: You can't sit back and expect to pray your way out of life's obstacles. I like to refer to those prayers as "foxhole prayers". You have to put action and true meaning behind your prayers AND your life. As 'they' say: faith without works is dead. (sidenote: who is they????). I have to meet my Savior somewhere in the middle........I have to do everything in my power to grow in circumstances- good and bad- asking for His assistance and guidance along the way- and when I can do no more, I have to ask Him to take over- completely.
Do you show up to your life?
Monday, April 21, 2008
:) I be here! I is here! Here I am:)
I have been blog slacking again.... (HI AUNT J!!!!!!!!!!!!!) It has been a super busy couple of weeks. Seems like since the weather got warm- there is suddenly more stuff to do and to get done!
OH! I am currently working my way through Joel Osteen's Live Your Best Life Now Journal.......HIGHLY recommend it!!!! Very thought provoking........and makes you put a pen to paper which is also good too!!! I find it is one thing to read something.....but when I have a book that makes me actually THINK HARD because I have to write something.......it hits home much more so.
Face update: looking LOTS better!
OH! I am currently working my way through Joel Osteen's Live Your Best Life Now Journal.......HIGHLY recommend it!!!! Very thought provoking........and makes you put a pen to paper which is also good too!!! I find it is one thing to read something.....but when I have a book that makes me actually THINK HARD because I have to write something.......it hits home much more so.
Face update: looking LOTS better!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Funny stuff!
Ha- so my church is doing an awesome series....."sex, money, and power: the man series". This video is how they started the teaching yesterday morning. HYSTERICAL!!!! The funny part was that most of the service was aimed at men......but definitely made all the ladies think. And then......the call for women to back up....sit back....and keep quiet. You could pretty much feel every woman's ego bubble being popped. Good stuff! To think- every female ALMOST walked out of there unscathed. ALMOST.
On a completely different note: I finally saw Catch Me if You Can this weekend. I am slack on movies.....I know! And it was great!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Happy Thursday!
1. It is BEAUTIFUL here!!!! SUNNY AND WARM!!!
2. I am trying to cut back on the energy drinks.
3. The face is doing MUCH better!!!
4. I wish I had the day off to enjoy this weather with Buffett!!! But at least I can stare out the window at it.....till 7.
2. I am trying to cut back on the energy drinks.
3. The face is doing MUCH better!!!
4. I wish I had the day off to enjoy this weather with Buffett!!! But at least I can stare out the window at it.....till 7.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Phone calls in the morning.....
I'm blog slacking. I know. I embrace it. I accept it. I will try to do better:)
That being said, I was getting ready for work a bit ago and got a phone call from my dad. Two things about calls from dad in the morning. 1. He never calls from work. 2. Its not usually a good thing. Well, he and my mom found out last night that one of their best friends in Florida passed away on Friday. So.....as I stood dripping water everywhere (I had just gotten out of the shower) several things hit me.......
1. The older my parents get and the older that I get, the more I redefine what 'old' is. I remember years ago when 40 seemed old to me......Ron was only 60. Too young.
2. Who am I/we to say 'too young'????? When our work is done here, we are called home by our Heavenly Father. Not on our time, but His. Have we lived each day - to the best of our ability- glorifying Him.......not other people or materialistic items or our self-serving desires?
I don't know if this is making much sense.......as I am very stunned at the moment. But......it was another reminder that we are here but a short time.........some longer than others.... but our time here is a but a blink when compared to the eternity that is offered. Open your eyes.
Our God is an awesome God!
That being said, I was getting ready for work a bit ago and got a phone call from my dad. Two things about calls from dad in the morning. 1. He never calls from work. 2. Its not usually a good thing. Well, he and my mom found out last night that one of their best friends in Florida passed away on Friday. So.....as I stood dripping water everywhere (I had just gotten out of the shower) several things hit me.......
1. The older my parents get and the older that I get, the more I redefine what 'old' is. I remember years ago when 40 seemed old to me......Ron was only 60. Too young.
2. Who am I/we to say 'too young'????? When our work is done here, we are called home by our Heavenly Father. Not on our time, but His. Have we lived each day - to the best of our ability- glorifying Him.......not other people or materialistic items or our self-serving desires?
I don't know if this is making much sense.......as I am very stunned at the moment. But......it was another reminder that we are here but a short time.........some longer than others.... but our time here is a but a blink when compared to the eternity that is offered. Open your eyes.
Our God is an awesome God!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Day off! Trampolines and Plastic Surgeons......on St. Pattys Day!
Ah- the glorious Monday off!
Let me update you on the face: OUCH! My lips have looked like cold sore heaven for the past week.....granted I have never had one! That is just how stinkin chapped they are from some the chemicals that someone leeched onto them.
So I went for my weekly pic at the Plastic Surgeons office. I am currently a burning and blistering mess......imagine having a camera shoved in the face! NOT FUN! Just gotta keep stickin it out.......thank God my friends love me enough to come visit me in hiding at my house. Seems the only place I go these days is work and dark dark dark restaurants.
I did go out in public to Panera for lunch this afternoon for some awesome French Onion Soup breadbowls with my best girls!
But the pure excitement was.......jumping on one of my best friends daughters new trampoline! Who ever said that at age 28 with a burning peeling face one can't jump like an idiot on a trampoline? It rocked. It also kicked my butt. Enjoy the pics!
Let me update you on the face: OUCH! My lips have looked like cold sore heaven for the past week.....granted I have never had one! That is just how stinkin chapped they are from some the chemicals that someone leeched onto them.
So I went for my weekly pic at the Plastic Surgeons office. I am currently a burning and blistering mess......imagine having a camera shoved in the face! NOT FUN! Just gotta keep stickin it out.......thank God my friends love me enough to come visit me in hiding at my house. Seems the only place I go these days is work and dark dark dark restaurants.
I did go out in public to Panera for lunch this afternoon for some awesome French Onion Soup breadbowls with my best girls!
But the pure excitement was.......jumping on one of my best friends daughters new trampoline! Who ever said that at age 28 with a burning peeling face one can't jump like an idiot on a trampoline? It rocked. It also kicked my butt. Enjoy the pics!
Monday, March 10, 2008
Day off.....
Let me say this for the record: I LOVE LOVE LOVE having Monday's off!!!!! And no, I don't just lay around on em!
1. Went to meeting at 10. Of course, had to stop to fill up on an energy drink.
2. Got home and spent some time in 'sermon on the mount'........does it get much better than that? I love rereading it-----always something different speaking to me.
3. CLEANED! You know what that means....clean fresh sheets tonight! Rock it!
4. Was going to hit the park with my best friend and her 2 year old......but time got away from me and its about shower/peel the face off time to get ready for tonight.
God is great!
1. Went to meeting at 10. Of course, had to stop to fill up on an energy drink.
2. Got home and spent some time in 'sermon on the mount'........does it get much better than that? I love rereading it-----always something different speaking to me.
3. CLEANED! You know what that means....clean fresh sheets tonight! Rock it!
4. Was going to hit the park with my best friend and her 2 year old......but time got away from me and its about shower/peel the face off time to get ready for tonight.
God is great!
Friday, March 7, 2008
Exhausted..
What a week! Do you ever feel like you are doing the same thing....day in and day out......Menial things......but what a blessing to be ABLE to do them.
Might I also mention that my dog flipping ROCKS!
Well, I'm off to watch some t.v. and relax. And yes, I am quite aware that it is a Friday night. But considering that I work on Saturdays, my 'weekend' doesn't start till tomorrow night.
PS: The face is looking almost presentable this evening. ALMOST.
LIVE.
Might I also mention that my dog flipping ROCKS!
Well, I'm off to watch some t.v. and relax. And yes, I am quite aware that it is a Friday night. But considering that I work on Saturdays, my 'weekend' doesn't start till tomorrow night.
PS: The face is looking almost presentable this evening. ALMOST.
LIVE.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Forgiveness.....thought for the day....
"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
Matthew 6:14
And remember: God doesn't make junk. Happy Thursday!
Matthew 6:14
And remember: God doesn't make junk. Happy Thursday!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
So I have been blog slacking.......I have been super busy and am finally getting some downtime so here goes...
1. I am officially addicted to Thin Mints. The problem: I have half of one box left. Wishing they sold them all year!!!!! Thankfully, the Thin Mint problem took the place of the Cadbury Egg issue....haven't had one in 2 weeks:) But, I am pretty sure I will be back to my trusty Cadbury Eggs VERY soon.........(PS. Why do I LOVE the junk they only sell for short periods of time each year? Maybe its the fact they aren't available everyday that I hoard them while I can????)
2. My scope went very well. I was completely out....it was WONDERFUL. They found some stricturing and a polyp. The polyp is no longer around. :)
3. My face is a burning, peeling mess. Raw.
4. Thinking about hitting a G-vegas church service at Redemption church on Sunday.
5. God is GREAT.........greater than anything else in my life.
1. I am officially addicted to Thin Mints. The problem: I have half of one box left. Wishing they sold them all year!!!!! Thankfully, the Thin Mint problem took the place of the Cadbury Egg issue....haven't had one in 2 weeks:) But, I am pretty sure I will be back to my trusty Cadbury Eggs VERY soon.........(PS. Why do I LOVE the junk they only sell for short periods of time each year? Maybe its the fact they aren't available everyday that I hoard them while I can????)
2. My scope went very well. I was completely out....it was WONDERFUL. They found some stricturing and a polyp. The polyp is no longer around. :)
3. My face is a burning, peeling mess. Raw.
4. Thinking about hitting a G-vegas church service at Redemption church on Sunday.
5. God is GREAT.........greater than anything else in my life.
Friday, February 29, 2008
DUI checkpoints and other fun detours....
1. Tonight I met some friends at Chiefs for a late dinner.....but they were charging a $5 cover to listen to some 'country rock band'. Needless to say, I did not get my much heralded Buffalo Chicken Wrap. We walked out and went to O'Charleys.
2. On the way home I come up to........the dreaded DUI checkpoint. LIBERATING! I cruised right up.......and didn't have to: a) throw my seatbelt on quickly b) turn my radio down c) put gum in my mouth or d)pray a foxhole prayer. It made my night! I chatted with the officer......who was very friendly.....gave him my license....HE GAVE IT BACK.....and went along my way. (I won't go into details on how some moron at the intersecting street then nearly hit my car as he ran the light....with my window still down and officers everywhere.....I did swear at him. oops! I'll try better next time:)
3. My face is flipping peeling off! I currently have Neosporin slathered all over my lips. ATTRACTIVE.
4. I also heard from the hospital today. I have to be there at 7:30 Monday morning for the scope. They are putting me out for it so it isn't a repeat of last time! Thank God. So.....I will be abstaining from food.....and nourishing my body with clear fluids and Fleets Phospho Soda in prep for the "big dig" monday.
To thine own self be true.......
2. On the way home I come up to........the dreaded DUI checkpoint. LIBERATING! I cruised right up.......and didn't have to: a) throw my seatbelt on quickly b) turn my radio down c) put gum in my mouth or d)pray a foxhole prayer. It made my night! I chatted with the officer......who was very friendly.....gave him my license....HE GAVE IT BACK.....and went along my way. (I won't go into details on how some moron at the intersecting street then nearly hit my car as he ran the light....with my window still down and officers everywhere.....I did swear at him. oops! I'll try better next time:)
3. My face is flipping peeling off! I currently have Neosporin slathered all over my lips. ATTRACTIVE.
4. I also heard from the hospital today. I have to be there at 7:30 Monday morning for the scope. They are putting me out for it so it isn't a repeat of last time! Thank God. So.....I will be abstaining from food.....and nourishing my body with clear fluids and Fleets Phospho Soda in prep for the "big dig" monday.
To thine own self be true.......
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Blessings in everything. Just open your eyes.
I got my new prescription filled for a Crohn's med....Yesterday when I dropped it off I asked the pharmacist how much it would be and he commented '$40....you have really good insurance". I really didn't think much of it until today when I got to Publix and picked it up. As I was walking out to the car, I read the info sheet they give you. At the top it said "Your plan saved you $397.15". WHAT? So pretty much a two month supply is almost $440?? As much as I like to moan at paying almost 400 a month for COBRA (through my previous job) ..... it payed for itself today! What gets even better, I will be switched to my work insurance in April........same plan and everything! For this "Crohnie"......another blessing.
So then I got to thinking......how in the world do people pay for this stuff uninsured? I suppose through the government or through discounts from the manufacturers (think Montel Williams commercials). I can't imagine the worries that occur when people need these medications to stay alive or to keep some quality of life -- to then have to battle on a monthly basis to get them at a free or reduced cost.
What a minor and insignificant gripe I have had for several months forking over that ridiculously large check to keep insurance coverage. What a huge amount of gratitude I have tonight that I am able to do so.
Adios!
So then I got to thinking......how in the world do people pay for this stuff uninsured? I suppose through the government or through discounts from the manufacturers (think Montel Williams commercials). I can't imagine the worries that occur when people need these medications to stay alive or to keep some quality of life -- to then have to battle on a monthly basis to get them at a free or reduced cost.
What a minor and insignificant gripe I have had for several months forking over that ridiculously large check to keep insurance coverage. What a huge amount of gratitude I have tonight that I am able to do so.
Adios!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Day of Doctors......
I am finally relaxing after the appts. today. Heres the update:
Plastic Surgeon: Going to start at home Obagi peels on Weds. to be followed followed by a surgery in a couple months, then followed by a Obagi blue peel. So I will have skin like a baby's bottom in no time. :)
And, speaking of bottoms.....
GI; Hold on to your pants for this one. I am scheduled for another super duper fantastic Colonoscopy. That fun will be a week from today at 8:00 am. The doctor was awesome....he even gave me a hug before I left......there definitely should be more docs like that....I haven't seen any specialist with bedside manner in a LONG time. You want to know what made my day? I get to "prep" with the same stuff I prepped with at U of Michigan.....2 little tiny bottles of Phospho Soda. None of the 4 gallons of nastiness.....no 40 pills to swallows.....Its the little things boys and girls!!!!
But, speaking of mass pills to swallow.....he put me on some Crohn's medication to hopefully help out the symptoms but I have to take an obscene amount of them a day. You win some, you lose some I guess.
Plastic Surgeon: Going to start at home Obagi peels on Weds. to be followed followed by a surgery in a couple months, then followed by a Obagi blue peel. So I will have skin like a baby's bottom in no time. :)
And, speaking of bottoms.....
GI; Hold on to your pants for this one. I am scheduled for another super duper fantastic Colonoscopy. That fun will be a week from today at 8:00 am. The doctor was awesome....he even gave me a hug before I left......there definitely should be more docs like that....I haven't seen any specialist with bedside manner in a LONG time. You want to know what made my day? I get to "prep" with the same stuff I prepped with at U of Michigan.....2 little tiny bottles of Phospho Soda. None of the 4 gallons of nastiness.....no 40 pills to swallows.....Its the little things boys and girls!!!!
But, speaking of mass pills to swallow.....he put me on some Crohn's medication to hopefully help out the symptoms but I have to take an obscene amount of them a day. You win some, you lose some I guess.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Sunday night thinking....
1. Last night was ladies night out......we ditched the guys, saw Vantage Point, and hit up some Chiefs for some AWESOME buffalo chicken wraps.....and then finished it off with a brownie sundae....As for the movie: GO SEE IT! 
2. Ladies night.....we need to do it more often. It was great!
3. Tomorrow, (I am off) I have a day of doctor appts. scheduled. JOY! Seeing the plastic surgeon at 9 (more on that later) and the GI at 2. Say a prayer please:). The GI visit is important as they are going to be checking up on the Crohn's disease and seeing about the Yersiniosis.
4. Church rocked today. It was all about keeping your priorities as they should be. God first, family second, and your 'purpose' last. So I got to thinking after church. I hear SO MANY people say "What is my purpose in life?", "I am trying to figure out what God's purpose is for me?". In my opinion, I think the "purpose of life" is made abundantly clear to us the day we are called to our eternal home. Thoughout the Bible it is clear that God wants us to serve Him first, serve others second, and serve ourselves last. I think that is the purpose of life here on earth for all of Christ's followers. As long as we strive to strive for His will to be done, and not ours.......we will be fulfilling that which we are here for.
5. I am still eating the flipping Girl Scout cookies.
6. And finally, I am dogsitting again...
But for the Grace of God, there go I.
2. Ladies night.....we need to do it more often. It was great!
3. Tomorrow, (I am off) I have a day of doctor appts. scheduled. JOY! Seeing the plastic surgeon at 9 (more on that later) and the GI at 2. Say a prayer please:). The GI visit is important as they are going to be checking up on the Crohn's disease and seeing about the Yersiniosis.
4. Church rocked today. It was all about keeping your priorities as they should be. God first, family second, and your 'purpose' last. So I got to thinking after church. I hear SO MANY people say "What is my purpose in life?", "I am trying to figure out what God's purpose is for me?". In my opinion, I think the "purpose of life" is made abundantly clear to us the day we are called to our eternal home. Thoughout the Bible it is clear that God wants us to serve Him first, serve others second, and serve ourselves last. I think that is the purpose of life here on earth for all of Christ's followers. As long as we strive to strive for His will to be done, and not ours.......we will be fulfilling that which we are here for.
5. I am still eating the flipping Girl Scout cookies.
6. And finally, I am dogsitting again...
But for the Grace of God, there go I.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Attitude of Gratitude.....
Ok so the past couple days, I have felt like chewing certain people's heads off and have been short with many others.
1. What gives ME the right?
2. Why do I set unrealistic, unnecessary, and impractical expectations on others and not understand when they don't reach them?
After praying about this, it dawned on me: my poor attitude was directly proportionate to my level of gratitude. The lower my gratitude- the poorer my attitude. So, it became gratitude list time. I will spare you the details.....but after about 15 minutes of writing down many things......and regaining some humility....the glass is now MORE than half full. Blessings are everywhere- I need to strive to keep my eyes open to see them.
:)
1. What gives ME the right?
2. Why do I set unrealistic, unnecessary, and impractical expectations on others and not understand when they don't reach them?
After praying about this, it dawned on me: my poor attitude was directly proportionate to my level of gratitude. The lower my gratitude- the poorer my attitude. So, it became gratitude list time. I will spare you the details.....but after about 15 minutes of writing down many things......and regaining some humility....the glass is now MORE than half full. Blessings are everywhere- I need to strive to keep my eyes open to see them.
:)
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
Passing some time until a friend comes by....
1. This past Christmas, I was given the book "The Strength of Character'. It is AWESOME.......pick it up!!! 
2. I LOVE energy drinks. I am currently dogsitting for a family friend.....WHO DOES NOT OWN A COFFEE POT....(I didn't know that was possible) so I have been hitting up the energy drinks to keep the caffeine headaches at bay. I pose the all important question: WHO DOESN'T OWN A COFFEE POT?
3. I am hoping all the yersiniosis bacteria (look that one up...fun times!) is gone. For those who haven't heard, I was food poisoned sometime the week before Christmas which resulted in (what I thought) a stomach bug on Christmas Eve. Fast forward 5 weeks to mid Jan and I was still having issues which I attributed to the Crohn's (look that one up too!) so I visited the dr. Thats right guys- I waited 6 weeks to go. I don't go to the dr. till I have one foot in the ground. After many tests, they realized it was this rare- 1 in 100,000- foodborne illness. And, I even got a phone call from the local health department as this is a reportable illness. But, the good news is that I now have a GI appt next Monday so they can see what kind of damage the bacteria has caused and what the status of my Crohn's is. I suppose this was a way of getting my attention to find a GI- considering I haven't been to one since my diagnosis when I lived in Michigan. Funny how things work. :)
4. Foot rubs are underrated!
Have a blessed evening!!!
2. I LOVE energy drinks. I am currently dogsitting for a family friend.....WHO DOES NOT OWN A COFFEE POT....(I didn't know that was possible) so I have been hitting up the energy drinks to keep the caffeine headaches at bay. I pose the all important question: WHO DOESN'T OWN A COFFEE POT?
3. I am hoping all the yersiniosis bacteria (look that one up...fun times!) is gone. For those who haven't heard, I was food poisoned sometime the week before Christmas which resulted in (what I thought) a stomach bug on Christmas Eve. Fast forward 5 weeks to mid Jan and I was still having issues which I attributed to the Crohn's (look that one up too!) so I visited the dr. Thats right guys- I waited 6 weeks to go. I don't go to the dr. till I have one foot in the ground. After many tests, they realized it was this rare- 1 in 100,000- foodborne illness. And, I even got a phone call from the local health department as this is a reportable illness. But, the good news is that I now have a GI appt next Monday so they can see what kind of damage the bacteria has caused and what the status of my Crohn's is. I suppose this was a way of getting my attention to find a GI- considering I haven't been to one since my diagnosis when I lived in Michigan. Funny how things work. :)
4. Foot rubs are underrated!
Have a blessed evening!!!
The Pursuit of Happyness...
Watched this yesterday. IT ROCKS! Will Smith's character spends most of the movie chasing a job with a brokerage firm. I could relate to it.....as this is what I used to do. And the funny thing was- every time I would obtain more money or another promotion- I just wanted MORE MORE MORE. I had to develop and continue developing my relationship with Christ to learn that I was not put here to worship jobs or money. I was created as a child of God- and not a slave to materialism and all that encompases.
This movie absolutely brought me back to where I used to be.
Gratitude!
This movie absolutely brought me back to where I used to be.
Gratitude!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Better late than never.....
So its been awhile.......
The past several months have been absolutely amazing! God is continuing to show me things about myself- both "good" and those "needing improvement". The wonderful part of living in God's will and not my own is that I am seeking His guidance in removing these defects. Little by little, some have been removed and the rest at least improved. After all, today is not about striving for personal perfection, but striving for spiritual progress and continuing to seek His will.
The past several months have been absolutely amazing! God is continuing to show me things about myself- both "good" and those "needing improvement". The wonderful part of living in God's will and not my own is that I am seeking His guidance in removing these defects. Little by little, some have been removed and the rest at least improved. After all, today is not about striving for personal perfection, but striving for spiritual progress and continuing to seek His will.
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