A couple of years ago we belonged to a wonderful home group as part of our church. I was in charge of leading the worship time. At Thanksgiving time we always focus on what WE are thankful for. But that year for worship, I wanted us to change our perspective and realise how because God is so giving, we are so blessed. I chose this song:
You Give
Sung by Regi Stone
Composed by Anne Downing
It's easy to think it's been me all along
Who've accomplished the things I have done
At times I can feel myself swelling with pride
As if I alone fought the battles and won
But I know the truth, Lord, it all comes from You
And now I want to give You the praises You're due
You give and You give again and again
Every gift I can trace to Your Hand
Out of Your love and compassion for man
You give and You give and You give again.
You work in my weakness, it's there I am strong
I don't understand but it's true
SO I will not glory except in the Cross
And I'll carefully give all the honor to You
Cause I know the truth, Lord, it all comes from You a
Now I want to give all the praises You're due
You give and You give again and again
Every gift I can trace to Your Hand
Out of Your love and compassion for man
You give and You give and You give again.
I could sell my last possession
Give my very life away
But nothing I can offer can compare to the way
You give and You give again and again
Every gift I can trace to Your Hand
Out of Your love and compassion for man
You give and You give and You give again.
This song captures God's heart of love in giving to us. It takes the emphasis off of us being thankful to Him being the Giver.
Yesterday Pastor's sermon captured this again - Putting the Give back in Thanksgiving. He mentioned how we should follow God's example to give and serve, not begrudgingly, but generously and cheerfully.
So as I share with you my Thanksgiving list, it is going to be in the form of listing the blessings God has given me over and over again.
First He has given me Jesus, who laid down His life, so I can be forgiven and have eternal life.
He has blessed me with a wonderful family - a loving husband, three terrific children, a great son-in-law and a precious grandson.
God has given me loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, brothers and sister.
My home is a gift from God.
Healing of my health issues, whether through medication, doctor care, physical therapy is all from the Lord.
Everything I have is a gift from the Lord, all my technology, clothes, books, furniture, vehicles - everything.
God provides for all of my needs - food, shelter, clothing.
All of my friends are from the Father, who is my closest friend.
My wisdom comes from His Word.
He guides and leads me. He gives me rest and fills me with joy.
All of the love in my life comes from Him because He is Love.
When I turn it around to this perspective of how giving God is, my heart overflows with love and thankfulness for Him, not just for the things He has given. And that is what Thanksgiving is all about.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Roller Coaster Week
Monday was our 35th Anniversary. Although hubby was gone over the weekend, and had to be away Tuesday through Thursday, he did make it home for long enough on Monday that we could go out for dinner. We went to a favorite place and had a quiet dinner.
Tuesday I did laundry, as usual. In the evening I went out to dinner with a friend. Then we went shopping. Our first stop was Fashion Bug. I wanted to try on clothes to determine what size I actually wear at this point having lost some weight. I did a happy dance around the store as I am down two sizes!!! More good news, I was able to walk around that store for about 30 minutes with no cart and had no back pain until I was waiting in the checkout line.
Next we were on to Target. I pushed the cart around there for about an hour, but unfortunately felt no inspiration for Christmas gifts.
Wednesday Was a visit to the dietician for a weigh in. Although I lost two more pounds, the visit did not go well. She in the new dietician, as the original one got transferred. The first thing wrong was she sits behind her computer screen typing the entire visit. I mentioned this made me uncomfortable, so I moved in order to be able to see her. She seemed rushed, distracted and stressed. After lowering all of my nutritional values, I was whisked out the door.
Up until now, I have felt great about my dietician visits and advice. It has helped me learn to make healthy choices, eat proper portions and lose weight. With the lowering of the numbers, I tried and tried, but could not keep within the carb count she gave me. I worried about how low the numbers are at this point because I still have a long road of weight loss ahead. I started to feel discouraged and like a failure.
Thursday I had my hair permed. No one noticed. And I do mean NO ONE!!!
Friday I went to CVS to pick up some prescriptions, but the one that needed to be renewed by the dr was not there.
Hubby got home that night and I was happy to see him.
Saturday I decided to email the dietician with my concerns. The result is I will see her again tomorrow (Monday) to try and work it all out, before I decide whether to continue with her, go to the former dietician (over a 30 minute drive) or quit altogether with them.
Today I went to church. Worship was ok, except the leader sermonized too much. This gets my focus off of God and onto the leader. Good sermon on putting Give back in Thanksgiving and being thankful all the time.
That pretty much sums up my week. It had its ups and downs. I was busier than I have been able to be in a long time. I went out every day, but Saturday. Those are positives. Next time I will probably share something Thanksgiving-ish.
Tuesday I did laundry, as usual. In the evening I went out to dinner with a friend. Then we went shopping. Our first stop was Fashion Bug. I wanted to try on clothes to determine what size I actually wear at this point having lost some weight. I did a happy dance around the store as I am down two sizes!!! More good news, I was able to walk around that store for about 30 minutes with no cart and had no back pain until I was waiting in the checkout line.
Next we were on to Target. I pushed the cart around there for about an hour, but unfortunately felt no inspiration for Christmas gifts.
Wednesday Was a visit to the dietician for a weigh in. Although I lost two more pounds, the visit did not go well. She in the new dietician, as the original one got transferred. The first thing wrong was she sits behind her computer screen typing the entire visit. I mentioned this made me uncomfortable, so I moved in order to be able to see her. She seemed rushed, distracted and stressed. After lowering all of my nutritional values, I was whisked out the door.
Up until now, I have felt great about my dietician visits and advice. It has helped me learn to make healthy choices, eat proper portions and lose weight. With the lowering of the numbers, I tried and tried, but could not keep within the carb count she gave me. I worried about how low the numbers are at this point because I still have a long road of weight loss ahead. I started to feel discouraged and like a failure.
Thursday I had my hair permed. No one noticed. And I do mean NO ONE!!!
Friday I went to CVS to pick up some prescriptions, but the one that needed to be renewed by the dr was not there.
Hubby got home that night and I was happy to see him.
Saturday I decided to email the dietician with my concerns. The result is I will see her again tomorrow (Monday) to try and work it all out, before I decide whether to continue with her, go to the former dietician (over a 30 minute drive) or quit altogether with them.
Today I went to church. Worship was ok, except the leader sermonized too much. This gets my focus off of God and onto the leader. Good sermon on putting Give back in Thanksgiving and being thankful all the time.
That pretty much sums up my week. It had its ups and downs. I was busier than I have been able to be in a long time. I went out every day, but Saturday. Those are positives. Next time I will probably share something Thanksgiving-ish.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Revealing facts
Ok - here are the answers:
1) Elizabeth, NJ
2) Trenton State college (now The College of NJ) 1971 and 1976
3) Chevy Camaro 1971, white with black vinyl roof
4) at New Dover United Methodist Church, Edison, NJ
5) purple
6) Jane Austen
7) Don Moen
8) Christ Church Nashville Choir
9) Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
10) any of the following are correct: photography, reading, computer stuff, music
11) MAC
12) Ipod followed closely by Tivo and Palm Pilot
13)
17 Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines,
1) Elizabeth, NJ
2) Trenton State college (now The College of NJ) 1971 and 1976
3) Chevy Camaro 1971, white with black vinyl roof
4) at New Dover United Methodist Church, Edison, NJ
5) purple
6) Jane Austen
7) Don Moen
8) Christ Church Nashville Choir
9) Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
10) any of the following are correct: photography, reading, computer stuff, music
11) MAC
12) Ipod followed closely by Tivo and Palm Pilot
13)
Habakkuk 3:17-18 (New International Version)
17 Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
14)Jeopardy is the one I have watched the most often and longest.
I also like NCIS, CSI Miami, Monk, Dancing With the Stars and American Idol.
Bonus: This is my kindergarten picture - I was just five years old.
My sister Linda got the most right followed closely by my daughter Sara.
Thanks for taking time to have some fun with me.
Edited for security reasons.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Doctor visit
Today is my 35th anniversary. John is on his way home from the airport and will be leaving tomorrow for three more days away.
Recently I got one of those email questionnaires where you had to answer a list of questions about yourself. One of them asked me to write in four places I go again and again. One of my replies was to the doctor.
My day began with a doctor appointment. It was a follow up to make sure my lungs and congestion were clear.
It used to be whenever I went to my primary doctor the first stop was always the scale. But since I have been losing weight, they have not weighed me. Today the nurse said they wanted to get an updated weight. She immediately pushed the weight all the way to one end. I told her no more for that - she was amazed at how much I had lost since they last weighed me. We talked about how I was losing weight (with the dietician) and she told me to keep up the good work.
When she took my BP it was high again 170/94.
The doctor checked my breathing and declared me to be congestion and wheeze free. PTL!!!! He was thrilled. It has been since August my lungs have been congested.
We talked about my BP and how the severe sleep apnea is probably what is making it so high. He added another medication which he hopes will take care of lowering it. I have to see him again in 6 weeks to see how the new medication is working.
All in all, I felt pretty good after that visit. Although the high BP is a concern, I am thinking positively that the medication, the continuing weight loss, and the upcoming sleep apnea re-evaluation will help keep it under control.
Recently I got one of those email questionnaires where you had to answer a list of questions about yourself. One of them asked me to write in four places I go again and again. One of my replies was to the doctor.
My day began with a doctor appointment. It was a follow up to make sure my lungs and congestion were clear.
It used to be whenever I went to my primary doctor the first stop was always the scale. But since I have been losing weight, they have not weighed me. Today the nurse said they wanted to get an updated weight. She immediately pushed the weight all the way to one end. I told her no more for that - she was amazed at how much I had lost since they last weighed me. We talked about how I was losing weight (with the dietician) and she told me to keep up the good work.
When she took my BP it was high again 170/94.
The doctor checked my breathing and declared me to be congestion and wheeze free. PTL!!!! He was thrilled. It has been since August my lungs have been congested.
We talked about my BP and how the severe sleep apnea is probably what is making it so high. He added another medication which he hopes will take care of lowering it. I have to see him again in 6 weeks to see how the new medication is working.
All in all, I felt pretty good after that visit. Although the high BP is a concern, I am thinking positively that the medication, the continuing weight loss, and the upcoming sleep apnea re-evaluation will help keep it under control.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Happy Birthday, MA
Today would have been my mother's 83rd birthday. She was born Georgie Belle Boyd to tenant farmers in middle Tennessee. GB was the fifth of eight children, having five sisters and two brothers. It was a very close family.She was the first in her family to finish high school.
During WWII the army trained in the fields near where she lived, because the terrain was similar to that of Germany. Her mother was always feeding the soldiers. GB caught the eye of one of those soldiers and they began a correspondence courtship as he was sent overseas to fight. Upon his return they were married. Her new husband was originally from Illinois, but his family now lived in NJ, so that is where they lived. But before leaving, GB's father made her new husband promise to bring her "home" at least once a year- A promise he kept faithfully.
At first they lived with her new inlaws. GB was extremely homesick, missing her parents and her siblings. When they discovered they were expecting their first child (me), they found a little home of their own. When the third child came along, they had to seek out a bigger place.
Soon there were five children in their family.
Every summer the family packed up the car and made the trip to Tennessee to visit GB's family. Those times were truly the happiest of my young life. We were loved and hugged enough to make up for all of the lonely months without those dear aunts, uncles, grandparents and cousins. We all cried broken hearted tears every summer when it was time to say goodbye.
As GB's family grew older, she was able to become more active in her church. She began attending and then leading the prayer group. GB was a strong believer in the power of prayer and was truly a prayer warrior. Most of her time was spent reading her Bible and praying.
As she got older, arthritis made it difficult for her to do many things. She lived in a lot of pain. Most of the time, it was not mentioned.
When he two daughters got married, she was thrilled to finally have two precious granddaughters.
Their whole married life, her husband had the goal of moving to Tennessee, even if it had to wait until retirement. It turned out that was what happened. The minute he retired he began making plans for the move. GB was torn. Her children and new grandchildren were now in NJ. She hated the thought of leaving us behind. But off she went. Sadly two weeks later, her husband passed away suddenly and she returned to live out her days in NJ.
Her greatest joys were serving Jesus and spending time with her grandchildren, which now numbered 6.
I remember her passing with sadness, because she suffered a great deal. And although, she was ready to go, I was not ready to let her go.
So today, on her birthday, I say once again, I love you and miss you, Ma.
During WWII the army trained in the fields near where she lived, because the terrain was similar to that of Germany. Her mother was always feeding the soldiers. GB caught the eye of one of those soldiers and they began a correspondence courtship as he was sent overseas to fight. Upon his return they were married. Her new husband was originally from Illinois, but his family now lived in NJ, so that is where they lived. But before leaving, GB's father made her new husband promise to bring her "home" at least once a year- A promise he kept faithfully.
At first they lived with her new inlaws. GB was extremely homesick, missing her parents and her siblings. When they discovered they were expecting their first child (me), they found a little home of their own. When the third child came along, they had to seek out a bigger place.
Soon there were five children in their family.
Every summer the family packed up the car and made the trip to Tennessee to visit GB's family. Those times were truly the happiest of my young life. We were loved and hugged enough to make up for all of the lonely months without those dear aunts, uncles, grandparents and cousins. We all cried broken hearted tears every summer when it was time to say goodbye.
As GB's family grew older, she was able to become more active in her church. She began attending and then leading the prayer group. GB was a strong believer in the power of prayer and was truly a prayer warrior. Most of her time was spent reading her Bible and praying.
As she got older, arthritis made it difficult for her to do many things. She lived in a lot of pain. Most of the time, it was not mentioned.
When he two daughters got married, she was thrilled to finally have two precious granddaughters.
Their whole married life, her husband had the goal of moving to Tennessee, even if it had to wait until retirement. It turned out that was what happened. The minute he retired he began making plans for the move. GB was torn. Her children and new grandchildren were now in NJ. She hated the thought of leaving us behind. But off she went. Sadly two weeks later, her husband passed away suddenly and she returned to live out her days in NJ.
Her greatest joys were serving Jesus and spending time with her grandchildren, which now numbered 6.
I remember her passing with sadness, because she suffered a great deal. And although, she was ready to go, I was not ready to let her go.
So today, on her birthday, I say once again, I love you and miss you, Ma.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Crying myself to sleep...
First, let me say to those of you who have answered my previous blog, good job!
I just got back from my sleep apnea/pulmonary doctor. I was not expecting anything but a routine check on how I am doing with my machine. Was I wrong!!!
TO start with, my BP was high again - 171/84.
The doctor was disappointed that the medical supplier had replaced my broken mask with the same cheap one instead of the high quality mask he prescribed.
He went over my xray and CT scan results and asked me yet again, if I ever smoked or had TB. He said he needs them to send him the films so he can see for himself what is going on there. He cannot figure out how I got granulomotus disease. He still wants me to have a breathing test done. One thing he was pleased about, I was not wheezing today.
He next discussed how I am a perfect candidate for surgery - I thought he meant for obstructive sleep apnea. But upon questioning him, he meant for weight loss. I assured him that with the dietitian he had sent me to I have lost 50 pounds. I do not think he believed me because he marched me right over to the scale in the receptionist area and weighed me.
Next he went over my sleep test results again. He shocked me by telling me I should go in the record books as the worst case of sleep apnea in history. He reiterated that I had stopped breathing almost 600 times in 6 hours and no other patient he has ever seen or read about even comes close.
He then pointed out how my oxygen levels drop into heart attack country.
But what he was really concerned about, he said, was that even using the machine I stopped breathing 120 times in 6 hours and my oxygen level continue to be dangerously low under 80%. He is worried I will have a heart attack, even using the machine.
The result is I have to have another sleep study done on December 11th (if insurance approves) using a machine that gives higher pressure to see if they can correct the stoppage of breathing better. IF that machine does not do it, they will put me on a different type of machine that is more like a ventilator, it will control my breathing more, rather than just assist it. He also said they will add oxygen into the mix if my level continue to be so low during the study.
Depending on the results of the study, he thinks I need a new machine - one that costs over $8000. He said he knows the insurance will reject it and he will have to write a ten page letter justifying my need of it.
So here I am again, trying not to be discouraged. The sleep apnea was one area I thought was under control with the machine. I appreciate your prayers for my continuing health issues.
I just got back from my sleep apnea/pulmonary doctor. I was not expecting anything but a routine check on how I am doing with my machine. Was I wrong!!!
TO start with, my BP was high again - 171/84.
The doctor was disappointed that the medical supplier had replaced my broken mask with the same cheap one instead of the high quality mask he prescribed.
He went over my xray and CT scan results and asked me yet again, if I ever smoked or had TB. He said he needs them to send him the films so he can see for himself what is going on there. He cannot figure out how I got granulomotus disease. He still wants me to have a breathing test done. One thing he was pleased about, I was not wheezing today.
He next discussed how I am a perfect candidate for surgery - I thought he meant for obstructive sleep apnea. But upon questioning him, he meant for weight loss. I assured him that with the dietitian he had sent me to I have lost 50 pounds. I do not think he believed me because he marched me right over to the scale in the receptionist area and weighed me.
Next he went over my sleep test results again. He shocked me by telling me I should go in the record books as the worst case of sleep apnea in history. He reiterated that I had stopped breathing almost 600 times in 6 hours and no other patient he has ever seen or read about even comes close.
He then pointed out how my oxygen levels drop into heart attack country.
But what he was really concerned about, he said, was that even using the machine I stopped breathing 120 times in 6 hours and my oxygen level continue to be dangerously low under 80%. He is worried I will have a heart attack, even using the machine.
The result is I have to have another sleep study done on December 11th (if insurance approves) using a machine that gives higher pressure to see if they can correct the stoppage of breathing better. IF that machine does not do it, they will put me on a different type of machine that is more like a ventilator, it will control my breathing more, rather than just assist it. He also said they will add oxygen into the mix if my level continue to be so low during the study.
Depending on the results of the study, he thinks I need a new machine - one that costs over $8000. He said he knows the insurance will reject it and he will have to write a ten page letter justifying my need of it.
So here I am again, trying not to be discouraged. The sleep apnea was one area I thought was under control with the machine. I appreciate your prayers for my continuing health issues.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Getting to know me...
How well do you know me? Here is a little quiz. Post your answers as a comment replying to the blog. In one week I will reveal all.
1. When and where was I born?
2. From what college did I graduate and what year?
3. What was my first car? (year, make, model)
4. When and where was I married?
5. What is my favorite color?
6. Who is my favorite author?
7. Who is my favorite worship leader/singer?
8. Which is my favorite choir?
9. What are my favorite mountains?
10. What is my favorite hobby?
11. What type of computer do I have?
12. What is my favorite technology "toy"?
13. What is my favorite Bible verse(s)?
14. What is my favorite TV show?
(Bonus question how old am I in the blog picture?)
Answer as many as you can and when I give the answers I will announce who got the most right. Have fun.
1. When and where was I born?
2. From what college did I graduate and what year?
3. What was my first car? (year, make, model)
4. When and where was I married?
5. What is my favorite color?
6. Who is my favorite author?
7. Who is my favorite worship leader/singer?
8. Which is my favorite choir?
9. What are my favorite mountains?
10. What is my favorite hobby?
11. What type of computer do I have?
12. What is my favorite technology "toy"?
13. What is my favorite Bible verse(s)?
14. What is my favorite TV show?
(Bonus question how old am I in the blog picture?)
Answer as many as you can and when I give the answers I will announce who got the most right. Have fun.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Missional Living
Pastor has been preaching the last few weeks on the four foundational values of Christian Life Center. These are:
1. Loving God
2. Loving others (These two always remind me of the Gaither song, "Loving God, loving each other, making music with my friends")
3. Missional living
4. Spiritual formation
He states in his blog, "Missional living at its best is being God's hand reaching out to others."
This reminded me of something.
It was about 3:00pm on the first day of school. At a pharmacy in Brooklyn a young African American boy was at the checkout counter with various school supplies. The cashier had rung up the purchase and he was carefully unfolding one dollar bills that had been crammed into his pocket. He was dressed in what looked like a school uniform. As he unfolded the last dollar he had, and counted it was not enough. He had to decide what to leave behind - first came the package of pens, then a notebook. The man behind him in line, dressed in jeans, witnessed what was happening. He picked up the package of pens, took out his wallet and paid for them, returning them to the boy's pile.
As the man was exiting the store, he saw an older model car, being driven by an elderly gentleman, pick up the young boy and drive him away.
This is missional living.
(This is a true story)
1. Loving God
2. Loving others (These two always remind me of the Gaither song, "Loving God, loving each other, making music with my friends")
3. Missional living
4. Spiritual formation
He states in his blog, "Missional living at its best is being God's hand reaching out to others."
This reminded me of something.
It was about 3:00pm on the first day of school. At a pharmacy in Brooklyn a young African American boy was at the checkout counter with various school supplies. The cashier had rung up the purchase and he was carefully unfolding one dollar bills that had been crammed into his pocket. He was dressed in what looked like a school uniform. As he unfolded the last dollar he had, and counted it was not enough. He had to decide what to leave behind - first came the package of pens, then a notebook. The man behind him in line, dressed in jeans, witnessed what was happening. He picked up the package of pens, took out his wallet and paid for them, returning them to the boy's pile.
As the man was exiting the store, he saw an older model car, being driven by an elderly gentleman, pick up the young boy and drive him away.
This is missional living.
(This is a true story)
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Following my mind trail
My grandson called me the other day to tell me he had four loose teeth. When they came out, he said he was going to hide them from the tooth fairy. I explained maybe he should not hide them too much because if the fairy could not find them, perhaps he would not get a prize.
That conversation got me thinking about cute things kids say. I recalled when Zack's mother was in preschool, I noticed, especially when she was tired, she would put a hand over one eye when she looked at things. I took her to the eye doctor to check it out. When we got home, her daddy asked her where she had been. She told him the eye doctor. He asked, why did she go there. Her answer, "He wanted to see if I was good looking." Adorable.
I then began to think about her as a child. She had this favorite possession, which she got as an infant. It was a pink bunny blanket. It had the head of a bunny and sort of a puppet body made out of blanket. She could not be without it. I had to buy a second one and let it get worn equally to the original, so I could wash it once in a while. She cuddled it when she slept and rubbed its softness against her face.
When she was older, she continued to sleep cuddling this "Booie".
At some point she got one of those clip on reading lamps, which she clipped to her headboard. One morning when I awoke I smelled something burning. I looked all around the house, but found nothing, until I went into her room. The lamp was leaning on her pillow and it was smoldering, so close to her precious face. What saved her, keeping her from being burned, was her Booie". It was charred, almost beyond recognition, but our sweetheart was not harmed in any way. (The lamp was thrown away).
To this day, she keeps that charred remains inside of the other Booie. It is much loved still.
It made me think of what Jesus has done for us. He has taken our place and saved us. He has kept us from the punishment we deserve. His love drew Him to die for us. And I love Him with all my heart for it. Just like that Booie saved my girl and she continues to love and cuddle it.
That conversation got me thinking about cute things kids say. I recalled when Zack's mother was in preschool, I noticed, especially when she was tired, she would put a hand over one eye when she looked at things. I took her to the eye doctor to check it out. When we got home, her daddy asked her where she had been. She told him the eye doctor. He asked, why did she go there. Her answer, "He wanted to see if I was good looking." Adorable.
I then began to think about her as a child. She had this favorite possession, which she got as an infant. It was a pink bunny blanket. It had the head of a bunny and sort of a puppet body made out of blanket. She could not be without it. I had to buy a second one and let it get worn equally to the original, so I could wash it once in a while. She cuddled it when she slept and rubbed its softness against her face.
When she was older, she continued to sleep cuddling this "Booie".
At some point she got one of those clip on reading lamps, which she clipped to her headboard. One morning when I awoke I smelled something burning. I looked all around the house, but found nothing, until I went into her room. The lamp was leaning on her pillow and it was smoldering, so close to her precious face. What saved her, keeping her from being burned, was her Booie". It was charred, almost beyond recognition, but our sweetheart was not harmed in any way. (The lamp was thrown away).
To this day, she keeps that charred remains inside of the other Booie. It is much loved still.
It made me think of what Jesus has done for us. He has taken our place and saved us. He has kept us from the punishment we deserve. His love drew Him to die for us. And I love Him with all my heart for it. Just like that Booie saved my girl and she continues to love and cuddle it.
Friday, November 7, 2008
And the doctor says...
I just returned from the doctor, where I had to go for a lung and congestion check.
My BP was 156/68 - top number not too good.
The nurse came in before the doctor and asked me if I had an arm preference. I was confused and asked for what. She wanted to give me a flu shot, but I told her I already had one. She then realized she was in the wrong room. OOPS
The doctor listened to my chest and lungs. I am still wheezing and coughing. Whenever I do any activity at all I go into a coughing spasm. Just breathing in and out for him I went into a coughing spasm.
Now I am much improved since a week ago, but not completely better.
He says the infection is under control and to finish taking the antibiotic. He also told me instead of using the inhaler when I feel I need it, to use it regularly every four hours. He also gave me Advair again and told me I need to use it for the next month or two. What is still present in the inflammation of my bronchial tubes and breathing passages. The inhaler and Advair will give relief to that and help control the coughing.
In the meantime, nothing strenuous to trigger coughing. No crowds to keep from getting re-infected.
I asked if the medication is killing my appetite and he said it can. He wants to check me again in ten days.
Although I am improved, I still have a ways to go. I appreciate your continued prayers for my health.
My BP was 156/68 - top number not too good.
The nurse came in before the doctor and asked me if I had an arm preference. I was confused and asked for what. She wanted to give me a flu shot, but I told her I already had one. She then realized she was in the wrong room. OOPS
The doctor listened to my chest and lungs. I am still wheezing and coughing. Whenever I do any activity at all I go into a coughing spasm. Just breathing in and out for him I went into a coughing spasm.
Now I am much improved since a week ago, but not completely better.
He says the infection is under control and to finish taking the antibiotic. He also told me instead of using the inhaler when I feel I need it, to use it regularly every four hours. He also gave me Advair again and told me I need to use it for the next month or two. What is still present in the inflammation of my bronchial tubes and breathing passages. The inhaler and Advair will give relief to that and help control the coughing.
In the meantime, nothing strenuous to trigger coughing. No crowds to keep from getting re-infected.
I asked if the medication is killing my appetite and he said it can. He wants to check me again in ten days.
Although I am improved, I still have a ways to go. I appreciate your continued prayers for my health.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Forgotten
The older I get, the more I forget. I forget where I put things. I forget people's names. I forget more than I want to admit. So I do not begrudge anyone who forgets stuff.
One thing I never forgot was my mother's birthday. Even the year it was on the day before my wedding and I had a million other things on my mind.
I had my first and only birthday party when I was fifty years old. My daughter and my husband surprised me. It was a thrilling occasion for so many reasons - just one is that some dear friends who had moved to Tennessee, were at the party.
This year I call the forgotten birthday.
I have three brothers, the oldest of whom is known for his always remembering and sending birthday cards -he did not send me a card this year. (The other two did remember and send cards)
In his own way, my husband John did remember, because he had bought me a gift. That morning it just took him about an hour to get awake and aware enough to remember what day it was and bring out the gift and birthday greetings.
My youngest son got up, and left for college classes without a mention of birthday. By the time he returned from class a couple of hours later, he remembered and wished me a happy birthday.
John and Mike took me out for a nice dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate.
My older son, who also lives with us, got up and went to work. He returned after work and got ready to leave again. He called me at about 9:00pm finally remembering and wishing me a Happy Birthday.
That weekend, John, John III and I went up to my daughter's and we went to eat at a local seafood place to celebrate again.
At first I felt bad that they forgot their mother's birthday. I began to get into that mindset of "you are not worth it", "you are not important", "you are not loved". But I quickly overcame those messages by remembering how my birthday started.
The phone rang. It was my precious little grandson saying Happy Birthday, Grammy; and then singing me the Happy Birthday song. It just doesn't get any better than that.
One thing I never forgot was my mother's birthday. Even the year it was on the day before my wedding and I had a million other things on my mind.
I had my first and only birthday party when I was fifty years old. My daughter and my husband surprised me. It was a thrilling occasion for so many reasons - just one is that some dear friends who had moved to Tennessee, were at the party.
This year I call the forgotten birthday.
I have three brothers, the oldest of whom is known for his always remembering and sending birthday cards -he did not send me a card this year. (The other two did remember and send cards)
In his own way, my husband John did remember, because he had bought me a gift. That morning it just took him about an hour to get awake and aware enough to remember what day it was and bring out the gift and birthday greetings.
My youngest son got up, and left for college classes without a mention of birthday. By the time he returned from class a couple of hours later, he remembered and wished me a happy birthday.
John and Mike took me out for a nice dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate.
My older son, who also lives with us, got up and went to work. He returned after work and got ready to leave again. He called me at about 9:00pm finally remembering and wishing me a Happy Birthday.
That weekend, John, John III and I went up to my daughter's and we went to eat at a local seafood place to celebrate again.
At first I felt bad that they forgot their mother's birthday. I began to get into that mindset of "you are not worth it", "you are not important", "you are not loved". But I quickly overcame those messages by remembering how my birthday started.
The phone rang. It was my precious little grandson saying Happy Birthday, Grammy; and then singing me the Happy Birthday song. It just doesn't get any better than that.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
This and That
For those who have asked, my congestion is getting a little better every day. I am still coughing, but not as thick and hard. I have been very thankful for my sleep apnea machine. It has a built in humidifier which can be adjusted. I cranked it all the way up and have been able to sleep without too much coughing. Since being sick, I have had no appetite and have been living on "Ruthiemade" high protein shakes. I add tofu, dried egg white powder, fruit, Fage nonfat yogurt, almonds, flaxseed meal and protein powder to nonfat milk in order to get lots of protein, to help the body heal.
I saw the dietitian today and am another four pounds lighter. I am beginning to notice changes. Like I can now wear my anniversary ring John gave me for our 25th on the proper finger again. I have been wearing it on my pinkie. And the other day when I needed a warm coat to go out, I decided to try a favorite purple puffy one I haven't been able to wear for several years. It is two sizes smaller than what I had been wearing. Guess what??? It zipped right up! Small little victories but they help spur me on.
I was feeling kind of down about the election - but then read blogs by two pastors that helped me refocus . God is still on the throne no matter who the president is. It is HE in Whom I put my trust.
Finally I am going out to dinner with a friend tonight. We are meeting at Chevy's, where I am looking forward to some excellent guacamole.
So all in all it has been a good day and hopefully by the time I see the doctor again on Friday all the sickness will be gone.
I saw the dietitian today and am another four pounds lighter. I am beginning to notice changes. Like I can now wear my anniversary ring John gave me for our 25th on the proper finger again. I have been wearing it on my pinkie. And the other day when I needed a warm coat to go out, I decided to try a favorite purple puffy one I haven't been able to wear for several years. It is two sizes smaller than what I had been wearing. Guess what??? It zipped right up! Small little victories but they help spur me on.
I was feeling kind of down about the election - but then read blogs by two pastors that helped me refocus . God is still on the throne no matter who the president is. It is HE in Whom I put my trust.
Finally I am going out to dinner with a friend tonight. We are meeting at Chevy's, where I am looking forward to some excellent guacamole.
So all in all it has been a good day and hopefully by the time I see the doctor again on Friday all the sickness will be gone.
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