Category: Just My Thoughts

Refreshing…

by ObtainingMercy, posted in Blessings, Florida Weather, Household, How Great is Our God, Isaac Update, Just My Thoughts, What's Happening

We have FALL in Florida!  Yay!!!  It has been wonderful to feel the crisp cool air, and to be able to open the windows and have the fresh air circulate inside as well as outside.  It will be in the mid-80s again tomorrow, but that is so much better than the 90s we were having.  You will not hear anyone in our house complaining about the weather at this time of year.  We enjoy it so much! 🙂

I am doing better.  I have been able to care for myself, and even do a few things in the house.  I helped with the dishes a little, and also with the laundry.  I was able to whip up a batch of hummus.  Of course the food processor does all the work for that!  I just stand there and drop stuff in!

I was able to go to the services yesterday.  I attended the morning service for just the preaching hour, then last night, I went to choir practice and stayed for the service, too.  I took "Chairy" with me, and sat in the back in cushioned comfort. :) 

I am still having considerable pain at times, like today.  (I guess yesterday was just more sitting than I was ready for.)  I have found that walking does help the pain.  Doug, Isaac and I have been walking each evening for about 30 minutes.  I've been pushing my wheelchair while I walk, and then if I am in too much pain, I just sit down and wheel myself.  I know that's good for my upper body which is needing to be toned up any way, due to my recent weight loss.

I am not helping to care for Isaac yet.  (Well, I do comb his hair!  Some things Daddy just needs Mommy's help to do!)  I did change one diaper one night while Doug was at work.  It was only a wet diaper, and I did not need to adjust Isaac at all.  He helped me to roll from side to side, and I did not need to lift any part of him.  I was very careful and have only done it the one time.  It saved Doug a trip home from work, which is helpful to him.

You know, I know that not everyone understands what's going on with me; and sometimes they pass judgment on me.  They don't understand why I would do one activity, and not another.  They can't understand why Doug is continuing to work nights, or why I am so "helpless" at home.

The bottom line is that I am just trying to do things that will not hurt me.  Once you have been in the place that every movement caused severe pain, you find that you are loathe to be in that position again.  So, as I gain confidence, I have moved forward.  (I could write an entire blog about "fear"!  What a powerful emotion, and one that I have not had to deal with on such a level before.)

So, if there are some that don't understand our choices at this point, I sincerely pray that they do not ever have to experience my situation in order to understand it.  I would not wish any of this on my worst enemy! 🙂

The folks at Doug's work, and in my church, have been so kind and merciful to us.  I am grateful for people who live out Christ's attitude of compassion.  Their sweet spirits have been refreshing to our own spirits while we have been sojourning in the valley.

Isaac is doing well.  He had a spate of seizures last week.  We always hate to see him struggle with them.  We had to administer emergency seizure meds one day last week, and he has not been sleeping very well.  However, his sense of humor has remained intact!  We just love to hear him giggle at a song or because of something Doug does.  His joy is so contagious! 

I guess this is enough of an update for now.  I got a little long-winded, didn't I? :)  I pray you have a good day!

Alesha

Counting Blessings

by ObtainingMercy, posted in Blessings, Friendship, Household, How Great is Our God, Isaac Update, Just My Thoughts, What's Happening

I spent some time yesterday getting "pushed around" by my husband.  LOL!  (Thought you'd appreciate that, Hannah!) :)  He took me to the chiropractor in my new chair. 🙂

The chiro seems to think I have "facet joint syndrome".  Just click on the name to go to a site that explains it fairly well.  To be honest, I was quite fearful that it would be something more serious.  It certainly feels very serious!  So this diagnosis, although unpredictable, is better than something that would require surgery.

I did feel some immediately relief after the adjustment.  Although, after sitting for any length of time, the pain comes back with a vengeance.  I keep doing a little bit more each day.  "Slow and steady wins the race!" like the hare and the tortoise taught us. 😉

I'm feeling a little bit sorry for myself that I'm going to miss church again.  And please don't tell my pastors, but I miss the choir the most!  ;)  We are already practicing for our Christmas cantata, and I love that so much!  Also our choir is always learning new songs, so I miss out on those as well, and feel like I'm getting behind.  I do enjoy watching them on the web site, though.  It's fun to "see" your choir perform, rather than just hearing it.

I was quite pleased my how comfy my chair performed yesterday, although it did feel peculiar to be rolling around at everyone's waist level.  It's funny how much difference a foot or two can make in your perspective of things.  Now I know why they tell new parents to crawl around their house on hands and knees to view how their baby will see the world, so they know how to "childproof" their home more effectively.  Thankfully, I was not quiiiiiite down on that level!!! lol!

Can I just say again how wonderful my husband has been through all of this?  He is managing Isaac's care without a hitch.  Remember he was home with him full time for a year or so, so he does really great with all of the things required to keep Isaac happy and healthy. 

Of course, Isaac is older now, and we live in a different house, so some things are different.  His taste in videos has changed and he loves to have his curtains opened so that he can see out; but most things remain the same: feeds, meds, clothes changes…and lots of TLC!

Doug is also caring for me extremely well.  He has a real servant's heart and seems to thrive while meeting the needs of others.  I do not have one complaint about his care for me these past two weeks.  I have not gone without anything that I needed or wanted.  He has done all the laundry, cleaning, and meals as well. 

(Well, to be entirely accurate, I must say that Grammy did come over to visit the other day, and ended up dusting before she left.  Moms always seem to know what little thing might just make your day a little brighter!  She also sent over a few pieces of Jalapeno Cornbread last week. Yummo!!!)

I have felt so loved and cared for by my entire family (and my friends) for the past 2 weeks.  I am such a blessed, blessed woman!

I pray you feel loved and blessed today.  Even if you are alone, and in dire circumstances, please know that you are loved by God, and that He is right there with you.  Remember too, that no matter how hard things may seem, they could be worse!  So we need to count the blessing of this present difficulty.  God has protected us from many other things, and we should praise Him for that.

May God bless you this day,

Alesha

Touch of Autumn

by ObtainingMercy, posted in Blessings, Florida Weather, Hallelujah Diet, Household, How Great is Our God, Just My Thoughts, What's Happening

Well, here she is – all 20-inch-seat of her!  Isn't she just beautiful?!!  We call her "Chairy"…short for "Chariot" and "Cherry" – because she is such a sweet ride!

DSCN0051

I can sit in it for short periods of time.  Yesterday Doug sat me right next to Isaac's recliner, and after I had been there for a few minutes, Isaac t-u-r-n-e-d his head to his left and loooooooked at me…as if to say "I thought I heard you over there!"  Isaac very rarely turns his head to the left, so when he does, it's for a good reason. 🙂

Today, I was able to trim and peel carrots:

DSCN0049 

This is how far I got:

DSCN0050 

Not a marathon peeling session, but a little bit is better than nothing.  I was desperately trying to get those last 9 carrots done, but the pain was just too much.  No need to prolong the healing time for something like carrots! 🙂

I had planned to get to my chiropractor today, but we forgot he closes at 11 a.m. on Thursdays.  So I will call tomorrow for an appointment.  He is always able to take me in right away.  I will be glad to get everything aligned, so that the healing can continue in a better way.

Isaac is really enjoyed having Doug home during the daylight hours.  Doug is enjoying working at night.  I am just happy that they are both happy. 🙂

My mom brought me this gorgeous sunflower last week!  The colors are just amazing for a silk flower.

DSCN0052 

I have it tucked in between the dresser and the nightstand, so I can see it all the time.  Since the temperatures here are still in the 90's, and I can't get outside anyway, it's the only little touch of autumn I'm experiencing right now. :)  I know cooler days are ahead.  I just have to be patient.

Thanks for your encouraging comments and for your prayers.  I know God is working miracles all around me.  I can't see all that He is doing, but I know He is faithfully fulfilling the work that He has started in me.

Wishing you blessings this day,

Alesha

Feeling a Little Fezzik-y

by ObtainingMercy, posted in Blessings, How Great is Our God, Just My Thoughts, What's Happening

As I sat on the edge of the bed this morning and brushed my teeth, my hubby felt the need to wax eloquent about my accomplishment…

So, he quoted Fezzik of The Princess Bride fame:


Fezzik: You
just wiggled your finger. That's wonderful.
Westley: I've always
been a quick healer.

 

Fezzik: You
just shook your head… doesn't that make you happy?
Westley: My brains,
his steel, and your strength against sixty men, and you think a little head
jiggle is supposed to make me happy?


But a little upright teeth brushing did make me happy today! 🙂

There are so many things that I will never take for granted again!  I am trying to take advantage of this learning experience, because Lord willing, I don't want to be doomed to repeat it.

I have been able to sit up for short periods of time today on the bed.  No walking yet, or even standing.  The pain is too intense.  But I do feel like we're making progress.

Thanks again to all of you who have been praying for me.  I appreciate it so very much.

Blessings,

Alesha

 

 

From My Point of View

by ObtainingMercy, posted in Blessings, How Great is Our God, Just My Thoughts, Prayer Request, What's Happening

When your world narrows to just four walls and a bed…

When everything is colored by a haze of pain…

When you are the care-receiver, rather than the caregiver…

Certain undeniable truths rise to the surface:

  • God is merciful
  • Things could be worse
  • Prayer is practiced breath by breath, rather than crisis by crisis
  • The attitude of the patient is just as important as the attitude of the "nurse"
  • You cannot stop trying…even when it hurts, even when you fail
  • Promises of prayer become huge pillars on which your life rests, not mere spindles of religious politeness
  • The art of conversation is a skill not many possess
  • Compassion becomes a driving force, rather than an afterthought
  • Hymns of praise become the soundtrack to your thought life
  • God becomes All in All, a close companion and confidante, a Name whispered in moments of panic and shouted in times of agony, each one a sincere prayer for Divine Intervention

These are truths that, honestly, I would rather not learn; but God has decided I need to know them.

Who am I to question His plan?

As I rest today, here in my room, I am praying for God's divine healing of my back.  I would really by grateful for your prayer of agreement with me on this.

God is a very kind and compassionate friend.  If you admit your need of Him, He is quick to meet your need.  Just cry out to Him today.

Blessings to you this day,

Alesha

Some Questions for You

by ObtainingMercy, posted in Just My Thoughts

I've been wondering, so I thought I'd end my own suspense by just asking!

  1. If you leave a comment on a blog, do you check back to read other comments or to see if the author replied to your comment?
  2. If you ask the author a question in your comment, do you check back to see if they answered your question?
  3. Do you usually subscribe to the comments of a blog?

Ok, that's what I need to know for today!  Thanks in advance for taking the time to answer – you guys are the best!!! : )

Well, This is What I Think…

by ObtainingMercy, posted in Just My Thoughts

How many times have you heard the above comment? 

And how many times has that comment been followed by a list of grievances, complaints, or negative opinions about someone who is not usually present in the conversation?

I've been reading about all kinds of complainers in the Bible…and I'm not too sure that I feel like complaining about anything for a while.

  • When Miriam complained about God's man, God gave her leprosy. 
  • When the 10 spies came back complaining, God refused to allow them to go into the Promised Land.  
  • When the children of Israel complained about the giants, God refused them admittance into the Promised Land also.
  • When those same 10 spies encouraged the children of Israel to complain, God killed them with a plague.

The Bible also uses the word "murmur" quite often.  It has the following definition:  To grumble; to complain; to utter complaints in a low, half articulated voice.

Hmm…

Well…I think…

God doesn't like complaining.