What’s Happening – Page 7

A Garden Photo Update

June 2, 2012June 23, 2015 by ObtainingMercy, posted in Blessings, Florida Weather, Food and Drink, Hallelujah Diet, How Great is Our God, Obtaining Mercy Croft, What's Happening

I've been listening to an audio version of The Secret Garden; and every time I go outside to check on my plants, I hear the following refrain (by the mean children who teased little Mary):

"Mary, Mary, quite contrary,

How does your garden grow?

With silver bells and cockle shells

And marigolds all in a row"

I love the way good literature seeps into your psyche, and colors your thoughts with lovely rhymes and prose and wonderful little quotes to fit some of life's more interesting moments!

So, in case you've been wondering how my garden is growning, I thought I'd let you see!!!

We moved all the plants out of doors, and that is working really well for us. Doug was so innovative to find another "trellis" for the cucumbers when they grew taller than the one we had provided for them.

He sunk a discarded chain link gate into the ground near the house and the cucumbers had twined around by the next morning!

It was pouring when I took this picture, so sorry for the "fuzziness".

And here's how every little thing is growing:

Tiny, tiny baby yellow heirloom tomato plant

So big now, and still growing…new blossoms every day, but no tomato yet.

Yellow Pear Tomato

Pretty little tomatoes, growing nicely!

Pickling Cucumber

This will be cucumber #3 for this plant, and it has many more growing.

Here's the first one we picked. It was delicious!

Crazy 8 Cucumber (because the cukes are supposed to reach 8 inches long.)

This guy is about 6.5 inches. It is killing us to leave him out there!

As you can see, everything is growing very well; and we are so thankful for that!

Other than our garden, we are all doing well. Doug and Isaac have been to therapy twice in the new vehicle and we are so thankful for it. Every time we drive it, we find something new to love!

On Friday, I went for my first solo drive. It was so easy, all the buttons, knobs and gizmos are in convenient places. I usually hate to drive in the rain, but Tranny even made that a fun adventure. 🙂

Praying you all have a blessed weekend,

HopeFULLy,

Alesha

When God Answers, He Answers BIG!

May 19, 2012June 23, 2015 by ObtainingMercy, posted in Blessings, How Great is Our God, Isaac Update, Just My Thoughts, What's Happening

We went to the car dealership, signed papers and came home with this vehicle – free and clear. I have no idea who all was involved or what deals were made…I'm absolutely sure it was all legal and Christ-honoring, though!!! 🙂

This is a 2012 Ford Transit Connect. It is brand new, as you can see by the odometer. Right now, it seats Isaac beautifully, as well as stores his chair completely upright in the back. Our little ramp fit right across the back for storage, as well.

We are in the process of applying for a grant that will hopefully allow us to have it modified with a ramp/lift for when Isaac gets bigger. That will cost between $16,000-$20,000, and we will be without the vehicle for a month as it is shipped to Indiana for the conversion. It will be a while before that happens, obviously.

So, I leave you with pictures and verses of praise and amazement.

"Our God is so great, so strong and so mighty…there's nothing my God cannot do!!!"

~~~~~

Isaiah 48:6 "Thou hast heard, see all this; and will not ye declare it? I have shewed thee new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them."

Job 42:2-3 "I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.
Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not."

Psalm 84:11 "For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly."

(of course, we had to try out the Sync program and call Doug's mom in Ohio to tell her the good news!!!)

And THIS…

…this makes it worth the wait.

I am so full of gratitude and we are overflowing with thanksgiving!

Our God is worthy to be praised.

Please join us tonight by leaving a comment in honor of His mighty work on our behalf!

AND tomorrow is Isaac's 12th birthday…could the timing have been any better?????

HopeFULLy,

Alesha

Finding a Van for Isaac – It Takes a Family, Not a Village

May 17, 2012June 23, 2015 by ObtainingMercy, posted in Blessings, Friendship, How Great is Our God, Isaac Update, Just My Thoughts, Prayer Request, What's Happening

We are in the process of trying to find a wheelchair-accessible vehicle for our family. Our truck died on May 8th, and we have been without a vehicle since then.

I know intellectually that family is incredibly important, but to see family spring into action on our behalf has really been amazing!

My mechanically-inclined brother, who has done the physical labor on our truck the past several times that it needed work, and who had the wisdom to say (as did Bones on StarTrek) "It's dead, Jim!" when our truck blew it's head gasket last Tuesday.
My fiscally-responsible brother and sister-in-love who unselfishly pick me up for choir practice each week, and bring me home from church on Sunday and Wednesday nights, who pick up groceries when we need them, or prescriptions when we have no way to get them, and who support me emotionally when I feel the need to let off steam, by simply listening or by taking me to the beach for a day (and thereby rescuing my sanity.)
My extended family who are praying and watching for deals and encouraging us that God will meet our need.
My brilliant husband who can tell you which car/truck/van has the best and poorest Consumer Report ratings for the past 15 years, and who is humble enough to accept rides back and forth to work but is independent enough to walk to the drugstore and grocery store when we needed something.
My sweet mother- and grandmother-in-laws who give advice and encouragment to Doug each week and who help us pray for answers.
My servant-hearted cousins who are willing to do anything at all for us from toting a wheelchair, to physically helping Isaac in and out of his wheelchair, and who act out the belief that "Pity is a benign form of abuse, " and therefore do not pity Isaac, but accept him just as he is and help him to be a true part of their junior church ministry every Sunday.
My dad who has worked unfailingly to help us find a vehicle, who has loaned his vehicle for runs to the bank and the grocery store, who drives alone to church in his work truck so that the rest of us can fit in the "nice" vehicle, who believes in a fair price and a good work ethic, who has friends all over town because of his own work ethic, and who has blessed his family for many generations to come by following Christ's example and keeping a good Christian testimony.
My mom who has taught all of us by her incredible example that PRAYER WORKS, and who is continuing to live out that truth by praying a MIRACLE down for us!!!

All these combine to make this time of waiting, bearable.

As we sink our faith deeper into the mind of Christ, and trust Him to meet this incredible need, we are propped up and encouraged by these in our family who have come along beside us.

Of course, we have sweet friends who minister to us, too, giving us ideas and telling us about vehicles they've seen, and encouraging us with reminders of Who God is, and that He promises to meet every need. These are our brothers and sisters in Christ, and so, by that definition, are FAMILY, as well!

The world has swallowed the lie that it takes a government, a society, a village of people to raise a child. This is wrong and unScriptural. It takes individuals who are committed to the success of the child and to the spiritual growth of the child, to properly raise that child to be a Child of the King.

In Isaac's situation, he is "safe" in the Lord, because he does not have the understanding to make a personal decision for Christ.

So, in his case, we are not coming together to teach him about Jesus and salvation in a mental and spiritual way; but rather we are coming together to teach him how Jesus IS by meeting his physical and emotional needs.

I John 3:16-18 "Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth."

My family is loving Isaac, and loving us, "in deed and in truth."

That is very humbling and encouraging and is – quite honestly – just blessing my socks off!!!

Thank you, Lord, for my family!

HopeFULLy,

Alesha

A Wild and Crazy Week

May 13, 2012June 23, 2015 by ObtainingMercy, posted in Florida Weather, What's Happening

Whew! It's been a little bit busy this week at our house, so I thought I'd try to catch you up-to-date.

Doug and Isaac had quite a time trying to get home from therapy on Tuesday. Our truck died "the big death" on the way back. They did not get home until 1:45 a.m. Wednesday morning, after having to sit on the side of the road in the middle of 192-no-whereville for 3 hours. (You locals will know exactly where that is, too!)

The rest of the week, then, proved to be very interesting, having no working vehicle. It worked out ok, though, as so many family, friends and co-workers gave us rides and lended their cars for grocery shopping and such. We are so thankful for them!

My sister-in-love and I had been planning a trip to the beach for a few weeks, and I decided to not let the circumstances deter me. I was so glad we went. It was a beautifully slow-paced day and I took in about a week's worth of vitamin D, and we were home by 3 p.m. Can't beat that, can you?

On Friday, Doug took part in the graduation ceremony/service of the school where he teaches. They graduated 4 seniors, and he said the service and reception were very nice.

Meanwhile, Isaac and I attended my cousin's wedding at our church, thanks to 2 different vehicles from 2 different families. It was a labor of love to get us there, and I am so grateful I could go. Isaac sat with the younger children in the toddlers' building for the ceremony, but then joined me for the reception. Let me tell you, my boy can put away some potato salad!!! He just loved it and I was glad to have such a happy escort.

Today, Saturday, my mom and I attended the Mother-Daughter Luncheon at our church. The cafeteria was still set up with the gorgeous decorations from the wedding the night before, and the food was yuuummmmy! We heard a lovely pastor's wife speak about serving the Lord in the beauty of holiness and came home with sweet little plants donated from a church member's nursery. 🙂

So…cRaZy, busy week, full of wonderful blessings and unexpected catastrophes. We still have no idea what we are going to do for a vehicle. We are in no position to purchase a new one, but the old one is beyond repair. We are truly waiting on a miracle from the Lord!

We are, however, focused on the Lord, yielding ourselves and our lives to Him on a moment by moment basis. Occasionally, we feel ourselves growing very agitated, and have to stop to realize we are just feeling very "out of control" of everything in our lives right now; and once again, surrender it all to the Lord.

Doug is also out of work for the summer and has no prospects; but perhaps the Lord knew he wouldn't have a way to get to a job??? :o/ We don't know…so we just keep trusting and doing what we know to do each day, with the ability that we DO have.

Now that you have an update on us, I will leave you with some glorious pictures from my day at the beach!

HopeFULLy,

Alesha Kay

Alive and Well in Central Florida

May 4, 2012June 23, 2015 by ObtainingMercy, posted in Blessings, Florida Weather, Foto Friday, Household, Isaac Update, What's Happening

Well, hey there! Did you wonder how things were going over here on the east coast? I know I've been quiet for a little while, except for my devotional posts each day, but we are doing very well.

The school year is winding down, and as usual, there are many extra things in the schedule during the month of May. Some of those activities are planned and expected every year.

Other things, like funerals, are not expected. This week I attended the funeral service of one of God's choicest servants, Dr. Gary Herring.

He was a mighty man of God his whole life, even though he had only served with us at our church and college for the past 11 years. He pastored in his hometown for 32 years! Isn't that amazing?!

It was wonderful to hear stories of those who knew him "back when" and to realize that his faithful service had been well established, even before he came to bless us with his ministry at our church.

His wife, Mrs. Earla, showed amazing fortitude and graciousness at the service. Her spirit of faithfulness and cheerfulness have been a real blessing to us as well.

Our prayers are with her now, as she goes through her first weekend without her best friend. I'm thinking that the first church service without him will be difficult. If you think of it, would you pray for her this Sunday?

On the home garden front, our cucumbers are doing quite well on the front porch, but we had to move the tomatoes outside. Just yesterday, Doug woke me up an HOUR BEFORE my alarm to tell me that we had our first cucumber blossom! It IS exciting, but boy – his timing needs a little work!!! 🙂 (Apologies for the less-than-spectacular photos.)

Isaac has been doing well. He is sleeping a LOT these days. I think it must be that pre-teen growth spurt. He turns 12 this month, can you believe it???

He has been very healthy the past few months and we are so, SO grateful for that! This summer, he will be having some dental work done, under sedation, but other than that, he is having no problems at present.

We are getting pretty desperate to get a wheelchair-accessible vehicle. Poor Doug has had severe tendonitis in his left elbow and forearm. It has been very difficult for him to get Isaac in and out of his carseat with the injured arm. He's left-handed, so it is particularly bothersome to him; but fortunately, he is very ambidextrous, and can write on the chalkboard with either hand for school! 🙂

I am having good days and not-so-good days with my back, but I am trying to stay busy every day. I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis, but I am not discouraged about that. It could have been a much worse diagnosis when it comes to back problems! I am continuing to try to eat in a healthy way, take all my supplements and get exercise. The exercise is coming along very slowly, but I am determined to keep at it.

The dogs are doing very well. We've been able to go out in the evenings and let them run for a while. They really love that. Newton can still run Kepler into the ground. She just cannot keep up with his long legs; but she sure does have fun trying! 😉

I did manage to catch a really fabulous video of them running with the dogs next door, but unfortunately, my phone won't download it into an email. It says I don't have enough memory. I'll keep working on that, and maybe I can share it with you later.

By the way, I have a coupon code that is active right now in my Etsy shop: ILUVMOM Feel free to use it for 20% off any purchase: Alesha Kay Jewelry

I pray that you have a wonderful weekend. Ours is supposed to be a hot one with temps in the 90's. I will be attended a family reunion outdoors tomorrow…we are praying that we will be blessed with a nice breeze!

HopeFULLy,

Alesha Kay

Just Call Me “Isaac’s Secretary”

April 23, 2012 by ObtainingMercy, posted in Isaac Update, What's Happening

Happy Monday, y'all!

I'm just popping in with a quick prayer request.

We are in the process of trying to procure grant money to purchase a wheelchair-accessible vehicle for Isaac.

I contacted my local Children's Medical Service and was sent a list of links to applications and 3 paper applications.

There were 10 sites on the list.

1 site doesn't have their application online yet, although it says it will be up by late April 2012.
1 site grants only $25-$200 for assistive devices.
1 site is only for Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties. I do not live in those counties!
1 site is a loan site. I was looking for grants.
1 site is only for grants for ABA therapy which is for kiddos with autism.
1 site is from the UK. I sort of doubt they are going to send off money to a kiddo in the US.
1 site is only for members of the Down Syndrome Association. Ike doesn't have down syndrome.
1 site's link did not work. I figured out the site, finally, but they had no grants on the site.
1 site was simply a list of agencies in my area, none of which mentioned that they had grants.
1 site does not cover vehicles.

Did you keep count with me? Yep, 10 of the 10 sites listed don't work for us!!!

None of them can help us at all! (I will be checking each day to see if the site that didn't have its application up, has it up yet.)

Of the three paper applications we were sent, 1 of them will not grant money toward a vehicle, but will grant money toward a lift, but no more than $5000.

The other 2 are very vague and give very limited information about what is covered and how much they will give; so I am not very hopeful about them either.

This is all very discouraging.

A vehicle for Isaac will cost upwards of $30,000. This is a massive undertaking.

Would you please pray that God will give us wisdom and understanding about the process; and that He will lead us to the precise organization that will help us.

I despise wasting time pursuing dead ends, especially when my time could be so much better spent doing other things for my family, friends, church and business.

Thank you for praying for us. We really appreciate it so very much.

HopeFULLy,

Alesha