Obtaining Mercy

Managing My Mondays

March 21, 2011 by ObtainingMercy, posted in Managing My Mondays

Managing my Monday took me out of the house today!

Isaac's caregiver held down things on the homefront, doing some laundry and dishes, making our carrot juice for the next few days, feeding and caring for Isaac and giving Newton (the dog) his treats when he went potty. I am so blessed that my caregiver likes my pets! She even gives Poppet (the bird) a treat when Newton gets one. 🙂

I hit the road with my mom this morning around 11:00. We drove to Michael's so that I could pick up some beading wire to finish my current jewelry project. While there, I was able to take advantage of a sale on some silver plated components. Yay!

Next, we stopped at the grocery store. My mom usually shops at the Publix in town, which is located south of our house. Doug and I tend to shop at the Publix that is to our north. Since we traveled north to go to Michael's, Mama shopped at a "new" Publix today. We only had to backtrack for a couple of things, and their inventory is slightly different; but all in all, I don't think it was too difficult.

After we got home, I laid down on an ice pack for about 45 minutes before I took a trip to my chiropractor. Whew — I was in bad shape today. I was in quite a bit of pain before we did our shopping trip, so by the time we were done, I was truly miserable.

The chiropractor worked her magic, gave me a lecture and sent me on my way. (And I totally deserved the lecture, so I didn't even mind very much!)

Now this evening, my management is confined to whatever I can accomplish from a semi-reclined position here in my room. I ordered some pillowcases for my bed, shopped for Gospel tracts online, made a pillow and blogged. A little later, I plan to participate in my online Bible study, shop for a phone for my hubby and catch up on Facebook. (You have got to love technology, right?!!)

So, Monday has passed quickly, if painfully; and thankfully, once again, my God has been faithful to meet my every need. Praise the Lord for His goodness to me.

Blessings,

Alesha

Sunday Thoughts

March 20, 2011 by ObtainingMercy, posted in Just My Thoughts

I've been thinking about this for several weeks, now…

How is it that sinners can stand in a church pew, some of them week after week, hear the Word of God proclaimed in power and clarity, and still not respond to the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ?

~~~~~

~I know that it's not because they are not hearing the Gospel. It is preached every Sunday in my church.

~I know that it's not because it is too complicated. Our pastor and co-pastor explain, illustrate, expound, alliterate…they do everything in their power to make the way to Salvation as simple as possible. In fact, it is so simple that many a child has understood it.

~I know that it's not because our service is disruptive, unorganized or confusing. We use a traditional format that would make anyone feel at ease and comfortable.

~I know that it's not because our people are unfriendly. I watch every week as people greet and welcome, shake hands and show themselves to be friendly to everyone that comes in.

~I know that it's not because those who participate in the service are unprepared. I am involved in hours of practice each week with the music ministry. Our pianist, organist and orchestra members practice too; they are extremely professional and do a magnificent job each week.

~I know that it's not because our members are cold and uncaring about lost souls. We have multiple programs each week, reaching out to our community with the Gospel.

So…I have to wonder…

is it ME?

- Have I quenched the Holy Spirit's work today?

- Did I fail to greet someone?

- Was I a distraction to others around me during the service?

- When I spoke to a visitor, was I sincere?

- When I spoke to a friend, was I Christ-honoring in my conversation?

- Did I come to church to worship, or do I have some other agenda on my mind?

- Have I prepared this past week to do my part in this service to the best of my ability?

- Have I prayed for this service? Did I spend any part of last week, begging for God's presence, power and convicting Spirit to be hindered in no way during this Sunday's meeting?

- Did I smile? Did I look like I meant what I was singing in the choir special?

- Could others look at me and know that I was a Christ-follower – even in my church's worship service?

- Did I allow the Holy Spirit to work in my heart during the service?

- Have I responded to His convicting Voice during the invitation?

~~~~~

I had part of this conversation with my husband today. He agreed as I went through my list of reasons, and my thoughts about the subject.

I though about the visitors that I saw today in the service…those who were obviously miserable during invitation time, shifting back and forth, whispering to those around them, drumming their fingers on the pew, obviously biding their time until we were dismissed.

I said to Doug, "I just don't understand why someone would not want to become a Christian, after having heard it explained so clearly and so simply today…and it really bothers me!!!"

To which my wise husband replied, "And…it should."

Foto Friday

March 18, 2011June 23, 2015 by ObtainingMercy, posted in Foto Friday

These yummy bars of soap arrived yesterday. Oh.my.word. You should have smelled the box when I opened it! 🙂

They came from here:

My sweet friend, Bren, send me a sample bar of oatmeal spice and I liked it so much, that I wanted another. But she also has lavendar and lemon grass…I couldn't decide! So I took one of each!!!

Each bar is nice and big. I measured one at 3.75×2 inches. They have that lovely hand-cut look to them, too,which I love! The artisan in me was just delighted.

I know this sounds like a commercial, and in a way, I guess it is; but I hope you don't mind. I just like to share with you when I find something that I really like. 🙂

(I will not share with you a picture of the pajama pants that I bought that were about 8 inches too big in the waist – and they didn't have a draw string!!! Ugh – I hate returning things!) 😉

May the Lord bless your weekend!

Alesha

Isaac’s Accomplishments

March 9, 2011 by ObtainingMercy, posted in Isaac Update

Isaac had a Speech Therapy Evaluation yesterday. He has these every 6 months. Since the last eval, he has doubled his speech "score" and has advanced in his understanding his surroundings by 3 months!

This is a really huge accomplishment!

If you think back to when your baby was 18 months old, and think about what they could understand, and then think about your 2-year-old's understanding, you will get an idea of how he is advancing.

We have noticed, in the past several weeks, a marked absense of seizures, except when he was sick with a cold.

We have also noticed that he is looking to his left – on purpose. Now, we've been told that he has limited left-field vision in both eyes. Meaning that he doesn't see to the left with either eye. But now, he is looking to the left to see things, to look at things. Obviously, his vision to the left is there to some extent, and he is using it now, when he didn't use it much before.

He is also "telling" us every time he goes potty. Every time. Even when he's asleep, he wakes up to tell us when he needs dry pants.

So, my boy is growing, not just physically, but also mentally, socially and developementally.

It is very exciting to experience life with Isaac!

Oh, and on February 22nd, we celebrated his 9th "Gotcha Day".

What a wonderful, amazing adventure it has been!

God is good!