new me!

 

Sorry I have been away for a while. I went on a medical mission trip last week. Lots of great stories. Go to my other blog site for those! https://onemission4him.blogspot.com/

But as soon as I get back last Sunday, the next day I got so sick. I thought it was just a cold, especially since we had air conditioning Saturday night and we haven't had any all week. But Tuesday I was just feeling worse so I went to see the doctor and guess what? Yep, I'm sure you guessed....I tested positive for Covid.  I am here to tell you that covid sucks! I felt terrible and I didn't think I could sleep so much, but I did. But the meds the doc gave me worked like a charm. Thank goodness. I don't think I could take feeling the way I did any longer. I am such a baby when it comes to being sick. I feel better now, almost to normal, but still have this nagging cough. The kind of cough that people look at you like you are contagious. 

Well, now that I am feeling better and getting back out to normalcy, I did a thing...again. I got my hair cut. I couldn't take it any longer. I did last longer than I thought I would letting it grow out. I mean, give me a break, it was a year and half, but I just couldn't take it any more and all that goes with long hair and fixing it up any longer. And now, I won't have to deal with all the hair in the shower drain anymore!

My new style kinda gives an 80's vibe. I'm good with it.

Jeremiah 17:14 – "Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise."

Love to all,

Baby cuc's are here!

 

Can you see it? It's there, my little baby cucumber! I am a momma to a garden now. I am so EXCITED! This pic was the other day, and we have had rain the last few days and when I checked this morning, we have A LOT more. I counted at least 10 little baby cucs.

This is awesome because I was getting worried I wouldn't have any cucumbers this year. And no cucumbers means....NO PICKLES. Dad's garden isn't doing anything this year. So glad I am able to have a garden this year. I have about 5 other plants that are just now starting to get their flowers blooming, so fingers crossed they will have some baby cucs when I get back from my mission trip.

YES....I leave next week for my mission and I am so excited to be returning for medical missions. I will have updates and stories on my mission blog. Check it out!  https://onemission4him.blogspot.com/      

Well, I know I will be busy canning pickles when I return and I can't wait. I love doing this and it is actually something that I am good at! I can't say that about a lot that I do, but I do pickles well. My hubs doesn't like the pickle smell my kitchen has when I am done, but I think it is heavenly. Next year, I will need to plant more than the 2 I started with. I am pretty sure I can add gardening to the things that I am doing pretty well with!

Keep growing, keep praying, keep looking to God. He will provide!

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

Love to all,

a check in

 

Well, it's been a year since I made a life change. I just wanted to check in with you and give an update.

I have to say that I am still happy with my decision in changing my job. It has been life changing in my personal life. I have to say that my stress has dramatically been decreased. I continue to lose weight. I have not made it to my personal goal, but I am almost there. It has been slower since I have gone off the GLP-1 shots and switched to oral medications. But I have less side effects and still losing weight. 

Overall, I do not regret anything. I see God's hand in all of this and looking back, I understand why so many doors closed on opportunities that I was trying to move into. Like I alway say, trust in God and have faith. He will lead you where you need to go and where you need to be. 

Psalm 28:7 (ESV); "The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song, I give thanks to him."

Love to all,

Our family did a thing!

 We had a wedding! It has taken me a week to recover, and I wasn't the one to get married! But the wedding was a success. Did I mention it was outside, at my house? The weather was great. Our house was big enough for everyone and all the food. It was just a great day. 

And you would be proud of me. I did not "take over" anything, I helped and made sure that everything fell into place. Now ask me if I wanted to take over.....well yes. That is what I do. But it wasn't my day, so I behaved. 

It was the first time that I met K's parents. Her and my son have been together for about 3 yrs and we have never met her parents. I have to say I was a little nervous. Why? Because we are now family. When I go married, it seemed like our parents just got along, but they knew each other before we got married. Remember, me and hubs met at church! Well, I have to say her parents are wonderful. And her grandmother too. I think our new family is going to be just fine.

This momma is now grasping onto the reality that her baby boy is not only an adult, but a married man now. But in all of this, I have a new daughter added to our family. I look forward to watching them grow in their love and seeing all that they have to experience. 

Hebrews 10:24-25

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Love to all,

A time of reflection

 This has been a busy time for our family. Reflecting on 2026, it has not disappointed! Finishing our home. Moving. Life changes. And now a WEDDING! Yes, that is what I said. My son is getting married to a wonderful, amazing and beautiful young lady. I am so excited for them and their new beginnings with each other. And did I say that the wedding is at MY HOUSE?!! Well it is. Lots of preparations going on this week to get ready for the big day, which is tomorrow!

But as I am busy to do my "to do" list to prepare to help make their day the best and most memorable, I can't help to stop and reminisce of the time me and hubs got married, 36 years ago. Oh my, it has been a long time and we were so young, I was 22! I can't even imagine how we made it so young. And I thought I was so grown up! I thought I knew everything to life. 

Back in the day, it was so much formalites, but it seems to today weddings are just to be simple, small. It is so intimate and seems, well, easier. No pressure. I can remember running around everywhere and planning our wedding for about a year, getting all the details just right. For the wedding "show". and it was all for just 20 minutes!  All that work for a short time. The flowers, the dress, the cake, the reception. But the fun was afterwards, the reception. I remember my first dance, all the family and friends there celebrating with us. And I had to have helium balloons for my dance floor. I remember my papaw helping me blow up all of those balloons to  cover the ceiling of the dance floor. And tie on the red and black ribbons! On every one of those balloons. 

That is how is should be, surrounded by those important to you in your life, who support you. 

My prayer for my son and my new daughter in love is for joy and love all your life. Just know that you are loved so much in my heart. I pray that my life, marriage has been an example to my children of a Godly and supportive marriage for them throughout their life. I know I have had this with my parents, aunts/uncles and my hubs parents to show us what marriage looks like with God as the center. 

Genesis 2:24 - Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

Ephesians 5:25 - Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,

Mark 10:6-9 - But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”

Love to all,

Dig through the rocks

 

I am working hard! It may not look like it, but I was. Yesterday, I planted 2 cucumber plants to "test" the dirt at the new homestead. Yes only 2. I am not using them for pickles, or maybe I will. Dad is still manning the cuc garden at his house this year, but hopefully, next year, I will have the garden going. But I need to see if the spot I picked, will be good for growing those future pickles.

As I was digging, It started to become harder to dig the hole. I kept hitting rocks! The more I dug, the harder it was. And the sun was so HOT, which didn't help. I literally had to stop and take a break, or I was going to pass out! Man I am getting old. But I got them planted and fingers crossed, they will grow!

When I got done, I started to think about hard it was to plant them. Sometimes life is like that. We have rocks in our life that we have to dig through. But when we make it through that, we will have some beautiful fruit to show. 

Don't stop, keep going, digging through those rocks. You will find some soil to grow in.

Psalm 18:2; The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Love to all, 

A trip to the dentist

 Well, you're probably asking, what are you pointing to? My swollen jaw. It looks like I got punched in the jaw, and feels like it too! But that is not what happened, I promise, I didn't start any fights! I had oral surgery yesterday, a bone graft to my tooth. My jaw actually looks better than it did yesterday. More to come about that but I want to start with this....

My surgery has been planned for a while. I am always nervous about going to the dentist because it seems like every time I go, there is something that needs to be done! But for some reason, I was not nervous or anxious leading up to this appointment. I have always said you never know who God is going to place in your path and I just don't understand why I am always shocked at what God can do! Because on Thursday, the day of my appointment, I really wasn't all that nervous. Shocker. I was a little but not like I thought I would be. I had to work that day and my appt was, of course, at the end of the day. That day, God place the right person in my path, a patient of mine. I went to see her and found out I had worked with her 20 years ago! It was great to see them and update them on everything throughout life and all that has been happening. But it just gave me a piece and calm, especially when she was like, "I'm gonna say a prayer for you." Like I said, you never know what God's gonna do and who's gonna be placed in your path.

WELL....I went to said appt. And I have to say that my nerves were very much calmer than I normally am. I can tell you that prayer makes a huge difference. I got a ton, and I mean a ton, of numbing medicine. He gave me so many shots that I couldn't feel anything.  My lips, tongue, face...all numb. Good thing, because I got like 6 stitches. I saw him moving around with the needle and I kept thinking, oh God, please don't let this numbing medicine stop now! When we got done, I could hardly talk, because the left side of my face was not working right! 

On my way home, I kept thinking, I am so thirsty. But wasn't sure how I was going to drink. Part of my instructions is that I can't use a straw! I drink from a straw all the time. And the obvious thing is HALF MY FACE DOESN'T WORK RIGHT NOW! Well I stopped and got me a cold starbucks. I very...carefully... drank out the right side of my mouth, slowly. It worked. But it was so hard. 

Well, my face was numb most of the night. This morning when I woke up, man, my chin and jaw hurt. And to try to eat or drink, that was, well, something I didn't like. It has gotten better over the day. I am limited to soup, mashed potatoes and pudding for now. I can't eat anything hard. And my wonderful hubs made me some yummy potato soup tonight for dinner. Wonder how long I can milk this?  haha

No matter how nervous, scared or unsure you are, just remember, God is with you. He will comfort you and place people in your life to help guide you. Stay strong through your difficult times. Be an overcomer!

"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." ~1 Corinthians 10:13

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” ~ John 16:3

Love to all, 

New freedom

 

Well, we finally got our fence around the backyard! Riley doesn't know what to think about that, and I'm not sure that she has fully accepted the new home.  She has the new freedom now of not having to wait on me to take her out to do her business on the lease. She can go by herself now, in the backyard. And she has the new freedom to run! No more walking with momma, she can run! and boy, she does. (Riley is our 6 yr old boxer. In her lifetime, she has had 3 homes.)

But with this new freedom, means that momma is back to having to clean up the backyard after her doing her business! No fun. 

Riley still waits for me at the front door, asking me to take her out. Now, we still go for our walks, but she is still in the habit of going out on the lease. And I think she is trying to get more walks in each day! She loves getting in all her sniffs and smells. We have a lot of wildlife around the house. Like this week, a snake was in front of our garage! It looked 6 ft long, but I bet it was smaller. But I'm going with 6 ft! A snake is always scary, no matter how long it is. (and so is spiders!)

Happiness is found in many things. Sometimes you can find joy and happiness in the simplest of things. Like watching Riley run in her new freedom of the backyard, going for walks, see all the creations from God even if they are scary. Take time to stop, look and enjoy what is around you.

Romans 15:13; "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope"

Love to all,

Happy Mother's Day 2026

 

Happy Mother's Day 2026!

For some, today is a hard day, for many reasons. And me telling you that God is with you and loves you, may not be enough. Trust me, I know. I struggled, as you may know from reading my blog, I struggled with infertility. I was the aunt, the volunteer in children's church, VBS volunteer, baby-sitter, the dog mom, and so on, and so on. So I understand. 

But God eventually blessed me with 2 children and they made me a momma. It was a lot of waiting and praying. So I celebrate today my 29 years of being a blessed momma. My kids are amazing and wonderful. I now know when someone says that they have experienced love overflowing, what that means. Every time I see them or talk with them, it just does my heart good. 

I am not only a momma, but a daughter as well. I have a wonderful mother. A mother that has put up with all my stupid things throughout my life and supported me through my many rough times. She has held my hand, prayed over me. When I got married, I received another mom, an "in-law" (key in the music: dom-dom-dom). Everyone talks and jokes about in laws and how horrible it can be. Well, I don't have that. I have another mom that has been placed in my life. Another mom to support me and pray over me and I feel loved even though I am her "in-law"!

God has plans for us. Whether it is to be a daughter, a mom, a mom to others, or the best aunt ever, but God has plans. You never know what he is going to do with you or place you in this world. And he will be with you throughout it all. He hears your prayers and knows our struggles, whether it is during the fight of infertility or during the struggles of motherhood. Lean on him, pray, give it to God. 

Oh and by the way, I will be THAT memaw that everyone talks about (If God blesses me with grandchildren!) because you know I am that kinda mom. The one who wants to know everything, plan everything, have everyone over to the house and ready with the $$$ if you need it. Who knows what is going to happen going forward. I am sure God will surprise me!

Proverbs 31: 25, 28; "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her."

Isaiah 66:13; "As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem. "

Love to all,

Words have power

 This is one of my lavender plants. I haven't killed it yet! I do not have a green thumb, but rather a brown one! I thought:  I gonna get some plants for the house this spring. I have gotten some hanging ferns, which are beautiful and huge!  And I got some herbs. I figure I could get some use out of the plants with some fresh herbs and some awesome smelling lavender while they are alive. AND....did you know that peppermint and lavender keep bugs away? Well they do, so double work with those on my patio!

Sometimes caring for them can be kinda boring. I mean it is the same thing everyday..water...water...water. Except yesterday, I trimmed them. I think I am going to see what they do when I dry the pieces I trimmed.

But back to my thought, I do get sidetracked sometimes. Some days it just feels like I go through the motions, same thing day in, and day out. Wake up same time. Get ready for the day. BUT...

There is always something that God places each day in your path that you never expect. A person, or an experience.

This week, which is derby week here (remember?), and we got to wear our derby hats to work on Friday. I had a patient wave me into her room and she was just so fascinated with my hat. She complimented me and told me how pretty my outfit was that day. That made the difference to me and got me through the rest of my day. 

Then when I got home, as I always do, I shred the work clothes and got into my comfy sweats. I know, lovely right? My hubs was pulling in the garage so I decided to meet him at the door to see how his day was. He told me when he saw me, how beautiful I looked. Whoa. I can't tell you how that made me feel. Especially from him. I was like, va-va-va-voom! BAM! Like a teenager again. He always knows how to make me feel loved and better about myself. I think that is why we have been together for 41 years! (married 36!)

So what am I trying to say with all these jumbled up thoughts for this Sunday? Be kind. Cultivate where  you are. Don't wait to show or tell someone you love them. Maybe if I talk to my plants they will grow more!

Words have power.

Ephesians 4:29; "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

Ephesians 4:29; "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

Love to all,

First Saturday in May in KY!

 

The first Saturday in May in KY!! IYKYK! 

For those that don't know, well.......It means the Kentucky derby. Normal, regular life ceases as we know it and it is all about parties, bourbon and horses! I was born and raised here and I can say that I have NEVER gone to the derby. I may have partaken in a few parties, chow wagons and concerts though!

Don't get me wrong, the Derby can be fun, but it is also trying on your very last nerve! Let's take for example, traffic. Tons of people coming into the city for the derby, so many people. I am just trying to get to work, jealous and wishing I could be with those people trying to get to the horse track for the party!

Derby....humph! And all this celebrating starts 2 weeks before the actual derby! 2 weeks of when everyone's life is turned upside down....for horses. 

But there is also some crazy fun. Like this picture of the pink snail. This is to bring awareness of breast cancer. At one of the races, there is a breast cancer survivor walk. This pink snail is slowly sliming its way to all the cancer institutes. Today it has finally made its way to my hospital I work at. It is awesome! And breast cancer survival is near and dear to my heart. Why? Because I AM A SURVIVOR! And because so many of my friends and family are survivors too! If  you want to read my story and testimony of my trials and survival of this awful thing, go back a few years in my blog when I first started it. 

Even though I dislike this time of the year, I love where I live. Kentucky people are one of a kind. Everyone needs to experience a little KY in their life!

Psalm 95:2, ESV; Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!

Psalm 118:24; This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Love to all,

Necessary interruptions

                                       

We all have them. Interruptions. Sometimes they come at the worst times. You know those. Like when your trying to get your work done, and a co-worker wants to talk and all your thinking about is wanting to get out on time. Or when you just close your eyes for a nap and your dog barks....at nothing, just the air. 

But some interruptions can be an invitation. An invite for you to give someone your time. To give someone attention that they are needing. You don't know what that person may need, until you listen. It could be nothing to you, just a simple conversation, but to them, it could mean much more. Like alleviating anxiety for some news they received, or loneliness from just needing someone to talk to about their day or an experience. Have you experienced anything like that? I have and I know that those people that took the time to give me just a few moments of time and not just brush me off, made the biggest difference in my day. 

I saved a quote from a devotional I had a while back and it still speaks truth now. It is from the Desiring God website. They say "When our life in him (God) is healthy and vibrant, we not only ache to keep sinking our roots down deep in him, but also to stretch our branches out and extend his goodness to others."

We all will have many interruptions in our life. They may be small, but some are big. Some are good, happy ones, and some can be devastating. Whatever the interruption, your life will be changed and how you respond will affect those around you. 

So welcome those interruptions. You may be a blessing to others but you will also be blessed in the process.

Mark 1:29-45: Jesus is constantly interrupted by people needing healing.

Matthew 14:13-14: Jesus interrupts his solitude to minister to a crowd.

Acts 16:6: The Holy Spirit interrupts Paul’s travel plans to direct him to a new assignment.

Love to all,

It happened again!

 

I can't believe it, but I experienced it again. Let me tell you this story......

This morning, I woke up thinking TGIF. So glad this week is over. One more shift before I got the weekend. And I got plans with a friend that I just can't wait to do on Saturday. So today, I started like any other week day before work. 

• Up at the crack of dawn
• get dressed
• fix my hair (you wouldn't think it fixed from my picture!!)
• make coffee (so important)
• pack lunch
• 10 minutes on the vibrating plate
• take out dog
• go to work

Every day, my routine.

When I got to work, I was feeling a little overwhelmed. We all had to pick up extra patients and I was running behind getting over to the hospital to round on them. I was already late to the units. As I was walking over, which is like a 7 minute walk from our office to the hospital which helps me to get my steps in everyday, I started to feel panicky, stressed. And this little trek didn't help to alleviate any of that stress. I was getting upset at little things. Like the dang door to the stairwell wouldn't open for me, so I yelled at it. Like that did any good. I got stuck behind some visitors that were walking way too slow for me. The elevator took way too long to come pick me up!  So what did I do???

I prayed. And then I prayed some more. Then I just started talking to Jesus. Asking him to take this stress from me.  Asking him to carry me. To take this bad attitude. To fill me and give me his smile, his love to bless others. Guess what, HE DID. 

You ask, "well Autumn, how do you know God helped you or heard you?" I didn't hear him talk to me, BUT I immediately felt this feeling come over me. Kinda like when you get a cold chill and shiver, but it was a tingling all over my body. In my legs, my arms, down my back and even my head! It was crazy but I felt that for a good 3 minutes at least. This is like the second time this has happened to me, ever. God knows when I really need those extra boosts! After that, I realized how calm I was. I wasn't anxious or feeling short tempered.  

I was calm. My mind, my spirit...just calm.

And the rest of my day went well. I was able to get my work done, manage and juggle all the phone calls, and requests from my patients/doctors/nurses. And I got out of work 10 minutes early!! (BONUS!)

So when you feel anxious, restless or just not yourself. Call on the name of Jesus and let him take over. He still can do miracles. You just have to be open to "see" them.

Ephesians 3:19; "and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."

 Colossians 3:17; And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Love to all,

Home

We are home. Finally. And I don't just mean our house, but our church. Today, it felt like home. It seems like I have been missing this for a while.  

So along with a new house, new community, we have a new church home. And if feels like our circle is complete. It just seems that all I had to do is wait and Jesus would provide.  I don't like to wait, I like that immediate satisfaction of getting things done now or getting it in my hands now, but in His time, not mine. You never know what God is going to do in your life, until it happens. And when you look back,  you can see the steps, the building blocks he was doing in your life to get you to this point. All the struggles just made me stronger and ready for the next step. Now, I am like you, I don't like the struggles, but sometimes we have to go through the tunnels to get to the other side and see the light. 

I am just amazed at all that God has provided for me throughout my life and I know, and have faith, he will continue to do more in my life. I have seen miracles and prayers answered. Too many to count. But they happen every day, may be small ones, but they are answered prayers from God. He just answered prayers that were lifted up yesterday for one of my mission team's mother and her health. We got good news today!! Take the small wins and answered prayers, God hears you. 

What is your story? Are you still living through struggles, feel God is not hearing you and waiting to see what God can do in your life? Just stop, breath and look around. Think of what Jesus is capable of doing in your life. You will see the work God is doing in you. As my minister said to us today......"What's not enough in your hands, is more than enough in the hands of Jesus."

2 Corinthians 12:9; "But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."

Love to all,  

Oops, I forgot again

 

As I get older, I find that my memory gets the best of me. I am not good with remembering names. I have always had trouble with this. I recognize faces and think I know them but for the life of me, I can't remember names! Especially if it is out of where I know you from, like work or church. 

But this week, I had a memory scare. I'm laying in bed and my mind is wallowing around in all my thoughts. For some reason, and I think it is because I have 3 doctor appts this week, I start to think about how old I am and I forgot my age! So I start to question myself and I am thinking, "oh no, I am turning 60 this year!" Then I think, no way that is right. I start to panic, because I am in no way ready to be 60. I pull out my trusty calculator and had to figure it out! 

Whew! I am still 58.

Getting older is a hard. You just gotta laugh at yourself and move on. I am encouraged with God's word that helps me accept what is to come. 

“Wisdom belongs to the aged, and understanding to the old” (Job 12:12 NLT)

“Moses was 120 years old when he died, yet his eyesight was clear, and he was as strong as ever” (Deuteronomy 34:7 NLT)

That is why we are not discouraged. Though outwardly we are wearing out, inwardly we are renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16)

Love to all,

My story isn't finished

 

My story...it isn't finished. God is not done using me yet! I want to share with you my story, and I am sure I have done this before here, but in case you have not heard it.

Short version...I was saved at 8 but really didn't know what that meant. Then I got caught up in the world, frustrated with the whole church thing and decided it was not for me. I realized, life is miserable without Jesus, so I came back. But really didn't commit until I had to trust an lean on Jesus throughout the trials in my life. And boy, have I had some doozies, but we all have had some of those. Now I live for Jesus. I trust him to carry me, provide for me and help me when life is rough. And that is where my smile and happiness comes from, Jesus. Not things of the world.

Kinda long version....When I realized life is miserable without Jesus and came back, that was a struggle. I went to a large church and was able to get "lost" in the crowd so I wouldn't have to talk to anyone or "make friends". But what church is about is community and relationships. I went through infertility during this time, God carried me through. Blessed me and hubs with 2 amazing kids! Then about 15 years later, I went through cancer, God carried me through. Blessed me with healing and remission. I have gone through life changes of different jobs and different salaries, God has carried me through. Our needs are met and bills are being paid. Not only in my life but during this time, hubs went through back surgery, blessed with recovery. He still has trouble but God is working through him and he is still able to do all the things he needs to do. Going through our kids moving out and one of them across to the West coast! That is still a challenge but God blessed her with a great job, friends and support there. 

Now in our life, we have more life changes. You know as we age, things change. I always knew that one day we would have to care for our parents, but it has crept up so quickly. Not to say that our parents need us now to care for them, but we are in the process to prepare, in case that happens. So my hubs parents will be living with us in about 2 weeks. It is a change, not only for us, but for them as well. I know it will take some time to get accustomed to this living arrangement. 

It can be scary. 

Living with my parents again. 

And I am sure they are feeling it too. Just when you think you have us kids kicked out of the house, we are back! There is more to my life story, more to come, more experiences to be had. I am here for God to use me and work through me. 

So trust me when I say, God is with you through it all. Hard times and sorrow may come to us because we live in a sinful world. But we can pull through it. YOU can pull through it. And the other side? Full of grace, joy and happiness. 

Ephesians 1:7; "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace"

Ephesians 2:8-10; "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Love to all,

Recover time takes longer now

 

No filter. Gray hair, wrinkles...all of it. No filter. I look at my picture and think, when did I get so old? Take this past weekend. Friday, I started with a stuffy nose and it turned into a head cold. A stopped up, can't breath, stuffy nose and it turned into being sick! I remember when I was young, I would start feeling like that, I could just shake it off. I would go on with life as usual. But NOOOO! I get a stuffy nose now and it turns into a raging head cold where I am laid up on the couch, in my PJ's all day, taking Nyquil every night. What happened to me?? 

Sometimes I wish I could turn back time. But then I think, I wouldn't have my life, my family, that I have now. So, when you start to think how hard life is, or how it is hard to accept growing old, look at your many blessings you have. Look at what you have been given. Remember all that you have experienced so far. If you didn't live, you would not have any of that.

Proverbs 16:31 (NIV); "Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness."

Isaiah 46:4 NIV; “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you” 

Love to all,

Taking a minute

 

Yep, that's me and Riley...taking a break.  Just to catch you up, I have been packing up to move for 2 weeks. We moved....Monday. And I have been unpacking all that we packed up. It is A LOT of work to move. I have a few more days to get everything in the "right" place before I have to go back to work.  I say that because I think I have placed things in my kitchen and pantry and moved it a few times, just to find the right place for it (aka, for me to remember where I put it easier). 

So Riley and I are just sitting here on the deck, listening to the rain and soaking it all in. And when I finally stop to rest, all the thoughts and feelings start to flood in. It can feel a little overwhelming at times and trying to find the ways to process it all can be difficult. Then before you know it all the feelings come out.

They come out by soft tears. Happy tears. We have been working toward this moment for a long time. Years. And it is finally here.

So funny story (I have a few). I met one of our neighbors today. She is a retired nurse. Come to find out she retired from the hospital I work for, and she was in care management like me. Go figure. So I have a retired nurse living to the right of me and a retired RT to the left. As you know, I am a nurse and the hubs is a RT. I can't make this up! God has a funny sense of humor, but it is comforting because our 2 neighbors have something in common with us. Easy ice breaker!

Other funny story (Well I don't think it is but...), We have no yard. It is a big dirt mound, front and back. The builders have to grade the yard and then get the grass sod when it warms up. That is in a month, fingers crossed. So poor me...has to take Riley out on the lease to go find a place for her "relieve" herself (go to the bathroom). It is really fun when it is early in the morning or late at night and it is still dark. And my dog, well, she relates the lease to going for a walk. It is really  hard to get her to do her "business" quickly. Tomorrow it is going to rain. So I will find out how it is taking her out in the dark, in the rain. Please pray for me! How can you not love this face!

As I was contemplating on the deck everything, one of my favorite verses came to mind, and I will share with you. I hope it blesses you today and days to come.

2 timothy 4:17; "But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth."

Love to all, 

It was worth it

 I survived. Not sure what I was worried about. You know, sometimes we go down the rabbit hole and it is hard to get out of it. What I'm talking about is my volunteer day at Shine. (read previous blog entry). I got there, and was all ready for my guest and for me to be a buddy. But God has something else in mind. Not sure what kind of testing this was, but we had some guests not show up, and the guest assigned to me, was one of them. So I technically didn't have a volunteer job. I was told to go and have dinner and they would find me if my guest showed up. So that is what I did. And God placed me at the right time to help another guest and their caregiver through the food line. She was non-verbal and gave the best hugs. I ate dinner with them and found out she has a job at a store that makes healthy pet snacks/treats. Pretty cool. And she loved to people watch. I do too! So we watched everyone dance and walk past our table in their 80's outfits. I was able to dance a little, 80's style, and then I played the audience in the karaoke room. Between the dance floor and the karaoke room, there was a lot going on!

Oh, by the way, Yes I did! I got dressed up too! It was like taking me back to my high school days! I loved it! Right down to my neon pink slouch socks. And BTW, I am thinking of ordering more, in different colors!

                                                                            

So, I worried and panicked over nothing.  Just goes to show that God may had different plans for you and you need to be flexible and be willing to adapt, to step out and show up. It was scary and hard for me to but I did it. And it shows that I can do it again. 

It is written:

Philippians 4:6;Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

Isaiah 41:10; "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Love to all,

When AnXietY or pANic attacks you

 

I am thinking right now, what was I thinking signing up to volunteer?? At the time, I thought this would be fun, something new. Now, I am feeling nervous, panic is setting in. What am I talking about?

I have volunteered with my church to help with the Night to Shine. The disability prom that Tim Tebow Foundation does. Our church is hosting it this Friday. The 13th. I thought it would be good to volunteer. I have volunteered before at my previous church, but it was as support staff. It appears I am going to be a "buddy" for one of the guests. At our training tonight, they went over what not to do, what to do, what not to say.....I am now so afraid I am going to screw it up and be the one that does the wrong thing! They say, "have fun" but don't do (fill in the blank).  HELP! I am in panic mode! My thoughts are running crazy...Am I going to connect with my guest/buddy, how am I going to adapt to their disability, what do I even say?? I am going down the rabbit hole right now.

At least I am not the only one that this is their first time. I don't feel so alone, so I can't be the only one feeling this way. So, how am I going to manage this? Well, first, I am giving it to God. So far, I must be still holding onto it, because I still have that anxiety, it isn't going away yet. 

Just give me a few...minutes....days....

Second, I am just going to be myself. The theme is the '80's. Right up my alley! And you bet I have my outfit already picked out...neon pink and all! Slouch socks ✓, big belt ✓, neon dangle earrings ✓, neon elastic bracelets ✓, and my hair scrunchie!! Not sure how I am going to get my scrunchie in use, as my hair is barely long enough to pull back in barrett's, but I am gonna try! What a conversation starter, the 80's. 

As Friday quickly approaches, I will be in and out of panic, but I know it will be fun. God puts us out there, and it isn't always going to be easy. It may be a difficult task, hard job or hard situation, but I pray that God uses me for his good and will Friday night. I pray that I will be a blessing and that I will also receive the blessing too. 

What about you? What is God calling you to do that you are afraid to step out and do?

Isaiah 41:10 ;"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" 

Psalm 56:3 ;"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you"

2 Timothy 1:7; "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."

Now, Go be the church.

Love to all,