Old Books

I had a good day on Wednesday and was able to get a lot done. My hubby also pitched in and helped me to make a real dent, 

Remember how incredibly messy the room in this area looked? 

 Here's how it looks now

 ALL the books are in place now! It probably doesn't seem like a lot, but to me, it made a difference in helping me to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Hubby and I went through the books and picked out tons to trade in and a couple of boxes of special books, we used in our homeschooling, that we are saving for our sons. Both intend on homeschooling, so these books will mean a lot to them since we used them, too. 

Here's a close up of the old book shelves...

Next to the bookshelf, I placed an old table with a favorite lamp. This will be perfect for when we want to sit in this little area and read. I also have a couple of special books on the table. Aren't they beautiful? I just love old books!

I was totally exhausted yesterday and slept past noon! Now mind you, I wake up at least once a night and usually stay awake for at least 2 hours, so that also accounts for the late hour. The only thing I did was to pick up a few things and move our modem to a different area where we wouldn't be tripping over the cords (actually, my son did this, so I can't take credit for it! lol) I did some writing and things like that for most of the day. 

I have been having problems with my laptop for awhile. I finally called today and it's a cord problem. They suggested I don't use it until I receive my new cord. So...I had to get my old laptop out and, let me tell you...it's S-L-O-W! I'm thankful I have it, though...I can't imagine not having a computer for 5 days or more! I'm also so thankful that I always, always buy an extended warranty for all my electronics and appliances. I learned the hard way that not doing this is really silly. I pay very little for an extended warranty and it's so assuring knowing that if something goes wrong, they will take care of it. I bought my computer online from WalMart and I can tell you that their customer service is just the best! Every time I've had a problem, they take care of it - no questions asked - and are very nice! 

Today, I'm hoping to finish up one room completely and then finish up my living room. If I can get one room completely done, it's going to make me so happy! Already, it's just looking more and more wonderful!

Did you watch "Duck Dynasty" on Wednesday night? Oh - my - goodness...I love that show! It just makes me laugh and it's such a "feel good" show. I cried when Phil and Kay renewed their vows. You can tell they love each other so much. It just was so touching and so beautiful! I love that they always keep the Lord in the center of their lives and that they always finish the show with a prayer. They are not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Such a wonderful family!

Have a happy, happy, happy (as Phil would say) Friday, dear friends! I pray your day is full of blessings and joy!

God bless you - Julie

A Whirlwind Time to Quiet Time

It's been a whirl-wind of activity around here for the last couple of weeks. My oldest son has his Fire Academy picnic and then last Saturday, he graduated from the Academy and became a full fledged fire fighter! Woo-Hoo!! Here's a picture of him in his gear at the picnic...

At the picnic, we got a tour of the facility where they train the recruits and then they did a drill for us to see. It was very impressive! We also got to meet his instructors and the firemen of the district. It was a fun afternoon and so amazing to see what these men go through to become fire fighters.

Here's a picture of my two sons at the picnic. First a silly one and then the more serious one. 

As a homeschool Mom, I can see how our choice to homeschool our children totally set a firm foundation for my children to grow on.Both of my sons have known that we would support them in their dreams and that they have the freedom to pursue those dreams. I also see how they are both so grounded in their faith that there is really no fear, in either of them, that they might somehow be less of a man if they decided to move on from a dream. They know their identity is in Christ and not in their earthly accomplishments. (Although, my fireman sons LOVES being a fireman and being part of that community!) We learned in our homeschooling in a way that was best for them and they have taken that learning into their college years and it has served them well. LOVE homeschooling!!

We also had the leadership picnic at our church to thank those of us who lead a Bible study or a small group. It was so nice and we really enjoyed our time there, too. Our church is very supportive of leadership and they know that it takes a lot of commitment and sacrifice on our part and our families part to do this. Plus, they also acknowledge that satan really attacks those families that do have leaders in them, and that's the truth! However, God is faithful and greater and He does prevail. 

The month of June only has one thing on the calendar (besides church, of course) and I'm so thankful! I'm really needing some "down time" as I'm exhausted and, not only that, I'm in horrible pain again. I went to my studio to paint and I don't know what I did, but I started having horrible pain and had to come back to the house. I slept in my recliner with the heating pad last night and plan on taking it easy and praying that this passes quickly. As I've said so many times before, pain is not for sissies! It takes every ounce of faith and strength I have to not allow it to define me or keep me from going forward! Thankfully, the one thing on my calendar is a back shot I had scheduled for next week. God's perfect timing - again! He is SO good!

God bless you - Julie

 

God has plans for us

This Scripture comforts me in so many ways. It's so reassuring to know that the Lord has plans for me - and you - and that He is in perfect control of everything. This comforts me as we prepare for my son's angiogram on Friday, it comforts me knowing that He is in control of our government and country, that He has plans for my family and me. He gives us hope - real hope - and He gives us a future!

Today we will be going in to the Dr. that is giving my son his angiogram. My son will watch a video about what will happen during his test and what to expect. From there, we go to the hospital to register him and get all his blood work and pre-tests done. Then in the afternoon, we both have a doctor appointment with our pain management doctor. Another full day!

My Bible study last night was amazing. The ladies in my group are such godly women that bring me into an even greater knowledge of God. They share their hearts and each one is so very special to me. I really believe that the Lord put us together and is knitting our hearts together. Every one of them is a sweet friend!

I have several pictures to share from my trip to the big city the other day. I got to go to several favorite places while there and we had a great time. My whole family was able to go and that gets more and more rare as my son's get older. It was such a fun day and every one of us kept saying what a great day we had together and how special it was.

Tomorrow is my birthday. I'm planning on a quiet day, spent with my family and doggies! I have no idea if there are any plans in the works, but honestly, I'm thinking a quiet day would be nice for all of us. I already got my birthday gift from my husband and my younger son and I'll share pics of those soon.

God bless you - Julie

Praising Him and Rejoicing!

It's been time for me to stop, take a breath, and share with you all what's happening around here. I know it's been way too long since I actually posted a personal update!

First of all, I am just in awe of our God. He is so amazing and so loving! For those of you that have been following my blog for awhile, you know that two years ago, I fell and injured my back. I already had a bad disc, but with the fall, I injured two more. I was in so much pain, I had to give up everything I was doing in my life and was living day to day in a haze of pain and agony. I was told I probably wouldn't get much better and I steeled myself for a life filled with horrible pain, isolation, and loneliness. However, God had a much better plan for my life!

About 4 months ago, I woke up to find that I didn't have that horrible pain running down my leg! Praise God! I still have pain, but it has gotten so much better! I have been able to slowly, but surely, get back into my life that I had to leave. My latest amazing blessing is that I will be leading a women's Bible study at my church this year! Oh, dear Lord, I thank you and praise you for this huge blessing!! I love being a leader - getting to know the ladies of my church, praying for them, having a precious small, group that loves ones another and the Lord. I will be honest - I never thought I would again be able to do this. The Lord knew the desires of my heart, though, and blessed me.

One thing I must say here - I would have praised Him regardless of how He chose to direct my life. If I were still in horrible pain, I would praise Him. If I never got to lead a study again - I would praise Him. If I was stuck in a recliner, wheelchair, or whatever His will was - I would praise Him. He is worthy to be praised no matter where He directs our life. I never want to forget where I've been - where's He's brought me - I praise Him through all things.

Another amazing thing is that my hubby's psa levels have gone down! This is really another miracle as my husband's doctor didn't expect them to go down - he said he would be happy if they stayed the same as last time as it would be an indication that the cancer was not growing. His first blood test went down 3 points! Praise the Lord! Such wonderful news and I'm so thankful for the many prayers that have gone up for us. My hubby is still tired from all the radiation, but he's improving daily and not having this cancer thing hanging over his head, is truly a blessing.

I actually had a dear friend over for lunch not long ago! Another miracle! I never thought I would be doing that again, either. It was so much fun to talk and giggle. She's a sweet friend and I'm so blessed to have spent such a special time with her. We're going to plan some crafting days so we can get a head start on Christmas presents! This means I'll actually be getting back out to my studio on a regular basis. Another miracle!

I've been reading up a storm (as you can tell from all the book reviews), working on my cross stitch, working on my Christmas felt projects, and am pretty much taking care of my house. My family still helps me, but I'm able to do so much more than I ever thought possible. I have to take it easy at times, but I'm perfectly okay with that! :)

Thank you for your prayers, dear reader. God truly cares so much for us - in all our circumstances. You may be in pain right now, you may be struggling financially, you may be having family issues, but the Lord is with you. He cares for you. Don't give up because you never know what amazing beautiful thing God has in store for you.  

I'm going to share my life verse with you as it has gotten me through and kept my eyes on Him:

More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
                                Romans 5:3-5

God bless you - Julie

Give Me Jesus

I watched "Courageous" for the first time over the weekend and I absolutely loved it! I really loved "Fireproof" an it was one of my very favorite movies, but "Couragous" was so good, it has surpassed "Fireproof" and gone to the top of my movie favorite list! I think the thing that I loved about it was not only the great and believable storyline, but the fact that it had me laughing at one moment and crying in the next. If you haven't seen it, I really recommend that you do. I'm sure you'll like it as much as I do.

This weekend, we got my loveseat that I adore so much, moved from the library to the living room again. Oh, how happy I am to see my gorgeous couch back in the living room! It's one of those pieces of furniture that just makes my heart happy every time I look at it. Silly, I know. Anyway, I'm really going through things and if they don't mean something to me or don't fit into my decor, they are going "bye-bye". I already have 2 boxes full of things to donate to the thrift store! It's so nice to have space and to be able to really see the few things that are left. It's taking me a lot of time to do all these things because if I do too much, the pain reminds me that I shouldn't have. I'm so blessed to have my husband and son's help, though! They have been just beyond wonderful in helping me.

I'm so sad because I found out today that my dear friend fell at the Women's Retreat and broke her ankle! I am praying that the Lord will comfort her and heal her. Such a horrible thing to happen! I pray that her pain subsides quickly.

Life can be complicated, can't it? One minute you're walking along and the next thing you know, you're dealing with a broken ankle, or a herniated disc, or cancer, or some other issue that throws your whole life into chaos. For me, the only way of dealing with all this is to have Jesus in my life. To have a true and complete relationship with Him! He comforts me like no one else can and gives me the hope that is no where else to be found. When I sit with His Word and read his love letter to me, it can bring me out of my despair and it's like getting a warm hug from a friend. Just give me more of Jesus!




May God bless your week!

Blessings - Julie

Some personal updates

It's been quite a while since I wrote a personal update of what's happening with me. I thought it was about time!

My pain has gotten quite a bit better over the last 6 weeks. I had an epidural shot that really did help me but, in reality, it's really the hand of God. He has had such mercy on me and taken away the really intense pain that I was experiencing. He is SO good. I still have pain, I still have to be careful, but I'm seeing so much improvement. Thank you, Jesus!!

Recently, I was able to do something I thought I would never be able to do again - sleep in a bed! I thought I would be sleeping in a recliner for the rest of my life and I had accepted that, but I have been able to sleep for a little while in my bed each night. What pure joy to actually lie down and sleep! I still have to sleep in my recliner, but to be able to actually lie down, is just a miracle!

On the crafting front, I have started painting again. I don't paint like I used to - every day - but I do go out to my studio when I can and I paint. I have also been doing a lot of counted cross stitch and am almost done with an intricate project I've been working on for awhile. I've also been crocheting and am almost done with a really cute kitchen dishcloth that has a flower in the center. It's really adorable. I'll share pictures of all these things as I complete them.

My oldest son has helped me re-arrange my bedroom and I just love it! We are also going to re-arrange the living room and create a more peaceful, beach-type theme. We recently gave some couches to friends who had a housefire and so we now have more room to change things around and I'm really happy to have more room. I am having to force myself not to do too much as I'm feeling better. One thing I don't want is a relapse!! How lovely, though, to see my home getting the cleaning and re-arranging it's needed after so long.

My husband is still very tired. The radiation seems to sap the energy out of a person. I remember when I had mine, I was so tired. He's doing better, though, and most of the side effects have passed. He just needs to rest and let his body heal. We are praying that the cancer is gone and that God used these treatments to heal him.

I want to thank you all for your many prayers for me! Please keep praying - it works! I am so thankful for so many of you that have stayed on this journey of pain with me and didn't get tired of hearing about it. lol It does get old, but so many of you wrote such encouragement to me and it really did help me and make this difficult journey less difficult. The body of Christ is really a beautiful thing!

God bless you - Julie

This and That

I have a whole list of things I need to do today, but wanted to write a little on my blog first. 

It's been cold here again and we even got some snow during the night.  Thankfully, most of it has melted off and it's supposed to warm up tomorrow.  The older I get, the more I enjoy the warmer weather. 

Church this past weekend was really a blessing.  We had baptisms, the Lord's Supper, and a guest speaker from a Pastor who is starting a church plant in Los Angeles! His sermon was really inspiring and I know that the Lord will use him in a mighty way in LA. 

Yesterday, I did some errands and then went to the thrift stores.  I found some wonderful Christian books at one of the stores and some tea-cups at another store.  All were quite inexpensive and it was a fun time out and about.  I ended up coming home with sore knees and foot, though, and they are still aching.  There's nothing worse than walking on cement!!

Tonight I'm going to make BLT's for dinner.  That's always a favorite for my family. 

This post was kind of all over the place, but oh well.  That's kind of how my life is, too!

God bless you - Julie

Little Post

I had a wonderful birthday yesterday and I'll share lots of pictures tomorrow.  I was just too tired to get them uploaded to my computer today.  Or maybe I was too lazy...take your pick!

My guys spoiled me beyond spoiled and I'm so blessed!!  Tomorrow morning I go in for a back shot in hopes that it will help to relieve some of this pain.

Just a reminder that on Fridays, I will be doing "Show and Tell" and have a linky set up so you can have a show and tell of your own and link it up with me.  I can't wait to see what you're all doing!  Be thinking about what you want to share!  Show and Tell is so fun!!

Many blessings - Julie

Blue Funk

Today was a hard day for me in so many ways.  I had another bad night but had to wake up early to go to my doctor appointment.  You all know - I don't do early - and why I scheduled it for early, I'll never know.  Anyway, to make matters worse, I woke up to snow outside. Now snow is fine as long as I don't have to go out in it, but I did. We made it out okay because there was enough snow on the ground and cold enough, the dirt hadn't turned to mud yet.  My doctor appointment went well ...blood sugars down, cholesteral down, good cholesteral up...nice to have some good news for once! 

My doctor asked me suddenly what church I went to.  I told him and he said, "That's where we go!".  I knew my doctor was a Christian because he acts like one, but I was so happy and blessed to know he goes to my church.  We talked about what God was doing in my life through all this pain and it was really a blessing. 

We drove home and by this time our roads were a mushy mess and we barely made it to our parking place at the door.  My oldest son had shoveled off the ramp to our house and put down sand, and that was such a sweet blessing to come home to. 

Something came in the mail today that just made me revisit old hurts and made me really question whether anyone ever really changes.  This put me in a blue funk and, after eating some breakfast, I promptly went in, sat in my recliner, covered myself with a blanket and slept the rest of the afternoon away.  When I awoke, it was dark out and I was still mulling over all these things in my mind and feeling hurt all over again.  How much easier to put up a wall around my heart than to allow people to stomp my soft heart to smithereens. 

I finally got myself over this pity party and decided I can't help what other people do - but I can help what I do and I'm going to live my life for the Lord.  However, I'm not going to keep putting my heart out there to people who want to just stomp my heart to pieces. 

Tomorrow is my birthday!! I'm going to be 50 years old!!!!! How in the world did this happen?!! I guess like my sweet friend said to me the other day - it's just a number. This number does kinda hurt, though.  lol

God bless you - Julie

This and That





It's perfect reading weather today.  It's been cold and blustery and we've turned the heater on.  I love to sit and read, do needlework or crochet when it's like this outside.  I think it brings back good memories of sitting in my living room with my Mother as a child and embroidering pillow cases.  I can remember looking out the big window at the giant snowflakes falling down and feeling so blessed to be warm and cozy inside doing something I love with my Mother.  Such sweet memories!

Yesterday was spent getting an x-ray on my ankle.  It's been bothering me more and more and, while I'm sure it's my arthritis, my doctor thought it wise to get an x-ray to be sure.  My son also had an MRI on his back to see what is happening as he's still experiencing pain and it's gotten worse in that he has pain down both legs now instead of just one.  We will be seeing a Neurosurgeon next to see what he advises.

Today was spent designing a logo for my son's Fire Academy class.  They are going to have shirts, shorts, hats and hoodies made with the logo.  I was very touched that he asked me to do this for him and I think he was pleased with the final design.  I haven't designed anything for quite a while and it was so nice to get the sketch book out again and be creative!

It dawned on me today that Thanksgiving is less than three weeks away! It's so hard to believe that the holiday's are upon us. 

I have been having my hot pots of tea using my beautiful teapot cozy that my friend gave me last year for my birthday. 

There's just something so wonderful about a hot cup of tea when it's this cold out.  I have been so blessed by this gorgeous teapot cozy and it keeps my tea amazingly hot. Isn't it wonderful when you get a gift that blesses you continually?

Have a very blessed weekend and stay warm!

God bless you - Julie





Stop and Smell the Roses

Sometimes you have to just stop and smell the roses. Sometimes things get so overwhelming or painful or busy that you just have to stop - and smell the roses. 

This may not be the literal roses, although my sweet hubby did cut the last of my roses in the yard and bring them into me to enjoy, but it can be anything that helps you to rest and refresh.  I find that listening to music, reading and watching favorite TV shows helps me to refresh.  I also enjoy crocheting and doing needlework, but with my pain, this isn't always possible.  It's important not to feel guilty when we need to rest, something it took me years to accomplish.  Our society pushes being busy so much, when we do rest, we sometimes feel like we're doing something wrong.  However, let us not forget that our Lord rested on the seventh day! The Lord knows we need rest and there's nothing wrong with allowing ourselves this refreshing time. 

The last two days have been pain-filled for me.  I'm having another flare-up so rest has been an absolute must.  It's ironic, really, that I had this flare-up when I did.  Last night our church had a special service for those who are dealing with chronic pain and illness and I really wanted to go, but I had too much pain to even leave my chair, let alone my house.  I was very disappointed, but it's just the way it is. 

I've rested and have been sitting with the heating pads.  I've watched the Dick Van Dyke show (it's about time TV Land actually showed some good vintage shows!) and read some of my favorite blogs.  The twinges of guilt come, but there's nothing else I can do.  It is what it is and I need to take care of myself.

My family and I are planning a new Bible study for ourselves.  It's called "Experiencing God" and it's something we've been wanting to do as a family for quite some time.  It hasn't worked out before this because I was either doing a Bible study at church or my hubby and sons were doing a Bible study.  This pain of mine has kept me from doing a Bible study at church, but it's opened the door for me to do this study with my family.  It's all in God's plan.  We just have to stop and listen to the Holy Spirit when we are going through something unplanned because it is all planned by the Lord and all has passed through His hands before we go through it. 

I am trying to rest and smell the roses that the Lord puts into my life - and there are many.

God bless you - Julie

Who Does My Help Come From

I haven't been writing much here because I feel like I'm saying the same things over and over and over and over....well, you get the idea.  I really don't do a lot since my back injury and I'm in pain and the combination can make for a very bad blog if you're wanting to share new information.  

However, I realized, this is my blog and this is my life right now.  I really only started blogging in the beginning to write down what was happening in my life and to write. Having my dear readers (and many have become friends) was a huge bonus that has blessed me beyond measure.  I have found myself starting to "write to the readers" instead of just sharing what is in my heart and what is happening in my life.  This has totally stagnated my writing here on my blog and affected what I write.  So, I'm gonna stop it! 

My life is what is is right now.  This is my season of pain.  This is my season of having to be home 95% of the time.  This is my season to seek my Lord and know Him more fully.  This is my season of having to focus just a little more on myself instead of others.  This is my season to write what the Lord has called me to write and to pursue my ministry and business online that I have longed to start.  I know that the Lord has a reason for this pain I'm in and whatever it is, it is for my good and His glory...and I mean that from my heart.  If my pain will glorify my Lord, if it will somehow bring others to Him, if it will magnify His love and His greatness then I welcome the pain.  I submit fully to my Father's hands knowing that He loves me and will always do what is best for me. 

I will be sharing what is happening in my life from here on out.  It may not be too exciting and it could even be redundant but I just want my blog to be real.  I want to share my pain, I want to share what the Lord is showing me, I want to be honest about those days where I spend the day crying off and on and, hopefully, one day soon, I'll be sharing that I'm doing much better.  I will share my journey and if you want to come along, I welcome you.

PSALMS 121  I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?   My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.   He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.   Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.   The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand.   The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.   The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.   The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.   God bless you - Julie

Taking Stock - Part Two

Yesterday, I talked about how the last 6 months have forced me to be quiet and really take stock of what the Lord wants me to learn through this.  After all, the Lord does want us to learn through all situations in our life and He will get our attention any way He has to! He loves us that much!

So, rewind 5 years to a time when I am recovering from my thyroid cancer. I was having my prayer time and I was asking the Lord what He wanted me to do.  What what his plan for my life? Suddenly, as clear as day, I heard the Lord tell me, "I want you to write".  Oh, my. To hear the Lord call me to this was amazing because it was the desire of my heart to do that very thing.  I told my husband what the Lord had said and that it would totally bless me to have a lap-top computer that I could use anywhere and begin my writing journey.  He, of course, was totally sweet and I still have that very lap-top today and am writing on it this very minute.

I contacted the leader of my homeschooling group and asked about writing an article for our monthly newsletter. I have such a heart for the homeschooling Mother and I wanted to encourage her in the wonderful yet daunting journey of homeschooling her children. I still feel this calling and I continue to write that monthly article.  After that, I wrote an article about my experience of homeschooling my children through my illness as well as my husband's illnesses.  This article was published in "The Old Schoolhouse Magazine".  Then I stopped.  Yes, just like that I stopped. This was not what the Lord had told me to do - He had told me to write.  I knew what He meant, but I told myself that I was writing through my blog and through the homeschooling newsletter and that was good enough, but it isn't. I know what the Lord means. After all, He is NOT a God of confusion or even suggestion.  He puts in our hearts and minds exactly what He wants us to do.  Unfortunately, I have chosen to basically ignore his clear instruction and so He had to get my attention.

Stay tuned for part three of this story.

God bless you - Julie

Taking Stock - Part One

I have come to know one thing for sure:  My hope is in Jesus, my faith is solid and my hope is strong. I'm quite certain that this is what the Lord has been teaching me all these years through the struggles and the joyous time.  Regardless of what is happening in my life, only Jesus is solid, only Jesus gives me what I need, only Jesus saves me now and only Jesus gives me peace that surpasses all understanding!

When I injured my back, my first question was why. I had just started leading a Bible study at church, I was involved in the prayer ministry, the jail ministry and was working in the church office one afternoon a week.  I was starting to paint on canvas, a long held dream of mine.  I was back with my painting group after taking a four year break because of my illnesses and my hubby's illnesses.  In other words, I was doing all kinds of wonderful things that I enjoyed and also that I felt the Lord calling me to do.  Why in the world would He allow my world to just stop?!  I wasn't sure, but now I think I know.

During the last six months, I have been forced to be quiet.  I have been forced to spend a lot of time with me. It hasn't always been easy spending time with me, but I haven't had much choice.  I have been really looking at what I do, who I am and what the Lord wants me to do with my time and with my (for lack of a better word) talents.  I've realized one thing.  I have not been faithful to what the Lord has truly called me to do.  I've known it, but I've ignored it, even though I know that the Lord wants me to do, and further more, told me to do.  I believe now that the Lord stopped me in my tracks and forced me to take a look at what I was not doing for Him.

I will elaborate further on this next time... until then,

God bless you - Julie

Random Thoughts

I've had a couple of tough days.  The pain is back in full force and I sometimes wonder if I will ever know a day without it? I'm tired of fighting the pain, tired of having the pain dictate what I can and cannot do in my life. Mostly, I'm tired.  Taking the pain pills makes me exhausted.  Without them, though, I'm in so much pain, I can't function.  I know that, "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven" Ecclesiastes 3:1 and this is my season of pain.  However, I also know that this season can be a season of Spiritual growth, of growing closer to God, of writing, of Bible study, and of just being in rest.  I have to keep my eyes on the Lord or I will, quite literally, go crazy.  How wonderful that "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." Hebrews 13:8 and that I can depend on Him to see me through.  I get sad sometimes because I can't go to church or to my Bible study and it can feel very isolating, however, the truth is, Jesus is with me.  I am not alone because whether I am sitting in a church building or sitting in my chair at home, Jesus is there.  I can pursue Jesus here and be even more fulfilled because that really is what sustains me.  Sometimes when I'm not going through battles, it's easier to be lazy about my pursuit of Jesus but while in the battle, I want and I need the Lord of all to lead me and show me the way.  There truly is a purpose to what I'm going through.

I have been working on my cross stitch again.  I started a project last year called, "He is Not Here, He has Risen".  It's a beautiful piece and I am hoping that I'll have it done in time for Easter.  It's a beautiful reminder of the fact that our Lord lives! I stitch a bit and then rest.  It makes me really tired sometimes and I think it's the rhythm of the stitching and the pills (again, with the pills).  Yesterday, I actually fell asleep, needle in hand, and woke up wondering what in the world was going on.  LOL  I lead such an exciting life!

It's turned cold here again which makes me very sad because our fruit trees have buds on them.  In all the years we've had these fruit trees, we have never had fruit.  I'm hoping we don't get a hard freeze tonight, but listening to the wind blow outside, I have a feeling we definitely will.

I didn't cook today.  I did put a turkey breast in the oven yesterday and then made stove-top stuffing and frozen green beans.  It was a super easy meal and that's about all I was able to do.  Thank goodness, we had enough left overs that I didn't feel guilty about not cooking today. 

I hope you have a very blessed Monday!!

God bless you - Julie

Saying Hello

Just a quick post to let you all know that I am still alive. :)  My pain levels have been a bit better and I am so thankful for all the many prayers, emails and comments I have received from so many of you.  They have sustained me and I am so thankful for you all.

I will be posting a long post hopefully later today.  I was just thinking of all of my friends here and wanted to say "hello". 

God bless you - Julie

Mementoes

 This morning I went through some boxes my husband had brought in from our storage that had gotten damp.  Unfortunately, these boxes held wonderful momentoes of my children's babyhood, youth, and other things that I wish had never even been in the storage shed.  I'm not sure what I was thinking putting them out there, other than I thought it was air tight and safe.  I found some wonderful things that I was able to save and it took me down memory lane.  My boys baptism candles and records.  Pictures of my baby at about 2 years old pointing to a pasture full of horses.  My high school diploma!! I also found an album of photos that I put together of me during my first pregnancy and then pictures of my son and I after his birth.  Honestly, I don't even remember ever putting that together.  I also wonder how I possibly found time to do that as I was working full time at our business at the time and worked up until I went into labor! Trust me when I tell you how wonderful that treasure is!

Unfortunately, I also found pictures that had stuck together in a huge stack.  At first I thought I would have to pitch them, but then decided to look up on the internet about how to get them apart. Several sites recommended freezing them and then taking them apart. If that doesn't work, there are other things that were recommended.  The freezer sounds easy and I'm praying that it works.  

There was quite a bit I did have to just throw out.  I had stationery and envelopes that got wet and ruined.  The envelopes sealed themselves or sealed to other things.  I was kicking myself the whole time I was going through those things.  The things I did keep, I wiped down carefully with a cloth dunked in water & clorox and wrung out well.  I didn't want the mold to continue to keep eating into things and I also wanted to kill the mold.  This worked out really well and I feel confident that the things I kept are mold free.  I'm so thankful that most of my children's things were saved.  Amazingly, I also found a packet of things I had made as a child in grade school!  Thank goodness, those were in perfect condition and were saved, too.

After this, I had to rest and worked on my writing while sitting in my recliner.  Have I said how much I "heart" my recliner?! :)

I've been putting some things together for my friend to use at a tea she is hosting at church this weekend.  She needed "foo-foo" things and knew I was the gal to call.  I put a few more things in the box for her when I felt up to it later on today.  

My boys are still sick.  My oldest son was well enough that he went to his college class but he came home just wiped out.  My youngest son is still very sick and now it seems my husband has it, too.  I always worry about him when he gets these things because he is diabetic and it's hard on him.  I'm praying that he will not get this illness too bad and gets over it quickly.  He was supposed to have eye surgery tomorrow morning, but we had to cancel and will have to reschedule when he's completely well.

I have knee shots in the morning.  I'll be glad to get them over with.  One amazing thing is that now I don't have to have a series of three shots - they now just do one.  There's something new they do and the one shot does the same as the three used to do.  That's so nice.  One shot and I'm done for six months, unless I have to have a cortisone shot in between.  When I have the shots, the day is a day of rest for me as I am not supposed to walk but very little for 24 hours after the shots.  Tomorrow, hopefully I'll get more writing done.  

Don't forget about my giveaway! The CSN stores are so wonderful and there are so many things to choose from.  I have always loved the things I've gotten from them.  Go to the top of the page and click on the link to the giveaway to enter!

God bless you - Julie

Abiding

Did you wonder where I've been?  No where...just haven't felt much like blogging the last couple of weeks.  I don't have a lot of new things to share and I hate to keep sharing how much pain I'm in, so I decided to just take a break. I still don't have a lot of news to share, but I wanted to at least check in. 

I received a very nice package from my parents the other day for Valentines Day.  It included a ceramic heart box that they filled with Sees Candy.  Oh, my.  I just love Sees Candy!! I haven't had it for years since we don't have a store here.  My parents picked out the kind of candy that I like - nuts and caramels.  They also sent four suckers - chocolate, butterscotch and vanilla.  My favorite is the butterscotch, but the others were very good, too.  Then there was a necklace and earring set that are so cute!  Finally, there was a cute valentine pen that lights up when you write with it.  It was a nice surprise and totally cheered me up. 

I had a doctors appointment the other day and afterward decided to head to Hobby Lobby to pick up my Valentine cards for my hubby and sons.  I wasn't there long, but by the time I got home, I was just exhausted and in severe pain again;  a reminder that this is going to take more time before I'm well enough to get back to life as I knew it. 

My oldest son is sick again with the flu.  This is the 3rd time he's had it since before Christmas. He started with the sniffles and coughing on Thursday after coming home from class.  Yesterday, he was really sick and my youngest son went and got medicine, Vitamin C, orange juice, and soup for him. My hubby couldn't go because he as a touch of a stomach bug which he shared with me.  :(  I'm so thankful that my youngest son was able to go to the store! My oldest woke me up in the night and said he felt really bad and was feeling weird.  Now, I knew that he must be really sick as he is 21 years old and doesn't wake his mommy up in the night like he did when he was little.  I told him it was probably the meds he was on and the fever.  He felt assured and went back to bed.  I'm hoping he's better this morning.  I imagine he will sleep late as he is on the "night stuff".  I think he's been under a lot of stress with his classes and then the stress at home of me being hurt and, of course, his grandmother that lives here.  I'm praying that this will be the last bout of sickness he gets!

I've crocheted a little in the past couple of weeks, but mainly, I've been reading or playing my online game.  I suppose I'm a bit down as I'm tired of being so house-bound and unable to do the things I want to do.  However, I know that I know, that God is in control of this situation and He will heal me in His timing.  I am taking this time to get more into His Word and that's always time well spent.  The one thing I know - God is good and He is with me through all my troubles and is my comforter.  I am abiding in Him and praying that I will be able to bear fruit that will be pleasing to Him.  He is growing me the way He wants me to grow and I have to be patient during this growing process.  Abiding to me means resting and living and breathing all that He is and absorbing Him into every part of my being.  It takes patience to grow but I'm praying my fruit will be juicy and succulent for others to enjoy.  What is better than sharing the fruits that the Lord is growing? I look to that day when I will be ripe enough for the Lord to use. 

God bless you - Julie

Just a Note

I am sick. I went to bed really early last night, which is very unusual for me.  I was so tired! Anyway, I woke up about 1:30 am and I was SO cold! When I got up, I noticed that my nightgown was soaking wet.  My first thought was - did Holly pee on me?! LOL  I don't know why I thought that - she's never, ever done that.  Anyway, I realized it couldn't be that because my entire nightgown was soaked.  Then it started - the stomach flu. In and out of the bathroom all night and I just couldn't get warm.  I was sick all day.  I'm feeling a bit better tonight and am just praying that I'm over this.

I've been having symptoms all week that made me wonder if I had the stomach bug, but, wow, last night confirmed it. Isn't it amazing how exhausted having the flu can make you?

I am so thankful for all your sweet comments and always look forward to hearing from you!!  I haven't been around to visit all my blogs today, but I'll try and do so tomorrow.  Just know I'm thinking of you and thankful for your visits here!

God bless you - Julie

Lots of Stuff

Even though I was really, really tired today, it ended up being a very productive day!  I never start my day early - I just can't get to sleep anymore until at least 2 AM and then I wake up a lot during the night.  First I'm hot, then I'm cold, then I need a bathroom break, then my feet are ice-cubes....well, you get the picture.  This is all from the steroids and I know that, so I'm just going with the flow.  :)

I made homemade macaroni and cheese this morning.  I have perfected my cheese sauce that comes from the Fanny Farmer Cookbook.  The key to any good cheese sauce is the cheese.  We prefer Medium Tillamook Cheddar.  I poured the sauce over the noodles and then popped it into the oven.  Here's where things went wrong.  I left it in the oven too long and the sauce was absorbed into the macaroni.  Now it was delicious, but not creamy, so, more cheese sauce was added.  I'll pour milk over the casserole tomorrow and pop it into the oven again and I'm sure it will be perfect.  It's all hit and miss, folks.  I like to experiment with my cooking until I perfect it and while there are wonderful cookbooks out there, I like to tweak things and make them better. 

My hubby had eye shots again this morning.  My oldest son took him this time and while hubby was at the doctor, my son was at the gym working out.  It was a perfect for both of them.  My hubby said they didn't deaden his eye enough and when they gave him the shot, it was really painful.  I guess they were running late and when that happens, things don't always get done like they should.  Hubby was happy to hear that his eyes are much improved from the last shots! We are so thankful as it's a worry that he could lose his eyesight as he is a diabetic. It's amazing what they can do for us now!

Yesterday, my hubby heard from his urologist concerning his PSA test. For those new readers, my hubby had prostate cancer in 2006 and so they monitor his levels every year to make sure that they aren't rising.  About 3 months ago, there was a rise in the levels.  It wasn't huge, but still a concern.  They decided to wait and see what it would be in 3 more months so he was called with the results yesterday.  They are up again, but again, not a lot.  I think he is 500th of a percent?  Not sure.  Anyway, again, they will wait for 3 months and test again. If they have risen again, then we need to start looking at treatment.  Please keep him in your prayers....I would be so grateful!

Back to today:  After hubby got home, we sat down and paid bills.  That is never one of my favorite things to do, however, doing it together is much nicer and it was done before we knew it.

After this, I started filling out applications for scholarships/grants for my youngest son for college.  Let me tell you, that will sap the energy from you quicker than anything! I managed to finish one, but still have have others to complete.  I think now that I've filled out one application that the others will come easier.  It's always hard to do one for the first time. 

I took pictures of my latest creations that will be going on my Etsy shop.  I will, hopefully, have them in the Etsy shop tomorrow.  Some of them are for Valentine's Day, so I don't want to wait too much longer to get them posted in my shop. 

I'm SO tired tonight.  This is the most I've done in a very long time.  My pain levels were better today and it gave me the energy to get these things done.  I'm so thankful! It's a day by day process and I'm always, always thankful for those good days!

God bless you - Julie