Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Thankful

I am thankful for...

life...each day is a precious gift
Jesus, my Savior
my faith & hope
my devoted husband, a man of integrity
sensitive and loving daughters
a compassionate son in law
three adorable and silly grandsons
the support of my parents
my extended family
friends, both old and new
the sound of laughter
the power of prayer
God's healing touch
opportunities to share God's love
worship through music
challenges that test my faith
blessings that renew my hope
God's Word to encourage my heart

I am so blessed and I pray that God will allow me to be a blessing to others!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sunday, November 23, 2008

MRI

Why is it that you don't have to do something until you know you can't? If you've ever had the pleasure of having an MRI, you understand to what I'm referring? On the way to the room, the tech asked if I needed to use the bathroom to which I responded, no I'm fine, thanks. So, we proceed to the room and I'm positioned on the table. I'm given some headphones so the sound of the machine is muffled. She cranks up some music...certainly not my choice but I try and relax. My eyes must remain shut and as if she doesn't trust me to do this, she places a wash cloth over my eyes. I wonder if they use a clean wash cloth for each patient? Hmmm. I'm handed a panic button and my hands are clasped on it...just in case I need to get out NOW! I'm rolled into the machine and I'm told not to move...just try to relax. The music is annoying and interrupted by her voice at the beginning of each cycle of the machine. I'm relieved to know, I haven't been sent in to bake and then forgotten! I wonder the "what ifs"...what if I have some metal in my body, you know something left over from a surgery. I recently watched ER where they rolled the patient in on the wrong gurney (metal of course) and the patient was smashed between the machine and the gurney. Why do I watch these shows? I try to relax and start praying, not because I'm scared...just taking advantage of the "quiet time". Now that I can't move, I become very aware of an itch on my face and want to reach up and scratch. I tell my self to ignore it. I continue to pray. Suddenly, I have a tickle in my throat and I'm telling myself...don't cough, don't cough, while I try to swallow to sooth the irritation and focus on praying! Then, I start feeling the need to use the bathroom but I know I must be about done. Just then, her voice breaks through the music and clacking of the machine to tell me I'm half way done. Great...my bladder is going to bust! I'm comforted just to know I have the panic button, should I need it. Pray! I start to chuckle, thinking of my dilemma. I'm reminded of my grandsons who are more enticed to do something when they are told it's off limits and I can relate more than ever. I continue to pray for my family and friends, for the outcome of the procedure. Before long, the clunking and whirling sound of the machine stops and the tech breaks through to tell me it's over! Thank you, Lord! I find Art in the waiting room and gracefully make a bee line to the little girls room! Whew...glad that's done!

Friday, November 7, 2008

PVC Picnic

Monday, November 3, 2008

In Loving Memory...

One year ago today, my friend Peggie entered heavens gates after a seven year battle with breast cancer. Peggie was special to me for many different reasons. Most importantly, she is the mother of my son-in-law, Jeff and she raised him to be a devoted follower of Christ and a man of integrity! Peggie and I proudly shared the grandma role of our three grandsons from Jeff and Stacey.

My friendship with Peggie goes back many years, long before our children fell in love! We attended church together and about 20 years ago, Art and I worked with Jeff's parents in a camping ministry, just outside of Show Low, for several years. Peggie and I spent summer's together in the camp office, handling registrations, donations and other office related issues, as well as helping in the kitchen, and anywhere else we were needed. During the off season, I worked out of their home office in Phoenix, assisting her with camp related tasks. I learned a great deal from Peggie during those years. She was a very humble servant and a strong woman of faith! She had a deep love for God and a heart for children. I enjoyed sitting in and listening to her tell Bible stories at camp and seeing the faces of the children as she talked about Jesus. We all lovinly referred to her as "Aunt Peggie". I have a lot of fond memories of time spent with Aunt Peggie, especially relating to the ministry of Victory Heights Bible Camp.
She had a huge impact on my daughter's from a very early age! They grew up loving "Aunt Peggie" and little did we know that she would one day be Stacey's mother-in-law.
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, Peggie was near the end of her battle. We didn't speak too many words about the BC but when I visited her at hospice, a few days before my surgery, she assured me that she was praying for me.

Today, I know she is in heaven with our Savior and I look forward to seeing her again one day!

Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. ~ 2 Corinthians 5:8 (NLT)

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Find a Cure...