Date Unknown-until 1 hour ago The Wedding Dance
Remember the Western Union telegrams of old---those yellow paper messages with short snippets that were delivered (stop)---sometimes by a kid on a bike(stop)? I think they were a precursor for text messages. They were “pithy grabbers” of sorts. I even have a file of pithy grabbers b/c I love them---saying lots w/ few words---like poetry, concise but full of meaning. TP, a caringbridge blogger & CD, an author, gave me the idea---the one my Molly enters in the blog will be based on the outcome of my surgeries.
If I return to Memphis---and I am coming home today.
Coming home STOP
Put out my dancing shoes STOP
The Lord and I are dancing to a new song STOP
We’ll never stop!!
Coming home to dance at Halle & Kyle’s wedding---MAC was not the last dance for me.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Royal Encounters
3/25/09 Day in the life of a “one-anothered” woman………..
Breakfast in bed is a delightful way to begin the day. Larry serves me each morning with his little inventive “pasteboard” box with a little edge to keep the “colorful” syringe choices of the day from rolling off. It’s not exactly the inlaid variety of a Babcock’s bed tray that he serves me on, but it gets the job done. Larry lays the linen---no doilies available---using a paper towel with the colorful music staff & that’s a nice touch. He tries to fill syringes ahead of time to expedite the time. There’s always one syringe for tea, one for juice and one for the “mush” of the day---usually cream of wheat with a side of applesauce. Now if I could just think of a way to getMary Flo’s coconut cake into a syringe---hm-m-m a cuppa and a piece of cake, that’s my kind of breakfast-----'cause believe me, that lady is some kind of baker!
This morning after breakfast, Larry and I strolled down to Snider Plaza and had an encounter w/ US “royalty.” Our first indication was the Secret Service guy, with his swivel neck & that “CIA look” standing by the cattycornered SUV (w/inside blinking lights) guarding/blocking the silver Suburban at the Snider/Rosedale corner. Laura Bush was also at Snider’s Plaza---you have to love her, she’s a librarian. Larry and I were the only folks out and she waved to us as she was escorted to her car. I used “signing” to signal that I pray for her (‘cause I did every Sat. the Bushes were in office) and she waved again from the window. I actually had my camera out so I snapped and you can just barely see her hand in the back window. It might be as fuzzy as a UFO photo but I know I had my encounter. (9:58 am CST)
Lunched later at little restaurant whose name beckoned me. “Food from Galilee” is just a stone’s throw from the Ridley’s home. Mary Flo said it had been there since her SMU days so we decided to check it out. Great choice because they had a Verminelli soup. (their spelling, not mine) It had finely chopped parsley, tomatoes and broth and small bits of vermicelli noodles—which went right up my straw b/c the cook added extra broth to help me out. Maybe the piped in music added to the ambience as well---think belly dance MUZAK!
The choice was even better because the setting in this almost sparse, unassuming place of wooden square tables for two with light wood chairs, was thought provoking. Faded botanical photos of almond blossoms as well as irises that grow only in the mossy area around Tiberius hung alongside large poster prints of Jerusalem and the Sea of Galilee.
Perusing the menu of Middle Eastern cuisine choices, I saw the “mensa” or hors d’ oeuvres of kubbi, sambosa---lots of stuff with bulgur wheat, lamb, tahini sauce and grape leaves---and wondered if Jesus dined on such fare as he ministered in the area of Galilee/Jerusalem, the center/cradle of both Judaism and Christianity. Maybe He dined on the small fish from the Sea of Galilee, which have provided sustenance for its fishermen for many years---just like the ones in the miracle of the loaves and the fishes.
The Sea of Galilee---Israel’s largest freshwater lake (Sea of Gennesirit or YamKinneret in the Hebrew) is also noted for sudden squalls or storms and that’s when I got out my journal.
MAC was a sudden storm in my life that came quickly and felt very threatening. The story of Simon (Peter), his brother Andrew and James and John from Matthew 8:23-27 was similar. They were out on the Sea of Galilee with the Lord and He was peacefully asleep when a squall seemed to quickly arise with great fury. “A great (shaking) storm shook the disciples” so that it caused them to call out to the Lord---“we are perishing.” Obviously they had forgotten who was in the boat with them. Jesus rebuked both them and the wind. “Why so timid you men of little faith?” The wind and waves became calm. I wonder how the disciples must have felt at their own “lack of faith?” Before questioning their actions remember unbelief can slip forth in an instant, in all our lives. “I believe. God help thou my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24)
I needed to always remember the royalty whom I encountered at age 13—the One who was and still is in the “boat” with me. I, too, thought of "perishing" from the MAC surgery that was ahead. I don’t think I ever forgot who was in the boat with me---I just saw death as a possibility. But it was so important to remember, “I know the One” who can rebuke the wind of any of life’s storms if He so chooses. The winds and the waves obey Him---pretty profound, eh?
Breakfast in bed is a delightful way to begin the day. Larry serves me each morning with his little inventive “pasteboard” box with a little edge to keep the “colorful” syringe choices of the day from rolling off. It’s not exactly the inlaid variety of a Babcock’s bed tray that he serves me on, but it gets the job done. Larry lays the linen---no doilies available---using a paper towel with the colorful music staff & that’s a nice touch. He tries to fill syringes ahead of time to expedite the time. There’s always one syringe for tea, one for juice and one for the “mush” of the day---usually cream of wheat with a side of applesauce. Now if I could just think of a way to getMary Flo’s coconut cake into a syringe---hm-m-m a cuppa and a piece of cake, that’s my kind of breakfast-----'cause believe me, that lady is some kind of baker!
This morning after breakfast, Larry and I strolled down to Snider Plaza and had an encounter w/ US “royalty.” Our first indication was the Secret Service guy, with his swivel neck & that “CIA look” standing by the cattycornered SUV (w/inside blinking lights) guarding/blocking the silver Suburban at the Snider/Rosedale corner. Laura Bush was also at Snider’s Plaza---you have to love her, she’s a librarian. Larry and I were the only folks out and she waved to us as she was escorted to her car. I used “signing” to signal that I pray for her (‘cause I did every Sat. the Bushes were in office) and she waved again from the window. I actually had my camera out so I snapped and you can just barely see her hand in the back window. It might be as fuzzy as a UFO photo but I know I had my encounter. (9:58 am CST)
Lunched later at little restaurant whose name beckoned me. “Food from Galilee” is just a stone’s throw from the Ridley’s home. Mary Flo said it had been there since her SMU days so we decided to check it out. Great choice because they had a Verminelli soup. (their spelling, not mine) It had finely chopped parsley, tomatoes and broth and small bits of vermicelli noodles—which went right up my straw b/c the cook added extra broth to help me out. Maybe the piped in music added to the ambience as well---think belly dance MUZAK!
The choice was even better because the setting in this almost sparse, unassuming place of wooden square tables for two with light wood chairs, was thought provoking. Faded botanical photos of almond blossoms as well as irises that grow only in the mossy area around Tiberius hung alongside large poster prints of Jerusalem and the Sea of Galilee.
Perusing the menu of Middle Eastern cuisine choices, I saw the “mensa” or hors d’ oeuvres of kubbi, sambosa---lots of stuff with bulgur wheat, lamb, tahini sauce and grape leaves---and wondered if Jesus dined on such fare as he ministered in the area of Galilee/Jerusalem, the center/cradle of both Judaism and Christianity. Maybe He dined on the small fish from the Sea of Galilee, which have provided sustenance for its fishermen for many years---just like the ones in the miracle of the loaves and the fishes.
The Sea of Galilee---Israel’s largest freshwater lake (Sea of Gennesirit or YamKinneret in the Hebrew) is also noted for sudden squalls or storms and that’s when I got out my journal.
MAC was a sudden storm in my life that came quickly and felt very threatening. The story of Simon (Peter), his brother Andrew and James and John from Matthew 8:23-27 was similar. They were out on the Sea of Galilee with the Lord and He was peacefully asleep when a squall seemed to quickly arise with great fury. “A great (shaking) storm shook the disciples” so that it caused them to call out to the Lord---“we are perishing.” Obviously they had forgotten who was in the boat with them. Jesus rebuked both them and the wind. “Why so timid you men of little faith?” The wind and waves became calm. I wonder how the disciples must have felt at their own “lack of faith?” Before questioning their actions remember unbelief can slip forth in an instant, in all our lives. “I believe. God help thou my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24)
I needed to always remember the royalty whom I encountered at age 13—the One who was and still is in the “boat” with me. I, too, thought of "perishing" from the MAC surgery that was ahead. I don’t think I ever forgot who was in the boat with me---I just saw death as a possibility. But it was so important to remember, “I know the One” who can rebuke the wind of any of life’s storms if He so chooses. The winds and the waves obey Him---pretty profound, eh?
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
"One-anothering"
3/24/09 “One-anothering”
Sermon notes from Taylor Park 1/11/09 (day before my biopsy)
“One anothering the suffering:
Applications for Lamenting and Comforting”
God’s Word has so many admonitions for “one-anothering.” (30, according to Taylor)
Love one another earnestly from a pure heart. (1 Peter 1:22) seems to be the basis/cornerstone for all of the other “one-anothers.” This action is not a casual love but one compelled by God. It is intense, deep and intentional. It is from the heart.
More “one anothers” for consideration---these are easily an overflow of loving one another:
· Bear one another’s burdens. (Gal. 6:2)
· Honor one another above self. (Rom. 12:10)
· Be kind to one another. (Eph.4:32)
· Show hospitality to one another without grumbling (1 Peter 4:9) This isn’t entertainment; this is done freely by coming alongside others in desperate times of suffering. (Could write an entire blog on this aspect of one-anothering.)
· Humbly serve one another. (John 13:14)
· Pray for one another----healing included here. (James 5:6)
I have been “ONE-ANOTHERED!”--------- one-anothered from Memphis to Dallas and across the globe and I am grateful!
What about you? Has someone “one-anothered” you? How did you respond? Do they know of your heart’s gratitude? If not, tell them.
Is there someone in your life/sphere of influence you could one-another? Consider “one-anothering” someone in pain whether emotional or physical by offering to serve during this time of their suffering. Doesn’t have to be a biggie like illness or death---though it could be. Just respond in “one-anothering” to the one(s) God brings to mind or across your path this next week.
Just do it! Make today a day to move self (excuses) out of the way and “one-another” someone else or several others. You’ll be glad you did and so will they.
Sermon notes from Taylor Park 1/11/09 (day before my biopsy)
“One anothering the suffering:
Applications for Lamenting and Comforting”
God’s Word has so many admonitions for “one-anothering.” (30, according to Taylor)
Love one another earnestly from a pure heart. (1 Peter 1:22) seems to be the basis/cornerstone for all of the other “one-anothers.” This action is not a casual love but one compelled by God. It is intense, deep and intentional. It is from the heart.
More “one anothers” for consideration---these are easily an overflow of loving one another:
· Bear one another’s burdens. (Gal. 6:2)
· Honor one another above self. (Rom. 12:10)
· Be kind to one another. (Eph.4:32)
· Show hospitality to one another without grumbling (1 Peter 4:9) This isn’t entertainment; this is done freely by coming alongside others in desperate times of suffering. (Could write an entire blog on this aspect of one-anothering.)
· Humbly serve one another. (John 13:14)
· Pray for one another----healing included here. (James 5:6)
I have been “ONE-ANOTHERED!”--------- one-anothered from Memphis to Dallas and across the globe and I am grateful!
What about you? Has someone “one-anothered” you? How did you respond? Do they know of your heart’s gratitude? If not, tell them.
Is there someone in your life/sphere of influence you could one-another? Consider “one-anothering” someone in pain whether emotional or physical by offering to serve during this time of their suffering. Doesn’t have to be a biggie like illness or death---though it could be. Just respond in “one-anothering” to the one(s) God brings to mind or across your path this next week.
Just do it! Make today a day to move self (excuses) out of the way and “one-another” someone else or several others. You’ll be glad you did and so will they.
Monday, March 23, 2009
3/23/09 Welcome back from Spring Break, HHS!
Journal jottings:
Yesterday’s blog was about peace. In true Jesus Calling fashion/providence, that day’s entry also gave insights on peace. “Trust is the channel through which my peace flows to you.” I needed that paradigm shift from planner to “truster.” (Did I just coin a new word?) I just didn’t connect the two until meditating later in the day. I also played “catch-up” reading in My Utmost for His Highest, because it had been packed deep in an unusual place and was just “found.” Those entries were also in line with all that God had been showing me---especially the “delight” part---the very word I had chosen to try and describe my situation recently. Oswald Chambers had a great way of expressing truths about faith that mirrored what I was trying to say. “Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One who is leading.” …..the root of faith is the knowledge of a Person….”To me, all that is affirmation that I’m right where I’m suppose to be and that feels good.. Thanks be to God.
Journal jottings:
Yesterday’s blog was about peace. In true Jesus Calling fashion/providence, that day’s entry also gave insights on peace. “Trust is the channel through which my peace flows to you.” I needed that paradigm shift from planner to “truster.” (Did I just coin a new word?) I just didn’t connect the two until meditating later in the day. I also played “catch-up” reading in My Utmost for His Highest, because it had been packed deep in an unusual place and was just “found.” Those entries were also in line with all that God had been showing me---especially the “delight” part---the very word I had chosen to try and describe my situation recently. Oswald Chambers had a great way of expressing truths about faith that mirrored what I was trying to say. “Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One who is leading.” …..the root of faith is the knowledge of a Person….”To me, all that is affirmation that I’m right where I’m suppose to be and that feels good.. Thanks be to God.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Peace
3/22/09 Peace
Submit to God and be at peace with Him. (Job 22:21)
What strikes me most about the Ridley’s home is its peacefulness---whether on the patio with a palette of pansies winking at me, or ensconced on the screened-in porch with a cup of tea (make that a syringe of tea) or snuggled in bed with the morning sun streaming through the shutters—serenity reigns. Even the neighborhood has been conducive to this sense of calm and peace with meandering paths alongside the creek at the nearby park. Spring is in bloom everywhere providing the visual of God’s hand that nourishes my soul.
All of this has the trappings of peace and has been a great place for healing and restoration. Yet, if I have learned anything in the past few months, it is that there is a peace---a peace within---that transcends all circumstances, whether in a beautiful residential area or the stark cold room of a surgery lab, where they are cutting holes in your face while you are wide-eyed.
I’m sure some people wince when they seem me walking down these Dallas sidewalks “unmasked” and can not imagine that there is peace within. Even folks who see me “masked” at the upscale shopping center at the end of the street often look down or away with a sympathetic nod because I’m sure they only seen remnants of pain---fish lips and stitches and a big gauze bandage that oozes with ointment necessary to keep it affixed to my “ouchie.” They can’t see past my condition/circumstance. They don’t know the grateful, rejoicing and yet peaceful heart that resides within.
I’m not saying that I haven’t struggled through this MAC attack--microcystic adnexal carcinomas are nothing to joke about but…..I have always seen the cross at the juxtaposition of my frailty and God’s strength. I would not have chosen this---let me encapsulate---1/10/09 prayer---“Lord, if it doesn’t matter for eternity, I would rather that the biopsy not show cancer.” It was cancer of the rarest form. So the answer was---"it matters for eternity" and if I never know, how or why, this side of heaven, that doesn’t matter----I just need to know that my struggle with MAC matters for His glory. Therein lies the peace.
Actually, I am overwhelmed that God considered me faithful for this “event” because I certainly didn’t “feel” faithful. You know what? I didn’t have to ---it’s been His faithfulness all along. This has been and will continue to be for sometime, His dance with me. He was to do the leading, I just had to follow. (submit) At times when I would start to swoon during some of those dips, that can be part of a dance, He held on to me. Then, sometimes it was as if He put His hand under my chin and gently turned my face back toward Him---all the while keeping His other hand in full support at my back. He has indeed been the “lifter up of my head” even when the March 5 consult seemed especially grim. The prognosis for healing from first surgery could take up to 6 months b/c of CT scan indications of a wide area requiring future surgeries-- possibly for the next 1 ½ years. Larry and I chose not to tell this except to family. Once more, I had to deal with fear---briefly--before once again surrendering to His will not mine. (The scan possibly could have shown damaged cartilage/scarring from a ‘05 fall??) That part doesn’t matter, what mattered was what I did with the information that I knew at the time. It was at this point that I really “danced” with Him---in His strength, with His courage----for I had none of my own. As I’ve said since early on, “I have not been dismayed.” But this time I was resolute---Not my will, but Thy will. I was ready for whatever He had for me and I was flooded with peace---not just warm fuzzy moments of calm but a quiet acceptance that bordered on delight. “You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusts in Thee.” (Isa. 26:3)) That’s what it was---perfect peace, His peace became mine.
Submit to God and be at peace with Him. (Job 22:21)
What strikes me most about the Ridley’s home is its peacefulness---whether on the patio with a palette of pansies winking at me, or ensconced on the screened-in porch with a cup of tea (make that a syringe of tea) or snuggled in bed with the morning sun streaming through the shutters—serenity reigns. Even the neighborhood has been conducive to this sense of calm and peace with meandering paths alongside the creek at the nearby park. Spring is in bloom everywhere providing the visual of God’s hand that nourishes my soul.
All of this has the trappings of peace and has been a great place for healing and restoration. Yet, if I have learned anything in the past few months, it is that there is a peace---a peace within---that transcends all circumstances, whether in a beautiful residential area or the stark cold room of a surgery lab, where they are cutting holes in your face while you are wide-eyed.
I’m sure some people wince when they seem me walking down these Dallas sidewalks “unmasked” and can not imagine that there is peace within. Even folks who see me “masked” at the upscale shopping center at the end of the street often look down or away with a sympathetic nod because I’m sure they only seen remnants of pain---fish lips and stitches and a big gauze bandage that oozes with ointment necessary to keep it affixed to my “ouchie.” They can’t see past my condition/circumstance. They don’t know the grateful, rejoicing and yet peaceful heart that resides within.
I’m not saying that I haven’t struggled through this MAC attack--microcystic adnexal carcinomas are nothing to joke about but…..I have always seen the cross at the juxtaposition of my frailty and God’s strength. I would not have chosen this---let me encapsulate---1/10/09 prayer---“Lord, if it doesn’t matter for eternity, I would rather that the biopsy not show cancer.” It was cancer of the rarest form. So the answer was---"it matters for eternity" and if I never know, how or why, this side of heaven, that doesn’t matter----I just need to know that my struggle with MAC matters for His glory. Therein lies the peace.
Actually, I am overwhelmed that God considered me faithful for this “event” because I certainly didn’t “feel” faithful. You know what? I didn’t have to ---it’s been His faithfulness all along. This has been and will continue to be for sometime, His dance with me. He was to do the leading, I just had to follow. (submit) At times when I would start to swoon during some of those dips, that can be part of a dance, He held on to me. Then, sometimes it was as if He put His hand under my chin and gently turned my face back toward Him---all the while keeping His other hand in full support at my back. He has indeed been the “lifter up of my head” even when the March 5 consult seemed especially grim. The prognosis for healing from first surgery could take up to 6 months b/c of CT scan indications of a wide area requiring future surgeries-- possibly for the next 1 ½ years. Larry and I chose not to tell this except to family. Once more, I had to deal with fear---briefly--before once again surrendering to His will not mine. (The scan possibly could have shown damaged cartilage/scarring from a ‘05 fall??) That part doesn’t matter, what mattered was what I did with the information that I knew at the time. It was at this point that I really “danced” with Him---in His strength, with His courage----for I had none of my own. As I’ve said since early on, “I have not been dismayed.” But this time I was resolute---Not my will, but Thy will. I was ready for whatever He had for me and I was flooded with peace---not just warm fuzzy moments of calm but a quiet acceptance that bordered on delight. “You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusts in Thee.” (Isa. 26:3)) That’s what it was---perfect peace, His peace became mine.
No Internet
I might not have internet access for a while but I'm being well taken care of by Dr. Fine, Dr. Fine, and Dr. Fine.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Literary Devices for Old Brains
3/20/09
Acronyms and acrostics---Don’t you just love them?? I do---they’re right up there with alliteration as a way of helping me remember.
MIRACLE AND BLESSINGS:
Mohs procedure sufficient to remove MAC.
Invasiveness less than 1st thought, next surgery in April not Sept.
Radiation not needed---saved my teeth.
Adnexal carcinoma gone.
C for Christ is bigger than c for cancer.
Lord is the “lifter up of my head.
EKG showed no heart attack.
And…………………………………..
Baylor, Beth and Breath of God.
Lord & Larry---neither have left me for a minute.
Ensure---Yum-m-m-m, that’s one way to get some chocolate!
Siblings, Buddy, Josh and Molly, together to serve and sacrifice
Syringe, my new fork.
Incalculable—too many blessings to try and list all.
Nurses—Martha (recently diagnosed w/cervical cancer) & Bonnie.
Gas, yep it’s a normal aftermath, so it means surgery is over!
Sleep, sweet sleep---the Lord gives to me even in my sleep.
Acronyms and acrostics---Don’t you just love them?? I do---they’re right up there with alliteration as a way of helping me remember.
MIRACLE AND BLESSINGS:
Mohs procedure sufficient to remove MAC.
Invasiveness less than 1st thought, next surgery in April not Sept.
Radiation not needed---saved my teeth.
Adnexal carcinoma gone.
C for Christ is bigger than c for cancer.
Lord is the “lifter up of my head.
EKG showed no heart attack.
And…………………………………..
Baylor, Beth and Breath of God.
Lord & Larry---neither have left me for a minute.
Ensure---Yum-m-m-m, that’s one way to get some chocolate!
Siblings, Buddy, Josh and Molly, together to serve and sacrifice
Syringe, my new fork.
Incalculable—too many blessings to try and list all.
Nurses—Martha (recently diagnosed w/cervical cancer) & Bonnie.
Gas, yep it’s a normal aftermath, so it means surgery is over!
Sleep, sweet sleep---the Lord gives to me even in my sleep.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Claustrophobia
3/19/09 Claustrophobia
Can I define it? Yes---E. Purcell and A. Braddock will know it’s claustrum in the Latin (shut in place) Last night my place/space was closing up. Fear of suffocation began to set in (M. Phoenix knows what that’s like)----my one healthy nostril was stopped up with sinus type congestion and my right nostril was full of gauze type packing stuff to protect my new nose floor plus the cartilage Dr. Ha has to re-form soon. My mouth is sewn shut and in the night it had gotten so dry that my one side hole was stuck. (It’s there to aid breathing, let out vomit (PTL haven't had that) and for feeding by the syringe.) I felt like a whale with my spout plugged. I couldn’t get a good deep breath and I so wanted a good deep breath. I couldn’t even exhale except with a little puff. I felt like I needed to get a big gulp of air but was having to suck it through a cocktail straw.
I know in my mind that claustrophobia is an irrational fear---but in my body in the middle of the night it felt so-o-o-o real---like prison bars.
Those prison bars kept closing in—but God…… I know the One who set the prisoners free. (Psalm 146:7) I also knew that “lack of air” could lead to a panic attack, so I propped the corner of my mouth with the side of the syringe and squirted water throughout the night to help the dryness and “I sought the Lord and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears.”(Psa. 34:4) Was it easy? No. Did I make it through the night? Yes.
This morning, Larry called Dr. Ha who said I could gently suction nostril and take “liquid” Benadryl---which promptly knocked me out. When I finally lifted my head, I began to look up verses about breath because I guarantee, the Lord has a lesson in this somewhere for me.
I know that my life is but a breath (Job 7:7) so with the breath I have I will praise the Lord. “Let everything that hath breath, praise the Lord.” (Psalm 150:6)
Can I define it? Yes---E. Purcell and A. Braddock will know it’s claustrum in the Latin (shut in place) Last night my place/space was closing up. Fear of suffocation began to set in (M. Phoenix knows what that’s like)----my one healthy nostril was stopped up with sinus type congestion and my right nostril was full of gauze type packing stuff to protect my new nose floor plus the cartilage Dr. Ha has to re-form soon. My mouth is sewn shut and in the night it had gotten so dry that my one side hole was stuck. (It’s there to aid breathing, let out vomit (PTL haven't had that) and for feeding by the syringe.) I felt like a whale with my spout plugged. I couldn’t get a good deep breath and I so wanted a good deep breath. I couldn’t even exhale except with a little puff. I felt like I needed to get a big gulp of air but was having to suck it through a cocktail straw.
I know in my mind that claustrophobia is an irrational fear---but in my body in the middle of the night it felt so-o-o-o real---like prison bars.
Those prison bars kept closing in—but God…… I know the One who set the prisoners free. (Psalm 146:7) I also knew that “lack of air” could lead to a panic attack, so I propped the corner of my mouth with the side of the syringe and squirted water throughout the night to help the dryness and “I sought the Lord and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears.”(Psa. 34:4) Was it easy? No. Did I make it through the night? Yes.
This morning, Larry called Dr. Ha who said I could gently suction nostril and take “liquid” Benadryl---which promptly knocked me out. When I finally lifted my head, I began to look up verses about breath because I guarantee, the Lord has a lesson in this somewhere for me.
I know that my life is but a breath (Job 7:7) so with the breath I have I will praise the Lord. “Let everything that hath breath, praise the Lord.” (Psalm 150:6)
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Hospital Happenings
I danced on the way to the OR, Room #38......
........and these strange "pumping socks" are keeping me "light on my feet". (actually off my feet)
I'm contemplating new modes as I lie here.
Dance with me my friends- "The Lord of the Dance" can lead us all!
He certainly led me in a "wedding song".
Today--I remember, I'm a member of the church, the Bride of Christ.
A friend loveth at all times (Prov. 17:17) even in an OR room- for 6 minutes that I timed -7:34 margarita needle inserted- 7:37 last clock tick seen.
See, I am still time compulsive.
Nite! Nite!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
"Just in Case Letter"
3/15/09 To: Buddy, (Day) Josh and Molly (Corey)
Dearest ones,
I know y’all are used to these “just in case” letters. Usually I write them before your dad and I embark on a big trip, especially if it involves a long flight over water. This time it is different because of the locale of the journey but the urgency is the same. So, "just in case" you've forgotten from the last letter I wrote, I want each of you to know how deeply that I love you and what blessings you have brought to my life.
As the apostle John wrote to Gauis, I, too pray…….”that you may prosper in all things and be in health just as your soul prospers. For I rejoiced greatly when brethren (others) came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children (physical & spiritual) walk in truth.” (3 John v.2-4)
I want you to continue to walk/dance in truth, love, peace and kindness as you walk worthy of the gospel of Christ. The truth has set you free and you know who is the Truth----the Way, the Truth and the Life.
Dr. William Orr, a Pittsburg Theological Seminary professor, said, “ You know how when you find somebody who you know is in touch with the truth, how you want to be in the presence of that person?” When Buddy first went to Dallas Theological Seminary, he said, “Mom, you can’t imagine what it’s like to get to sit at the feet of godly men everyday.” I've not had that privilege but I do have direct access to the Master Rabbi and it's while sitting at His feet that I receive truth and sustenance. Each of you can also sit at His feet every day and learn truth from the Master teacher---I desire that for you.
As long as the Lord allows my presence on earth, I will continue to pray your “birthday” Proverb for you along with 2 Timothy 1:12 “…for I know whom (you) have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what (Buddy age 8, Josh 2/14/86, Molly 4/28/87) have committed to Him until that day.” Your part is in the next verse, “Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.”
May your lives be such an overflow of His love and truth to family, friends and others, whom God puts in your path, that they are drawn to you. Then you can make a difference in their lives. Life is all about relationships, not rules. Remember your time on earth is just one small part of all of life, so make your “dash” count. Continue to be a dancer not a critic---it's the Liles way.
Nite, I love you.
Mom
Dearest ones,
I know y’all are used to these “just in case” letters. Usually I write them before your dad and I embark on a big trip, especially if it involves a long flight over water. This time it is different because of the locale of the journey but the urgency is the same. So, "just in case" you've forgotten from the last letter I wrote, I want each of you to know how deeply that I love you and what blessings you have brought to my life.
As the apostle John wrote to Gauis, I, too pray…….”that you may prosper in all things and be in health just as your soul prospers. For I rejoiced greatly when brethren (others) came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children (physical & spiritual) walk in truth.” (3 John v.2-4)
I want you to continue to walk/dance in truth, love, peace and kindness as you walk worthy of the gospel of Christ. The truth has set you free and you know who is the Truth----the Way, the Truth and the Life.
Dr. William Orr, a Pittsburg Theological Seminary professor, said, “ You know how when you find somebody who you know is in touch with the truth, how you want to be in the presence of that person?” When Buddy first went to Dallas Theological Seminary, he said, “Mom, you can’t imagine what it’s like to get to sit at the feet of godly men everyday.” I've not had that privilege but I do have direct access to the Master Rabbi and it's while sitting at His feet that I receive truth and sustenance. Each of you can also sit at His feet every day and learn truth from the Master teacher---I desire that for you.
As long as the Lord allows my presence on earth, I will continue to pray your “birthday” Proverb for you along with 2 Timothy 1:12 “…for I know whom (you) have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what (Buddy age 8, Josh 2/14/86, Molly 4/28/87) have committed to Him until that day.” Your part is in the next verse, “Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.”
May your lives be such an overflow of His love and truth to family, friends and others, whom God puts in your path, that they are drawn to you. Then you can make a difference in their lives. Life is all about relationships, not rules. Remember your time on earth is just one small part of all of life, so make your “dash” count. Continue to be a dancer not a critic---it's the Liles way.
Nite, I love you.
Mom
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