I know I have stated I want to keep this blog about my family but being a Christian and in the ministry is who we are. This is a very strong message, it has ministered to me and brought me to my knees this morning. I pray it ministers to you too!
Showing posts with label God's healing power. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God's healing power. Show all posts
Jun 9, 2009
Oct 9, 2008
Learning...
more than I truly care to know! Once again we are on another medical journey with one of our kids. This just happens to be with Sara again. If you recall at the end of August she was hospitalized for severe stomach cramping. The doctor never figured out what the problem was and we gave God the glory for healing our baby. We still are. Well two weeks ago we went to a WIC appointment. WIC is a wonderful program and I highly advise all mothers to be and of small children to check into it. It truly is a blessing.
Thankfully her blood work came back all normal but her urinalysis did not. She has all the signs of having kidney stones. I about flipped when her doctor told us that. So tomorrow she will be having a CT done to make sure there are no stones in the kidneys and make sure her kidneys are working correctly.
Anyway, while at the appointment we were made aware that Sara's iron count was low so they recommended we check with the doctor. So yesterday we headed to the doctor and then was sent to have blood work. While at the doctor's office Sara was complaining about her stomach again, something she does all the time. Sometimes because she is hungry, sometimes because she needs to go potty. But other than in August the pain has never stopped her from being an active little 4 yr old. So she also had the job of peeing in a cup. Which she thought was the funniest thing in the world.
Thankfully her blood work came back all normal but her urinalysis did not. She has all the signs of having kidney stones. I about flipped when her doctor told us that. So tomorrow she will be having a CT done to make sure there are no stones in the kidneys and make sure her kidneys are working correctly. Am I nervous? You betcha! Freaked out that my little girl has to have this done, OH YEA! But I am also for Godly wisdom. Because to be honest the results at the WIC office weren't so low that I should have been concerned. Even our doctor was like those numbers aren't low enough to warrant any worry but being cautious because she has been ill we took her to the doctor and are thankful we did. God allow things to happen and my experience is that many times He does so that other things can be revealed. In this case that she has crystals in her urine indicating kidney stones. My research and Sean's sister has reassured us that this is actually more common than I ever knew. So please keep her in prayer tomorrow at 8:30 AM central time. We probably won't have the results till Monday morning. Either way just pray what may be there is passed without incident.
Oct 4, 2008
My Friend Needs A Miracle
On Thursday our friend Debi, pictured here in black, went in to surgery for a ruptured disc. Something went horribly wrong during the surgery and when she woke up she was paralyzed on the left side of her body. As of last night the paralysis now from the waist down
and has been placed on a feeding tube because she no loner has working bowels or bladder.
Debi is a fine lady. She has been a hair dresser for over 30 years. She has two children and four grandchildren with one on the way. She has endured many life trails and right now she is
on the toughest one of her life. As of last night she was starting to have difficulty breathing. This vibrant, energetic woman needs our prayers and yours. Please lift Debi Gesky up in your prayers, in your church services and spread the word. Debi needs a miracle right now and she needs God to move the mountains out of the way. God is a big God and He created the mountains and He has the power to move them. Stand with me and her family today as we seek God's healing power for Debi!
Sep 22, 2008
They happen....
miracles that is! Yes! YES! YES! This afternoon was the first afternoon in over 10 days that Kristofer only had one meltdown and I know why and for what reason! YAHOO!
We have endured 10 long days of multiple meltdowns and I would say 90% of them we had no idea why or what set them off. Can I sigh a sigh of relief? Maybe...hoping...waiting for the break through...pushing through for the break through....need the break through....
For a fantastic teaching on The Breaking Point check out this...it is written by Tara Sloan. She shared this at the Unstoppable Conference...it is big, it was huge and it made a gigantic impact on my life and still is!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
The Breaking Point By Tara Sloan
The Breaking Point - A few months ago I began to hear the Lord speak to me about Unstoppable. Of course I listened, took note and continued to seek Him for direction. As the conference came closer and closer, I began to sense an extreme urgency. I have learned that whenever that happens, God is trying to get my undivided attention. So, I begin to press in. As I sought the Lord, I heard Him say, “Tara, there are women who will be at Unstoppable who are currently at their breaking point. They are at a crossroads that could potentially paralyze them. My heart is that they not be broken and crippled by what they have been facing but that they be propelled through it by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Tonight, we are going to take a candid look at the lives of three women who made entirely different choices. One of them ended up paralyzed, another, propelled and the last one lost the most… all of them at the breaking point. I am a HUGE believer in destiny. God has a strategic plan for each and every one of us. I know this and believe it with every fiber of my being. However, there are still times in every one of our lives when circumstances, situations, people well intentioned… or not will force us to the very place where we have no idea whether or not we can go on. I am going to begin reading in 2 Samuel, chapter 13:1-20… I am reading from The Message translation… (I won't post because of space... so turn there and read...)
Many of you know WHO you are, like Tamar, you KNOW who your daddy is- but more than that you can also identify with the shame, pain, fear, rejection and betrayal Tamar experienced. People who promised they’d never leave, they left, promises made become promises broken, and the days and nights you prayed, labored, laid awake and poured into people are thrown at your feet in a heap. It leaves you feeling used, violated, just like Tamar. Yet look at what she did, after Amnon raped her, he told her to go away, yet we’re talking about a woman here. She’s thinking, “Oh my goodness, he’s just going to use me up and throw me out? Oh no, he can’t do that to me” She began to tell him how she felt, begging, pleading… and he had her PHYSICALLY removed. They put her out and BOLTED the door. I can just see her, as she’s being drug out, yelling and screaming, then the door is shut and locked as she is lying on the ground sobbing, no dignity left, beating on the door, “Amnon, you can’t do this to me! Amnon! Amnon, don’t leave me like this!” Tamar deserved better treatment as an Israelite. Tamar deserved better treatment as a relative. Tamar deserved better treatment as a sister. Tamar deserved better treatment as a princess. Despite all this, Amnon spitefully treats Tamar as this woman. Then after being rejected again by being ignored, Tamar broke. She ripped her gown off, her gown signifying her identity, her status and she heaped ashes upon her head symbolizing the shame of hat she had just encountered. She covered her head and headed home where she ran into her brother Absalom who knew exactly what had occurred as we see in verse 20… READ VERSE 20… Absalom tried to comfort Tamar by saying that she “should not take it to heart”.
These are hollow words indeed, for she has been violated by her brother, and the cultural context of that time dictated that her future was irreparably altered. I know Absalom meant well, but come on! That’s like putting a band aid on a broken arm! This woman was SO burdened by what she was carrying that she stripped herself of her identity. She was broken, distraught, and now wore her shame upon her head. Her brother knew by looking at her- and yet helped her cover it as did her father, at the time anyway. What gets me about the LACK of what David and Absalom did is just that- they didn’t do ANYTHING… by doing this they let Tamar continue to be broken, paralyzed by the violation committed against her by someone who supposedly loved her no less! They could have helped silence her scream, “Don’t leave me like this! Absalom! Amnon! Daddy! God! Somebody help me!”
I wonder how many of you in this room have had those closest to you ignore the cry of your pain. Unfortunately, that is Tamar’s story. Her hopes for children and her own home were shattered. At that point, the point I call the “breaking point,” Tamar was faced with a decision. Verse 20 says she lived in Absalom’s house a desolate woman. However, her cry, her scream is still living. Can you hear it? Perhaps it is YOUR cry tonight. The circumstances, pain and violations committed against you have you at the breaking point that threatens to paralyze you and keep you locked up. As you examine yourself tonight, are there circumstances, secrets, deep areas in your life threatening to paralyze as you face the breaking point tonight? (Someone holding their head in their hands saying, “I just want to get through this weekend, go home and quit… it is just too much to bear…) Before you give in, remember, what you have gone through doesn’t have to paralyze you… it can propel you… if you don’t give up… God desires to turn your setback into a comeback! The pain you are feeling is pain with a purpose. He isn’t ignoring your pain, He hasn’t forgotten you, He desires to turn your pain into power!
I told you we would explore three women… I just gave you one scenario, what paralysis will bring you, now let’s look at a woman who used the adversity she faced to propel her… Turn to Luke, chapter 7. Beginning in verse 36… (READ THROUGH VERSE 50) Mary was known as a sinner. When she walked into the room her every move, past, present and future was discussed among whispers. Have you ever walked into a room like that? If that isn’t a breaking point, goodness! Tell me what is! Mary was tired of living with the pain, she was desperate to move forward. So she found the most valued thing she owned, it represented her past, present and future. And it cost her something… a decision to face her accusers, confront her past, challenge religion and hope for a future. I can just see her standing at the threshold of the door, gathering the courage to go in. But that was not her breaking point. Her breaking point was in the "breaking of her box." That was HER box. She didn't keep hers at home and run into Neimen Marcus for a knock off that would serve the purpose. No, she took what was most precious to her, what had cost her so much, her security, what meant everything in the world to her and she broke it open and poured it out. As we all know, Mary’s box held a costly perfume, BUT what she did with it represented much more than what it contained. Mary did not just open her box and pour out a measure of what it held. Instead she broke it open. A broken vessel can no longer retain its contents. It is powerless to withhold; therefore, it freely spills out all that is within it.
This is the purpose of the breaking. It is not so God can take pleasure in our pain. No! The pain is part of the process when face the breaking point, but it is not the purpose. The goal is the fragrance, the sweet aroma that fills the air...and the nostrils of God. As she poured the oil from the box, a beautiful fragrance filled the room. It changed the atmosphere. Being at the feet of Jesus, of your Daddy God changes things. It looks religion in the face and dares it to judge. It will change rules, regulations and laws for your behalf. I just love the fact that she broke HER box. In her own way, she said the same thing Tamar said… “Jesus, don’t leave me like this! Help me!” Her actions relinquished any control she had. You see, if she had just opened the box and poured a measure that she thought was sufficient she could also put the top back on. But, in the breaking of the box, there is a reckless abandonment that cried, "It is all yours Jesus. I'm giving it all to you. I am breaking my box open as a sacrifice to you. Take it all! My pain, my fear, regret; take my future, my potential and my promise… take it all…"
When this time of worship occurs at the Breaking Point, something happens. Our heart's cry deviates from, "What about what happened to me?" to "How I can use what has happened to me for You Lord? Here is what I have. I break it open before You. It's no use to me unless it is mixed with Your presence." You see ladies, we need to stop asking God, “Why did this happen to me?” and begin asking God, “Why did I overcome it?” See, I am not big on surviving anymore, I don’t want to be a survivor, I want to be an over comer! The word survive means, to remain alive or in existence… well that can mean you are barely hanging on through life support… BUT the word overcome means to conquer, to gain mastery over or win. Just because you went through it does not mean you are defined by it! When they come and say, “Whew, they barely made it through that church split, but they survived…” Something ought to rise up in you say, “Oh no… we didn’t survive anything… we OVERCAME!” We conquered the enemy at the breaking point! We won!
There is a choice tonight for those of you who find yourselves at the “breaking point.” There are some of you who just don’t think it is worth it anymore and you are tempted to hold on to whatever it is you have locked up in your box. For some of you it is pain, fear of being rejected again, or a shameful past that is threatening to paralyze you. For others, it is brokenness, failed dreams, or unfulfilled dreams. Remember Tamar? Absalom’s house became her alabaster box. It held the potential, pain, promise, and shame of this woman. When she failed to “break out the box” she remained a victim, she remained a person of untapped potential.
These things were as costly as the oil in Mary’s box. If broken up and given to God, her future would have been much different. Or will you be like Mary tonight, will your cry at the breaking point propel you though it by the power of the Holy Spirit. You may still have to deal with stuff, because you can do everything right and still have people do you wrong or circumstances knock you off your feet! Being wounded is a temporary event but healing is a process. Just because you’ve been treated badly doesn’t mean you have to curl up and die!
Psalm 23 tells us that He is the restorer of our soul! Mary was ridiculed as she broke open her box and with that decision, her life and the atmosphere she was in was completely changed! Think about it… are you willing to break that box tonight? There are Tamar’s in this room tonight… desperately wanting to be like Mary. They are screaming, some are whispering for lack of strength, “Don’t leave me like this… Somebody help me…” Tonight we all have a choice to break open our box like Mary or remained locked up like Tamar… but there are some of you even beyond that point… there is more woman I want to present to you tonight… please turn to Judges 19, we’ll begin with verse 22 and read through verse 27.
“And her hand was on the door and she was laying on the threshold.” She went through abuse all night, suffered the pain and the sacrifice and after they let her go she crawled through the pain and the difficulty of what she just endured and she got to the door and died. There are many in this room today that the process has been so painful and abusive that now that an effective door is open in front of you, you just don’t have the strength to push through. The Lord has spoken to me and said, “Tell them not to extend all they have to get to this point only to die on the threshold. You have been through too much.” Don’t let the pain of the process cause you to quit and forfeit your destiny. I know it has been a long painful night but morning is on the way and if you can press through the night your new day is about to begin.
Don’t die on the threshold, don’t die at your breaking point…
The Lord hears your cries tonight… h
e sees your struggle to be like Mary, not one of us wants to be paralyzed, or die on the threshold…
but the pain is sometimes so hard to bear alone…
some days are down right miracles that we ever got through them…
tonight, this altar represents the breaking point…
whatever yours may be…
At the breaking point, hold on…
at the breaking point…
don’t paralyze your potential by shutting down…
at the breaking point, lay it all down…
every bit of pain,
every broken promise,
every disappointment,
and give them to the Father…
it is at the breaking point…
• My ENEMIES will become my TEACHERS
• My MISTAKES will become my WISDOM
• My FAILURES will become my NEW OPPORTUNITIES
• My UNDESIRED ENDINGS will become my DESIRED BEGINNINGS
And as it says in the Message translation in Job 8:7, “Even though you're not much right now, you'll end up better than ever."
We have endured 10 long days of multiple meltdowns and I would say 90% of them we had no idea why or what set them off. Can I sigh a sigh of relief? Maybe...hoping...waiting for the break through...pushing through for the break through....need the break through....
For a fantastic teaching on The Breaking Point check out this...it is written by Tara Sloan. She shared this at the Unstoppable Conference...it is big, it was huge and it made a gigantic impact on my life and still is!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
The Breaking Point By Tara Sloan
The Breaking Point - A few months ago I began to hear the Lord speak to me about Unstoppable. Of course I listened, took note and continued to seek Him for direction. As the conference came closer and closer, I began to sense an extreme urgency. I have learned that whenever that happens, God is trying to get my undivided attention. So, I begin to press in. As I sought the Lord, I heard Him say, “Tara, there are women who will be at Unstoppable who are currently at their breaking point. They are at a crossroads that could potentially paralyze them. My heart is that they not be broken and crippled by what they have been facing but that they be propelled through it by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Tonight, we are going to take a candid look at the lives of three women who made entirely different choices. One of them ended up paralyzed, another, propelled and the last one lost the most… all of them at the breaking point. I am a HUGE believer in destiny. God has a strategic plan for each and every one of us. I know this and believe it with every fiber of my being. However, there are still times in every one of our lives when circumstances, situations, people well intentioned… or not will force us to the very place where we have no idea whether or not we can go on. I am going to begin reading in 2 Samuel, chapter 13:1-20… I am reading from The Message translation… (I won't post because of space... so turn there and read...)
Many of you know WHO you are, like Tamar, you KNOW who your daddy is- but more than that you can also identify with the shame, pain, fear, rejection and betrayal Tamar experienced. People who promised they’d never leave, they left, promises made become promises broken, and the days and nights you prayed, labored, laid awake and poured into people are thrown at your feet in a heap. It leaves you feeling used, violated, just like Tamar. Yet look at what she did, after Amnon raped her, he told her to go away, yet we’re talking about a woman here. She’s thinking, “Oh my goodness, he’s just going to use me up and throw me out? Oh no, he can’t do that to me” She began to tell him how she felt, begging, pleading… and he had her PHYSICALLY removed. They put her out and BOLTED the door. I can just see her, as she’s being drug out, yelling and screaming, then the door is shut and locked as she is lying on the ground sobbing, no dignity left, beating on the door, “Amnon, you can’t do this to me! Amnon! Amnon, don’t leave me like this!” Tamar deserved better treatment as an Israelite. Tamar deserved better treatment as a relative. Tamar deserved better treatment as a sister. Tamar deserved better treatment as a princess. Despite all this, Amnon spitefully treats Tamar as this woman. Then after being rejected again by being ignored, Tamar broke. She ripped her gown off, her gown signifying her identity, her status and she heaped ashes upon her head symbolizing the shame of hat she had just encountered. She covered her head and headed home where she ran into her brother Absalom who knew exactly what had occurred as we see in verse 20… READ VERSE 20… Absalom tried to comfort Tamar by saying that she “should not take it to heart”.
These are hollow words indeed, for she has been violated by her brother, and the cultural context of that time dictated that her future was irreparably altered. I know Absalom meant well, but come on! That’s like putting a band aid on a broken arm! This woman was SO burdened by what she was carrying that she stripped herself of her identity. She was broken, distraught, and now wore her shame upon her head. Her brother knew by looking at her- and yet helped her cover it as did her father, at the time anyway. What gets me about the LACK of what David and Absalom did is just that- they didn’t do ANYTHING… by doing this they let Tamar continue to be broken, paralyzed by the violation committed against her by someone who supposedly loved her no less! They could have helped silence her scream, “Don’t leave me like this! Absalom! Amnon! Daddy! God! Somebody help me!”
I wonder how many of you in this room have had those closest to you ignore the cry of your pain. Unfortunately, that is Tamar’s story. Her hopes for children and her own home were shattered. At that point, the point I call the “breaking point,” Tamar was faced with a decision. Verse 20 says she lived in Absalom’s house a desolate woman. However, her cry, her scream is still living. Can you hear it? Perhaps it is YOUR cry tonight. The circumstances, pain and violations committed against you have you at the breaking point that threatens to paralyze you and keep you locked up. As you examine yourself tonight, are there circumstances, secrets, deep areas in your life threatening to paralyze as you face the breaking point tonight? (Someone holding their head in their hands saying, “I just want to get through this weekend, go home and quit… it is just too much to bear…) Before you give in, remember, what you have gone through doesn’t have to paralyze you… it can propel you… if you don’t give up… God desires to turn your setback into a comeback! The pain you are feeling is pain with a purpose. He isn’t ignoring your pain, He hasn’t forgotten you, He desires to turn your pain into power!
I told you we would explore three women… I just gave you one scenario, what paralysis will bring you, now let’s look at a woman who used the adversity she faced to propel her… Turn to Luke, chapter 7. Beginning in verse 36… (READ THROUGH VERSE 50) Mary was known as a sinner. When she walked into the room her every move, past, present and future was discussed among whispers. Have you ever walked into a room like that? If that isn’t a breaking point, goodness! Tell me what is! Mary was tired of living with the pain, she was desperate to move forward. So she found the most valued thing she owned, it represented her past, present and future. And it cost her something… a decision to face her accusers, confront her past, challenge religion and hope for a future. I can just see her standing at the threshold of the door, gathering the courage to go in. But that was not her breaking point. Her breaking point was in the "breaking of her box." That was HER box. She didn't keep hers at home and run into Neimen Marcus for a knock off that would serve the purpose. No, she took what was most precious to her, what had cost her so much, her security, what meant everything in the world to her and she broke it open and poured it out. As we all know, Mary’s box held a costly perfume, BUT what she did with it represented much more than what it contained. Mary did not just open her box and pour out a measure of what it held. Instead she broke it open. A broken vessel can no longer retain its contents. It is powerless to withhold; therefore, it freely spills out all that is within it.
This is the purpose of the breaking. It is not so God can take pleasure in our pain. No! The pain is part of the process when face the breaking point, but it is not the purpose. The goal is the fragrance, the sweet aroma that fills the air...and the nostrils of God. As she poured the oil from the box, a beautiful fragrance filled the room. It changed the atmosphere. Being at the feet of Jesus, of your Daddy God changes things. It looks religion in the face and dares it to judge. It will change rules, regulations and laws for your behalf. I just love the fact that she broke HER box. In her own way, she said the same thing Tamar said… “Jesus, don’t leave me like this! Help me!” Her actions relinquished any control she had. You see, if she had just opened the box and poured a measure that she thought was sufficient she could also put the top back on. But, in the breaking of the box, there is a reckless abandonment that cried, "It is all yours Jesus. I'm giving it all to you. I am breaking my box open as a sacrifice to you. Take it all! My pain, my fear, regret; take my future, my potential and my promise… take it all…"
When this time of worship occurs at the Breaking Point, something happens. Our heart's cry deviates from, "What about what happened to me?" to "How I can use what has happened to me for You Lord? Here is what I have. I break it open before You. It's no use to me unless it is mixed with Your presence." You see ladies, we need to stop asking God, “Why did this happen to me?” and begin asking God, “Why did I overcome it?” See, I am not big on surviving anymore, I don’t want to be a survivor, I want to be an over comer! The word survive means, to remain alive or in existence… well that can mean you are barely hanging on through life support… BUT the word overcome means to conquer, to gain mastery over or win. Just because you went through it does not mean you are defined by it! When they come and say, “Whew, they barely made it through that church split, but they survived…” Something ought to rise up in you say, “Oh no… we didn’t survive anything… we OVERCAME!” We conquered the enemy at the breaking point! We won!
There is a choice tonight for those of you who find yourselves at the “breaking point.” There are some of you who just don’t think it is worth it anymore and you are tempted to hold on to whatever it is you have locked up in your box. For some of you it is pain, fear of being rejected again, or a shameful past that is threatening to paralyze you. For others, it is brokenness, failed dreams, or unfulfilled dreams. Remember Tamar? Absalom’s house became her alabaster box. It held the potential, pain, promise, and shame of this woman. When she failed to “break out the box” she remained a victim, she remained a person of untapped potential.
These things were as costly as the oil in Mary’s box. If broken up and given to God, her future would have been much different. Or will you be like Mary tonight, will your cry at the breaking point propel you though it by the power of the Holy Spirit. You may still have to deal with stuff, because you can do everything right and still have people do you wrong or circumstances knock you off your feet! Being wounded is a temporary event but healing is a process. Just because you’ve been treated badly doesn’t mean you have to curl up and die!
Psalm 23 tells us that He is the restorer of our soul! Mary was ridiculed as she broke open her box and with that decision, her life and the atmosphere she was in was completely changed! Think about it… are you willing to break that box tonight? There are Tamar’s in this room tonight… desperately wanting to be like Mary. They are screaming, some are whispering for lack of strength, “Don’t leave me like this… Somebody help me…” Tonight we all have a choice to break open our box like Mary or remained locked up like Tamar… but there are some of you even beyond that point… there is more woman I want to present to you tonight… please turn to Judges 19, we’ll begin with verse 22 and read through verse 27.
“And her hand was on the door and she was laying on the threshold.” She went through abuse all night, suffered the pain and the sacrifice and after they let her go she crawled through the pain and the difficulty of what she just endured and she got to the door and died. There are many in this room today that the process has been so painful and abusive that now that an effective door is open in front of you, you just don’t have the strength to push through. The Lord has spoken to me and said, “Tell them not to extend all they have to get to this point only to die on the threshold. You have been through too much.” Don’t let the pain of the process cause you to quit and forfeit your destiny. I know it has been a long painful night but morning is on the way and if you can press through the night your new day is about to begin.
Don’t die on the threshold, don’t die at your breaking point…
The Lord hears your cries tonight… h
e sees your struggle to be like Mary, not one of us wants to be paralyzed, or die on the threshold…
but the pain is sometimes so hard to bear alone…
some days are down right miracles that we ever got through them…
tonight, this altar represents the breaking point…
whatever yours may be…
At the breaking point, hold on…
at the breaking point…
don’t paralyze your potential by shutting down…
at the breaking point, lay it all down…
every bit of pain,
every broken promise,
every disappointment,
and give them to the Father…
it is at the breaking point…
• My ENEMIES will become my TEACHERS
• My MISTAKES will become my WISDOM
• My FAILURES will become my NEW OPPORTUNITIES
• My UNDESIRED ENDINGS will become my DESIRED BEGINNINGS
And as it says in the Message translation in Job 8:7, “Even though you're not much right now, you'll end up better than ever."
The BEST IS yet to come!
I pray that this teaching by Tara minister to you were ever you are in what ever circumstance you may be in! Hold on through the night your morning is on the way...
Lord, tonight I am holding on through the night, through this fight through this week of uncertainty with our son, through this month of financial breaking, through this year of brokenness and holding fast to You! Holding for the sunrise, holding on for clarity, holding on for direction, holding on for financial break through, holding on for complete healing from depression to healing of my knees. I am holding fast and strong to You, I am clinging on to the hem of Your garment Jesus!
Sep 9, 2008
How Unstoppable has Changed me
Ok I have written a little bit here and there about my adventures over the last few days while at the conference but I have not written fully about how it has impacted my life. I have been trying to digest everything and I still am. You know that God is at work when you need to take days to digest everything you have heard, learned, and have been impacted by. I feel as if I am still eating every time I look at my notes, read a blog that either Deanna or Tara has written about the events.
So on Thursday when I arrived at the hotel the women who greeted me were fantastic! One of them and unfortunately I can't for the life of me remember her name actually helped me to my room. It isn't easy trying to carry a big bag, a suitcase and then this wonderful goodie bag (which I will share about in a minute) and try to walk using a cane. She was so sweet, I felt like an honored guest with her helping me. We get to my room and it was beautiful! I wish I had brought my camera...so any pictures I post on here will be from either Tara's or Deanna's blog. Anyway, we all were given this wonderful little bag of goodies. Inside there was yummy chocolate, a book "Musings of a Maraschino Cherry: Reflections on the Role of a Minister's Wife" by Peggy Musgrove, and other little things such as a candle and book mark. But the best gift was a framed note, it said "Melissa, Don't Worry! I have it under control! Love God" When I pulled that out of the bag I immediately had tears in my eyes! It was exactly what I needed to read! How many times do you get a personal note like that, that hits home in a way you don't expect?! I mean I read the Bible and I am always ministered to but that framed note was just EXACTLY what I needed to read. I now have it on my dresser so it's the first thing I see in the morning before I get ready for the day! It reminds me that God does have things under control and I can trust Him for the day! (Thank you PD or whoever came up with that idea!)
So Thursday night I walk into the the main room where we were going to have the conference and dinner. I was looking around talking to a few people when out of the corner of my eye I spot the one person I HAD to go see. Pastor Deanna was surrounded by women. I honestly didn't want to interrupt her, specially when I noticed that Tara was standing there as well. I knew how close they were just from my readings.
But here she was and when she saw me she actually squealed! Which surprised me honestly and she gave me this hug...a hug that welcomed me, like we had known each other forever! Honestly I have never had a hug like that from anyone I was meeting for the first time! PD - just thinking about it makes tears well up. Honestly, I have admired Deanna for her strength and courage despite all that she personally has been going through! She is one tough cookie even if her center may be soft (smile). That hug was so filled with love it was overwhelming to be honest. She immediately had me sit with her for dinner. What an honor! Here I am, a little ole nobody sitting at the table with three powerful speakers - Tara Sloan, Sandy Phanazee and Deanna. What an honor. Women I have admired from afar. Women I want to be like when I grow up! I have heard Sandy speak at other events and have always been ministered to. I have been ministered to through Tara and Deanna's blog for almost a year now. I felt like I was sitting with royalty, honestly I did. It was great!
We had a wonderful meal before Pastor Deanna spoke on "A Series of Unfortunate Events". I have to say when she began sharing I thought to myself, "she is reading my mail or maybe my blog!" This year has been "A Series of Unfortunate Events" for me. Every time I think I am getting ahead something else smacks me down. It was based on Ezekiel. What God spoke to me is that it really has nothing to do what is happening to me or around me, what is important is what is happening in me, how are the wrecks changing me...for the better? or for the worse? God allows things to happen for a reason, and even if I don't get it as long as I am trusting Him through it that is what is important. Sometimes you just have to do it "Anyway" like the song by Tina McBride.
There was great ministry that night. Then even better fellowship after service. I went back to my room with Carrie and we stayed up talking. It was late and the phone rings. Scared me and Carrie or at least it did me. I sorta jumped, I definitely wasn't expecting it to ring. On the end of the line was Deanna. Which really shocked me to be honest ... she was letting us know we had another roomie coming up...Sheryl. What a blessing to have them both with me to share the events with!
I have to say rooming with these two women was great! I originally was going to be staying with Michele. With everything she was going through last week, it was so much better for her and I that Deanna worked it out for me to stay at the hotel...THANK YOU PD! You know, God always has a plan and I know had I not been at the hotel I would not have connected with Carrie, Jessica, Sheryl, Jessica S., Tara or Deanna.
I have to say Jenn Lee took worship to a higher level every time she and the group lead us. It was fantastic to be able to worship without worrying about where or what my kids were doing. A luxury I do not get. I was able to let go and worship and it was fantastic!
Friday was packed with some fantastic workshops. Then that night Tara spoke about "the Breaking Point" and like I said in a previous post she hit the nail on the head! God reached in deep and touched me in a great way. I felt a release to just be real. I even gave a testimony that night.
So here is what I shared and this is how I feel even today. Pastoring Partners a ministry started by Deanna Shrodes has been a life line to me. When Sean and I moved here we had never been in a Senior Pastorate. We had been on staff at Venice Assembly Of God under Pastor Gary and Rhonda Gray. Two wonderful people and we learned so much. We will always cherish that time and our friendship with them. But when we came here I felt alone. I felt like NO one else had or was going through what I was going through. Then Michele through me this life line and I felt like I finally had a place to go to find support, understanding and love without feeling condemned. The women on there get it. They too struggle and are real people dealing with real issues. Then I learned about Unstoppable. Everything came against me going. Even up to the week before I was to leave. And yet I was determined that nothing was going to stop me from going, I became "unstoppable". I am so glad that I went.
The vision that Deanna has for this ministry is even larger than what she may have dreamed. I am sure of it! This conference is so different from anything I have ever gone to. This conference and this ministry is so needed for Pastor's wives and Women in ministry. We women have a tendency to isolate ourselves and this ministry gives us a chance to be real again. I have always been a person who is real. I don't sugar coat anything. But I haven't felt free to share what I have been going through, not even on here. This weekend gave me back my love, excitement and desire for ministry. It gave me what has been missing for a quite sometime. I have been going through the motions of ministry. It happens more than people realize! But I returned home with the desire to do what God has called me to do. I know Sean is thankful for what took place in my life.
What is funny and I honestly can't remember if it was Deanna, Tara, Jenn Lee or Sandy that said it but one of them stated, be aware that you will hit a wall when you get home, that satan will use your husband or your kids to steal what God has done in you. I am so glad that was said because I went home aware and on guard for it. And you know what...that is exactly what happened. But I was prepared for it so I saw it for what it was and laughed to myself about the situation.
Friday night sitting and eating dinner, sharing and laughing together was so what I needed. Like I said I have never laughed so hard about some of the funniest ministry stories I have heard! Laughter is great medicine! But even so is good fellowship with people that get it, that understand the struggles we women go through in the ministry, just the time to eat together, laugh and cry together...is huge! It really was a highlight of the conference! I mean other than the messages. I had so much fun! Spending time with Carrie and Jessica afterwards was even better! We went back to Jessica's room and laughed so hard my sides hurt. We got this crazy call, the front desk saying they had complaints and that we needed to quiet down. Then a knock at the door. From our side of the door it was hilarious, here was Jessica peeking through the peek hole that was covered up and Carrie standing behind her with the iron in her hand ready to smash it against who ever was on the other side of the door. I couldn't help but laugh, it was so funny to watch! Then when they do open the door there stood Sheryl and Jessica (the other one) and they were laughing at us...they played a terrible trick on us. Jessica S and I have decided that next year we are going pay them back, some how...
I have no idea what Deanna may be thinking about for next year but what ever it might be...I am going to be there! Whatever it takes I am going to be there! I am sure I will share more but for now I hope you have gotten a sense of what took place and how it ministered to me!
So on Thursday when I arrived at the hotel the women who greeted me were fantastic! One of them and unfortunately I can't for the life of me remember her name actually helped me to my room. It isn't easy trying to carry a big bag, a suitcase and then this wonderful goodie bag (which I will share about in a minute) and try to walk using a cane. She was so sweet, I felt like an honored guest with her helping me. We get to my room and it was beautiful! I wish I had brought my camera...so any pictures I post on here will be from either Tara's or Deanna's blog. Anyway, we all were given this wonderful little bag of goodies. Inside there was yummy chocolate, a book "Musings of a Maraschino Cherry: Reflections on the Role of a Minister's Wife" by Peggy Musgrove, and other little things such as a candle and book mark. But the best gift was a framed note, it said "Melissa, Don't Worry! I have it under control! Love God" When I pulled that out of the bag I immediately had tears in my eyes! It was exactly what I needed to read! How many times do you get a personal note like that, that hits home in a way you don't expect?! I mean I read the Bible and I am always ministered to but that framed note was just EXACTLY what I needed to read. I now have it on my dresser so it's the first thing I see in the morning before I get ready for the day! It reminds me that God does have things under control and I can trust Him for the day! (Thank you PD or whoever came up with that idea!)
So Thursday night I walk into the the main room where we were going to have the conference and dinner. I was looking around talking to a few people when out of the corner of my eye I spot the one person I HAD to go see. Pastor Deanna was surrounded by women. I honestly didn't want to interrupt her, specially when I noticed that Tara was standing there as well. I knew how close they were just from my readings.
But here she was and when she saw me she actually squealed! Which surprised me honestly and she gave me this hug...a hug that welcomed me, like we had known each other forever! Honestly I have never had a hug like that from anyone I was meeting for the first time! PD - just thinking about it makes tears well up. Honestly, I have admired Deanna for her strength and courage despite all that she personally has been going through! She is one tough cookie even if her center may be soft (smile). That hug was so filled with love it was overwhelming to be honest. She immediately had me sit with her for dinner. What an honor! Here I am, a little ole nobody sitting at the table with three powerful speakers - Tara Sloan, Sandy Phanazee and Deanna. What an honor. Women I have admired from afar. Women I want to be like when I grow up! I have heard Sandy speak at other events and have always been ministered to. I have been ministered to through Tara and Deanna's blog for almost a year now. I felt like I was sitting with royalty, honestly I did. It was great!
We had a wonderful meal before Pastor Deanna spoke on "A Series of Unfortunate Events". I have to say when she began sharing I thought to myself, "she is reading my mail or maybe my blog!" This year has been "A Series of Unfortunate Events" for me. Every time I think I am getting ahead something else smacks me down. It was based on Ezekiel. What God spoke to me is that it really has nothing to do what is happening to me or around me, what is important is what is happening in me, how are the wrecks changing me...for the better? or for the worse? God allows things to happen for a reason, and even if I don't get it as long as I am trusting Him through it that is what is important. Sometimes you just have to do it "Anyway" like the song by Tina McBride.
There was great ministry that night. Then even better fellowship after service. I went back to my room with Carrie and we stayed up talking. It was late and the phone rings. Scared me and Carrie or at least it did me. I sorta jumped, I definitely wasn't expecting it to ring. On the end of the line was Deanna. Which really shocked me to be honest ... she was letting us know we had another roomie coming up...Sheryl. What a blessing to have them both with me to share the events with!
I have to say rooming with these two women was great! I originally was going to be staying with Michele. With everything she was going through last week, it was so much better for her and I that Deanna worked it out for me to stay at the hotel...THANK YOU PD! You know, God always has a plan and I know had I not been at the hotel I would not have connected with Carrie, Jessica, Sheryl, Jessica S., Tara or Deanna.
I have to say Jenn Lee took worship to a higher level every time she and the group lead us. It was fantastic to be able to worship without worrying about where or what my kids were doing. A luxury I do not get. I was able to let go and worship and it was fantastic!
Friday was packed with some fantastic workshops. Then that night Tara spoke about "the Breaking Point" and like I said in a previous post she hit the nail on the head! God reached in deep and touched me in a great way. I felt a release to just be real. I even gave a testimony that night.
So here is what I shared and this is how I feel even today. Pastoring Partners a ministry started by Deanna Shrodes has been a life line to me. When Sean and I moved here we had never been in a Senior Pastorate. We had been on staff at Venice Assembly Of God under Pastor Gary and Rhonda Gray. Two wonderful people and we learned so much. We will always cherish that time and our friendship with them. But when we came here I felt alone. I felt like NO one else had or was going through what I was going through. Then Michele through me this life line and I felt like I finally had a place to go to find support, understanding and love without feeling condemned. The women on there get it. They too struggle and are real people dealing with real issues. Then I learned about Unstoppable. Everything came against me going. Even up to the week before I was to leave. And yet I was determined that nothing was going to stop me from going, I became "unstoppable". I am so glad that I went.
The vision that Deanna has for this ministry is even larger than what she may have dreamed. I am sure of it! This conference is so different from anything I have ever gone to. This conference and this ministry is so needed for Pastor's wives and Women in ministry. We women have a tendency to isolate ourselves and this ministry gives us a chance to be real again. I have always been a person who is real. I don't sugar coat anything. But I haven't felt free to share what I have been going through, not even on here. This weekend gave me back my love, excitement and desire for ministry. It gave me what has been missing for a quite sometime. I have been going through the motions of ministry. It happens more than people realize! But I returned home with the desire to do what God has called me to do. I know Sean is thankful for what took place in my life.
What is funny and I honestly can't remember if it was Deanna, Tara, Jenn Lee or Sandy that said it but one of them stated, be aware that you will hit a wall when you get home, that satan will use your husband or your kids to steal what God has done in you. I am so glad that was said because I went home aware and on guard for it. And you know what...that is exactly what happened. But I was prepared for it so I saw it for what it was and laughed to myself about the situation.
Friday night sitting and eating dinner, sharing and laughing together was so what I needed. Like I said I have never laughed so hard about some of the funniest ministry stories I have heard! Laughter is great medicine! But even so is good fellowship with people that get it, that understand the struggles we women go through in the ministry, just the time to eat together, laugh and cry together...is huge! It really was a highlight of the conference! I mean other than the messages. I had so much fun! Spending time with Carrie and Jessica afterwards was even better! We went back to Jessica's room and laughed so hard my sides hurt. We got this crazy call, the front desk saying they had complaints and that we needed to quiet down. Then a knock at the door. From our side of the door it was hilarious, here was Jessica peeking through the peek hole that was covered up and Carrie standing behind her with the iron in her hand ready to smash it against who ever was on the other side of the door. I couldn't help but laugh, it was so funny to watch! Then when they do open the door there stood Sheryl and Jessica (the other one) and they were laughing at us...they played a terrible trick on us. Jessica S and I have decided that next year we are going pay them back, some how...
I have no idea what Deanna may be thinking about for next year but what ever it might be...I am going to be there! Whatever it takes I am going to be there! I am sure I will share more but for now I hope you have gotten a sense of what took place and how it ministered to me!
Sep 8, 2008
The Good the bad and the Smelly Airplane trip!
Like I promised, here is my airplane adventures. Carrie and I had to bolt out of the last message by Tara and Deanna on Covenant Relationships (PD I want a copy of the tape!) We both had to catch our flights home. Susan took us to the airport. A great gal I might add! Definitely a sweetie! Anyway on the way Carrie looked at her itinerary and about flipped I think, she thought her flight was at 3:52 and it was actually 2:52. We got there and she made it but honestly it was by the skin of her teeth I think. Carrie ~ I too was stopped by security...forgot to take my phone out of my pocket...talk about nerve racking, even when you are innocent.
So once I got to my terminal I had about 30 mins to just sit and think about the previous days events. SO much to take in and honestly I haven't had a minute to even stop and think. Not fully anyways. Let me be frank...I HATE FLYING! I don't mind the take off I hate the landing. I also absolutely hate turbulence. Thankfully on my flight from Tampa to Charlotte NC we had no turbulence.
So here we are flying through some awesome clouds. I do love looking down on the clouds, that I do enjoy about flying. When all of a sudden a flight attendant asks if anyone has any medical training. There is a passenger that is having heart pain. Thankfully there was a doctor on board. I believe God places us where He needs us. I truly believe in divine meetings! I was not far from where the older lady was sitting and I began to pray. I
prayed every healing scripture I could think of. I prayed for this woman's soul, for her healing, for her family members that were starting to panic. Then the doctor started to panic and was telling the flight attendant that we needed to make an emergency landing. I began to pray harder for this woman. She was going in and out of consciousness and was losing color. Her husband was crying as was her daughter. I prayed harder, was praying in the spirit and just kept claiming healing over this woman. Then I said out loud, "In Jesus Name be healed!"
I am not kidding the woman sat straight up in her seat! Her color came back and she was talking again. FINE! I mean completely fine! The doctor just sat there amazed. He kept shaking his head in disbelief. The flight attendants were shaking their heads and the woman's family was really crying now, happy tears I must say. PRAISE GOD!
When the plane landed, it took me 20 mins to get off the plane. It was that full and I was sitting that far in the back! I had only 15 mins to get to my connecting flight and was told the concord I needed was about a mile away. Isn't that just nice! There was and emergency crew waiting for the woman when we got off. As I was rushing past I stopped and told her that I had prayed for her and that I would continue to. Her husband looked at me and said "Thank you, you saved her life." I said, "NO! God did!"
I literally had to run/walk faster than I have in over a year! No kidding here! My poor knees were screaming at me! My calves if they had voices would have been really screaming at me! I got to my connecting flight and immediately boarded the plane. Now before I tell you about that part of the adventure let me stop and say this... GOD ALWAYS HAS A PURPOSE AND A PLAN for your life if you are just obedient to His calling! I have no idea if anyone else on that flight was praying for that woman but what I saw happen is and was truly a miracle. That doctor was sure that she was dying from a heart attack! I honestly thought she was dying too. But when you call upon the name of the Lord He is sure to answer! I truly believe I witnessed a miracle! I truly believe it was my faith in God and the power of prayer that He came into that plane and touched that lady! I will never be the same! I know God answers prayers, He has for me over and over but what I saw Sat. afternoon was truly a miracle!
Now as for the rest of my journey....it was SMELLY!
I am not kidding. My seat was row 7 seat D. It was an express plane so it only had two seats on either side of the aisle and had approximately 50 seats total on board. As I was walking back to my seat I saw this man and I kept saying to myself, "Oh please Lord, please not next to him!" Don't get me wrong here, he wasn't scary looking. I just didn't want to sit next to a man on my flight home. Well guess what...that is exactly where I had to sit! That man was the SMELLIEST men I have smelt since street witnessing to the homeless in Miami! I am not kidding, he smelt like rotten eggs! I immediately wanted to vomit! NO KIDDING! If I could have changed seats I would have! The two women sitting in front of me were gagging. What made things worse...I started smelling something even worse...I looked at the man and he says, "Sorry." He passed gas! I just about lost it! I leaned over into the aisle just to get fresh air. The guy across the aisle said whats wrong..then he got a whiff...he just looked at me and I said, "It's him, not me!" He just laughed! Not only did I sit next to the smelliest man we had terrible turbulence coming into Nashville. All I could do was pray we would land and that I could get off that plane ASAP! I really tried to think of a way to talk to the guy but I just couldn't get past the smell. Sorry folks...I may be a co-pastor, I may be a Christian, but I just couldn't get past the stench.
So once I got to my terminal I had about 30 mins to just sit and think about the previous days events. SO much to take in and honestly I haven't had a minute to even stop and think. Not fully anyways. Let me be frank...I HATE FLYING! I don't mind the take off I hate the landing. I also absolutely hate turbulence. Thankfully on my flight from Tampa to Charlotte NC we had no turbulence.
So here we are flying through some awesome clouds. I do love looking down on the clouds, that I do enjoy about flying. When all of a sudden a flight attendant asks if anyone has any medical training. There is a passenger that is having heart pain. Thankfully there was a doctor on board. I believe God places us where He needs us. I truly believe in divine meetings! I was not far from where the older lady was sitting and I began to pray. I
prayed every healing scripture I could think of. I prayed for this woman's soul, for her healing, for her family members that were starting to panic. Then the doctor started to panic and was telling the flight attendant that we needed to make an emergency landing. I began to pray harder for this woman. She was going in and out of consciousness and was losing color. Her husband was crying as was her daughter. I prayed harder, was praying in the spirit and just kept claiming healing over this woman. Then I said out loud, "In Jesus Name be healed!"I am not kidding the woman sat straight up in her seat! Her color came back and she was talking again. FINE! I mean completely fine! The doctor just sat there amazed. He kept shaking his head in disbelief. The flight attendants were shaking their heads and the woman's family was really crying now, happy tears I must say. PRAISE GOD!
When the plane landed, it took me 20 mins to get off the plane. It was that full and I was sitting that far in the back! I had only 15 mins to get to my connecting flight and was told the concord I needed was about a mile away. Isn't that just nice! There was and emergency crew waiting for the woman when we got off. As I was rushing past I stopped and told her that I had prayed for her and that I would continue to. Her husband looked at me and said "Thank you, you saved her life." I said, "NO! God did!"
I literally had to run/walk faster than I have in over a year! No kidding here! My poor knees were screaming at me! My calves if they had voices would have been really screaming at me! I got to my connecting flight and immediately boarded the plane. Now before I tell you about that part of the adventure let me stop and say this... GOD ALWAYS HAS A PURPOSE AND A PLAN for your life if you are just obedient to His calling! I have no idea if anyone else on that flight was praying for that woman but what I saw happen is and was truly a miracle. That doctor was sure that she was dying from a heart attack! I honestly thought she was dying too. But when you call upon the name of the Lord He is sure to answer! I truly believe I witnessed a miracle! I truly believe it was my faith in God and the power of prayer that He came into that plane and touched that lady! I will never be the same! I know God answers prayers, He has for me over and over but what I saw Sat. afternoon was truly a miracle!
Now as for the rest of my journey....it was SMELLY!
I am not kidding. My seat was row 7 seat D. It was an express plane so it only had two seats on either side of the aisle and had approximately 50 seats total on board. As I was walking back to my seat I saw this man and I kept saying to myself, "Oh please Lord, please not next to him!" Don't get me wrong here, he wasn't scary looking. I just didn't want to sit next to a man on my flight home. Well guess what...that is exactly where I had to sit! That man was the SMELLIEST men I have smelt since street witnessing to the homeless in Miami! I am not kidding, he smelt like rotten eggs! I immediately wanted to vomit! NO KIDDING! If I could have changed seats I would have! The two women sitting in front of me were gagging. What made things worse...I started smelling something even worse...I looked at the man and he says, "Sorry." He passed gas! I just about lost it! I leaned over into the aisle just to get fresh air. The guy across the aisle said whats wrong..then he got a whiff...he just looked at me and I said, "It's him, not me!" He just laughed! Not only did I sit next to the smelliest man we had terrible turbulence coming into Nashville. All I could do was pray we would land and that I could get off that plane ASAP! I really tried to think of a way to talk to the guy but I just couldn't get past the smell. Sorry folks...I may be a co-pastor, I may be a Christian, but I just couldn't get past the stench.
Sep 7, 2008
UNSTOPPABLE ROCKED!
I can't say it enough...
UNSTOPPABLE ROCKED!!!!
So much has happened since I last wrote. Thursday I spent the whole day with my parents. Was able to spend more time with my youngest niece and nephew and before heading to the conference was able to stop and see my other brother and his kids. Boy do kids grow fast in one year! I also had a nice visit with a close friend of mine, Christy Cain. She and her husband were my youth pastors when I was a senior in high school. Since then our friendship has grown. It was so great getting to just sit and talk even if it was a short period of time. Christy has been such a blessing in my life.
So Thursday night we had a wonderful dinner...yummy! I was blessed to finally meet Deanna Shrodes and Tara Sloan. Two of my favorite bloggers! These women are phenomenal writers, co-pastors, and wonderful women of God. They spoke into my life this weekend like never before. I am always ministered to when I read their blogs. I have followed Deanna's blog since she was in Africa last year. I love her! ( I mean that PD!) She is honest, not fake. She puts it out there and even when she may be struggling she doesn't sugar coat what she is going through. I like that, appreciate that and feel blessed to call her a friend. ( I MEAN THAT PD)
Tara is also a wonderful women of God. I met her through Pastoring Partners. She has been an encourager and prayer supporter when I have needed it. She spoke Friday night and let me just say for me, "she hit the nail on the head!" Her message was exactly what I needed to hear! It ministered to me deeply! The worship, the message, the people who prayed with and for me that night....has changed my life. I am forever grateful PT for your boldness and sensitivity to listen to the Holy Spirit and speak truth into my life as well as all those other women in ministry!
There is so much I want to share and I will in the next few days. I am like I said still trying to digest everything I have learned, heard, experienced. I laughed so hard at some of the most funny stories on Friday night. I laughed so hard my sides were aching and my cheeks were throbbing. Laughter is good medicine! We stayed up late (3:00 am on Friday night) and got up early for some great words of wisdom on Sat. I will forever cherish this time. I was able to meet women I have been corresponding with through blogs and Pastoring Partners, which was an added plus I must say! Finally meeting Jessica and Carrie was exciting! Those two women are hilarious and are now some cherished friends I can't wait to spend more time with in the future!
But I have to say getting to spend time with a dear friend, Michele, was definitely a highlight to the conference. Michele has been going through some tough times with her son. Specially last week and yet she took time to come and spend time with me. Michele, you hang tough girl! I know God isn't through with you or Marcus! DON'T give up at the threshold of your break through! I love you girl and am praying for healing for Marcus and for you! Next time I know we will get to spend more time together. I honestly cherish getting to spend the time with you. I also enjoyed getting to know Cathy and Misty. Two more wonderful women that PD has talked about alot on her blog. Two women that support and love her.
So much to share, just so much! I will or I will try to post my adventures of the airplane ride home later tonight or maybe tomorrow.
Let's just say the first leg of the trip was a divine appointment and the 2nd well it was not a divine appointment...more like a VERY SMELLY one! Will explain that later. For now I plan to spend time going over all of my notes, catch up on emails, and most importantly spend time with my kids and my hubby. Who by the way survived the 4 diaperheads, cleaned our house and although I am sure he could now use an Unstoppable conference or something like it, did a fantastic job while momma was away! Thank you again Seany for supporting me in everything I do! I love you babe!
UNSTOPPABLE ROCKED!!!!
So much has happened since I last wrote. Thursday I spent the whole day with my parents. Was able to spend more time with my youngest niece and nephew and before heading to the conference was able to stop and see my other brother and his kids. Boy do kids grow fast in one year! I also had a nice visit with a close friend of mine, Christy Cain. She and her husband were my youth pastors when I was a senior in high school. Since then our friendship has grown. It was so great getting to just sit and talk even if it was a short period of time. Christy has been such a blessing in my life.
So Thursday night we had a wonderful dinner...yummy! I was blessed to finally meet Deanna Shrodes and Tara Sloan. Two of my favorite bloggers! These women are phenomenal writers, co-pastors, and wonderful women of God. They spoke into my life this weekend like never before. I am always ministered to when I read their blogs. I have followed Deanna's blog since she was in Africa last year. I love her! ( I mean that PD!) She is honest, not fake. She puts it out there and even when she may be struggling she doesn't sugar coat what she is going through. I like that, appreciate that and feel blessed to call her a friend. ( I MEAN THAT PD)
Tara is also a wonderful women of God. I met her through Pastoring Partners. She has been an encourager and prayer supporter when I have needed it. She spoke Friday night and let me just say for me, "she hit the nail on the head!" Her message was exactly what I needed to hear! It ministered to me deeply! The worship, the message, the people who prayed with and for me that night....has changed my life. I am forever grateful PT for your boldness and sensitivity to listen to the Holy Spirit and speak truth into my life as well as all those other women in ministry!
There is so much I want to share and I will in the next few days. I am like I said still trying to digest everything I have learned, heard, experienced. I laughed so hard at some of the most funny stories on Friday night. I laughed so hard my sides were aching and my cheeks were throbbing. Laughter is good medicine! We stayed up late (3:00 am on Friday night) and got up early for some great words of wisdom on Sat. I will forever cherish this time. I was able to meet women I have been corresponding with through blogs and Pastoring Partners, which was an added plus I must say! Finally meeting Jessica and Carrie was exciting! Those two women are hilarious and are now some cherished friends I can't wait to spend more time with in the future!
But I have to say getting to spend time with a dear friend, Michele, was definitely a highlight to the conference. Michele has been going through some tough times with her son. Specially last week and yet she took time to come and spend time with me. Michele, you hang tough girl! I know God isn't through with you or Marcus! DON'T give up at the threshold of your break through! I love you girl and am praying for healing for Marcus and for you! Next time I know we will get to spend more time together. I honestly cherish getting to spend the time with you. I also enjoyed getting to know Cathy and Misty. Two more wonderful women that PD has talked about alot on her blog. Two women that support and love her.
So much to share, just so much! I will or I will try to post my adventures of the airplane ride home later tonight or maybe tomorrow.
Let's just say the first leg of the trip was a divine appointment and the 2nd well it was not a divine appointment...more like a VERY SMELLY one! Will explain that later. For now I plan to spend time going over all of my notes, catch up on emails, and most importantly spend time with my kids and my hubby. Who by the way survived the 4 diaperheads, cleaned our house and although I am sure he could now use an Unstoppable conference or something like it, did a fantastic job while momma was away! Thank you again Seany for supporting me in everything I do! I love you babe!
Jun 7, 2008
God is so good!
This week has been a long week for our house. Actually the last two weeks have been filled with activity. SO lets catch you up on the Kelly activities....in the last two weeks:
* Kris was baptized...YAY!
* Jaron was healed of hypothyroidism (with evidence)
* I was diagnosed as diabetic - controlling with diet and
exercise for 4 mo. then will return to see the doc and
do more tests and possibly start meds.
* Friday. May 30th, went to the boys' school musical...very cute!
Which brings me to Wed. and my wonderful knee surgery on my "Florida knee". I have been calling it that so that family and friends in Florida understand I finally got it fixed up. YAY! Plus the fact that I just had surgery in Jan on my left knee.
I had a scope done as seen above and the orthopedic surgeon basically fixed the two tears in the cartilage. One he snipped out the torn pieces and the debree left behind. The other he sewed the pieces back together and hopefully it will heal on its own. He also did some poking at the cartilage taking small pieces out hoping to create enough scar tissue to add cushion where the cartilage has been worn down to the bone.
I also found out I have Chondromalacia patellae which means "softening of the articular cartilage of the knee-cap." Basically the underneath of my knee cap was a mess. The doctor describe it as blistering bone and he basically shaved and smoothed it out. As well as did some smoothing (shaving) of the femur bone where the knee cap glides over it. We are hopeful that will take care of everything.
I go for my 2 week post-op visit and we will see from there. The doc told Sean I will need cortisone shots on a regular basis. I am suppose to get the pictures of the inside of my knee from the surgery. If I do I will post them here as an educational tool and so show off my knee. So far this surgery although has been painful has been a lot easier because I am able to bear weight on it as tolerated. Which I can only tolerate a little bit at a time right now. Everyday is a little better than the last. As long as I ice after doing my exercises and after doing any type of standing and walking I do well at controlling the pain that and pain medicine.
Here you can see I have three incisions. Two are larger than the other. Don't let those small incisions trick you...small does not mean no pain! In fact in my case I was in severe pain and still have bouts with severe pain when not taking the pain meds regularly. I came home with an ace bandage from the middle of my thigh to my toes and on the other leg I had a surgical stocking. The kids thought it was hilarious. In fact Sara, our 4 yr old, wanted to know why I was wearing tights, and said, "you look funny mommy!" Which through tears I said thanks. The pain at that point was so bad I cried for 2 hrs even with the strong pain meds. The picture above was taken Thursday night. I had to change the bandages. Looks good! Today I have more bruising and no more ace bandage to wear except at night when sleeping. Although wearing it through the day does make it feel better. Today I plan to spend sometime outside sitting inthe sun. As you can tell I have lost my "Florida" tan. I miss Florida....you can be tan all year long all free from the sun of course!
God was good to me during the surgery. I had no nausea like I have in the previous surgeries. I also asked the Lord to show the doc that I did not need a lateral release, a lateral release consists of dividing the vastus lateralis muscle. By dividing the vastus lateralis, this muscle is weakened, and if tight, stretched out; hence restoring balance to the Quadriceps muscle. It would mean another 6-8 weeks off my feet and longer PT time. Thankfully Dr. Morgan did not perform this procedure. Which means I will be able to enjoy the summer a lot more. I prayed that I would not need the procedure and God answered that prayer! Thank You Lord! Later I will post about my first PT experience. Lots to me angry about here....but God has been good again and provided me with a very experienced PT and on that will help me where the other two have not! Explain later in a different post.
Get out and enjoy your day! I am!
* Kris was baptized...YAY!
* Jaron was healed of hypothyroidism (with evidence)
* I was diagnosed as diabetic - controlling with diet and
exercise for 4 mo. then will return to see the doc and
do more tests and possibly start meds.
* Friday. May 30th, went to the boys' school musical...very cute!
* Sunday, June 1, had a Snow Cone Party for the kids celebrating the
end of school beginning of summer break. 
* Monday went to the pre-K picnic with Sara & Eli. Enjoyed talking with the other parents. Got to witness to another parent about God's healing. Her 3 yr old daughter after catching the flu at 18 mo almost died, has a heart condition due to the flu. Such a beautiful little girl. Was able to invite them to church. Hope they come. Really pushed the children's ministries.
* Tuesday was the last full day of school for the boys. They went to school on Thursday to pick up their report cards. Both did very well! Jaron had all A's. Kris master all of the tasks he was to master educationally and on the IEP tasks. He master a few and for the first time this year was progressing on all the rest! Huge improvement for Kris. Both have been advanced to the next grade!
Which brings me to Wed. and my wonderful knee surgery on my "Florida knee". I have been calling it that so that family and friends in Florida understand I finally got it fixed up. YAY! Plus the fact that I just had surgery in Jan on my left knee.
I had a scope done as seen above and the orthopedic surgeon basically fixed the two tears in the cartilage. One he snipped out the torn pieces and the debree left behind. The other he sewed the pieces back together and hopefully it will heal on its own. He also did some poking at the cartilage taking small pieces out hoping to create enough scar tissue to add cushion where the cartilage has been worn down to the bone.I also found out I have Chondromalacia patellae which means "softening of the articular cartilage of the knee-cap." Basically the underneath of my knee cap was a mess. The doctor describe it as blistering bone and he basically shaved and smoothed it out. As well as did some smoothing (shaving) of the femur bone where the knee cap glides over it. We are hopeful that will take care of everything.
I go for my 2 week post-op visit and we will see from there. The doc told Sean I will need cortisone shots on a regular basis. I am suppose to get the pictures of the inside of my knee from the surgery. If I do I will post them here as an educational tool and so show off my knee. So far this surgery although has been painful has been a lot easier because I am able to bear weight on it as tolerated. Which I can only tolerate a little bit at a time right now. Everyday is a little better than the last. As long as I ice after doing my exercises and after doing any type of standing and walking I do well at controlling the pain that and pain medicine.
Here you can see I have three incisions. Two are larger than the other. Don't let those small incisions trick you...small does not mean no pain! In fact in my case I was in severe pain and still have bouts with severe pain when not taking the pain meds regularly. I came home with an ace bandage from the middle of my thigh to my toes and on the other leg I had a surgical stocking. The kids thought it was hilarious. In fact Sara, our 4 yr old, wanted to know why I was wearing tights, and said, "you look funny mommy!" Which through tears I said thanks. The pain at that point was so bad I cried for 2 hrs even with the strong pain meds. The picture above was taken Thursday night. I had to change the bandages. Looks good! Today I have more bruising and no more ace bandage to wear except at night when sleeping. Although wearing it through the day does make it feel better. Today I plan to spend sometime outside sitting inthe sun. As you can tell I have lost my "Florida" tan. I miss Florida....you can be tan all year long all free from the sun of course!God was good to me during the surgery. I had no nausea like I have in the previous surgeries. I also asked the Lord to show the doc that I did not need a lateral release, a lateral release consists of dividing the vastus lateralis muscle. By dividing the vastus lateralis, this muscle is weakened, and if tight, stretched out; hence restoring balance to the Quadriceps muscle. It would mean another 6-8 weeks off my feet and longer PT time. Thankfully Dr. Morgan did not perform this procedure. Which means I will be able to enjoy the summer a lot more. I prayed that I would not need the procedure and God answered that prayer! Thank You Lord! Later I will post about my first PT experience. Lots to me angry about here....but God has been good again and provided me with a very experienced PT and on that will help me where the other two have not! Explain later in a different post.
Get out and enjoy your day! I am!
Jun 1, 2008
A Place of Safety
Earlier this week Sean and I were on our way home from town. While stopped a busy intersection a robin caught my eye. This bird was flying back and forth towards the bottom of the pole that was holding the stop light. At first I couldn't figure out what it was trying to do till I noticed at the bottom of the pole there was an opening and a little head peeked out. Yep, it has a nest in this pole.
Ever since that day I have not been able to get that image out of my head. In the middle of a very busy intersection, in a small triangular section of concrete sits a stoplight pole. On either side of this triangle are pathways for cars to drive. In my mind I can't imagine why this mother bird would chose a place that is surrounded by danger. But in the midst of danger she found a safe place to make her nest for her babies. Something about that pole gave her a sense of security, enough to lay her eggs inside.
Here is what God has shown me this week through this image...He is like that pole. Ok I know that is a strange statement but its true. You see in the midst of danger He is a constant place of safety. In the midst of uncertainty He is a place of certainty, He never changes. In the midst of turmoil He is a place of solace. No matter what circumstances you might find yourself in; whether it was by choice, a consequence of a bad choice, or just a situation you find yourself in and had no power over, God is there. Maybe you are facing uncertainty in your finances, health or a relationship, know this-the Creator of Heaven and Earth, the same creator who placed you in your mother's womb, is All knowing! He knows where you are, what you are facing and He alone has the power to give you the strength to overcome, endure and fight. In His presence you will find safety, certainty, solace, and healing.
Many times we do not have these things because we chose not to follow Him and abide by His word. Are you facing financial storms, most of us are feeling the mighty dollar pinch these days with the way the economy is, but let me ask you this, are you tithing?? Are you giving above your tithe and giving offerings, supporting missionaries as well? We struggle just as much as any other person out there financially and yes there are times when we could really use the 10% that we set aside for tithe. But we have found when we tithe and it is the hardest to do that God rushes in like a flood and blesses us, our needs are met and somehow on paper it never looks like it can be done. Plus when we tithe not only does He take care of us He blesses us in other ways often times giving us our hearts desires, in ways we could never fathomed. ( I plan to write about how God is doing this for me at a later date.)
Are you stressed and worry about things? Have you truly place those things into God's hands trusting that He will take care of it according to His will? This is not to say that You are not a participant in decision. I have found that God helps those that help themselves as we. You can't sit back and keep saying, "Oh God please help us with our finances," and not take that minimum wage job until better a job opens up for you. You never know how God can use you in that minimum wage job to share His love with others. Maybe you have a serious health issue you are dealing with, I am a FIRM believer that God heals and still performs miracles, but there are times that you have to go to the doctor and take the medicine that may keep you alive.
Case in point, a friend of mine, Traci, was diagnosed with a leukemia a few years ago. Doctors told her no one as an adult has ever lived and beat this type of cancer. She had to have a bone marrow transplant. By God's handiwork Traci received that bone marrow transplant and she is alive today, cancer free...almost 4 years later!!!!! She gives God the glory! Here's my point, it was through the doctors hands that she was healed of cancer!
We had an issue with Jaron last month and we were told he had hypothyroidism. We called upon the elders of our church anointed him with oil according to what the Bible says and had the church pray for him. This week Jaron went back for testing and God healed him! We have evidence! God healed Jaron and the tests showed no signs of problems! The doctor was completely shocked. He was sure that the test this week would confirm the diagnoses. He was wrong and God stepped in and proved He is still God! YAY!
So what ever you may be facing, no matter what storms come your way, no matter what dangers may have you completely surrounded, remember the baby bird that peeked his little head out of the pole. His home completely surrounded by danger and yet was safe. Find safety, certainty and solace in love of God.
Apr 30, 2008
What I have learned...
Today ends the 30 day fast that we started on April 1st. We challenged our church to a 30 day fast. We challenged them to hunger and thirst for more of God, to press in when things got tough and to pray harder than they have ever prayed. To dive into the Word of God and truly seek more of Him.
Sean and I chose the Daniel Fast. We could have gotten very strict but we didn't. We gave up snacking, caffeine (me), meat and diary. The most dairy we had was cheese on veggie sandwiches. We allowed ourselves whole wheat bread occasionally. Was it easy..NO! Was it worth it...most definitely! I have craved chocolate and meat. Yes you can crave meat! Would I do it again, most definitely!
There are so many things that I have learned over the last 30 days. Or should I say God allowed me to see. I was fasting for more of God in my life, that He would drawn me nearer and shed light on things I need to work on and let go, for healing of my knees and my health, for direction and open doors for Kristofer's evaluations for autism and for a mighty move of the Holy Spirit in our church. This is what I can see happened this month through our fast; we now have the direction and open doors for Kristofer, YEA!!! We are starting to see the Holy Spirit moving more in our church services...YEA!!!
The biggest thing I have seen these past 30 days is what the Lord is doing in me. You see, I have always been a controlling type of person. Not in controlling of others but in situations. I do not like change, unless I know the outcome, unless I can control the outcome. I have a fear of the unknown. Now don't get me wrong I completely trust the Lord but the fear of the unknown always stops me from doing certain things. Such as seeking the autism eval. for Kristofer. But also in health matters for myself. I guess the Lord has been working on me for about 9 months now on that one.
Case in point, my left knee. I injured in twisting and falling down some stairs at home in Florida about 3 years ago. I put off going to the doctor and when I did I didn't follow the directions to seek counsel from an Orthopedic Surgeon. Now to be honest money and no insurance play a part in that but had I followed the docs orders I would not be where I am today. I got the results of the MRI on my left knee...complex meniscus tear in two places as well as a popliteal cyst and other problems. I could have had it fixed and not been in pain for the last 3 almost 4 years but the fear of the unknown and no insurance stopped me from pursuing medical attention. Now I am facing surgery to fix this and hoping that the damage is not extensive...we shall find out on the 8th.
In the last 30 days the Lord has shown me there are some things I need to let go of from the past (of which I will not discuss here). But also that I have got to face the unknown and tackle the health issues that I have. So I am going for a physical in the morning. I have not had a true physical in well probably since I was a child. Oh I went to the doctor when I was pregnant with all of our kids and have been going to the doctor for my knee but I have not gone for a true physical and had the blood work that I need to have. Am I worried, yes you betcha. But am I ready to face what ever surfaces and get healthy...yes! So tomorrow I face the unknown and face it ready and armed. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not harm you plans to give you a future and hope." I am standing on that promise tonight. I am believing that God has ordained this time and place for me to face the unknown, face my fears and deal with what ever surfaces with His strength.
I have learned more than just this but for now this is what I will share. Oh and for those that care...I have let go of 16 lbs since Jan 1. YEA! This is exciting considering up until March 18th I was not allowed to do any exercise and have two bum knees! Thank you God for helping me face my fears and for helping me to let go of the weight of many things!
Sean and I chose the Daniel Fast. We could have gotten very strict but we didn't. We gave up snacking, caffeine (me), meat and diary. The most dairy we had was cheese on veggie sandwiches. We allowed ourselves whole wheat bread occasionally. Was it easy..NO! Was it worth it...most definitely! I have craved chocolate and meat. Yes you can crave meat! Would I do it again, most definitely!
There are so many things that I have learned over the last 30 days. Or should I say God allowed me to see. I was fasting for more of God in my life, that He would drawn me nearer and shed light on things I need to work on and let go, for healing of my knees and my health, for direction and open doors for Kristofer's evaluations for autism and for a mighty move of the Holy Spirit in our church. This is what I can see happened this month through our fast; we now have the direction and open doors for Kristofer, YEA!!! We are starting to see the Holy Spirit moving more in our church services...YEA!!!
The biggest thing I have seen these past 30 days is what the Lord is doing in me. You see, I have always been a controlling type of person. Not in controlling of others but in situations. I do not like change, unless I know the outcome, unless I can control the outcome. I have a fear of the unknown. Now don't get me wrong I completely trust the Lord but the fear of the unknown always stops me from doing certain things. Such as seeking the autism eval. for Kristofer. But also in health matters for myself. I guess the Lord has been working on me for about 9 months now on that one.
Case in point, my left knee. I injured in twisting and falling down some stairs at home in Florida about 3 years ago. I put off going to the doctor and when I did I didn't follow the directions to seek counsel from an Orthopedic Surgeon. Now to be honest money and no insurance play a part in that but had I followed the docs orders I would not be where I am today. I got the results of the MRI on my left knee...complex meniscus tear in two places as well as a popliteal cyst and other problems. I could have had it fixed and not been in pain for the last 3 almost 4 years but the fear of the unknown and no insurance stopped me from pursuing medical attention. Now I am facing surgery to fix this and hoping that the damage is not extensive...we shall find out on the 8th.
In the last 30 days the Lord has shown me there are some things I need to let go of from the past (of which I will not discuss here). But also that I have got to face the unknown and tackle the health issues that I have. So I am going for a physical in the morning. I have not had a true physical in well probably since I was a child. Oh I went to the doctor when I was pregnant with all of our kids and have been going to the doctor for my knee but I have not gone for a true physical and had the blood work that I need to have. Am I worried, yes you betcha. But am I ready to face what ever surfaces and get healthy...yes! So tomorrow I face the unknown and face it ready and armed. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not harm you plans to give you a future and hope." I am standing on that promise tonight. I am believing that God has ordained this time and place for me to face the unknown, face my fears and deal with what ever surfaces with His strength.
I have learned more than just this but for now this is what I will share. Oh and for those that care...I have let go of 16 lbs since Jan 1. YEA! This is exciting considering up until March 18th I was not allowed to do any exercise and have two bum knees! Thank you God for helping me face my fears and for helping me to let go of the weight of many things!
Mar 1, 2008
Change is needed!
Here I am staring at the ceiling. Thinking about change. If there is one thing I have a love hate relationship with it is "change". You see I am very comfortable with where I am right now in life. I have a great marriage, 4 healthy fun loving kids and our family is a strong unit. I also am comfortable with my weight. Ok so maybe not so comfortable but it is familiar. I have been this same weight for 10 years. The same weight for as long as I can remember. But this weight is tearing me down and tearing my body apart. My weight is killing my knees and putting undo needed stress on my heart and other body organs. SO CHANGE IS A MUST!!
Now here is the problem....I have "changed" my life so many times. Diet after diet and although I succeed in losing a few pounds sometimes up to 25 I always seem to gain it back and then some. Most of the time I start losing weight, start feeling positive like I can do this, I can get to my goal weight and then somehow I end up sabotaging my efforts and give up.
Already even talking about it now I am already thinking ok, you are going to try this again...wonder how long you will stick to it before you quit. I know this is not how I should even be thinking before I start a life change again!But this time is different. I have to do it I have to get control of my emotional eating and baggage. Yes I am a Christian but that doesn't mean that I am perfect and therefore should not be made to feel as if I should be. I am thankful that my Heavenly Father is one that is a God of second and third and forth (and so on) chances.
I am going to start a new chapter in my life. I have been trying to cut back on a lot of things and feeling like I am not making any head way. SO I decided that I need to just start eating healthier and not be crazy about what I am eating but when, why and how much I am eating. Now seriously I am starting full force tomorrow on low fat diet. Now that doesn't mean I won't occasionally eat ice cream when I am craving it but instead of a large bowl I have a small dish I plan to use for instances like that.
I know that with God's help I can and will succeed. In the past I have expected everything to be within a week. Well through this whole knee surgery recovery I have learned quite a bit about the process. There is always a process to healing. My knee has gone through
many stages of healing from the outward skin healing, to the deep tissues and bone healing. Next week I start a new stage of healing and that is with the assistance of my physical therapist, Cindy. You see Monday will be 6 weeks post op for me. YEA! It means my knee is going to be allowed and demanded to start bending. Now I have bent my knee a little the last few days. Just to see if its going to hurt. I expect that Cindy will push it during her initial eval to get an accurate starting point to compare to for the next few weeks and to set weekly goals.
many stages of healing from the outward skin healing, to the deep tissues and bone healing. Next week I start a new stage of healing and that is with the assistance of my physical therapist, Cindy. You see Monday will be 6 weeks post op for me. YEA! It means my knee is going to be allowed and demanded to start bending. Now I have bent my knee a little the last few days. Just to see if its going to hurt. I expect that Cindy will push it during her initial eval to get an accurate starting point to compare to for the next few weeks and to set weekly goals. Well that is what I plan to do too. I have set a major goal...lose 150 lbs. But what I am focusing on is smaller goals such as my first goal is to lose 25 lbs. When I reach that goal I will reevaluate and decide then what my next goal will be right now I am thinking concentrate on just 25 at a time. But I also have other areas to concentrate on...the PROCESS! I have to journal when, what and why I am eating. I know I am an emotional eater. That is a HUGE statement for me. I never wanted to admit that. But its the process. There are small things that need to be changed (healed) such as my mental status, self esteem, goal setting, facing the hurts and disappointments and writing them down. I have to install exercise. Now I can't do much right now but I will be doing my PT exercises and I think that is a grand start. I have to change what I eat. I know how my body responds to different foods. So I am going to be cutting the salt and eating a low fat diet. Just what the doctor ordered....ok so I haven't exactly seen a doctor about my weight lately but this is what my orthopedic doc suggested. So I will follow his direction and the leading of the Holy Spirit to teach me what I should and should not be eating.
So I plan to post weekly on how I am doing. I am determined and I know that God is on my side on this. I am His creation, His spirit lives inside of me and I am the temple of the Holy Spirit and I have not taken care of the body God has given me. I must correct that problem with His leading and guidance. So if you want to support me on this I would gladly accept the encouragement and accountability. 
I would greatly appreciate your prayers.
I would greatly appreciate your prayers. But what I do not need or want is a negative attitude or a gauntlet of advice of what and how I am doing things wrong. I am going to follow what I believe is God's leading and do what I must do to lose this weight. Statistics say that if you lose just 10% of your weight that it increases your life span and does wonders for your health. (not sure this is the right %
but it is close I believe).
but it is close I believe). Small steps forward and I am not looking back at past failures this time. Putting one step in of the other.....
By the way the saying on the butterfly picture is below:
"Change is the essence of life. Be willing to surrender what you are, for what you could become".
Feb 13, 2008
Snow Days...Storms of Life
Well for those that care our kids have another snow day! Tomorrow our kids get to spend Valentines Day at home with us. The roads are still very covered with ice. We are hoping that tomorrows fore casted highs of 48 will actually break through some of the ice. The problem is that we are also suppose to get some strong winds as another storm approaches. Which means if the ice doesn't melt quickly more tree branches are destined to break.
So where do you go to when life throws a storm your way. Are you easily tossed in the wind or do you have a solid foundation to hold on to? I go to the rock of my Salvation Jesus Christ when life's storms blow my way. I have found that in the years and seasons of stormy weather that my foundation has been strong and God has seen me through! It may not have always turned out the way I wanted or planned but He has always been faithful to give me grace to weather the storm and accept the outcomes.
Today has been a bit of a storm for our Kristofer. He has been very jumpy, touchy and in need of deep pressure. So how do you know he needs deep pressure...he is running full force into things and isn't stopping. He crashes into the couch, his brothers, the wall and me. So what is a mom to do who can't just get up and stop him...I grab him and basically sit on him. Let me explain...this morning while Sean was digging the car out of the ice...literally it took him an hour to get the ice off the windshield and then another hour and a half to get the car out of the icy ditch.
Anyway while he was doing that I was trying to balance our checkbook and pay some bills. Kristofer who would not stop jumping on his brothers despite their pleas and continued to crash into everything. I called him in to our room and he proceeds to jump on our bed near my leg, at full force as if the bed was magically going to turn into a trampoline and launch him into outer space.
SO what did I do, I pulled him down to the mattress and proceeded to squish him with pillows. When that didn't calm him I told him to lay behind me and I would lay on him. I "squished" him into a pancake as he was giggling with glee. It took a few times of "squishing" him but finally he calmed down and I could feel his body finally relax. Once he was relaxed then he just wanted to snuggle. I asked him if the squishing helped and he said, "oh yeah!" Now if we could get him to tell us what he needs with his words instead of his actions.
The day progressed and then another Hurricane Kristofer appeared out of no where. He had played most of the day quietly after that episode this morning until he realized that the sun was going down. Then started the screaming, throwing things, and the biggest tantrum I have seen in a while. All due to the fact that he could not find his shoes so he could go outside. You seen he had started the process this morning of wanting to go out in the snow. But because he chose to not put his shoes where they belong he spent more time searching for his shoes and just got distracted and started playing. I spent over two hours trying to find his shoes this afternoon the whole time he was screaming and crying. "I want to go outside! I want to go outside! I want to go outside!" Finally Sean and Jaron came home and he was distracted enough to give up the obsession of going outside.
I think that is one of the hardest things we deal with with Kristofer. We never know what he will become obsessed with and how he will react. The fact that his school schedule has been completely messed up doesn't help. Kristofer lives on his schedule. Its not something that is written down per say but he knows, two days off 5 days of school. This has thrown him for a loop. Plus the fact that it hasn't been the safest weather for him to go out and make a snowman in. I stand on God's promises of healing for Kristofer and know one day he will stand before a congregation and give God the glory for healing him. Sensory Processing Disorder not only affects him but our whole family. For us a small windstorm can come and blow through but we have a solid foundation and know that in the storms we go to the Rock for it is in Him that we find peace and when He speaks, "Peace be still" all things become calm.
I challenge you to go to the Rock for your peace! Jesus is there waiting to hold you and calm you so that when the storms of life have swept through you will be standing strong in the end!
Feb 11, 2008
Celebrating Today!!
Hallelujah! I am free from that lovely medicine called coumadin! YAHOO! No more blood thinners! I am clot free! I left my house this morning excited with he prospect of seeing other human beings (other than my husband and kids) today and going shopping. Now here is the thing I want to share the most with you. When I left the hospital I was given my appointment time for today's ultrasound on my legs. It was set for 1:15. Which I thought was great being that Sean had to do the over night shift. It meant he would be able to get a little more sleep time. Well last Thursday I got a call saying my apt. was at 11:15. I figured ok that would be better because we would at least be home by the time the kids go out of school and we wouldn't have to get someone to pick them up.
Well I get to the hospital, get checked in and waited maybe 10 minutes and the tech comes out to get me. She proceeds to ask me if Icame early because of the storm that is coming our way. A winter storm as it is called...meaning we could get snow, ice, sleet and freezing rain. Bad stuff when mixed together. I looked at her and said no that I have been called by a woman on Thursday telling me my apt was at 11:15. She tells me normally it is a man (Doug) that does the apt calls so she was confused. I looked at her and said well maybe an angel called and changed it so that I could get home before it got bad outside. She just smiled.
Now I believe in angels and God was definitely looking over us and preparing today for us because not only did I only wait 10 mins to get it (norm wait is at least 30 mins) and we had Eli & Sara with us but as we left the hospital the storm started. Sleet every where and it took a matter of 3 minutes for the roads to start getting slick and dangerous.
Unfortunately we did not get to go shopping but we did grab lunch as we drove home. I was a short outing but it was nice to get out of the house. Another reason I believe God had a hand in today's events ... had my original apt time been correct we would not have been home to get the boys. On our way home I thought I better call home and check our messages, good thing I did. WE were about 5 minutes away from home when we learned that the boys were being released from school within the next 15 minutes. Had I not called we would not have gone straight home and the boys would have walked home and been stuck outside in the freezing cold. God was not only watching out for us but for our kids as well.
Next Monday I go to see the surgeon and I will be 4 weeks post op! I am so hoping that he will release me to do ROM exercises. Until then I can now rest easy knowing that I am clot free and no longer taking terrible meds.
Out side is looking more like a winter wonderland again. We have about 1/4 inch of ice on the vehicle windows which means the ground is probably worse. According to http://www.weatherunderground.com/ we are looking at 2-8 inches of snow and possibly up to 3/4 inch of ice falling before the snow comes. We are hoping that we will be spared the ice storm so that we do not lose electric or our heat! Keep us in your prayers~
Today as all days God is worthy of our praise~
The song I have sang all day is this:
Well I get to the hospital, get checked in and waited maybe 10 minutes and the tech comes out to get me. She proceeds to ask me if Icame early because of the storm that is coming our way. A winter storm as it is called...meaning we could get snow, ice, sleet and freezing rain. Bad stuff when mixed together. I looked at her and said no that I have been called by a woman on Thursday telling me my apt was at 11:15. She tells me normally it is a man (Doug) that does the apt calls so she was confused. I looked at her and said well maybe an angel called and changed it so that I could get home before it got bad outside. She just smiled.
Now I believe in angels and God was definitely looking over us and preparing today for us because not only did I only wait 10 mins to get it (norm wait is at least 30 mins) and we had Eli & Sara with us but as we left the hospital the storm started. Sleet every where and it took a matter of 3 minutes for the roads to start getting slick and dangerous.
Unfortunately we did not get to go shopping but we did grab lunch as we drove home. I was a short outing but it was nice to get out of the house. Another reason I believe God had a hand in today's events ... had my original apt time been correct we would not have been home to get the boys. On our way home I thought I better call home and check our messages, good thing I did. WE were about 5 minutes away from home when we learned that the boys were being released from school within the next 15 minutes. Had I not called we would not have gone straight home and the boys would have walked home and been stuck outside in the freezing cold. God was not only watching out for us but for our kids as well.
Next Monday I go to see the surgeon and I will be 4 weeks post op! I am so hoping that he will release me to do ROM exercises. Until then I can now rest easy knowing that I am clot free and no longer taking terrible meds.
Out side is looking more like a winter wonderland again. We have about 1/4 inch of ice on the vehicle windows which means the ground is probably worse. According to http://www.weatherunderground.com/ we are looking at 2-8 inches of snow and possibly up to 3/4 inch of ice falling before the snow comes. We are hoping that we will be spared the ice storm so that we do not lose electric or our heat! Keep us in your prayers~
Today as all days God is worthy of our praise~
The song I have sang all day is this:
WHEN I THINK ABOUT THE LORD
Words and Music by JAMES HUEY
When I think about the Lord
How He saved me, how He raised me
How He filled me with the Holy Ghost
How healed me to the uttermost
When I think about the Lord
How He picked me up and turned me around
How He placed my feet on solid ground
CHORUS:
It makes me wanna shout
Hallelujah, thank You Jesus, Lord, You’re worthy
Of all of the glory, and all of the honor
And all of the praise
Words and Music by JAMES HUEY
When I think about the Lord
How He saved me, how He raised me
How He filled me with the Holy Ghost
How healed me to the uttermost
When I think about the Lord
How He picked me up and turned me around
How He placed my feet on solid ground
CHORUS:
It makes me wanna shout
Hallelujah, thank You Jesus, Lord, You’re worthy
Of all of the glory, and all of the honor
And all of the praise
Nov 22, 2007
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday My Little Angel!
SeanPatrick Eugene Kelly
Nov 22, 1997
Born Quietly
Ten years ago today we were blessed with a precious little angel. For 9 months he kept us on our toes. Growing strong in the safety of his womb.
Laying gently in God's hands. He was a very energetic baby. We remember how he would respond to Sean's voice. It didn't matter if Daddy was singing praises to God or preaching to college students, if SeanPatrick heard his Daddy's voice he would start dancing and my bladder was the brunt of the attack. I remember distinctly one night while at Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship on the campus of Morehead State University, during our weekly service that He was very active.
It was almost as if he was shouting "amen, you go dad!"
He was a surprise to us not an accident as many would say! He surprised us with his presence just 3 months after we got married. Nine months later on a cold early morning my water broke startling me awake. I called Mom to let them know that my water broke and that I was waking up Sean and would be on our way to the hospital. I felt something was wrong but wasn't sure what. I just asked God to help me calm my fears, I thought it was just nerves. I remember as clear as day God ask me, "Do you trust Me?" I naturally said, "Yes!" Little did I know how my life would change that day. When we got to the hospital the nurse could not find his heart beat, something that had happened before. But the ultra sound confirmed our greatest fears. SeanPatrick was born quiet, with all ten toes and fingers and a head full of hair. His hair was so long we could make a pony tail with it and his hair was past his little sleeper collar. He was a beautiful baby. Whole and perfect! We learned later, that SeanPatrick was a gymnast. He had gotten tied up, around his small neck with the cord. I was told the cord was extremely short. When Kristofer was born he also had the cord wrapped around his neck and I was told then that it was a long cord.The days that followed were a blur of emotion. Our dear friends, Pastor Gary & Rhonda Gray and Christy Cain wrote a special song for us to play at the funeral. Here is a copy of the lyrics from that song:
We Place You in His Hands
Tiny life so fragile, sent to earth from heaven's gate
Blessed our lives for just a little while,
a testimony of His grace
No harsh words were ever spoken, to dim your precious brow
We know you're in the safest place, in the arms of Jesus now
We give you back to God, we place you in His hands
We place you in the hands of the Father above
Knowing He will keep you safe within His love
We place you in the hands that calms the raging waves
Knowing that He is still able to save
We give you back to God, we place you in His hands
Ten years later and the pain is still as raw and fresh every year his birthday rolls around. His life touched many and forever changed ours. Because of his death we know of at least 2 people that accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior. His funeral was beautiful and all those in attendance will say God was there with us and so were His angels. The day of SeanPatrick's funeral was a cold dreary fall day. When we were at the grave site sitting up on a hill in Eastern Kentucky, we sat under a tent and under that tent the presence of God was so strong! When we played, " We Place You in His Hands" the clouds broke and the sun shined down on us and SeanPatrick. The wind stopped and all was quiet for the brief moment the song played. At the end of the song "We give you back to God, We place you in His hands" a mighty wind came and almost took the tent. It was like the rush of angels wings as they took flight! The clouds closed and the sun disappeared. Those in attendance talked about what took place for weeks afterwards. We have no doubt that God sent His angels to be with us and our family as we released our precious son into Jesus' hands!
We hang these pictures I have posted on our family wall along with his brothers and sister. Our other children know that they have a big brother in heaven watching out for them and one day, when Jesus returns we will be reunited with SeanPatrick.
Aug 29, 2007
"Take this child...and nurse it for me." - Today's Devotional
I want to share today's devotional from The Word for You Today.
"Dr. James Dobson writes: 'I attended a wedding in a beautful garden setting in which 150 colorful helium balloons were released in to the California sky. Within seconds they were scattered across the heavens - some rising hundreds of feet, others cruising toward the horizon. They all began from the same launching pad, were filled with the same helium, and ascended in the same conditions. Yet within minutes they were separated by a mile or more. A few balloons struggled to clear the upper branches of trees, while the show-offs became mere pinpoints of color on their journey to the sky. How interesting, I thought - and how symbolic of children.'
Parent, you help determine how high your child will rise. So: (a) Create the right climate in your home. The words you speak, the order you establish, the music and television programs you allow, are molding their character and their future. If you're too busy to notice these things - you're too busy! (b) Give them the right mentors. Ruth followed Naomi. Timothy followed Paul. Your children are going to follow someone. The question is, who? Your best defense against destructive influences is offensive teaching, and a Christ-like example. Read God's Word to them each day. Pray over them - and with them. Do it! Don't be shy. The molester and drug dealer are not shy! Speak up! You can't improve on the words of Pharaoh's daughter,
given to Moses' mother as she saved her son from the waters of the Nile that would have consumed him. "Take this child...and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages." Parent, you have no greater responsibility! And if you do it right, you'll have no greater reward!"
My Comments on this devotional:
WOW! What a call to stand up and speak God's word over our children! Dr J Dobson is a very wise man! My friend Michele adopted a brilliant young lad and she has been going through the trenches with and for him. She does what this devotional says....she prays over him, speaks God's word over and to him and this summer began to see a big change in him. Praise God! God's word is truth & light that breaks the darkness. As she has been speaking this over her son and into his life, light has been invading that darkness in his life. This little boy has gone through and lived through more things than most, all in the foster care system. My friend stepped up and took him as hers. God has and will continue to honor her patience, persistence and faith in Him and her son. I believe that when this little boy is completely healed which is coming very soon - he is going to stand before his church, his family and the school he attends and will give God all the glory for (1) healing him of his past hurts, (2) give thanks for a mom in the trenches, (3) be able to attest to the love and mercy that God has for him and others out there that have gone through the same things he has.
Our God is a big GOD! A solid foundation to stand on (like the Rock of Ages) is what our children need to succeed in life. We are responsible for helping them have that foundation! My dear friend Michele, you are giving Marcus that foundation! Stay in the trenches, stay on your knees fighting for Marcus and bringing him before our Heavenly Father, and and don't you give up! God has a mighty big plan for Marcus and for you! Remember: Staying Patient, Persistent and Faithful towards God and Marcus will prevail over all those dark moments that he is continuing to fight. We love you!
"Dr. James Dobson writes: 'I attended a wedding in a beautful garden setting in which 150 colorful helium balloons were released in to the California sky. Within seconds they were scattered across the heavens - some rising hundreds of feet, others cruising toward the horizon. They all began from the same launching pad, were filled with the same helium, and ascended in the same conditions. Yet within minutes they were separated by a mile or more. A few balloons struggled to clear the upper branches of trees, while the show-offs became mere pinpoints of color on their journey to the sky. How interesting, I thought - and how symbolic of children.'
Parent, you help determine how high your child will rise. So: (a) Create the right climate in your home. The words you speak, the order you establish, the music and television programs you allow, are molding their character and their future. If you're too busy to notice these things - you're too busy! (b) Give them the right mentors. Ruth followed Naomi. Timothy followed Paul. Your children are going to follow someone. The question is, who? Your best defense against destructive influences is offensive teaching, and a Christ-like example. Read God's Word to them each day. Pray over them - and with them. Do it! Don't be shy. The molester and drug dealer are not shy! Speak up! You can't improve on the words of Pharaoh's daughter,
given to Moses' mother as she saved her son from the waters of the Nile that would have consumed him. "Take this child...and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages." Parent, you have no greater responsibility! And if you do it right, you'll have no greater reward!"
My Comments on this devotional:
WOW! What a call to stand up and speak God's word over our children! Dr J Dobson is a very wise man! My friend Michele adopted a brilliant young lad and she has been going through the trenches with and for him. She does what this devotional says....she prays over him, speaks God's word over and to him and this summer began to see a big change in him. Praise God! God's word is truth & light that breaks the darkness. As she has been speaking this over her son and into his life, light has been invading that darkness in his life. This little boy has gone through and lived through more things than most, all in the foster care system. My friend stepped up and took him as hers. God has and will continue to honor her patience, persistence and faith in Him and her son. I believe that when this little boy is completely healed which is coming very soon - he is going to stand before his church, his family and the school he attends and will give God all the glory for (1) healing him of his past hurts, (2) give thanks for a mom in the trenches, (3) be able to attest to the love and mercy that God has for him and others out there that have gone through the same things he has.
Our God is a big GOD! A solid foundation to stand on (like the Rock of Ages) is what our children need to succeed in life. We are responsible for helping them have that foundation! My dear friend Michele, you are giving Marcus that foundation! Stay in the trenches, stay on your knees fighting for Marcus and bringing him before our Heavenly Father, and and don't you give up! God has a mighty big plan for Marcus and for you! Remember: Staying Patient, Persistent and Faithful towards God and Marcus will prevail over all those dark moments that he is continuing to fight. We love you!
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