I have been wanting to read this book so bad! My mom and I had been talking about it because we both read the first one. Well, this is the surprise I got in the mail yesterday. I love surprises, but it is very hard to surprise me. This one was successful! Now I just have to find the time between clinicals and careplans to read it. Somehow I don't think I'll let that stop me.:) My mom is the greatest in the world!
Friday, September 24, 2010
I know it's 90 degrees outside but I am so excited about the season!
OK, so I wasn't going to talk about this on here because we were turning it over to God and I didn't want to dwell on negative things. However, my thought is that this is going to be a life-long challenge... and what is a blog about our lives if I don't talk about what's going on in our lives? I'm going to make a long story short. 3 weeks ago today, Chris was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. The is a chronic, autoimmune disorder involving the GI tract. He's been struggling with it without knowing what it was for about 6 months. (In case you're wondering, he's totally OK with me writing this) Anyway, we found out 3 weeks ago, the doctor gave him meds to take, and told him to come back in 3 weeks. Uh, what? More info please! So the last 3 weeks we have researched, talked to people, and just tried to figure out what the heck we were up against. Meanwhile Chris has pretty bad reactions to 2 medications and has to be put on steroids. This has been a long 3 weeks! The steroids made him feel MUCH better but can't be used long-term. We went back to the doctor today to find out that the doctor is 90% sure that this is UC but is wanting to do MORE tests to rule out the other 10. It is disappointing that the 2 meds he had reactions to are in the family of the best medications for maintenance of "remission"-the time periods where the symptoms will be minimal. The doc told us about a different drug that can be "infused" every two months. We have no idea about cost/effects of this drug. The doctor didn't start him on anything today because he wants to see if the symptoms are held off right now because of the steroid treatment.
I have been pretty impressed with Chris through this whole thing. He has been very laid-back and I can tell he is working on his trust in God to take care of him. We've both been through our share of emotions, don't get me wrong! Today was a little tough for us both. I guess we both wanted some real answers and the truth is, there are none to be had right at this moment.
We're doing pretty well. On Monday, Chris got some GREAT news about a job prospect. We are continuing on and making the most of it! I can't think of a time in our marriage when we've been closer. I hurt for him, though, when he hurts and I would take it away in a second if I could. We have been reminded that God is in control and are doing our best to have FAITH! All I know is that we are in His hands and, really, where else would you rather be?
P.S. So this ended up being a not-so-short story. Sorry bout that!:)
Francine Rivers is definitely one of my very favorite authors. The first book of hers that I read was Redeeming Love. After that one, I could not read the rest of her books fast enough. I mean, these books are treasures! Once I start one I can't put it down! Fortunately for me, I started reading them after she had written quite a few. That meant that I had a treasure store of books to choose from. Currently I have read them all and have to wait for each new book to come out. The last book that I read was Her Mother's Hope, a story about a woman who immigrated from Europe to America during the early 20th century. It was wonderful, heartening, and well, the first part of a two-book series. After reading it I had to wait several months for the second to come out. Torture. THEN-the second book Her Daughter's Dream (pictured above) came out September 14th. Just happened to be at one of my busiest times in school and during a time when I had no business spending $20+ dollars on a new book. Needless to say, I'm kind of excited to get to a point where I can read this one. (Amazon maybe?) Anyway, I have rambled. If you have read Francine Rivers, what is your favorite?? Which one would you recommend to someone who hasn't read one?
These are the books I currently own, minus one which is MIA (loaned to a friend).
I LOVE the song "I Know You're There" by Casting Crowns. Whenever I hear it I feel peace and hope and strength. My favorite part of the song goes like this:
I know you're there. I know you see me. You're the air I breathe, you are the ground beneath me. I know you're there. I know you hear me. I can find you anywhere.
The ground beneath me?? Wow, when I think about that and realize that it is true, I gain a little piece of perspective knowing that, even if I fall, I fall on Him. When I think about the times in my life where I feel that He is closest and that I could find Him in the air I breathe, it would have to be the times where I am standing at the edge of the ocean or looking up at millions of stars from the top of a mountain or gazing down on a valley or even feeling the cool Fall wind on my face. This is one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen, this sunset in Cullen, Scotland. The photo doesn't do it justice. I can definitely find God in scenes like this:
Have you ever heard this song by Point of Grace? I'm sure you have. I LOVE it! Every time I hear it I'm inspired to get out of my rut and do fun things and remember the people I love.
Wake up to the sunlight
With your windows open
Don't hold in your anger or leave things unspoken
Wear your red dress
Use your good dishes
Make a big mess and make lots of wishes
Have what you want
But want what you have
And don't spend your life lookin' back
So go to the ballgames
And go to the ballet
And go see your folks more than just on the holidays
Kiss all your children
Dance with your wife
Tell your husband you love him every night
Don't run from the truth
'Cause you can't get away
Just face it and you'll be okay
Bridge:
Oh wherever you are and wherever you've been
Now is the time to begin
So give to the needy
And pray for the grieving
E'en when you don't think that you can
'Cause all that you do is bound to come back to you
So think of your fellow man
Make peace with God and make peace with yourself
'Cause in the end there's nobody else
Turn up the music
Turn it up loud
Take a few chances
Let it all out
'Cause you won't regret it
Lookin' back from where you have been
'Cause it's not who you knew
And it's not what you did
It's how you live
'Cause it's not who you knew
And it's not what you did
It's how you live
Video from the song-worth your time! I've never done a video before-let me know if it doesn't work!
I was at school at Harding on September 11, 2001. I was living in the dorm with Cherie, Ginny, and Kristen. That was an interesting day on campus and a day I will never forget. Soon after, there was a memorial service in the Benson Auditorium which included priests, pastors, and ministers from many different faiths all coming together to remember and honor those killed in the attack. It was an amazing thing to be a part of. My prayers are with those who are still affected every day. Lord, help us live in peace.
Have you ever tied a message to a balloon and let it go-sort of like a message in a bottle? I have.:) I wrote a message with my name and address (ok, maybe not the smartest thing, but this was years ago) and sent it upwards in hopes that someone would find it and write me a letter. Did I get a letter??? No. Wouldn't it have been interesting, though? I've always loved pen pals! I'm guessing the balloon ended up in someone's tree or maybe in the Cumberland River where everything else seems to end up.
What does this have to do with Friday, you ask? Nothing really, except that it's been a long week that has ended up pretty well. I can imagine I'm holding the balloons in this picture and I'm about to let them go to signal an official start to the weekend. As I said in my previous post, this hasn't been the greatest couple of weeks ever. I've decided not to go into detail because I'm letting it go and giving it up to the One who knows all and knows what to do with my worries. Chris and I have felt surrounded by love this week from family and friends and we thank God for those people in our lives.
Soooo....Hurray for Friday! I'm hoping everyone has a wonderful weekend filled with family, friends, worship, and rest.
"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations for ever and ever!" ~Ephesians 3:20
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. (That always gives me a little thrill, thinking about standing in his grace.) And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." ~Romans 5: 1-5
Right now, friends, I'm working toward that hope. This has been a crazy day, following a not-so-great week. I really feel that my perseverance is being tested right now. I'm a little up and down every day about how I am going to handle the things going on in my life right now. (I'll go into more detail later.) Right now, it is my prayer that I stand up and let His grace carry me.
"You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance." ~Psalm 32:7
"In the day of trouble 'neath the shadow of your wings, Hide me away Oh Lord."
Do you ever have lines of songs go through your head at just the right time?
"Turn my heart Oh Lord, like rivers of water. Turn my heart Oh Lord, by your hand. Til my whole life flows in the river of your spirit and my name brings honor to the Lamb."
Nothing like hanging out with your sweetie after a long week! Chris and I went to Cafe 4 in Market Square tonight. Our favorite is the pimento cheese and pita appetizer! Afterward we went out into the square and caught the end of a free bluegrass concert. Breeze blowing, good music, and good company. It was a good night.
I'm so excited for this Labor Day weekend and the chance to spend a little extra time with Chris. We need that. I'm excited about a little football, some church, and a some extra sleeping in and snuggling.;)
