tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74525504322473418362024-03-19T06:09:31.341-05:00Our WitnessMark 5:19-20 19 Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has
done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had
done for him. And all the people were amazed.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00770889291196070207noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452550432247341836.post-65318437664547140772018-11-18T07:00:00.000-06:002018-11-18T07:00:16.098-06:00Celebrating a life well lived<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Just had a much needed talk with my sister from another mother. Our conversation ended reminincing about one of the dearest people I've known her mother, Mrs. Joann Williams. We weren't able to be there in Philidelphia to celebrate her life but I wrote this tribute ... I don't think Cynthia will mind me sharing if she does oh well (she shouldn't have rushed me off of the phone to get in bed!). On a serious note I know there are all kinds of pain, on many different levels in this world today. Most of what I wrote 5 years ago is more applicable now than when I wrote it then. I realized after reading this to Cynthia that this was dedicated to Granny but could only be used by those of us who are alive. I'm taking a couple of doses of this myself and I hope you will too if you need to...</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">The Hart, Callihan, and Minniefield
families’ tribute to our beloved<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Jo-Ann Williams</i></b> </span>affectionately
to us <b><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Granny”</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">Love is
patient,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not
proud.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">It does not dishonor others, it is not</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">self-seeking,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">it is not easily angered,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">it keeps no record of wrongs. </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">Love does not delight in evil</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">but rejoices with the </span></span></span><span class="text" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">truth.</span></span><span class="text" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><sup><span style="background: white; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></sup></b></span><span class="text" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"> Love always protects, always trusts, always
hopes, always perseveres. <i>1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">Learning of
Granny’s passing a few days ago was one of the hardest days </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 10pt;">for all of us.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 10pt;">As difficult as it was in a weird kind of way
the day also caused us to rejoice. Yes, she is now free from the bondage of the
dreaded disease Cancer.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 10pt;"> The thought of n</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 10pt;">o more pain, or
suffering somehow provided a calm sense of unexplainable peace for us.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The Lord
allowed our pathways to cross thirteen years or so ago through our children and
we’ve been family from then until now. Cynthia, Jeffery and Girls we commend
you all for a job well done taking care of Granny during her transition. We wish we could be there with you now in person
during what we know is a very difficult time.
Prayerfully you all feel our presence, especially now, as you are
celebrating Granny’s life well lived. Family for all of us is significant, and
Granny adopted us and loved us as her family almost immediately. She was there with my mother, when Diana was
born, but we really grew very close after an auto-pedestrian accident, in
2001. Granny took care of Diana who was
only six months old at the time, me, all while taking care of Alex and Ashly. She allowed me to be angry, cry, and a couple of times Granny allowed me to
have a meltdown fit, but then she said like only she could <i>“now that is enough of that you need to get yourself together and get
on to something else.” </i>It wasn’t long after that I recovered and was able
to go back to work.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">She
invested so much into me, Joshua, and our girls lives. We are better because of the time and energy
she spent pouring wisdom, and the wealth of life long knowledge into us. Granny
exhibited the grace of God, His unmerited favor, and had the ultimate respect
for every human being. She was such a gracious, and proper woman who went out
of her way to be kind. Granny meant so much to us. The above scripture about
love describes the love Granny shared with so many people. She was like a second
mother, a grandmother to my girls, a teacher, mentor, and Granny was my friend. Our world
would be so much sweeter if there were more people like <i>Mrs. Jo-Ann Williams (Granny)</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The bulk of
our conversations was either about God, or our family. She was a woman of great faith, and she lived
a life that so pleased God. We shared favorite foods such as taco salad, soup, beans, all things italian, and seafood. We had some beautiful meals together making life long
memories. Granny was an incredible gardener too. Now make no mistake about it she
was also strict on the girls (and me too) when she needed to be, <i>“keep the main thing the main thing”</i> she
would often say, and we knew to get right back on track, she knew her job, and did it
well. Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderes or addicted to much wine, but teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;">Titus 2:3-5 (NIV)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">We
celebrate you Mrs. JoAnn Williams, and know for sure we will see you again. A good name is better than fine perfume,</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"> <span class="text"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">and the day of
death is better than the day of birth.” Ecclesiastes 7:1 (NIV)</span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I’m so
thankful for the opportunities we had to demonstrate how much Granny meant to
us, we loved on her every time she was around.
We feel sadness, but we maximized our time when she was alive, we have
no regrets. We are positive she knew our
great love for her. </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;">Family, life
is short let’s hold each other accountable to live every day to the fullest …and
challenge each other to deliberately love hard with out excuse, not contigent on if it is recieved … </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Finally, my brethren,
whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely whatever is admirable if anything is excellent or
praiseworthy think about such things. Philippians 4:8.” (NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">Important
learned lesson from Granny, as a final take away, be intentional about living your
life, you only have one. Don’t waste valuable time, and energy, instead
diligently work to leave a positive impact on this world. Live well until you die!! Go on sweet Granny take your rest.</span></span></span></h2>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00770889291196070207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452550432247341836.post-11944020040571432832018-07-16T00:07:00.001-05:002018-07-16T00:07:27.660-05:00Our Witness: I'm back<a href="http://ourwitness.blogspot.com/2018/07/im-back.html?spref=bl">Our Witness: I'm back</a>: It's been way too long since blogging, maybe I can get and stay in the groove. Lots of things have happened, I'm still working har...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00770889291196070207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452550432247341836.post-48326107088730663982018-07-14T17:38:00.002-05:002018-07-14T17:38:29.564-05:00I'm back<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">It's been way too long since blogging, maybe I can get and stay in the groove. Lots of things have happened, I'm still working hard at what I believe God has purposed my life to accomplish. This has been the hardest job ever second to being a mother. I continue to push through the dissapoitments, discouragement, and defeat giving God the glory as I run this race. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">If I had been told after going through all I have that I would be in the situation I am in today I wouldn't believe it. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Today feels alot like waking up in Little Rock after the doctors at Mercy couldn't figure out what was going on. It was cold, I was hurting, and all alone. There was chaos and seem like everything was going in slow motion. I was so scared of what was happening, but more so that I didn't have control over anything. I could see my legs, hips, feet, arms and hands but they were heavy and uncontrollable no matter what I did I couldn't get my body function. What made this worse was how concerned the doctor was. His face had question marks everytime he entered my room.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">After wrestling with every thought that came to mind with no avail I remember saying, "God Almighty do You see this? Really this is happening after everything that has happened in my life? Why?" I wish I could say He answered me, and everything is great but that is not the case. There have been many times since then I felt like I was close to the answer, and then there are days like today, I feel like I will never know the answer and how none of it make sense. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
Scripture helps me one in particular is Job. Some things I'm reminding myself of today is He has never left me alone Heb. 13:5 He will instruct you and teach you the way you should go Psalm 32:8. In my case I have to have exhausted everything I know to do that's when I'm ready to obey Him. I've learned God's character in the dark, cold nights, I'm burdened, full of fear there He draws me to Himself. <span style="font-family: "Droid Sans", Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 15.6px; vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">As I ponder my own personal future, I see some things clearly while other things are a mystery to me. Then I remember what Job said. </span></span></span></span></span></span><b style="font-family: "Droid Sans", Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 15.6px;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">“He knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold”</span></span></span></span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Droid Sans", Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 15.6px; vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"> (Job 23:10). </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Droid Sans", Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 15.6px; vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">He knows the way that I take even when I don’t. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Droid Sans", Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 15.6px; vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">He knows the way that I take even when I can’t see clearly.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Droid Sans", Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 15.6px; line-height: 24.96px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Looking back, we find it easy to count our blessings and to see the hand of the Lord moving on our behalf. So much has happened that we did not expect, we have to keep on going "it's all good"</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00770889291196070207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452550432247341836.post-37270870601195595642015-09-25T14:10:00.000-05:002015-09-25T14:10:41.401-05:00Friday FeatureMay HE give you the desires of your heart and make all your plans succeed. Psalm 20:4 NIV<br />
<br />
<br />
A VERY SPECIAL EVENT FOR A VERY SPECIAL DAUGHTER<br />
Wrapping up the work week, and doing something different with the days of the week, let's go out with a big bang...there isn't a better choice than my oldest daughter.<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">NAEAIDRIA</span></b><br />
<br />
Celebrate with me the most ambitious, beautiful, valued, confident talented young lady's I know. When she was little I daydreamed a lot about what she would become. I'm so thankful for the amazing, incredibly, gifted young lady she is I could not be any prouder than I am of her.<br />
Praying that God allows her to have many more birthdays.<br />
<br />
Who is your feature?<br />
<br />
Glory to God great things HE has done!!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00770889291196070207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452550432247341836.post-1092762103490859852015-09-24T07:46:00.000-05:002015-09-24T07:46:16.249-05:00Thursday's Thrill<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, serif;" /></span></b>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 35px;"><b>“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philipians 1:6 (KJV)</b></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 35px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; font-size: 28px; line-height: 49px;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; font-size: 28px; line-height: 49px;">Today's theme is what are you "thrilled" about... you know what/who brings you joy? I have so much to be "thrilled about, I am alive, I feel well today, and am learning so much lately.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; font-size: 28px; line-height: 49px;">I am "thrilled" to the max about this journey, and the fact that many will benefit from it. My Pastor's messages for some time now have come from Revelations, interesting enough so is this semester's study in BSF. This week's lesson reminded me of the confidence we have as believer's about eternity.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Glory to God Great things HE has done!</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Share your thrills.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; font-size: 28px; line-height: 49px;"><br /></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00770889291196070207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452550432247341836.post-21681042377279407692015-09-24T00:09:00.000-05:002015-09-24T00:09:03.081-05:00Wednesday's Worth <span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 NIV</span></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do not be afraid, land of Judah; be glad and rejoice. Surely the LORD has done great things! </span></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Joel 2:21 NIV</span></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></span>
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">On Wednesday think about something worth sharing. I want to share an opinion, perhaps you've wondered why good people have to suffer. I've thought about this many times. For now I'm fine with the fact that I do not/never will control anything in my life. I am confident that all things work together for good (Romans 8:28). Jesus tells us we will have trouble in this world (not if we have trouble expect it) but we are to stay calm ...</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">Easier to say than it is to do, I know. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">It has been very difficult and there are many days it takes everything within me to keep moving. I made a intentional choice to see the good coming out of this journey. I've been asked many times how do I manage, my response is I have made my choice. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">I overheard someone talking about me talking about what I have been through and how I need to just let it go .... I'll be talking about what the Lord has done for me until I'm unable to talk. I don't want to get over it. I believe in good coming out of bad. Let me be clear as I have said before I won't be the lady with my hand flagging down God to pick me for the next miracle HE wants to bless, but rest assuredly knowing all the good coming from this journey far outweighs the bad "something to shout about." This journey is about so much more than me. I'll tell this story again and again, for His GLOR!!!. Some good is already happening, and I believe the best is yet to come ... stay tuned. It is all about HIM. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><b>The worth</b> ... life is a journey, God is in control, knows what HE is doing, it's all good. You choose what you want to do with it, nothing we go through on earth will compare to eternity spent with HIM make sure you have a relationship with HIM.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Glory to God Great things HE has done !!!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Now your turn.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00770889291196070207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452550432247341836.post-90626911064582776192015-09-22T14:23:00.000-05:002015-09-22T14:23:08.991-05:00Tuesday Truth<b>For you created my inmost being: you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. </b><br />
<b>Psalm 139:13-14 NIV </b><br />
<br />
Trying new things, from now until directed to do something else on Tuesdays let's post something that is true to your heart. The truth can be a life principal you try to live by, a scripture, the thing I'd ask is to make it positive, inspiring, or encouraging,<br />
<br />
I'll start with mine, a true thought from the scripture above:
I live my life intentional knowing how I was created. I remind myself of this often because it is easy for me to get caught up in being what others think I should be. I'm ok the way HE created me.<br />
<br />
Please leave a commentAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00770889291196070207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452550432247341836.post-10807737192402462572015-09-21T14:53:00.000-05:002015-09-21T14:53:16.216-05:00Teachable<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Your ears shall hear a world behind you, saying “This is the
new way, walk in it, “whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn
to the left.” (Isaiah 30:21 NIV)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“But the Comforter, who is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father
will send in my name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to
your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”<br />
(John 14:26 NIV)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Admission, my intention was to blog about the upcoming changes to this blog yesterday, however there are twenty four hours in everyday. I'm sure I'm the only one who struggles with time management. I am doing the best thing I can do about it now, the hours ran out before I could complete the task of the day ok. <br />
I am so thankful I am still teachable. Please be patient and kind as I will be following HIS lead. Oh for those of you laughing and talking about how bad I am at blogging .... motivation at it's finest ... to rely on HIM, "He's not finish with me yet," Bro. Randy. Some of the best things I've learned came after making a mess first.<br />
All of that to say the blog is going under construction. I am learning to be humble, and draw from those God has raised up on my be half, and unfortunately, I have a lot to learn.<br />
Let me admit that I like learning but am having a bit of a problem with the instructor choices the Lord is making lately. A couple weeks ago my almost 14 year old instructor was helping me with some ways to keep the "peoples" engaged and I said to her "what peoples" she said "mother you have people that will visit your blog because of your experiences and what your interests are "those people." I thought to myself that lil girl may be on to something. NMO is a rare disease so in my mind the audience (the people) may be small, I learned that is a "no no" bloggers should have large following, who knew everyone but me. <br />
Another relentless instructor, (celebrating her birthday this week), spoke with me about my ideas for such a time as this, the journey and what we know to be a part of why HE created me. She said "mother don't expect people to lose sleep, and be hyped about your blog," that is your job Moma." You are the one about to release all the pressure stored in that pressure cooker of yours about this journey and the ministries coming out of it. Take ownership because there is no passion for this journey like yours Moma."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To line up with the above advice, the Lord confirmed His word through two men Bro. Randy, and Doug Booker one said "leave up to God what HE wants to say through you" and other one said "God has specific plans for me, but HE will be working from His blueprint (if I knew it all, had it all there would be no need for HIM). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Everyday we are planning a theme. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From now on, Monday is Music Monday,<br />
Please share a song, lyrics and any other thing you'd like about music. One of the things that saw me through some dark days and the way I choose to celebrate is through music. I want to thank Melissa Brown for Timesia's hospital cd's volume 1 & 2 (and my last one from the link) click the link to listen to one of my favorites. Please don't forget to comment.<br />
<br />
Glory to God great things HE has done.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(28, 28, 28, 0.8); color: #bbbbbb; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14.3px;">https://youtu.be/7S2jTLounyU</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00770889291196070207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452550432247341836.post-33475485133822000562015-09-18T11:34:00.000-05:002015-09-18T11:41:13.916-05:00How does support of family and friends look?<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<b style="line-height: 22.4px;"><i><span style="color: #444444; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bear one another burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2) </span></span></i></b><b style="line-height: 22.4px;"><i><span style="color: #444444; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friend. (Proverb 18:24)</span></span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #444444; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="line-height: 22.4px;">One thing I leaned from a bible study I recently attended at my church is no longer is taking out time to rest a good thing, but it is absolutely essential to be well. I've given myself some time away to enjoy some of the things I like doing crocheting, visiting the sick, helping Veterans through the daunting red tape to get the help both physically and emotionally they need, and helping women look and feel their best no matter what season of life the may be in. All of which are making an impact on building up the Kingdom of God.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">Back writing today, I felt a nudge that gently reminded me that it is imperative to continue what I've started to completion. For a couple of reasons, the first is the fact that I know others will benefit from these experiences, but most of all everything this entire journey points back towards God. </span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">I'm sure that I've mentioned that the only way to go through what I've gone through is with "Jesus on your side" (words to a lil song I wrote many years ago), and the loving support of family and friends. One very unique thing I'd like to say is outside of the outward appearance, my family and friends look and act so much alike, and I am so very thankful for each of them. Another fact is it safe to say my family and friends go hand and hand, and have become interchangeable, such a beautiful experience.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">This post is to tag some recently submitted videos to the blog. Let me just pause and do a lil shot/scream out to Dave Roberts for all of his hard work he has done. I have a new plan for the blog starting Sunday, so I'll brag on him, and Kelley Stamps, for putting the blog up, and helping me to maintain it.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">Some of the videos posted were taken last year, the Lord allowed Joshua and I to host Thanksgiving here in Northwest Arkansas in our home. This is one of my favorite family traditions. We've done Thanksgiving this way for as long as I can remember. We rotate where we celebrate, and the last time it was supposed to be here I wasn't physically able to host it so this was a huge blessing. The other videos were done earlier this year.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">After viewing the videos, I felt like I needed to explain we made it to this point heavily reliant on our faith in God, and the support of each other. Having family and friends isn't the same as having the support w/o asking of family and friends. Knowing there was never a reason to call because family/friends were here and still hang around to date. I have a hard time communicating what I feel when I think of the family and friends God surrounded us with. You realize early on who will be there for you, and at times I was really surprised, but am so much better for knowing. The scripture that comes to mind is Philippians 4:19 ... and God shall supply all our needs according to His riches of glory in Christ Jesus did not disappoint. </span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">My immediate family is very unique, in that we fight about which one of us is going to do the thing that no one wants to do, and in most families it is the other way around. My father was/is so very strict on us (now suffering from dementia very evident in his video), and my mother let's just say I would be "whipped" with whatever she could put her hand on (and they both agree I needed all the discipline I received growing up). We have a blended family I am the middle girl of six girls and we have one older brother and the baby of our family is my other brother. As with any other family we have our ups and downs, there are the intellectuals, nutty, humorous, serious, sweet, easy going and down right mean in which our family can be defined (have a good time figuring out which one is which). Throughout this journey there were some role changes in which confirms God's control, and how His love was the constant that kept us. </span></span><span style="color: #666666; line-height: 22.4px;">My extended family pretty much operated in conjunction with my biological family and we all share the common denominator Jesus and His love for us. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; line-height: 22.4px;">There were many who were going to record but we had a time limit and schedules wouldn't afford everyone the opportunity to video, I want to mention how much of a blessing to be surrounded in love, every need supplied. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">These videos were posted to encourage other family and friends going through a similar journey. It is easy to see we are ordinary people with many imperfections. One thing that defines a true family in my opinion is learning to overlooked each other faults and love each other through. We don't suffer from spiritual amnesia like we have it all together, but admit we are all work in progress. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">Everyone that took part knows first hand what this journey is about and wanted to share from a sister's point of view, a mother's point of view, child's point of view and from a friend's point of view and others to give hope that we made it with our faith and what God did for us through each other can work the same way for you ... trust HIM !!!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">To God be the Glory Great things HE has done.</span></span><br />
<div class="panel-pane pane-entity-field pane-node-body" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; direction: ltr; font-family: Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div class="inner" style="box-sizing: border-box; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div class="pane-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden" style="box-sizing: border-box; direction: ltr; margin: 1.7em 0px 1.6em; padding: 0px 30px 0px 0px;">
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Droid Serif', Georgia, serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1.6em; padding: 0px; text-rendering: auto;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00770889291196070207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452550432247341836.post-29137351710207352302015-09-16T14:23:00.003-05:002015-09-21T15:34:31.725-05:00Interviews of some very good friends and family!<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bAcTcE3L8R4?rel=0" width="640"></iframe>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/La6QavVvTlA?rel=0" width="640"></iframe>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JPZv_jYRdf4?rel=0" width="640"></iframe>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GuepVa_omnc?rel=0" width="640"></iframe>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3Siq1AMY37A?rel=0" width="640"></iframe>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zOsEZRs06jY?rel=0" width="640"></iframe>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uTKJh_zAsDE?rel=0" width="640"></iframe>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bK0i0_ktInE?rel=0" width="640"></iframe>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DyIFfNhW-jw?rel=0" width="640"></iframe>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ghS4UdM6gxY?rel=0" width="640"></iframe>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FQGlB9_TPTs?rel=0" width="640"></iframe>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/idbPsCCPIV4?rel=0" width="640"></iframe>
<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FEuTKrQdflA?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00770889291196070207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452550432247341836.post-72265798158496620582015-03-15T04:49:00.000-05:002015-03-15T04:49:24.032-05:00My ChoiceBut as for me, I shall sing of Your strength; Yes, I shall joyfully sing of Your lovingkindness in the morning, For You have been my stronghold And a refuge in the day of my distress Psalm 59:16<br />
<br />
Made it to Chicago and back safe and sound, and am so grateful. I want to thank each and everyone for the calls, text, and emails of encouragement, they meant so much to me.<br />
So some of you have asked about the service last week. I shared right before the message. There was a couple of things that I was made aware of that weren't clear the first thing is I celebrated 2yr post transplant a couple of weeks ago, I jumbled that sentence up. The second thing was what the green ribbons stand for. The flowers ribbons, and bands represent Neuromyelitis Optica awareness month (March). Here is what I shared ...<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>It’s in HIM we live, we move, and in HIM we have our being.
Oh magnify the Lord with me let us exalt His name together...O come, let us
sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. I
honor and praise The Lord today for this life HE has afforded me to live. I
stand here today only by HIS strength, grace and mercy I am truly grateful. </em></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I want to thank my husband for staying the course during what
has been to date the most physically and emotionally draining time in our marriage.
I want to thank my Mother, Rida, Kitty, and my girls for making the choice to
put their lives on hold in order to do all they could to help in what seemed to
be a helpless situation. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pastor, Dr. Byrum and every brother/sister of this great
congregation there isn’t time nor do I have the energy necessary to express the
gratitude I have in my heart for every part each of you played during this
journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your love and support has been
a motivating force, and strength essential to persevere through some of the
darkest days of my life</span></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Diagnosed with Neuromyelitis Optica a rare incurable
Neurological disease, affecting the optic nerves and spinal cord several years
ago in which I lost central vision in my right eye and experienced total body
weakness due to lesions throughout my spinal cord is a testament of how Great
and mighty our God is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think the severe,
rapid; deteriorating condition of my body activated a determination resulting
in what you see before you today.<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>The Lord allowed me to read an article while rehabilitating
about a trial transplant in Canada and after researching He lead me to a
similar transplant being performed in Chicago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God alone eliminated every obstacle and I celebrated two year post
transplant a week ago. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>I leave for Chicago in the morning for tests, and other procedures.
These studies will determine whether my case will be considered a positive
result. Prayerfully the FDA would consider transplant therapy as a treatment
for NMO.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would be a blessing to be a
part of finding a cure for NMO, but I realize that between now and then there
are other things that God has allowed me to go through and take a stand
for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel an urgency to Advocate for
change and bridge the gap between insurance providers and other regulators to
understand what families have to endure when 24hour care is essential for the well-being
of the patient. I'd like to see insurance address how they can become humane
and more caring. <o:p></o:p></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>At the end of a physical fitness program I was a part we were
to write down one word describing our journey my word is destiny. I believe
everything suffered will be used for the purpose God created my life for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe the secret of salvation isn’t that
I found the Lord but that the Lord found me, and I realize my life is not my
own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wouldn’t have chosen this arena
to play in but almighty God has the final say when we surrender all to Him. March
is NMO awareness month which explains the ribbons, flowers, bands, and tact
pins to raise awareness. I hope to return from Chicago with a green sign
indicating positive results moving closer to ending NMO. In my journey given
all the pieces it would be unbelievable story without God writing it. It is a
story of the power of prayer, complete dependency on God, and an example of what
total submission looks like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To God be
the Glory great things He has done</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em><o:p>Here is the link to watch the service <a href="http://new.livestream.com/fbcbentonville/events/3869012Some">http://new.livestream.com/fbcbentonville/events/3869012Some</a> </o:p></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em><o:p></o:p></em></span><br />
I've been trying to rest since coming back, last week was exhausting from start to finish, but haven't been able to yet. I was glad that the hospital campus was four blocks away from the hotel, so I was able to come back and take a nap in between some of the appointments. I had been trying to wait until all the results of the tests to share but I don't know how long it is going to be so here are the things we know now.<br />
No active inflammation of the spinal cord shown. The inflammation from previous exacerbations left a lot of scarring throughout my spine. The cervical section shows spinal cord thinning which the Neurologist said could be the culprit for the loss of sensation, dexterity, balance, and my walking being prohibited. He doesn't expect any changes.<br />
Preliminary results from the eye exams show no new vision lost from previous examination, that the left eye is doing well, Glory to our Great GOD. However, the Ophthalmologist diagnosed me with Glaucoma and color blindness in both eyes these are minor conditions given my history. He prescribed some medication and I was able to get the medications and start them. The pressure in both eyes has responded, praise the Lord. This time I had to also see an Audiologist, after his test and examination he determined that I have hearing lost(another thing affecting my walking) and a constant buzzing in my ears, he said to schedule an appointment locally.<br />
After two days of diagnostic testing (I think they made up some of those test too) it was time to see Dr. Burt (transplant doctor) he did his examination. The NMO titer test read NORMAL first time since the transplant.. He said we cannot know for sure if the negative blood test means the disease is completely gone but it being normal was a good thing as far as I know. He told me that the specific publication from the study I participated in is at the halfway mark before it is published so that others will know the outcomes. At that point other doctors will try transplant treatments on their patients. The more positive results is what the FDA needs to approve it. At this point comparing then/now I've had a positive result. The other doctors all did their exam and were all amazed at the progress. They all agreed that I should keep on doing all that I can to stay strong. <br />
I have been somewhat down about the trip since I got home because of my , expectations, I am feeling better now. I am destine to be all that God has created me to be. I'm not going to throw in the towel yet, but I will admit this has been a long and hard journey. I have been so encouraged by my family, and friends cards texts, and so on that I am ready to do what I've done to this point. I will deliberately live the best life I can while honoring God. <br />
I want to encourage anyone that maybe going through a difficult time not to give up keep doing what you know to do. God already knows why HE created you and NOTHING will keep that from coming to pass, don' be afraid. You are equipped with all you need knowledge, <span class="more">strength, resources, and favor to make it through, your best is yet to come.</span><br />
<br />
One of my go to favorites<br />
I will sing praise I will lift my voice I will sing praise, I've made my choice I will sing praise in all I do I will sing praise to you. No matter the storms that come my way, no matter the trials I may face you promised that you would see me through so I will trust in youAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00770889291196070207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452550432247341836.post-26908123296957042692015-02-06T12:48:00.001-06:002015-02-06T12:48:30.779-06:00First things firstHe that loves not knows not God; for God is love. 1 John 4:8 NIV<br />
<br />
So my intention is to raise awareness about Neuromylitis Optica a rare Neurological disease that I received a transplant for, and that still is my number one goal. However I have to admit that I have always been fascinated by the way the human body was created as well as the way it functions (only God could hook something up from nothing) Glory to His name Great things He has done. It is a fact that if one organ is not functioning properly it effects the entire body (side note so so thankful that throughout this medical journey my doctors have told me that my heart is as strong now as it was at age 25). I've not been told how or if NMO has had any affect on my heart but I've intentionally made some life changes that I'm sure has contributed to my heart health. There are heredity diseases that run in my family such as high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid, arthrosclerosis, and coronary artery disease, for which I cannot do anything about. After reading about each of them I understand that I have to continue making deliberate efforts to keep my heart as strong as possible.<br />
<br />
February is National Heart Awareness month and that's why all the heart talk. Here are a few interesting facts according to the National Heart Association that may be helpful ...<br />
<ul>
<li>Often thought of as a man's disease 1 of every 3 women die from heart disease that equates to one woman dying/minuet</li>
<li>Smoking, high blood pressure, and uncontrolled diabetes are major factors</li>
<li>Only old people have heart disease</li>
<li>Called the silent killer 67% of people that die from a heart attack either ignored or had no significant symptoms</li>
</ul>
These are some easy changes the American Heart Association recommends (Simple 7)<br />
<ol>
<li>If you smoke <strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">STOP</span></strong></li>
<li><span style="color: black;">Reduce blood sugar</span></li>
<li>Work on maintaining a healthy weight</li>
<li>Keep blood pressure under control (hard one for me I like salty crunchy that's all, no judging we are talking bout love anyway)</li>
<li>Stay active keep it moving (after being down over a year sometimes I go overboard)</li>
<li>Eat well fruit, veggies, and lean meats</li>
<li>Control cholesterol</li>
</ol>
By no means am I pretending to be a medical doctor, or health advisor. However I will say the best thing to remember is to seek medical attention immediately at the onset of any unexplained pain, or discomfort, it could save your life.<br />
Today is wear red day, the color red represents strength, joy, and power symbolizing the fight of women to end heart disease. As a Mary Kay Consultant, I am offering all red colors with a 10% discount the colors in satin finish formulas are Really Red, and Red. In the true dimension formula the colors are sizzling red and, firecracker red contact me for more information.<br />
I realize that men suffer from heart disease and on a personal level my father had a heart attack and I am thankful for the fast action of my sister and brother that our daddy is still here with us today.<br />
Finally, on the matter of love I personally think love is often underrated, especially when I look at how I love ... scriptures from the bible on love is the gage I use and understand how far I am from the love that Jesus teaches about, oh to be like Him (for now I'll keep on working on it).<br />
Singing ...Yes Jesus loves me the bible tells me soAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00770889291196070207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452550432247341836.post-21582499941207783572014-11-24T11:13:00.000-06:002014-11-24T11:13:42.287-06:00ThanksgivingI'm feeling the presence of the Lord really strong. Living the life He has given me has taken precedence (I'm busy) lately, I sing a song everyday somewhere everyday (ASAD ministry Psalm 104:33), and my other jobs whew ... I am so grateful for all of my blessings and at times (right now), I am overwhelmed. Don't get me wrong I have challenges that I face daily that could quickly knock me to my knees but the good continues outweighing the bad, so I forward march. I've come to accept that everyday will not be a sun shinning day, but after the rain we enjoy those beautiful rainbows, I welcome the rainy days (I still don't care for the thunder ; )) <br />I am hosting our families' Thanksgiving Traditional dinner for all those who would come, and stopped for a minuet to worship God for bringing me this far. I feel good today, my body feels so strong. I am able most nights to get in my bed, and sleep like a normal person. I'm functioning I do things a little bit different but I get them done. I was able to get the groceries (it took 3 trips to the stores) but the Lord blessed me to do it. I know none of the things I mention are major deals but try to do them when you are unable to think, and you are in a wheel chair with limited mobility. Hey trust me it is a major deal. I had a few minuets in between washing "the good dishes" and wiping down the cabinets to come try to express how grateful I am for all the many blessings, HE has given me. The best of the blessings include my relationship with God, my family, extended family, friends, and our health<br />
Love, Peace, and Happiness to all of you. Happy ThanksgivingAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00770889291196070207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452550432247341836.post-83675558240724522732014-09-20T13:51:00.000-05:002014-09-20T13:51:44.140-05:00"New Season New Day"<h2>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: small;">These are the appointed times of the LORD, holy convocations which you shall proclaim at the times appointed for them. Leviticus 23:4 KJV</span></h2>
I have been needing to blog, and have had so much to blog that I and overwhelmed. This rollercoaster of life hasn't changed in the least, however I have been involved in what I believe is taking me from this season of life to the next. For most of my life, purpose has been determined by whatever is happening at that particular time. Reflecting back as far as I can remember the motivating force for way too long was to please people. Growing up, and even into early adulthood my parents relatives, friends, let me just say people in general. I wanted to be whoever I needed to be "fit in". During my time in the United States Army, being so far away from family was when I think the awareness of "I'm ok" the way God created me came about.<br />
<em></em><br />
<em>I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14 KJV </em><br />
<em></em><br />
Even so seems like I wondered around life <strong>t</strong>rying this and that, taking on other responsibilities that had nothing to do with me before arriving here. When I started the <em>"Live Strong"</em> program in my mind I was fulfilling the doctor's recommendation, though after reading the material I did not see how I fit in. One thing I kept thinking to myself is at least I would have a little more time before going out on my own to develop a "new daily exercise program". After the first week I realized that the program was about more than developing a physical program, turns out to be the stepping stone for the next season of my life.<br />
<img alt="Timesia Hart" class="profilePic img" src="https://fbcdn-profile-a.akamaihd.net/hprofile-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-1/p160x160/10626676_10152704038804429_3683339458119686757_n.jpg?oh=a4230c5056bb8b36e63ffac62ecb7da8&oe=548F9740&__gda__=1418311536_b2224a21b7de93cdb568df5cad69634f" /><br />
<br />
Everyone in the class noticed that I was the one with the most physical issues, and it is difficult to admit, but I was kind of irritated that I was put on display again (seems to be a part of the plan). It took everything I had to get through the initial physical tests, and I had to leave my paperwork to finish after the class time. When you are paralyzed from shoulders to feet everything is included my writing is just getting to a legible point (therapy really does pay off). It was clear now why my trainer made me wait for the next class to began, even though it had just started. This would be a total body transformation.<br />
<br />
<img alt="Timesia Hart's photo." class="_46-i img" height="240" src="https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/p240x240/10653736_10152730969424429_2009577499270647348_n.jpg?oh=67df152615481b271530edc616459447&oe=548C0658" style="left: -41px; top: 0px;" title="" width="319" /><br />
It is now as I am reflecting how God always has a plan and listening is crucial to be able to join Him where He is working. For me it is there that I find purpose to continue with a happy heart. My purpose has changed from time to time but the constant is God. I've chased after things to keep up with what others were doing but that never really ended well for me. I'm me and I am the only one created to do me. <br />
Neuromylitis Optica has physically, and mentally changed my life.... in a positive way<br />
<br />
<em><span class="text Rom-8-28" id="en-NIV-28145">And we know that in all things God works for the good<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28145A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28145A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> of those who love him, who<sup> </sup>have been called<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28145B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28145B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> according to his purpose.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28145C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28145C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup></span> Romans 8:28 NIV</em><br />
God gave me the ability to minister in song, NMO is the motivation, and people needing hope is the inspiration. I go back to wanting to make people happy but when I find myself there, I do an inventory to be sure that I am lining up with what the word of God teaches, regroup and move on.<br />
Some exciting "New things are happening in my New Day". There is no hiding I experienced some very dark times over the past three years and even before that, but it took all of that to get here. No trials, test ... no testimonies. We all have a purpose, a "job" to do I was distracted trying to do someone else's job, God's grace and mercy bought me to where I think HE can be glorified through my life.<br />
Be encouraged to know that HE created you and threw the mold away.<br />
<br />
<em>"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I sat you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations". Jeremiah 1:5 NI,V</em> <a class="passage-tools-icon icon-print" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+1:5&interface=print" title="Print"></a> <span class="active icon-gear passage-tools-icon js-passage-options-link" title="Page Options"></span><a class="parallel" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%201%3A5&version=NIV;KJV" rel="nofollow" title="Add parallel"><span class="icon-parallel"></span></a><a class="icon-audio passage-audio" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/niv/Jer.1.5" title="Listen to Jeremiah 1:5"></a> <br />
<br />
God leads, guides, because He created each of us specifically to do what only we can do. Follow Him and by doing that I've found most people are satisfied, and it illuminates the "Mrs. Fix It" mentality for me. Doing me by God's design requires a lot of time and energy, leaving little to no time for much else.<br />
<br />
<img alt="BLESSED. We laugh at how many people ask me on a weekly basis to take a quick picture of them with their phones and have no idea what we do for a living. Usually I keep my mouth closed, take the picture and smile as they say thank you but when Timesia asked me to snap a picture of her on her iPhone this morning it came with a simple statement. "I want to document what I'm going through." It was just vague enough that I had to ask (not that she expected me to) and her response came with buckets of tears. "I'm beating cancer" she said as her eyes welled up. Within minutes we were hugging as she told me about the last year of her life. It's been only a few months since Timesia was paralyzed from the shoulders down at the rapid onset of something called Neuromylitis Optica. Not exactly cancer - arguably more dangerous, definitely less known. Regardless the chances of her asking a photographer who is this involved in cancer awareness is slight and yet in her mind none of this is coincidence. Through tears and lots of laughs Timesia made quick friends with Melissa talking about church, God, and most of all how focused she is on living as a picture of hope to people who are given very little. When the Mayo clinic sent her home, told her to get comfortable and come to terms that her life would likely be short and completely sedentary she refused to accept that this was God's plan. I'm at a complete loss leaving the gym this afternoon trying to explain the joy this sweet woman has for life. Beautiful, strong, passionate and stylish outside of the gym, focused and excited inside it she is absolutely a walking miracle. If you don't take the time to meet the stranger next to you today, you may never know the miracle they're living, or the blessing they can be to you. I can perfectly imagine what my day would have looked like if I had not met Timesia, but it has most certainly been better because I did. Check out her blog for more info on Neuromylitis Optica and her story at http://ourwitness.blogspot.com" class="scaledImageFitWidth img" height="296" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/s526x296/10685409_10152786955346869_8441255272019521656_n.jpg?oh=d5f907d982de565f711b5433f25b93e7&oe=54C3C05C&__gda__=1422325667_f63f9bd8e6d1a35e62522d260317777e" width="444" /><br />
Don't delay you can start today ..... it's a new season and a new day!!<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDUrIVGak-A&list=RDlDUrIVGak-A">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDUrIVGak-A&list=RDlDUrIVGak-A</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00770889291196070207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452550432247341836.post-14243382918619223052014-07-15T01:01:00.001-05:002014-07-15T01:01:21.932-05:00Some old favoritesWanted to go back on memory lane before really taking off with what my new normal looks like. I will probably go back and forth because I encourage myself when I look back on how far The Lord has bought me from. <br />
Some of these are hard to look at, because I remember what was happening when the picture was taken, and before I no it I'm there all over again. A few of these were long before the diagnosis, and those can be difficult too because I remember when ... In order to stay focus I visit but do not allow myself to get too bogged down because I need every ounce of energy to keep it moving forward.<br />
Started a Live Strong physical fitness program last week, and am very excited. I have many challenges my core is still weak, balance is not too good, and my walking is retarded because of the tone in my body.<br />
Please check out the you tube, and leave a comment.<br />
I'm making an effort to keep things current as best as I can. Had a wonderful day today and am looking forward to the next day.<br />
Glory to God great things HE hath done.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPDKhkJgRgA">www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPDKhkJgRgA</a><br />
<br />
<em><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMWY90vsAUs">www.<b>youtube</b>.com/watch?v=lMWY90vsAUs</a></em><br />
<em></em><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZdWpfwB58qYVJElRzNjx3d4m7DbqE90vO8jFPy2r_xBaEP4L3y3Y0hvf__vUJ9GW_xJqchghdyHWaiTaMyu1xBa3_W1Ptx8p0Wccil61IUPzriCOg5f4PzR0VO0CZ-YJLp7CC4GKOOlP/s1600/My+Man+and+Me+Jun+2009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZdWpfwB58qYVJElRzNjx3d4m7DbqE90vO8jFPy2r_xBaEP4L3y3Y0hvf__vUJ9GW_xJqchghdyHWaiTaMyu1xBa3_W1Ptx8p0Wccil61IUPzriCOg5f4PzR0VO0CZ-YJLp7CC4GKOOlP/s1600/My+Man+and+Me+Jun+2009.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a> My Honey and I Nae's college graduation </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
NMO no where on the radar</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTFNCm86ilcgomB5MgYOom9HT-kXEGNtatGpzyfMPinXJEEq8ObCdSBuMZvxWwgIENrxSYr8TEIudy7X54J5dyPJr0v80bfaZniE_7eKPfgOk7lCwvqnDJ9Nig_VNR-cAQZKHcmHa-8wY/s1600/Moma+and+Nae+Health+South+102011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTFNCm86ilcgomB5MgYOom9HT-kXEGNtatGpzyfMPinXJEEq8ObCdSBuMZvxWwgIENrxSYr8TEIudy7X54J5dyPJr0v80bfaZniE_7eKPfgOk7lCwvqnDJ9Nig_VNR-cAQZKHcmHa-8wY/s1600/Moma+and+Nae+Health+South+102011.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a>Health South after second exacerbation Nae and I Sept 2011 </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfuMMmVL15nvtCtBA2ef0eonnCxnxxC7CYw5h2eKtht-Zh6noVDqJwIZEElaNb6n7TNIHUoDF7qS4GjRcpmICLwvxNiMxEoIKT7F_Rb-UMoZuAlh4853IKlq4DoLLEu5a51H7nX5csz7YS/s1600/moma+and+tee+1011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfuMMmVL15nvtCtBA2ef0eonnCxnxxC7CYw5h2eKtht-Zh6noVDqJwIZEElaNb6n7TNIHUoDF7qS4GjRcpmICLwvxNiMxEoIKT7F_Rb-UMoZuAlh4853IKlq4DoLLEu5a51H7nX5csz7YS/s1600/moma+and+tee+1011.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>Home 2012 Tee and I</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUipmBu8-KTng76TU_BE86dTY9x9OmQJNFKu4_hYwXL9_IeSBfYiD55lGeB7-_EqgE30IrMD4mR87QJW-yx8gHTdn5iAP5WkhaPh-lSssBXSG0dh52KyFOpUWA5dMcrzguxHjfrWsDNNh/s1600/04072012160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUipmBu8-KTng76TU_BE86dTY9x9OmQJNFKu4_hYwXL9_IeSBfYiD55lGeB7-_EqgE30IrMD4mR87QJW-yx8gHTdn5iAP5WkhaPh-lSssBXSG0dh52KyFOpUWA5dMcrzguxHjfrWsDNNh/s1600/04072012160.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>2012 Bday celebration</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1ovg0nRKI_8B3bXhFJPI6I9MARVygnbRvSDyGdukx1wykQoQ0fDogzlT9BnO4x2QXlCsy2XyKmOzoyIDu38vUiuLoXWWD-IE6aWcqFlI1RNHFxKPzxCO-NMJ_9d5qKuisKLUM_Rg9NLb/s1600/DSCN0083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1ovg0nRKI_8B3bXhFJPI6I9MARVygnbRvSDyGdukx1wykQoQ0fDogzlT9BnO4x2QXlCsy2XyKmOzoyIDu38vUiuLoXWWD-IE6aWcqFlI1RNHFxKPzxCO-NMJ_9d5qKuisKLUM_Rg9NLb/s1600/DSCN0083.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
April 2012 me doing Rida's hair </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdVVPwFAQr6mbh7Ft1FFtYqZFkvZ4xK17GzLwl3YZ8UOmv37jaNdSMDeG-kYU5_eXA-zv_OXPCD5NA1JrbvOfun0LvJv8anE5RulRs6NgwDIIf2l7HdVWL5YcAlYczjeLzBi7vqb3_l7E/s1600/DSCN0084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdVVPwFAQr6mbh7Ft1FFtYqZFkvZ4xK17GzLwl3YZ8UOmv37jaNdSMDeG-kYU5_eXA-zv_OXPCD5NA1JrbvOfun0LvJv8anE5RulRs6NgwDIIf2l7HdVWL5YcAlYczjeLzBi7vqb3_l7E/s1600/DSCN0084.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Moma and Kitty getting ready to celebrate</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-CcpnRoIzpG-HJRJURVuxMPAM9Mtqs3CRHp3EY113HJoKsMa5Vje-nGu9TGNY4uL2XaA1vfoNuCqaXFfTZzkeXO_1_y-wr8KHBDE8-7enHoMKCGG4Qr-zdGgJiE0SsKPqoJTI2h0yxOz/s1600/pinger_1450513218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-CcpnRoIzpG-HJRJURVuxMPAM9Mtqs3CRHp3EY113HJoKsMa5Vje-nGu9TGNY4uL2XaA1vfoNuCqaXFfTZzkeXO_1_y-wr8KHBDE8-7enHoMKCGG4Qr-zdGgJiE0SsKPqoJTI2h0yxOz/s1600/pinger_1450513218.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Dee and I Easter 2012</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHsiYGhNDadQRlkqrgBLQwfqsvuMFdYBHeUjUzdueDYu23crtvxtKvJwh_TRg1CwBWqxm96RXg00MSr9ZSrOXpzK4vhYa8s3OomDE_IJwRxFTy3LZ1WrAG6FowYG-s6UBptnXfKXiuO5ig/s1600/Timi+and+Christ+102011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHsiYGhNDadQRlkqrgBLQwfqsvuMFdYBHeUjUzdueDYu23crtvxtKvJwh_TRg1CwBWqxm96RXg00MSr9ZSrOXpzK4vhYa8s3OomDE_IJwRxFTy3LZ1WrAG6FowYG-s6UBptnXfKXiuO5ig/s1600/Timi+and+Christ+102011.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>Christi Cox UAMS 2011</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9PZR54oVpvg6gjSC9Tmv7ArLnc3GVK5TDLwJfmg-woe4ftB92qYdeciQxSPWTZVxeQbnr9MUOYCPmOWf1KJ82o3DKIZXWWnXB8ok31yMLet_milkmpgx1PXWjwj1xWajlLr9WVbsIa9W/s1600/DSCN0095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9PZR54oVpvg6gjSC9Tmv7ArLnc3GVK5TDLwJfmg-woe4ftB92qYdeciQxSPWTZVxeQbnr9MUOYCPmOWf1KJ82o3DKIZXWWnXB8ok31yMLet_milkmpgx1PXWjwj1xWajlLr9WVbsIa9W/s1600/DSCN0095.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>My Man and I bday celebration 2012</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsHZ0hXBzyJcwQAVS4CgqDOFCf8tRXNziYV07dlrcjO6MkuIj_P9DtOf6DtESvFpeX5O7svxCyuSz8tcj9y9zDaGM__fAO1H3cMRaH5jRPCvPaxrIoBj_BW6rbtFXzOMDLvq9LYd6i-h0K/s1600/DSCN0099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsHZ0hXBzyJcwQAVS4CgqDOFCf8tRXNziYV07dlrcjO6MkuIj_P9DtOf6DtESvFpeX5O7svxCyuSz8tcj9y9zDaGM__fAO1H3cMRaH5jRPCvPaxrIoBj_BW6rbtFXzOMDLvq9LYd6i-h0K/s1600/DSCN0099.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>Dr. and Susan Byrum</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Joshua and Dee </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjNP28pBQqMezSnjycqpLCKqe6vqHCahUE-l2I6BRye14lH46E0_fK-N5bcM1miHkEltaOFDtSe-JzI7yrWjyjE32ijd2L-h9L9-fYiAqGpnLI0TUVEbbMvNUJtV9s0xU6F_dQJ8GzEx8/s1600/HPIM1093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjNP28pBQqMezSnjycqpLCKqe6vqHCahUE-l2I6BRye14lH46E0_fK-N5bcM1miHkEltaOFDtSe-JzI7yrWjyjE32ijd2L-h9L9-fYiAqGpnLI0TUVEbbMvNUJtV9s0xU6F_dQJ8GzEx8/s1600/HPIM1093.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sisters Me and Kitty bday celebration</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxWHuwYCX2ge0sGxNzy4BeKRWZAl43twSzHeRRMu8gep4tLq5pf3NRpoTHpOPKeukTh7FRjW1hG6eRzJn9EAiSB870Jh-lNpp0JYtrlKHkT3WmTipUvBDeRATQaqNJZFN6qaSYNUfXWNBz/s1600/DSCN0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxWHuwYCX2ge0sGxNzy4BeKRWZAl43twSzHeRRMu8gep4tLq5pf3NRpoTHpOPKeukTh7FRjW1hG6eRzJn9EAiSB870Jh-lNpp0JYtrlKHkT3WmTipUvBDeRATQaqNJZFN6qaSYNUfXWNBz/s1600/DSCN0110.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Celebration April 2012</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2_pbByYidrac9lXVF2eERzAb0mfkOT9T-0BXKDKMmuGTqnXf6JWXlBStkedvR94HD8_WsP6vcQqLUEv6-RZRvzTWzAS9yoSLYVuAKCOLanboaqA5VimOQtVbKW2iZr96-liiDA5hyphenhyphen-di/s1600/imagejpeg_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2_pbByYidrac9lXVF2eERzAb0mfkOT9T-0BXKDKMmuGTqnXf6JWXlBStkedvR94HD8_WsP6vcQqLUEv6-RZRvzTWzAS9yoSLYVuAKCOLanboaqA5VimOQtVbKW2iZr96-liiDA5hyphenhyphen-di/s1600/imagejpeg_0.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My Mother one of a kind</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mrs. Ethel A. Minniefield</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="Jl-O-x" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdEfd954YfmuMEv7h1kh2fmiBHy2c3ekjFSSt8kh_cE0J8IhnFtdkJhWTnUqXp_7qI4SbxBjtwngBmSbWAHBQd87CZ98vkuXIjx0J9bEegBXxxcaHy2dkFMlC9yMVBjaS-R3RTtyU9o_yF/h120/Sisters+and+Brother.jpg" style="height: 120px; left: 0px; top: 0px; transform: rotate(0deg); width: 180px;" width="180" /></div>
Sibling Love (L to R) Baby Girl Kitty<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Baby Brother John, Me, Tunie</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Rida in front</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvQckh5aXFXaD8ViKZx_QGeCfORPiBfmwpGuzHNxvhObyAE2cizM5IPV9Qpouve3lGNwqvu1b9HwSJQ3uDIpZRWl98062AioGduPHGucmvXl13_R60FGX0CRvOFD8i9OrSvFn5yof6S5u/s1600/03242012120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvQckh5aXFXaD8ViKZx_QGeCfORPiBfmwpGuzHNxvhObyAE2cizM5IPV9Qpouve3lGNwqvu1b9HwSJQ3uDIpZRWl98062AioGduPHGucmvXl13_R60FGX0CRvOFD8i9OrSvFn5yof6S5u/s1600/03242012120.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Branson Spring 2012</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLIkmi4k3OfKsvsmeLHBMcaZppBQDTLU34ENRglkAqcJq-FAq7yVcD6gE0PbJFEO_-cwZ73uy3NpCKrH1FqZmHTNVZQVnJbdxHhze1qX3F2PnTkHkEpt82P40Ewwrf3DEuY06x4me7fgTe/s1600/image015.jpg" height="320" width="320" /> Hair after chemo before Transplant</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIgvaTZJ0qx_o87yz2UvCJKEbv-9JnK7DXihROxff-afQq-AbJFCqfJ28LXp1tUwcU7b6DyiUqxEcoH0xKkCUWL35CDDIk7N0AIid2dLT-zCFvxzwbpLb5617ptxARnPDGjNP6zfd-QU_/s1600/03292012154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIgvaTZJ0qx_o87yz2UvCJKEbv-9JnK7DXihROxff-afQq-AbJFCqfJ28LXp1tUwcU7b6DyiUqxEcoH0xKkCUWL35CDDIk7N0AIid2dLT-zCFvxzwbpLb5617ptxARnPDGjNP6zfd-QU_/s1600/03292012154.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY6CYI6oDFVYn3lmRQqKd7nQqjZX0nbXN7Oun9IYz2lppEiG8MCi9q2bqj2UYpXb3KRxwJ3GNoTY727OTs5kQZZKr2aPrw0yt3MuxXFoHBXlr0vDLdcmcPjghbs-x1TfgjM6MCkrV_2Z3I/s1600/8ec6a59a4be84ed287c291c8707953c0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY6CYI6oDFVYn3lmRQqKd7nQqjZX0nbXN7Oun9IYz2lppEiG8MCi9q2bqj2UYpXb3KRxwJ3GNoTY727OTs5kQZZKr2aPrw0yt3MuxXFoHBXlr0vDLdcmcPjghbs-x1TfgjM6MCkrV_2Z3I/s1600/8ec6a59a4be84ed287c291c8707953c0.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Christmas 2012Tee, Dee, Nae and Me</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj39jNo-oRrSWaPmWe253eKpNsminar7wrlrUbOX8fWad6SzuhUoxT3EbH-jr40r5nq5XJT0MiprSC6weR_TJyK_RrKR_b4fCyiv7_S1qe8KCEvsXdd-vE-FzlJPyZi4hhnNLwAAwU-RLh/s1600/Chicago.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj39jNo-oRrSWaPmWe253eKpNsminar7wrlrUbOX8fWad6SzuhUoxT3EbH-jr40r5nq5XJT0MiprSC6weR_TJyK_RrKR_b4fCyiv7_S1qe8KCEvsXdd-vE-FzlJPyZi4hhnNLwAAwU-RLh/s1600/Chicago.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Chicago I am a Transplant Candidate</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFs16KkCh1dDZnZZ13Oz8Vv-DQt-2NfTMvwRMxFGKgoNxY38a2BUnp_21vWn38xWdX8gl0fPkKfCFVHExeqia76bp5gYLLAK2SQXTyDGbX6-v2SzKwZBGFe6VFiuw0pCvdqDu9UJZm3lDt/s1600/Veteran+Timesia.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFs16KkCh1dDZnZZ13Oz8Vv-DQt-2NfTMvwRMxFGKgoNxY38a2BUnp_21vWn38xWdX8gl0fPkKfCFVHExeqia76bp5gYLLAK2SQXTyDGbX6-v2SzKwZBGFe6VFiuw0pCvdqDu9UJZm3lDt/s1600/Veteran+Timesia.jpeg" height="320" width="236" /></a>Soldier United States Army 1982 - 1993</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivNWDq-XJvJ7NzaH4oBwOe7tRf1jWXOIpAjlNRxUqmIvmQ7Lv8vfkoSViUcFuTkC7ECbvoExJ7QPUuZkWnEimjJujIjYwDMUJXbsYCB2Pzyb5qS8kdKe3wbARNfJxVZC5TwQPgR2MSBx7g/s1600/stop+NMO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivNWDq-XJvJ7NzaH4oBwOe7tRf1jWXOIpAjlNRxUqmIvmQ7Lv8vfkoSViUcFuTkC7ECbvoExJ7QPUuZkWnEimjJujIjYwDMUJXbsYCB2Pzyb5qS8kdKe3wbARNfJxVZC5TwQPgR2MSBx7g/s1600/stop+NMO.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggL2NDMpgbRNwriKBM8aBdBacFxrC-zXs4h1TNdazBrpKk40TqZFrdXa-__c5IWhoc5fibvRohr1kqiaaky4DtQPMV8P6EWksSsW8vi4RsGuximtWgoJDxyH6ScUlq7z3WeT7uGGdOjXjl/s1600/12162012054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggL2NDMpgbRNwriKBM8aBdBacFxrC-zXs4h1TNdazBrpKk40TqZFrdXa-__c5IWhoc5fibvRohr1kqiaaky4DtQPMV8P6EWksSsW8vi4RsGuximtWgoJDxyH6ScUlq7z3WeT7uGGdOjXjl/s1600/12162012054.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>Praise Team Church Christmas 2012 </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ymSxWooCr12sSE24LZS4hEpXSIh3kjQ2Xn1jokZn-xFIglRabCfMT9tOFl93n3pbvvERmDiYZ8-k22OGWsxWDGH4h0S8NQtmkMFcV1qtzbfuv24PDC_iMSxf6TiDRcl-eJ1k7s_96F12/s1600/img_2770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ymSxWooCr12sSE24LZS4hEpXSIh3kjQ2Xn1jokZn-xFIglRabCfMT9tOFl93n3pbvvERmDiYZ8-k22OGWsxWDGH4h0S8NQtmkMFcV1qtzbfuv24PDC_iMSxf6TiDRcl-eJ1k7s_96F12/s1600/img_2770.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a>Tee, Granny, Dee, Me, and </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Nae Christmas 2012</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhEO5R63A9YxTYokYqdO3aK3CcQZK92E98MBES9_U1KW6aaiqiv96SRXUvK4Nn52V2AADDCn_b-VLsGjFI0ATFd6OBK493Q6eLV6KWJS4frKHGuOYiCBS5GJsGOTo2IMcmnDxc7OxH0yF/s1600/Auntie+and+Chinaza+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhEO5R63A9YxTYokYqdO3aK3CcQZK92E98MBES9_U1KW6aaiqiv96SRXUvK4Nn52V2AADDCn_b-VLsGjFI0ATFd6OBK493Q6eLV6KWJS4frKHGuOYiCBS5GJsGOTo2IMcmnDxc7OxH0yF/s1600/Auntie+and+Chinaza+2012.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
my niece Chaniza, and I Christmas 2012</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPDKhkJgRgA">www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPDKhkJgRgA</a><br />
<br />
<em><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMWY90vsAUs">www.<b>youtube</b>.com/watch?v=lMWY90vsAUs</a></em><br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00770889291196070207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452550432247341836.post-37094702501646065662014-07-07T23:14:00.000-05:002014-07-07T23:26:24.093-05:00End of old, start of New<strong>2 Corinthians 4:16-18</strong><em> So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.</em><br />
<br />
<em>"Are you mourning over your own weakness? Take courage, for there must be a consciousness of weakness before the Lord will give thee victory. Your emptiness is but the preparation for your being filled, and your casting down is but the making ready for your lifting up.” – Charles Spurgeon</em><br />
<em></em><br />
Of late, I've wanted to blog more times than I can remember, I'm really trying to keep things in proper prospective. To be completely honest I get so overwhelmed about what this journey has been like many times, making it tough to blog. As I type, I remember not long ago I was unable to type, write, or wash dishes due to the weakness in my hands and fingers.<br />
I keep pressing on because I truly believe that through it all God will be glorified, the ones coming behind me diagnosed with this and other rare neurological diseases will benefit, if for nothing else that I never forget the power of prayer, and finally to encourage myself knowing that God has planned purpose for my life.<br />
If I could remind myself of the last eight words of the above scripture the difficulty in my life would be greatly minimized. Though difficult to admit I have to completely turn this health issue over to God. It seems as if I'm doing fine and then all of a sudden reality hits reminding me of the things I so desire to do but am unable to do. I feel such a void where dreams were so vivid before the exacerbations. I realize that it is time to do away with those dreams and began new dreams.<br />
I start a new fitness program tomorrow and am very excited. I've accepted the fact that there will be some things that I will be unable to do, but I will deliberately focus on the things I am able to do. I'm looking forward to getting on with living. This is the start of New. My inner self is being renewed for eternity. <br />
<br />
Glory to our great God great things He hath done.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00770889291196070207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452550432247341836.post-1956647333949307302014-05-19T11:00:00.000-05:002014-05-19T17:42:00.914-05:00Intentions<strong><em><span style="color: #530000; font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-small;">A desire to glorify Him</span></em></strong><br />
<div align="left" style="line-height: 111%; margin-bottom: 19px; margin-top: 19px;">
<span style="color: #0e1334; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: x-small;"> <strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>"He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved." </em></span></strong></span><strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em> </em></span></strong></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 111%; margin-bottom: 19px; margin-top: 19px;">
<strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em><span style="color: #530000; font-size: x-small;">Ephesians 1:4-6</span></em></span></strong></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #530000; font-size: x-small;"></span></span><div align="left" style="line-height: 111%; margin-bottom: 19px; margin-top: 19px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #530000; font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Of late life has been closer to our new normal. I began most mornings getting up dressing in gym clothes making our protein drinks. I head out the door to drop Diana my daughter off to school. If it is a Bible study I have my clothes to shower and change into after my exercise. At my one year follow up appointment I was advised to do a livestrong program before going out on my own starting with Palates or Yoga program. I've enrolled for that and am waiting for it to begin in the meantime I have a program designed by my therapist and one of the trainers at the gym. The new emphasis is strengthening, and balance as I continue to progress.
</span></div>
<br />
<div align="left" style="line-height: 111%; margin-bottom: 19px; margin-top: 19px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Being prior military I am disciplined as far as working out, however I get discouraged when I am unable to do what I was able to do before all of this happened to me. I'd like to not even think about what I used to do and be thankful that I am able to get to the gym on my own. I am able to do a full workout, shower, dress and go on with the errands of the day is enough, but honestly I long for the other stronger body. I continue working hard as I can, with a happy heart that I may honor God but it is difficult.</span></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 111%; margin-bottom: 19px; margin-top: 19px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've began the cleaning process as you can imagine the main focus has been getting back on my feet and to just manage as best as we could. Now that I have a lil more energy I am taking one room at a time, reorganizing things to function more efficiently. It is amazing how much things can be accumulated in nine months. I believe in being a good steward over all of God's blessings, I think this is a form of giving Him glory.</span></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 111%; margin-bottom: 19px; margin-top: 19px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Some new advances to report my handwriting/typing is continuously improving, I'm excited because I enjoy writing notes and haven't done as much because my writing hasn't been legible. Typing is good, and is a huge part of the work environment. I'm able to slowly return to some of my social groups. I am back to working my Mary Kay business which is going to provide resources to pay the continuous medical bills, while affording me the opportunity to provide expert professional skin care advise on the #1 brand of cosmetics. I am a licensed cosmetologist, and enjoy people so combining the two really makes me feel like I'm making a difference in the lives of others.</span></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 111%; margin-bottom: 19px; margin-top: 19px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Everything I am able to do is because of the faithfulness of God, I'm never going to make light of that. As I continue on this journey, even though sometimes I struggle to get one thing done. I remind myself of the days I was only able to lay looking up at the ceiling or the right or left I instantly resort to an attitude of gratitude. </span></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 111%; margin-bottom: 19px; margin-top: 19px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My intention is to continue to bring glory to God, it is different but I am glad that He looks at our hearts, and not the outward appearance. I am in constant contact with the insurance companies, an advocate for NMO, accepting speaking engagements to bring awareness to Neurological Diseases, and other opportunities as the come.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00770889291196070207noreply@blogger.com0Bella Vista, AR, USA36.481464 -94.27326419999997136.277125000000005 -94.595987699999966 36.685803 -93.950540699999976tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452550432247341836.post-35464232306688387342014-04-21T09:32:00.002-05:002014-04-21T09:32:49.930-05:00The Journey<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/PVI_ACBrzw0?rel=0" width="560"></iframe></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00770889291196070207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452550432247341836.post-57280982718493285442014-03-28T10:00:00.000-05:002014-03-28T10:00:08.143-05:00Chicago Post Tranplant Appointments
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Britannic Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">One
Year Post Transplant Flu Appointment<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Preparing
for the follow up appointment this time seemingly was more daunting than the
actual appointments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I try and have most
of the tests the transplant team requires done locally which eliminates at
least one day of doctors poking and this and that while I’m there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so thankful for the health care
professionals here doing whatever it takes to get me what I need to bring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a matter of fact the MRI’s were completed
in enough of time for me to mail in time for Dr. Burt to review before my
appointment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a blessing, to have a
clear picture of how the lesions look and be able to discuss the next step with
us at the follow up appointments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">We
left early Tuesday morning for Chicago for what we thought was going to be a
long<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>grueling three days of “hurry up
and wait”, or miles of walking from one Pavillion (that’s what each
section/clinic is called at Northwestern Memorial) to the other, (and after a
while they all start to look the same so you walk more than you have to b/c you
are lost) but to my surprise quite the contrary. We went straight to the
laboratory for labs, from the airport orders were in the system already, things
were really going smooth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so glad
to see Gypsy the initial lab tech that did all the preliminary labs before the
transplant you can imagine how relieved I was knowing she was going to draw my
labs (she loves the Lord).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We (Joshua,
Dee because it was Spring Break, and I) had enough of time to get lunch and
sign in early for the first appointment, at the eye clinic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course there was a bunch of paperwork to
fill out (let me just do a shout out to the fingers … glory my writing is
really good when you can read what I’ve written) took me a little while but I
did it all before they called me in to see Dr. Melan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is the Ophthalmologist that took care of
me after the transplant; however I did not see him at the six month follow
up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the visual field, eye pressure
check and dilation (dark eyes take forever to dilate) he said that I’ve lost
more vision in my right eye (the eye that lost central vision during the first
exacerbation) but as with NMO there is no explanation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said outside of the optic nerve damage the
eye is healthy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also said that the
vision is so bad I wouldn’t notice losing more vision in that eye unless
isolated for testing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My left eye on the
other hand is stable and I am grateful to be able to see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He recommended that I am followed by a local
Ophthalmologist, and return in one year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was 6:00 we checked into the hotel (not the one we usually stay in)
but it was fine to shower and sleep, and that is exactly what we needed after
traveling and appointments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Day
two began with Dr. Balavanov the Neurologist of the team, his practice is not a
part of Northwestern Memorial Hospital system, so we head across town to Rush
University.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After another boat load of
paperwork he called us in for the appointment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Dr. Balavanov treats patients with MS and other Neurological diseases
including NMO.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was very impressed
with the results so far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He told me that
his opinion is that I will continue to improve up to two years, the lesions
will heal but to what extent the scars will have is unknown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did a very thorough examination including
me doing some crazy moves which tickled Dee, we were all excited that I did them
all without falling or holding on to anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He noticed right off that my balance was better and that I walk with
confidence that I am not going to fall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
discussed tone, and spasticity and how the two are the primary reason my
walking isn’t better but I’m not discourage, rather remain hopeful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He prescribed a new medication called “the
walking pill” but wanted me to take it in the compounded form.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Insurance is still an issue until the
positive numbers reach FDA regulation. As soon as the pharmacy in Chicago has
it they will mail it to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the
meantime I’ve contacted a local pharmacy and they are able to make the
prescription.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was close to 2 p.m. so
we had lunch and headed over to see the Transplant team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">We
signed in and of course more papers to fill out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The nurse passed right by me but I didn’t
know she was looking for me until she walked back and called my name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got up to follow her back she said she did
not recognize me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She did vital signs and
then Dr. Burt came in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said he was
amazed to see how well I looked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said
he couldn’t be much happier (by the way he is a believer) with what is
happening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He read in his notes from
August that he thought I looked well, but he did not know how much more I would
improve, this exceeded what he expected because of the severity of the exacerbations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Overall I looked so normal he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hearing that was music to my ears, because I
see the stares and all I want is to be “normal”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After his examination he agreed with the
other doctors that I should continue my journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The most important thing he said to me (as
far as I’m concerned) is that (1) there is going to be permanent damage how
much, and what will be the extent no one knows but we are not at that point
now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(2)I am no different from anyone
else life gives no guarantees we have to trust the Giver of life and live until
we die. (3) There are NO new lesions or evidence of new disease, and (4) the NMO
titer test is negative and all of that is good news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He talked to me about some other important
factors (eat well, drink plenty of water, and to be sure to get enough of rest)
that we all would benefit from if we did them, but that is another post I will
share another time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 361.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">There you have it, Glory to God great things
HE continues to do in my life!!</span><span style="font-family: "Britannic Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00770889291196070207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452550432247341836.post-73042001887403132622014-02-28T00:08:00.000-06:002014-02-28T00:08:06.006-06:00One Year post Transplant
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sitting for a few minutes looking back over this past year,
completely consumed by the Faithfulness of God, I am so grateful. F</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">rom getting out of my bed in the morning until the moment I
lay my head down on my pillow to sleep and everything </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">in between happens only because of Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is in Him I live, it’s in Him I move and
have my being (Acts 17:28), and I am grateful.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I will admit that there have been and continue to be some
hard days, but I try hard to focus on what He promised me and that is to never </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">leave me alone or forsake me (Hebrews 13:5) for having that
mindset <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am grateful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lord has bought me from a MIGHTY long way
and I <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">have the “I just can’t help but be grateful” attitude, and I
make no excuse for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ve been released recently from the therapy center to my
home therapy on my own which is such a blessing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve tried out a couple of gym </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">programs and will make a decision within a few days to
continue strengthening, and building muscle that will help with balance. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am grateful, that the therapist final words to me were “keep
on trying difficult things because that is how you will be able to do the
things </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">you desire” to do. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
am grateful that some of the things I desire to do are also things that I enjoy
doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m really looking forward to
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I visited the local bike shop and test rode some bicycles,
and will be back riding, as soon as the details are worked out for a new bike.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ve learned so much during
this incredible experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My sister
and I were reminiscing about how after the transplant we both just passed </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">out Into a deep sleep, we
had anticipated and had gone through so much to get to that point it exhausted
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were awaken by the night nurse </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">who told us we both slept
through the shift change which she said was unusual because most people are
wake with numerous questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">was if we just fell in the
arms of almighty God relying on Him to work through the transplant for complete
restoration, no more concern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">listened intently as the
details were explained but I told Rida (my sister my) “that was way too much information
given too quick to remember” </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">she said, “you don’t have
to remember that is why I’m here I’ll take care of everything” and that was
music to my ears, that is exactly what I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next 9 days were the
worst of all but that is all behind us and I am grateful. It was during those
critical days I learned the most about gratitude, </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">and resonates loud and clear
today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So grateful that God gave us strength
to pursue avenues to get to the transplant trial, there was no other </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">options.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gave us hope that forced us to keep on
trying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just this week in Bible study I
was reminded even though I don’t know what God is </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">doing I am learning that “all
things work for the good”…(Romans 8:28) including trials endured by this
disease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lord showed Himself strong </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">through the transplant
team, other doctors, nurses, support staff and even other patients.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I learned that I was
created to have His characteristics, so how I live, what I say, how I act are
all ways to show gratitude when those things reflect </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any opportunity
I have to sing praises to God I will, (Psalm 147:7), with my whole self-every
single part of me, because there were times I </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">was unable to speak let alone sing but I tried.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am going to express gratitude through my doing
for others, serving whatever that looks like. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Psalm 150 mentions praising the Lord 13 times, overflowing
from my heart is praise to my God, great things He has done.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: right 844.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I will be returning to
Chicago for the one year follow up appointment required after transplant in a
couple of weeks, and expect a good report.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My intentions continue to be to help raise awareness about
Neuromylitis Optica (NMO), aka Devics Disease, help in the effort to find a </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">cure, and to render aid to families directly affected by
this disease, and for the many opportunities the Lord has afforded me in these </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">endeavors I am grateful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Going forward I will finish old projects and begin working
on the newer ones as the Lord directs. So thankful for the love and support
each and </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">every one of you have shown me and my family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00770889291196070207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452550432247341836.post-46677027569715978732013-10-07T11:27:00.002-05:002013-10-07T11:27:46.526-05:00My faith, my help for the journey<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in
Christ's triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge
of him everywhere (2 Cor. 2:14 NIV). </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our
Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:57 NIV).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What a blessing it is to be assured that we prevail in
victory according to the word of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
can hold our heads up high, shoulders squared, marching forward in the promise
that we were created to WIN bringing Glory to God.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">No doubt we will face obstacles as we go through this life
on earth, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In
this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John
16:33)” that’s a good time to rely on His promises.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Overcomers!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I will admit during this journey, (especially when my hands
were too weak to hold my bible, or unable to reach, or push the buttons on my
pc to hear the word) my attitude wasn’t what it should have been.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Yeah, most Christians would have been able to walk through what I've been through with flying colors, but it hasn't been that way for me. However at </span>some point I did convinced myself to do
something different. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I recalled scripture
I’d learn from my childhood days, to the ones I’d say with my girls for our
scripture for each week, and all other means I’d hid the word of God in my
heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact I remember the second
time around at Baptist Rehab I would pray scripture out loud, one nurse walked
in on me late one night, she said another nurse passed my room and heard me,
she thought I might be losing my mind. It was my routine every night, after the
room grew dark, and quiet I fell asleep most nights after singing, and praying
to our God, it was my routine and realize now it was faith that the
positive activated attitude was restored (mindset which is essential) and continues to be my
motivating force to face every day. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">God has purposed a journey for each of us, we march forward
relying on His promises that He goes before us, and will never leave us. I am studying
the Sovereign God, and the struggle I am having is the same issue I’ve had from
the beginning of this season in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’d like to say that my faith is hands down what has bought us this far,
since I am taking an honest approach let me also say <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really don’t get it all… and I am learning
through this study I don’t have to get it all I must just trust HIM!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I read end of the story we are victorious.</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am excited about learning, and sharing new ways to defeat
the enemy (not to give him credit) but he is on his job, he came at me with
fear, and doubt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That fear, and doubt is
no match to what the word says, and the enemy will flee when he is being body slammed
with the word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I meant business, praying
God’s word back to Him, I couldn’t go to sleep otherwise no wonder they thought
I was losing my mind. Many nights I couldn't wait for them to make rounds so that I could start because I knew God would meet me there.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I deliberately use my energy and strength thinking on the things
of God, infusing His word throughout my mind. Exercising my faith putting it another way. Do not conform to the pattern of this world
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that
good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Rom. 12:2).<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I needed a change in my situation that came about when my
attitude changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am marching forward,
in the midst of present circumstances. Every now and again I check my attitude, the thrust from His word is necessary to keep on this journey.<o:p></o:p></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00770889291196070207noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452550432247341836.post-12520711782281340992013-10-02T14:24:00.000-05:002013-10-02T14:24:02.740-05:00Sunshine take a deep breathe.God has allowed rays of sunshine to peak through the clouds off and on during the course of this journey. I want to share one of those rays of sunshine. I am so fortunate to have such a supporting family, our journey has not been a walk in the park by no means. This sun ray by way of a quick vacation was a welcome of fresh air for us all.<br />
The surprise cruise was planned for my mother and I this April (I am born on my Mother's birthday we celebrate it most of times together). Two of my sisters, my niece and one of my daughters put a cruise packet together for our birth month, and a chance to celebrate life. <br />
There was no scheduled information initially about the transplant. I ended up being transplanted end of February and under no circumstances could I go on a cruise in April. They contacted the cruise representative, and were told that our cruise could be scheduled when we could take it.<br />
The trip was scheduled for September praying that the transplant would go well. Nothing was a guarantee but we prayed that God would favor our desire. He did we all got our passports, dotted all the i's and crossed our t's. Six month post-transplant appointment went well, so we prepared for the cruise.<br /> Now who would imagine going through a complete transplant and in six months afterwards going on a cruise in another country ah definitely a "God thing". I never told anybody but I did not think that I would make it on the cruise. Make it oh my goodness, I made it with flying colors. I walked everywhere we had to be except for the embarkation because it was such a far walk, along with the fact that everyone except me voted for me in a wheeled chair.<br />
There were many things to do on the cruise, but my favorite thing to do was dress and get all together and talk. We had a lot of time to do that. This is the first time we have all been together and I feel as well as I did. We laughed, and spent time just loving each other without a cloud hanging over our heads. We had an uno bash too (I did not win).<br /> It took lots of planning, and keeping it away from me (in other words I was not in control of nothing I did not like that part)was such a blessing. I so appreciate Rida, Wanda, Nae, and Rolonda going out of their way, and succeeding to make it a wonderful birthday/life celebration.<br />
The rain falls, but I am grateful to after the rain the He allows the sun to shine. It is because of His Son we live, we move, and have our being according to Acts 17:28.<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00770889291196070207noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452550432247341836.post-6094969366273713152013-08-23T20:27:00.001-05:002013-08-23T20:27:25.031-05:00Reflection 6 month post transplant
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of
Jesus Christ. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one engaged in warfare
entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who
enlisted him as a soldier.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ll Timothy 2:3, 4<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This will be another long blog as I will catch things up and
try to get in at least a weekly routine.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Traveling home today from Chicago, so many things crossed my
mind. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like the fact that I was going in
for a six month follow up. The fact that I felt good, as opposed to not feeling
well the last time I was in Chicago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh
the welcoming peace of mind and confidence going into these visits was such a
blessing unlike the anxiety, and fear during the transplant procedures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not one who believes in coincidences,
rather I believe that everything happens for a reason, such is the case of my
devotional reading for Tuesday, (first day of appointments) from Jesus Calling a
book given to me by a dear friend, titled The God that heals … we head out to
the Transplant Team appointment. All is well, including tests, results of MRI’s,
and most importantly the examination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The nurse called us to the back (Joshua went with me to Chicago his turn),
Dr. Richard Burt (Head of the Transplant Team ), was at one end of the hallway,
as I passed him his mouth fell opened, he had a difficult time believing it was
me walking in unassisted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He followed me
into the room very anxious to get the appointment started.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked through all my medical records to
remind himself about my specific case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He finally said well, all things considered you are doing well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said there are never any guarantees, but
all doctors want the best possible outcome for their patients, and how very
pleased he is with my outcome so far, I remembered my devotional.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He added that it is very possible that things
will continue to improve up to 2yrs after transplant so we are to stay
encouraged my devotional came to mind again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We begin traveling early morning, I walked throughout the
airports from one terminal to the other, (usually I push myself throughout the
airports until I get to the terminal), it was wonderful to have the ability to
walk, I was able to rest going through Midway airport because they have the moving
strips so fun but tricky I had to really focus ha me focus get that picture in
your mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After arriving we checked
into the Worcester House (hospital housing for out of town patients) we walked
from there to my lab appointment, let me just say we did a lot of walking
before my appointment with Dr. Burt the fact that he was excited to see me walking
in made me enthusiastic knowing how much I’d accomplished throughout the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The nurse did her tests, made copies of
orders for us, and sent us on our way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
headed to the lab for a few more labs, had dinner then walked back to rest up
for the next day. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Appointment time 11:00 at Rush University (a different
hospital 30 minutes away), so we need a cab (Rita my sister and I had an
experience with taxi’s) not an issue with Joshua, or (Nae who went the first
trip) he stepped out and a cab picked us up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Oh I forgot my devotional for this day “do not be afraid of being
different”, it was clear how different we were in Chicago but God’s favor was
upon us, His provision was sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The disease
Dr. weighed in after his tests, and results he’d receive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He thought that there will still be some
improvement but some of the issues can be addressed now and may start to
resolve sooner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He handed us copies of
orders, prescriptions, and off we went back to the housing area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After resting we had an early dinner and took
in a movie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We walked to the water tower
where the food court is and from there to the theater and back. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Up by 5:00 am headed back to Arkansas, safe
travels to Chicago and back we are so grateful. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">From the diagnosis to date the truth still remains … God is
in control, it is in Him we move, we live and have our being according to Acts
17:28, and the reason I was created is to worship God <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Rev. 4:10,11). Learning that true worship
involves me living my life to bring glory, and honor to God, is a fair amount
of the motivation required to persevere on this journey.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For the past two summers Diana and I have read a Proverb
together a day (this was one of her “Daddy summer assignments”) we would then
write up a little paragraph on it and then discuss it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One day we came across Proverbs 14 and of
course we’ve read it before but this day we were so cautioned by the word of
God for talking so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shared and
I shared we prayed as usual but throughout that day, and since we are careful
about when we speak and what we say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
have sort of held each other accountable for what we learned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another friend of mine and her husband
visited me while in rehab a year ago and spoke a word from Proverbs 4: 20-28
this scripture makes plain that the word of God is what we need to hide in our
hearts and understand we will enjoy life and health.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I make it a habit to have scripture running
through my mind at all times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do not
even entertain the thought that NMO should make it difficult for me to memorize
things bring on that challenge is my attitude about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many in the health field encourage me to
accept the fact that I have many disabilities; I say “no I don’t accept that, I
have the ABILITY to do things different that is what I accept.” My family and close
friends, are on me to slow down don’t do this and that my response to them is
as long as I am moving no worries, get concerned when I stop trying.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">While in Chicago I had some quiet time here and there just
me and my Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This intimate kind of fellowship
with the Lord helped me to see things spiritually, which for me is healthy for
me spiritually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of these times I was
reading an article detailing how intricate the white blood cells are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The author remarked that unless the body has
an infection then the white blood cells just “hang out”. I thought about how
this journey has played out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
scripture at the top of this post reminds me of my Military days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is the mission, orders, personnel, and
the equipment necessary to accomplish the mission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You talk about a smooth operation when orders
were followed, quite the contrary when another ideal was used.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most missions have been tried and are true,
this parallels with our Christian walk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I made a note in my bible that someone said (Pastor Phillip writes in
his bible) that strong faith merits intense trials as we journey onward to
victory we will have trials. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me be
clear that this has not been my cup of tea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However I rely on the strength of the Lord. It is hard at times, but I
know the promises of my Father are true and the enemy is full of deceit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I make the choice to focus on what matters,
the glory of the Lord, this is all about Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is nothing this world affords for us when we focus on spending
eternity with the Lord (Romans 8:18). Excuse me but I believe the report of the
Lord, my armor is a sure fit and I’m the one He issued these orders, for this
mission … find me forward marching until the mission is accomplished.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Should you need information on stem-cell transplant, on-going
clinical trials for NMO, or any other way I can help feel free to contact me,
or leave a message.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00770889291196070207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452550432247341836.post-32335388216762263942013-08-08T09:00:00.000-05:002013-08-08T09:00:08.639-05:00Come this far by FAITHI know it has been a long time since I’ve posted. I’ve contemplated many times about updating. To be quite honest there is so much pain surrounded by my last post; I get sort of stuck after reading it. Reading it has a paralyzing effect on me. I usually read the last post in order to know where to start up again because I am not to the point where I am posting daily. It has taken me some time to process it all and allow God to move me on forward. Of late He has been reminding me of the reason why I was created to bring Him glory, according to Isaiah 43:7 “everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” We are all created to glorify Him. I remember asking Joshua (my husband) how in the world my body unable to move from my shoulders down give glory to the God I love dearly. My mother and my sister tried many times to convince me that no matter how things ended God would still be glorified. I’ll admit I was so confused and stayed that way until my condition seemed to change. I wish I could say that my faith was stronger than my anxiety, but the truth is I was miserable for a long time.
God has been reminding me for some time of how much He loves me as well as how He cares about my least issues let alone this epic event going in my life. It should have been evident when He led me to the Clinical Trial information but I was so caught up in getting over this all, and how I could get on with what I thought my purpose was. Rather than getting in tune with Him to know what His purpose was for me. Pathetically I went on, He wanted me to know what I meant to Him when He raised up men and women all over the United States to freely give 30,000 necessary for me to be able to have the transplant. He worked out the details small and large from who would accompany me, how I would get to Chicago, and who would take care of my family while I was away; concerned about what concerned me uh I think so. Right down to what I would wear by way of Stevette’s. I’m a tough ole Texas girl, and although I’ve been in some really cold climates I usually don’t need layers upon layers to survive. Picking up some boots I had in layaway Stevette ask me if I had an overcoat I said I had a heavy jacket I thought I’d take she took me in the back of her store where she keeps sale items, and there was a coat with my name on it within my few dollar budget. On my way out of the store she followed me and gave me her gloves, and said you are going to need these too, you are all ready to go now. The Lord goes before us making our crooked way straight. You can believe me I had to wear the coat, boots, gloves, and scarf (all of God’s provision) thanks to the bitter cold weather awaiting us in Chicago.
That is just one of many instances, which come across my mind sitting here today. When I think about what I have been through, and continue to journey through currently, I know that it is my faith that has brought me to where I am, and my faith that will keep me. Hebrews 1:11 speaks about the faith necessary to endure difficulties along this journey of life. I remember a minister explaining faith once like this, he said “faith is a two-step process, step one involves believing God is who He says He is, and step two is believing God will do what He said He will do.” For me, it was not much of a problem when all affairs seem well, however I found faith to be a lil bit of an issue after finding out I had a life threatening, incurable, rare, wicked disease. By the time I was properly diagnosed, I was experiencing problems from the medications I’d been taking for MS (misdiagnosis of MS is the case for most people, in reality they have Neuromylitis Optica NMO) while NMO untreated wrecked my optic nerves, and spinal cord. There was a very dark period in which I find difficult to talk about. As Christians, we are taught “don’t question God;” Christians are solid saints able to stare affliction in the face, faith intact, marching forward. I took some time arriving, but I praise God my faith in God continues to be the momentum driving me forward.
Back to what the minister said about faith I mentioned before, being honest with myself during this time really was the breaking point for me, I was so broken by what was going on physically with me that it was difficult to understand what God was doing with me spiritually. I really wanted to know understand what was happening (thinking that if I knew all the answers than I would go through it better) only to realize that was not faith. It took me a long time before I begin focusing on the good that God was doing, and how God was still God through it all. A good friend of mine Rhonda and her husband visited me and left me with one verse Proverbs 4:23 “Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life (NKJV).” I thought this was a strange verse to leave with someone ill, but I wanted to understand what was in that verse for me, pursued God and found out that I had to deal with doubt, and the pain I was feeling in order to trust Him completely. I had to rid my heart of negativity, in order to focus my attention on the positives.
Another thing that was beneficial for me during those truly dark days was when I found the strength to allow my inner being to ring out praises to God. This encouragement came by way of my long-life sister and friend. She received a word during altar call at her church and was so excited to share it with me. Upon arrival at the hospital where I was she announced that I should begin to praise the Lord with everything I had, not for my benefit but for the benefit of others, and the fact that the Lord loves the praises of His people. I reminded her that they were moving me to ICU to be intubated because I was having difficulty breathing and she wanted me to sing. When I did catch hold of that nugget she dropped I was being transferred from the rehab center to a nursing home and I could not understand any of what was happening. However, I found strength, and I continued praising Him. Psalms 103:1-6 is a passage of scripture very dear to my heart. God tells us to put Him in remembrance of His word and this is a good passage to do just that, as well as help me to go back down memory lane and see just what the Lord has bought us through. “We’ve come this far by faith; leaning on the Lord, trusting in His Holy Word He never failed us yet.” After being at some of the most reputable hospitals, I end up in a nursing facility where the attendants and staff treated me as if I was related to them. I had no reservation and my family had a peace of mind, that I would be taken care of. This is an example of the provision of God.
I know that God really loves me (and you too), and everything that concerns me (large or small) He is able to, and He will take care of. Another thing that happened to me just a few days ago that I want to share that speaks to this very thing. I was taking care of some errands and left from one place back into my car, and I happened to look at myself in the mirror. You know your “chemo hair” is growing when you can see the back hair by just looking at it from the front. For a month or so the only way I have been able to see the back of my hair is to hold a mirror in front of me and look at the back with another mirror. I was so excited to see my hair by just looking at it from the front until I looked down and saw my neck there was no hair line just white fussy stuff (look like cotton) down my neck. I jumped out of my car to find a place where I could get that lined nicely. I look up see a place I don’t know a thing about, walk in and am greeted by a sweet young lady another one working on the side. She comes and brings me over to find out what I need. She compliments me and I begin to tell her my story. She does a great job, and we are both feeling so fortunate that I ended up there. I know this was in the Lord’s plan, He was so moving in everything that took place there. As I said He is concerned about everything that concerns His children. I pulled my wallet out to pay for my hair trim and she said “oh let me take care of that for you.” God is so good that was such a blessing that I know He did just for me.
Yes, Jesus loves me the Bible tells me so.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00770889291196070207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7452550432247341836.post-83036357288482737622013-05-18T22:48:00.001-05:002013-05-18T22:48:16.756-05:00What ... back to back exacerbations?
I was told to focus all my energy on recovering, because it was very unlikely to have back to back exacerbations. Every ounce of energy I could muscle up went on recovery and the recovery required that and more, however I had another exacerbation before fully recovering.
We’d enjoyed a fabulous July 4th weekend in Dallas with Roland, Rida, and Kitty my brother in law and two sisters. It was the first time my family and I were able to go anywhere since coming home and we had a wonderful time. The men (Roland and Joshua) sat around catching up, while we cooked our favorite seafood dishes, along with salad. We shared stories while we ate, and then as usual the sleep monster came and dragged the men away to the living room right in front of the TV. We quickly cleaned up the kitchen, so we could get on with our stuff. Rida and Kitty overhauled my feet (three months in the hospital did a number on my feet). Kitty did my eyebrows, and let me just say I was ready when she finished. We ended the evening like we always do when we get together laughing about our days growing up.
We got up packed and went to church the next morning (we planned to come back home after service) with Roland and Rida. Walking in to church seemed so difficult, Rida noticed right away, but I convinced her that I had not had time to get my bones moving well before we were off. I think I was even trying to convince myself too because I did not want to think about having such a hard time walking after I had done so well the entire weekend. At the altar call I felt compelled to go and have a minister pray that my normal walking pattern would return. As soon as service finished we said good-bye and headed back to Arkansas. All during the trip back I found myself praying for God to continue to restore me, but could not deny the weakness I was experiencing.
We made it home safe, Joshua headed to work and dropped Diana to school on his way. I’d decided to rest after therapy. I was having both physical and occupational home therapy, provided through our home health service, my vital signs was also monitored by the home health nurse. The nurse noticed my pulse, and blood pressure both to be elevated during her visit so she notified the doctor’s office. She contacted the therapist and told them to take it easy on me during my therapy.
When the therapist came I asked him what he thought about it all he said it was probably fatigue from the trip. I so wanted this to be all there was to it. Well, by late afternoon I was on my way back to the hospital in Little Rock for evaluation.
Turned out I was having another exacerbation and it was stronger and capable of more damaged than the first one. Initially I was so enthusiastic because of how well things had gone the first time around. However the reality of the matter was quick to surface. Upon arrival to the Neurology floor the nurses all seemed to have a sense of urgency unlike before. I noticed tests were repeated frequently, soon the doctor’s made their rounds, and it was at that point we were made aware of the seriousness of my condition.
It was very difficult to accept their grim prognosis, and I pretended not to hear what they had to say. Even though I fought day and night my body deteriorated rapidly. One morning I became very disoriented, and confused. I was aware early on that there could be some mental changes, but to this point I had not experienced it, everything had been physical. Simultaneously, I began to have difficulty breathing and the doctors said that they were moving me to ICU to be intubated. I cried and screamed for Rida, and my mother not to allow that because I felt like it would end my fight. They did what they could, however the doctor was very aggressive and said she was going to do what she had to do to save my life, and that there was no way I could live if I could not breathe.
I was into my fourth day of plasmapheresis treatment; and the nurse explained to the doctor that I improved after each treatment. He asked her to allow him to treat me and see what the outcome would be after treatment. She agreed, but made sure it was clear that if things did not improve I would be intubated without question. Thank God, He turned things around immediately, my breathing was better afterwards, and we received confirmation that I was going to be ok. I stayed in ICU for a couple of days for observation through the final plasmapheresis treatment and went to a step down unit when the treatment was complete.
Physical and occupational therapy were both ordered, however I was not responding well so the doctors ordered the Rituxan a form of chemotherapy to try and turn things around. After my body continued to reject, and have no signs of recovery, I was released to the rehabilitation center where I recovered the first time.
At the rehab center I was a familiar face and, I felt fortunate to be back where the nurses and therapists knew me and was somewhat familiar with Neuromylitis Optica. Unfortunately I was not assigned to the same therapist, and that contributed to the quick negative response the therapists reported to the insurance. The insurance decided that I was not recovering in the allotted time so they could not continue paying for therapy.
The rehab center is in my opinion where the turnaround happens. However if there is no optimism on the therapist part that a turnaround is possible than no matter how much hope the patient has the writing is on the wall and it is a matter of time (in my case 12 days to be exact) before the insurance sides with the therapist and begins the transition. I was told to call in my family that the team had made a decision for me to be released. I said where to and the social worker told me I could be released to go home where I would need a caregiver 24 hours a day. She continued and said that my family could decide for me to go somewhere else of their choice. At the time I was being lifted up by the nurses, and med techs with a Hoyer lift. She assured us we did not have anything to worry about, because they could make arrangements to have a Hoyer lift for me at home to make it easier on the caregiver. They had also made arrangements for me to have a remote controlled wheelchair since I could only use a couple of fingers due to weakness in my hands.
I could see Joshua and my mother’s face it was as unacceptable to them as it was to me, at the time we did not know what to do or where to turn but we were all in agreement we could not accept their solution. The following day I made several calls, one of them to the VAMC in Fayetteville, spoke to my PCP and he talked with the Chief of Social Work Service. The team had decided to discharge me within the next two days. Social Work Service called Joshua to go visit two Nursing Facilities with rehab centers. He decided on one that was approximately ten minutes from my home. Needless to say driving up to the Nursing Facility was one of the saddest days of my life, but after some time the sadness faded.
I was good at knowing when a crisis was starting, and was told at the first sign to make a nurse aware of it because much of what happened next was determined by quick treatment. I was hesitant because I did not want to be going through another crisis but the symptoms could not be ignored, and before I knew it I was headed back to Little Rock for the third time. While being transported I was in the company of what I now know to be another Angel God put in my pathway. He told me about a rehab center within the area after hearing how the rehab center in Little Rock wrote me off the last time I was there. He recommended this rehab because he did some training there. I went through the plasmapheresis, and chemotherapy treatment. I was released to Health South Rehabilitation Center, the center the first responder told me about where I was given every opportunity to recover and I did.
They admitted me on a Sunday afternoon, and that was an indication to me that things were going to be different. Pauline, and company reassured me that they would make sure that I would function to the best of my ability before I left, and they kept their promise. I was assigned to a Doctor (Dr. Bo) whose faith was deliberate, and he allowed the Spirit of God to direct him to take good medical care of me. From the beginning he told me he was not familiar with Devics Disease so he was going to have to rely on the Neurologist from Little Rock, but he was very confident in the therapy team and he was going to take their advice when it came down to getting me back on my feet, things worked out for my good, and Almighty God received Glory and Honor. I got there at the beginning of August unable to do much, and released October 10, able to care for myself while Joshua went to work and Dee went to school.
Home health again assigned me to a nurse and I also had physical and occupational therapy again. I continued to improve and was released from the home health agency, able to drive myself to a therapy center to continue therapy.
It was at this time I begin digging deeper for treatment options for Neuromylitis Optica. I welcomed the opportunity to participate in a Clinical Medical trial using Stem Cell Transplant as a treatment option.
I had not been aware of any trials but I know God lead me to the web site detailing this clinical trial. I read the information on February 8, 2012 and received a response to my request for more information on February 10, 2012. Today is May 18, 2013; I had a stem cell transplant for Neuromylitis Optica also known as Devics Disease February 27, 2013. There were many obstacle along the way and I have a long way to go to recover, but I am grateful for all the things that the Lord has allowed us to come through. I am so encouraged that my trial has strengthened my family and I, and hope that it encourage and inspire you to press your way through the storms of life. God will never leave or forsake you, He will never allow anything that you are not capable of bearing. You will find discover strength to endure as you go through that you were unaware you had.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00770889291196070207noreply@blogger.com1