"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."
Ephesians 1:4-6
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.