A New Day

Yesterday, I went over to see my daughter and her family in their new, temporary home.  It was bittersweet... I am still worried about them, but know that I can't always be there to protect them, no matter how badly I'd like nothing more.

It was good to see the babies running around, laughing and playing, then eventually, crawling up into my lap to be cuddled.  Can I just say there is almost nothing better in this world than to feel those little ones all snuggled up, resting their heads under your chin?!  I melt.

As I left to head home, I realized that life is moving on for them so it's time for me to move on, too.  I can rest assured that they are in His care and His loving protection, which provides far more than anything I could ever provide!  They'll be fine and come out of this all the better in time.

Now, it's time for me to get back to focusing on getting better.  It's been quite a stressful year so far and my body has felt the effects of it.  I know what I need to be doing, but actually doing it is another story.  But, some of us don't have the luxury of having a choice when it comes to matters of the heart.



Recently, I ran into a gentleman at the Health Food Store who happened to be an acquaintance of mine.  He noticed the scar running down my chest and began to share about his heart attack and bypass surgery.  

I felt like a total loser.  Here I am, doing my best at getting through each day (at the age of 47) and then here's this man, almost 80 years young, looking and acting younger than me!

Talk about feeling ashamed!

However, during our conversation, I asked what he did to have so much energy and look so great.  His number one answer:  "Stay away from every part of the cow..."

In other words, no red meat, no dairy... nothing that comes from a cow.  He claims that's what he was told in a class for the 'newly by-passed' before he left the hospital.  I tend to agree with him.  I'm no dummy when it comes to this area, especially since having had cardiac issues of my own.  It's my opinion that there is so much truth to this statement about leaving the cow alone for the sake of our health.  There are so many other healthier options for protein.  Check it out for yourself and see.

It's Monday and I have a plan.  A plan to do more in order to help me feel better.  It is, after all, a new day and not too late for me to take better care of what I've been given.



   
S.

Fire Images

 Still burning

 Dining Room chair

 Formerly the master bedroom

 View from under the carport

What's left of the Bible that Ryan's parents gave Julie when they got married

As I walked around the rubble, still in shock, "Refiner's fire" kept running through my head.  With the emotional healing beginning to take place, I take great comfort in knowing my kids and grandbabies are being refined through this tragedy. 

Please continue to pray for this family as they are walk through unknown territory for them.  We appreciate and feel every prayer on their behalf.

S.

 



Through The Fire

Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 5 a.m., my daughter, son-in-law and their five small children lost their home to a fire.  They barely made it out and even then with only the clothes on their backs. 

It's overwhelming to think of what they went through and what lies ahead, but that's a small issue considering the alternative.

Ryan is the Youth Pastor at their church and Julie is a stay-at-home-mom.

Watching them go through this and seeing their true character speaks volumes.  Even in this tragedy, they know God is turning it around for His glory.

As I sit here and type this blog entry, I'm listening to the beautiful sounds of children laughing, crying and all points in between.  We are so thankful for each little noise!

Don't let another minute go by without letting your loved ones know just how much they mean to you... things could change at the drop of a hat, without any warning.



S.

Hercules And The Heart Attack

I've just finished reading Kevin Sorbo's book, "True Strength".  In case you don't know who Kevin Sorbo is, he played Hercules on the television series about ten years ago.  Like a lot of people, I was unaware he had suffered through three strokes at the age of 38.  In his book, he is quite open about the challenges he faced as he struggled through his physical recovery and then, of course there is the ever-present emotional battle.

I can so relate.  Oh, how I can relate.

I'll be the first to admit I'm not much of a reader, but this book had me from the beginning and I found it hard to put down.  Maybe it was because of the similarities in our stories, our lives?  Whatever the case, once again, I was reminded of my time spent in the hospital wondering if I'd ever be the same and then once at home, quietly crying myself to sleep most nights.

Even though what he went through was so tragic, I have to admit that it was refreshing to know his innermost thoughts while at his lowest points, mostly for selfish reasons.  In my mind, it helped to confirm what had already been there all along... that I needed to face, head-on, what happened to me instead of trying to deny it and then feeling guilty about it all and not knowing why.  Sheesh... it's all so complicated and hard to explain if you've never been through it.

It's life-changing.  Period.  Will I ever be the same?  I hope not.  I hope and pray that the events that have happened in my life have happened to strengthen me in every area possible.

Why do I feel I need to face this head-on?  Honestly, I don't ever want to forget what I went through.  It has refined me and my purpose in life.  It has enabled me to reach out to those going through the same or similar issues with sensitivity and compassion.  I have a story to tell and it's a story of hope.

Hope is to be shared and not denied by pretending it never happened.  Does this mean my faith in God waivers?  Absolutely not.  On the contrary... He is more alive and real to me now than ever before!  Again, hard to explain and probably even harder to understand.

Is everyday a walk in the park?  No.  I'm no dummy... I know that I have a huge role to play in making sure my health is at it's best.  There are those days where it's all almost too much, but I also know the risks if I don't take responsibility and show some self-discipline.

As for Hercules... he admits he was once a 'Jerk-ules' with an attitude and an ego of a mega-star that nothing could bring down.  Now, ten years after facing his own mortality, his life will never be the same, either.  And, according to him, it's never been better.



S.