Saturday's Scribbles

Good Saturday to you from our corner of the upper Midwest where another winter storm is planning to drop 4 inches of the white stuff on our neighborhood.  Still, it is nothing like the last storm that blanketed, or should we say, engulfed our capital ~ Des Moines~ with 19 inches.  Yikes!  Four does not sound so bad....

Speaking of not sounding so bad, when the doctor at Mayo confirmed the PA Oncologist diagnosis this past Wednesday, telling me I had 2 fractured ribs from having radiation in the same area two times....it sounded not so bad.  That makes sense only because they ruled out cancer there.  If given a choice I will take the fractures.  Weird thing is, the pain was pretty bad last fall and especially in Nov and Dec in right ribs but we all thought it was due to scar tissue that the OT was working on.  I adapted as I do, so tried to avoid the bad pains that came from sneezing, coughing, laughing hard, or laying on my right side.  It got better like I said in January and when I mentioned to the PA that the pain was better she said....what pain?  Guess I forgot to mention it. An x-ray followed.  Nothing to be done.  The good news is like I said, no cancer seen, and the ribs are starting to heal as shown by the x-ray.  Having less pain is another good thing.  

Speaking of Mayo, it was my regularly scheduled appointment which "happened" to come just 5 days after going to the oncology PA here in town, so that worked out!  This past Wednesday before making a run to Trader Joe's in Rochester MN,  we were back at the Mayo clinic where I had radiation, exactly one year from the day when I rang the bell for my last radiation treatment.  How cool is that?!  We enjoy the staff there so much.  They intentionally work hard to be kind patient, and caring.  I told my radiation oncologist he was "my favorite doctor" and he said....."And you are my favorite patient".  I replied, Oh....you tell all your patients that!" and he turned red under his mask!  Ha...

Speaking of masks, last Monday I had to get another eye injection.  There are three retina specialists that take turns coming up to help patients in our clinic, around 80 a day for two days.  I am not kidding.  Most of those people need injections.  I am sharing because this time the doctor was in a rush...this guy usually is.  In fact one time he was racing in and out and when he came in to inject the drug into my eye I said, "Stop!  Take a deep breath....remember you are putting a needle in my eye!"  Well, this time the same doctor- still in a hurry- was rinsing my eye out after the shot and poured too much flushing liquid into my eye. It ran down behind my mask and right into my mouth!!!! I gagged and sputtered and had to take my  mask off....(not happy).  The mask was wet!  So here is the interesting little tidbit.....That day for some reason I took an extra mask along and put it in my pocket!  So I was able to switch out the wet one for a dry one.  Needless to say I will be remind this doctor to s l o w down when I see him!  I gave God a thank you for nudging me to take an extra mask...

Pastor Rick Warren has been pastor of the mega Saddleback church for decades in Orange County CA.  He is an amazing man of God who loved his Lord and lives his life accordingly.  This past week his wife Kay put a selfie of them on Facebook wearing their masks and sharing that they had both just got their vaccinations for Covid.  Way too many comments by other "Christians" absolutely ripped in to them for getting the shots, wearing masks, and taking the wrong political side.  It blows my mind and infuriates me that people have made this political.  It angers me that our last president used this issue in his campaigning and discredited the scientists who have worked their entire careers to find answers for HIV, ebola, etc.  It angers me that doctors are begging people to social distance, wear masks, etc. and they are called liars, their lives are threatened, and even as some of them and alot of others die from this terrible virus, it divides our country.  Here is my thought on it............Satan sits back and smiles in glee as he watches Christians (and others) destroy each other in the name of the red and blue self made war.  Lord have mercy and open our eyes and hearts to love one another before our country destroys itself.  

Speaking of love, recently I saw a video of a young woman playing a violin outside in a pasture....her loving cow was laying on the ground with her head on the girls lap, enjoying the music and showing such affection for the girl.  I enjoy the animal videos so much....

We celebrated on January 24th, Joel's anniversary of his miraculous healing.  It has been an amazing journey and story to share.  So grateful!

My sister Jan gave me the greatest mug for Christmas.  It is stainless steal with a lid so I assumed it was a travel mug, but when I decided to use it one morning I realized it kept my water hot 3x longer than a regular mug.  It is my new favorite winter mug to hold my hot water.  I have always enjoyed hot water and I guess my grandmother Tillie did too.  Doesn't it make you ponder just what is carried on  in our DNA?  Sometimes we watch the PBS show, "Finding Your Roots" and a couple weeks ago they had a young man on who designed clothes.  Guess he is well known, but not by us.....and I can't remember his name, but it turns out when they looked up his history 3 generations back you can find tailors who designed and made suits, etc. for a living.  He had no knowledge of that but here he was generations later in the same field of work!  Fascinating isn't it.  God really created humans with amazing intricate designs in our DNA.  Beyond our imagination.  

So this week I am thankful for fractured ribs beginning to heal, a good report from the radiology oncologist, an extra mask when needed, animal videos, my grandmother Tillie who also loved hot water, a road trip to Rochester MN, stocking up at Trader Joe's, visits on the phone, laughter with Joel, a warm house in a snow storm, Pastor Rick Warren and the gifts he has shared with others, Joel's 9 year anniversary, PBS, and so much more.....

Enjoy your weekend!

Saturday's Scribbles

 

Good Saturday to you from our corner of the world where snow, wind, and chilly temperatures have been part of the conversation this week.  Still, how can we complain, with such a mild winter so far, and all the conveniences we have in our lives to keep us warm inside and out.  I am so grateful for our heated seats in our SUV.  How spoiled are we!?!

The weather had Joel and I talking about our childhoods and he expanded some on what I already knew about him.  He shared that they did not have indoor running water, toilets or showers until he was 14 years old.  They had something like a makeshift compost toilet for winter nights but otherwise used an outhouse.  They bathed in a big metal tub, or in the summers they went to the lake to bathe....or even went out in a rainstorm to wash off.  Even though he does not see those years as unusual at all, it may have something to do with how much he has always loved taking showers. 

Talking with Joel about his recollections had me thinking about when we lived in The Philippines. We lived off the base for the first 15 months and if the electricity went out in our house -which it often did- our toilets would not flush.  We had a nice shower, but the two older kids had a big plastic kiddie pool type tub to bathe in.  We used the kitchen sink for the two babies.  We were grateful for the nice house we lived in, as more than once we saw Filipino people outside showering or going to the bathroom.  We relied on the electricity so much because we had lights on every corner of our home to help "protect" us.  There were no cell phones, nor did we have a land line phone so when Joel worked nights sleep for me was fitful, especially when the only lights were candles. Today I am thinking all our modern conveniences and cozy neighborhoods are such a good thing!  Just looking back a little today...............

Although, this weekend it is a time to look ahead.  The country has a new President and Vice President and they are in our prayers as they inherit a pandemic and all that entails. Our country is a mess for many reasons, but we cannot let that keep us discouraged, fearful, or for some, angry.  I hope we return to a place where we can have different beliefs and opinions without being verbally attacked, threatened, or physically harmed.  And I pray that this pandemic will not be seen as political, yet another way to divide us.  It is a bloody nasty virus and does not care how you vote............

This week I had appointments with the dermatologist for a melanoma check up and yesterday the oncology nurse practitioner for a three month check up.  Both were good exams and for that I am grateful, but what I wanted to share briefly was how God showed up for me at both those appointments.  He sent a couple of human "angels" to minister to me.  On Thursday at the dermatology clinic someone mentioned to me that they had also had a bi-lateral mastectomy.  As we talked, more nodding and agreeing went on with what that means for every day life.  Friday while at oncology someone else shared with me that she had been on the same journey as me!  We talked at length and what I have been experiencing she could mirror back to me.  Down to details.  It was such a gift to know that the symptoms I am experiencing are pretty common after such trauma occurs to the body.  I took great comfort with her words and unity in our journey.  Don't you just love it when God provides just what you need, before you even know you need it?  Only God.  

And speaking of only God, I am going to ask my readers, friends, and family to pray for a woman named Christie Purifoy who has written the book, "Roots and Sky", one of my very favorites.  She is battling a bad case of Covid and has shared on Facebook how difficult it is for her ( she also has asthma). It has not taken her ability to write with great expression and I am sure that so many others with Covid appreciate her voice.   And then there is sweet Ruby, my friend Linny's daughter who came into this world with very difficult circumstances and medical problems.  Linny has written her story in the book, "Rescuing Ruby".  Ruby has had another severe seizure but this time it has continued to affect her brain.  Linny shared on Facebook that Ruby cannot use her left arm or leg and appears to not be able to swallow.  She continues to stay above baseline as they call it while neurologists work hard to help her.  I would also ask for prayers for the family.  I'm pretty sure I read on Dwight's page that several in the family also had been having Covid.  They have nine still at home.  We shared a meal in their home in 2015, it was such a delight to meet and hug in person!.  Linny is asking for continued prayers for Ruby.  Thank you for adding yours.

When we were younger we watched the PBS series, "All Creatures Great and Small" based on some great books by James Harriet.  PBS has revamped the series and the first two episodes have been really good.  It is such a relaxing, sometimes amusing show to get get lost in.  I think many of us long for a simpler life right now, wouldn't you say?  I don't mean a life of isolation, but a life free of so much stress and drama.  I am all for the days before the pandemic, but I expect we will have a new normal to live with for years to come.   Oh, yes, things will definitely improve, and God will use this for good in some way as he promises, but 2020 is one of those years that has us at a crossroads now for how we will do life.  And I am not talking just about the pandemic.  The world is watching........and I believe, so is God.

Joel's latest book order arrived.  It is so fun, still, to see his name in print.  I finished the book as a reader and seeker and am re-reading it as I do with some.  I have my pencil in hand to underline.  I also fold down the top of a page if it is a place I want to return.  By the way, I am NOT folding down a page on 2020 although there are a few good things that came out of it!

So this week I am grateful for skin-on ministering angels who brought me comfort and useful information.  I am grateful for being able to watch the inauguration on our TV and hear a great young poet,  some powerful prayers and a delightful concert.  I am grateful for Ruby and her family, Christie Purifoy's words in print, good medical exams, Joel's book, the healing class we are taking online, talking with a childhood friend, our easy access to showers and toilets, and so much more.....

Enjoy your weekend!

Saturday's Scribbles

 

Good Saturday morning to you from northern Iowa where winter has finally arrived in force.  We are looking at the beauty of pristine snow blanketing our ground and trees, and it is always enjoyable to discover it after the first big snow storm............but alas.........it means winter has finally arrived and we will need to settle in now until Spring.  As I write I am watching Joel shovel the back deck after using the blower to rid the driveway of several inches.  Along with us, the squirrels seem to be settling in grateful for their supply of stored food and cozy digs.

We knew this storm was coming, so we changed our plans for a car ride to southern Minnesota from Saturday to Wednesday when it was in the low forties.  We had four of Joel's books to deliver to family and friends so we decided it would be good to get out, take a trip and say hi to those we have not seen for awhile.  We were grateful to see my long time friend of over six decades, Lana, and give her a book.  Her healing story is one shared, so we wanted to thank her and of course see her in person.  We sat out on her porch in the country for an hour, bundled up, wearing masks, and chatting away.  It was way too short a visit, but so good to see her again.  We then saw Helen, a family member, visiting with her for an hour in her garage (door open) in the town I graduated high school from.  Another good visit!  We dropped two books with her for my brothers as they were both working.  By the time we got back home we were chilled to the bone........we turned up the heat, started the fireplace, got into p.j.'s and sweats, and I covered up with a blanket until we warmed up again.  It was worth it to see both Helen and Lana after so long.

Speaking of Joel's book, we are happy people are wanting to read it.  He just ordered 40 more, but like I said before, it is available as an e-book or paperback at Amazon. 

Going back to preparing for the storm, I expect that is what is going on in every state capital as they take action to be ready for the threats that have surfaced.  As more and more stories have come forth a person can't help but get emotional over what happened on January 6th.  We have noticed that both of us feel and underlying anxiety that has even affected our sleep at times.   Early this morning Joel and I discussed this and the first thing that popped up in our morning devotion online just a few minutes later was Psalm 96:19.

             

This is an historic time in our country and keeping our eyes on who sits on the throne..........JESUS........... is more important than ever. Violence never solves anything.  For such a time as this we need to be praying more than ever before.  Not for our will to be done, not for what we think has to be God's will to be done, but for God to be God and HIS will and His alone to be done.  For our hearts to be open along with our hands and we receive His guidance and healing.

Speaking of healing, two weeks ago I started a healing class with Ana Werner, a young woman with tremendous gifts in  healing and the prophetic.  Joel and I have been listening to the video teachings of people she has asked to take part in this school.  Thursday night we were part of a livestream question and answer period that was also very enlightening.  I noticed that people were participating from all over the world, but especially Australia and the USA.  It is nice to be studying and stretching my faith once again.

We finally put away our Christmas decorations, but our tree is still in the corner brightening the days and giving off a nice glow in the evenings.  No ornaments, just lights.....and why not?!  When I said to Joel last week that I supposed we better put away the tree he replied, "Well, are you enjoying it?"  I said, "Yes!" and he said, "Then lets keep it up.  I like it too and no one else sees it but us!"  Today we both are feeling it is time to take it down.  We hope to find somewhere to keep up a few lights.....love the early morning glow that it brings.  There is an atmosphere of peace  that settles over our living room with lights illuminating the morning darkness.  Seriously, it aligns my thoughts to take it in.  

Today is "pancake or waffle" day in our house.  Every two weeks we enjoy an over the top meal of pancakes or waffles with almond butter, fresh strawberries and blueberries, and whipping cream.  Not that we are creatures of habit or anything!  We can't remember when this started for us, but it has been probably 20 plus years.  If we are feeling rebellious we add in a few slices of bacon. ( We usually buy that 4-5 times a year!).  Haha......Do you have favorite meals that you enjoy?  

So this day, we give thanks for the meal that is to come, we give thanks for law and order and what the military years taught us about our country, for a car trip, for seeing friends and family, for a Bible verse that came at just the right moment, for lights that brighten the darkness, for the power of prayer, for a beautiful snow, for hearing that Joel's book is touching people, for God still being God.  

Enjoy your weekend!

Baffled

Yesterday I was skimming an article by a teacher who was expressing how baffled she was that students were coming back to school full time when the teachers, themselves, had not been yet vaccinated.  Several days ago I saw part of a video where a doctor used the same word while describing his understanding or lack there of when people refused to believe they had CoVid while fighting for their lives.. Yesterday one of our sons used the word while describing what is happening in his world.   Baffled.  Baffled is a word that I have used myself often in the past few years, never more so than the past week.  Baffled.  

In the Bible we find people who were baffled by what they saw, by what they experienced, by what God spoke to them.  I sometimes ponder if Jesus was ever baffled by his disciples.  He walked with them daily and they experienced miracles left and right with his words, His touch, His commands.  And yet...........they would seem surprised at times when he would heal someone, perplexed at his authority and power even after experiencing it day after day.  Were they baffled by this son of man who was also the Son of God?  Was He baffled by their lack of understanding of His ministry when he pondered their lack of faith? 

Baffled means to be mystified, perplexed, confused, or puzzled.  I think that about describes what is going on, don't you?  I would add to that more than a little anxiety, frustration, and a deep sadness at what is happening in America and to America.  Do you think Jesus just might be a little perplexed Himself?  .....probably not since nothing really surprises God!  I think He will leave the baffling to us while beckoning His children to keep their focus on Him.  HE is our God.  It is HIM we put our trust in.  He and He alone is our I AM.  When we become baffled, confused, mystified, perplexed, we can narrow our focus and remember who He is.  Our country may be a mess, but God is still God.  God is still God.

Saturday's Scribbles

Good Saturday to you from our small corner of the world where January weather has been mild for the first couple weeks of the year.  Usually temperatures plunge and wind chills keep us inside. but we are heading to 39 degrees for Monday so what snow we have left will melt I expect.   We noticed that the squirrels who live in our backyard tree are very chubby, so I guess, like me, they have not gone without food this year!  

I expect for most of us stress eaters, food has been easier to reach for with all that came in 2020.  Unfortunately, 2021 has not started out any less stressful!  So, what works for you when stress creates "issues" in your life?  Maybe meditation, deep breathing, more laughter, more prayer time. less "grazing in the kitchen", less news?  Or more?  Whatever helps, right?!

Speaking of 2021, I cannot help but feel great angst for what happened at our Capitol in Washington D.C.  It was completely unacceptable.  As we sat glued to the TV, we were disappointed to see the violence, destruction, disrespect, and threats that sent all our congress members into hiding.  I was especially stunned by hearing a woman in her 60's speak to a journalist, saying she thought what had happened was great, and every member of congress should be "dragged out of the capitol by their hair".  We keep hearing that THIS is not America, but sadly we are IN America and this is happening in America at the hands of Americans.  We have become a divided country for sure.  I could give my reasons why I think we are in this place, but they would only be my opinions.  I'm actually a bit weary of hearing everyone's opinions so I won't add mine to the mix today.

A great start into 2021 was Joel's book arriving.  He has ordered copies of it to send out to family and a few friends, but I will say if anyone here is interested in reading it you can find it on Amazon as a printed or e-book.  The title is "A Little To The Right of Crazy" by Joel Dahlen.  (a little free advertising here!)  We are so excited that his years of hard work can be held in his hand now!  I have mentioned before that self publishing with Kindle was not without it's challenges, and he has continued to deal with them to correct mistakes we found in the current version, but putting that aside, we are very happy with the book overall and grateful that it is ready to share.  I have been reading it for a third time, this being the first time I have opened its cover as a reader and not editor.  I might be a little bit prejudice, but I think it is really good!

Yesterday and today I gathered up all the Christmas decorations to be packed away for another year.  This usually saddens me somewhat as everything looks so bare when all those special decorations are back in their tubs.  With the good weather Joel got the outside lights put away too.  We did decided we are going to find somewhere to put lights to brighten up the living area on dark and dreary days.  This year though, I confess, our tree was in a corner so we decorated only the front and sides....not the back!  I don't think the wall minded!

Today homemade chicken and rice soup in cooking on the stove, making the house smell so good.  Usually we wait for a bitterly cold day to get out the big soup pot, or if one of us is fighting a virus, but today it just felt like a soup day.  Everything we put in it from the chicken breast with skin on, carrots, celery, peas, garlic, basil, bay leaves, salt, rice and peas make it all a good natural healthy meal........or two.....or four!  Good thing we both like leftovers!

I headed in for an eye shot on Tuesday.  It went well, but my one eye is getting more fluid again so if you are inclined to pray I wouldn't mind that one bit.  I go so often I enjoy chatting with the nurses and staff.....We also had a good time on Monday having a mask wearing, social distancing, heated garage visit with my sister Kay and her hubby.  Hadn't seen them for too long to even speak about.  It felt good to see people in person, but I sure miss the hugs!  I am a hugger so am feeling a bit deprived.  So thankful I have Joel to hug on!

So, today I am giving thanks for Joel's book arriving, for homemade soup on the stove, the decorations all in their tubs tucked away, an eye shot to help keep my vision, texts, phone calls, garage visits, laughter, tears, prayers, Joel's hugs, God's assurance He's still God, and the love of family and friends.

Enjoy your weekend!

Saturday's Scribbles

Good Saturday to you on the very first one of the new year, 2021!  The weather changed in the past week and now our ground is covered with about 3 inches of snow that blanketed us a few days ago.  Still, over all it has been a mild winter so far.  

Speaking of mild, I don't think anyone would have described 2020 as mild in any way, shape, or form.  We were excited for it to come as I would be finishing radiation the end of January 2020 and we hoped to be doing a bit of traveling to visit our family after I recovered somewhat.  And then.........the pandemic hit and shook up not only our plans, but the world at large.  Then George Floyd died while the world watched and the protests began.  Rioting took place, and some in our country began a love hate relationship with the police. The election process brought with it more conflict, more division, and it seems like everyone's worst side came out of hiding to spew hate and fear into all our homes, our minds, and our hearts.  We definitely needed a shield of God's protection as unrest in our country, our world, and our hearts prevailed.  For many, grief set in at the loss of jobs, income, loss of just hugging, besided the death of friends, and family for some.  We did not escape the grief in our own family with the loss of loved ones.  

We acknowledge that in 2020 some people decided scientists were lying to us about CoVid.  That doctors and nurses were lying about how bad it really was/is.  Some people turned to the President as knowing more that the experts.  It was all baffling to me.  Even more baffling were the death threats and hate-filled responses to what was and still is one of our country's biggest pandemics ever.  And where was God in all of this?  According to a few, He was definitely on the side of those throwing caution to the wind. Those who argued about freedoms and no one telling them what to do or what to wear. Baffling. And here I will stop preaching......or I will need to get a platform to stand on!

So, looking back on all the crap that filled 2020, it seems very logical to me that we are all ready to have 2020 end.  We certainly know there are still dark days ahead, and the unrest of injustice, politics, and pandemics are not behind us.  So where does our hope come from?  GOD!   His mercies are new every morning!

Speaking of  2020, on New Year's Eve I, with Joel's help, made cinnamon rolls from scratch.  We have purchased a spendy flour that is supposed to be good for those with gluten intolerances.  (Time will tell).  So using coconut sugar, maple syrup, and heritage bread flour we created some yummy cinnamon rolls for our New Year's Eve treat.  We watched a fun special on NBC about the videos made in 2020 as people became creative while at home, and to end the year?   I was asleep by 10:30 and Joel 11pm.  Never have been night owls...........  Yesterday was a day of downloading pictures on our new digital Frameo, playing scrabble and cribbage, watching TV, and yes, more cinnamon rolls to enjoy!  

Looking at the new year ahead, what are you hoping for in 2021?  My hope is to focus more on gratitude for each day.......learning more - I am taking a class on healing in January........hopefully a new Bible study is in the works...........I would like to learn a language to keep my brain firing............begin writing the book in my heart...........see and hug on my family..............laugh more and cry less..................and speaking of less, lose a few pounds or at the least not gain........walk 30-45 minutes daily........ and get back to dancing.........in the rain?  Or in the house?  Anywhere....just have the energy to dance again!  Care to share what is on your "hope to" list?

Today I am grateful for a new year!  Grateful for homemade cinnamon rolls, laughter, games, memories of hugs and family gatherings, sunshine, puzzles, a Frameo to see family photos, walking, God's mercies, and hope for 2021 to be a year of healing for our country. 

Enjoy your weekend!