Saturday's Scribbles on Monday

Good Saturday or is it Monday to you from what undoubtedly is one of our coldest days of 2021 here in Iowa....Yesterday we woke up to -35 degree wind chills, today we woke to the regular temperature at a balmy -19 with wind chills around -38.  This is unusual in February, but it has been an unusual winter.   It is during these days that  I deeply long for warmer climates where my bones don't complain, and my hands and feet are not always cold!  Right?   Not only am I thankful for my fluffy wool comforter at night but my wool blend socks during the day.  We are also using our fireplace a lot more right now and so grateful for it!

This cold weather had me going back to the weekend our middle daughter was married.  Bitterly cold weather settled in with temperatures dipping to -37 where we lived then in Minnesota.  No clue what the wind chills were!  The "guys" got up at night to go out and start cars so that nothing would freeze up.  We had the wedding and reception at a church and the dance at the college.  It was sooooooo cold, not many came to the dance, but we still had a great time with family and friends.  Such a beautiful wedding that Epiphany evening.  

New adventures were part of last week.  This past Monday Joel and I got on our laptops, sitting side by side, in an attempt to get appointments for the Covid vaccine.  There were 1400 doses available for seniors in our county.  A lot of seniors here.  We did not expect to get two of the slots available, but alas as we persisted, refreshed, and persisted over and over, we both got appointments!  So last Friday we headed in to a local massive building that used to house Sears, where we joined dozens of others to get vaccinated.  It was well organized with several different stations to process through and appointments every ten minutes.   I was a bit apprehensive about it ~ I have not had a vaccination in at least 25 years, and the Lyme specialist told me at one time that I would not be a good candidate for vaccinations.  Avoid until I couldn't.  She also told me I would never tolerate chemo, BUT I did, so I decided if I could go through chemo with no severe reactions I could do this. Her words came during Lyme and since I no longer have Lyme, it did not apply so much anymore.   I also felt like this vaccination was well worth the risks.   Avoid until I couldn't.  

Joel and I were able to process through together so that was nice.  I signed up online to be part of the CDC study for side effects too.  I receive a text every afternoon that tells me to click on the provided link where I go and answer a few questions.  If your symptoms are severe you will receive a phone call.  I was really tired Friday evening and Saturday (thus no Saturday's Scribbles).  Joel was fine Friday but Saturday he was feeling "draggy" and took a morning and afternoon nap adding more chair time to his routine.  Another nap took place Sunday morning and again Sunday afternoon. He is pretty good now. I dealt first with a headache and full head, then feeling tired, and a bit of brain fog.  I am still dealing with a bit of feeling tired and foggy off and on but it is mild.  Our arms were somewhat achy, just like with tetanus shots.  Like I said, most of my symptoms have left.  We go back the end of March for our second dose. 

Yesterday was Valentine's Day as you know.  We have spent 54 of them together, two before we were married and 52 since.  We are not people who normally exchange gifts on that day, but cards are in order. Our celebration dinner was left over wraps for lunch and a "find your own Sunday night" supper as usual. Yep. I'm thinking we were both still a bit draggy as Joel defines it!

I saw a video from YouTube on Facebook this morning that had me laughing.....and Joel assures me is not sacriligious. And he is an authority.....right??!?  Ha    It definitely is an attempt to find humor in this bitter cold weather!  It is called a Minnesota Doxology but can apply over a lot of the Midwest today!

Minnesota Doxology

So today I am grateful our first vaccines are behind us and we are doing okay, the warm cozy house we live in, our fireplace, wool socks, wool comforter, wool blankets, (get the picture?).....Grateful for a laugh or two as we wait out the artic vortex, grateful for 54 years of Valentines together, for all those we love and care about.  So grateful for a sweet friend who has been checking on us daily since the shots.....grateful for old friendships refreshed and renewed, for our beautiful family, and grateful for so much more..................

Saturday's Scribbles

Good Saturday to you from the arctic north!  Okay, it is only Iowa, but the bitter cold temperatures and wind chills are making it feel like we are a tiny bit farther north than Iowa!  Comparing our -20 wind chills this morning to Canada's -77 wind chills puts it all into perspective, though!   Thursday we had a blizzard warning with high winds bringing in the cold and 4-5 inches of fresh snow.  Looks like the cold will be staying around for a few days and this morning as I write this, it is snowing once again.  It all makes me extra grateful for a warm house with a fireplace that turns on at the push of a button.  How blessed we are!

It has been a quiet week here, with no doctor appointments in sight.  We made a short visit to Target to stock up on fresh fruits, veggies, and prescriptions, and Joel visited HyVee grocery, otherwise we have snuggled in here with phone call visits to a few grands, kids, a celebrating grandson, a childhood friend, and my sister Jan as we wished her Happy Birthday.  Joel is also filling in at Bethany and her family's church in Wisconsin with a virtual sermon for tomorrow.  He has not preached in 14 months and has never recorded a sermon to be used hours away from here.  It was an adventure in hands-on learning.  Guess we are never too old to learn something new!  

Speaking of, I have been writing some again with the hope of putting together a book. It has me looking back at our life, reminiscing about our first years together.   We were so young when we married, so lacking money, and so naive but eager for new adventures.  Uncle Sam came into the picture with a draft notice just a few weeks after we were married so Joel joined the Air Force to avoid what the army would mean for him, and headed to Texas for basic training.  Then the two of us went to Illinois where he had 9 months of training before he was sent to Albuquerque NM to work on planes that checked for radioactive particles in the air.  The first year of our marriage involved 4 moves, saying good-bye to everything familiar, and eating way to many meals of rice with milk, sugar and cinnamon, and tasty (?) pot pies.  We ate so many of those on Joel's meager Airman's salary that I haven't been able to look at one for quite a few years! Ha.....We were often digging through the car seats hoping to find a quarter for a loaf of bread.  Yes, we are that old!  What I remember about those months was how often God provided for us just when we needed it.  We were even able to buy a used black and white TV for $25.  We had to make $5 payments on it, but it was ours!  Now, when I look across the room at our big "smart TV", it is humbling.  We definitely are blessed with more than what we need.  

Is anyone else challenged by the process to getting a vaccination?  We are connected to a great system called CodeRed that alerts us when shots are available.  You then go to a website and sign up for an open appointment slot.  The first time there were 200 doses available.  Our county has 44,000 people.  I followed the rules and clicked on exactly at the time given to sign in, and all slots were filled!  This time there will be 1400 available for seniors over 65.  There are thousands of seniors in our county, in Iowa for that matter!  Iowa ranks 47th for the number of doses sent to states.  What is up with that?  Some of my family is starting to get shots.....My 80 + sister and brother-in-law are having to drive 40 minutes away from their place in busy Phoenix to get vaccinated.  I know they are just grateful they got an appointment.  Not everyone will get the vaccination ~ each to their own thinking~ but for me, after talking to the Mayo doctor, I will attempt it.  I have never had the pneumonia, flu, or shingles vaccinations, but this one?  It seems like the best way for me to go.  

As I look across the room I see a pillow our daughter N. and her family gave us for Christmas.  It is a beautiful soft plaid with the word "gather" stitched on it.  I look at it every day and pray for the time when our family can gather together once again.  It has been too long and life is too short.  Gather......we are really created to gather....and we are not the only ones.  Geese gather, ducks, sheep gather, yeah most animals have the instinct to gather.  So do humans.  Our souls hunger for that connection....that in person connection that seems to reach down into the depths of our souls and fill us up.   We were created for relationships, with God and with each other.  I physically ache to hug on our family again, to hear them laugh, watch them play cribbage or catch up with each other's lives.  I am very grateful for Zoom and Facetime, Skype, etc. texting, phone calls, etc. but nothing beats a long flesh on flesh, face to face hug.  I so look forward to it.  This past year we have also grieved the death of friends and family.  Friends from the present and from the past ~  Steve, Roger, Allen, Orvis, and in family ~our dear Gr. Jo.  Part of the hope we have is in knowing we will gather together again with them too!  

So, today I am grateful for a Heavenly gathering to come, for earthly gatherings with family and friends, phone calls, fireplaces, virtual preaching, Jan's birthday, a grandson's 13th, vaccinations to come, a pillow that reminds me that better days are ahead, and so much more........

Enjoy your weekend!

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.