A Diet, A Gym, and a Doctor

I am pretty much a creature of habit and like my ducks all lined up in a row.  So for three major changes to happen within just a few weeks time, I had plenty to think about and process.  I prayed and said that I really needed God to take over because there seemed to be so many changes at once.  I’m sure He said, “I’m glad you finally asked.”  He has been faithful.

First, with Larry’s help and encouragement, I have been really disciplined to embrace the diet I have been on for the past few years.  We have both noticed the benefits.  But after reading a book by a doctor with MS on nutrition and MS, watching a video, and talking with the nutritionist, I realized that while I have “cut out” the foods that are not good for me, I still need to add others so I am receiving the proper nutrients.  So…I am now eating more green leafy vegetables than I ever thought possible, as well as a few other foods that are not necessarily on my “Top 10 or even Top 50” foods list.  I’ve even eaten seaweed.  The encouraging thing is that I can really tell a difference when I do and do not eat those foods.  I’ve even learned to disguise the taste of some foods by eating other foods with them to drown out; I mean, enhance the taste.

Next, we found out a few weeks ago that the gym we go to, as well as the one by the church, was being bought out by another company.  The next closest gym was 45 minutes away.  Upon further investigation, I found out that the company sold all the gyms in Texas to the new company.  Since the gym is only 5 minutes from our house, I really did want to still go there.  Plus, we really like the employees and wanted them to keep their jobs.  Fortunately, there are other gyms in our area if we needed to change memberships.  We found out two weeks ago that we will continue to go to the same gym and the membership is even less with the new owners!  Knowing that it makes it easier to find time to go to the gym, I’ve commented to Larry several times in the past about how nice it is to have the gym so close.  I’m even more grateful now.

Finally, my MS doctor is retiring in July so he can accept a new position to work with doctors in the hospital system.  I am so grateful that he was the one that could walk us through these 11 years.  And I’m thankful that he is more than willing to help us find the best doctor to take it from here. 

So what am I learning?  I’m not in this alone.  God is there and more than willing and able to help with decisions, whether they are little or big.  Sometimes things turn out even better than what they first appear.  Jesus not only calmed the raging sea, He also calms the storms brewing in me.

Joshua 1:9

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Matthew 8:23-27

Jesus Calms the Storm

²³ Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. ²⁴ Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. ²⁵ The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”

²⁶ He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.

²⁷ The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”

Mother's Day

My mom is one of the most loving, unselfish, patient, and generous people that I know.  She and Dad were married 4 months shy of celebrating their 50^th anniversary when he passed away.  They were the parents of 5 children and grandparents to 10 grandchildren.  And May 26^th, Mom will add her third great-grandchild to the family.

Family is a priority for Mom.  She has a smile and a ready hug every time you see her.  With Mom, the more family gets together, the better it is.  Growing up, I can remember a few times when Dad had to be in town for business that she drove 560 miles, one way, to Lubbock with 5 kids so we could spend time with our grandparents and cousins.  We would visit Dad’s side of the family in Texas City several Saturdays or Sunday afternoons each month.  Mom and Dad were at sports events, school or church programs, concerts, and anything else we were involved in.  When the grandkids came along, they continued the tradition by supporting and attending their activities.  Holidays were always big times of family gatherings, decorations and celebrations.  To this day, we still celebrate family traditions and enjoy spending time together, whether it’s a holiday or not.

Each summer, we spent one weekend in June at the Hackney Family Reunion.  The reunion was begun by my maternal grandfather’s parents for their 7 children and their families.  We treasured those times with lots of relatives and still do to this day.  As the five of us kids began to marry, we also began the tradition of renting a beach house for a week and all spending the week together.  Mom had “Required Fun” activities for the kids to make each year.  She even made each of the grandchildren their own flag to have at the beach one summer.  Those continue to be highlights for all of us.  We learned early on the value of family.

Mom is gifted with creativity and the ability to sew.  With four girls, that was definitely a blessing.  We had new dresses to wear for each day of the first week of school, for Christmas, Easter, flower girl dresses, GA coronations, piano recitals, homecomings, proms, and bridesmaid dresses.  She even branched out and made jams for my brother and made lots of costumes.  When the grandkids came along, she took sewing to a whole new level.  She was also very creative when it came time for school projects.  We quickly allowed this to carry over to the next generation.  Whenever a grandchild had a project, we knew Mom would have the supplies, know where they were, and could help with the process.  If she didn’t have a pattern, she would make one up.  Mom made things for the grandkids from baby blankets, matching jams, to amazing “Graduation Picture Quilts.”  Mom would also design the family Christmas card each year as well as make an ornament for each member of the family for the family tree.  One of the grandkids once said, “What’s the big deal about Martha Stewart?  Grandmother can do all that.”  So very true!  Even now, Mom is constantly making scrubbies or sewing yo-yos and keeping busy.

Sometimes this creativity caused unexpected results.  Whenever any of the Pasadena grandkids were sick at school, Mom was on the call list to pick them up.  My sisters and brother finally had to tell her that the sick child had to just stay on the couch because Mom let them make designs on t-shirts, paint pictures, make shrinky-dinks or other crafts and play games.  It was an added bonus if two “cousins” were sick on the same day.  There definitely was not much of a motivation for the sick child to recover quickly.  Two “cousins” confessed, this past year, that they would decide at church on Sunday nights if they were going to be sick that week and on which day so they could go be at Grandmother’s house at the same time.

Church involvement and a relationship with Jesus are important to Mom.  We were active members of the church (in more ways than one).  Mom and Dad made sure we were there for Sunday morning, Sunday evening and Wednesday night activities.  We were in choir, GA’s, RA’s, Vacation Bible School, and went on mission and choir trips.  Mom taught 2^nd graders in Sunday School for over 50 years.  For many years, she made each child a bag, with their name on it, to hold their Bible and Sunday School book.

Mom truly expressed her Christian faith in love and actions.  She was constantly writing a card to someone, baking a cake, helping with a wedding shower and was a great example of doing things for others without expecting anything in return.  For years, she would go out early and place the newspaper on the neighbors’ front porches since some of them were “older” now.  She was also involved in the PTA and other school activities because education was so important.

In these later years, Mom modeled for us what it means to love your spouse “In sickness and in health.”  From our early years, she taught us to treat Dad with love and respect and we saw her live that out in his final days.

I am so incredibly grateful for God’s blessing of a godly mother.  I am proud to be her daughter.

Children’s children are a crown to the aged,
    and parents are the pride of their children.

Proverbs 17:6

“A wife of noble character who can find?  She is worth far more than rubies.  Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.  She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.”

“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:  ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.’  Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”

Proverbs 31:10-12, 28-30

Sometimes I "Get to" Help

A few weeks ago at the Prayer Seminar, I shared that one of the lessons I am learning about prayer is that when I am praying for a person or about a situation that sometimes God wants to work through me to answer the request.  It may include taking time to write a note, bake a cake, make a visit, or call someone.  Other times it may be sharing resources.  And sometimes I “get to” give of myself.

Several years ago, when Kay Dossey Fielder had been diagnosed with cancer, I prayed for her to be healed morning, noon, and night.  I was willing to do whatever I could to help in that process.  One time Kay needed blood donations for an upcoming procedure where she was to be given blood before and maybe during and after the operation.  I diligently prayed that she would find safe donors for the process.  And then I discovered that we had the same type of blood. 

Major dilemma… because I have tiny veins that float, giving blood is not an easy or pain free process for me.  Back in the days when Larry and I were married, you had to have blood work done before you could receive your marriage license.  The day we went to do that, I stuck out my finger, closed my eyes, and turned my head so that I couldn’t possibly see the nurse prick my finger and take the blood.  The nurse said, “Oh no, Honey, I need to take this out of your arm.”  I looked at Larry and told him that I might have to reconsider my answer to his proposal to which he lovingly replied, “Stick out my arm.”  Needless to say, to volunteer to give blood was definitely outside of my comfort zone. 

Anyway, with Kay I was now torn about my prayer.  I knew that I could continue to pray for someone else to volunteer to give their blood, but it was like God was saying, “You’ve prayed and I want you to be a part of my provision this time.”  I called Kay and said that I would love to give blood for her, which was true.  We set a time and Kay took me to the hospital to have the blood drawn.  She never knew that I was relying heavily on trusting God and praying to get me through the procedure.  It took a few sticks, but the nurse was able to successfully collect the blood.  Afterwards, we went to lunch.  I look back on that time as such a special gift from God.  Kay and I talked, cried, laughed, remembered camp and youth stories, and prayed together.  I would have missed out on that blessing if I had not chosen to listen and obey. 

It seems that when I pray, God allows me to see with his eyes and heart.  And sometimes, He even lets me help be part of the answer to the prayer.

Galatians 6:2

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Prayer and Bible Study

When I was growing up…OK I know I am still in the process...at least when I was in my teens, we realized that on the “few” occasions when we were not necessarily paying close attention to the Sunday School or Training Union lessons that if a question was asked and we answered, “Prayer and Bible Study” that most of the time that was the correct answer.  It was amazing how often that was the appropriate response.   

A few weeks ago, I was reminded of that revelation when Larry and I spoke at a prayer retreat at Tallowood.  Each person enlisted to speak at the conference talked about prayer, but also mentioned something God had taught them while they were reading His word which helped clarify a prayer request, offered a solution, or encouraged them during the process.  Once again, prayer and Bible Study went together.

What started out as an easy answer for questions at church has proven itself to be truth for Sunday and every other day of the week.  Praying and studying the Bible are ways that God uses to communicate, encourage, convict, teach, and love us on this journey called life.  And after praying and reading God’s Word, in obedience it’s important to apply it.

Oh, and by the way, if you want to increase your prayer life just say you’ll be glad to speak at the next prayer conference at church.

Proverbs 15:8

 The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked,
   but the prayer of the upright pleases him.

2 Chronicles 7:14

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 2:15

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

I Samuel 15:22

But Samuel replied:

  “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
            obey is better than sacrifice,
            and to heed is better than the fat of rams.

The Lost Ring

Last Sunday, in the Bible reading plan Larry and I are using this year, the scripture was Luke 15.  For as long as I can remember, I have heard the stories of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son.  But that same day the story took on new meaning as we experienced it ourselves.

Sunday night, Larry could not find his college ring.  At first, he checked the pocket in his pants and coat.  Since he had been at church and meetings all day, the possibilities for where it could be were endless.  I thought maybe I had accidentally brushed it into the drawer when I was putting away the t-shirts, but after the drawer was emptied, there was still no ring.  Larry searched under the dresser, behind the dresser, and any other place that I said, “Have you checked there?”  He even went through all of the trash cans.  Reluctantly, he discontinued the search for the evening.

The next morning as Larry was leaving for work, he picked up a piece of paper with a telephone number he needed to call and there was his ring…right where he usually puts it each evening.  There was much rejoicing in knowing that his college ring had been “found”. 

Can you imagine if there was that much joy in finding such a little thing the celebration that occurs in heaven when we “find” God’s way, repent and are ready to listen, trust, and obey?  Now that’s something worth searching for.

Luke 15

The Parable of the Lost Sheep

⁵ And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders ⁶ and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ ⁷ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

The Parable of the Lost Coin

⁸ “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? ⁹ And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ ¹⁰ In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

The Parable of the Lost Son

³¹ “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. ³² But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

Improving

One of the ways that God is choosing to heal me with the stem cell treatment is through improved vision.  When my eye doctor performed the vision test last week, she stated that this was the first time she had seen my vision at 20/20, with contacts, in all the years she has checked them.  Another blessing is that I no longer see double when I look to the far left.  Vision correction is one of the known benefits with the infusion of fat cells.

This was the week for doctors.  I also had an appointment with the dermatologist.  For four years, we have tried to find a solution to correct the irritation that is caused by the electrode “shocks” to my leg from the leg stimulator.  Since having the stem cell procedure, the skin has now completely healed and is no longer irritated by the device. 

Just as it’s important to have 20/20 physical eye sight, it’s very much needed for spiritual vision in order to see the way that God views people and situations.   And it’s also a priority to have a single focus of what God desires and not be distracted with the “double vision” of the world.

John 4:35

Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.

Philippians 2:4

Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

"Getting Ready" for Easter

For as long as I can remember, I have been taught to “Get ready” for Easter.  Growing up, Mom made each of the four girls a new dress to wear for that day.  My brother had his Easter attire.  Even if rain was predicted, Dad would make sure that the car was washed, cleaned out and looking its best for Easter Sunday, too.  (Larry does that as well).  Although we went to church every week, we knew that Easter was a special day because of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross when he died for our sins and then three days later rose again. 

Most of our Easters were celebrated in Pasadena, but there were years where we made the 560 mile drive to Lubbock to spend the weekend with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.  We would worship at First Baptist Church and then go to my grandparent’s house to eat a big meal together.  Even with the long drive, it was always great to spend that special weekend with family.

During college days at Texas Tech, because of distance and a short holiday schedule, most kids stayed in Lubbock for the weekend.  First Baptist Church made arrangements for the 2 hour college Easter Celebration service to take place at the Tech Coliseum each year.  There were weeks of planning, preparing, practicing, visiting and inviting friends as we “Got ready” for Easter.  More than 2,000 college students gathered for worship on those Sundays.

As our boys were growing up, Easter continued to be an important time to teach, celebrate and prepare for.  Seven of those years, Tallowood presented “Celebration of Life”, a drama and musical presentation, in preparation for Easter.  It was an incredible visual of Jesus’ ministry on earth as well as a reminder of God’s love for us, Jesus’ sacrifice as He willingly died on the cross for our sins and three days later came back to life.  Larry portrayed the role of Jesus each year and the boys were also a part several of the years.  

In recent years, the Maundy Thursday service, receiving the Lord’s Supper, and Good Friday service have been an important part of my “Getting ready” for Easter.

Through the years, I’ve realized that even though I want to dress my best, attend Easter presentations, take the Lord’s Supper as a way of remembering what Jesus did for me and you, and even have a clean car, the most important part of “Getting ready” for Easter is to have a clean, forgiven, and obedient heart.

Luke 24:1-8

On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them.  In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” Then they remembered his words.

He is risen!  He is risen, indeed!