"For, behold, I am for you and I will turn to you, and you shall be tilled and sown."
Ezekiel 36:9
God doesn't use the plow without intention. Where He plows, He intends to sow. His plowing is proof He is for and not against us. Proof that He thinks we are of value, and worth cultivating. He doesn't waste His plowing on barren soil. He won't plow continually, but only for a time and for a definite purpose....We cannot have the results of the harvest without the process. excerpts from Streams in the Desert 2
I confess I'm a city girl, but, from what I understand, tilling (plowing) requires the soil be disturbed--turned over, cut into, torn up; and should only be done when it will accomplish a useful purpose such as controlling weeds, mixing in nutrients, loosening and aerating...all in preparation of sowing.
In the same way, God tills the soil of our hearts and lives. Often, it's a painful process. I don't know about you, but I don't particularly like being torn up, cut into or turned over. However, I can rest in knowing if God chooses to till, it's for a greater purpose and will only last for a season. Once my "soil" is prepared, He can then weed, aerate (which allows roots to penetrate deeper), and sow. When I allow Him to tend the soil of my heart His seeds begin to germinate; and as I stay rooted in Him I begin to bear His fruit...love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. And this...this is my life's purpose!
As difficult as it may be; I'm thankful He finds me worthy of cultivation. To Him be all glory!
Christie
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Reality
The dreaded countdown is on...2 1/2 weeks 'til I head back to work!
Oh wait, I choose glass 1/2 full and shout "YIPPEE....2 1/2 more weeks of summer!!!"
I have to say, my favorite part of this summer has been time spent soaking in the Word, allowing God to speak to me. Hope you don't mind indulging me as I share some of these thoughts with you over the next few weeks. Hopefully, I'll be able to get a post out later today
I'm so thankful for the blessing of having summers off, but confess it will be hard to give up this much-needed time of refreshment and rest. It's no fun relinquishing the slower pace of life for a more hectic, time-consuming schedule. Ok, in all honesty I've been spoiled and am going to miss this time with my sweet hubby! I vote early retirement!!! Don't I wish!
I am truly blessed that I have a job and coworkers/friends that I absolutely LOVE. Makes the thought of returning much easier!
Please pray for us as we adjust to a new routine of work/school and juggling Ron's TPN schedule, along with the typical household & yard responsibilities and all other aspects of "the real life".
Much love,
Christie
"Godliness with contentment is great gain."
I Timothy 6:6 NIV
"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness."
2 Peter 1:3
"...be satisfied with what you have."
Hebrews 13:5 NLT
Oh wait, I choose glass 1/2 full and shout "YIPPEE....2 1/2 more weeks of summer!!!"
I have to say, my favorite part of this summer has been time spent soaking in the Word, allowing God to speak to me. Hope you don't mind indulging me as I share some of these thoughts with you over the next few weeks. Hopefully, I'll be able to get a post out later today
I'm so thankful for the blessing of having summers off, but confess it will be hard to give up this much-needed time of refreshment and rest. It's no fun relinquishing the slower pace of life for a more hectic, time-consuming schedule. Ok, in all honesty I've been spoiled and am going to miss this time with my sweet hubby! I vote early retirement!!! Don't I wish!
I am truly blessed that I have a job and coworkers/friends that I absolutely LOVE. Makes the thought of returning much easier!
Please pray for us as we adjust to a new routine of work/school and juggling Ron's TPN schedule, along with the typical household & yard responsibilities and all other aspects of "the real life".
Much love,
Christie
"Godliness with contentment is great gain."
I Timothy 6:6 NIV
"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness."
2 Peter 1:3
"...be satisfied with what you have."
Hebrews 13:5 NLT
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Lazy Days of Summer
Sorry, this is jumbled ramblings with thoughts all over the place, but I've been trying to get an update out and just decided to spill everything quickly!
First, please be in prayer for Ron. He's been having major back and neck pain for the last 3 days. He thinks he slept wrong Monday night and he's been dealing with muscle spasms ever since. I think he should go to the doctor and get a muscle relaxant but he thinks he can tough it out with just pain meds...such a man!
I'm thoroughly enjoying this summer with my hubby. We're on a very tight budget so pretty much just hang at home, but we have taken advantage of our Star-Telegram Press Pass occasionally which has many buy one get one free deals. Today, we went to the Omni Imax Theater to see Dolphins...anything ocean-related, Ron loves.
Typically, summer has been Ron's busiest time of the year for work; which made it difficult for me since I was off but not able to spend time with him. Since he's unable to work now, I'm blessed with time with him and am relishing this low key, medically uneventful summer. We've had pockets of busy-ness but on the whole it has been pretty restful. Very much appreciated and needed!
We had a great time hanging out with 35 members of the Nordell family as we celebrated Whitney and Jorden's wedding (July 11) with all kinds of fun events. Ron was thrilled to be able to ride along on the front nine of the guys golf outing and then meet up with them later for lunch, while I enjoyed girls' day complete with manicure/pedicure and bridal tea. We all stayed in a hotel in Mesquite for the entire wedding weekend which was a life-saver for us. It would have been very hard on Ron to be trekking back and forth all weekend and also made it much more fun to have all that extra time to spend with family. By Sunday afternoon, he was ready to be in his recliner veggin' in front of the TV.
Travel has become so much easier now that we've got the routine down...our big trip to San Diego went so smoothly, I feel empowered to take on anything and it really makes me wish we'd gone for broke and tried for Hawaii!!!! I've got me a bad case of the travel bug; I'm ready to pack up and go...Anywhere! Now, if only money weren't the issue!!! It's always something, right?!
Last weekend we were incredibly blessed by friends from church who came over and did a great job repairing our fence and trimming trees! Many thanks to Becky, Rusty, Kyle, Debbie, Cary and all the kids who pitched in...not only did you bless us by working, but it was a treat just to hang out with you! Thanks for giving up your Sunday afternoon for us.
We are thankful for each of you!!!
Much love,
Christie
“…those who have reason to be thankful should continually sing praises to the Lord.” James 5:13b NLT
This verse causes me to reflect on my devotional reading this morning (Streams in the Desert 2)
"Then they sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives" Matthew 26:30 NLT
The only record of Jesus singing is this account. Yes, the Bible said He sang...despite knowing what was to come--His darkest night of life here on earth. But the joy of doing His Father's will was cause for joy in His heart...there was gladness in His heart buried beneath all His griefs and sorrows.
We, too, must learn to sing as we enter our "Gethsemane". Often, we sing as we work; we sing as we rejoice; but can we sing as we suffer? It's difficult to sing when you can't see beyond your trial; but the secret is to look beyond the immediate circumstance and see the glory to come.
“But as for me, I will sing about your power. I will shout with joy each morning because of Your unfailing love. For You have been my refuge, a place of safety in the day of distress. O my Strength, to You I sing praises, for You, O God, are my refuge, the God who shows me unfailing love.” Psalm 59:16-17 NLT
“My heart is confident in You, O God; no wonder I can sing Your praises!” Psalm 108:1 NLT
First, please be in prayer for Ron. He's been having major back and neck pain for the last 3 days. He thinks he slept wrong Monday night and he's been dealing with muscle spasms ever since. I think he should go to the doctor and get a muscle relaxant but he thinks he can tough it out with just pain meds...such a man!
I'm thoroughly enjoying this summer with my hubby. We're on a very tight budget so pretty much just hang at home, but we have taken advantage of our Star-Telegram Press Pass occasionally which has many buy one get one free deals. Today, we went to the Omni Imax Theater to see Dolphins...anything ocean-related, Ron loves.
Typically, summer has been Ron's busiest time of the year for work; which made it difficult for me since I was off but not able to spend time with him. Since he's unable to work now, I'm blessed with time with him and am relishing this low key, medically uneventful summer. We've had pockets of busy-ness but on the whole it has been pretty restful. Very much appreciated and needed!
We had a great time hanging out with 35 members of the Nordell family as we celebrated Whitney and Jorden's wedding (July 11) with all kinds of fun events. Ron was thrilled to be able to ride along on the front nine of the guys golf outing and then meet up with them later for lunch, while I enjoyed girls' day complete with manicure/pedicure and bridal tea. We all stayed in a hotel in Mesquite for the entire wedding weekend which was a life-saver for us. It would have been very hard on Ron to be trekking back and forth all weekend and also made it much more fun to have all that extra time to spend with family. By Sunday afternoon, he was ready to be in his recliner veggin' in front of the TV.
Travel has become so much easier now that we've got the routine down...our big trip to San Diego went so smoothly, I feel empowered to take on anything and it really makes me wish we'd gone for broke and tried for Hawaii!!!! I've got me a bad case of the travel bug; I'm ready to pack up and go...Anywhere! Now, if only money weren't the issue!!! It's always something, right?!
Last weekend we were incredibly blessed by friends from church who came over and did a great job repairing our fence and trimming trees! Many thanks to Becky, Rusty, Kyle, Debbie, Cary and all the kids who pitched in...not only did you bless us by working, but it was a treat just to hang out with you! Thanks for giving up your Sunday afternoon for us.
We are thankful for each of you!!!
Much love,
Christie
“…those who have reason to be thankful should continually sing praises to the Lord.” James 5:13b NLT
This verse causes me to reflect on my devotional reading this morning (Streams in the Desert 2)
"Then they sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives" Matthew 26:30 NLT
The only record of Jesus singing is this account. Yes, the Bible said He sang...despite knowing what was to come--His darkest night of life here on earth. But the joy of doing His Father's will was cause for joy in His heart...there was gladness in His heart buried beneath all His griefs and sorrows.
We, too, must learn to sing as we enter our "Gethsemane". Often, we sing as we work; we sing as we rejoice; but can we sing as we suffer? It's difficult to sing when you can't see beyond your trial; but the secret is to look beyond the immediate circumstance and see the glory to come.
“But as for me, I will sing about your power. I will shout with joy each morning because of Your unfailing love. For You have been my refuge, a place of safety in the day of distress. O my Strength, to You I sing praises, for You, O God, are my refuge, the God who shows me unfailing love.” Psalm 59:16-17 NLT
“My heart is confident in You, O God; no wonder I can sing Your praises!” Psalm 108:1 NLT
Sunday, July 5, 2009
All Good Things Must Come to an End--BOO!
Yes, we're home safe and sound after a very successful vacation! Sorry for taking so long in getting out an update. It's been hard to come back to the real world...especially since our high temps were in the mid-70's all week. You read that right, the HIGH was in the mid-70's! No sense dwelling on it, though...back to the wonderful Texas heat and on to your update! Be prepared, it’s a long one!
We left Anaheim on Wednesday, June 24 and headed south. The drive on Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1) down to San Diego was so pretty. We stopped in Laguna Beach for a late lunch at a great restaurant that sits on the cliffs overlooking the ocean, (thanks, Mark, for the tip to check out Las Brisas!), and walked around enjoying the scenery a bit. We then headed down to Torrey Pines where, of course, we had to stop to check out the golf course and Ron had to buy a new golf cap from the Pro Shop since he (conveniently?) inadvertently neglected to pack any caps. We also enjoyed watching hang gliders take off of the cliffs and glide up and down the coastline. Beautiful! We continued on, driving through La Jolla and many other beachside towns before arriving in San Diego .
Our bungalow at Paradise Point overlooked the bay where we were able to watch the sunset each night. Paradise Point sits in a great location on Mission Bay within 10-15 minutes of all the places we wanted to check out while in Southern California . We stayed very busy, but it was definitely relaxing and so very nice to have such a beautiful change of scenery.
Ron did great!!! It was wise to have a wheelchair with us throughout the trip, although a little tiring for me, well worth it to save Ron the exertion and allow him to be out longer. We decided to splurge and rent a motorized scooter at San Diego Zoo and again at Sea World--what a life-saver! I would have died trying to get him up and down the terrain, especially at the Zoo; I was already feeling the pain from the two days I had spent pushing him around Disneyland and California Adventure and we still had several days to go!
We visited Sea World, San Diego Zoo, San Diego Animal Wildlife Park , Coronado Island , Gaslamp Quarter and took a harbor cruise. We even visited the Gaslamp Quarter Strip Club one night. GASP!!! Yes! I said strip club!!! But, no, not THAT kind of strip club...this was a steak place where you cook your own steaks on grills set up around the restaurant. You choose the steak (get it, strip steak--strip club), season it with any of the multitude of seasonings provided, and stand around with everyone else grilling! (they advise you on how long to cook depending on how you like your steak) Quite fun! We ate at so many unique places. We like to watch the Food Network and had seen a "Tasty Travels" episode where Rachel Ray had gone to San Diego, so tried out several of the places she recommended; which took us to many fun places to explore.
The boy ate like CRAZY and handled it pretty well! A couple of nights he felt kind of icky and one morning had a very sudden yakking episode, but otherwise things were good. He slept in each day; we typically didn't get out until close to noon and tried to be in by early evening so he could have plenty of down time, but I know I brought home one VERY TIRED pup!
No problems with PICC line, huge relief for me. He even got in the hot tub one day and then a quick dip in the pool, as well. Before we left we had found a pharmacy that had a special rubber "sleeve" that covers 3/4 of his arm (including PICC line) and also has a device that sucks out all the air to make it watertight. Worked very well.
We were blessed abundantly by everyone we encountered throughout our travels. Again, on the plane home they moved us to a bulkhead row with an empty seat between us despite the plane being packed tight otherwise! Paradise Point even provided us an extra mini-fridge to ensure we had plenty of room to store TPN, protein drinks and other medical supplies and still have room for anything else we might want to keep cold. Only small incident we encountered was on the day we were leaving; I took our sharps container to the desk when we checked out for them to dispose of and they were a little freaked out as to what to do with it. They finally decided I needed to turn it over directly to security! Quite comical, I thought!
Ron has spent a good portion of this last week resting/recuperating (slept about 14 hours a couple of days), while I played catch-up on laundry, yardwork and general household stuff, as well as spending as much time as possible with my sister, Tami, and her family while they were here for a few days (they live in Georgia). Thanks, Deb & Charles for being so willing to have an open door policy at your new house (and especially pool!) We've all had a great week together.
Ron's looking very good, and actually gained 5 pounds while we were away! He really pushed the envelope but is back to only eating once a day along with his typical protein drinks and continues on TPN 12 hours a night. He's only had one yakking episode since returning home. He still has a very long way to go but we are encouraged by his progress. He has not gained muscle mass and continues to lack stamina and endurance, but is now able to walk about 15-20 minutes before requiring rest and usually doesn't need to nap much. Stairs are still very hard for him, his leg muscles get really shaky when he has to walk them. He typically sleeps about 12 hours a night. Physical therapy was put on the back burner since returning home to allow him to recuperate from our big adventure, but it's time to whip him back into routine. Now that it's gotten so hot, we've had to cut out his daily outdoor walks so we need to come up with another plan of action to keep him physically active, we don't need any backward trends. I know he's really wanting to get out on the driving range to see how his body would tolerate swinging a club, but he'll have to wait 'til things cool down a bit.
For the first time in almost 2 years we enjoyed lunch out with friends after church today! Thanks Troy, Sherry and Tanner for this special treat...so good to spend time with you. And so wonderful that Ron has progressed to the point that we are able to do this! God is GOOD!!!
We have another busy weekend ahead, family wedding next Saturday (Whitney and Jorden, the BIG day is almost here!!!). We'll be gone a couple of days enjoying bridal luncheon/girls day, rehearsal dinner, wedding and just general spending time with our extended family! Always a great time!
I've reflected often over the last few weeks on Isaiah 30:18
"..the Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him."
He is exceedingly gracious to us in so many ways! And you are all a huge part of His graciousness towards us!
Thanks for praying for a good trip! God was faithful to answer! We appreciate each of you!
Christie
We left Anaheim on Wednesday, June 24 and headed south. The drive on Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1) down to San Diego was so pretty. We stopped in Laguna Beach for a late lunch at a great restaurant that sits on the cliffs overlooking the ocean, (thanks, Mark, for the tip to check out Las Brisas!), and walked around enjoying the scenery a bit. We then headed down to Torrey Pines where, of course, we had to stop to check out the golf course and Ron had to buy a new golf cap from the Pro Shop since he (conveniently?) inadvertently neglected to pack any caps. We also enjoyed watching hang gliders take off of the cliffs and glide up and down the coastline. Beautiful! We continued on, driving through La Jolla and many other beachside towns before arriving in San Diego .
Our bungalow at Paradise Point overlooked the bay where we were able to watch the sunset each night. Paradise Point sits in a great location on Mission Bay within 10-15 minutes of all the places we wanted to check out while in Southern California . We stayed very busy, but it was definitely relaxing and so very nice to have such a beautiful change of scenery.
Ron did great!!! It was wise to have a wheelchair with us throughout the trip, although a little tiring for me, well worth it to save Ron the exertion and allow him to be out longer. We decided to splurge and rent a motorized scooter at San Diego Zoo and again at Sea World--what a life-saver! I would have died trying to get him up and down the terrain, especially at the Zoo; I was already feeling the pain from the two days I had spent pushing him around Disneyland and California Adventure and we still had several days to go!
We visited Sea World, San Diego Zoo, San Diego Animal Wildlife Park , Coronado Island , Gaslamp Quarter and took a harbor cruise. We even visited the Gaslamp Quarter Strip Club one night. GASP!!! Yes! I said strip club!!! But, no, not THAT kind of strip club...this was a steak place where you cook your own steaks on grills set up around the restaurant. You choose the steak (get it, strip steak--strip club), season it with any of the multitude of seasonings provided, and stand around with everyone else grilling! (they advise you on how long to cook depending on how you like your steak) Quite fun! We ate at so many unique places. We like to watch the Food Network and had seen a "Tasty Travels" episode where Rachel Ray had gone to San Diego, so tried out several of the places she recommended; which took us to many fun places to explore.
The boy ate like CRAZY and handled it pretty well! A couple of nights he felt kind of icky and one morning had a very sudden yakking episode, but otherwise things were good. He slept in each day; we typically didn't get out until close to noon and tried to be in by early evening so he could have plenty of down time, but I know I brought home one VERY TIRED pup!
No problems with PICC line, huge relief for me. He even got in the hot tub one day and then a quick dip in the pool, as well. Before we left we had found a pharmacy that had a special rubber "sleeve" that covers 3/4 of his arm (including PICC line) and also has a device that sucks out all the air to make it watertight. Worked very well.
We were blessed abundantly by everyone we encountered throughout our travels. Again, on the plane home they moved us to a bulkhead row with an empty seat between us despite the plane being packed tight otherwise! Paradise Point even provided us an extra mini-fridge to ensure we had plenty of room to store TPN, protein drinks and other medical supplies and still have room for anything else we might want to keep cold. Only small incident we encountered was on the day we were leaving; I took our sharps container to the desk when we checked out for them to dispose of and they were a little freaked out as to what to do with it. They finally decided I needed to turn it over directly to security! Quite comical, I thought!
Ron has spent a good portion of this last week resting/recuperating (slept about 14 hours a couple of days), while I played catch-up on laundry, yardwork and general household stuff, as well as spending as much time as possible with my sister, Tami, and her family while they were here for a few days (they live in Georgia). Thanks, Deb & Charles for being so willing to have an open door policy at your new house (and especially pool!) We've all had a great week together.
Ron's looking very good, and actually gained 5 pounds while we were away! He really pushed the envelope but is back to only eating once a day along with his typical protein drinks and continues on TPN 12 hours a night. He's only had one yakking episode since returning home. He still has a very long way to go but we are encouraged by his progress. He has not gained muscle mass and continues to lack stamina and endurance, but is now able to walk about 15-20 minutes before requiring rest and usually doesn't need to nap much. Stairs are still very hard for him, his leg muscles get really shaky when he has to walk them. He typically sleeps about 12 hours a night. Physical therapy was put on the back burner since returning home to allow him to recuperate from our big adventure, but it's time to whip him back into routine. Now that it's gotten so hot, we've had to cut out his daily outdoor walks so we need to come up with another plan of action to keep him physically active, we don't need any backward trends. I know he's really wanting to get out on the driving range to see how his body would tolerate swinging a club, but he'll have to wait 'til things cool down a bit.
For the first time in almost 2 years we enjoyed lunch out with friends after church today! Thanks Troy, Sherry and Tanner for this special treat...so good to spend time with you. And so wonderful that Ron has progressed to the point that we are able to do this! God is GOOD!!!
We have another busy weekend ahead, family wedding next Saturday (Whitney and Jorden, the BIG day is almost here!!!). We'll be gone a couple of days enjoying bridal luncheon/girls day, rehearsal dinner, wedding and just general spending time with our extended family! Always a great time!
I've reflected often over the last few weeks on Isaiah 30:18
"..the Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him."
He is exceedingly gracious to us in so many ways! And you are all a huge part of His graciousness towards us!
Thanks for praying for a good trip! God was faithful to answer! We appreciate each of you!
Christie
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