iona's blog 11/6 - 11/12/2005

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Sunday, November 6, 2005

Sunday Blessings
It has been a busy day and a good one. Spending time with my church family in study, worship and love of our Savior always makes the day a good one. We continued our discussion of LOVE in Sunday School. Tom is a gifted teacher, and I enjoy how the class participates. Pastor Rob's sermon was especially meaningful to me on several planes.. (but that is a long story, perhaps for another blog). Next, we went to the Azteca to enjoy a meal and fellowship with a number of folks from the Seniors Sunday School class. Then someone took our sofa... more on that in a moment.

I am still sore from yesterday's carpet cleaning workout. Thankfully, the carpets are still damp, so we didn't move the furniture back in yet. Maybe my out-of-shape muscles will feel better by morning so we can at least get it in the house before Richard leaves for work. Then I can rearrange the living room at my leisure.

Why rearrange? Because the Lord sent us a Love Note in the form of an "L" shaped living room set which includes a hide-a-bed! I had wanted to buy living room furniture because the sofa we had was a bit stained and somewhat worn... plus I wanted more seating. We got that sofa for $65 at a yard sale, but I was on the lookout for something nicer, yet affordable.

The other day as we left to take the dogs for a ride, in a driveway less than a block from our house, was a living room set topped with a cardboard sign with the price... How about FREE? It that affordable enough?! The set seats six... double the seating of our old one. And to top that off, it is exactly the perfect style and color to fit in with what we already have! Isn't God amazing!?

Our "new" sofa set would be stored in the garage until we could complete our pre-planned carpet cleaning project... we didn't want to move it twice. So, when began the project, we took the old sofa to the driveway and reused the cardboard "FREE" sign, hoping to forward a Love Note from God to someone else. When we got home from church, the sofa was gone. Sweet!

Even with achy muscles, I am anxious to create a fresh look in the living room tomorrow. Amazing what attitude can do... I don't think I would be nearly as enthusiastic about early morning furniture moving if we had not received the gift of the living room set. I wonder what God is going to do with the added seating in our home?

Monday, November 7, 2005

Achy Breaky Me
I arranged and rearranged the furniture for over half a day. When I woke up, Richard had already brought in everything but the living room set. As soon as that was in, he was off to work... and I began dragging couches around the living room. Over and over, trying to find the "just right" feel and look. By mid-afternoon, I was ready to accept any arrangement, perfect or not. Actually, I really do like how it turned out.

I invested the rest of my time in getting my daily chores done and fixing dinner. It wasn't until a few minutes ago that I realized I had not had my usual "lunch with the Lord" time. Normally, I have lunch with Jesus. I eat while studying my Bible and talking with Him. Not today. I totally spaced it... bummer!

Dinner was good and I had maybe enough energy to force myself to clean up after... but the the kitchen sink was plugged. Richard took everything apart and I was appalled at the muck he found in that little "U" shaped pipe... Sort of like all the hidden muck in us until Jesus unclogs our hearts.

Well, as I said above, I am achy and breaky and I am going to bed now. A better blog after a more sensible day tomorrow. Don't forget to VOTE!!!!

Tuesday, November 8, 2005

A Day of Downs and Ups
This has been a busy, frustrating, tiring yet also inspiring day.

First, I had an appointment with my neurologist and was pleasantly surprised to see my nurse case worker in the waiting room. She was contracted by the workmen's comp insurance company to coordinate treatments, benefits, etc. She's been working on my case for quite a while, and she has been absolutely wonderful. Because of other issues with the insurance company, I asked her if she had been paid... I had a bad feeling about that and I was right. Even though they contracted her (I didn't even know such service existed) they have not paid for her work on my case! We worry about any bill left unpaid and are careful to pay what we owe, so this is extremely upsetting to me... and it isn't the first such issue. It took many, many months and numerous phone calls from me for them to pay the Elk Grove Fire Dept. for my ambulance ride after the accident.

I have talked about Dr. Sheehy before, but again, I am struck with how blessed I am to have him. He is caring and wise, a gentle, Godly man in whom I have great trust. I forgot to ask if he has been paid... I will call in the morning. When I left his office, I felt I needed some break time before driving, so went to McDonald's for a while before heading to Wal-Mart to fill my prescription.

I both love and hate going to my old Wal-Mart. It is bitter-sweet seeing all the people I worked with who still are so loving and caring toward me even though I have been gone for over a year. I loved my job and the people... I love Wal-Mart. For a while, I thought I would get better and be able to go back, either to my old job or some other duties there in the store... but just going in there is hard, and my time limit is usually about 30 minutes. So much stimulation! They couldn't fill my prescription until the insurance company calls back to approve it. I waited a while, then the pharmacist said to try again tomorrow.

A Special Election was held today for Californians and I have been studying the propositions, asking the Lord's guidance as I try to make wise and moral choices. I take voting very, very seriously. I was so thrilled when I turned 21 and could vote. I have always considered it a responsibility and a privilege... a great many people died so I could vote. I was honored to exercise that hard-won right again today.

To bless my day at its close, I got a phone call from a friend and ex-therapist... someone I care deeply for. We had a nice visit.

So now I reflect on the day with you and the Lord... How wonderful it is to live in an era of telephonic and internet communication... I heard from loved ones today via both. Even though it is frustrating, I am blessed that there is some type of workmen's comp coverage... In times past, injured workers were on there own. I am ashamed of my negativism and some sarcastic remarks I made about the insurance company. None of that was God-honoring... It was simply self centeredness.

God was there when I was injured. He knew all that would follow and if I will trust Him, He will work it all together for good. How often I remind others of that, I need to listen to myself. How I respond to the situation can be a witness for Christ, but if I am concentrating on myself, then I will lose a chance to glorify Him, a chance to grow in faith, a chance to fulfill God's plan.

I hope you all will help me stay accountable. As I try to be transparent in this blog, I pray you will learn a bit about the Lord, brain injury, and other aspects of my life... and find some word of inspiration now and then. I also pray you will be vocal, share your opinions... I will post them and I will learn from them as we go and grow together in this wondrous medium of cyberspace connection.

Wednesday, November 9, 2005

Late Honeymoon
When Richard and I renewed our wedding vows last June, we postponed our planned mini-honeymoon. Our trip to Las Vegas at that time included a family reunion and way too much stimulation for my cracked brain. At one point when I found myself alone in front of the opulent Venetian Hotel and casino, I could not remember where everyone went and if I was supposed to meet anyone at a prearranged time or place. I began to fret and finally decided to sit at the base of a giant pole and watch the pseudo-canal with the singing gondola "drivers" until someone came for me. I sat there over four hours. I don't remember who found me... probably Richard. Anyway, although others don't often realize it, situations like that are hard for me... so we cut our trip short.

We are going to leave tomorrow for that postponed get-away. We plan to drive Highway One south along the coast, eventually ending up in Hollywood where we'll play tourist for a few days. We have passes for Universal Studios and can go as many times as we want until the end of the year when they expire. I got them online as a special promotion, and the cost was the same as a single day. Now you can get all of 2006 as well... for one day's admission.

So, for a time we will dabble in make believe. I love movies, but we rarely go to the movie theater... usually we wait until the show is out on tape (or DVD these days). The last movie we saw at a theater was Mel Gibson's The Passion of The Christ... before that it was Star Wars, the original, not the sequel... as I say, we don't go often. We know nothing about the current tinsel town releases, but it will be fun to go behind the scenes and see how movies are made.

It takes me forever to do anything and I spent the day getting ready to go... not packing, just making sure things are ready for the pet/house sitter, bills are paid, etc. I'll pack tomorrow after Women of Grace.

I was excited to see Deacon Speakin' has a new entry. I share the views Tom's presents and am so glad that Greg (a soldier serving in Iraq) has some new Dear Mom entries. Don't miss reading what both of these Godly and talented men have to say... very thought provoking. Our nation needs to hear their messages.

Friday is Veterans Day. To honor those who serve or have served, I have posted A Veterans Day Tribute.

Thursday, November 10, 2005

Dateline: Hollywood
We are on our second honeymoon, so I will not have much to say tonight... well, I guess that isn't quite true... We never had a first honeymoon. When a man marries a lady with nine children, there is much to do and he needs to get down to business right away.

I forgot to make reservations so we had a bit of a time finding decent accommodations (with high speed internet) at a reasonable price. We drove around for over an hour before our tired brains thought to pray... can you believe that!? Finally, when we were about ready to accept a flop house with a $65 price tag, we prayed, "Lord, forgive our thoughtlessness... and please lead us to a place of rest. We're tired, hungry and on a limited budget. Thanks for loving us..."

Within 10 minutes we were snug and warm in a nice room with wireless internet access... for a tidy $69! The icing on that cake was a great restaurant with equally reasonable prices and perhaps the best vegetable soup I ever ate.

So, with my tall, handsome and very precious hubby sound asleep in the huge king sized bed, I am here giving online praise to a loving Father who cares for even the mundane needs of His children who so often forget their Father is the King of the Universe... "We have not because we ask not."

Oops, I feel another rabbit trail coming, but it is a good one and I am so tired I know it'll be a short one...

We are not fooled by the "name it and Claim it" mentality, so of course, we don't expect God to give us all we ask for. No wise and loving parent would do that to their child. We trust God to provide for us out of the richness of His perfect plan and love for us. But every now and then... more often than not, He sends us little Love Notes in the form of special miracles just to remind us we are the Apple of His eye. The more we look for them, the more often He sends them... or maybe He was sending all the while and we just didn't notice!

Friday, November 11, 2005

A Veterans Day Tribute
Today is Veterans Day. I hope you'll take the time to honor a vet today, and I especially hope you'll pray for our vets and the nation's service men and women all over the world. Please visit the tribute link above. Also get to know a special soldier by reading his Dear Mom entries.

I was never in the military, but we are a military family. Richard served in Viet Nam. We have four daughters are now serving and two sons who have served in the army. I am more proud of them than words can say!

I am not a war-monger, nor a pacifist... I marched and carried signs during the Viet Nam war. I didn't think our nation handled that situation well, and still don't... but I gratefully applaud all who served. The point is this: No matter what your opinion of the conflict at hand, every man and woman who serves in the military is due honor for that sacrifice... and often the sacrifice is huge. Even when no death or injury befalls them, they give up a great deal to protect our freedoms. They each deserve our prayers, respect and gratitude. So, today I thank you, veterans all, and say a prayer for peace while I praise God for you.

The Honeymooners
We spent the day at Universal Studios... which means we were on our feet for about 9 hours and walked maybe 14 miles! Feels like that far. We were true tourists, taking goofy pictures and gawking at the other tourists and spending a lot of time in lines. We are both people watchers which makes waiting in line more fun. Click these small pictures for larger ones in a new window. Sorry, they load a bit slow... I don't have Photoshop on the laptop.

I didn't witness to anyone, but I believe I did spread God's love. People get tired and cranky when they work so hard to have fun. Sometimes a knowing smile can bring comfort to a weary mom or dad with a "busy" toddler. Or a friendly word of encouragement may cheer a footsore Shrek fan waiting so long for the show. I pray I lightened some loads as I enjoyed myself today... and I pray I brought a smile to my heavenly Father's face.

The Lord loves us and, as any good father would, He wants us to be happy, cheerful and enjoy the life he gave us. Note how many times Jesus said, "Be of good cheer," or similar encouraging or words to lift the spirits. Cheer up! Enjoy your day... God made it.

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

I'm not suggesting we be giddy and unaware or untouched by all the pain in the world, indeed in our own lives... But we are created for joy, our own as well as the Lord's. We are commanded to joy. Here's one example...

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds... James 1:2

There is an old Southern Gospel song that has a line that goes like this: "If you see a long-faced brother, something's wrong one way or other." The idea is of someone who lives a life of gloom, not one who has some sad times now and then. But our attitude is to be one of happiness, and we are to be filled with joy.

Think on this, if we are sons and daughters of them King of Kings who loves us beyond our wildest imaginings, and if we trust Him to take good care of us, then we can walk through the dark and painful times with confidence and with joy. We can navigate the seas of sorrow because He leads us to safe harbors and promises to be with us. He walks on even the stormiest of waters.

So, "let not your heart be troubled..." smile as you consider the depth of God's love for you... and know that nothing in this world or any other can ever separate you from the love of God. Now, go out and have some fun with your Savior!

Saturday, November 12, 2005

A Day with Noah (Genesis 6-9)
We decided to opt out of a second day at Universal Studios. My brain does function all that well with too much stimulation... and we both love animals, so we went to the zoo instead. Long lines there, too. And lots of activity.

They were having a food drive. A radio station was broadcasting from near the ticket booths, LOUDLY! If we had each brought two cans of food, we could get in free. Alas, all we had was one partly empty bottle of Diet Pepsi and half a bag of Sun Chips.

The first display we visited was a very crowded habitat for pink flamingos. These birds may look elegant, but let me tell you they could use some training from Emily Post. Their manners were BAD, and their living area reeked. Noah no doubt had a couple of these ego-filled foul strutting about the Ark. I imagine he longed for air freshener.

As we wandered from one exhibit to another, I was musing about what God called Noah to do. Building that ark was no small task! I'm sure the neighbors complained... not to mention his kin folk who were helping him... and I'll bet there were many nights when old Noah lay his aching bones down and wondered if he had it in him to get up in the morning and face one more day.

Then, of course, when the ark was ready for passengers, which God mercifully sent Noah's way, Noah and his family still had to load in supplies and food for themselves and all these critters... enough to last a very long while, 150 days or more!

And what of Noah's wife? His sons and their wives? Noah had heard from God about this, but they had to take the info on faith, not only in God, but in Noah! I wonder how many folks would change their whole lives and work that hard based on something I said I had heard from God? Precious few, and maybe none at all. Oh, I pray that I might live a life so obviously close to my Lord that others can put such faith in my words.

So, we see that Noah was indeed an openly Godly man. He must have been incredibly patient as well as hard working. A good organizer, too. Just trying to imagine Noah with two (or more) of all the animals we saw today boggles my mind... and this zoo had no where close to a complete inventory of species alive today.

I wonder if perhaps God caused a form of hibernation to fall over the animals in the ark, you know, to make the trip more pleasant for both animals and people. We'll want to check that out during our ten thousandth year in heaven. But the people were not asleep during the trip, and I know it took some grace for all eight of them to spend this time of uncertainty - they had no idea how long this float might last. The hard work no doubt continued during the journey, whether or not the animals were asleep.

We enjoyed our day with the animals... and encourage you to read Genesis 6-9 and spend a day with Noah at the zoo... soon before it gets too cold.

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