Saturday - adventure time!

Today we embark on a new hobby (?) John wants to learn about handguns and be licensed. So this morning we will begin our classes. I will let you know how it goes. I am kind of excited- I love to learn new things.

So as I continue on this journey I am getting weary of not eating. When I eat protein bars/shakes I am fine though. I know it is still early on (only 6 weeks isn't very long after surgery) but I am impatient as usual.

So today I am filling the day with back to back scheduling of class, hair appointment, "dinner"with friends and grad work. Maybe that will be enough distraction????

I am choosing to make this a great day. (In spite of myself -lol)

1 Corinthians 4:7-8 (MSG)

"Isn't everything you have and eveything you are sheer gifts from God?"

6 Fridays

Have you ever thought about how the days of the week have personalities? Each day brings its own personality to my week. It is usually framed by scheduled events.

Monday:

A very mental day

Tuesday:

BUSY and demanding physically and mentally

Wednesday:

slower schedule, but usually a "meeting" day (deadlines for grad work)

Thursday:

a favorite!

Friday:

marathon day at school/ crunch day for grad work

Saturday:

day with John and "get 'er done" day

Sunday:

goes too fast!

Church / fellowship / catch up on spirit/ finish up on grad. work before a new unit opens.

Seems like the week flies by! Monday begins NOVEMBER!!! How did it get here so fast?

For Today:

"Seek goodness in others.

Love more persons more . . . .unselfishly,

without thought of return.

The return, never fear

will take care of itself."

-Henry Drummond

(from Peggy's little book)

A dip in the road

I was able to make a difference for someone yesterday!!!! YAY mission accomplished. Wonder if I can get in another one before the week is over?????

okay, so I am human! Instead of a bump in the road, I have encountered a "dip." It is just like those you encounter when driving in the beautiful hill country at a low-water-crossing when you come over the crest of a hill and your tummy does a flipflop as you quickly descend into the "dip." So here is what happened.

Spent 3 hours yesterday in doctors' offices. Good news all around, but I am "crashing" in the emotional area.

I knew that it was possible. After any major event (surgery, wedding, major medication changes,etc.) it is common to go thru a little depression. I was very alert to this since stopping my anti-depressant meds when they made me so sick. When I talked to my primary care doc he spent a lot of time with me talking about my worries and reassuring me that this is completely normal.

He prescribed a different Rx that is a liquid so maybe it won't bother my new tummy too much. I go back in a week for a follow up.

Now here is the real blessing: He called me at home last night to check on how I was doing!!!

I see how God puts "angels" to watch over me. I just have to look for them. I am so glad I called his office yesterday and went to the app't. and had a very "healing" conversation with this person who ministered to me. He talked about what I need to pray for (peace, strength, letting go and positive outcomes) what I need to acknowledge (a normal outcome of all of the major events) and to trust God to work out everything.

Thank you, Lord for putting my doctor in my life when I needed to "hear" the medicine as much as fill a prescription. Both are necessary for my spiritual and emotional health.

I am truly blessed beyond measure.

My "dip" is one reason I get to enjoy the scenic view when I get back up on the hilltop.

Praises to our creator for the "angels" He puts into our lives!

Here is my verse for the day:

Isaiah 58:8

Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.

Six Weeks and Counting...

Yes, it is finally getting past those first few weeks. I find myself "wishing" it was 3 months or 6 months down the road I am on, and then I realize I need to enjoy my days! No sense in "wishing" my life away. In so many ways this is my favorite time of the year:

• FALL!
• beautiful weather
• study groups are getting into the "good stuff"
• no projects due yet
• thankfulness
• anticipation (in a good way) of the holidays
• planning trips

My week has been full of challenges and I believe set myself up for them. I was (and am) trying to make someone's day better. I just didn't know how much work it was going to be to stay positive. I have been allowing negativity into my day(s) and find that the very thing I rail against, later that day I will be doing myself. Shocking!

Even Paul struggled with this and I am sure it is not from God!

Here are several versions of what Paul said about it in Romans 7:15

New International Version (©1984) I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. New Living Translation (©2007) I don't really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do what I hate. English Standard Version (©2001) For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. New American Standard Bible (©1995) For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. International Standard Version (©2008) I don't understand what I am doing. For I don't practice what I want to do, but instead do what I hate. GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995) I don't realize what I'm doing. I don't do what I want to do. Instead, I do what I hate.

I am thinking that Satan is laughing at my feeble efforts, but I am here to tell the negative forces that my God is bigger and greater than anything they have! I am aware of my faults and I can tap into the power of the creator to guide me to the person I can help today. Even if it is me.

Join me in the battle over evil forces- those daily "stealers of joy" and let's choose to make it a good day today!

What a day!

Changes are a-comin'. Jonathan and Chelsea spent the day in San Antonio looking for an apartment and found one! It is pet-friendly (thank goodness!) and Chelsea is excited that she can paint the walls what ever she wants. Signed a lease and can move in on Dec 29. They are sooooooo excited! Jon also met with a manager at the Cracker Barrel that trains managers and had a very encouraging interview. Chelsea picked up several applications for working places close to the apartment.

I had a Monday! But I am still looking for ways to make someone's day! Tomorrow should bring some interesting opportunities.

I am so happy for Jon and Chelz. And they should be in SA for 1 1/2 to 2 years. YAY!

Here is a thought from Peggy's book (I just love this little book!)

"Taste the small blessings God sprinkles through your days."

Fashion Show

Yesterday (Sat) John and I went to San Antonio to a fashion show sponsored by Northeast Baptist Hospital Bariatric department and Dillard's at the Shops at La Cantera.

The models were all bariatric patients (mostly gastric bypass) and there was standing room besides the audience chairs, so there was quite a good number of people. When the show began, there were 2 flat screen tv's set up and they showed the models' names and their BEFORE pictures! Then the model would come out in the beautiful clothes from Dillard's and WOW it was hard to believe it was the same person. They modeled in various degrees of self confidence- and as they walked up and down the runway, the moderator would "tell their story" or part of it to express how their life had changed medically as well as personally. It was so much fun to see some of them be kind of "sassy" and so happy with the results of their hard work.

There were give-aways and everyone had water mugs, pens, tablets, brochures, etc. on each chair to take home. There were some snacks available, but I wasn't on that side of the event to see what there was. (Everything was supposed to be bariatric-friendly though.)

What impressed me the most was the family support for each model. Their spouses, and children were so excited for the models to be there and they cheered them on. Of course the audience cheered, clapped etc. too and you could see how much pleasure it brought to the models. If you have ever struggled with obesity, you understand the need for support, unconditional love and encouragement. These women (and man) have worked hard and are healthier and able to "be normal" in ways that were impossible before this.

It was an inspiring time and many of them spoke of the spiritual renewal that takes place along the way. I can attest to that as well. Even though I am just less than 6 weeks out of surgery, the amount of reflection and meditation it takes to get through the "tough stuff" really impacts my life.

I don't know how anyone can succeed without faith in any trials of life. It is a strength that can change the world- even if it is just my world. When you experience such a drastic change in your life, for any reason, it puts a new perspective in your heart and soul.

Life is good and worth the struggle if you can appreciate it and the people around you.

I am blessed beyond measure.

I intend to make a difference in someone's life this week- What are your plans?????

Here is a Chinese proverb:

"Happiness is something to do,

something to love, something to hope for."

5 weeks +

What a great week! Classes went smoothly - I had an amazing conversation with 3 concrete workers who were pouring concrete under the Archimedes Screw on the playground. (if you don't know about MY Archimedes Screw, please send me a message on comments and I will be happy to explain) These 3 men not only pour concrete, but taught me so many things about the chemistry, technology, history and complexity of concrete work. I was inspired by their knowledge and especially their curiosity and willingness to share information. I am considering taking my 5th grade study group (they are studying Science Playground) on a field trip to the concrete plant!

We live in an amazing time! There are so many opportunities all around us every day to learn, share, be inspired and enjoy every day we are given. We just need to open our eyes and jump right in.

I had my check-up yesterday with the bariatric physician assistant. Everything is on track and I am off my last 2 prescriptions! YAY!! I am only taking the supplements required by my surgeon (vitamins, calcium, B 12 and iron) and a prescription for 6 months to protect my gall bladder. I am so very blessed.

Most of you know that I am in the middle of my Master's program (online with Abilene Christian University) and during my studies this week, I came across a quote that I really love so here it is:

Joel Barker says:

Vision without action is merely a dream.

Action without vision just passes the time.

Vision with action can change the world.

I can see this applied to my Christian walk, my students, my school . . .

What do you think it applies to?