Eventful Days

I've had an eventful end of the week. Wednesday night I had difficulty falling asleep. The HPS symptoms, including awful abdomen pain and bowel bleeding, started. As a result, my electrolytes became imbalanced. I knew that a Remicade treatment would settle my cells back down.

So, Thursday morning I called my workplace and asked to take a "sick" day. Then, I called the infusion center at Lewis Gale and asked for the earliest possible appointment. After pulling my chart, the nurse said, "Oh! It states right here from your GI doctor that you were trying to stretch the Remicade treatment but if you had trouble, I was to get you in immediately." By early afternoon, I had begun the Remicade infusion and was feeling relief already. Praise the Lord for a team of doctors and nurses that put the patient's needs first and work together as a team!

Today, I went to work to make up for yesterday. I had a lot to accomplish that I knew couldn't wait until Monday. Although I was tired, I still had strength and felt relatively good all day. Tonight, I was going to have a quiet night reading and playing my harp. Instead, I spent the evening troubleshooting my computer and installing my programs. We had a power outage a day ago that upset my computer, so I think it decided to rebel. Not fun, but I was thankful that I didn't lose all of my data. I now have a battery backup connected to the computer.

Tomorrow, I have a list of tasks to complete and a harp lesson to attend. Saturday also begins National Blog Post Month. The idea is to post every single day for an entire month. That's a lot of thinking and writing! My friend, Sandy, is doing this which is no surprise because she's such a great writer. I always enjoy reading her website. However, she asked me to join her, so we'll see how it goes. *grins* Happy Blogging Everyone!

The Best Guide

Today, I had an appointment with a mobility instructor from the Department for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI), so that I could be "fitted" with an appropriate cane. I learned how to use a cane while attending the Virginia School for the Blind (VSDB) during middle school. However, when I returned home, I mostly used my family or friends as walking guides on sunny days.

Since beginning my job, though, I'm increasing my independence in this area. I sometimes visit consumers (clients) at their homes without the availability of family or friends that I came to rely on in the past. In some ways, I'm a bit nervous about using a cane and walking alone, however I know it's time for me to embark on this new step of independence (no pun intended).

The Lord is my Life guide in the same way that I depend on my cane to guide me when walking on unfamiliar territory. The Lord can alert me of impending dangers or obstacles. Then, it's my choice as to whether I will heed the "advice" of my Guide or continue walking forward on my own faulty wisdom. The fear I have of my walking-guide (cane) and life-guide (God) is a healthy one, because it keeps me humble enough to accept and use directions that are correct, but not of my own making.

"The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor." -Proverbs 15:33

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." -Proverbs 1:7

"How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to Your word. I seek You with all my heart; do not let me stray from Your commands." -Psalm 119:9-10

Medical and Misc. Monday

Mom did an excellent job on her website of capturing the weekend, so I'm not going to write much about it tonight. However, I did make some new friendships. At Friday night's Gala dinner, I sat next to a young woman who works in the communications department at MBC, but she used to work in the alumnae office. Anyway, this new friend had a radiant countenance, was articulate, conservative, a Christian, and influential. Every conversation we had together led back to the Lord. God is using this young woman to further His Kingdom among the students and faculty of Mary Baldwin College. Please pray that my new friend, Jenna, will continue to let her light shine for Jesus.

Now that I am home, I'm so amazed that Mom and I were able to take such a trip this weekend. It's been seven weeks since my last Remicade treatment! Currently, I'm able to eat and live my life with relatively low pain. I have the assurance from my GI doctor that I can get an appointment immediately if I should encounter trouble this week. Lord willing, though, I won't get my Remicade treatment until November seventh.

My break from doctor appointmetns is about to end, though. Next week, I have three already scheduled appointments and I should call my hematologist and endocrinologist for follow-up appointemnts and labs. I recently discovered that I can get free transportation to and from doctor appointments using a company that is specialized in providing medical-related services to disabled or elderly Virginians. I actually learned of this company from a co-worker. I'm going to try this service next week to see if it's reliable. For some of the appointments, I have this company taking me from work to the appointment and then driving me from the appointment to home.

On a fun note, thank you for sending the postcards! I really appreciate it. I'm about to remove another state from my list. Yeah! Oh, and Sarah Palin came to Salem tonight. Unfortunately, I didn't get to see her but I plan to catch her speech online. I'm sure somebody will post it sometime soon.

Full Nights

Once I returned home tonight, I spent the evening straightening, vacuuming and mopping the downstairs' floors. Our house was in need of some serious scrubbing and the best time to deep clean is when the furniture has been relocated to another room (or Paul Burton's apartment, in this case). At one point tonight, Mom exclaimed to me, "I'm so thankful your back is better and you can help us."

I'm mindful that I need to be careful of what and how much I do. However, I'm very grateful to the Lord that I can be out of the hospital, working in the daytime, and helping or enjoying the family at night. Everyday, I'm in awe of what is occurring in my life. The glory definitely goes to the Lord and to you for the many prayers spoken on my behalf.

Below are some pictures of the full moon I captured last week. I took the pictures from the front upper porch. The second picture also shows a streak in the sky where an airplane had just flown over. Click on an individual picture with the computer mouse to see a bigger shot of this month's full moon.

"He will bring justice to the poor of the people; He will save the children of the needy, and will break in pieces the oppressor. They shall fear You as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations" (Psalm 72:4-5).

Having A Well-Lived Life

Yesterday, I attended Church with Colin, Jennifer and Paul Burton. The emphasis was on Missions, locally and globally. The Church showed a video about Ethiopia. I was particularly interested in the video, because I just signed up with Compassion International to sponsor a little Ethiopian five-year-old girl.

The sermon was convicting and uplifting. The Bible passage was from Philemon and discussed how, as Christians, we should go beyond the typical. So, if we are given a task to do, we should not only complete it, but do the job well. Likewise, we should serve others more than than what is usually required or anticipated. The apostle Paul exemplified this way of living while in prison and that's one reason why we even have the book of Philemon.

Living an exemplary should not be done out of duty, but rather, delight! It is the grace and power of Jesus Christ in and through us that makes it possible for us to accomplish anything successfully, let alone going above and beyond the normal human expectations.

The pastor also challenged us to do at least one thing a day (in addition to praying, of course) to advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ. At first that might seem like a hard thing to do, considering the circumstances and lifestyles the Lord has placed before us. It's sometimes easier to think of missionaries, because we "know" their job description. So, the pastor gave an example from "daily life" of his six year old daughter who drew a picture for her daddy.

The pastor told us, "I thought that picture was nice. It was a gesture of love". What he didn't realize until later was that his wife had been talking with their daughter about advancing the Gospel, even at the "cost" of ourselves (whether it be time, money, possessions, convenience, etc). His daughter decided that the "one thing" she would do on that particular day to advance the Gospel was to draw a picture for her Daddy that showed him how much she loved and appreciated him. She served her Dad, but went above and beyond by drawing a picture "as unto Christ".

I cannot do justice to the sermon I heard yesterday. My heart, though, was spurred to worship the Lord for even choosing and using me despite my many flaws. May the verse below encourage all of us, including myself, to practice exemplary lives:

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3:24-25

Weekend Wrap-Up

I cannot believe it's bedtime on Sunday night and I'm about to begin another work week in the morning. It has been a busy, but productive weekend! Friday, I had a harp lesson. I think it went well, although I do need to practice more. Whitney gave me a new song though, so that was exciting. Never mind that it has several repeating measures; it's a new song with a nice tune! I'm also learning music theory and sightseeing in addition to playing the harp, so it makes the hour long lesson I have every other week go by quickly.

Friday night, I babysat Qavah and then helped in the apartment once Mom and Dad got home. Saturday was basically deja vu of Friday night. This morning, I went with Paul Burton to church where Colin and Jennifer attend. I will write more about that in another post. I was going to do that tonight, but this post was getting to be too long and involved.

This afternoon, I slept for several hours. I needed the rest, as I've been going non-stop for a week. Tonight, our family worked on.. you guessed it... Paul Burton's apartment. We are making real progress! It's almost time for the finishing touches of decorating and accessorizing the room. That is the fun part!

Health wise, I am hoping it's an uneventful week. I do not have any doctor appointments planned until the beginning of November, however I should have a CBC done soon. My endocrinologist and hematologist prefer I have labs drawn every two to three weeks, but it's been four weeks since labs were drawn. I think that's a new record!

We received our first hard frost last night. Today, the sky was deep blue, crisp, and clear. Now, it really feels like Fall with the night-time temperature being downright cold. Mom made an apple crisp this weekend. My thoughts are turning toward Thanksgiving and cranberries...

Thursday's Thrilling Thoughts

First of all, I want to wish my "blogging" friend, Sandy, a very Happy Birthday! I should have written this announcement earlier in the day, so everyone could congratulate her on turning thirty-five years old. Sandy has quite a way with words, so I always find it either amusing or interesting to read her posts. She is also very thoughtful, honest, and encouraging. I hope you had a great Birthday, Sandy!

In other news, today was not a typical workday for me, but it was full of goodness. First, I was bombarded as soon as I got to work. I liked being needed and helping others. Even though every employee worked today, the office seemed short-staffed. Also, the "co-worker" who has a cubicle next to mine was gone and will be until Monday. So, the back area where I stay most of the time was rather quiet.

Second, I did an intake at RMH's Rehabilitation Center. It was both interesting and sobering. There are so many people out there with hurts, both physical and spiritual. However, the countenance of the gentleman I worked with was bright, cheerful, and peaceful. By the end of the intake, it becamse apparent that he was a Christian. He praised the Lord for giving him the strength to get through his most recent health crisis, which included a long hospital visit and a month-long stay at the rehab center. I'm always pleasantly surprised when I find another human being who is full of hope because of what the Lord has done for them. That is the way it should be with all of us.

The third event is definitely what made today extra special. I love having extended family nearby. Aunt Julie picked me up from the Rehab Center (since they only live about ten minutes away) and took me back to her home. I got to have lunch with Uncle Dan, Aunt Julie, and Danae! Aunt Julie had everything prepared so beautifully and precisely. The meal was delicious and consisted of rice, chinese veggetables, salad, bread, and grapes with tea to drink. For dessert we had cookies and ice cream with blueberries. I ended up taking my roll and cookie back to work, because I was so full. Aunt Julie even got lactose-free ice cream! "Yummy, yummy in my tummy!" (as we say around here).

After lunch, Danae gave me my Birthday present since we haven't visited in awhile. She got me a miniature blue and white tea set from Chicago's China Town. I'll have to post a picture of it soon, because it's pretty and delicate. Danae also brought me some postcards from Illinois. And Aunt Julie had her sister get me some postcards from Michigan. Now, I can cross off two more states from my list! After our little lunch visit, Aunt Julie drove me back to work. Thank you to Uncle Dan, Aunt Julie, and Danae for blessing me so much...yet again!

Sister Memories

Since the Lord has given me extra days of feeling well, I have had the energy to babysit and play with Qavah. We've been able to make more memories together. Last week when I went shopping with Fairlight, Qavah was on my mind. I wanted to get her a small gift since she couldn't go with us, but I wasn't exactly sure what to purchase.

Fairlight and I shopped at Target. As we were canvassing the clearance racks, I found a pretty purple blouse in my size for five dollars. Then, we decided to look through the baby and toddler clearance items. It's so fun to look at tiny children's clothes! Just as I was telling Fairlight which items Qavah needed to complete her Fall wardrobe, I spotted a miniture version of the purple blouse I was going to buy for myself. There was only one shirt in Qavah's size. I quickly put it in the shopping cart before anyone else could pick it up.

The next day, Qavah and I had fun dressing alike. We truly looked like sisters. And I praised the Lord, because ever since I was a small child, I had imagined having a sister with whom I could share special sister memories like wearing matching clothes. As the years passed, I had tucked that small dream in the back of my brain until it was almost gone from my mind and heart. The Lord knew my wish though, and He sent our family a bonus baby named Qavah.

Weekend Blessings

In many ways, this past weekend felt like the Fall break of college. I got a lot done, but also had time (and energy) to attend some special events.

The Steven Curtis Chapman and Michael W. Smith concert was totally awesome. I was expecting both artists to sing mostly songs from their most recent albums. Instead, both MWS and SCC chose songs that spanned the range of their musical careers. In fact, I heard some songs from their very first CDs. These men also let the audiance sing along, so by the night's end, I had worshipped the Lord with my voice not just in my heart.

Last night, I attended Bible study. The group is beginning a study on Glatians using a book Blackaby taught. Yesterday, though, we took turns reading aloud the entire book of Galatians. Then, we discussed the main themes of the Book of the Bible. I also enjoyed a very lovely chicken chili supper.

It's interesting, because both events (Saturday night and Sunday's Bible study) highlighted the magnificent hope we have in Christ. Steven Curtis Chapman shared his testimony of how the Lord has carried his family through the tragic death of his five-year-old daughter Maria just four months ago. He talked about how he questioned his ability to keep singing right after Maria's home-going. Steven said, "I'm standing here only because of the grace of God. I know without a doubt I will see my little Maria again. And I sing these songs to you only because of Christ's power in giving me the strength and hope to keep going and not just keep going, but to live out the Lord's will with joy, despite the deep sorrow our family has daily. The Lord is good. No, He is great". You can imagine I was sobbing by the end of Steven's testimony!

The Chapman family is such an inspiration to me because they have chosen to keep following the Lord, despite having every earthly reason to stop. And yet, I have an entire list of names in the back of my mind of people who still praise the Lord despite tremendous suffering.

Tomorrow, I begin another work week feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. And it's not so much because of what I got to do this weekend as it is Whom I got to fellowship with and "intensely" worship.

Weekend Activities

I may not have gone to work at BRILC the last two days, but it's still been a very busy time!

Yesterday afternoon, I had the ct scan done at Lewis Gale. As far as health tests go, it was relatively easy and painless. The hardest part about the test was how cold the room was where I had to lie down! I won't have the actual ct scan results until I meet with the Pulmonologist in a couple of weeks.

I came home, had lunch, and took a nap. Then last night, Fairlight and I went out for the evening. We shopped at Target where I got some office supplies and a new cd player for work. Then, we stopped at Sonic for a refreshing snack. I got the lime flavored cream drink. It was tart, but deliecious! Fairlight and I saw the 9:25pm showing of Fireproof. Great movie. It was worth the money to see it at the theatre. It has a lot of life lessons that both singles and married couples need to know and apply. Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of Fairlight and me, but the time we spent together was very uplifting. I'm blessed to have friends like her.

Today, it was help-around-the-house day. The weather was absolutely gorgeous today with low eighties, clear skies, and plenty of sunshine. I deep cleaned Mom's car inside and out. I really had fun being able to help with a small project like that. I also used the leaf blower on the back porch. I can tell it is Fall because there was a big pile of leaves when I finished and, no, I didn't jump in pile! I haven't done that since I was a little girl. Tonight, I'm going to the Michael W. Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman concert with Colin and Jenn. From everything I've read, it's supposed to be a neat time of worshiping the Lord.

Never Forget

**My health is holding steady at the moment. I can't believe another week at work is almost over. I have the CT scan on Friday at noon.**

There are many reasons why, I believe, McCain and Palin should be the next leaders of the United States of America. The War on Terror is one of them. I do not want a leader like Obama who associates himself with terrorists. I do not want a leader that even contemplates pulling out of Afghanistan, Iraq, and other similar countries before the job is complete. I want leaders like McCain and Palin who will respect and encourage military personnel, especially those that are putting their lives and families in harms way to keep our Country free.

Have the citizens of the United States of America forgotten the tragedies of September 11, 2001? I hope the story, pictures and video posted below inspire you to vote for a president and vice president who are willing to fight for freedom by continuing the War on Terror with courage and steadfastness. God has blessed the U.S.A. Therefore, let us now go out and be a blessing to others. (Thanks Karen for the information posted below.)

USS New York

It was built with 24 tons of scrap steel from the World Trade Center. It is the fifth in a new class of warship - designed for missions th at include special operations against terrorists. It will carry a crew of 360 sailors and 700 combat-ready Marines to be delivered ashore by helicopters and assault craft.

Steel from the World Trade Center was melted down in a foundry in Amite, LA to cast the ship's bow section. When it was poured into the molds on Sept 9, 2003, "those big rough steelworkers treated it with total reverence," recalled Navy Capt. Kevin Wensing, who was there. 'It was a spiritual moment for everybody there.'

Junior Chavers, foundry operations manager, said that when the trade center steel first arrived, he touched it with his hand and the "hair on my neck stood up. It had a big meaning to it for all of us," he said. "They knocked us down. They can't keep us down. We're going to be back."

The ship's motto? "Never Forget"

United States' Scrapbook

I've been collecting the United States' quarters for several years. Now that I have all but two states, I was trying to decide how to display the quarters. That's when I thought of the idea of making a scrapbook that teaches about each state. I can use double stick tape to mount the state quarters to the scrapbook paper.

In addition to the state quarters, I also plan to use postcards to "capture," or highlight, each state. I've already decorated Florida's page and I have enough postcards to complete several other state pages. However, I have many more postcards to get. I would really appreciate it if you helped me with this project. I might even include your name in the scrapbook (grin). My scrapbook paper is 12x12, so I can only fit two-to-four postcards per page. I'd be glad to reimburse you, too. I've included a list of "postcards needed for scrapbook" on the right side of my website. When I receive postcards I will delete that state name from my list. So, please let me know if you're going to send me postcards from your state by leaving a comment or emailing me. That way I won't get duplicates. Thank you!

So many times I hear people remark about how boring their social science or history classes were, but it doesn't have to be that way. Some of my grade school teachers (including Mom) actually made History memorable and fun; I want it to be that way for Qavah, too. In second grade, I read a story about "Flat Stanley" (a boy who was flat enough to fit inside an envelope). Then, I mailed my haphazardly colored paper Flat Stanley to an airline captain. He "flew" Flat Stanley on some adventures and then sent me a postcard explaining all of the different places Flat Stanley visited. I still have my Flat Stanley postcard. I smile every time I come across it. I think this scrapbook will be another fun, interactive Social Science adventure!

Pulmonary Function Test Results

I tried my best with yesterday's pulmonary tests, but they were difficult and tiring. As I was breathing into the machine, I knew the results would not be good. However, I wasn't quite prepared for what I found out. My pulmonologist was kind, but it was evident he didn't like the tests results. I'm in trouble anytime my doctor starts out by saying, "Well...[long pause]... I have good and bad news."

I'll understand the numbers better at my follow-up appointment, but this is what I did find out. The good news: over-all, my lungs are pretty much the same as last year. The bad news: the amount of air I can get in and out of my lungs (both into my blood stream and for activities like eating, sleeping, walking, and running) has gone downhill considerably in just one year. The lung force volume last year was sixty percent. This year, it's down to forty one.

My pulmonologist also said that my lung tissues appear "restricted," so he has set up a CT scan for next Friday. Both of us don't expect the CT scan to show all that much, but the pulmonologist wants to play it safe, while also getting a baseline for future tests and appointments. Finally, the pulmonologist gave me an Albuterol inhaler to use the next few weeks to see if it helps my breathing. One interesting fact I learned yesterday is that Crohn's can actually affect the lungs. Thus, making the results of next week's CT scan a bit difficult to interpret, albeit necessary.

Last night, I went to bed early and slept for twelve hours straight. How wonderful! Then today, I played with Annelise and Qavah. Mom and I spent the afternoon cleaning Qavah's clothes' closet while Annelise took a nap. Qavah's closet is now ready for the upcoming Fall and Winter months, while Annelise gained a laundry basket full of clothes and shoes! It will be fun to see Annelise "model" the same outfits Qavah enjoyed wearing this year.

It was a quiet evening after a busy two days. I spent tonight finishing paperwork, doing laundry, cleaning my room, and playing my harp. I enjoyed the "dailiness" of tonight after this week's hectic work days. And now I'm turning my thoughts to Sunday with joyful anticipation. I have much to praise the Lord about, as well as many things to petition on behalf of others. May your Sabbath rejuvenate your soul and make you willing and ready to serve the Lord, in spirit and in truth, with your whole heart.

Fall Days

I'm writing this quickly before leaving for work. Even though the first day of Fall is officially September twenty-first, I never feel like Summer is actually finished until October first. Ironically, October is usually a slow and rather boring month. Not this year, though! We have something planned for almost every weekend of this month. Tonight, Mom and I are attending the Blue Ridge Women's Center annual banquet. We are also babysitting Annelise for a couple of days while Colin and Jenn attend a church-related conference.

Health wise, it's been an interesting week. Since the middle of last week, I started not absorbing the Prednisone again. That made for a rough weekend with my adrenal system becoming wacky. After a talk with my endocrinologist and parents, I began spreading out the daily Prednisone dosage. So, now instead of taking Prednisone once in the morning, I take it three times a day. Yesterday was a much better day, because my body was more balanced throughout the day. Tomorrow, I have a pulmonary function test and appointment with the pulmonologist afterwards. As I get acclimated to work, I'm thankful for the break in doctor and hospital visits.

Time to go to work!