Working Joyfully

I returned to work this morning with a surprise left on my desk: a pile of paperwork and a long to-do list! Somehow, I had gotten in my brain that since yesterday was a federal holiday, most people would be off of work and hence I could return to the clean cubicle I had left last Thursday. Well, that dream didn't quite happen the way I anticipated. As the morning hours ticked by, I completed my responsibilities and checked them off my planner one by one. By 3:00pm, I left for home with a much shorter to-do list and a satisfied smile on my face. It had been a good, productive day.

Since I was a little girl, I've generally liked work, especially when it involved cleaning or organizing. Some of my favorite memories are of Saturdays when it was "work-around-the-home-together-as-a-family" day. Sure, I prefer some tasks over others. However, I can state that in the last two years, I've become even more thankful when I have the stamina and clarity of mind to work.

Today, I heard a co-worker complain about something she had to do. This person didn't grumble for long and I could empathize with her frustrations. However, spending significant time in the hospital has made me aware of the blessings of accomplishing jobs. Each day that I can help someone else or tackle my to-do lists, whether at home or my place of employment, is a gift from the Lord.

"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation." Philippians 2:14-15a

Happy Monday

Maybe I'll have some time to write more later, but I wanted you to know that it has been a wonderful weekend. Qavah and I have enjoyed good health and lots of family time. Today, we hope to scratch off some more jobs on our to-do lists. I'm so thankful the Lord has given me the strength this weekend to help Mom around the house.It feels so "normal" and right. Last night, we had our small group here and that was another evening filled with many blessings and joyful memories. There are many things to be thankful for on this Memorial Day!

Amazing Week!

The house is quiet and it's time for me to sleep. However, I wanted to first write a short update before heading to bed. This morning, Mom sent me a quick e-mail while I was at work (which I received on my lunch break). The last line of her message said:

"P.S. You made it through a week of work!!!!!! God is good!!!!"

That pretty much sums up my news for this post. *grin* Since Monday is Memorial Day, I have a four-day weekend. Dad also has Monday off of work. Lord willing, we plan to complete some house projects that have been on our to-do lists for awhile.

Below is a picture I took one morning this week at around seven o'clock just before leaving for work. I love the shadows. The sky was perfectly clear, but sunny and it was very quiet and peaceful. There wasn't even a bird singing. Time seemed to stand still. I think the porch swings make this "scene" look very welcoming. Don't you want to just step into this photo and soak up God's amazing handiwork?

"Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." Lamentations 3:22-24

As God Wills It

Last week when Qavah received a VHS tape of children singing Christian music, I sat down and watched the video with her. Many of the songs I remembered from my childhood Sunday school classes. One of the songs I loved was called He's Got The Whole World In His Hands. I liked doing the hand motions, which visually symbolized God's sovereignty. I also remember distinctly singing that song with such concern in my heart for the many orphans around the world. It helped me to realize that God was taking care of the orpahns, even if I couldn't bring them "back home" to live with my family in America.

Now, I'm an adult with other serious issues in my life (my disease, job, finances, present and future relationships, church, etc). I also have many family and friends who have their own prayer requests. In fact, we all have a list of needs and desires. The simple message of He's Got The Whole World In His Hands is as true today as it was when I was seven years old; God IS sovereign! Today, whether you are caring a heavy burden or jumping for joy, remember that nothing happens without God's notice. He indeed has the whole world in His hands. I don't know about you, but that realization frees me to live my life with enuthsiasm and anticipation for what the Lord is going to do.

"[God] does as He pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back His hand or say to Him: "What have you done?" Daniel 4:35.

Monday's Medical Musing

Thank you for the recent comments, emails, and especially prayers. The last two weeks have been pretty difficult, but the Lord gave my family strength to hang on during the dark days. He also provided us with wonderful friends.

I started feeling better this past weekend with today being the best day I've had in awhile. I actually made my bed and cleaned my room on Saturday, which was the first time in over a week. If you know anything about me, then you know that a messy bedroom for eight days means something is seriously wrong. Normally, I function best when there is "order" or at least organization, within my immediate environment.

Anyways, I did return to work at BRILC today. Thankfully, the Lord gave me strength to work an additional two hours so I could make up some of the time I lost last week. This evening, I babysat Qavah while Mom and Dad attended small group. Qavah and I enjoyed watching Berenstain Bears together. The stories of Mama, Papa, Brother and Sister Bears were some of my favorite children's books growing up, so it was fun to relive the adventures. Actually, I still kept my Berenstein Bears' books, so once Qavah learns to read, she'll see that I have some of the same stories in print that she enjoys watching on DVD. They are classic stories with meaningful life-long lessons.

Tonight as I snuggle under my warm blankets (It's supposed to be thirty-nine degrees overnight), I'm thankful for a stomach that could digest delicious food, a comfortable home, a pretty bedroom, a family that loves me, friends that pray for me, a job where I can help others, and a Lord that not only redeemed me, but Who is preparing an eternal home where I'll praise Him forever.

Bumping Along

So often the HPS community refers to their life as a journey. Well, my family encountered some health-related speed bumps this week that felt more like pot holes. After four weeks, Mom and Dad are still getting over the cough of the nasty flu/cold/bronchitis they had. By Tuesday night, Qavah seemed to be feeling better. In fact, she was supposed to get a transfusion this week, but her counts were high enough that it was postponed until next Wednesday. However, Qavah did wake up this morning with another runny nose and cough.

On Monday, I had some "rainbow" sherbet. What I didn't realize was that it contained orange juice concentrate. Combined with the caffeine tea I drank earlier in the day, my body was a mess by Monday night. I had huge, nasty bruises, petechiae, and an itchy rash all over my body! A shower eased some of the misery, but it did not stop the bleeding. So I had to take one squirt of Stimate (DDAVP). While Stimate does stop the bleeding, its side effects are not pleasant, which include (I'm listing it here for those who may need to know): Agitation, chest pain, chills, dizziness, fluid retention and swelling, indigestion, insomnia, itchy or light-sensitive eyes, pounding heartbeat, rapid heartbeat, sleepiness, and vomiting. I've mostly dealt with chest pain, headaches, sleepiness, fluid retention, and dizziness.

I did not go to work yesterday, but I did work half a day today. By tonight, the Stimate has mostly worn off, so I am feeling better. The rash has healed and the bruises are slowly disappearing. I do still have a nagging headache, but that my be due to seasonal allergies.

This week's sicknesses make me very thankful for the healthy days my family has had the last several months. I'm also grateful for the each day spent away from the hospital, where my family can enjoy the peace and beauty of our earthly home, while looking forward to our perfect, Heavenly home. "[God] will wipe every tear from our eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." (Revelation 21:4)

Five (Paragraphs) For Friday

All is well here health wise. Today was a busy and long day, so I am going to bed now. However, I thought that some people might check to make sure we were fine. Qavah is doing better, although the reason behind this week's troubles is still a mystery. The Clariton-D is helping, though.

I had a harp lesson for the first time in over a month. I think my last lesson was four or five weeks ago. I had to suspend lessons while my rib healed and I got back on my feet. The Lord really did heal my body quickly! I was back to work within two weeks of the "fracture". Someone asked me if the rib still hurt. For the most part, it really doesn't hurt anymore; just every once in awhile if I move my body into a weird position. I do, however, still have trouble picking up an object that has fallen onto the floor. I'm thankful for a sister who is always willing to help me out.

My grandparents came for a visit today, so grandmom could have her harp lesson, too. It had been awhile since we visited together, so it was pleasant to catch up again. They stayed for dinner and a little bit of music before returning home. In my lesson, I learned how to play one song backwards (The Chimes) and learned a few more measures of Jesus Loves Me.

I saw a movie last night that I highly recommend. It is titled Faith Like Potatoes. Colin saw the movie recently and told us about it. I'm so glad he did, too. Maybe I'll write more about the plot soon. Faith Like Potatoes is along the same lines as the thought-provoking Bella movie I blogged about a few months ago.

Now, it is technically May 2, so I really do have to turn off the light, so I can sleep. Mom and I are going to a mother-daughter brunch at a local church. Paul Burton and Colin are going hiking together. And I imagine Qavah will busy herself with playing near where-ever Dad is working. I think he wants to clean and organize the garage, which means that Qavah might find some new "toys" to enjoy. I look forward to tomorrow evening when we can all return home and share our different Saturday adventures with each other.