God's Creation As Seen From the Blue Ridge Parkway

This is my Father's world,
and to my listening ears
all nature sings, and round me rings
the music of the spheres.
This is my Father's world:
I rest me in the thought
of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;
His hand the wonders wrought.

Numbering Our Days

Like Mom said, our family has been busy with house projects and babysitting little ones. I've enjoyed the action-packed days so much! The cobwebs of my mind are dusted out with each closet we clean and organize. Last week, I sorted through my Summer and Fall clothes. Mom did the same with Qavah's and together we have a big garbage bag full of clothes to drop off at Goodwill. Tonight, we went through our old VHS tapes and condensed our collection into a simple pile that would fit onto one small shelf of a rolling television cart. I did had fun remembering my childhood as I looked through the tapes. I ended up keeping the VHS of Lawrence Welk shows in hopes that Qavah would enjoy the singing and fancy dresses as much as I did at her age.

Last night, I had an allergic reaction to some food I ate for dinner and thus took some Benadryl. I think the drug was still in my system this morning, because I was rather groggy and achy when I woke up. My body had "run out of steam," so I stayed home from church. Instead, I listened to a few hymns on my mp3 player and then fell back into a deep, healing sleep until the rest of my family returned home. I felt better as the day unfolded. And except for some minor pain, my body is remarkably healthy tonight for being the night before Remicade Day. The Lord is gracious in providing me with so many bonus days that are filled with "holy moments."

Lord, may those who are reading this blog have a week filled with seven bonus days and many holy moments. We recommit our days to Your sovereignty. Thank you for ordaining our lives within Your perfect will. In Jesus Name, Amen.

A Change (Health Update)

It's amazing what a difference a day makes! Last night when I went to bed, I knew I needed to return to work but I was unsure if my body was ready for the responsibilities that would greet me. However, I woke up this morning feeling a lot better! The Lord gave me "unusual" strength to make it through the day with enough energy and very little pain.

Yesterday I called my PCP to explain that, even though the back of my head was more "firm," I was not feeling better through my forehead or behind my eyes. The doctor returned my call, stating that I probably had a sinus infection. He recommended using a saline nasal spray like 'Lil Noses instead of antibiotics. However, "Dr. Mom" had the idea to try a Neti bottle (similar to a Neti Pot). Sure enough, I was able to get a lot out of my nasal passages; it worked much better than any nasal spray I had tried before. So, if you have the "sniffles," a dry nose, or allergies, I recommend using a Neti Pot or Neti Bottle.

Despite the increased discomfort over the last few days, I continued to sense the presence of the Lord in our home. Neither Mom nor I felt panicked the night we lost sleep due to electrolyte issues. We knew God would direct our paths and reveal the health mysteries in His timing.

Think back to homes you visited where you stepped inside and felt welcomed. Maybe the air smelled clean and refreshing. Maybe there was a favorite meal being cooked in the kitchen. All you could do is step inside and say, "Aaah," with a deamenor of satisfaction and gratefulness. That is how I felt several times over the last few days as our family sought God for answers and relief. Despite the wars that raged in my physical body, my soul could rest.