I want to once again express my sympathy to those of you who have said goodbye to loved ones. We have a new associate pastor, Enoch; his father went home to be with our Lord a couple weeks ago. My friend Lori laid her grandmother to rest on Monday, just a few days after burying her aunt. And as for my family we unexpectedly lost our Uncle Tony on Friday, he was a favorite uncle of mine, Jennifer, Rick, and Nick.
(Matthew 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.)
Saturday morning was a special time spent at church in prayer. What a wonderful time of worship and praise to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Before I truly gave my life to Christ three years I would have thought one to be crazy spending half of their Saturday in prayer. Pray for 4 hours? Really, you are going to spend 4 hours just praying? I now understand that this time is spent communicating with the one who gave me life, I treasure that special time I had with my Lord Saturday morning. I count it a privilege to live in a country where we have the freedom to gather together in prayer and worship.
Prior to receiving the gift of salvation thru Jesus Christ my Lord, my prayer life consisted of an occasional time of communication when a need arose. I had grown accustomed to praying when someone was sick or if I wanted/needed something better than I already had. I tried to always pray before meals and once in awhile after I had done something that I shouldn’t have I would mumble an “I’m sorry God”; I understood this to be the entire purpose of praying.
Can you imagine having a close family member that you only call when you want or need something? I need a job, my friend needs a healing, I want a boyfriend, help me pass this class, or my car isn’t working, please send someone to fix it… If I was to ask you about this family member you wouldn’t be able to tell me a thing about him or her. Why, because you’ve never taken the time to get to know him or her. Eventually you may even find that a deaf ear has been turned toward you.
That is how my relationship was with Christ before my life was turned around and I fully devoted myself to Him. Now when in prayer the needs and wants I have are just a small slice of my conversation with my Lord. Most of my prayer time with my Lord is spent praising Him for who He is. Praising Him for His love, mercy, grace, that He is all powerful, a comforter, faithful, strong, and true, He is a shelter, provider, the beginning and the end… and the list goes on.
(Psalm 145:3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.)
My prayer time continues with being thankful for all that He has done. I am thankful for His provisions, food, shelter, and finances, for my doctors, thankful for the health of my children and grandson, for the many friends and family who hold me up in prayer, for my Pastors and the wonderful church that I call home. I thank Him for providing our landlord with grace on our behalf, and for keeping the utilities on. I thank Him for the days I am feeling good, and for being my comforter on the days that I can’t get out of bed.
(1 Chronicles 16:34 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endures for ever.)
This did not happen just because I purposed to start praying. I first needed to receive the gift of eternal life thru Jesus Christ my Lord and ask for forgiveness of all my sins. That is when I began to hunger and thirst for the Word of God, I wanted to know my Savior intimately, and I wanted to follow His plan for my life. That was when my Lord then directed me to a church were I have been taught God’s truths.
Because it is rare that I get to sit and speak with any of you for any length of time I would like to share a link with you. This link will help you to better understand what I mean by receiving God’s gift of eternal life. My greatest wish is that you would desire to have a relationship with my Savior as I do. If after viewing this link you have questions or would like to talk then please let me know.
http://www.thegoodpersontest.net/
There are many areas in which I continue to ask God for direction and guidance. The focal point of my crying out to God right now is for the outcome of the SSDI hearing on February 12th.
As excited as I was to finally receive the court date, I am equally very anxious. Because I am human I still feel the emotions of being anxious and fearful, but how wonderful to know that because I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior I don’t need to worry.
(Psalm 46:1, 2
1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea. )
My Lord already knows what the outcome of this trial will be, I now need to have the faith that God is in control.
(Hebrews 11:1, 3
1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
3 By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.)
Regardless, I will continue to make my requests know to my Him. Why, because God’s Word tells me to do just that, and so in obedience I will continue to do just that.
John 16:23-24
23 In that day you will not question Me about anything. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you.
24 Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full.
Even though it is apparent to my doctors and those around me that I am incapable of working it will remain a challenge to prove to the courts that I am disabled. The court system doesn’t care that I may have a multitude of medical problems; they just want proof of one.
I have been denied twice because of my age. Since I am only 44, they figure I have another good 20 years or so that I can continue to work. (I’m also hoping that maybe, just maybe the fact that I am turning 45 in a couple months might help to influence the decision in my favor)
As I pray I find myself asking God to open the judge’s eyes to what he needs to see and to close his eyes to what he doesn’t need to see. (Remember how awesome God was in paying the electric bill ~ read more) I’m praying for the judge, that God will begin preparing his heart, that nothing will interfere with this court date either on the side of the law or because of my health or that of my lawyer.
Since many have asked I have decided to provide a list of what is wrong with ‘Diana’. Back in March 2005, I first tried to obtain disability for asthma and then cervical spinal injuries.
Chronic Asthma & Allergies ~ to prove this I need to go to the ER a minimum of 6 times in a twelve month period ~ because of the cost of going to the ER repeatedly is too costly for me, I have a machine to use at home. Because I use this at home and not in the ER it doesn’t qualify toward SSDI.
In April of 2005 asthmatic coughing caused something in my neck to snap. This required a 2nd cervical spinal surgery adding a plate to the back of my neck. As of today I have a plate in the front of my neck and a plate in the back of my neck.
Cervical spinal injuries ~ to prove this I need to have the metal plate in the back of my neck removed; once this has healed I would need a myelogram ~ however, at this time the doctors feel the risk of complications during surgery out-way having this done at this point.
Following are just some of the other medical problems that I am suffering from:
~ Dizziness ~ Falling ~ Dropping things ~ Nausea ~ Slurred speech
~ Forgetfulness ~ Memory Loss ~ Confusion ~ IBS ~ IBS complications
~ Diabetes ~ Diabetic complications ~ Injured knee caps
~ High Cholesterol ~ Cholesterol complications ~ Migraines
~ Limb numbness ~ Additional neurological problems
~ Facial numbness ~ TIA’s ~ Muscle weakness
And the list goes on and on…
Many of these alone are not enough for me to be deemed disabled. However, with the combination of these or even just 3 or 4 of these it makes it impossible for me to work.
As February 12th is quickly approaching I hope that you are as anxiously anticipating the court date as I am. My hope is that you will see how my Lord will take care of me; I can’t wait to see what God will do!
With love to you all,
Diana
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Friday, January 25, 2008
January 25, 2008 ~ Weekly Update #18
Congratulations to my friends, Bobbi & Stan. They were high school sweethearts who reunited some 50 years later. They married last year in a very small, private ceremony in Pastor Ron’s office. Then this past Saturday they had a recommitment ceremony, there were about 50 in attendance and I was honored to be one of those invited. What a beautiful ceremony!
God uses people in the most amazing ways when providing for me. I can’t say that I have ever heard of anything quite like what I am about to share with you.
Apparently instead of Bobbi & Stan signing up for a gift registry, they told anyone asking about gifts that they wanted something given to Diana instead. I am completely humbled by this expression of love, thank you both so very much. I was blessed with enough cash and grocery store gift cards that we were able to purchase the few items that we had run out of.
Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
I went to see the orthopedic surgeon on Monday; this goes back to when I fell on my knees trying to put the fire out back in October. (read more about the fire and the fall)
The left knee has been the one giving me problems, it has finally been determined that the problem is a knee cap injury. This past week I have also started experiencing a great deal of pain in my right knee. So much so that I now switch the wearing of the knee brace between the left and right knee. When at the surgeon he informed me that he believes the right knee suffered the same damage as the left knee. He has ordered a second knee brace so that I will now have one for each leg (isn’t that attractive).
Before jumping into knee surgery, he wants me to begin physical therapy. Because of the cost physical therapy is simply out of the question right now. Knowing this we agreed that I will continue wearing both braces all of the time. I am hoping that once I receive SSDI it will be a bit easier and less expensive to get some physical therapy.
And now on to the next item… Per instructions from my Neurosurgeon, I went back to my ENT to receive the results from the new MRI and to see what he believes the next step should be.
I went to my ENT on Wednesday and the results of the most recent MRI were that there was no blockage. He feels that what most likely occurred instead was an artery spasm, which would resemble an artery blockage. I am still waiting a referral to a new neurologist, once I receive that we can begin exploring the possibility of artery spasms.
Meanwhile my ENT has referred me for balance therapy, again with the $$. Balance therapy teaches one to walk without falling, how to remain steady on one’s feet while at the same time being dizzy. I believe this is something worth considering, I should know within a few visits if this will provide any relief.
At this point it is believed that the blurred speech, forgetfulness, facial numbness, and muscle weakness are all a result of continued mini-strokes (TIA’s). This will also be further explored once I am referred to a new neurologist.
I have had one more prescription added to the lot; this one is to prevent kidney and liver failure. This was added because apparently a side effect to the amount of diabetic med’s that I am on is kidney and liver failure.
A couple weeks ago I was watching a program called Medical Mysteries. They had a woman on that suffered from many of the ‘new’ symptoms that I now have dizziness, tingling & numbness, constant migraines, vomiting, etc… It turned out that she had a vitamin B12 deficiency. I will be requesting a blood test to see if this might be part of the cause to some of my problems. I will let you know when the test results come back.
I received several suggestions (7 in total) from you providing ideas for making it easier to prepare for the colonoscopy scheduled on February 6th.
My mother agreed with the suggestion that Jeralynn had which was to use a straw.
The rest of you suggested that I hold my nose closed and drink quickly. One said that she remembered this being done on the TV show Survivor whenever the participants had to drink something disgusting.
My friend from Canada (Heather) said to chew gum, hold your nose and down it quickly. She suggested that I chew spearmint gum as it has a fresh taste. She also informed me that in Canada you start having this wonderful exam done when you turn 30 years old.
As of now I think I will be using a straw, holding my nose, chewing gum, and hoping for the best!
Well, I think that does it for now with the exception of my GHCC (church) readers.
Remember that Saturday has been set aside as a day of prayer at church. Okay, it’s not an entire day, just 4 hours, 8:00am – 12:00 noon, even more reason for you to show up! If you can’t make it for the full 4 hours then come out for as much time as you can.
God has been speaking to me lately on the importance of spending more time in communication with Him. As for myself, I can’t wait for tomorrow when I can spend uninterrupted time in prayer with my Lord. I hope that you all will come out on Saturday to have some one on one communication with your Heavenly Father.
Psalm 28:1-2, 6-7
1 Unto thee will I cry, O LORD my rock; be not silent to me: lest, if thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit.
2 Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle.
6 Blessed be the LORD, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications.
7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.
With love to you all,
Diana
God uses people in the most amazing ways when providing for me. I can’t say that I have ever heard of anything quite like what I am about to share with you.
Apparently instead of Bobbi & Stan signing up for a gift registry, they told anyone asking about gifts that they wanted something given to Diana instead. I am completely humbled by this expression of love, thank you both so very much. I was blessed with enough cash and grocery store gift cards that we were able to purchase the few items that we had run out of.
Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
I went to see the orthopedic surgeon on Monday; this goes back to when I fell on my knees trying to put the fire out back in October. (read more about the fire and the fall)
The left knee has been the one giving me problems, it has finally been determined that the problem is a knee cap injury. This past week I have also started experiencing a great deal of pain in my right knee. So much so that I now switch the wearing of the knee brace between the left and right knee. When at the surgeon he informed me that he believes the right knee suffered the same damage as the left knee. He has ordered a second knee brace so that I will now have one for each leg (isn’t that attractive).
Before jumping into knee surgery, he wants me to begin physical therapy. Because of the cost physical therapy is simply out of the question right now. Knowing this we agreed that I will continue wearing both braces all of the time. I am hoping that once I receive SSDI it will be a bit easier and less expensive to get some physical therapy.
And now on to the next item… Per instructions from my Neurosurgeon, I went back to my ENT to receive the results from the new MRI and to see what he believes the next step should be.
I went to my ENT on Wednesday and the results of the most recent MRI were that there was no blockage. He feels that what most likely occurred instead was an artery spasm, which would resemble an artery blockage. I am still waiting a referral to a new neurologist, once I receive that we can begin exploring the possibility of artery spasms.
Meanwhile my ENT has referred me for balance therapy, again with the $$. Balance therapy teaches one to walk without falling, how to remain steady on one’s feet while at the same time being dizzy. I believe this is something worth considering, I should know within a few visits if this will provide any relief.
At this point it is believed that the blurred speech, forgetfulness, facial numbness, and muscle weakness are all a result of continued mini-strokes (TIA’s). This will also be further explored once I am referred to a new neurologist.
I have had one more prescription added to the lot; this one is to prevent kidney and liver failure. This was added because apparently a side effect to the amount of diabetic med’s that I am on is kidney and liver failure.
A couple weeks ago I was watching a program called Medical Mysteries. They had a woman on that suffered from many of the ‘new’ symptoms that I now have dizziness, tingling & numbness, constant migraines, vomiting, etc… It turned out that she had a vitamin B12 deficiency. I will be requesting a blood test to see if this might be part of the cause to some of my problems. I will let you know when the test results come back.
I received several suggestions (7 in total) from you providing ideas for making it easier to prepare for the colonoscopy scheduled on February 6th.
My mother agreed with the suggestion that Jeralynn had which was to use a straw.
The rest of you suggested that I hold my nose closed and drink quickly. One said that she remembered this being done on the TV show Survivor whenever the participants had to drink something disgusting.
My friend from Canada (Heather) said to chew gum, hold your nose and down it quickly. She suggested that I chew spearmint gum as it has a fresh taste. She also informed me that in Canada you start having this wonderful exam done when you turn 30 years old.
As of now I think I will be using a straw, holding my nose, chewing gum, and hoping for the best!
Well, I think that does it for now with the exception of my GHCC (church) readers.
Remember that Saturday has been set aside as a day of prayer at church. Okay, it’s not an entire day, just 4 hours, 8:00am – 12:00 noon, even more reason for you to show up! If you can’t make it for the full 4 hours then come out for as much time as you can.
God has been speaking to me lately on the importance of spending more time in communication with Him. As for myself, I can’t wait for tomorrow when I can spend uninterrupted time in prayer with my Lord. I hope that you all will come out on Saturday to have some one on one communication with your Heavenly Father.
Psalm 28:1-2, 6-7
1 Unto thee will I cry, O LORD my rock; be not silent to me: lest, if thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit.
2 Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle.
6 Blessed be the LORD, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications.
7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.
With love to you all,
Diana
Saturday, January 19, 2008
January 16, 2008 ~ Weekly Update #17
January 16, 2008
Praise the Lord ~ Thank you Jesus ~ Hallelujah
Psalm 66:19-20
19 But certainly God has heard; He has given heed to the voice of my prayer.
20 Blessed be God, who has not turned away my prayer nor His loving kindness from me.
It just arrived in the mail; the court date is Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at 11:15am!
Please recognize with me that this is an answer to prayer.
So many prayers have gone up on my behalf.
Most recently, this past Sunday morning Pastor Ron set aside some time to specifically pray for several in our church family.
I was one of them; the many areas that I have been specifically asking for prayer in were addressed. Asking that the court date come soon was one of the areas specified in prayer. (Thank you PR for listening to our Lord and Savior as He leads and directs you, even if it means interrupting the Sunday morning service and your sermon.)
Lord, I give you all the praise and glory for answering this prayer! Amen
Praise the Lord ~ Thank you Jesus ~ Hallelujah
Psalm 66:19-20
19 But certainly God has heard; He has given heed to the voice of my prayer.
20 Blessed be God, who has not turned away my prayer nor His loving kindness from me.
It just arrived in the mail; the court date is Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at 11:15am!
Please recognize with me that this is an answer to prayer.
So many prayers have gone up on my behalf.
Most recently, this past Sunday morning Pastor Ron set aside some time to specifically pray for several in our church family.
I was one of them; the many areas that I have been specifically asking for prayer in were addressed. Asking that the court date come soon was one of the areas specified in prayer. (Thank you PR for listening to our Lord and Savior as He leads and directs you, even if it means interrupting the Sunday morning service and your sermon.)
Lord, I give you all the praise and glory for answering this prayer! Amen
Sunday, January 13, 2008
January 13, 2008 ~ Weekly Update #16
January 13, 2008
Wow, what an overwhelming response to last weeks update! Thank you for the phone calls, emails, and cards. I really wasn’t looking for that but it sure was nice hearing from everyone!
Consider this a mini-update… Its purpose is to introduce something new and to ask for suggestions, you will see as you read on. I hope this update gives you a laugh and I honestly want suggestions.
Something new to introduce this week, my own blog! With a great deal of assistance a new blog has been born.
http://www.DianasWeeklyUpdates.blogspot.com
On occasion some have requested that I resend a previous weekly update. In an attempt to make it easier for anyone who wishes to go back to the beginning or to view any of the updates, my own ‘blog’ has been created.
If you are unfamiliar with how blogs work then ask your kids or any techno geeks you might know. I know just enough to be dangerous and that’s about it. I can probably get you thru the basics, but not much further than that.
The fun thing about a blog is that pictures can be added; a couple of the older updates now have pictures included with them. I’m hoping that every once in awhile pictures might start being included in the updates.
As I mentioned last week, I went to a ‘new’ doctor on Thursday for a consultation. This is a doctor that most people begin seeing once they hit their golden years. Even though having a walker and gray hair makes me look like I’ve already hit my golden years, I still have a long way to go (after all I’m only a spry 44 years old).
All kidding aside, I went to see a colonoscopist. Without going into detail, several months ago my general practitioner recommended that I have a colonoscopy.
Well, I guess you need to be 50 years old for this to be approved by most health insurance companies. (And yes, 50 years old is the beginning of your golden years ~ stand up and be proud ~ if you can that is).
After having the consultation it was determined that the insurance company would make an exception and instant approval was given. Since the doctor will be in there anyway, they are going to continue on up into my stomach as well. I really don’t expect that they will find a thing; I believe this is all just precautionary.
I have already informed these doctors that I believe the problems I am having are because I am on 25 prescriptions (over 30 pills) a day. Now before you gasp at the number of meds I take, you need to know that these prescriptions fall into just a few categories: the ability to breath, controlling diabetes, controlling cholesterol, and an attempt at migraine maintenance. And yes, they are all necessary!
So, on February 6th I will get to join the club… my first colonoscopy… what could be better, finally my every dream has come true… hurray!
This is certainly not a big deal; everyone goes thru this at some point in their lives. It’s just one more thing to do, one more thing added to the list that I need to think about, one more thing to prepare for.
I had been told by several that there are now pills available, that one no longer needs to drink that horrible liquid… yippee! Oh, but no, not for me… because I am diabetic I get to drink a full four liters (one gallon) of ‘Drano’, yuck!
Give me another angiogram and let me feel every second of it! I would prefer that over needing to drink that awful stuff any day!
I’ve really tried not to complain very often, and if I have then I do apologize as I really have no reason to complain. However, I will tell you that I am not handling this very well. Oh, I’m not complaining about the procedure, it’s the prep work that bothers me.
Pity party??? Oh, yes! I can tell you right now that I have already declared Tuesday, February 5th as Diana’s Pity Party Day! You are all invited to be there in thought, the party will begin at 3:00pm sharp, as this is when the first drink is to be poured.
Four liters, are you kidding? I don’t drink four liters of anything in one day, let alone four liters of something I can’t stand in a period of two hours. If you have any suggestions then I am open to them. Please share your suggestions, I’m begging, pleading with you for ideas!
Here are the suggestions I’ve received so far:
* Drink with a straw (this is suppose to allow the liquid to shoot right past your taste buds and directly down the back of your throat) ~ from Jeralynn
* Freeze the drink to an almost slushy consistency (okay, let’s add a brain freeze to the mix!) ~ from my doctor
* Squeeze lemon juice into the drink ~ from my doctor
* Alternate between ‘Drano’ and Sprite (oh yes, and then I will be drinking 8 liters instead of 4, perfect!) ~ from the nurse
* Make jello out of it (Hmm, something to think about… but I don’t know if it can be done) ~ from my daughter Jennifer and my friend Lori
The entire purpose behind this particular update is to gather up ideas, so put your thinking caps on. I really am looking forward to some serious suggestions!
Hugs,
Diana
Nehemiah 8:10 …for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
Wow, what an overwhelming response to last weeks update! Thank you for the phone calls, emails, and cards. I really wasn’t looking for that but it sure was nice hearing from everyone!
Consider this a mini-update… Its purpose is to introduce something new and to ask for suggestions, you will see as you read on. I hope this update gives you a laugh and I honestly want suggestions.
Something new to introduce this week, my own blog! With a great deal of assistance a new blog has been born.
http://www.DianasWeeklyUpdates.blogspot.com
On occasion some have requested that I resend a previous weekly update. In an attempt to make it easier for anyone who wishes to go back to the beginning or to view any of the updates, my own ‘blog’ has been created.
If you are unfamiliar with how blogs work then ask your kids or any techno geeks you might know. I know just enough to be dangerous and that’s about it. I can probably get you thru the basics, but not much further than that.
The fun thing about a blog is that pictures can be added; a couple of the older updates now have pictures included with them. I’m hoping that every once in awhile pictures might start being included in the updates.
As I mentioned last week, I went to a ‘new’ doctor on Thursday for a consultation. This is a doctor that most people begin seeing once they hit their golden years. Even though having a walker and gray hair makes me look like I’ve already hit my golden years, I still have a long way to go (after all I’m only a spry 44 years old).
All kidding aside, I went to see a colonoscopist. Without going into detail, several months ago my general practitioner recommended that I have a colonoscopy.
Well, I guess you need to be 50 years old for this to be approved by most health insurance companies. (And yes, 50 years old is the beginning of your golden years ~ stand up and be proud ~ if you can that is).
After having the consultation it was determined that the insurance company would make an exception and instant approval was given. Since the doctor will be in there anyway, they are going to continue on up into my stomach as well. I really don’t expect that they will find a thing; I believe this is all just precautionary.
I have already informed these doctors that I believe the problems I am having are because I am on 25 prescriptions (over 30 pills) a day. Now before you gasp at the number of meds I take, you need to know that these prescriptions fall into just a few categories: the ability to breath, controlling diabetes, controlling cholesterol, and an attempt at migraine maintenance. And yes, they are all necessary!
So, on February 6th I will get to join the club… my first colonoscopy… what could be better, finally my every dream has come true… hurray!
This is certainly not a big deal; everyone goes thru this at some point in their lives. It’s just one more thing to do, one more thing added to the list that I need to think about, one more thing to prepare for.
I had been told by several that there are now pills available, that one no longer needs to drink that horrible liquid… yippee! Oh, but no, not for me… because I am diabetic I get to drink a full four liters (one gallon) of ‘Drano’, yuck!
Give me another angiogram and let me feel every second of it! I would prefer that over needing to drink that awful stuff any day!
I’ve really tried not to complain very often, and if I have then I do apologize as I really have no reason to complain. However, I will tell you that I am not handling this very well. Oh, I’m not complaining about the procedure, it’s the prep work that bothers me.
Pity party??? Oh, yes! I can tell you right now that I have already declared Tuesday, February 5th as Diana’s Pity Party Day! You are all invited to be there in thought, the party will begin at 3:00pm sharp, as this is when the first drink is to be poured.
Four liters, are you kidding? I don’t drink four liters of anything in one day, let alone four liters of something I can’t stand in a period of two hours. If you have any suggestions then I am open to them. Please share your suggestions, I’m begging, pleading with you for ideas!
Here are the suggestions I’ve received so far:
* Drink with a straw (this is suppose to allow the liquid to shoot right past your taste buds and directly down the back of your throat) ~ from Jeralynn
* Freeze the drink to an almost slushy consistency (okay, let’s add a brain freeze to the mix!) ~ from my doctor
* Squeeze lemon juice into the drink ~ from my doctor
* Alternate between ‘Drano’ and Sprite (oh yes, and then I will be drinking 8 liters instead of 4, perfect!) ~ from the nurse
* Make jello out of it (Hmm, something to think about… but I don’t know if it can be done) ~ from my daughter Jennifer and my friend Lori
The entire purpose behind this particular update is to gather up ideas, so put your thinking caps on. I really am looking forward to some serious suggestions!
Hugs,
Diana
Nehemiah 8:10 …for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
Friday, January 11, 2008
January 9, 2008 ~ Weekly Update #15
January 9, 2008
I Know ~ by Michelle A. Meade
He captures each tear that drips down your face, and tenderly places them into His bottle. When you cry, you are not alone. When you think no one could possibly understand the pain you feel...He knows.
He is right there beside you, collecting those precious drops, a weary mind, tears you sow, down your cheek the pain it flows, tattered...on your knees you go. He’ll hold your face and say, "I know".
(Psalm 56:8 You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.)
First, let me express my sympathy to those of you who have lost a loved one over the last several weeks and even as recent as a couple days ago. Several of you have suffered the loss of a close family member over this Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years holiday; please know that you have been and continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
(John 14:27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid”.)
Thank you for the many prayers that went up on my behalf on January 2nd, the angiogram went very well. The results… the blockage was not located.
I will give you a laugh before we go on… When lying on the table they reassured me that this procedure would be just like going to the dentist. My father has had this done many times for his heart and never once did he complain of any discomfort. The entry point of this angiogram is just like a heart angiogram (if you are uncertain as to the location then look it up ~ I’m not going into detailsJ).
I was given several shots to ensure that I was numb. Not once did it cross my mind that because it’s quite difficult to get me numb at the dentist office that this would come into play during this procedure. Anyway, just as soon as they began to make the incision I let out a holler! I knew they had given me shots with a numbing medication, I felt the injections, but WOW, did it hurt.
Needless to say, for the next 45 minutes I felt everything that went on. They gave me as much of a pain killer as they could but I had to be awake and alert during the procedure. I had to hold my breath, let it go, hold my breath, let it go, and so on…
Finally, back in my room I received a nice shot of something and went to sleep. It wasn’t until after I was back at home, and I found some homemade soup that I remembered that Kathy (my Pastors wife) and Jeralynn had both been in the room with me after the procedure. I sure hope I didn’t say anything that either one of you can use against me in the future.
What do the results of this angiogram mean? Well, I wish God would let me in on whatever it is that is going on. What my neurosurgeon has explained is that there is indeed a blockage according to the MRI that was taken earlier in December. He continued on saying that the blockage did not appear in the angiogram.
He has scheduled a MRI with contrast for yet another look at this artery. I was scheduled for the MRI on January 8th, but because of the headache that I have been suffering from I had to cancel the appointment. This procedure has been rescheduled for January 17th.
Meanwhile I remain dizzy, nauseas, and have a migraine with a constant pain scale of about 6-7.
I did discuss with my neurosurgeon the possibility of removing the plate in the back of my neck, thinking that if there was any remote possibility that this could be the cause of the aforementioned symptoms that I want this done immediately. He said that he believed with most certainty that the plate was not the cause of my symptoms. He continued saying that right now the risk of surgery would far-out-way any benefits of doing this on the slight chance that it worked.
It’s been a busy week as I have made several doctor appointments for the next couple weeks. While in the hospital I developed a nasty, annoying, infection and am now taking med’s to treat it. And finally, I have a consult with a new doctor, schedule for Thursday. Dependent upon what this doctor has to say, I will then provide you with details. As for now, this appointment will fall under the category of “too much information”. Even though these things are all very small and insignificant, I am feeling very much overwhelmed and worn down both physically and mentally.
Additionally, as the first of 2008 came into being, I became fully aware that the number of days in which I still have health insurance are quickly dwindling away.
For me the past several days have turned into a time of extreme anxiousness and fear.
(Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.)
(1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.)
(2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.)
I’m frustrated; I’m tired of being sick… I feel like an old car that just needs to be junked. If it’s not one thing it’s something else, if I’m feeling good, then I’m thinking about the disability case, or where I am going to get health insurance or how the bills will be paid.
(Psalm 37:5-7
5 Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. 6 He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.
7 Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.)
I am sharing this with you not because I’m looking for pity or anything else for that matter. I just want you to know that I am human. Even though I know that I am saved and that Christ has not forgotten about me, I’m still human, with human emotions.
You have no idea how I cherish the emails, phone calls and notes. Just letting me know that you are holding me up in prayer means more to me than you will ever know. A very dear friend said to me that she wished she knew how to encourage me. I told her that the greatest gift given, the biggest blessing received is when I hear a message on my answering machine or get a note saying that someone is praying for me.
There are times when I am laying in bed, not able to concentrate enough to even pray. But I can rest on the fact that I know much prayer is going up on my behalf, to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Much of the past several days I simply haven’t had the strength to even get out of bed. Some of that is literal, as I feel physically exhausted.
(Judges 16:28a Then Samson prayed to the Lord, “Sovereign Lord, remember me again. O God, please strengthen me.)
But more important, the stress of life has become overwhelming to me in the last several days. I would rather just bury my head and not be required to deal with anything.
My friend Jeralynn has been a great source of strength to me lately. Before I go on, you must know that I love my friend dearly, if it wasn’t for her I’m not sure where I would be.
She is constantly in my house, at my front door, in my backyard, or on the phone with me. The other day I went from the house to the garage, between these areas is a patio. From Jeralynn’s kitchen window she can see into my backyard. Well, she saw my head over the fence, I came out of the garage and there she was. “What are you doing in the backyard?” I asked. She said, “I just wanted to make sure you were wearing your knee brace.” Well, I wasn’t, even though she had called earlier and asked that same question, I still hadn’t put it on.
For those of you who don’t know my friend Jeralynn, she just doesn’t give up. It’s very hard for me to say no to Jeralynn, it’s much easier to just say yes and do what I am told. Are you wearing your knee brace? Taking your med’s? Eating properly? Calling your doctor? Filling out your paperwork? Making appointments? And it goes on…
On the days that I haven’t been able pull myself up by my bootstraps Jeralynn has done that job for me.
Just because I asked Jesus Christ to be the Lord of my life, this doesn’t mean that the red carpet was rolled out in front of me. If anything, the closer my relationship with Jesus Christ becomes, the more challenging my life has become.
Why? Because Satan, the evil one (the enemy) would love for me to fall on my face, to turn from Christ and fall into depths of despair that I could not escape from.
Instead, every morning when I wake up I must make a choice to say thank you to my Lord for His continued goodness and mercy in my life. Sometimes I need to really look around for something to be thankful for, but I do it regardless.
(1 Chronicles 16: 34 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endures for ever.)
It is also important that I open the Word of God (the Bible) and fill my heart and mind with His promises for my life. Additionally, I need to daily renew my faith in my Lord and Savior. I must continue to focus on God’s word in the midst of what seems to be a storm that has surrounded me.
(Luke 8:22-25
22 One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and started out.
23 As they sailed across, Jesus settled down for a nap. But soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, and they were in real danger.
24 The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm.
25 Then he asked them, “Where is your faith?” The disciples were terrified and amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “When he gives a command, even the wind and waves obey him!”)
As for me, if I didn’t have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ I would have nothing. Right now, at this point in my life, there is only one thing I have to hold on to; the promises of God.
The scripture verses in this update are verses that God has given me this past week. These verses have kept me going day after day!
Some of you have asked what my favorite scripture verse is; I can’t say that I have one favorite verse. The entire Word of God (Bible) has been and continues to be a source of strength and comfort for me.
Prayer Requests:
(Philippians 4:6b But in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.)
~ Health Insurance be provided
~ Wisdom and direction for doctors and those reading the many tests that are continuing to be done
~ Continued swiftness in needed medical authorizations
~ Court date for Social Security Disability Insurance
~ God’s continued provisions for my basic needs
~ And of course, if God were to see fit, a miraculous healing
With much love to you all,
Diana
December 27, 2007 ~ Weekly Update #14
December 27, 2007
Hi all ~
Me again!
Just letting you know that the angiogram has been scheduled for Wednesday morning, January 2nd at 8:00am.
Please pray that any other blocked arteries in my head, neck, and brain may be revealed during this procedure. Also that this test will allow my doctor to see what the best next step will be, whether it is surgery, stinting, or something else.
Hugs,
Diana
Hi all ~
Me again!
Just letting you know that the angiogram has been scheduled for Wednesday morning, January 2nd at 8:00am.
Please pray that any other blocked arteries in my head, neck, and brain may be revealed during this procedure. Also that this test will allow my doctor to see what the best next step will be, whether it is surgery, stinting, or something else.
Hugs,
Diana
December 26, 2007 ~ Weekly Update #13
December 26, 2007
Where do I begin, so much has happened in this past week!
We had an unexpected delivery just before Christmas from LA’s finest, the Los Angeles Police Department’s West Valley Division. We were given a huge box full of gifts for each of us! When PR (Pastor Ron, my pastor) told me, all I could do was burst into tears. What an honor and privilege to be chosen by them, what a humbling experience. I told Jennie and Ricky that this was just like being chosen for ABC’s Extreme Home Makeover Edition.
As it grew closer to Christmas we continued to be flooded with gifts of all kinds, some from those we know and some from those we don’t know. These things meant so much to us, so many gifts under the tree, everything from lip balm to gift certificates, Christmas dinner, homemade goodies, a bill being paid, and financial gifts. To say thank you to all who have blessed us this Christmas just isn’t enough.
There was no shortage of gifts under the tree on Christmas morning. We have food in the house and I am ever so grateful to my Lord that I can honestly tell you that all the December bills have been paid. I am really looking forward to next Christmas when (prayerfully) we will be in a place that we can pour financial blessings upon families who are hurting as we are.
I remember watching a show recently in which a family who was probably of medium income was preparing a box to give to a family who were less fortunate. As they were packing this box one of the daughters spoke up saying, “I wish we were poor so that everyone would give us free stuff too”.
It is true that we have been blessed over the last couple weeks with an abundance of “free stuff”. I thank God each and every time someone else knocks on the door with another blessing for us. He has continues to stay by my side and provides for my every need.
(Psalm 37:25 I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread.)
This journey of my life has been and continues to be such a humbling experience. God has certainly blessed me with a wonderful life!
Sunday night I received a knock at the door and before I could answer it I he
ard a beautiful Choir of Christmas Carolers. The fact that I had Carolers at my door was quite wonderful within itself, but then to see the size of this group was overwhelming. My guess was that there were probably over 30 adults and young people from my church. Honestly, this was truly one of the highlights of Christmas for me, it is a memory that I will always remember and cherish. So many of you took time out of your very busy lives to show up at my door… thank you!
The God I serve is such an awesome God! I am choosing to believe what I am about to share with you is nothing short of a miracle. I couldn’t have made this up even if I tried.
With my mind being as bad as it is now, I will sometimes take the mail without looking thru it and just put it down somewhere to never be looked at again. We had received a pink notice from DWP (Department of Water & Power) at the beginning of December. With that, I knew that I would soon be receiving the final white notice that would give us a shut off date. I was hoping that by the time it arrived I would have enough money pulled together that we could pay the bill. Well, Thursday, December 20th, I found several piles of unopened mail that I had apparently put away (don’t ask me why). As I was sorting thru this unopened mail I came across the ‘final notice’ from the DWP that I had been waiting for. It read that if the bill was not paid in full by 5:00pm on Wednesday, December 12th that the electricity and water would be shut off. December 12th, wasn’t that over a week ago? I went to the calendar and sure enough it was. I panicked knowing that we had to pay this bill that day, I couldn’t put it off. However, I knew that by myself I didn’t have enough to cover it. I went to Ricky and with what he had we were able to pay the bill with about $2.00 left over.
I truly believe that God blinded eyes or at least allowed for this paperwork to be buried so that our water and power wasn’t shut off.
Continuing on, it was mid afternoon when I found the bill, Ricky had to be at work by 5:00pm and because it was raining he needed to allow for a little extra travel time. With Jennie being at work he was the only one who could take me to pay the bill. We pulled up in front of the DWP and there must have been 10 people in line. There was no way he was going to make it to work on time. I proceeded to get out of the car with my walker and headed toward the door. The security guard (yes, here in CA we have security guards everywhere) motioned me over to the exit door. Okay, I thought, he is closer to that door and is going to be polite and open the door for me. He said “Come with me, you are next in line”, (huh), “What do you mean I am next in line? I don’t want to cut in front of all these people that will incite a riot.” “No ma’am, I must insist that you are next inline. It’s a L.A. City Ordinance that whenever someone handicapped enters a City Municipal Building they must be moved to the front of the line.” “Wow”, I said, “this is just like Disneyland”, he just smiled politely and nodded. (I’m sure he was thinking I must be one of those old crazy ladies who doesn’t get out much – if he only knew.) By the way, no one in line made a peep!
Okay, if any of you are aware of this ordinance, then please share, to this day I am dumbfounded.
I had been waiting all day Thursday for my neurosurgeon to call me. By the end of the day I figured that he had probably been in surgery and hadn’t had a chance to speak with his assistant. Friday morning I received a call from his office, all I was expecting was a quick 5 minute conversation with him over the phone giving me his opinion. Instead I was told that he would like me to come to his office on December 26th at 4:30pm and to bring the brain, head, and neck films with me.
Our visit was very quick; I will be undergoing an angiogram just as soon as the insurance provides authorization (I expect that tomorrow, Dec 27th). This will probably be done one day next week unless they can get me in on Friday. This angiogram will be to look at the arteries in my head, brain, and neck.
I am anxious to get this done as it will provide very important information as in which direction to go.
On another note, I received a letter from my insurance company on December 20th. Before you read on, know that I am neither angry nor mad, I am just curious as to how God is going to take care of this. I know that this is something that I don’t have the energy to spend much time worrying about. All I can do is to put my complete trust in my Lord and watch for the outcome.
The letter stated that continuation coverage, as provided under the California Continuation Benefits Replacement Act (Cal-Cobra) will end on April 1st, 2008. In other words, no more insurance, they reassured me that they will give me a certificate of credible coverage, which will allow me to purchase new insurance. But come now, no insurance company is going to provide me with insurance!
So many thoughts running thru my mind, if the SSDI court case goes to trial before then and I win, then I will be eligible for Medicare. This would be true because I have been already disabled for 3 years.
However, going to court does not guarantee that I will win. I will eventually be deemed disabled, this much I know, it’s when that will be determined that I am unsure of. Additionally, I will not find out immediately what the courts decision is. I believe there is a waiting time of anywhere between 2 months and several months before receiving a decision.
Meanwhile, the last time I applied for Medical I was denied. I was told that if I told a couple of ‘little, white’ lies on my application that I would receive Medical, no questions asked. However, I will not lie on this application no matter how little or how white these lies would need to be. I do believe that the God I serve is a much bigger God than that.
(Psalm 139:28-31
28 “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
29 What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it.
30 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered.
31 So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.)
I will be looking into applying for Medical immediately after the first of the year rolls around. I’m not thrilled that I would have all new doctors, but I will still be happy as long as I am able to receive benefits.
As I see it the third option is no insurance of any kind. This would mean no more meds and certainly no more doctor appointments. Without insurance my prescriptions average out to approximately $200 each. You do the math, 25 prescriptions x $200.00 each = $5,000.00 a month just for meds.
On the upside, option number three would probably guarantee that I would get to heaven before any of you do (hehehe). To those of you who are much too serious, lighten and laugh about this with me!
Still no court date!
I must share with you a story that a friend (Sharon) sent me after last weeks update. She had found this in a copy of Reader’s Digest… A family took the elevator to the bottom of Hoover Dam. The wife asked what would happen if the cables broke. The park ranger replied, "These cars don't run on cables. They run on government red tape, and that stuff never breaks!”
Prayer requests:
That the angiogram approval will go thru tomorrow. That God’s hand will be on my surgeon during this procedure and that all will go well during the angiogram. For the results to show whatever information is needed to in order to provide proper medical treatment.
That God will provide guidance and direction with locating medical insurance, whatever it may be.
Lastly, that calendars will clear and I will be given a court date to hear my SSDI case.
Anyway, this has been a very long update. Thank you all so much for your continued prayers.
I pray that you will have a blessed New Year and please be safe on New Year’s Eve!
Much love and many hugs,
Diana
Where do I begin, so much has happened in this past week!
We had an unexpected delivery just before Christmas from LA’s finest, the Los Angeles Police Department’s West Valley Division. We were given a huge box full of gifts for each of us! When PR (Pastor Ron, my pastor) told me, all I could do was burst into tears. What an honor and privilege to be chosen by them, what a humbling experience. I told Jennie and Ricky that this was just like being chosen for ABC’s Extreme Home Makeover Edition.
As it grew closer to Christmas we continued to be flooded with gifts of all kinds, some from those we know and some from those we don’t know. These things meant so much to us, so many gifts under the tree, everything from lip balm to gift certificates, Christmas dinner, homemade goodies, a bill being paid, and financial gifts. To say thank you to all who have blessed us this Christmas just isn’t enough.
There was no shortage of gifts under the tree on Christmas morning. We have food in the house and I am ever so grateful to my Lord that I can honestly tell you that all the December bills have been paid. I am really looking forward to next Christmas when (prayerfully) we will be in a place that we can pour financial blessings upon families who are hurting as we are.
I remember watching a show recently in which a family who was probably of medium income was preparing a box to give to a family who were less fortunate. As they were packing this box one of the daughters spoke up saying, “I wish we were poor so that everyone would give us free stuff too”.
It is true that we have been blessed over the last couple weeks with an abundance of “free stuff”. I thank God each and every time someone else knocks on the door with another blessing for us. He has continues to stay by my side and provides for my every need.
(Psalm 37:25 I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread.)
This journey of my life has been and continues to be such a humbling experience. God has certainly blessed me with a wonderful life!
Sunday night I received a knock at the door and before I could answer it I he
ard a beautiful Choir of Christmas Carolers. The fact that I had Carolers at my door was quite wonderful within itself, but then to see the size of this group was overwhelming. My guess was that there were probably over 30 adults and young people from my church. Honestly, this was truly one of the highlights of Christmas for me, it is a memory that I will always remember and cherish. So many of you took time out of your very busy lives to show up at my door… thank you!The God I serve is such an awesome God! I am choosing to believe what I am about to share with you is nothing short of a miracle. I couldn’t have made this up even if I tried.
With my mind being as bad as it is now, I will sometimes take the mail without looking thru it and just put it down somewhere to never be looked at again. We had received a pink notice from DWP (Department of Water & Power) at the beginning of December. With that, I knew that I would soon be receiving the final white notice that would give us a shut off date. I was hoping that by the time it arrived I would have enough money pulled together that we could pay the bill. Well, Thursday, December 20th, I found several piles of unopened mail that I had apparently put away (don’t ask me why). As I was sorting thru this unopened mail I came across the ‘final notice’ from the DWP that I had been waiting for. It read that if the bill was not paid in full by 5:00pm on Wednesday, December 12th that the electricity and water would be shut off. December 12th, wasn’t that over a week ago? I went to the calendar and sure enough it was. I panicked knowing that we had to pay this bill that day, I couldn’t put it off. However, I knew that by myself I didn’t have enough to cover it. I went to Ricky and with what he had we were able to pay the bill with about $2.00 left over.
I truly believe that God blinded eyes or at least allowed for this paperwork to be buried so that our water and power wasn’t shut off.
Continuing on, it was mid afternoon when I found the bill, Ricky had to be at work by 5:00pm and because it was raining he needed to allow for a little extra travel time. With Jennie being at work he was the only one who could take me to pay the bill. We pulled up in front of the DWP and there must have been 10 people in line. There was no way he was going to make it to work on time. I proceeded to get out of the car with my walker and headed toward the door. The security guard (yes, here in CA we have security guards everywhere) motioned me over to the exit door. Okay, I thought, he is closer to that door and is going to be polite and open the door for me. He said “Come with me, you are next in line”, (huh), “What do you mean I am next in line? I don’t want to cut in front of all these people that will incite a riot.” “No ma’am, I must insist that you are next inline. It’s a L.A. City Ordinance that whenever someone handicapped enters a City Municipal Building they must be moved to the front of the line.” “Wow”, I said, “this is just like Disneyland”, he just smiled politely and nodded. (I’m sure he was thinking I must be one of those old crazy ladies who doesn’t get out much – if he only knew.) By the way, no one in line made a peep!
Okay, if any of you are aware of this ordinance, then please share, to this day I am dumbfounded.
I had been waiting all day Thursday for my neurosurgeon to call me. By the end of the day I figured that he had probably been in surgery and hadn’t had a chance to speak with his assistant. Friday morning I received a call from his office, all I was expecting was a quick 5 minute conversation with him over the phone giving me his opinion. Instead I was told that he would like me to come to his office on December 26th at 4:30pm and to bring the brain, head, and neck films with me.
Our visit was very quick; I will be undergoing an angiogram just as soon as the insurance provides authorization (I expect that tomorrow, Dec 27th). This will probably be done one day next week unless they can get me in on Friday. This angiogram will be to look at the arteries in my head, brain, and neck.
I am anxious to get this done as it will provide very important information as in which direction to go.
On another note, I received a letter from my insurance company on December 20th. Before you read on, know that I am neither angry nor mad, I am just curious as to how God is going to take care of this. I know that this is something that I don’t have the energy to spend much time worrying about. All I can do is to put my complete trust in my Lord and watch for the outcome.
The letter stated that continuation coverage, as provided under the California Continuation Benefits Replacement Act (Cal-Cobra) will end on April 1st, 2008. In other words, no more insurance, they reassured me that they will give me a certificate of credible coverage, which will allow me to purchase new insurance. But come now, no insurance company is going to provide me with insurance!
So many thoughts running thru my mind, if the SSDI court case goes to trial before then and I win, then I will be eligible for Medicare. This would be true because I have been already disabled for 3 years.
However, going to court does not guarantee that I will win. I will eventually be deemed disabled, this much I know, it’s when that will be determined that I am unsure of. Additionally, I will not find out immediately what the courts decision is. I believe there is a waiting time of anywhere between 2 months and several months before receiving a decision.
Meanwhile, the last time I applied for Medical I was denied. I was told that if I told a couple of ‘little, white’ lies on my application that I would receive Medical, no questions asked. However, I will not lie on this application no matter how little or how white these lies would need to be. I do believe that the God I serve is a much bigger God than that.
(Psalm 139:28-31
28 “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
29 What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it.
30 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered.
31 So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.)
I will be looking into applying for Medical immediately after the first of the year rolls around. I’m not thrilled that I would have all new doctors, but I will still be happy as long as I am able to receive benefits.
As I see it the third option is no insurance of any kind. This would mean no more meds and certainly no more doctor appointments. Without insurance my prescriptions average out to approximately $200 each. You do the math, 25 prescriptions x $200.00 each = $5,000.00 a month just for meds.
On the upside, option number three would probably guarantee that I would get to heaven before any of you do (hehehe). To those of you who are much too serious, lighten and laugh about this with me!
Still no court date!
I must share with you a story that a friend (Sharon) sent me after last weeks update. She had found this in a copy of Reader’s Digest… A family took the elevator to the bottom of Hoover Dam. The wife asked what would happen if the cables broke. The park ranger replied, "These cars don't run on cables. They run on government red tape, and that stuff never breaks!”
Prayer requests:
That the angiogram approval will go thru tomorrow. That God’s hand will be on my surgeon during this procedure and that all will go well during the angiogram. For the results to show whatever information is needed to in order to provide proper medical treatment.
That God will provide guidance and direction with locating medical insurance, whatever it may be.
Lastly, that calendars will clear and I will be given a court date to hear my SSDI case.
Anyway, this has been a very long update. Thank you all so much for your continued prayers.
I pray that you will have a blessed New Year and please be safe on New Year’s Eve!
Much love and many hugs,
Diana
December 15, 2007 ~ Weekly Update #12
December 15, 2007
My God remains an awesome God!
We received another delivery this week from our friends at Children’s Hunger Fund. As always, everything is outstanding, but I think it is just incredible how God knows exactly what we need at the exact time that we need it. Two very small, but very important items were desperately needed at the time of this delivery, toilet paper and shampoo. Yes, we were in need of food as the refrigerator was nearly empty, but these two items were gone. Wouldn’t you know it, a large package of toilet paper, and several bottles of both shampoo and conditioner were in the boxes. Thank you Jesus!
It’s not too late if you are looking to help those who may be in need this Christmas. If you haven’t already taken a look at what Children’s Hunger Fund does then take a minute to visit their website. www.childrenshungerfund.org
A couple weeks ago I was talking with my father; he told me of a scripture that was a favorite of my grandmother in her later years. (John 21:18 When you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.)
Even though I have most certainly taken the above scripture verse out of context, it is most applicable as to how I see my life right now.
Over the lasts several weeks I have come to realize that I am without a doubt, no longer in control over my life. I mean this in every sense of the word. Even on the days that I am feeling okay, I still need to do what others are willing to let me do and not what I want to do.
One night a few weeks ago I wanted something from the market, I could have waited until the next day, but really wanted it then and there. Jennie wasn’t home and Ricky was on his way out for the evening. I convinced Ricky to take me to the store, told him that if he took me that he could sit in the car and that I would run in. He said that was fine, as long as I was quick because he had somewhere to be, “Okay” I said, “I will be just a minute”.
Well, I walked into the grocery store and I was like a kid in the candy store. It’s been so long since I have been in any store by myself. Remember, I haven’t been able to drive for over two years, that means whenever I go somewhere it’s because someone has driven me there.
Now, it’s not like I had a great deal of money and I could go on a shopping spree. But I did have $20.00 in my wallet, my favorite thing to do when shopping is to look for ‘day old’ deals. I was having so much fun; there was lunchmeat for .50 cents, cottage cheese for .99 cents, and bread for .25 cents, WOW… I had a blast!
As you can imagine, I was not being quick as Ricky had requested, but instead I was thoroughly enjoying myself. That was until I caught sight of Ricky out of the corner of my eye. Need I say that he was not pleased; he informed me that we were leaving and leaving now as he was going to be late. But wait, I thought… I’m having fun… I want to stay…
Now I know this will be hard for you to believe, but I started to throw a temper tantrum in the middle of the store. “Elder abuse”, I shouted, “You can’t do this to me”, I said. And then who walks up the aisle but one of our neighbors, Dawn. Well, at this point I am flooded with embarrassment, but continued to argue with Ricky as I wanted to finish my shopping fun.
This all ended when Ricky firmly, but gently told me to get in line while he finished getting what I had really gone to the store to get in the first place.
Now I must finish this story… He patiently waited in line with his mother while we were checking out, I was very proud of myself as the total came to just under the $20.00 I had in my wallet. Well, just as I had done the three previous times he had taken me to the store, when it was time to pay I realized that I had forgotten my wallet at home.
As you can imagine, this didn’t go over very well at all! Just as with the other three times, he pulled out his wallet and paid the bill himself. Not another word was said all the way home.
This was not a story that I choose to share right away because it was a bit harder for me to laugh at. Now I am able to both have a good laugh and a good cry in regards to this, it just depends how my day is going.
If it weren’t for those in my life who continue to hand hold me every minute of every day I would be in big trouble. I am so very grateful to God that He has granted my children and some close friends with the gift of patience, one that they more often than not need with me.
It seems like I am not able to make any decisions on my own any more. Have you taken your med’s? Are you wearing your knee brace? Have you eaten, tested your blood? What are you doing? You need to do this or why are you doing that?
Oh how I long that God will someday choose to miraculously heal both my body and mind. I do have the faith that God can do just that if He chooses to. But for now I believe that He has a different purpose for me and my life here on earth. For now I am to glorify Him regardless of the circumstance of my life. I will continue to give Him all the praise and glory due to Him.
With the loss my health three years ago, I purposed to seek after and find a relationship with Jesus Christ, one that I will never loose.
The desire of my heart is that just as I have done, each and every one of you would also desire to have a relationship with Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior.
I have the promise and reassurance of knowing that I will never again experience pain once I get to heaven. I won’t forget anymore, I won’t fall anymore; I won’t need to be reminded to do anything ever again!
(Revelation 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.)
This year as Christmas is fast approaching the greatest gift ever given to me was the gift of eternal life, the gift of salvation through God’s Son, Jesus Christ.
(Luke 2:10-11 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”)
To all of you, my dearest friends and family, the greatest gift I can give you this year is to share with you the gift of God’s Son, Jesus Christ.
(Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.)
I am so grateful to my Lord that I didn’t have to earn or purchase my way into heaven. Even on my best days I’m not perfect and that’s what I would have to be in order to earn my way into heaven. If you’ve ever made up a story as to why you are running late – it’s lying. If you’ve ever taken a pen from work or a place of business that doesn’t belong to you – it’s stealing.
(Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”.)
If you are counting on your own good deeds to get into heaven, you will not get there.
The good news is that God has given us a free gift, eternal life thru Jesus Christ His Son. God is so good, so loving, and so kind that He has provided us with the one and only way to heaven. Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, came to die on the cross to take upon Himself the full and just punishment we all deserve for our sins against God.
(John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.)
He then defeated death when He rose from the dead. Jesus Christ is alive today!
As you have seen with my life, there certainly is no promise of a better earthly life when you accept the gift of God’s love. But you will no longer be alone; you will have the promise of peace that surpasses all understanding.
(Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.)
You will have an eternal relationship with the one, true God who created you and who alone has the power to extend to you the free gift of eternal life – eternal life in a place called heaven.
All that He asks that you do is to turn away from your sin and ask Him to be the Lord and Savior of your life.
Please know that I love you all so much, but as much as I love you God loves you so much more!
Just in case I’m not able to get another ‘weekly update’ out before Christmas know that I wish each and everyone of you a Very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!
Prayer requests – Wednesday I will be going to the Neurologist, please pray that God will give him wisdom beyond his years. What I have learned is that this little blockage at my brain stem is a bit more serious than I first wanted to believe. It is my understanding that it is a very difficult artery to reach and therefore may be inoperable.
Also, still no court date; please continue to pray that the Social Security Disability Administration will issue a court date soon.
Much love and many hugs,
Diana
My God remains an awesome God!
We received another delivery this week from our friends at Children’s Hunger Fund. As always, everything is outstanding, but I think it is just incredible how God knows exactly what we need at the exact time that we need it. Two very small, but very important items were desperately needed at the time of this delivery, toilet paper and shampoo. Yes, we were in need of food as the refrigerator was nearly empty, but these two items were gone. Wouldn’t you know it, a large package of toilet paper, and several bottles of both shampoo and conditioner were in the boxes. Thank you Jesus!
It’s not too late if you are looking to help those who may be in need this Christmas. If you haven’t already taken a look at what Children’s Hunger Fund does then take a minute to visit their website. www.childrenshungerfund.org
A couple weeks ago I was talking with my father; he told me of a scripture that was a favorite of my grandmother in her later years. (John 21:18 When you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.)
Even though I have most certainly taken the above scripture verse out of context, it is most applicable as to how I see my life right now.
Over the lasts several weeks I have come to realize that I am without a doubt, no longer in control over my life. I mean this in every sense of the word. Even on the days that I am feeling okay, I still need to do what others are willing to let me do and not what I want to do.
One night a few weeks ago I wanted something from the market, I could have waited until the next day, but really wanted it then and there. Jennie wasn’t home and Ricky was on his way out for the evening. I convinced Ricky to take me to the store, told him that if he took me that he could sit in the car and that I would run in. He said that was fine, as long as I was quick because he had somewhere to be, “Okay” I said, “I will be just a minute”.
Well, I walked into the grocery store and I was like a kid in the candy store. It’s been so long since I have been in any store by myself. Remember, I haven’t been able to drive for over two years, that means whenever I go somewhere it’s because someone has driven me there.
Now, it’s not like I had a great deal of money and I could go on a shopping spree. But I did have $20.00 in my wallet, my favorite thing to do when shopping is to look for ‘day old’ deals. I was having so much fun; there was lunchmeat for .50 cents, cottage cheese for .99 cents, and bread for .25 cents, WOW… I had a blast!
As you can imagine, I was not being quick as Ricky had requested, but instead I was thoroughly enjoying myself. That was until I caught sight of Ricky out of the corner of my eye. Need I say that he was not pleased; he informed me that we were leaving and leaving now as he was going to be late. But wait, I thought… I’m having fun… I want to stay…
Now I know this will be hard for you to believe, but I started to throw a temper tantrum in the middle of the store. “Elder abuse”, I shouted, “You can’t do this to me”, I said. And then who walks up the aisle but one of our neighbors, Dawn. Well, at this point I am flooded with embarrassment, but continued to argue with Ricky as I wanted to finish my shopping fun.
This all ended when Ricky firmly, but gently told me to get in line while he finished getting what I had really gone to the store to get in the first place.
Now I must finish this story… He patiently waited in line with his mother while we were checking out, I was very proud of myself as the total came to just under the $20.00 I had in my wallet. Well, just as I had done the three previous times he had taken me to the store, when it was time to pay I realized that I had forgotten my wallet at home.
As you can imagine, this didn’t go over very well at all! Just as with the other three times, he pulled out his wallet and paid the bill himself. Not another word was said all the way home.
This was not a story that I choose to share right away because it was a bit harder for me to laugh at. Now I am able to both have a good laugh and a good cry in regards to this, it just depends how my day is going.
If it weren’t for those in my life who continue to hand hold me every minute of every day I would be in big trouble. I am so very grateful to God that He has granted my children and some close friends with the gift of patience, one that they more often than not need with me.
It seems like I am not able to make any decisions on my own any more. Have you taken your med’s? Are you wearing your knee brace? Have you eaten, tested your blood? What are you doing? You need to do this or why are you doing that?
Oh how I long that God will someday choose to miraculously heal both my body and mind. I do have the faith that God can do just that if He chooses to. But for now I believe that He has a different purpose for me and my life here on earth. For now I am to glorify Him regardless of the circumstance of my life. I will continue to give Him all the praise and glory due to Him.
With the loss my health three years ago, I purposed to seek after and find a relationship with Jesus Christ, one that I will never loose.
The desire of my heart is that just as I have done, each and every one of you would also desire to have a relationship with Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior.
I have the promise and reassurance of knowing that I will never again experience pain once I get to heaven. I won’t forget anymore, I won’t fall anymore; I won’t need to be reminded to do anything ever again!
(Revelation 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.)
This year as Christmas is fast approaching the greatest gift ever given to me was the gift of eternal life, the gift of salvation through God’s Son, Jesus Christ.
(Luke 2:10-11 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”)
To all of you, my dearest friends and family, the greatest gift I can give you this year is to share with you the gift of God’s Son, Jesus Christ.
(Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.)
I am so grateful to my Lord that I didn’t have to earn or purchase my way into heaven. Even on my best days I’m not perfect and that’s what I would have to be in order to earn my way into heaven. If you’ve ever made up a story as to why you are running late – it’s lying. If you’ve ever taken a pen from work or a place of business that doesn’t belong to you – it’s stealing.
(Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”.)
If you are counting on your own good deeds to get into heaven, you will not get there.
The good news is that God has given us a free gift, eternal life thru Jesus Christ His Son. God is so good, so loving, and so kind that He has provided us with the one and only way to heaven. Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, came to die on the cross to take upon Himself the full and just punishment we all deserve for our sins against God.
(John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.)
He then defeated death when He rose from the dead. Jesus Christ is alive today!
As you have seen with my life, there certainly is no promise of a better earthly life when you accept the gift of God’s love. But you will no longer be alone; you will have the promise of peace that surpasses all understanding.
(Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.)
You will have an eternal relationship with the one, true God who created you and who alone has the power to extend to you the free gift of eternal life – eternal life in a place called heaven.
All that He asks that you do is to turn away from your sin and ask Him to be the Lord and Savior of your life.
Please know that I love you all so much, but as much as I love you God loves you so much more!
Just in case I’m not able to get another ‘weekly update’ out before Christmas know that I wish each and everyone of you a Very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!
Prayer requests – Wednesday I will be going to the Neurologist, please pray that God will give him wisdom beyond his years. What I have learned is that this little blockage at my brain stem is a bit more serious than I first wanted to believe. It is my understanding that it is a very difficult artery to reach and therefore may be inoperable.
Also, still no court date; please continue to pray that the Social Security Disability Administration will issue a court date soon.
Much love and many hugs,
Diana
December 7, 2007 ~ Weekly Update #11
December 7, 2007
Christmas is just around the corner, I can’t believe it! This is a wonderful time of the year when we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
(Matthew 1:21-23 “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" which means, "God with us.")
My grandson, Nicholas will be turning 5 on Monday! Wow, it seems like just yesterday that he was born. And on that note… Congratulations to Nicholas’ Grandpa Cesar and Grandma Alicia as they will be giving Nicholas another uncle or auntie in about seven months.
Earlier this week my father had his pacemaker and defibrillator replaced. He is suffering from congestive heart failure and had slowed down to a crawl. Having this surgery has given him a new lease on life, he feels like a new person.
I have had several doctor visits over the past week and this has absolutely exhausted me. Additionally, the migraines seem to have overtaken my life at this point. I do have some new information, so here goes.
I am still wearing a knee brace on my left knee, eventually, somewhere down the road, I will probably need surgery. As you will read on this is the very last thing on my list. However, the doctor feels that it is better to be certain about what is wrong with the knee rather than continuing to guess. I will go in on December 18th for an MRI on the knee.
My vision is still good; this is something that is checked out every year because of my being diabetic. With the diabetes being as bad as it is, I must give the credit to God for protecting my eyesight.
Some of the other problems that I have been having are: neck pain, migraines, ear pain, ringing and crawling in ears, numbness in face, numbness in extremities, falling, dropping things, dizziness, forgetfulness, and at times, difficulty with speaking.
I had been sent to an ENT, (Ear, Nose and Throat) doctor to determine if any of this was an inner ear problem. Just before Thanksgiving he had ordered a test called an ENG, the test came back showing that something was not right.
This past Tuesday (Dec 4th), my ENT sent me for an MRI & MRA on my neck, brain, and head (and yes, I still have a brain). They told me that my doctor would have the results on Friday (Dec 7th), to make an appointment for then, I did.
The phone rang yesterday (Thursday, Dec 6th), it was my ENT. As soon as he told me who he was I knew that I should probably grab a pen and paper. He then asked if anyone had called to go over the tests results with me (at this point I figured the news wasn’t going to be great). He continued with the good news, reassuring me that there were no lesions (tumors) on my brain.
He continued on saying that my vertebral artery is 70% blocked. This artery is located behind the spinal cord at the brain stem.
Apparently there are two vertebral arteries and my right one is the one that is blocked. This makes sense as my left side is the weak side according to the ENG test.
Anyway, this artery leads directly to the cerebellum, the bottom part of one’s brain. This part of the brain is responsible for sensory perception and motor control.
I believe this is also what is responsible for the horrific migraines I am suffering from. They always start right were this blockage is located. Also, this is the reason why I have started to fall and drop things.
This is as much as I know. My next step as of now is to see neurologist on December 19th. I have many, many questions, as I am sure you probably do. I just don’t know anymore than I have given you here.
As for now I am counting my blessings that God gave my ENT the wisdom to order the tests he did and that he gave those who interpreted the tests the sight to see this blockage.
Prayer request ~ I would ask that you continue to pray wisdom for my doctors and for those who are reading the tests. That any needed authorizations will continue to have instant approval. And finally, that between now and the time that something is done that I don’t have a strokeJ.
Still no court date, please continue to pray for that to come soon.
(Psalm 18:2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.)
Love Always,
Diana
Christmas is just around the corner, I can’t believe it! This is a wonderful time of the year when we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
(Matthew 1:21-23 “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" which means, "God with us.")
My grandson, Nicholas will be turning 5 on Monday! Wow, it seems like just yesterday that he was born. And on that note… Congratulations to Nicholas’ Grandpa Cesar and Grandma Alicia as they will be giving Nicholas another uncle or auntie in about seven months.
Earlier this week my father had his pacemaker and defibrillator replaced. He is suffering from congestive heart failure and had slowed down to a crawl. Having this surgery has given him a new lease on life, he feels like a new person.
I have had several doctor visits over the past week and this has absolutely exhausted me. Additionally, the migraines seem to have overtaken my life at this point. I do have some new information, so here goes.
I am still wearing a knee brace on my left knee, eventually, somewhere down the road, I will probably need surgery. As you will read on this is the very last thing on my list. However, the doctor feels that it is better to be certain about what is wrong with the knee rather than continuing to guess. I will go in on December 18th for an MRI on the knee.
My vision is still good; this is something that is checked out every year because of my being diabetic. With the diabetes being as bad as it is, I must give the credit to God for protecting my eyesight.
Some of the other problems that I have been having are: neck pain, migraines, ear pain, ringing and crawling in ears, numbness in face, numbness in extremities, falling, dropping things, dizziness, forgetfulness, and at times, difficulty with speaking.
I had been sent to an ENT, (Ear, Nose and Throat) doctor to determine if any of this was an inner ear problem. Just before Thanksgiving he had ordered a test called an ENG, the test came back showing that something was not right.
This past Tuesday (Dec 4th), my ENT sent me for an MRI & MRA on my neck, brain, and head (and yes, I still have a brain). They told me that my doctor would have the results on Friday (Dec 7th), to make an appointment for then, I did.
The phone rang yesterday (Thursday, Dec 6th), it was my ENT. As soon as he told me who he was I knew that I should probably grab a pen and paper. He then asked if anyone had called to go over the tests results with me (at this point I figured the news wasn’t going to be great). He continued with the good news, reassuring me that there were no lesions (tumors) on my brain.
He continued on saying that my vertebral artery is 70% blocked. This artery is located behind the spinal cord at the brain stem.
Apparently there are two vertebral arteries and my right one is the one that is blocked. This makes sense as my left side is the weak side according to the ENG test.
Anyway, this artery leads directly to the cerebellum, the bottom part of one’s brain. This part of the brain is responsible for sensory perception and motor control.
I believe this is also what is responsible for the horrific migraines I am suffering from. They always start right were this blockage is located. Also, this is the reason why I have started to fall and drop things.
This is as much as I know. My next step as of now is to see neurologist on December 19th. I have many, many questions, as I am sure you probably do. I just don’t know anymore than I have given you here.
As for now I am counting my blessings that God gave my ENT the wisdom to order the tests he did and that he gave those who interpreted the tests the sight to see this blockage.
Prayer request ~ I would ask that you continue to pray wisdom for my doctors and for those who are reading the tests. That any needed authorizations will continue to have instant approval. And finally, that between now and the time that something is done that I don’t have a strokeJ.
Still no court date, please continue to pray for that to come soon.
(Psalm 18:2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.)
Love Always,
Diana
November 28, 2007 ~ Weekly Update #10
November 28, 2007
Thanksgiving is over… I hope you were all blessed with a wonderful Thanksgiving! I was able to go the Thanksgiving service our church had on Wednesday evening, it was a wonderful time of giving thanks to our Lord for all that He has provided this past year.
It was also a time to say thank you and good bye to our Associate Pastor David. He is moving to Texas next week to join his beautiful wife Victoria who had moved there last month. This is a sad time for me as I have grown accustomed to Pastor David’s weekly visits and phone calls. As for David and Victoria, I am happy that they are obeying God’s calling on their lives and I know that God has already begun to bless them in ways that they never could have imagined.
I spent all of Thanksgiving Day, along with Friday, Saturday, Sunday and a good part of Monday in bed. I have come to learn that the bad days don’t always come when I want them to. On the other hand, I try to always appreciate the good days; they don’t come often enough, and so I try to enjoy each and every oneJ.
Several have asked that I once again include our eBay store link, so here it is http://stores.ebay.com/Grandma-Dianas-Attic. I hope you enjoy looking around!
My friend Jeralynn is doing very good! God has begun an incredible healing in her body, for that I am forever grateful. When I tell you this is an incredible healing I really do mean that. With the exception of taking life much slower now, she is coming back to being the friend I new before she became sick. Jeralynn was even able to take me to the doctor today. Thank you for your prayers!
As for me, please continue to pray wisdom for my doctors. I do have a great number of appointments and tests in the next 6 weeks; I will keep you updated as to what is going on so that you know how to direct your prayers.
My praise reports for this week… I did go to the doctor today for something that I am still not exactly sure of what it is. At this point my doctor isn’t sure either. This is yet another new ailment that won’t be added to the disability report but will be watched very carefully. Part of my praise is that for right now this ‘something’ is nothing! Praise The Lord!
I am choosing not to go into what this ‘something’ is because it is a little on the discreet side. Now for those of you who really know me, you must be thinking Diana, discreet???? Okay, yes, I know… however, I really don’t know who all reads this so I am not quite ready to share all of my discreet issues with everybody. If it does become something then I will go into detail and maybe even send pictures (uh..oh.. Okay, here’s the real Diana coming out).
Now onto the second part of my praise report! Towards the end of my visit my doctor told me to wait and that he would be right back. He came back with a very large box full of prescription samples. I can usually get a one month supply for two or three prescriptions out of him; this time he must have given me a good two maybe three months worth of samples for all of them (with the exception of one or two). This is huge; these are worth well over $1,000.00 just in co-pay fees alone. Praise The Lord!
This really brings me to a third praise! First you need to know that I belong to a HMO. How many of you have doctors who will call you at 7:00am or 10:00pm just to see how you are doing? How about calling from a cruise ship, in the middle of the Mediterranean, while he’s on vacation to see if you had a certain test done? Or, better yet, email back and forth on a weekly basis to take care of anything that can be handled via internet instead of paying for a doctor visit. I do give thanks to my Heavenly Father that He has given me the very best doctor there is… Praise The Lord.
As a side not… this sounds alot like our Pastor Ron, who will call at any time or place. While on vacation or visiting his grandchildren, it doesn’t matter. If God puts you on His heart he stops what he is doing and calls you. By the way PR, thanks for being my pastor!
Someone mentioned to me that they intended to go to a local shelter and help feed the homeless on Thanksgiving. They wanted to do something to help the needy on Thanksgiving but it just didn’t work out.
It’s not too late, I am going to make this easy for all of you who have always wanted to help those who are needy but didn’t have the time or didn’t know how to go about doing it.
There is a great organization called Children’s Hunger Fund, http://www.childrenshungerfund.org/. They have helped (and continue to help) me and my family over and over again this year. They have brought an unbelievable amount of food (along with many other items) to our home. I can’t tell you where we would be right now without them.
I can honestly tell you that most of the food, hygiene items, and paper goods that are in our home have been given to us. If it wasn’t for Children’s Hunger Fund we wouldn’t have much of the food that we currently have in our home right now. From the very bottom of my heart I couldn’t tell you what we would have done without help from Children’s Hunger Fund in the past few months.
If you are looking to make someone’s Christmas brighter (there aren't too many days left) or wanting to make an end of the year tax donation the please click on one of the links below.
Christmas Catalog
http://www.childrenshungerfund.org/catalog/
Financial Donation
http://www.childrenshungerfund.org/onetime.php
In the catalog you will see that you can purchase specific items for as little as $5.00. Often when we receive boxes of food, there are bags of beans and pasta as shown in the catalog. This food lasts us such a long time and means so much to Jennie, Ricky, myself and Nick.
Thank you in advance for considering this organization when deciding where to make a donation this year. Please, if you are going to be making a charitable donation this year consider Children’s Hunger Fund.
Some have asked why it is that we are still hurting financially; this is a very legitimate question. Here is a brief recap:
~ March of 2005 I went on California State Disability.
~ February 2006 CA disability was depleted – sold my house. I applied for Social Security Disability Insurance.
~ December 2006 my sold car. SSDI had denied me twice this year, reason being that I am too young.
~ Lawyer retained January 2007 and appealed requesting a court date (you must be denied twice before you can request a court date).
~ As of today, the end of November 2007, I am still waiting for a court date.
2008 will be mark 3 years since I have worked and 2 years that I have been without any income. For the last two years my only source of financial support has come from many of you as well as Jennie and Ricky. If I were to put it on paper for you, you would see that I should not be living where I am. It’s only by the goodness of my Lord and Savior, that I am where I am today. I’m certainly not living a life of comfort, but my needs are being met, minute by minute (and sometimes not a second too soon).
I know that God has great and mighty plans for my life, but only He knows what they are at this point. My job is to trust that this is true. I have said before that I don’t like where I am at, regardless I am still called to trust my Lord.
(Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.)
I am truly looking forward to December as it approaches; this is truly my favorite time of the year! We have even been able to enjoy a couple fires in the fire place, under adult supervision of courseJ. Now, if it would just rain, that would be icing on the cake!
Love to you all!
Diana
Thanksgiving is over… I hope you were all blessed with a wonderful Thanksgiving! I was able to go the Thanksgiving service our church had on Wednesday evening, it was a wonderful time of giving thanks to our Lord for all that He has provided this past year.
It was also a time to say thank you and good bye to our Associate Pastor David. He is moving to Texas next week to join his beautiful wife Victoria who had moved there last month. This is a sad time for me as I have grown accustomed to Pastor David’s weekly visits and phone calls. As for David and Victoria, I am happy that they are obeying God’s calling on their lives and I know that God has already begun to bless them in ways that they never could have imagined.
I spent all of Thanksgiving Day, along with Friday, Saturday, Sunday and a good part of Monday in bed. I have come to learn that the bad days don’t always come when I want them to. On the other hand, I try to always appreciate the good days; they don’t come often enough, and so I try to enjoy each and every oneJ.
Several have asked that I once again include our eBay store link, so here it is http://stores.ebay.com/Grandma-Dianas-Attic. I hope you enjoy looking around!
My friend Jeralynn is doing very good! God has begun an incredible healing in her body, for that I am forever grateful. When I tell you this is an incredible healing I really do mean that. With the exception of taking life much slower now, she is coming back to being the friend I new before she became sick. Jeralynn was even able to take me to the doctor today. Thank you for your prayers!
As for me, please continue to pray wisdom for my doctors. I do have a great number of appointments and tests in the next 6 weeks; I will keep you updated as to what is going on so that you know how to direct your prayers.
My praise reports for this week… I did go to the doctor today for something that I am still not exactly sure of what it is. At this point my doctor isn’t sure either. This is yet another new ailment that won’t be added to the disability report but will be watched very carefully. Part of my praise is that for right now this ‘something’ is nothing! Praise The Lord!
I am choosing not to go into what this ‘something’ is because it is a little on the discreet side. Now for those of you who really know me, you must be thinking Diana, discreet???? Okay, yes, I know… however, I really don’t know who all reads this so I am not quite ready to share all of my discreet issues with everybody. If it does become something then I will go into detail and maybe even send pictures (uh..oh.. Okay, here’s the real Diana coming out).
Now onto the second part of my praise report! Towards the end of my visit my doctor told me to wait and that he would be right back. He came back with a very large box full of prescription samples. I can usually get a one month supply for two or three prescriptions out of him; this time he must have given me a good two maybe three months worth of samples for all of them (with the exception of one or two). This is huge; these are worth well over $1,000.00 just in co-pay fees alone. Praise The Lord!
This really brings me to a third praise! First you need to know that I belong to a HMO. How many of you have doctors who will call you at 7:00am or 10:00pm just to see how you are doing? How about calling from a cruise ship, in the middle of the Mediterranean, while he’s on vacation to see if you had a certain test done? Or, better yet, email back and forth on a weekly basis to take care of anything that can be handled via internet instead of paying for a doctor visit. I do give thanks to my Heavenly Father that He has given me the very best doctor there is… Praise The Lord.
As a side not… this sounds alot like our Pastor Ron, who will call at any time or place. While on vacation or visiting his grandchildren, it doesn’t matter. If God puts you on His heart he stops what he is doing and calls you. By the way PR, thanks for being my pastor!
Someone mentioned to me that they intended to go to a local shelter and help feed the homeless on Thanksgiving. They wanted to do something to help the needy on Thanksgiving but it just didn’t work out.
It’s not too late, I am going to make this easy for all of you who have always wanted to help those who are needy but didn’t have the time or didn’t know how to go about doing it.
There is a great organization called Children’s Hunger Fund, http://www.childrenshungerfund.org/. They have helped (and continue to help) me and my family over and over again this year. They have brought an unbelievable amount of food (along with many other items) to our home. I can’t tell you where we would be right now without them.
I can honestly tell you that most of the food, hygiene items, and paper goods that are in our home have been given to us. If it wasn’t for Children’s Hunger Fund we wouldn’t have much of the food that we currently have in our home right now. From the very bottom of my heart I couldn’t tell you what we would have done without help from Children’s Hunger Fund in the past few months.
If you are looking to make someone’s Christmas brighter (there aren't too many days left) or wanting to make an end of the year tax donation the please click on one of the links below.
Christmas Catalog
http://www.childrenshungerfund.org/catalog/
Financial Donation
http://www.childrenshungerfund.org/onetime.php
In the catalog you will see that you can purchase specific items for as little as $5.00. Often when we receive boxes of food, there are bags of beans and pasta as shown in the catalog. This food lasts us such a long time and means so much to Jennie, Ricky, myself and Nick.
Thank you in advance for considering this organization when deciding where to make a donation this year. Please, if you are going to be making a charitable donation this year consider Children’s Hunger Fund.
Some have asked why it is that we are still hurting financially; this is a very legitimate question. Here is a brief recap:
~ March of 2005 I went on California State Disability.
~ February 2006 CA disability was depleted – sold my house. I applied for Social Security Disability Insurance.
~ December 2006 my sold car. SSDI had denied me twice this year, reason being that I am too young.
~ Lawyer retained January 2007 and appealed requesting a court date (you must be denied twice before you can request a court date).
~ As of today, the end of November 2007, I am still waiting for a court date.
2008 will be mark 3 years since I have worked and 2 years that I have been without any income. For the last two years my only source of financial support has come from many of you as well as Jennie and Ricky. If I were to put it on paper for you, you would see that I should not be living where I am. It’s only by the goodness of my Lord and Savior, that I am where I am today. I’m certainly not living a life of comfort, but my needs are being met, minute by minute (and sometimes not a second too soon).
I know that God has great and mighty plans for my life, but only He knows what they are at this point. My job is to trust that this is true. I have said before that I don’t like where I am at, regardless I am still called to trust my Lord.
(Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.)
I am truly looking forward to December as it approaches; this is truly my favorite time of the year! We have even been able to enjoy a couple fires in the fire place, under adult supervision of courseJ. Now, if it would just rain, that would be icing on the cake!
Love to you all!
Diana
November 17, 2007 ~ Weekly Update #9
November 17, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving…
This coming week is a time that we are to give thanks for all that we have. It’s not always easy to be thankful in everything, but the word of God tells us to do just that. (1 Thessalonians 5:18 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.)
Many of you have entered into a time of crisis in the last week or two; if not with health, then financially or with family relationships.
My heart breaks with you and for you. I don’t think I can remember back to a time where so many of my very close friends and family members were all facing such serious battles at one time.
As this week continued I found myself becoming more and more frustrated with each passing day. Finally, I decided that I needed some serious time in prayer with God.
If you are facing a crisis of your own and you don’t know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. Please know that you have a choice… You can choose to receive the goodness that God has to offer you and allow Him to go thru this with you. Or, you can choose to continue on your own and go it alone, life doesn’t instantly become wonderful with Christ, but you will have the promise of no longer being alone. (John 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.)
Believe me, take it from one who knows, with Jesus Christ in your life it is much easier to face the ups and downs of life.
This week it felt like the earth shook loose beneath my feet. In trying to put together this weekly update I jotted down the scripture Psalm 46. I didn’t think anything more of it until I spoke with Pastor David on Friday and that was the scripture he chose to share with me.
Let’s back up to last weekend, the wonderful ‘event’. It was a tremendous success, you can see from the pic’s the enormous amount of donations given for the yard sale. Most of you won’t know who the volunteers were and who the shoppers were but we were blessed with a great number of both.
Happy Thanksgiving…
This coming week is a time that we are to give thanks for all that we have. It’s not always easy to be thankful in everything, but the word of God tells us to do just that. (1 Thessalonians 5:18 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.)
Many of you have entered into a time of crisis in the last week or two; if not with health, then financially or with family relationships.
My heart breaks with you and for you. I don’t think I can remember back to a time where so many of my very close friends and family members were all facing such serious battles at one time.
As this week continued I found myself becoming more and more frustrated with each passing day. Finally, I decided that I needed some serious time in prayer with God.
If you are facing a crisis of your own and you don’t know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. Please know that you have a choice… You can choose to receive the goodness that God has to offer you and allow Him to go thru this with you. Or, you can choose to continue on your own and go it alone, life doesn’t instantly become wonderful with Christ, but you will have the promise of no longer being alone. (John 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.)
Believe me, take it from one who knows, with Jesus Christ in your life it is much easier to face the ups and downs of life.
This week it felt like the earth shook loose beneath my feet. In trying to put together this weekly update I jotted down the scripture Psalm 46. I didn’t think anything more of it until I spoke with Pastor David on Friday and that was the scripture he chose to share with me.
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Let’s back up to last weekend, the wonderful ‘event’. It was a tremendous success, you can see from the pic’s the enormous amount of donations given for the yard sale. Most of you won’t know who the volunteers were and who the shoppers were but we were blessed with a great number of both.
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Hundred’s of people showed up to shop and over 100 joined us for lunch wi+of+ebay+710.jpg)
th the price being a donation of any size. There was approximately $2,400.00 raised and all the praise and glory for this goes to o+of+ebay+682.jpg)
ur Lord and Savior.
Thank you, thank you, and thank you to all who participated with either donation of your time or donating your items!
I was thrilled that God had given me the strength to make it to church on Sunday so that I could give Him praise and glory for what He had allowed the day before. I knew that just as soon as church was over I would go to bed and pretty much stay there all week.
All that changed on Monday when Jeralynn (my very close, dear friend and neighbor) became sick with stroke like symptoms. When I received the phone call Monday from Stephen letting me what had happened to Jeralynn, I felt like my world dropped out from underneath me. My friend who was jumping up and down in front of the church congregation on Sunday morning because Pastor Ron had given her a fruit cake (go figure), is now at times needing to really focus just to speak.
WHY??? God… she can’t stay like this the rest of her life!!! I want my friend back… We were pray partners, we were mommy partners, and since I didn’t always make it to church we would study the Bible at home together, she was my life line. She would hold me accountable and I would do the same with her.
My thoughts immediately went to the yard sale; it was primarily done for my benefit. Jeralynn was the driving force behind the yard sale and I just knew what happened to Jeralynn was my fault.
(As a side note, I did get to speak with Jeralynn’s neurosurgeon; he reassured me that her work at the yard sale had nothing to do with what has happened to her).
I had no idea how I have come to depend on Jeralynn in this past year. She would make my phone calls, appointments, pick up my prescriptions, groceries, and take me to doctor appointments and tests. She was the only one who really knew how much I had begun to lose my ability to function this past year, she was my confidant.
As for me, I had gone into panic mode, I wasn’t sure if I could tie my shoes without the help of my friend Jeralynn. That’s when Pastor David reminded me of Psalm 46; by the way, this is what I have been reading to Jeralynn whenever I have had the chance.
Psalm 46
1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.
5 God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.
6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
7 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
8 Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolations he has brought on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire.
10 "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
11 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
What I have learned this week is that Jeralynn is not my strength, God is! This week has certainly come full circle; God is my refuge and my strength, my ever present help in times of trouble.
So back to being thankful… Thank you God for never leaving me or forsaking me, for this I can be sure of. Also for the generosity of those this past weekend who gave of their time, donated items and shopped giving of their money. Thank you for the love of so many of my family and friends. I also give thanks for allowing us to live in a country where we are free to come together to worship God as we please. Thank you God for the health of my daughter, son, and grandson, I’m thankful for the fact that we have a roof over our heads and that we are not living on the street.
I have not been walking around this past week looking for things to give thanks to God for. Instead I have been walking around disgruntled, and I have been the one who has lost out. God doesn’t call us to be thankful only when things are going great, but to give thanks in everything.
You may be looking at your circumstance and think there is not much to say thank you for, take the time to look around and find the blessings God has given you. I don’t think any of you receiving this update live in Georgia, be grateful for the water that freely pours from your faucets at home.
And now, on to some news about me…
I received the results from the ENG, the test which can cause you to become very dizzy. Drum roll please…
The results showed that something is definitely wrong, for this I do give God thanks! I give Him thanks because I now know that it is real; this versus the option of it all having been stress related (or physiological).
At this point it does appear that this is a new diagnosis. This means that at this time it can not (you read correctly), can not be counted toward my being disabled. In the next couple weeks I will be going in for additional tests. These additional tests may or may not show something, without going into a great amount of detail I would ask that you continue to pray that God will give my doctors and those reading the tests wisdom.
It does appear that the dizziness, falling, dropping things, forgetting to do things, migraines, and tingling & numbness on my face will be a new normal for me. If you have had a conversation with me lately, you may have noticed that I have asked for assistance when trying to think of a word or that I may have forgotten mid-sentence what I was going to say, this also is part of my new normal.
I do have a specific prayer request for this week, if you wouldn’t mind. I have lost my driver, Jeralynn.
Please pray that God will allow medical authorization to go thru quickly so that I can have a driver for to and from appointments. And that meanwhile it will work out that someone else can begin to take me.
Both Jennie and Ricky are working 40 plus hours each week right now and aren’t usually home during my appointment times otherwise they would be doing this for me.
By the way, Jeralynn did very kindly volunteer Stephen to take her place; I wish you all could have been there to see the look on Stephen’s face. For those of you at GHCC (church) you know Stephen is really quite cooperative when it comes to Jeralynn asking him to do things that are out of the ordinary, but this really crossed the line. It was really quite amusing to watch Stephen not respond to Jeralynn, how shall I put this? Stephen was not amused. (For those who don’t know, Stephen is her husband, he is a teacher and is on break right know)
I hope you all have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Love and prayers to you all,
Diana
November 6, 2007 ~ Weekly Update #8
November 6, 2007
I made it, yippee!!! The test did make me nauseas and very dizzy but I made it; the worse of it lasted about 30 minutes. I’m still feeling some residual nausea and dizziness but give me another couple weeks back on my medication and I should be back to normal.
Saturday I received a very interesting medical authorization; it’s for ‘In Home Health & Hospice Care’. Yes, I said exactly what you are thinking, “what do you mean hospice care”???? “Isn’t that for those who don’t have long to live”???? Yes, that is exactly what hospice care is.
Okay, before you panic, I’m not dying, not yet anywayJ!!!! Apparently this is some type of an all inclusive package…hehehe. It will allow me to start off with the in-home heath care part and then, if and/or when I need the hospice care it will be transferable. (Kind of sounds like a vacation package of sorts, don’t ya think?).
Anyway, for those of you who think that at this point I have lost my mind and have now become morbid, rest assured, I still have my mind. Please join me in having a good laugh, amuse me if you will!
Again, take a moment and travel back with me!!! I have now received an authorization for hospice care and still, NO DISABILITYJ. Please continue to pray as I continue to wait for a court date.
On a serious note…
Short of an absolute miracle of God, my physical body will continue to deteriorate; this has been a difficult realization to comprehend.
Knowing that my children, ages 21 and 24 have been and will continue to play a large role in financially supporting me just devastates me.
There is still a great deal that I can do, but there is a greater amount that I can no longer do, at times I feel absolutely useless.
My ability to express in words what my mind wants to say is at times difficult, this is extremely frustrating for not only myself but for those around me as well.
There have been and continue to be many ups and downs. I can honestly tell you the only reason I get up in the morning with a smile on my face is because I have Christ in my life.
Thru all of this, I have realized just how grateful I am that Jesus Christ died on the cross for me and now lives as Lord of my life. (John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.)
When I asked Christ to take control of my life and allowed Him to be my Lord and Savior I was no longer alone. By no means have things gone smoothly, but I know that God is with me and has never left my side. (Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.)
Thru everything I have had a peace that I have never experienced before, it doesn’t matter what is going on around me. It certainly doesn’t mean that I am living the life that I would have chosen to live. And it doesn’t mean that I am always happy and pretending to live in a fairy tale. I do get angry, I don’t like what is happening to my body and I wish I were able to go back to work. But… regardless of any of that, I have a deep peace that no one can take away from me. It’s a peace that only comes from having a relationship with Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.)
Meanwhile I will do what the word of God says and that is to ‘Rejoice in the Lord always’! (Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.)
I am very grateful to God that He has surrounded me with wonderful loving friends and family. I thank God for the wonderful doctors He has given me and the outstanding insurance coverage I have.
I continue to appreciate the kindness many of you have shown to me in emails, letters, with phone calls and in person. If I haven’t responded please know that I really do try to respond to everyone, some weeks are just more difficult than others. Regardless, I enjoy hearing from you!
I am so touched by the great amount of effort poured into preparation for this weekends ‘Event’. I will no longer refer to this as a yard sale, parking lot sale, garage sale, or whatever else you want to call it. It has simply turned into an ‘Event’ and for that I am ever so humbled.
There is everything from a new 1.7 cu refrigerator to sewing machines, bikes, clothes, things for every room of your house, kitchen, bath, bedroom, living room, garage, etc…
And don’t forget about the lunch which will be provided for a donation of any size by 10-4 Ministries! http://www.tenfourministries.org/
In the beginning I honestly thought, I sure hope we have enough items to sell. Now my thoughts are I sure hope there are enough people so that we can sell all the items.
I can’t explain to you how wonderful my church family has been to me thru all of this. There have been so many treasures donated for Saturday and so many have given and will give of their time on Saturday to make this happen.
Additionally, I have to say thank you to all of my other friends, (those not from GHCC). There have been many donations from them as well, and even a few of them will be helping out on Saturday, so thank you!
Above all else, I have to again give thanks to my Heavenly Father for putting this on the hearts of so many and for allowing so many to willingly come together to make this happen!
Again, please come by, even if it is only to say hi, I would really love to see you all! My daughter (Jennie) and grandson (Nick) will be there as well. My son Rick has to work, but he will be there for part of the time.
It’s from 7:00am to 2:00pm and is located at 11263 Balboa Blvd., Granada Hills, CA 91344. Granada Hills Community Church is located just south of the 118 on Balboa Blvd. http://www.granadahillscc.org/
Remember to tell your neighbors, co-workers, friends, family members and anyone else you know to stop by ~ thanks!
Please pray for NO RAIN!
Rumor has it that it just may rain on Saturday, however, if your weather forecasters are anything like ours then nobody will really know until Saturday morning is here!
Much love and many hugs,
Diana
I made it, yippee!!! The test did make me nauseas and very dizzy but I made it; the worse of it lasted about 30 minutes. I’m still feeling some residual nausea and dizziness but give me another couple weeks back on my medication and I should be back to normal.
Saturday I received a very interesting medical authorization; it’s for ‘In Home Health & Hospice Care’. Yes, I said exactly what you are thinking, “what do you mean hospice care”???? “Isn’t that for those who don’t have long to live”???? Yes, that is exactly what hospice care is.
Okay, before you panic, I’m not dying, not yet anywayJ!!!! Apparently this is some type of an all inclusive package…hehehe. It will allow me to start off with the in-home heath care part and then, if and/or when I need the hospice care it will be transferable. (Kind of sounds like a vacation package of sorts, don’t ya think?).
Anyway, for those of you who think that at this point I have lost my mind and have now become morbid, rest assured, I still have my mind. Please join me in having a good laugh, amuse me if you will!
Again, take a moment and travel back with me!!! I have now received an authorization for hospice care and still, NO DISABILITYJ. Please continue to pray as I continue to wait for a court date.
On a serious note…
Short of an absolute miracle of God, my physical body will continue to deteriorate; this has been a difficult realization to comprehend.
Knowing that my children, ages 21 and 24 have been and will continue to play a large role in financially supporting me just devastates me.
There is still a great deal that I can do, but there is a greater amount that I can no longer do, at times I feel absolutely useless.
My ability to express in words what my mind wants to say is at times difficult, this is extremely frustrating for not only myself but for those around me as well.
There have been and continue to be many ups and downs. I can honestly tell you the only reason I get up in the morning with a smile on my face is because I have Christ in my life.
Thru all of this, I have realized just how grateful I am that Jesus Christ died on the cross for me and now lives as Lord of my life. (John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.)
When I asked Christ to take control of my life and allowed Him to be my Lord and Savior I was no longer alone. By no means have things gone smoothly, but I know that God is with me and has never left my side. (Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.)
Thru everything I have had a peace that I have never experienced before, it doesn’t matter what is going on around me. It certainly doesn’t mean that I am living the life that I would have chosen to live. And it doesn’t mean that I am always happy and pretending to live in a fairy tale. I do get angry, I don’t like what is happening to my body and I wish I were able to go back to work. But… regardless of any of that, I have a deep peace that no one can take away from me. It’s a peace that only comes from having a relationship with Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.)
Meanwhile I will do what the word of God says and that is to ‘Rejoice in the Lord always’! (Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.)
I am very grateful to God that He has surrounded me with wonderful loving friends and family. I thank God for the wonderful doctors He has given me and the outstanding insurance coverage I have.
I continue to appreciate the kindness many of you have shown to me in emails, letters, with phone calls and in person. If I haven’t responded please know that I really do try to respond to everyone, some weeks are just more difficult than others. Regardless, I enjoy hearing from you!
I am so touched by the great amount of effort poured into preparation for this weekends ‘Event’. I will no longer refer to this as a yard sale, parking lot sale, garage sale, or whatever else you want to call it. It has simply turned into an ‘Event’ and for that I am ever so humbled.
There is everything from a new 1.7 cu refrigerator to sewing machines, bikes, clothes, things for every room of your house, kitchen, bath, bedroom, living room, garage, etc…
And don’t forget about the lunch which will be provided for a donation of any size by 10-4 Ministries! http://www.tenfourministries.org/
In the beginning I honestly thought, I sure hope we have enough items to sell. Now my thoughts are I sure hope there are enough people so that we can sell all the items.
I can’t explain to you how wonderful my church family has been to me thru all of this. There have been so many treasures donated for Saturday and so many have given and will give of their time on Saturday to make this happen.
Additionally, I have to say thank you to all of my other friends, (those not from GHCC). There have been many donations from them as well, and even a few of them will be helping out on Saturday, so thank you!
Above all else, I have to again give thanks to my Heavenly Father for putting this on the hearts of so many and for allowing so many to willingly come together to make this happen!
Again, please come by, even if it is only to say hi, I would really love to see you all! My daughter (Jennie) and grandson (Nick) will be there as well. My son Rick has to work, but he will be there for part of the time.
It’s from 7:00am to 2:00pm and is located at 11263 Balboa Blvd., Granada Hills, CA 91344. Granada Hills Community Church is located just south of the 118 on Balboa Blvd. http://www.granadahillscc.org/
Remember to tell your neighbors, co-workers, friends, family members and anyone else you know to stop by ~ thanks!
Please pray for NO RAIN!
Rumor has it that it just may rain on Saturday, however, if your weather forecasters are anything like ours then nobody will really know until Saturday morning is here!
Much love and many hugs,
Diana
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
October 31, 2007 ~ Weekly Update #7
October 31, 2007
First to start off with some very happy news! Congrats to Dom & Shannon, their new little angel arrived safe and sound on Sunday. Her name is Jordan Kate DeSantis and she is just as beautiful as her sisters. Jordan would have been Barbara’s 4th granddaughter; my wonderful, dear, friend Barbara would have been the best grandmother ever! (Or at least as good as I am)
The good news is that I am still kicking. As you will see in reading on, I am making a conscious effort to find things to be thankful for.
The burns from the hot water were gone by Tuesday morning, for that I do give praise to my Lord. With my diabetes as bad as it is, this could have caused great complications. I believe that God healed me from what could have been a serious situation. There are no scars to be found.
Besides feeling as though once again, I have been hit by a truck, nothing is standing out as being a severe injury from this fall. Again, I give all the praise to my Heavenly Father!
I will be honest with you, Sunday night and Monday I was just angry. Not at God, not at anything in particular, just angry. Pity party of sorts I suspect, miserable from the pain I was in and in a very grumpy mood.
I remembered the scripture I picked for last weeks update, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV) Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
In everything give thanks, well that was certainly easier to write earlier in the day than it was to live that night and the next day. But then the verse continues on that this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. So then, it’s Gods will for me to give thanks in everything????
If indeed it is Gods will for me to rejoice always and give thanks in everything then it would be up to me to make a conscious choice to do so because I sure didn’t feel like it. After spending time in prayer (again a choice) and spending time reading the Word of God (again a choice), I was once again able to give thanks to my Father in heaven for the many blessings and mercies that He pours out on me. I wasn’t thanking Him for falling (again) and feeling useless (again), but instead I started looking around for things that I could begin to rejoice in and be thankful for.
I want you to have a clear understanding of something before you read on. After receiving the phone call from my doctor Monday night I decided to begin choosing (making a conscious choice) to live by faith and not on the mere word heard, physical pain felt, or symptoms seen. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV) For we walk by faith, not by sight.
The phone call…
My general practitioner called me very late Monday night (10:00pm); our conversation was shocking to me. He is putting in a request for an in-home safety evaluation. What? What do you mean a safety evaluation? He said that he feels it may be time to install some safety bars and other features that would assist me in getting around the house. The angry, grumpy, pathetic feelings I thought I had put to rest rose up again in me, I firmly reminded him that I am only 44 years old. He then explained his concerns; he feels that I may get more seriously injured than I already have if this is not done and done soon.
Let’s take a step back for a moment shall we… I am still fighting for disability aren’t I? And I’m now having someone come in to possibly install safety rails in my home. If any of you understand this then please explain it to me. By the way, we are still waiting for a court date.
Anyway, back to the doctor… He continued, asking when I see my neurologist next; I responded mid December. He said that was too late, apparently I need to be seen right away. As of today, my neurologist will not able to see me until my appointment in mid-December. I’m not sure if things will change in regards to seeing someone, but for right now this is where things stand.
I mentioned earlier that I am making a conscious choice to live by faith. I could allow my mind to begin to imagine all kinds of crazy things and some of you (self diagnosing doctor’s out there) are probably drifting into some of those same directions.
No, I am not burying my head and pretending this isn’t happening and I will deal with whatever it is when a diagnosis and facts are laid before me. However, I believe it will take less energy (spiritually, physically, & mentally) to focus on the fact that God remains in control rather than trying to figure how “I” am going to fix things for God.
Wednesday I went to be fitted for and received a knee brace; it has already brought some relief in my knee.
Also on Wednesday, I had x-rays done on my neck; there is a small chance that either one or both of the plates in my neck were cracked in this most recent fall. This is mostly precautionary, but necessary. I have the x-rays here at home with me and in my professional opinion they look perfectly fine. However, I will let you know what my surgeon says after reviewing them.
And finally, I received authorization to begin physical therapy on my knee; hopefully this will begin next week.
I am having the hearing and ENG testing done on Friday, this is the test where I have had to stop taking my vertigo medication (I’m now starting to get very dizzy and sick to my stomach). This test is to show how my hearing, sight and brain are or are not working together. I’m not sure what will be involved but have been told to be prepared to be very sick by the time this testing is over with.
I’m sending this update out a bit early because I am already feeling the effects of being off my meds and know it will only get worse the closer it gets to Friday. I’m also not sure how long it will take me to be up and about again after the testing is done on Friday.
Please pray that this test will either rule out or allow for direction in treatment. Also pray that this test will aid in diagnosing why I am continuing to fall and drop things.
Continue to pray for the yard sale and for all those involved. I’m still planning on being there, so stop by; I would love to see you.
In addition, pray that God will continue to provide; the money the kids are giving me this week will go towards meds and co-pays. I am asking God to again provide for rent and insurance, stay tune and see what He does!
For those of you who have asked me to pray for specific needs please know that I am doing so; also for those of you how are sick, I continue to keep you before God in prayer.
Much love to all,
Diana
John 14:13-14 (NKJV) And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.
First to start off with some very happy news! Congrats to Dom & Shannon, their new little angel arrived safe and sound on Sunday. Her name is Jordan Kate DeSantis and she is just as beautiful as her sisters. Jordan would have been Barbara’s 4th granddaughter; my wonderful, dear, friend Barbara would have been the best grandmother ever! (Or at least as good as I am)
The good news is that I am still kicking. As you will see in reading on, I am making a conscious effort to find things to be thankful for.
The burns from the hot water were gone by Tuesday morning, for that I do give praise to my Lord. With my diabetes as bad as it is, this could have caused great complications. I believe that God healed me from what could have been a serious situation. There are no scars to be found.
Besides feeling as though once again, I have been hit by a truck, nothing is standing out as being a severe injury from this fall. Again, I give all the praise to my Heavenly Father!
I will be honest with you, Sunday night and Monday I was just angry. Not at God, not at anything in particular, just angry. Pity party of sorts I suspect, miserable from the pain I was in and in a very grumpy mood.
I remembered the scripture I picked for last weeks update, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV) Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
In everything give thanks, well that was certainly easier to write earlier in the day than it was to live that night and the next day. But then the verse continues on that this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. So then, it’s Gods will for me to give thanks in everything????
If indeed it is Gods will for me to rejoice always and give thanks in everything then it would be up to me to make a conscious choice to do so because I sure didn’t feel like it. After spending time in prayer (again a choice) and spending time reading the Word of God (again a choice), I was once again able to give thanks to my Father in heaven for the many blessings and mercies that He pours out on me. I wasn’t thanking Him for falling (again) and feeling useless (again), but instead I started looking around for things that I could begin to rejoice in and be thankful for.
I want you to have a clear understanding of something before you read on. After receiving the phone call from my doctor Monday night I decided to begin choosing (making a conscious choice) to live by faith and not on the mere word heard, physical pain felt, or symptoms seen. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV) For we walk by faith, not by sight.
The phone call…
My general practitioner called me very late Monday night (10:00pm); our conversation was shocking to me. He is putting in a request for an in-home safety evaluation. What? What do you mean a safety evaluation? He said that he feels it may be time to install some safety bars and other features that would assist me in getting around the house. The angry, grumpy, pathetic feelings I thought I had put to rest rose up again in me, I firmly reminded him that I am only 44 years old. He then explained his concerns; he feels that I may get more seriously injured than I already have if this is not done and done soon.
Let’s take a step back for a moment shall we… I am still fighting for disability aren’t I? And I’m now having someone come in to possibly install safety rails in my home. If any of you understand this then please explain it to me. By the way, we are still waiting for a court date.
Anyway, back to the doctor… He continued, asking when I see my neurologist next; I responded mid December. He said that was too late, apparently I need to be seen right away. As of today, my neurologist will not able to see me until my appointment in mid-December. I’m not sure if things will change in regards to seeing someone, but for right now this is where things stand.
I mentioned earlier that I am making a conscious choice to live by faith. I could allow my mind to begin to imagine all kinds of crazy things and some of you (self diagnosing doctor’s out there) are probably drifting into some of those same directions.
No, I am not burying my head and pretending this isn’t happening and I will deal with whatever it is when a diagnosis and facts are laid before me. However, I believe it will take less energy (spiritually, physically, & mentally) to focus on the fact that God remains in control rather than trying to figure how “I” am going to fix things for God.
Wednesday I went to be fitted for and received a knee brace; it has already brought some relief in my knee.
Also on Wednesday, I had x-rays done on my neck; there is a small chance that either one or both of the plates in my neck were cracked in this most recent fall. This is mostly precautionary, but necessary. I have the x-rays here at home with me and in my professional opinion they look perfectly fine. However, I will let you know what my surgeon says after reviewing them.
And finally, I received authorization to begin physical therapy on my knee; hopefully this will begin next week.
I am having the hearing and ENG testing done on Friday, this is the test where I have had to stop taking my vertigo medication (I’m now starting to get very dizzy and sick to my stomach). This test is to show how my hearing, sight and brain are or are not working together. I’m not sure what will be involved but have been told to be prepared to be very sick by the time this testing is over with.
I’m sending this update out a bit early because I am already feeling the effects of being off my meds and know it will only get worse the closer it gets to Friday. I’m also not sure how long it will take me to be up and about again after the testing is done on Friday.
Please pray that this test will either rule out or allow for direction in treatment. Also pray that this test will aid in diagnosing why I am continuing to fall and drop things.
Continue to pray for the yard sale and for all those involved. I’m still planning on being there, so stop by; I would love to see you.
In addition, pray that God will continue to provide; the money the kids are giving me this week will go towards meds and co-pays. I am asking God to again provide for rent and insurance, stay tune and see what He does!
For those of you who have asked me to pray for specific needs please know that I am doing so; also for those of you how are sick, I continue to keep you before God in prayer.
Much love to all,
Diana
John 14:13-14 (NKJV) And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.
October 28, 2007 ~ Weekly Update #6
October 28, 2007
So much to be thankful for this week!
I must begin with praising our Lord that all in our church family, along with other friends and family were spared in this past week’s fires. To the best of my knowledge everyone is safe. The biggest inconvenience has been moving out, being off work a few days, moving back in and now cleaning the remaining soot. Please continue to pray for the men and women who are continuing to fight the remaining fires in Southern California. Additionally, please keep those who have lost their homes in your prayers. This will be a trying time for many in Southern California, pray that God’s love will be shown to those who are hurting.
Congratulations to Dominic and Shannon, who as I am writing this they are having a cesarean section to delivery baby girl number 4! I am anxiously awaiting the details… Shannon, I know your mother is smiling down on you today, I truly am so proud of you.
As for me, I made it to the church on Tuesday to continue sorting thru all the treasures for both selling on eBay and for the upcoming yard sale at church. To me it’s always like Christmas morning, you just never know what surprises we will find. This brings me to last weeks update and the ‘item’ that sold on eBay for over $1,100.00. Pat and Barbara (a wonderful couple from church) were the couple who had given this to me, they were on vacation and I wanted to tell them before sharing this incredible news with everyone else. The item, a banjo, yes, a banjo… you just never know what these treasures are worth, it makes no sense to me, and I couldn’t explain this to you if I tried.
Jeralynn had taken me to church for sorting on Tuesday but neither of us lasted very long, maybe a couple short hours. I did pay for spending that couple hours at church, I have pretty much been down for most of this week. I say neither of us as it appears that Jeralynn pulled a muscle in her lower back, rumor has it that she has just been hanging around me too long.
Tony Miano and Ten-Four Ministries http://www.tenfourministries.org/ will be bringing in their cooking trailer to provide lunch and will also be witnessing to those who come. Please remember to stop by and at least say hi. I have not seen it all, but trust me when I say there will be something for everyone. If you can’t stop by (even if you can) please remember to tell your family, friends, co-workers and neighbors to stop by.
I did make it to the Orthopedic Surgeon this week; he (not she as I wrote last week) said that I probably damaged my knee cap. I am waiting authorization for a knee brace and physical therapy. Cha-ching, all I see are dollar signs, I need to go 2 times a week for the next 6 weeks at $20 per visit.
I guess it’s not too much, but this is when I get frustrated. Do I get the needed medical or pay rent and utilities???? My monthly prescription cost average about $500, that’s my co-pay amount, my Cobra insurance is another $350 per month, plus co-pays for doctor visits and tests. Just knowing that I need to put out even more money for PT and a brace is frustrating.
It’s times like these is when I really need to keep my focus on Jesus Christ and know that He is the reason I get up every morning. I need to focus on spending time in the Word of God and in prayer. Without this it would be easy to wonder what’s the use???
But God is good, as you will see in the scripture I choose for this week He wants me (us) to Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks.
God in His goodness has continued to supply all my needs. Just as we were beginning to run out of groceries, I received another incredible delivery from Children’s Hunger Fund http://www.childrenshungerfund.org/. You never know what you will get, and as always it’s a delightful surprise. We were given every kind of fresh fruit you can imagine and, I might add, in better condition then you would find in the markets. We also received milk, lunchmeat (the good stuff), hot dogs & buns, fish and chicken, pasta, juice and even deodorant. I believe that I have found what could be called the Gift of Holy Laughter, okay, Holy or not, it’s still a gift! Whenever I feel that God has blessed beyond the point of tears or words I have just begun to laugh. This happened when we came across the deodorant, when I told Pat why I was laughing he just turned and said apparently God knows what you needJ This was very funny coming from Pat as I don’t see him making jokes very often (or maybe, just maybe, he wasn’t joking… hehehehe)
A dear friend of mine, who I have mentioned before, Eileen, went with me to church this morning, on the way she surprised me with a gift certificate from a local grocery store. One of her sisters had given this to her for me, what a wonderful way to complete the week, God once again provided. This will be used to purchase whatever wasn’t delivered from Children’s Hunger Fund earlier this week.
And now I get to brag on a dear friend, Vicky. Walking into church this morning one had to wonder what was going on, there was a camera crew and bright lights. A little about my friend, she is paralyzed, she hasn’t been this way all her life though. Many in her shoes would have chosen to become angry and bitter, however, she choose to walk very closely, hand in hand with our Lord.
She is an amazing woman, one that I wish you all could meet, she is one of the most courageous people I know and I so greatly respect her.
Anyway, you may have heard of someone by the name of Joni Eareckson Tada. http://www.joniandfriends.org/ Joni has a new television program featured on Direct TV called Joni and Friends Television Series. This show allows you to meet the exceptional people who have inspired Joni. One of those exceptional people is my friend Vicky if you have Direct TV please watch, I would love you to see why I think so highly of this Woman of God.
I ask that you please remember me in your prayers, that God will provide and will also give me wisdom. God is good, none of us are able to see what is ahead for our lives, but remember God already knows what tomorrow will bring.
The greatest gift you can give is prayer! I would ask that as the yard sale grows near that you pray for the following areas:
No more surprises (fire storms or otherwise)
Good health for all involved
Incredible weather (no wind or rain, and not too hot)
Organization
Ten-Four Ministries
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (New King James Version)
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
P.S. I was just getting ready to send this out and thought I would add another quick note for prayer. I’m sure that if I waited until next week I could make this sound as funny as I’m sure it looked, but right now I could really use the prayer.
About an hour ago, when everyone in the house was gone I was cooking spaghetti. Remember, this is a no-no as I am not to do anything with fire on my own. Thank God I was using a very small pot and cooking a very small amount pasta.
I took the pot off the stove and my left arm gave out, (this is one of the new injuries I am suffering from the fall I took trying to put out the fire).
I spilled the boiling water on my hands, legs and feet, with water and spaghetti falling on the floor. I think I slipped in the water (don’t really remember) but I did hit my head hard against the refrigerator, continuing to fall I landed again on my knees and left wrist. The most pain is in my head and neck.
Long story short and I will explain more next week, but I am in a great deal of pain right now. I will be calling the doctor once again in the morning.
Sorry if this last part doesn’t make sense, but I need you to please pray for me, as the way I feel right now this may be a long recovery and I don’t want that!
Love to all,
Diana
So much to be thankful for this week!
I must begin with praising our Lord that all in our church family, along with other friends and family were spared in this past week’s fires. To the best of my knowledge everyone is safe. The biggest inconvenience has been moving out, being off work a few days, moving back in and now cleaning the remaining soot. Please continue to pray for the men and women who are continuing to fight the remaining fires in Southern California. Additionally, please keep those who have lost their homes in your prayers. This will be a trying time for many in Southern California, pray that God’s love will be shown to those who are hurting.
Congratulations to Dominic and Shannon, who as I am writing this they are having a cesarean section to delivery baby girl number 4! I am anxiously awaiting the details… Shannon, I know your mother is smiling down on you today, I truly am so proud of you.
As for me, I made it to the church on Tuesday to continue sorting thru all the treasures for both selling on eBay and for the upcoming yard sale at church. To me it’s always like Christmas morning, you just never know what surprises we will find. This brings me to last weeks update and the ‘item’ that sold on eBay for over $1,100.00. Pat and Barbara (a wonderful couple from church) were the couple who had given this to me, they were on vacation and I wanted to tell them before sharing this incredible news with everyone else. The item, a banjo, yes, a banjo… you just never know what these treasures are worth, it makes no sense to me, and I couldn’t explain this to you if I tried.
Jeralynn had taken me to church for sorting on Tuesday but neither of us lasted very long, maybe a couple short hours. I did pay for spending that couple hours at church, I have pretty much been down for most of this week. I say neither of us as it appears that Jeralynn pulled a muscle in her lower back, rumor has it that she has just been hanging around me too long.
Tony Miano and Ten-Four Ministries http://www.tenfourministries.org/ will be bringing in their cooking trailer to provide lunch and will also be witnessing to those who come. Please remember to stop by and at least say hi. I have not seen it all, but trust me when I say there will be something for everyone. If you can’t stop by (even if you can) please remember to tell your family, friends, co-workers and neighbors to stop by.
I did make it to the Orthopedic Surgeon this week; he (not she as I wrote last week) said that I probably damaged my knee cap. I am waiting authorization for a knee brace and physical therapy. Cha-ching, all I see are dollar signs, I need to go 2 times a week for the next 6 weeks at $20 per visit.
I guess it’s not too much, but this is when I get frustrated. Do I get the needed medical or pay rent and utilities???? My monthly prescription cost average about $500, that’s my co-pay amount, my Cobra insurance is another $350 per month, plus co-pays for doctor visits and tests. Just knowing that I need to put out even more money for PT and a brace is frustrating.
It’s times like these is when I really need to keep my focus on Jesus Christ and know that He is the reason I get up every morning. I need to focus on spending time in the Word of God and in prayer. Without this it would be easy to wonder what’s the use???
But God is good, as you will see in the scripture I choose for this week He wants me (us) to Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks.
God in His goodness has continued to supply all my needs. Just as we were beginning to run out of groceries, I received another incredible delivery from Children’s Hunger Fund http://www.childrenshungerfund.org/. You never know what you will get, and as always it’s a delightful surprise. We were given every kind of fresh fruit you can imagine and, I might add, in better condition then you would find in the markets. We also received milk, lunchmeat (the good stuff), hot dogs & buns, fish and chicken, pasta, juice and even deodorant. I believe that I have found what could be called the Gift of Holy Laughter, okay, Holy or not, it’s still a gift! Whenever I feel that God has blessed beyond the point of tears or words I have just begun to laugh. This happened when we came across the deodorant, when I told Pat why I was laughing he just turned and said apparently God knows what you needJ This was very funny coming from Pat as I don’t see him making jokes very often (or maybe, just maybe, he wasn’t joking… hehehehe)
A dear friend of mine, who I have mentioned before, Eileen, went with me to church this morning, on the way she surprised me with a gift certificate from a local grocery store. One of her sisters had given this to her for me, what a wonderful way to complete the week, God once again provided. This will be used to purchase whatever wasn’t delivered from Children’s Hunger Fund earlier this week.
And now I get to brag on a dear friend, Vicky. Walking into church this morning one had to wonder what was going on, there was a camera crew and bright lights. A little about my friend, she is paralyzed, she hasn’t been this way all her life though. Many in her shoes would have chosen to become angry and bitter, however, she choose to walk very closely, hand in hand with our Lord.
She is an amazing woman, one that I wish you all could meet, she is one of the most courageous people I know and I so greatly respect her.
Anyway, you may have heard of someone by the name of Joni Eareckson Tada. http://www.joniandfriends.org/ Joni has a new television program featured on Direct TV called Joni and Friends Television Series. This show allows you to meet the exceptional people who have inspired Joni. One of those exceptional people is my friend Vicky if you have Direct TV please watch, I would love you to see why I think so highly of this Woman of God.
I ask that you please remember me in your prayers, that God will provide and will also give me wisdom. God is good, none of us are able to see what is ahead for our lives, but remember God already knows what tomorrow will bring.
The greatest gift you can give is prayer! I would ask that as the yard sale grows near that you pray for the following areas:
No more surprises (fire storms or otherwise)
Good health for all involved
Incredible weather (no wind or rain, and not too hot)
Organization
Ten-Four Ministries
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (New King James Version)
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
P.S. I was just getting ready to send this out and thought I would add another quick note for prayer. I’m sure that if I waited until next week I could make this sound as funny as I’m sure it looked, but right now I could really use the prayer.
About an hour ago, when everyone in the house was gone I was cooking spaghetti. Remember, this is a no-no as I am not to do anything with fire on my own. Thank God I was using a very small pot and cooking a very small amount pasta.
I took the pot off the stove and my left arm gave out, (this is one of the new injuries I am suffering from the fall I took trying to put out the fire).
I spilled the boiling water on my hands, legs and feet, with water and spaghetti falling on the floor. I think I slipped in the water (don’t really remember) but I did hit my head hard against the refrigerator, continuing to fall I landed again on my knees and left wrist. The most pain is in my head and neck.
Long story short and I will explain more next week, but I am in a great deal of pain right now. I will be calling the doctor once again in the morning.
Sorry if this last part doesn’t make sense, but I need you to please pray for me, as the way I feel right now this may be a long recovery and I don’t want that!
Love to all,
Diana
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