(Psalm 23:4
4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.)
I am sending this email out to ask that you pray for our family. At the same time I want you to rejoice with me; you will see why as you read on.
For some of you part of this email will be a repeat of what I shared almost two years ago, for others of you this will be a new story.
I have grown to love and care very deeply for Robert’s (Nick’s – my grandson’s daddy) family over the past six years. We are together very much a family; I know that I can count on them for anything as they can count on me for anything.
Two years ago, back in July of 2006, Robert’s little brother Matthew (age 21) and his wife Nicole (age 20) were expecting their first baby, a little girl. Everyone was so excited, I remember Matt calling one day toward the end of June, I didn’t even stop to ask how he was, all I could ask was, “is she here yet?”
At the last minute this precious little angel decided to do a summersault and went into a breach position. This meant a cesarean delivery, because Matt’s birthday was on February 2nd, Nicole wanted to follow suite and have the delivery scheduled for July 7th (in case you don’t get it, 2/2 & 7 /7). Everything was put into place and we were all excited. She was given the beautiful name of Summer Nikki, the middle name of Nikki to be named after her beautiful mother, Nicole.
On the 4th of July, Robert’s little sister, Brittney was at Matt and Nicole’s home helping with last minute décor in the nursery. Matt mentioned to Britt and Nicole that he had started to not feel good, the girls decided to put just a few more items of clothing away and then would take him to the ER and have him checked out. Not more then a couple minutes had passed and Matt went down to the floor. Many hours were spent trying to revive Matt both at home and at the hospital but there was no success. The coroners ruled that he had passed away of a massive heart attack.
The funeral was delayed until the arrival of this beautiful angel who was to be born just three days later. During this time Summer’s name was changed, she was now to be named Summer Matti, to be named after her father, Matthew, who would have loved her with everything in him.
With a countless number of family members and friends in the waiting room the news came… Summer was not perfect as all the ultrasounds had shown. Instead, she was born with a cleft pallet, a dislocated hip, and several broken bones. Later we were to find out that she had been born with a rare gene that was going to cause her life to be a difficult one.
The following week was Matt’s funeral, it was a difficult time but as a family we were able to focus on the life Matt left behind, little Summer. Regardless of the fact that she would face many difficulties growing up, Summer would always be a part of Matthew’s life that we could celebrate.
Nicole, being a window at the young age of 20 and now a single mother of a very sick little baby was having a difficult time. She moved in with her parents and they became her rock. Between then and now little Summer has gone thru countless surgeries and procedures, she has grown by leaps and bounds. Maybe not like that of a healthy baby, but she has grown on a scale that only the mother of a special needs child could appreciate.
This morning, March 25th, Summer went in for yet another surgery. This surgery was for one on her hips, being 20 months old this surgery was hopefully going to aide her in being able to start crawling.
At 11:40 this morning I received the phone call that Summer went home to be with Jesus.
I would ask that you first celebrate the fact with me that Summer went straight to heaven to be with Jesus. The comfort that we have is that she has a new little body and is running around for the very first time in her little life. I can only imagine that she has already jumped up on Jesus’ lap and may now be sitting at His feet.
Then I will ask that you take a moment and pray for us, meaning the entire family. This will be a very difficult time; it has already been a very difficult day. There are many in the family who still do not know about Summer’s home-going. The reason for not informing everyone is that this news is going to be taken very hard by some in the family.
I would ask that you please say a special prayer for Nicole who at the age of 22 is not only a widow but within the next several days will be burying her only child.
Nicole does not have a relationship with Jesus Christ, please pray that thru this she will come to know the Lord in a very special way. At this point in her life the only peace she can find will be thru (for those who are Born Again) our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Diana
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Sunday, March 23, 2008
March 23, 2008 ~ Weekly Update #26
Happy Easter!
(Mathew 28:5-7, 9KJV
5 But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.
6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.”
9 And as they went to tell His disciples behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him.)
He Lives! He Lives! He is my reason for living!
Because He lives I can face tomorrow…
Because He lives all fear is gone…
Because He lives I can face uncertainty…
Because He lives I know He holds the future…
I’d really like you to watch this; make sure you have your speakers on!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OL3yuD8gBZ8&feature=related
The video you just watched and listened to blessed me in many ways. I’ve also been thinking of my very dear friend Annette who is dealing with the death of her mother-in-law and the unexpected death of her father within the same week. Annette’s father, Fred, was a wonderful man who I was fortunate enough to have the pleasure of meeting a year ago and getting to know a little better over the past year.
PR (my pastor) sent an email to me yesterday including the above scripture and hymn; at the time of sending the email he had no idea what this was weeks update was to include or what his email was going to mean to me.
As you read on I want you to laugh with me… for the betterment of my physical body I can’t allow myself to get upset. So, I spend time in the Word of God and go to prayer! Please join me in both prayer and in laughter as you read thru this weeks update.
I did receive one piece of mail from the Social Security office this week… I thought, ‘yippee’! Don’t get so excited… it was asking me to confirm how much money I had received in the workers compensation settlement, huh? Yea, don’t I wish (nothing intended toward my old employers who are reading this)! There never was a workers compensation case, just a plain old disability case.
I just love our government and everything that goes along with it (my daughter works for our federal government so I will watch what I say). However, if you think they made a minor mistake on the fact that I was injured on the job instead of my body prematurely aging then just wait until you here what else I have to tell you.
As I begin this story see how long it takes you to figure out where it is going!
I’ve repeated myself enough times that you all know as of March 31st (my daughter Jennifer’s 25th birthday) I lose my health insurance. As I have also mentioned, because I don’t yet have MediCare I am applying for MediCal.
Well, do you remember back to that wonderful couple who loaned me money to see me thru until my Social Security money came thru? To make everything official they had the money wired into my checking account… sounds like a great idea so far, right.
Let’s go back to our wonderful government for a moment shall we? Even though this money is a loan, even though I can produce a promissory note, even though this couple will go to bat for me stating that this was strictly a loan; our government says that according to my bank records I make too much money to qualify for MediCal!
HAHAHAHAH…… HAHAHAHAHAHAH…… HAHAHAHA…
Okay, get up off the floor and stop laughing!
So that you know, I am going to fight this with everything in me! It may take everything in me, but I will fight it. I have worked since I was 14 years old, some years I would work two jobs at a time and I think at one small point in my life I even worked three jobs at one time. I don’t think I am asking for much, I really don’t understand!
Okay, let’s go back to the beginning of this update… Because He lives I can face uncertainty! You know what, my Jesus is alive, He has risen, and He already knows what my future holds.
My Jesus already knows how I am going to obtain my now very much needed prescriptions (approximately 30 different prescriptions). My Jesus knows how I will obtain the very best medical care if or when I need it. My Jesus already knows every step, every fall, every twist and every turn I will take between now and the time I receive medical insurance again.
I had mentioned that I had a small stockpile of med’s… those med’s have now been diminished. Why? On Friday I went to the doctor, he increased the dosage on all the med’s that I had stockpiled.
While at the doctor on Friday I learned a little more about some of my ‘conditions’.
The fatigue, not such a big deal, I don’t think anyway (?). My doctor believes that this may be sleep apnea; he is trying to get me in for a sleep study this coming week. I am not at all familiar with sleep apnea; Celia (a friend from church who took me to the doctor on Friday) was explaining what she knew about it to me. My mother explained what she knew about it. Besides that, I know nothing! I’m not even sure if that is what my problem is. I certainly don’t mean to belittle this if it is a serious condition that any of you or someone you know is suffering from. I just don’t know enough about it.
Another guess to the fatigue could be diabetes… the doctor said he ‘guesss’ because he only has 6 days to work with me on this. He said he is sticking with his first guess of my problem being sleep apnea.
The kidney ‘damage’ that was mentioned before is called nephrotic syndrome, it’s when protein leaks from one’s kidneys. The current treatment for this will be a continuing attempt to control my diabetes. However, this means that my diabetic medication has been greatly increased, taking up my reserve.
My feet… the doctor believes that there are several problems with my feet. Tarsal tunnel, achilles tendonitis, arthritis, along with the neuropathy increasing. The first three are educated guesses from initial x-rays and pain location; the neuropathy had been pre-diagnosed.
Oh, and the vitamin d level that my doctors nurse called me about. Well apparently my vitamin d level isn’t low, it’s nonexistent. I am to immediately start on 50,000 units of vitamin d for the next 6 weeks and then have another blood test. (Can you say cha ching) My doctors greatest concern with this is that the lack of vitamin d effects ones bones; because I tend to fall (more often than I should), I have a greater chance then most of breaking bones.
How shall I put this, after finding out that I only had 6 days of insurance left and that his staff hadn’t properly communicated with me in regards to getting me started on new med’s, my doctor wasn’t very happy.
I must say this doctor has been God sent… in saying our goodbyes, he told me to keep in touch with him, to email him (yes, I have his email address). He will keep an eye out for any samples that come in that will benefit me and will put them aside for me. I told him not to get too comfortable, that I’d be back… like it or not. Once I receive approval for MediCare I will be back to bother him again.
This doctor was truly my safety blanket… I’ve had him for over 6 years… I really feel as though I am lost.
Every time I feel as though I have given my Lord all my cares, all my worries, all my thoughts, all I have, He asks that I give Him just one more thing. I will once again turn my worries over to my Lord. As I have written before, I do trust that my Lord, my Jesus, wants the very best for me.
He also wants me to put all my faith in Him and that is exactly what I intend to do. Is it easy, absolutely not, it’s a daily effort. But I will tell you this; it’s worth ever ounce of effort.
If I honestly had to worry about what my future holds I would be a wreck right now.
I have no idea what my future holds, but I know that I have a risen Savior, One who died on the cross for my sins and for your sins. My Savior, Jesus Christ, cared so much for me and you that He came to this earth and gave His life so that you wouldn’t have to carry the burden that you are carrying right now.
He wants to take your burden, to take your pain, to walk with you and talk with you. He has a free gift of eternal life waiting for you; all you need to do is to receive His gift of salvation and turn from your sin.
Is it easy? You see my life, you decide! My life is truly different then it was three years ago… three years ago I had a job, home, car, the start of declining health and no relationship with Jesus Christ. Now I have a relationship with Jesus Christ and that’s all that matters to me. Would I change my life for anything? Not a chance. I love my Jesus and there is nothing that you could give me in exchange for Him.
When I get to heaven I will get a new body, free of pain and suffering! I will get to spend eternity with my Lord and for that I can’t wait. As for now, I will continue to rely upon my Lord holding my future.
I would love to talk with you more about my Lord and what He has to offer you.
I love you all,
Diana
(Mathew 28:5-7, 9KJV
5 But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.
6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.”
9 And as they went to tell His disciples behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him.)
He Lives! He Lives! He is my reason for living!
Because He lives I can face tomorrow…
Because He lives all fear is gone…
Because He lives I can face uncertainty…
Because He lives I know He holds the future…
I’d really like you to watch this; make sure you have your speakers on!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OL3yuD8gBZ8&feature=related
The video you just watched and listened to blessed me in many ways. I’ve also been thinking of my very dear friend Annette who is dealing with the death of her mother-in-law and the unexpected death of her father within the same week. Annette’s father, Fred, was a wonderful man who I was fortunate enough to have the pleasure of meeting a year ago and getting to know a little better over the past year.
PR (my pastor) sent an email to me yesterday including the above scripture and hymn; at the time of sending the email he had no idea what this was weeks update was to include or what his email was going to mean to me.
As you read on I want you to laugh with me… for the betterment of my physical body I can’t allow myself to get upset. So, I spend time in the Word of God and go to prayer! Please join me in both prayer and in laughter as you read thru this weeks update.
I did receive one piece of mail from the Social Security office this week… I thought, ‘yippee’! Don’t get so excited… it was asking me to confirm how much money I had received in the workers compensation settlement, huh? Yea, don’t I wish (nothing intended toward my old employers who are reading this)! There never was a workers compensation case, just a plain old disability case.
I just love our government and everything that goes along with it (my daughter works for our federal government so I will watch what I say). However, if you think they made a minor mistake on the fact that I was injured on the job instead of my body prematurely aging then just wait until you here what else I have to tell you.
As I begin this story see how long it takes you to figure out where it is going!
I’ve repeated myself enough times that you all know as of March 31st (my daughter Jennifer’s 25th birthday) I lose my health insurance. As I have also mentioned, because I don’t yet have MediCare I am applying for MediCal.
Well, do you remember back to that wonderful couple who loaned me money to see me thru until my Social Security money came thru? To make everything official they had the money wired into my checking account… sounds like a great idea so far, right.
Let’s go back to our wonderful government for a moment shall we? Even though this money is a loan, even though I can produce a promissory note, even though this couple will go to bat for me stating that this was strictly a loan; our government says that according to my bank records I make too much money to qualify for MediCal!
HAHAHAHAH…… HAHAHAHAHAHAH…… HAHAHAHA…
Okay, get up off the floor and stop laughing!
So that you know, I am going to fight this with everything in me! It may take everything in me, but I will fight it. I have worked since I was 14 years old, some years I would work two jobs at a time and I think at one small point in my life I even worked three jobs at one time. I don’t think I am asking for much, I really don’t understand!
Okay, let’s go back to the beginning of this update… Because He lives I can face uncertainty! You know what, my Jesus is alive, He has risen, and He already knows what my future holds.
My Jesus already knows how I am going to obtain my now very much needed prescriptions (approximately 30 different prescriptions). My Jesus knows how I will obtain the very best medical care if or when I need it. My Jesus already knows every step, every fall, every twist and every turn I will take between now and the time I receive medical insurance again.
I had mentioned that I had a small stockpile of med’s… those med’s have now been diminished. Why? On Friday I went to the doctor, he increased the dosage on all the med’s that I had stockpiled.
While at the doctor on Friday I learned a little more about some of my ‘conditions’.
The fatigue, not such a big deal, I don’t think anyway (?). My doctor believes that this may be sleep apnea; he is trying to get me in for a sleep study this coming week. I am not at all familiar with sleep apnea; Celia (a friend from church who took me to the doctor on Friday) was explaining what she knew about it to me. My mother explained what she knew about it. Besides that, I know nothing! I’m not even sure if that is what my problem is. I certainly don’t mean to belittle this if it is a serious condition that any of you or someone you know is suffering from. I just don’t know enough about it.
Another guess to the fatigue could be diabetes… the doctor said he ‘guesss’ because he only has 6 days to work with me on this. He said he is sticking with his first guess of my problem being sleep apnea.
The kidney ‘damage’ that was mentioned before is called nephrotic syndrome, it’s when protein leaks from one’s kidneys. The current treatment for this will be a continuing attempt to control my diabetes. However, this means that my diabetic medication has been greatly increased, taking up my reserve.
My feet… the doctor believes that there are several problems with my feet. Tarsal tunnel, achilles tendonitis, arthritis, along with the neuropathy increasing. The first three are educated guesses from initial x-rays and pain location; the neuropathy had been pre-diagnosed.
Oh, and the vitamin d level that my doctors nurse called me about. Well apparently my vitamin d level isn’t low, it’s nonexistent. I am to immediately start on 50,000 units of vitamin d for the next 6 weeks and then have another blood test. (Can you say cha ching) My doctors greatest concern with this is that the lack of vitamin d effects ones bones; because I tend to fall (more often than I should), I have a greater chance then most of breaking bones.
How shall I put this, after finding out that I only had 6 days of insurance left and that his staff hadn’t properly communicated with me in regards to getting me started on new med’s, my doctor wasn’t very happy.
I must say this doctor has been God sent… in saying our goodbyes, he told me to keep in touch with him, to email him (yes, I have his email address). He will keep an eye out for any samples that come in that will benefit me and will put them aside for me. I told him not to get too comfortable, that I’d be back… like it or not. Once I receive approval for MediCare I will be back to bother him again.
This doctor was truly my safety blanket… I’ve had him for over 6 years… I really feel as though I am lost.
Every time I feel as though I have given my Lord all my cares, all my worries, all my thoughts, all I have, He asks that I give Him just one more thing. I will once again turn my worries over to my Lord. As I have written before, I do trust that my Lord, my Jesus, wants the very best for me.
He also wants me to put all my faith in Him and that is exactly what I intend to do. Is it easy, absolutely not, it’s a daily effort. But I will tell you this; it’s worth ever ounce of effort.
If I honestly had to worry about what my future holds I would be a wreck right now.
I have no idea what my future holds, but I know that I have a risen Savior, One who died on the cross for my sins and for your sins. My Savior, Jesus Christ, cared so much for me and you that He came to this earth and gave His life so that you wouldn’t have to carry the burden that you are carrying right now.
He wants to take your burden, to take your pain, to walk with you and talk with you. He has a free gift of eternal life waiting for you; all you need to do is to receive His gift of salvation and turn from your sin.
Is it easy? You see my life, you decide! My life is truly different then it was three years ago… three years ago I had a job, home, car, the start of declining health and no relationship with Jesus Christ. Now I have a relationship with Jesus Christ and that’s all that matters to me. Would I change my life for anything? Not a chance. I love my Jesus and there is nothing that you could give me in exchange for Him.
When I get to heaven I will get a new body, free of pain and suffering! I will get to spend eternity with my Lord and for that I can’t wait. As for now, I will continue to rely upon my Lord holding my future.
I would love to talk with you more about my Lord and what He has to offer you.
I love you all,
Diana
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
March 18, 2008 ~ Weekly Update #25
This year continues to be filled with many loved ones passing on. I want to take a moment to express sympathy and prayers for my friend and our church secretary, Annette as she is grieving the loss of her mother-in-law.
Several of you have asked why I haven’t sent out a new update recently…
The answer is quite simple; I’m not feeling good. In addition to the headaches, I am extremely fatigued and my physical body has become very week. I am sleeping approximately 12 – 15 hours a day and still have no energy.
Someone mentioned that this could be a side effect of the Vitamin D deficiency; I suppose this could be a possibility.
I didn’t make it to my last doctor appointment because I was just too sick to make the drive. I’m trying to get another doctor appointment but am not sure if I will get one before I lose my insurance.
As most of you know by now, my health insurance will end on April 1st – when I first realized this I thought it was a cruel April Fools Day joke. However, as the time has drawn closer, I realize this isn’t so funny.
Back in February when I was initially told that I had won the Social Security case, I had figured that I would most certainly have MediCare by April 1st. Now that the case has not yet been finalized, I can no longer count on the fact that I will have coverage in time.
I have begun applying for MediCal and am also looking into a HIPPA plan. There are less than two weeks of health coverage left; I am anxiously waiting to see what my Lord will do. My personal attempts at stock piling prescriptions have been somewhat successful; I will probably have a 60 day supply of most of my meds by April 1st.
Still, I believe that God has a hold of my hand and will not let go. I have a firm faith that He has not brought me this far just to see me fall.
(Isaiah 41:13KJV
13 For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.)
As I was writing this update an old hymn came to mind; it’s ‘Precious Lord, Take My Hand’. It seems like day-to-day life is such a struggle right now… The smallest tasks take such energy to accomplish.
For those of you who feel worn down, be it either physically, mentally, or emotionally, I hope these words can be a prayer for you as they have been for me. The first verse of this beautiful hymn goes like this (read the remaining lyrics):
Precious Lord, take my hand,
Several of you have asked why I haven’t sent out a new update recently…
The answer is quite simple; I’m not feeling good. In addition to the headaches, I am extremely fatigued and my physical body has become very week. I am sleeping approximately 12 – 15 hours a day and still have no energy.
Someone mentioned that this could be a side effect of the Vitamin D deficiency; I suppose this could be a possibility.
I didn’t make it to my last doctor appointment because I was just too sick to make the drive. I’m trying to get another doctor appointment but am not sure if I will get one before I lose my insurance.
As most of you know by now, my health insurance will end on April 1st – when I first realized this I thought it was a cruel April Fools Day joke. However, as the time has drawn closer, I realize this isn’t so funny.
Back in February when I was initially told that I had won the Social Security case, I had figured that I would most certainly have MediCare by April 1st. Now that the case has not yet been finalized, I can no longer count on the fact that I will have coverage in time.
I have begun applying for MediCal and am also looking into a HIPPA plan. There are less than two weeks of health coverage left; I am anxiously waiting to see what my Lord will do. My personal attempts at stock piling prescriptions have been somewhat successful; I will probably have a 60 day supply of most of my meds by April 1st.
Still, I believe that God has a hold of my hand and will not let go. I have a firm faith that He has not brought me this far just to see me fall.
(Isaiah 41:13KJV
13 For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.)
As I was writing this update an old hymn came to mind; it’s ‘Precious Lord, Take My Hand’. It seems like day-to-day life is such a struggle right now… The smallest tasks take such energy to accomplish.
For those of you who feel worn down, be it either physically, mentally, or emotionally, I hope these words can be a prayer for you as they have been for me. The first verse of this beautiful hymn goes like this (read the remaining lyrics):
Precious Lord, take my hand,
Lead me on, let me stand,
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn;
Through the storm, through the night,
Lead me on to the light:
Take my hand, precious Lord,
Take my hand, precious Lord,
Lead me home.
Remember Easter is this Sunday, March 23rd.
There are two things that I will make it a point to attend this week, first is the Good Friday service at church and the second is Easter Sunday at church.
If you don’t already have a church of your own, I would be honored to have you come to church with me for either one or both of the services this weekend. Either the Good Friday service at 7:00pm on Friday evening and / or the Easter service Sunday morning at 10:30am.
Let me know if you would like to take me up on this invitation ~ I would love to see you!
Remember Easter is this Sunday, March 23rd.
There are two things that I will make it a point to attend this week, first is the Good Friday service at church and the second is Easter Sunday at church.
If you don’t already have a church of your own, I would be honored to have you come to church with me for either one or both of the services this weekend. Either the Good Friday service at 7:00pm on Friday evening and / or the Easter service Sunday morning at 10:30am.
Let me know if you would like to take me up on this invitation ~ I would love to see you!
Either email me or call me...
Love to all,
Diana
Monday, March 3, 2008
March 3, 2008 ~ Weekly Update #24
Faith…
In the Merriam-Webster Dictionary the definition of faith is ‘A firm belief in something for which there is no proof’.
In the Bible, in Hebrews 11:1 the definition of faith is ‘Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen’.
You need to know that at this point all I have to hold on to is my faith in God. The faith that I have in my Lord and Savior that He will see me thru to the end.
Take a seat and prepare yourself for what you are about to read. What I call the roller coaster of life has just taken an unexpected turn.
Immediately after sending the update out on Saturday I went to get the mail. There was an envelope from the Social Security office, I was so excited thinking that this would provide the dollar amount of what I will be receiving and the date of when I will be able to expect the money.
Oh… how wrong I was… This letter was from the judge who heard my case; as expected, it states that the judge’s final decision was made in my favor. I was under the impression that this was the final decision, and there was to be no further discussion.
But then it continued on to read that whether or not I request it, an appeals court may review the decision within the next 60 days. This appeals court has the authority to either allow the decision to stand or to overturn the judge’s decision. Please keep in mind it only states that they may, (meaning they may or may not) review the case. If they are going to review the case they must notify me within the next 60 days.
The appeals court has the authority to overturn the decision without cause. If this is done then I will need to appeal the decision, and the journey will begin again.
I spoke with my attorney Sunday evening and she said that with the medical information I have, my case should not be overturned. She has not seen a ruling overturned for anyone with the documentation that I have. Regardless, the possibility of a review still remains.
Nobody warned me of this, the judge didn’t say anything after ruling in my favor, my lawyer never muttered a word; I had no idea this was coming. I immediately called Jeralynn; I asked her if she remembered anything being mentioned at the hearing, “not a word”, she said.
I’m losing my insurance on April 1st, this means no more medications. I am counting on this money and the fact that I will soon be receiving Medi-Care benefits.
As I have said before, my greatest wish is that you would all come to know my Lord and Savior as I do. I will be up front with you, when one chooses to receive the gift of eternal life thru Jesus Christ there is no guarantee of a perfect life. But you need to realize that Christ has not walked away from me; He is going thru this journey with me every step of the way, be it good or bad.
I want you to know that because I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that I am going to continue to trust in my Lord. I will hold on to the faith I have that that He will see me thru. My God has not brought me this far to watch me fall.
(Psalm 17:6-9NKJV
6 I have called upon You, for You will hear me, O God; incline Your ear to me, and hear my speech.7 Show Your marvelous loving kindness by Your right hand, O You who save those who trust in You from those who rise up against them.8 Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me under the shadow of Your wings,9 From the wicked who oppress me, from my deadly enemies who surround me.)
The God I serve is a loving, caring God; He is not causing this to happen. We live in a sinful world where wrong things happen, bad things happen, a world that is not perfect and where justice does not always prevail.
However, prayer is powerful and I know that God hears the prayers of the righteous.
(I Peter 3:12KJV
12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.)
I am sending this update out to specifically ask that you start praying.
~ Please join me over the next 60 days in praying that this decision be held up in court.
~ Pray that this decision will not be overturned.
~ Please pray that God will provide peace that surpasses all understanding.
(Philippians 4:7KJV
7 And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.)
With Love,
Diana
My relationship with Jesus is a true one; He is there for me day and night. You have witnessed that He is all that I hold onto. If you have any questions about my relationship with Jesus or how you can have a relationship with Him please let me know. I would love to have a conversation with you and introduce you to my Lord.
In the Merriam-Webster Dictionary the definition of faith is ‘A firm belief in something for which there is no proof’.
In the Bible, in Hebrews 11:1 the definition of faith is ‘Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen’.
You need to know that at this point all I have to hold on to is my faith in God. The faith that I have in my Lord and Savior that He will see me thru to the end.
Take a seat and prepare yourself for what you are about to read. What I call the roller coaster of life has just taken an unexpected turn.
Immediately after sending the update out on Saturday I went to get the mail. There was an envelope from the Social Security office, I was so excited thinking that this would provide the dollar amount of what I will be receiving and the date of when I will be able to expect the money.
Oh… how wrong I was… This letter was from the judge who heard my case; as expected, it states that the judge’s final decision was made in my favor. I was under the impression that this was the final decision, and there was to be no further discussion.
But then it continued on to read that whether or not I request it, an appeals court may review the decision within the next 60 days. This appeals court has the authority to either allow the decision to stand or to overturn the judge’s decision. Please keep in mind it only states that they may, (meaning they may or may not) review the case. If they are going to review the case they must notify me within the next 60 days.
The appeals court has the authority to overturn the decision without cause. If this is done then I will need to appeal the decision, and the journey will begin again.
I spoke with my attorney Sunday evening and she said that with the medical information I have, my case should not be overturned. She has not seen a ruling overturned for anyone with the documentation that I have. Regardless, the possibility of a review still remains.
Nobody warned me of this, the judge didn’t say anything after ruling in my favor, my lawyer never muttered a word; I had no idea this was coming. I immediately called Jeralynn; I asked her if she remembered anything being mentioned at the hearing, “not a word”, she said.
I’m losing my insurance on April 1st, this means no more medications. I am counting on this money and the fact that I will soon be receiving Medi-Care benefits.
As I have said before, my greatest wish is that you would all come to know my Lord and Savior as I do. I will be up front with you, when one chooses to receive the gift of eternal life thru Jesus Christ there is no guarantee of a perfect life. But you need to realize that Christ has not walked away from me; He is going thru this journey with me every step of the way, be it good or bad.
I want you to know that because I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that I am going to continue to trust in my Lord. I will hold on to the faith I have that that He will see me thru. My God has not brought me this far to watch me fall.
(Psalm 17:6-9NKJV
6 I have called upon You, for You will hear me, O God; incline Your ear to me, and hear my speech.7 Show Your marvelous loving kindness by Your right hand, O You who save those who trust in You from those who rise up against them.8 Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me under the shadow of Your wings,9 From the wicked who oppress me, from my deadly enemies who surround me.)
The God I serve is a loving, caring God; He is not causing this to happen. We live in a sinful world where wrong things happen, bad things happen, a world that is not perfect and where justice does not always prevail.
However, prayer is powerful and I know that God hears the prayers of the righteous.
(I Peter 3:12KJV
12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.)
I am sending this update out to specifically ask that you start praying.
~ Please join me over the next 60 days in praying that this decision be held up in court.
~ Pray that this decision will not be overturned.
~ Please pray that God will provide peace that surpasses all understanding.
(Philippians 4:7KJV
7 And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.)
With Love,
Diana
My relationship with Jesus is a true one; He is there for me day and night. You have witnessed that He is all that I hold onto. If you have any questions about my relationship with Jesus or how you can have a relationship with Him please let me know. I would love to have a conversation with you and introduce you to my Lord.
March 1, 2008 ~ Weekly Update #23
As you may have guessed, the delay in getting this week’s update out to you is because I am still not feeling good.
The last 10 days or so have been spent in bed… I am daily fighting fatigue and struggling just to get out of bed. My overall pain level has remained around 4 – 6 on a scale of 1 – 10.
That said I haven’t been in the best of moods (just ask Jeralynn), while not angry I just have not wanted to speak with anyone, return emails, or do anything else for that matter. My apologies for the phone calls and emails not returned, or anything else that I haven’t followed up on.
With all honesty, the last several days have purposefully been spent reading the Word of God and spending time in prayer. Why do I say purposefully? Because I haven’t had the energy or desire to do anything, this includes reading the Bible or praying, that said I have had to purpose to do this.
If it weren’t for having a relationship with Jesus Christ I honestly don’t know what I would do. When I feel that all hope is gone I still have the reassurance that my Lord has not forsaken me.
(Psalm 16:7-9 NKJV
7 I will bless the LORD who has given me counsel; my heart also instructs me in the night seasons.8 I have set the LORD always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will rest in hope.)
I received the results from the blood work-up that I had done a few weeks ago –the B12 level was normal (read more). Upon receiving the remaining results I felt as if I had been hit upside the head with a two-by-four. Not because I was receiving a death sentence; just that the realization is that I continue to deteriorate instead of getting better.
The sugar levels remain dangerously high, as do the triglyceride level; my HDL (good cholesterol) is way too low, the LDL (bad cholesterol) is just a little high; all in all these numbers continue to rise.
My kidneys are in the very beginning stages of kidney failure and the level of Vitamin D in my system is extremely low, so low in fact that I have been doctor ordered to lie out in the sun daily. Apparently the best way to raise the level of Vitamin D is thru UV rays. Now, for those of you who know me, this would normally give me a reason to start jumping up and down, you know, being mandated to sun bathe everyday. The fact of the matter is this is even a struggle for me, something I need to force myself to do.
Additionally, I have begun to loose feeling in specific areas of each foot, not the entirety of either foot, just some in each. This is a result of the neuropathy symptoms slowly increasing.
The damage to the feet and kidneys are a direct side effect of being diabetic. For diabetics who are able to stay on their meds and eat properly this should not be a problem. However, because I haven’t been able to afford to do either I am now beginning to suffer the consequences.
The good news is that soon enough (within the next 5 months or so) I should have my money. At that point my priority will be staying on my meds and eating plenty of veggies and whole grains, not just pasta and carbohydrates.
I am going to the doctor on Tuesday; hopefully he will have some insight as to what this extreme fatigue is all about. I will keep you posted as to what he says on Tuesday.
Now on to a praise report…
You all know that I have been completely relying upon God to provide for my financial needs. I would like you to join with me in praising the Lord and thanking my Savior for once again providing for me.
I was so very grateful to God when I received a check with a significant dollar amount earlier in the week (I’m not sure if I have permission to say where this came from so I won’t). My immediate response was to go to prayer and say “Thank you Jesus”. I was thrilled that I was able to call my landlord and tell him that I had some more money for him.
And then, un-expectantly, a wonderful, dear couple offered to loan me an extremely large amount of money which will carry me thru until my money comes in. I need to pay this money back, but at least I have something to carry me thru and for that I am ever so grateful. Before I did anything else I stopped and thanked God for His goodness and mercies! Once again I was able to call my landlord, but this time I was able to let him know that I had enough money to pay the rent in full.
(Psalm 116:1-7
1 I love the LORD, because He hears my voice and my supplications. 2 Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live. 3 The cords of death encompassed me and the terrors of Sheol came upon me; I found distress and sorrow. 4 Then I called upon the name of the LORD: "O LORD, I beseech You, save my life!" 5 Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yes, our God is compassionate. 6 The LORD preserves the simple; I was brought low, and He saved me. 7 Return to your rest, O my soul, for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.)
With this I am continuing to ask God for wisdom in how to spend every penny that comes thru my hands.
All that I can say is that I am blessed!
God remains in control, He is an Awesome God and I am ever so grateful that I am able to serve Him.
Prayer Requests:
~ That the fatigue I am feeling will pass and that my strength will be renewed
~ For the funds from SSDI to be made available
~ Wisdom with the finances that God has provided
Love to you all,
Diana
(Psalm 28:7
7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoices; and with my song will I praise him.)
The last 10 days or so have been spent in bed… I am daily fighting fatigue and struggling just to get out of bed. My overall pain level has remained around 4 – 6 on a scale of 1 – 10.
That said I haven’t been in the best of moods (just ask Jeralynn), while not angry I just have not wanted to speak with anyone, return emails, or do anything else for that matter. My apologies for the phone calls and emails not returned, or anything else that I haven’t followed up on.
With all honesty, the last several days have purposefully been spent reading the Word of God and spending time in prayer. Why do I say purposefully? Because I haven’t had the energy or desire to do anything, this includes reading the Bible or praying, that said I have had to purpose to do this.
If it weren’t for having a relationship with Jesus Christ I honestly don’t know what I would do. When I feel that all hope is gone I still have the reassurance that my Lord has not forsaken me.
(Psalm 16:7-9 NKJV
7 I will bless the LORD who has given me counsel; my heart also instructs me in the night seasons.8 I have set the LORD always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will rest in hope.)
I received the results from the blood work-up that I had done a few weeks ago –the B12 level was normal (read more). Upon receiving the remaining results I felt as if I had been hit upside the head with a two-by-four. Not because I was receiving a death sentence; just that the realization is that I continue to deteriorate instead of getting better.
The sugar levels remain dangerously high, as do the triglyceride level; my HDL (good cholesterol) is way too low, the LDL (bad cholesterol) is just a little high; all in all these numbers continue to rise.
My kidneys are in the very beginning stages of kidney failure and the level of Vitamin D in my system is extremely low, so low in fact that I have been doctor ordered to lie out in the sun daily. Apparently the best way to raise the level of Vitamin D is thru UV rays. Now, for those of you who know me, this would normally give me a reason to start jumping up and down, you know, being mandated to sun bathe everyday. The fact of the matter is this is even a struggle for me, something I need to force myself to do.
Additionally, I have begun to loose feeling in specific areas of each foot, not the entirety of either foot, just some in each. This is a result of the neuropathy symptoms slowly increasing.
The damage to the feet and kidneys are a direct side effect of being diabetic. For diabetics who are able to stay on their meds and eat properly this should not be a problem. However, because I haven’t been able to afford to do either I am now beginning to suffer the consequences.
The good news is that soon enough (within the next 5 months or so) I should have my money. At that point my priority will be staying on my meds and eating plenty of veggies and whole grains, not just pasta and carbohydrates.
I am going to the doctor on Tuesday; hopefully he will have some insight as to what this extreme fatigue is all about. I will keep you posted as to what he says on Tuesday.
Now on to a praise report…
You all know that I have been completely relying upon God to provide for my financial needs. I would like you to join with me in praising the Lord and thanking my Savior for once again providing for me.
I was so very grateful to God when I received a check with a significant dollar amount earlier in the week (I’m not sure if I have permission to say where this came from so I won’t). My immediate response was to go to prayer and say “Thank you Jesus”. I was thrilled that I was able to call my landlord and tell him that I had some more money for him.
And then, un-expectantly, a wonderful, dear couple offered to loan me an extremely large amount of money which will carry me thru until my money comes in. I need to pay this money back, but at least I have something to carry me thru and for that I am ever so grateful. Before I did anything else I stopped and thanked God for His goodness and mercies! Once again I was able to call my landlord, but this time I was able to let him know that I had enough money to pay the rent in full.
(Psalm 116:1-7
1 I love the LORD, because He hears my voice and my supplications. 2 Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live. 3 The cords of death encompassed me and the terrors of Sheol came upon me; I found distress and sorrow. 4 Then I called upon the name of the LORD: "O LORD, I beseech You, save my life!" 5 Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yes, our God is compassionate. 6 The LORD preserves the simple; I was brought low, and He saved me. 7 Return to your rest, O my soul, for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.)
With this I am continuing to ask God for wisdom in how to spend every penny that comes thru my hands.
All that I can say is that I am blessed!
God remains in control, He is an Awesome God and I am ever so grateful that I am able to serve Him.
Prayer Requests:
~ That the fatigue I am feeling will pass and that my strength will be renewed
~ For the funds from SSDI to be made available
~ Wisdom with the finances that God has provided
Love to you all,
Diana
(Psalm 28:7
7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoices; and with my song will I praise him.)
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