We MUST stop Obamacare!

I'm putting myself out there by putting this on every cyberplace I can get my hands on, but this bill could effect my life in SIGNIFICANT ways. So I'm taking the chance. I do not mean to offend anyone, and I SO GET that the healthcare system needs fixing. But friends, this is NOT the way! This is an e-mail I sent out earlier, so if you received it, you've already read this information. PLEASE check out this bill at Crista's website (Link on my sidebar Dinner With the King) and READ what the government wil have power to do. I have also posted a note on facebook with the bill information on it as well. THANK YOU.

Hey everyone, We MUST stop this healthcare bill. I have read in several places that Congress is trying to ram this through before their summer break. This cannot happen. Just one tiny part of this massive bill, which is hundreds of pages that NO ONE has completely read...is that the government will decide what "end of life" care people get, how it happens, and when. So we're talking euthanasia people.

According to this plan, if it were in place 8 years ago, I would be dead, instead of racking up a huge hospital bill trying to figure out what was wrong with me, and find a treatment.

This first link is a petition you can sign and comment on that will tell Congress you do NOT want government run healthcare.http://www.aktnow.com/petition/say-no-socialized-medicine

This link will take you to the page where you can write your U.S. House Representative. http://www.house.gov/zip/ZIP2Rep.html

If you live in Michigan, your Senators are Carl Levin (you can write to him at levin.senate.gov/contact/) and Debbie Stabenow. You can write her at stabenow.senate.gov/email.cfm

If you don't live in Michigan, just go to www.senate.gov and put in your info to find your senators and how to contact them.

I am PLEADING with you to take a moment to do this. Tell them to vote NO! To see just SOME of the parts of this hideous bill, go to http://dinnerwiththeking.blogspot.com/and you can see just what the government will have control of. This is not a scare tactic, this is the REAL DEAL. This IS HAPPENING, IN AMERICA. Please, let's stop it!THANK YOU!!!!!

Another Turkey Tale (NOT gross)

So all of the sudden yesterday morning Moose starts barking his fool head off. Which isn't terribly uncommon, I suppose, but this bark had an intensity to it. I look out the window and ses what I assume to be a teenage boy (baggie jeans, t-shirt, straight, thin, chin length hair..who can tell?) "shooing" my turkeys out of the road. I peeked through the window as I still had my p.j.'s on, and didn't really feel like dealing with this.

The turkeys were less than cooperative, and the "helper" wasn't going anywhere, so I begrudgingly got dressed and went outside. By this time, the turkeys were back on our side of the road, and the young LADY told me they were laying in the middle of the road, and she didn't want to hit them. I was thanking her, being polite yet kind of backing slowly towards going back in my house. And then.....

Out of the corner of my eye, I see this gray furball wriggling out of about 4 inches of open window. Since I never got the Good Samaritan's name, I just pointed and said, "your dog." She didn't seem to hear, or comprehend, anyway, so I increased the urgency in my tone just a bit... "um, your DOG!" In a SPLIT SECOND, said furball had flung itself to the ground and had crossed the 50 yards or so between it and the turkey at about Mach 9. (I didn't realize furry grey mops could fly).

The next image will stay with me forever....here is this little dog, (imagine a grey extra large shitzu) teeth firmly embedded into the backside of one turkey. The turkey is much larger than the dog, but obviously not nearly as tenacious. The turkey is squawking and running, flapping its clipped wings, pulling this grey bundle of ferocity all across our yard. The chickens are scattering and clucking and bawking, and I'm just laughing. The poor girl felt horrible...she finally contained the little grey beast, and he came away with about half a dozen huge white feathers hanging out of his mouth like a giant moustache. I have never seen anything so hilarious. My yard looked like a feather pillow exploded.

Meanwhile, another, much bigger dog joined the fray. As it ran by, the girl dove for the dragging leash, and missed. Literally dove. I give her LOTS of credit for effort! This one didn't attack anything, he just thought it was great fun to chase all the birdies running for their lives. I have no idea how this one escaped the car, because I didn't see any other windows open. I clapped and called the bigger dog over, and he came right to me...beautiful dog. Golden Retriever/German Sheperd mix. The young lady was still apologizing profusely (with a rather stunned and horrified look on her face, I might add) and I was assuring her it was no big deal...I certainly didn't want to deter her from "helping" future road-bound creatures!

I called Doug and told him we had issues. He's like, now what? I relayed the incident, and told him we need to cage the turkeys or just eat them now. This has been a lot of work for a couple of meals!

At least having me in your life, you KNOW there's NEVER a dull moment!

How do YOU deal with Anger?

I read a fantastic article on facebook yesterday from Lisa Copen, founder of Rest Ministries. It was about NOT being an angry mom.

I KNOW that EVERY mom has had anger issues with their children...I think of young moms with 3 or 4 kids who could all be running around like hooligans and not listening to a word you say... trashing the house SECONDS after it's picked up. I experience that with ONE, I can't imagine times 4! I remember my mom telling me (about my older siblings, never me, of course!) how she would line them up on the couch and say, "Today I could sell you 3 for a nickel!" My mother is a SAINT, so I know everyone deals with this!

Some days it's no big deal...other days, less can go wrong and I get angrier quicker. A lot of it has to do with how I'm feeling physically. Pain is a horrible mediator. (Unless you're on the receiving end of a spankin'!) When I'm having a super bad MG day, or am having lots of fibro pain, parenting is next to impossible, especially when my completely ALL boy, beautiful, wild, busy, exciting, genius child is on full tilt. His latest is "But how?" Not "Why?" "But how?"

Me: We're going to get our swimmie on to go in the pool.
Jacob: But how?
Me: We're going to put them on.
Jacob: But how?
Me: We're going to take off your clothes, get out your swimmie, put it on, and go outside to the pool.
Jacob: "But how?"

OR

Me: Daddy's getting the car and we're going to the store.
Jacob: But how?
Me: We're going to drive.
Jacob: But how?
Me: We get in the car, turn the key, push the gas pedal, steer the car, and go down the road."
Jacob: "But how?"

Notice you can't say, "Because I said so." Most of the time it's hilarious...but when I'm in pain, or tired, or stressed, or can't see straight (literally)....it's so easy to get angry.

And God tells us we will get angry, He also tells us not to sin in our anger. Yesterday I had to apologize to Jacob for being a crabby Mommy. Between PMS, hunger, pain and prednisone... I was not fit for human company, let alone being a parent! Here's my precious baby's answer: "That's okay, Mommy, I forgive you. I love you even when you're naughty." I was mush.

So when YOUR anger flares.... when you can't escape the situation causing the anger...what do YOU do? Any tips? Tricks? Solutions? I'd LOVE to hear them!

Back to the Drawing Board

Well, at least it's not the ironing board!

So I am trying very hard to get back to my healthy eating plan. The prednisone made it very difficult, and I admit I all but gave up the last week or so. But I have steeled myself to fight again...I know I have gained back some of the 14 pounds I had lost, and I really let that get to me for a while. But...life goes on.

I can't TELL you how much my success or failure depends on how much I am in the Word. Last week I did exactly ZERO work on my Bible study. And that's about what most of the week added up to progress-wise. ZERO. No exercise (which is always a challenge), lots of moodiness and ravenous appetite. However, as long as you rise one more time than you fall, you can do it. And I need God's help. Every minute of every day.

I am also working on digging out my office. My office is supposed to be my sanctuary...instead, it has turned into the place where everything that doesn't have a specific place goes to hang out. Well, NO MORE! If it doesn't have a specific place, I will find one for it, whether it be in the house or in the garbage! Since I don't have a lot of storage space, I use filing cabinet drawers for any number of things. Well, my husband decided he want one 4-drawer filing cabinet out of the office so the door opens all the way from the office to the bedroom. Go figure...you want the door to OPEN? Very challenging.

I also have to get all of Jacob's school stuff organized. I have stuff from COLLEGE...um, yah, that was like 17 years ago. Oh, how sad. I never thought I would be pushing forty before I started home-schooling. Yikes. God will give me the strength, that's all I know. He's got to or it will never get done!

Kind of rambling today...Oh...one WONDERFUL thing...my eyes were normal almost ALL day yesterday!! Whoooo-Hooooo!!!!!

His Name Is Jesus

This is one of my favorite Third Day Songs. I don't think they make bad ones, but this one is GOOD. I dare you to read the words (I wish I could post the song but I don't know how, and it wouldn't load anyway...) and not worship. It's unreal. Joanna was talking about worship on her blog (and maybe at my house?) but it got me thinking. I haven't been doing any studies this week. I haven't been in the Word, I haven't been listening to much music, which ALWAYS changes my mood. ALWAYS. I can't listen to my favorite Christian music and NOT be moved. Just can't.

SO. I am going to listen to music every day. Even if it's one song. My eyes have been really bad, but I'll figure it out. Maybe I'll just have to wear my eye patch while I study. So it takes longer. I need to do it. God needs me to do it. The Prednisone has REALLY thrown me off...

The hardest part (well it's a tie) is the food cravings and bizarre hunger, and the moods. Joanna (what would I do without her?) told me about Evening Primrose Oil, and it does help with the moods. I go to the neuro for a follow-up on Friday the 31st, and can start weaning down then. It will probably be about 4 months before I get back to where I was. BUT WE WILL GET THERE!

Anyway...read these words...if you know the song, sing it in your head or out loud or play it on your stereo. Just let it sink it.

"Who is this King of Glory?
Persues me with His love
And holds with each hearing
of His softly spoken words.
My conscience a reminder
Of forgiveness that I need,
Who is this King of Glory,
Who offers it to me?

Who is this King of Angels
This blessed Prince of Peace?
Revealing things of heaven
And all its mysteries.
My spirit ever longing
For His grace in which to stand,
Who is this King of Glory,
Son of God and Son of Man?

His name is Jesus,
Precious Jesus.
Lord Almighty,
King of my heart,
King of Glory!

Who is this King of Glory
With strength and majesty
And wisdom beyond measure?
Gracious King of Kings,
The Lord of earth and heaven,
The Creator of all things,
He is the King of Glory,
and He's everything to me!

His name is Jesus,
Precious Jesus.
Lord Almighty,
King of my heart,
King of glory!

The Lord of earth and heaven,
The Creator of all things,
He is the King of Glory
He's everything to me!

His name is Jesus,
Precious Jesus.
The Lord Almighty.
King of my heart,
King of Glory!

The King of my heart
King of Glory

Beyond Casseroles: Ways to Help the Chronically Ill

Good morning.

The last time I frequently saw 5:30 in the morning was when I was working late second shifts at Towne Air Freight, going out, and going to bed after the 5AM news. Now I'm waking UP then. Oh how life changes. {All said and done, however, I would choose where I am, AS I am, given the opportunity. I've come waaaaay too far to go back now!}

So I see this awesome book online by Lisa Copen, founder of Rest Ministries. (She also puts together HopeKeepers Magazine, and all of these ministries are affiliated with Joni and Friends. Lisa has done MUCH to bring Invisible Illness Awareness to the public at large, as well as offer MANY venues for the chronically ill to utilize. There are support groups, Illness Twitters, blogs, you name it. Thank you Lisa!)

Anyway...back to this book. It's called "Beyond Casseroles: 505 Ways to Encourage a Chronically Ill Friend." I haven't gotten through all of them yet, but I would like to share some of my favorites. This book is such a blessing! Every church and ministry should have this book. I know that SO many folks WANT to help, they just don't always know what to do. And being the chronically ill person, sometimes it's hard enough to ask for help PERIOD, let alone specifically say things like, "could you please scrub my shower?"

* Ask, "What do you wish people knew about your illness?

* Instead of saying, "I will pray for you," say, "Can I pray with you right now?"

* Ask her to do spontaneous things...she may be more likely to participate since she knows if it's a good day or a bad day.

* Say, "While you're in the hospital, I'd be glad to take care of your pet."

* Don't say, "Let me know if there is anything I can do." People rarely feel comfortable saying, "Yes, my laundry." Instead, pick something you are willing to do and then ask her permission. Try using creative coupons. (There are some in the back of the book).

* Ask your church to add more disabled parking spaces. There are never enough.

* If it seems like something dramatic is always going on in her life, it just may be. Drug shortages, insurance issues--each are life-changing, and people with chronic illnes feel out of control most of the time.

*NEVER visit her if you think you may be getting a cold. {or if someone in your immediate family is sick}. If in doubt, give her a call.

* Take her kids for an afternoon or evening so she can have some much needed alone time, or go out with her spouse.

* Ask her if she has a list of things that need to be done {change a lightbulb, hang a picture} and help out when you're there.

* Offer to clean the shower stall or tub.

* Even if your friend lives with others, remember that she still may go days without speaking to anyone else. Send a card. Give her a call.

* For a special gift, ask her friends to write on an index card something your friend has done that has encouraged them: an encouraging word or Scripture, cartoon, or anything; then bind them in an album.

You can find this book and many more on chronic illness at www.comfortzonebooks.com. It is so important for the chronically ill to not feel forgotten. It's so easy for everyone, myself included, to get in the mindset of "out of sight, out of mind." Chronic illness is just that, chronic. It doesn't go away. We live with it every day, every night, every week, every month. Through every anniversary, good and bad, through holidays and birthdays, weddings and funerals. We push through. A lot of time we fake it for the sake of others. We may not be feeling nearly as well as we are portraying ourselves to be.

To all my wonderful friends and family...I love you all, and I thank you for your prayers, and for being there for me. May God bless you as you have blessed me!

Trying to Salvage My Attitude

Hey all.

Yikes. I was so cranky yesterday. Just have had enough, ya know? I just can't seem to catch a break, and then last night my sister calls me to tell me that her husband's 12 year old cousin is being taken off life support. Talk about a slap in the face.

I am so absolutely human. So selfish. So self-absorbed. If I am not in the Word, reading Christian books, listening to Christian music almost 24/7, it seems like I can't hold it together. At least I KNOW I'm pathetic, right? Isn't that the first step? Admitting you have a problem...?

Ug. So yah, I see my attitude swirling down the flusher, and I'm trying to save it.....trying to stay positive. Trying to be thankful when I really do have so much to be thankful for. I'm just tired. Tired of it all. The pain, heartache, horror, disappointment, tragedy of this broken, dying world.

Jacob was up about 6 times last night...I got about 4 hours of sleep....doesn't that ALWAYS seem to happen when you need it most??? Okay, Lord. I could use a break here.....