A JOYFUL NOISE

Last week, specifically Tuesday and Wednesday, I was really down in the "dumps".  I was extremely sad and my heart was hurting, I would find myself crying.  I texted a dear friend and she was most understanding of my situation.   She told me she would be praying for me.     Here's my story. I think I have mentioned at one point to some of you earlier this year about my desire to go on a mission trip to East Asia with my church.  I have done all the preliminary things and was all geared up for this wonderful opportunity.   It was very exciting time for me as it had been my desire for over a decade for an opportunity like this to come  up.    So, long story short, concerns arose due to health issues.  The leaders of this trip didn't want me to spend the money and then end up my loosing the money in fear that my health issue would become worse.  With prayer and obedience to God, I decided it was best for...

Lately, I've struggled writing and publicizing what I have been going through, how I am feeling, or even what God is teaching me.   It's not just on this blog, it's even on Facebook status or commenting to people when I'm asked "how are you doing?" (Not that I'm going to lie or anything).   For one thing I don't want to sound like a broken record, repeating the same thing over and over again, when in reality, my pain is still there.  Almost every day, the pain affects me in different levels; and I feel there are days I learn something different each day (what I can/can't handle)!   I rarely put up a status anymore saying much about myself and how I'm feeling because I don't want to seem I'm looking for sympathy; yet, what I'm really needing is a lot of prayers (maybe some cyber hugs!).  I don't want to sound discontent because I know God has a purpose and it will be made known in due time.   Those of you who tell me how much the...

This post is going to cover lots of things including a quick overview of the Women's Conference I went to with my friend, Gina on September 14th as well as some other updates. As mentioned,  I had the privilege to go to W.Va to hear an outstanding speaker, Beth Moore speak at a Women's Conference.  You never know what the topic is about until you get there.  It was an AMAZING experience, despite some mishaps along the way ( though it was quite frustrating and irritating, we both agreed it was worth the trip).  I was still not feeling well with my walking pneumonia and chronic pain, but with medication, I was able to pull through.  Worship in Song was phenomenal.  Travis and his band did an outstanding job in leading us in worship; We started out with the Doxology and ended with Our God is Greater.   All songs fit so well with what God laid on Beth's heart to share with us.   Some of the songs, I ...

Physical Therapy.   My neurologist prescribed this for me in hopes that it will help my neck pain as well as the back of my head pain.   My neurologist calls it a different form of tension headaches, not the same kind one would get that would be relieved from taking and Ibuprofen or Tylenol.  It is one that is caused by what he thinks a lot of neck spasms that is shoot up to the head.    Sometimes I think my pain in the more "back" of the head pain more than pain from the neck. I think, I've been to about 6 rounds of PT so far.  I've felt maybe a little relief in my neck but really none in my head :( so far which is discouraging.   My therapist and my therapist aide has been encouraging and telling me that it will take time and has been really encouraging me to continue exercises at home.   The massage therapy at PT place at Augusta Health Lifetime Center really feels good during PT days, and believe it or not,...

In the past 20 days I have been one sick lady.   I had a pretty bad sinus infection mid August.  When I get them, I usually catch them in time and go to the doctor pretty quickly, but this time, I was trying to see if my body could fight it off naturally because I am already taking so much medication.  I finally called my doctor and she sent in some antibiotics and cough medication.  I felt better with my sinuses after a little over a week; but I never stopped coughing and then my cough got worse and worse and my chest got tight, and I started to wheeze quite a bit as well as cough up phlegm, and then I started to run a fever (ugh!!!).   I didn't think it would be anything since I just finished my antibiotics, so after 4 days of fever and coughing, I went to see the doctor and it was confirmed I have a really bad case of bronchitis (I went to see the doctor this past Friday).  I'm on the mend, but still coughing; the doctor says that is what will ...

 I haven't updated for a couple of weeks mainly because I feel as if I sound like a broken record, repeating myself over and over again.   Nothing really is "new" with me.   I started physical therapy last Monday (8/12) for my neck and clavicle.  My neurologist feels that it is worth a try because he believes that the pain that is shooting in my neck can cause the pain I feel in the back of my head; which at times is very very agonizing.  It feels as if someone is taking two bricks and trying to smash my head together.  PT is 1-2 times a week and so far I've only had two treatments.  I'm going to Augusta Health for therapy and really enjoy the staff there.  I've had PT there several times before and love the staff there, and decided to keep going there (plus it's only 15 min away from my home).  Right now, they are only doing gentle massages; and from there I'm not sure where it will progress to....

You have often heard of me talk about my honorary grandparents, Warren and Erma Johnson; and how much they mean to me and still mean to me.  Sometimes I can still feel his arms around me when I'm scared, or her hands brushing my hair from my face, wiping my tears away after the doctor has "hurt" me after a procedure or when I'm crying.   There isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss them.   Some days are worse than others.... like today. Today, my parents and I went to a celebratory of life gathering for Warren and Erma's youngest son, James Kirk, who passed away on 7/27 due to complicated health issues.   Apart from Warren, I adored Kirk more than ever.  He was my favorite of all their children; and that's not because he "knew" Mickey Mouse.  Kirk loved people and loved life.  When he met you, you would instantly bond with him.  He felt your pain when you were hurting and always put other's needs before his own....