A JOYFUL NOISE

It was the end of my first year at Blue Ridge Community College (I went there first before I transferred over to JMU); I had just finished a grueling 8 weeks of summer school taking College Physics I & II, and I thought to myself that it was a very good time to just relax, take it easy, and enjoy the rest of the summer.  Back then, I was able to do more, plan more, and enjoy life more because my health wasn’t like as it is now.   I remember that summer, after my classes were over, a good friend and I and another friend decided to go enjoy a day of fun at Kings Dominion.  I had already made myself clear to my friend that I was under no circumstances going to ride any rollercoasters because I do not like speed and I do not like steep hills, nor do I like being turned upside down!   This happened sooooo long ago and I really don’t remember much details on how he ended up actually getting me on to the Rebel Yell--one of the roller coasters.  But I...

Today was a rough , I repeat rough .   I had a medial branch facet-joint nerve pain block this morning.   Those who know me knows that I don’t favor any type of treatments involving needles, but I know that if I want to have some measure of relief, it is the way to go.   The medial branch nerve block is the first part of the treatment—then in two weeks, April 10th, I will go back and get a medial branch facet-joint denervation, where the nerves will be “burned” in that area and hopefully that part of my neck will give me less pain…for part at least.   This is all from my whiplash injury from the car wreck over a year ago.     My pain management doctor is just awesome.   He works with me so well and knows and sees how much ALL my pain is (chronic and whiplash) affecting me.   He can only do so much working with all the pain I struggle with what my disease (NF) carries, but he is diligent in open conversation with myself and all my doctors...

My parents met them in the mid '70s in an apartment complex in Waynesboro, Va.   My parents knew their eldest child as a baby and as time progressed, eventually all of us grew to know each other.  First off, we were part of a Southern Baptist Church and then grew up in a Reformed Baptist Church. My parents and this couple were great friends. Their daughter and I were at one point very very close. I remember sleepovers at their home; I remember getting punished by them, because that is what "second parents" do when you disobey. Then........Circumstances arose, and to my dismay, we lost touch for about TEN+ years.  But, in God's perfect timing, He found it pleasing to reunite our friendships with this couple.  We visit when we can; enjoying each others company. and then, those phone calls.  I keep thinking I'm living a dream.( only to wonder what their children are feeling ). John passed away in February of 2016 Joan passed away, recentl...

Rebekah? Yeeeess? Ready? I guess, so! Can my Mom and Dad come too? Sure thing! I’ve walked through those double doors & corridors countless (and I mean countless ) times.   I keep telling myself “It’s going to be okay, God’s got this….God’s got you.”   Yet that doesn’t keep me from my heart racing, fears rising and my wishing I was somewhere else.   The volunteer points me to the bathroom and tells me which room to go to after I use the restroom. Ok, Rebekah, this is your cap, gown, socks….. (in a very cheery voice) Well, you know the drill. I guess.   It looks like you’ve done this many many MANY times! You must be a pro at this. You must be used to this! < USED TO THIS?  Well, honestly, I’m used to the “drill” yes; the other stuff not so much. Never will > The drill of changing into those awfully cold hospital gowns (although I do like those hot air hose that they connect you to keep you warm during prep time); the drill ...

About, three weeks ago, I had a follow-up visit with my pain management doctor, Dr. Davis.  In the beginning of August, I had a procedure done to help alleviate some pain on my lower right quadrant, so it was just a re-check to see how I was doing. I was actually looking forward to this visit because Dr. Davis also knew about my neck injury from the car accident back in February.  He wanted me to wait a few months before doing anything, but my pain was getting worse and worse, so I decided to go ahead and mention it again before the claim for the other guy's insurance try to settle. When I got to the office and try to register, two people were basically on my top of me. One was less than an arm's length beside me and another one was less than a foot behind me.  The person who registered me was "giving out" (confirming) my address/phone number/insurance.  I kept looking at them with a deep glare/stare but they didn't get my "gist"; and I was saying ...

My soul finds rest in God alone, My Rock and my salvation; A fortress strong against my foes, And I will not be shaken. Though lips may bless and hearts may curse, And lies like arrows pierce me, I'll fix my heart on righteousness, I'll look to Him who hears me.  O praise Him, hallelujah, My Delight and my reward; Everlasting, never failing, My Redeemer, my God. ---------------------------------------------------------   This past week proved to be a very hard week for me; and I can honestly tell you that I'm still processing it all. I will probably still process it for a while.  It's been an emotionally and physically tough week and as you all know, both go hand and hand.  Physically, I've been struggling so much. Struggling with the pain, struggling with my cognitive function, and just plain struggling.  I can see you down the hall and have a question in my mind; but as I'm walking towards you I will completely blank out and have no clue why I w...

“I’m ready to sign up to be a crew leader”   “Are you sure you are able to do this?” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Posters were up probably by May. Recruiting started shortly after.   Was it already that time?   I’ve done VBS for quite some time. It was something I loved doing.  Working and helping shepherd kids is something I’ve enjoyed doing and continue to do.  It’s where my heart lies. It’s where I find joy. And for me to double question myself about serving never came about. I knew exactly what my friend’s point was when she asked me if I were really up to the task of being a crew leader or not.  Crew leaders really needed the energy, strength, and endurance throughout the week to help lead and guide the kids.  She knew my physical self hasn’t been all that great lately; and they do need a strong leader.   I knew my physical state hasn’t been all that well.  My chronic pain has been on the flare and other ph...