A Football Game Gives Hope

Matthew 25:31-46 (New King James Version)   

³¹ “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy^[a] angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. ³² All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. ³³And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. ³⁴ Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: ³⁵ for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; ³⁶ I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ 
³⁷ “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? ³⁸ When did we see You a stranger and take Youin, or naked and clothe You? ³⁹ Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ ⁴⁰ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’
⁴¹ “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: ⁴² for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; ⁴³ I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’ 
⁴⁴ “Then they also will answer Him,^[b] saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ ⁴⁵ Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ ⁴⁶ And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Sheep or Goat? Right or Left?

Also notice, The need was met. Feed the hungry, give clothes to the naked, water to the thirsty, welcome strangers, visit the sick, visit the prisoner. 

No money given. No healing attempted. No house built. No pardon given. No change forced upon. The need was met.

Sheep or Goat? Right or Left?

Christmas, something for nothing.

Just last weekend we had a Christmas Open House. We hosted an open house like this a few years ago when we were in our house in town.  Both parties were great, in that we had many friends come. This last party though was in this home, this home that we remember every day is a gift, built by God.


Keith and I discussed the pure joy of having our friends come and share their time with us. We were overwhelmed by their kindness and their compliments on our home.  I am so humbled when people come  and compliment my home.  Many seem in awe of it, funny thing, we are too. I am truly amazed that I have all of this, I do not think I respond correctly, I know full well this house and all that we have is straight from God.  I want to give God credit for all of this. Yet when I say things like "Couldn't have done it with out God." Or "We did work, but God gave us everything to get it done." I feel like I am either freakin people out like I am some kind of 'Holy Roller'.  Or I am being ungracious to the praiser for not accepting the full responsibility of the praise OR the worst,...What if my saying "God blessed us with this, all of this, the work, the time, the funds, the energy..", causes someone to think 'Well he didn't do that for me.' I want to let everyone know how grateful we are, yet I don't want to seem proud, in the haughty way. .  .  Keith and I both want so to always give God credit for all of this, because we KNOW with out God, this would not exist.  In worldly reality it should not.


So many miracles, yes, miracles are involved in the building of our house.  God incidences.
The market rising so that we made an almost double profit on our house that we only lived in for 4 years.
This land we found, after many other 'that's it' acres being 'lost'.  The man we bought from, died just a month after we found him and purchased from him. Each person we hired to do a job, seemed a God appointment. Our marriage surviving  building our home, daily for 1 year and living in a very small travel trailer. The rock, the water, the deals on furniture, the price of steel, the trusses, it goes on and on.


We know that more wonderful than the house are our friends.  In crisis and celebration we have had our friends to share with, some would bring a meal or give a shoulder to cry on or a laugh and a good time.  We would reciprocate in the same way, because we are good people, too. When we built this house, our friends went beyond what we expected from anyone.  We had people here to hook up electric and put our roof on. We would have someone ask how is it going, we would explain something we were working on and a day later people would show up to help. And they got NOTHING from it, except  blisters.  We can never ever repay those that showed up and climbed up on the roof, on Sunday afternoons. Having the work done ends up being an added bonus to our finding out the true meaning of friendship. Seriously, why would anyone desire to come and do something for someone else without expecting anything in return?


In the light of this season, I think of  the reason for, Jesus' birth in this world. Jesus too, is a something for nothing.  Jesus, God, received absolutely nothing for coming to us, except pain. Oh yeah, and those that believe in the miracle of Jesus, God 'gets' us.
 Like he really NEEDS us.
We can do absolutely nothing for God, he does not need us to survive. He will live forever with or without us.  We on the other hand received everything.  We have been forgiven for every horrendous, stupid sin we will ever commit AND we get to live eternally in a perfect world with God as our Light. Why? So God can have us near him? Because God needs us? God desires us? I don't think so.  There is truly not one thing we can fulfill for God, yet he desired to die for us.  God desired to come to this world and take up residence in a tiny frail human body. A body that was not super natural, not super strong, not super good looking. Just a plain ol body, subject to pain and illness. The body of a child whose parents were not very 'well off'.   God desired to be raised by human parents, who were not of royalty, they were very common. God desired to live in this world not as a wealthy man, having all the comforts of this world, but as a poor man, he did not have a real home of his own. God had no wife, no children. God had no person to love him 'for who he was'.  Actually, God was hated for who he was. God did not give into temptation of power, and riches. God did not protect his human body from harm. He did not, does not, make others love him and accept him.


What did God 'get' by coming as Jesus one cold winters night? What did that being born 'get' him?
Rejection, persecution, a painful agonizing death of body and then all of our sins dumped on him and then complete separation from the only good that ever exists, God, himself. Being born got him our death. Seriously, why would anyone desire to come and do something for someone else without expecting anything in return? Not because we deserved anything. Not because he needs anything from us, in return. JUST because he loves us.






So here I am this year, blessed with my undeserved home, husband, children, grandchildren, family friends, life here and eternally. Humbled by his grace and love.  I am small and insignificant and completely undeserving, yet God the creator of all things, came and died and took my sins just so I could live eternally with him....
Merry Christmas and thanks, God.

Again, really?

Well me and screwing up seems to be going hand in hand.

I just found that my 'email blog' button does not just tell my limited 10 that I have posted on my blog. It sends the blog to them as an email. With a little blip at the bottom saying it was sent through Pettyville.

This is not my intent of the blog. I write, inform, write my own little column, because I love to write, I want to let my friends and family I am alive. But only if they are checking, was my intent.

I don't really expect anyone to be following this blog, yet. I have not written enough, consistently. I thought just giving a heads up to my few, my handpicked few who would usually read and want to check in, or I wanted to want to read and want to check in. But nooooooo, I was forcing my thoughts and opinions on others, AGAIN!!!!

I have now removed the list, so those poor 10 will not even receive this,the disclaimer, retraction, allowing them freedom from my voice. It could have stopped after this, but the madness had to stop sometime, and I figured sooner was better than later.

My Mistake

I made a mistake, yet again.

The previous post MY RANT... .

I sent it to a few of my friends and family, in an email, thinking it would be an interesting read. That's all.

Letting my opinion known , which I do not expect anyone to agree nor disagree with, is my mistake. Someone near and dear has opinionated that mine is not necessary to share. Actually on many occasions Someone's' near and dear have opninion ated that mine is not necessary to share. I can not wrap my head, nor heart, around this. How can others share their opinion of me, so freely, and I should not share my thoughts, my convictions , my opinion, that are not directed towards anyone?

I suppose it is safe to expound my opinion here. You can NOT read here. An email I guess is just short of a phone call. And who would call anyone and tell them what they actually think or feel, just because they want to chat?

I am finding more and more that there are very few people in my life who actually want to listen to me. I don't mean 'listen' in the definition of 'Listen to me and do what I say." I mean listen as hear what I say, consider that I actually have a thought, belief in something.

What would be an absolutely amazing thing for me, is someone actually hearing what I say and considering it accurate, and worthy of acknowledgment. But that also is my mistake. To want for an understanding.

I like to think I actually do know what I am talking about. What I think does have merit. Sometimes I even have the audacity to believe God actually uses me, gave me the gift of exhortation so I could step out of my introvert comfort zone, on faith and rely on Him to give me words that edify, that teach, that minister. And maybe just maybe these times that I am being opposed are Satan trying to thwart, to discredit, to do what he does best, cause strife and turmoil.

My mistake.

My rant FOR Halloween

I think Dr. Dickson makes another good point FOR Halloween-- Perspective. I have been thinking on this Anti Halloween Crusade of many believers and have a few thoughts in addition to the added article. Dr Dickson is probably more of an authority since he IS a DR. but I still have an opinion, uneducated as it is.

To go with Dr. Dicksons comparison of Halloween and Christmas 'celebration': We believers do celebrate Christmas, many do remove Santa and his elfs, in order to put the REAL meaning of

Christmas in focus. Jesus Christ, his birth, and all the gifts he got and we get too. Oh, my, that was rude. I forgot the point of gifts is the GIVING, just as Jesus gave his life for us. Let's not forget the second busiest shopping day of the year is the first business day after Christmas, so we can exchange all those wonderful gifts we received. I am NOT minimalizing Jesus' birth nor the true meaning of Christmas, or what it should be, I am saying that we conveniently forget those PAGEN traditions we practice as long as it is something we can justify, because we enjoy them. Just as I am doing here ;-)

I have heard an alcoholic say the he does not believe he is truly 'recovered' if he can not be in the presence of alcohol without it threatening his recovery. I feel the same about believers who strive to 'remove' all evil, or what they deem evil, from their presence because it might 'get them'. I know that when I do evil, when I sin, I do not fall into evil, nor does evil reach out and grab me, I chose to do evil. I am not walking with Christ, abiding, obeying when I sin, it is because I am weak, or just plain stubborn. I actually think I am strengthened by being in the presence of EVIL and choosing against it, more so than surrounded by just 'good', and skipping around 'safe'.

Halloween is a lot of different cultures traditions all mixed together, as Christmas is. One being the eve of celebrating all 'saints'. Another being the recognizing of the dead, hoping to 'reconnect' so to speak, by the Celts. What may I ask is wrong with remembering those passed? The disguises, which has grown to costumes, is recognizing there are demons... Are there not demons?

It does sound as though I 'doth protest to much', but it is in response to so many who literally condemn and put down those who do not find evil in Halloween, those who are not able or choose not to see the fun and enjoy the imaginations (God given) of their children, just once a year. Fine with me if you do not want to 'celebrate', which that too seems a misrepresentation of participating in Halloween. I do not celebrate Halloween, we play on this day, pretend, dress up,we do not honor anyone nor anything. Valentines Day, and St. Patricks day are just the same. Do these people who lock themselves in their homes, afraid of 5 year olds dressed as Toy Story Characters, not p take their spouse to dinner and give valentines cards on Valentines day. Do they not reach out and pinch the poor soul who could not find anything green to wear on March 17? Is a box of chocolates EVIL? Burn all four leaf clovers! Little red haired midgets must be Satans own!

It is perspective. Halloween is just a time that kids, get to play, with mom and dad. Sure some people twist off and do something stupid, some may choose to worship some evil , but do you honestly think they only worship their evil on this one night of the year? Why not thwart at least one of their known 'worship' times by sending a little innocent joy out into the spirit world?! And if you don't want to, don't, but don't throw flaming poop at those who dare to.

I don't tell any kid they are wrong for not having fun at Halloween, I do correct them if they tell me it is Satan's birthday, cause it ain't. It is purely a choice, a family perspective.

- Dr John Dickson is a historian and co-director of the Centre for Public Christianity.As a small group of Halloween-devotees in Martin Place this week protested that October 31 is not a national public holiday like Christmas, you can be sure that thousands of religious folk around the world are right now making the opposite demand: Halloween is evil and should be banned.

I have been asked many times, both as an Anglican minister and as director of the Centre for Public Christianity: Is Halloween evil? Should Christians oppose it?

My general feeling is that Halloween is no more ‘evil’ than Christmas. In fact, the two festivals have a bit in common.

Both started out as pre-Christian, pagan festivals. Both were ‘rebadged’ by the church. And both have subsequently become heavily re-secularized. It’s commonly known that 25 December was originally a celebration of the ‘Unconquered Sun’ at the time of the Winter Solstice (in the northern hemisphere). It was a happy feast in Roman times.

When Christianity become dominant in the West in the 4th and 5th centuries people were uncomfortable with celebrating the Sun instead of the Creator. But believers didn’t cancel a huge existing party. Instead, they chose to sanctify it as the ‘birthday’ of the unconquered Saviour of the world. No one was suggesting Jesus was actually born on that date. This was just an attempt to Christianise culture. Personally, I love that spirit—sanctifying the secular instead of running away from it or trying to ban it! It speaks of an open, confident and generous version of faith. More of that, please!

Halloween is much less significant, in both its pagan and Christian forms, but it has a similar history to Christmas. Originally, November 1 marked the end of the Summer months, and the pre-Christian Celts believed that the spirits of the departed returned to their homes at that time to visit loved ones. Masks and other disguises were worn to frighten off evil spirits who were trying to cut in on the action.

Around AD 610 Pope Boniface IV decided to ‘claim’ this festival for Jesus. He moved All Saints’ (or Hallows’) Day, a feast celebrating the departed in Christ, from May 13 to November 1. The evening before was also sanctified as All Hallows’ Eve or Halloween. It was a time to remember the faithful believers of past ages and to pray that we the living might learn from their good example. The Protestants in the 16th century mostly banned the celebration of All Hallows’ Eve and Day, but this had little to do with associations with ghouls and goblins and much to do with anti-Catholicism (we Protestants have cancelled a lot of parties over the centuries!).

So, is Halloween today ‘evil’? Sure it is, if it involves the glorification (or, worse, the trivialization) of things satanic, and playing nasty pranks on neighbours who simply forgot to pick up a bag of sweets earlier in the day. Beyond that, a community dress-up involving opening our doors to each other and giving sweets to kids in fancy dress is a lovely idea. It might even build friendships in a society hungry for community.

For my part, I am sad that Halloween no longer has much to do with honouring the faithful departed and learning from their example. But that shouldn’t stop believers from making it so. The Anglican Book of Common Prayer of 1662 has the perfect Halloween prayer: “And we also bless thy holy Name for all thy servants departed this life in thy faith and fear; beseeching thee to give us grace so to follow their good examples, that with them we may be partakers of thy heavenly kingdom.”

One last thing. I’m not sure that Christmas in the wider Australian context is any more pleasing to the Almighty? If there are grades of sins, I reckon the Aussie worship at the shopping mall in the build up to Christmas and the consequent neglect of the poor until we’ve paid off the credit card are much more ‘satanic’ than allowing our kids to dress up as goblins. And what is a goblin, anyway?

Yada Yada Yada Ba Ba Sams.Really.

I'm back! Really! This is going to become a routine. Really.You will enjoy reading this daily. Really?

I have not conquered my FB addiction. So hard to not go on there and check out whatever and whomever. Really it is the best way for me to keep up with what the Jones' are doing. Not that I NEED to know, just like to. I have let my farm go. I have gone into hiding from the Mafia. The health department has probably shut down my Cafe. And my city I check on here and there, I am trying to get enough money to build a church, but those heathens in my town won't raise any for me. I am working on it. Really.

Recently I signed up (via Keith calling and saying "You need to do this.")for an online Bible study facilitating class. One of the get- to -know- you, laced with you- get -to- know- the- program, and get -you- thinking- about- things assignments was to make an argument against online Bible teaching. Most of our arguments contained this over abundance of internet use already in our lives. It taking the personal away from relationships. And it has.

I think it is a double edged sword. For introverts especially. Blogs, Facebook, online facilitating, get us 'talking' because we are not really having to deal with people and what they think, how they are looking at us, the noise they have coming out of their mouths. So these opportunities to relate with others is a good thing. We tell a bit about ourselves that no one has a clue about. We are able 'listen' and respond to others, because we can injest what they say and think about it before speaking, with out having that deer in the headlights look we all feel when we get when in public and are expected to respond to someone.

Then there is the the other side of the sword, we get stuck at home pecking away, spouting a bit too much, getting all comfortable being in our own worlds and we don't socialize with real people on real time in reality. We lie to ourselves and think we ARE socializing, we have made that people connection, because we HAVE talked to these people online. When actually we are feeding our 'get out there' aversion. To find the balance is the issue. Really.

Special K (husband) is an extrovert, and he HATES doing online anything. Not on Facebook, does not blog, of course. He barely reads anything, just for information actually, because books are just someone elses opinion or ideas, and he has his own. He gets his information from people themselves, he talks to them and sometimes listens to them, they are usually listening to him I think.

To Facebook or Not to Facebook that is the Question

Yes it has been forever( almost) since I last posted. So much to do, so little time.

A time consumer in my life, is Facebook, which, as much as I hate to agree with Keith, may be an evil, at least for me. I love reading about my friends and family. I love spouting off here and there, and I love the thought that, possibly, somebody is paying attention to me. Thus I get caught up in FB and do not do what I should be doing i.e.; Blogs, painting projects, bills, checkbooks, real face to face relationships.

As I write this I find I am having trouble coming up with statements longer than a FB post. This never was a problem for me before, you will find many many run on sentences in past Blog posts. I am most disappointed in myself.

Of course, Keith is to blame here. (Are you listening,dear?) Keith has some stubborn He-Man aversion to FB. He thinks it silly and time consuming, addictive,worse than email. (though he does not look at his own Blackberry addiction). Some of his opinion of FB could have some merit. As I first started with facebook my idea was not to use it as regularly as I do now, thus the addiction.

Let us get on with where Keith comes at fault here. Keith is a bit possessive. Keith is a bit bossy. Keith is a bit stubborn. I ,too, have my stubbornness. Well, Keith, in all his glory, declared his dislike of Facebook, his thoughts on the evils it would bring. Keith's possessive side showed when he questioned who my friends were, and if they happened to be males it was a true interrogation of who they were, how I knew them and what did I say to them.

I tried to explain to him the useful attributes of FB, but to no avail. Keith knows I have a stubborn streak, he was antagonizing me, HE caused me to react with all my stubbornness. You see a great deal of my time with Facebook is to prove my innocence with the use of Facebook. But it backfired, it is all innocent fun, but it has absolutely consumed my time.

The others to blame, are those of you friends on Facebook. You actually do communicate so much more via, Facebook than ever via Email, or phone... Stop it!! Call me, Email me.

Me? I suppose I could take a bit of the blame, I would rather not though. Truly do you think I should have listened to the wise counsel of my husband, it was a bit tainted with his own faults? AND Keith does know that I have a slight stubborn streak, he should have watched out for that. And my dear friends and family, you respond to my postings, and post such interesting things yourselves. Never mind that I could actually email you, or call you, and you would respond just as kindly. Never mind that I have this blog as a way to spout and expound my wisdom to you all!

So there you are. Now I can not say I am relieving myself completely of FB. I do not think it has come to that, yet. And do not worry, I have forgiven you all, Keith and friends and family, for leading me astray!

For years Jeremiah 17:7 was my favorite, so promising! Then I read before that, Jeremiah 17:5, so convicting!! I now only visit the desert from time to time.

⁵ This is what the LORD says:
"Cursed is the one who trusts in man,
who depends on flesh for his strength
and whose heart turns away from the LORD.

⁶ He will be like a bush in the wastelands;
he will not see prosperity when it comes.
He will dwell in the parched places of the desert,
in a salt land where no one lives.

⁷ "But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in him.

⁸ He will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit."

I feel loved when...

The Five Love Languages

My Primary Love Language is Quality Time

My Detailed Results:
Quality Time:	11
Acts of Service:	7
Words of Affirmation:	6
Physical Touch:	4
Receiving Gifts:	2

About this quiz

Unhappiness in relationships is often due to the fact that we speak different love languages. It can be helpful to know what language you speak and what language those around you speak.

Tag 3 people so they can find out what their love language is.

Take the Quiz!
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Spreading the Word-- ME!

We will be leaving for Uganda in 6 days. I am getting excited, finally! I am the type that can't think on things too long, anticipation is not my thing. So being busy with everything else has been GREAT for this trip. Now after the weekend of parties I will pack and be off to Uganda!!!

Prayer is always wanted and needed from anyone and everyone.

This trip is different than others, we are evangelizing in the city of Soroti this time, instead of the burbs of Mbale. We should have many many more contacts, than out in the 'field'. Also may have much more contact with Muslims and Hindu's this time. Lots of opportunity to share the gospel!!

I think the thing that is most awesome about going on this trip, is I GET TO DO THIS!!. It is so humbling, and exciting and amazing that I, this sinner, this nobody special in this world, get to go and talk to people, about God, about their salvation, their eternal salvation. I get to be a part in showing them what God intends for all mankind, if only they know and believe!

Now why don't I do this at home?? A whole other posting is needed for that!! I will address this when I get back!

Pray for many contacts, many to have ears to hear and hearts to believe!! Strength and courage for me and His words in my mouth.

July 16 we begin to travel. July 20-24 we evangelize and have crusades in the evening. July 25, visit orphanage and pack. July 26 start back home July 27 arrive home 7:30 PM

So much can happen in a month!! I don't even know if I can remember it all. I will try to recap.

We are loving the house!! Still working on it, bits and pieces still need to be done but it is fabulous.

Having Lee Meg and Tanah and Ty with us is even more fabulous. Tanah is so funny, busy, talkative-- Much different than those boys I raised.

Having Tanah here has an added benefit too! Cheyanne comes to visit, and even has spent the night a couple of nights!! NONNIE HEAVEN! Nonnie Paradise will be when the 3 girls are here, giggeling in bed, and Ty is sneaking around trying to find ways to scare them, and the Mom's and Dad's are not anywhere to be seen!!

We had our appreciation party for all of those that came and helped us build this house. So many came, again we felt so blessed to have friends like these that wanted to come and share with us! We can never do enough for them.

The Rock is on the house!! It took the guys about 1 week-- It looks fabulous.

April disappeared in a afternoon thunderstorm

Bubba left us while rock guys here, and never returned.

Keith got a wild hair and spent some of his shop money on a couple of 4 wheelers

Also Papaw decided that the grandgirls could have kittens. Stipulation they live outside. (Kittens) We Got two, Chey named hers (black one) Sally. And Tan named her Tabby Ruby. A couple of days later we picked up the sib of the tabby and her name is Cutie-- Right now the cage is the safest place for them. (Kittens)

Our septic tank is having issues. We have an anarobic system and it hasn't started sprinkling, so called the people, a few times, first they said not enough water going through-- Then came out to look, we got a hole in one tank. So they are going to patch it, and hopefully get it replaced. Not the end of the world but a bit of peeyew.

Tomorrow we are celebrating the July Kids birthdays, before we go off to Uganda--

Got some cabinets built for one bath

Ordered some for another

Bought some flat screens

Still need to finish the bar

Went to Lubbock for a shopping day

Had a couple of Uganda meetings

Cried some for lost pets

Saw 2 rattle snakes while 4 wheeling

Found out my illness may be weird migraines being triggered by EVERYTHING.

Cleaned out 5th wheel-- trying to sell it.

Saw more rain here than San Antonio did.

Been blessed beyond my imagination or deserving!!!

We just came back from attending Evan's graduation from Culinary School. It turned out to be a much 'bigger' deal than we had thought it was.  A great program!

Within the school Evan already attends is the opportunity to take this class. It is offered and taught by the San Antonio Food bank.  As it turns out San Antonio Food Bank partners with many in the community and trains many in the culinary arts.  Also graduating the same day were some men from prison.  They trained at a different time than the Independence School.  The goal of the culinary is to equip these adults with the skills that could really help them get careers.  Evan received a certificate of completion in culinary skills. He also received his own chef coat with his name on it and everything!

The meal was great, pork loin, ettouffe-ish dish, bell peppers stuffed with seasoned hash browns. The salad was spinach and strawberries and pecans, with flakes of red pepper. The dessert was a carrot cake(Keith's is better)with a marmalade tart. 

Evan is doing wonderfully at the school. He has his bus pass, but not complete freedom to go on his own yet.  We are thinking that those at the school are a bit protective of him and do not see his full potential yet.  He does have a way of hiding it well. 

We were talking with him about his driving in San Antonio, which has been the plan since his moving there. The school said it would be ok and they would work it in the plan once he got his job. After driving San Antonio recently we were wondering if it would be a good idea. Evan very maturely thought that it would probably be better to ride the bus, he said "People drive crazy in San Antonio".

He is also already planning his apartment when  he moves back home.  He will live with us a "little bit", till he gets a job and then get an apartment. Then he will need a bed and some dishes and pots and pans. He wanted the Texas dishes Lee had had in his house in Lubbock, but I sold them in a garage sale. So "we will have to find something else".

The big graduation should be about Christmas. Before that happens he will need to get a job in San Antonio then move to the apartments on campus and 'live on his own' for a few months. 

The school is whining right now about the 'economy' and hoping it does not affect the students job opportunities.  Too much faith in the world and not enough in our God. God is going to surprise them all!!

It has been a few days-- So much to do this time of year!  Our Christmas was a completely new experience for us! A multitude of 1st.

1st Christmas to not have to put up a Christmas tree: One would not fit in our lovely abode. We thought of Christmas lights, but thoughts of Randy Quaid's character in National Lampoons Christmas danced through my head.  

1st Christmas in many many years to not spend it in Midland in my home.  We have hosted Christmas for YEARS. Without a house it was impossible. 

1st Christmas to spend in San Antonio.

1st Christmas no stockings were hung

1st Christmas to have 4 grandchildren-WOW. What joy!!

1st Christmas to have Christmas begin on the 23 and go through the 25-- Two Christmas celebrations with the two families.

1st Christmas to not have a house

1st Christmas none of my children are 'living' in my home.

1st Christmas to not have parents. This was sobering.  Last Christmas was the first without Dad alive, we had eased into his not being with us the year before, with him not being able to come to the house, and us visiting him at the nursing home.  Last year doing for Mom and making sure she was taken care of for Christmas seemed help with the missing of Dad. 

For the past few years I had been the 'Santa' for all of the gifts Mom and Dad had given to others, even the gifts they gave each other.  Mom would call often with the question of if I had taken care of so and so and what they were giving to whom, wondering if there should be more etc. She would have me pick out my own, insist to see it, since she knew I would sometimes NOT do this, it seemed self indulgent to me. This year of course none 'from' Mom and Dad. I missed it, even if it was really 'from' me. 

Mom had tried to 'back out' of last Christmas, which we spent at Brian and Ashtons for the main meal and present opening.  I was insistent and did not let her give in to her maladies of the day, and I am so very thankful! Had that been the case I would not have the last picture of her with me.  As small item, but with so very much meaning for me.

This bit of sadness did not 'ruin' my Christmas! Actually just the opposite, it made everything so much more precious. The time to share with the boys and their families, the grandkids, even the candlelight service, that Dad enjoyed so much in the past, was so very special.  I have my memories of Christmas past, with my parents, my family as a child. I can remember the love and the joy we shared.  I treasure that. 

This year as I watched my own grown children with their families, their children, making traditions, in their own homes, telling their children of Christ's birth, I felt pure joy. Joy of God's plan to save us. Joy that His plan is so constant so precise.

I was born to a young woman with no way to care for me, I was born without parents, with no one who wanted to keep me to love.  God had a plan. A perfect plan for me.  God gave me parents, brothers, a family. God gave me a husband a companion. God gave me children, 3 sons. God gave me daughters when my 2 sons married. God gave me grandchildren. 

The love continues. 

He continues the love. 

More of my Wellness.

Last posting of my illness, I was on the mend.  The diagnosis a bit of a mix of things. That was on a Saturday, the following Monday was even more.

I woke up and readied for my shower and looked down at many many bruises and tiny red spots all over my body.  Frustrated does not even describe what I felt. 

 I called the MD office, I could not do a walk in in the AM because they had a staff meeting, so come at 2pm and they would fit me in.  They did, at 4:30-  Dr. Sponsel was not pleased with what was happening, with my body. The possibilities ranged from virus infecting blood to leukemia and even possibly other cancerous things.... He ordered blood work and a full body scan, to have results before Thanksgiving.  

Dr Sponsel is a Christian, who professes his faith with absolutely no qualms, very refreshing and mentoring to me.  He said he knew we were to have faith in these matters, yet he also believed God wanted us to have comfort and peace, and that having answers to things would bring this, even if it was 'bad news'.  

Well some answers did come on Wednesday, before TG.  I had no blood platelets and spleen enlarged (must go 'with' platelet issue because scan did not come in for another week)

AND I had MRV/Epstein Barr virus-Which is MONO, a herpes virus.   The latter concerned me so much for the grandchildren, I had the nurse immediately call the MD back, before any more explanation of my diagnosis, so as to know if I had endangered them.  The call back was relieving, the infection needs to be of the slobbery kiss transfer, or more (thus the 'kissing disease') And if they were going to get it they would have already had it from me AND I was no longer infectious.  WHEW.

The next news was on my platelets, and bleeding from missing them.  I was not to bump into things, brush my teeth too hard, nor play with the grandkids in a way that would result in bumbs or  bruises, or I would start bleeding and they would take my spleen out. MMmh. "Could I fix this by drugs or eating broccoli or something ?" 

"Nope."  

"Ok, how long do I walk around like a china doll?"

"At least 4 weeks, it takes platelets some time to replenish from nothingness, IF they do."

"IF?"

Probably will, since probably removed by virus(and found later RX given also)but some do not replenish properly if caused by other things. You will need to come into office every week to get platelets counted to make sure they are going up, for a few weeks,starting Monday."

So there I was, monophied, bruised, but NOT diabetic,nor leukemic. Blessed.

Monday, I went in to give blood.  I commented that I assumed the body scan was 'good'. They checked and found it had not come in at all as they had planned, so it had been overlooked. Whoops.  They then seemed to be a bit concerned again, maybe for chicken counting before all eggs in. They were going to call as soon as records found and reported to MD.  Tuesday, they called... MIRACLE to be documented. My platelets were completely normal, no issues at all, I would not need to come in again for any more rechecks. 4 weeks had turned to 4 days.    The scan had also been found and studied, completely clear (except morning BM still present to photographed, but we all know that I am 'FULL of IT).

Since this I have also found that my Mono,was a 'relapse', like all herpes virus can do.  I had mono previously in life and the stress of all of the illness/dehydration and ? triggered it to raise it's ugly head.  Dr. Sponsel and we are not thinking Mono was the primary cause, he still thinks it was toxins in the body that sent me over the edge-- The tannins and fermented of the Wurstfest, cement poisoning when cement ate through my skin and into blood stream, pituitary tumor messing with adrenals all the time, celiac(autoimmune disease) =dehydration and total body collapse-- And God can heal anything anytime, even before we know what we need healing from.. 

I was very sick, I was very aware of this and so very distressed at the thought of not being around for my family, my grandchildren births, graduations, marriages. So aware of missing my blessings, should I be called home now.  I was on my knees. I asked God for my healing and he gave it to me.  No diagnosis needed, only my God's healing hand.   

It always takes something like this to bring things into a new,better light. To show what we take advantage of. The 'things' being our blessings.  I am blessed, I am always blessed, and rarely do I actually look at and treasure up my blessings as I should.  There are still many many things I wish I 'do'. I know I should, because God has given me these things, yet I 'do' not enough with them.  

*My Grandchildren-- more time, more goings on, -go ahead and splurge.. 

*My Boys- more time, more 'talks', tell them more about me-- who else will?

*My Talents- use them, try them, - failure is not using them

*My Family- God gave them all to me, bio and adopted and legal they are all 'real' to me  and , I need to grasp those gifts.

SteveMikeLinda(s) YvonneAnneTeriJulieBeckyCheyanneTomTommyPaulWendiNealGingerDeanAshley

JoeyPattyFranMaryLeMonicaGeneJennyDianeCandiceJamieCodyNeal(s)TravisNathan

KarenTanahVioletGarySuzyFranBlaineJames(s)MaryLouAshtonBobbyColleen

JustinMegMelissa(s)JoeyDeuceM'lissaChrisTheresaLeeEvanTyBrianTrentDavidJoeEmory

RustyJuneChadErinChelseaZachGabDallas(s)AndrewLeslieKennethBryanDanielRachelEJ RebeccaJeffScottStephanieBrittanyMaryChristineKatyMKenzie

*My Husband- a perfect fit, my protector and friend. I need to know that and rejoice.

*My Friends- more than I know,more than I deserve.

All is well-now- with my soul...

I have not posted in weeks, because I have been sick for weeks, then still recovering for weeks. 

What was wrong?? No real diagnosis as of yet. 

What were the symptoms? They were immense, in more than one way.  

Began with a headache, dull and in the temples.  This was the Sunday after we had experienced the Wurstfest for the first time.  So I deduced that dark beer (with wheat which is a no-no) and lots of polka dancing and amazing homemade sauerkraut and being packed like German sardines in the something-named-German- building, was the culprit and popped two Aleve and proceeded to church and such with the family.

Well it became much worse from there.  The headache never left, my neck was killing me, all my joints were screaming at me.  Monday once home, I just curled up on my couch and had chicken broth and old movies and children's Motrin. Tuesday, all pain a bit more intense- definitely not the flu, no other 'sick' feeling.  Called M.D's, I have two I can try to get into.  Nope-- two weeks away appointments. I thought 'well maybe?this will go away'.  It did not.

With a 'secret' mobile # we finally did get into one of the MD's (turns out wrong one)

He 'guessed' maybe flu-- I was sure not, but he said if not , then we would try again.  I truly can not figure out why I can not convey how very sick I am. 

I will condense the rest if I can:

Wed: RX given makes me ill (er) neck, eyes, temples HURT.

Thurs: pain med called in-- this makes me ILL (ER) pain more intense also.

Fri: Keith takes me to Odessa ER( he wanted to take me to Dallas, but I could not go that far)

I have intense pain, photophobia, neck pain, vomiting, my blood vessels have collapsed, my blood pressure is low. - I tell them I usually have great veins, and I have been throwing up and eating and drinking little, I suggest my being dehydrated...  I pee very little in a cup and I get cat scan, a 'concoction of pain meds via IV and a bag of fluids.  I do truly begin to feel some better.  The diagnosis, maybe a histamine headache.   I am pretty good the rest of the day, pain subsided, and I can eat and drink.

Sat: early AM-- It is back.  no nausea this time.  Pain intense-- Keith takes me back to Odessa.

New MD-- Get his concoction which contains morphine and no fluids.  The veins are not there still.  The meds, cover the pain but I can tell still there, not feel too well.  I tell him I really do not feel that much result except 'muffled' pain.  Sent home, with diagnosis - some kind of headache. DUH.  This treatment lasted about 3 hours.

Sunday: Keith has talked to 2 people during week that suggest Scott and White.  He finds they have a 'branch' in Round Rock--We are on the road to Round Rock by 8AM- I try to eat a Popsicle in Sterling City-- it was good till San Angelo. -- We arrive in Round Rock about noon-Now my blood pressure is the highest it has ever been in my life. They hook me up to IV after much problem with finding veins. Give a 'concoction' again, then fluids, once the fluids start flowing I feel much better.  I explain to nurses and MD all the vein issues and how much better I feel with fluids, I think I have dehydration. Not listening.  I am talking to Lee about it on the mobile, Keith is hearing this too, so he goes out and suggests to MD that I may need another bag of fluids, since mine is almost out.  She asks if I have peed yet, nope-- So she says- Great deduction- and adds a bag- 1/2 way through second bag I am great!! Starving too.--We get out I get a pizza around the corner( wheat, but food!) I shop at Ikea and go to Jamie's(niece that lives very near) I bend over to pet Sadie(dog) and BAM, lightening bolts of pain shoot to head and ears roar-- CRAP-- it is back, I almost cry.  But then 4 min later it goes away-- Not cured obviously, but I just wont bend my head quick... The rest of evening perfect.

Mon: Appt with Neurologist with S.W. clinic-- follow up suggested by S.W. ER.-- He is DWEEB.

he suggests cluster migraine, or something like-- Pituitary tumor not an issue, it is small (but it is there so...?)He has a concoction it is the 'best' (NOT) --2 weeks of Prednisone-upper- (steroid)(start with 8 a day, work down to 1) Valium-downer- and compazine - to 'keep it all in'.

Prognosis: Christy=Zombie.--- I asked him what this was for, he said "Your headache" . I told him it was gone yesterday- so I asked "do I have a headache?" He said I did.-- I did not take his concoction.

Later Monday I went about 30 minutes w/o a drink and the headache began again.  So I started drinking drinking drinking-- The head ache went away.

I am learning the tricks-- hydrate constantly, keep proteins high.  (I know, looks diabetic)

The Friday following I did get into my Dr. finally-- he was most distressed that we had not gotten to him sooner-- told us to be insistent and barge into office--- Good to know-too late.

--After the long description of above: He had some theories: Definite dehydration-severe. Why still a problem, will figure out.  Toxicity from something: maybe the cement I have been working with, Cement Poisoning. Maybe a accumulation of much, cement poisening, some herbals I was taking reacting with the smoked/salted/fermented German food I ate, and my pituitary tumor reacting to being 'used' too much. 

My first blood work did have a high blood sugar, as well as a low prolactin.  The blood sugar again diabetes suggesting BUT, also pituitary as well as the prolactin.  My second, 'starved' blood take, brought on no symptoms, and we are all expecting normal blood sugar now.  MD is still in the mind of a toxic reaction to ...   ?

So now? I seem better-- but since not knowing the cause of the problem-- I am being cautious.  Somewhat.  I must get back to work, with cement grinding.  I now wear a mask, gloves and my rubber boots. I hydrate. I eat 3meals with protein. I pray.

Speaking of prayers, my prayers changed a great deal during this ordeal.  From get me over this, to heal me, to just take me, NOW. In the midst of all though was my total thankfulness and awe over my dear sweet caring husband.   I know most of the time Keith acts as if he has little concern of anyone or anything.  He allows you to 'come along' as long as you do it right.   This is NOT always, Keith saw to all my needs, left his work, got a hotel room for my comfort, held my head, rubbed my back, made me drink, listened to me wail-- thought too I might die.  And did not want it. 

As always, God gives us opportunity in midst of a trial. Mine was to see my husbands love.