How I Study

Well, since I don't write, read or turn pages very well, I found this gem....

The Zondervan NIV Study Bible. It's great! You can highlight in different colors, bookmark, take notes, see footnotes, etc. It still takes me awhile, but it allows me to still study His Word. I love technology. 

Shout Out

A shout out to my hubby. We always talk about how life has changed for me, but what about Barry? His life has changed a great deal! He now pushes me instead of holding my hand, spends his free time doing things I can't do instead of spending it golfing, etc. He does a great job hanging out with Elijah while doing the things I can't do. I am so very blessed to have him!

(I couldn't title a post "shout out" without mentioning my parents. My mom is living down south! Away from her husband! I could never thank them enough!)

Non-Driver Identification

I would think that turning in my (very expired) driver's license and getting this one would be sad. But there were no tears. Yay!

Bible Verse of the Day

 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze” (Isaiah 43:2 NIV).

I've Come So Far

I was just thinking last night about how far I've come. 

That was me right after the stroke. Man I look rough. :) After the stroke I wasn't able to hold my head up. I had to have head/neck support on my wheelchair for awhile - it was an achievement to go without it. I couldn't speak. I had a catheter. I couldn't move my right side. I couldn't feed myself. Actually, I couldn't eat period and when I finally could, used a bib well after getting home (I was in the hospital/rehab for over a month). I had to have feeding evaluations, was on a liquid diet, etc. The first time they had me sitting up, I thought I was going to pass out. I had to take an ambulance on a stretcher from the hospital to rehab. The nurses gave me sponge baths while I had  the catheter, and then I was bathed in the shower, because I couldn't do it myself. I couldn't brush my own teeth or brush my own hair. You get the picture. 

Now, while I still can't walk and still struggle with many other things, I am doing pretty much everything. Wow, God is good!

Watch

I am kind of bummed. We bought this....

The new Apple Watch (why is it not called iWatch?? IPhone, iPod, iPad,i Tunes....)  It doesn't work as anticipated. I knew there would be some difficulties but I had hoped....

I have to wear it on my right wrist because to put it on or use it I have to use my non-tone-y, non-shaky, better (not good but better) aim left hand. But this causes problems because instead of making noises it taps you. Great, except I still can't feel my right side, so I can't feel the tap (even turned up all the way).

It is difficult to hold my right wrist still enough to do anything on it. The activity tracker is, of course, not accurate being in a wheelchair. 

I had just set unrealistic expectations for it. I can still use some of the features and I'm glad I have one. I don't mean to sound ungrateful, I just feel a little bummed. 

Run

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV)

So Thankful

I love to travel. Shocker. We just came back from Melbourne Beach, visiting Barry's brother. I was just sitting here thinking how thankful I am to still be able to travel. We get a wheelchair accessible room, yes, and there are a few more accommodations, but overall...I'm able to travel and I'm SO thankful for that.

Bragging - I Hope it's OK

I just need to brag on my son for a moment. He does laundry without complaining (most of the time). He replaces the toilet paper roll when it's out. He shares his food - even when it's his favorite and last. He picks up trash off the floor not prompted. I could go on and on. (Now we have our share of struggles too. Don't you worry.) I am constantly in awe and thank God CONSTANTLY that in His infinite wisdom He placed us together as a family. 

One of the Hardest Things

This is going to sound shallow, but one of the things that I'm having the hardest time adjusting to is weight gain. I am up several sizes from what I normally am and it is so disturbing. I want to feel comfortable in my own skin again. I hate "diets" but I need a reboot. So, I am doing Nutrisystem, which is surprisingly good. We'll see.... 

Complaint

I don't complain a lot. But these headaches.... Through God's strength I can endure a lot but...these headaches are really getting to me lately. I know God's power is made perfect in our weaknesses but I have to keep reminding myself. They are constant, 24/7. Nothing has helped - chiropractor, home remedies, multiple medications...alright. Pity party over.