Compliment at Wal-Mart

It's technically Barry's turn to blog (I did my 20) but you may have to wait for that. I just had to share. 

We were at Walmart and this girl, who was there with her dad, goes out of her way and says, "excuse me (I thought she was about to ask why I was in a wheelchair or something), I just had to tell you that you're gorgeous". WHAT?!? I have NEVER been told that. Much less post-stroke!

I blog about this to show; a. God knows just what you need when you need it and b. The power that your words hold. It made my day!

APAC Respite

Last night was the APAC respite. APAC (Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections) - a support agency for adoptive and foster parents, as well as prospective adoptive parents. This is the agency I used to work full time for and now work as a contract staff (I just realized I haven't posted about that...I will another day). Respite - many of these adoptive parents are also foster parents and cannot leave their kids with anyone that is not DHR cleared. And/or there are parents who have adopted older kids. These older kids often have emotional challenges. ALL parents need a break! There was dinner, games, crafts, etc. It's a great opportunity for children who were adopted to be around other kids who were also adopted. 

ANYWAY, our small group (and some additions), volunteered and it was so awkward/uncomfortable for me. I ran registration (like I always used to do...part of my job was to coordinate these respites once a year) and had a very difficult time. I had a hard time stacking papers, could not take the name tags off the label sheet (in my defense they really were difficult labels ) and had a hard time communicating with one of the parents. 

THEN, after registration, I tagged along with one of the groups (because what else was I to do?) and the awkwardness continued. I tried talking to the kids and they looked at me like I had two heads (unless I knew them), I couldn't play games/basketball/do crafts/etc with them. So I just sat there watching. Awkward. Uncomfortable. 

I am NOT asking for sympathy. That is seriously the last thing I want. It is just hard being at something you used to run...now being a spectator. 

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (Psalm 139:13-16 NIV)

Chiropractor

So, I'm starting to see a chiropractor for these headaches since medicine isn't helping. I don't know what I think. There was a question on the initial paperwork (that Barry fils out) "Do you want personal prayer for your condition?" And then before the treatment he PRAYED with us, "dear Heavenly Father...."  IMPRESSIVE 

Then he started the assessment and it was wonky. At least in my opinion. But hey, I am willing to try anything. Well, I'm not going to a witch doctor. So maybe not anything.... 

Conversations

I am not a very good conversationalist anymore. Here's why. 2 reasons. 

One: I'm harder to understand (some people have no problem now, others I have to three-peat myself) so I don't pipe up in group conversations much. It takes me a while to get everything I want to say out when I do talk. Then, I babble, always have, and I get way harder to understand. I don't contribute to group discussions often. (Which I hate because God has given me a unique story with plenty to share.)

Two: When someone is pushing me and I see someone I know, it's hard to know if they're stopping, how long they're stopping...or if I'm having a conversation with someone, I might think the pusher is ready to leave, so I say, "bye", and we don't leave. Church is the worst place for Scenario two. Lots of awkward smiles. 

It's just really frustrating because pre-stroke Lisa was very social, talkative and a good comunicator. Now there are lots of awkward conversations and smiles. So, if you and I have an awkward conversation, please know I am not rude and there is a good communicator deep down in here. 

Why Me?

Why did God save me?

When Jesus got the message, he said, “This sickness is not fatal. It will become an occasion to show God’s glory by glorifying God’s Son.” (John 11:4 MSG)

I believe I am alive for a reason. The Bible says that my life has a purpose. 

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)

So does YOURS! Are you living out your purpose?

Pinterest Mom

I would totally be a Pinterest mom; crafts, games, meals, the whole nine yards, if it wasn't for the stroke. Now, there is nothing in itself wrong with Pinterest (I have an account!), the problem lies when there is discontent. We can't do it all - we even push it on our kids, we have them in a million after school activities!  We want more, we feel like we should do more, be more.... The stroke saved me from that. I know I CANT do all that and I've accepted that. I am content. 

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Phillipians 4:12

Hey

I kind of forgot I had a blog. Haha. We had a busy February! Elijah turned 4. We had a birthday party. We went to Disney World. Elijah ran a one mile color run. Here are a few pictures....

Fitbit

I have no point here. I have a Fitbit I wear on my ankle. My goal is low, at least compared to my prior self, but between the Nustep (kind of like a sit down elliptical) and a lot of marching in place and "running " around the couch with Elijah, I am reaching my daily goal!

(Sorry if you can see my hairy legs. I can't see well, so I can't tell.)

Patience

Well...I had a purpose for blogging and then I forgot. Grr. I have no idea my original purpose, so I'll write about patience. 

God has REALLY worked on my patience through this stroke. I have to have patience for EVERYTHING. From opening packages to getting to the front door when it rings to pouring creamer in my coffee. Literally everything takes more time now. But I am not complaining because I can do those things!!

I know what it's like to NOT be able to even hold my head up, much less do laundry. So I have an appreciation for the little things which gives me patience...well that and The Lord. 

My New Toy

This...

Has revolutionized my life. :) I can read again!!