Cough... and List From the 50's.

I have a cough. It seems to be getting a little better today but it's still bothersome. Please pray that we'll get it figured out and I'll stay healthy for the rest of the winter. But mostly pray that I'll be able to be thankful and rest in God's will. It's hard not to worry sometimes.

Also could you pray that I'll be able to sleep at night. I end up coughing a lot and I can't seem to get comfortable. Thank you!! :-)

I found a list of things a guy supposedly likes in a girl in a book, published in 1958. Some of it made me laugh but it mostly made me think about how conservative life was fifty years ago. Have guys changed so much or is it the girls? Or, is it society in general? Some of it still fits this modern age (for instance, a boy likes a girl who listens) but others do not (for instance, a boy likes a girl who doesn't care for smokes or drinks).

Actually the funniest thing about this is that most of it completely fits the lifestyle I was raised with and am still trying to live. Some of the issues, I struggle with. For instance, I don't have a bell in my voice. Hehe. :-) More seriously though, gossip. That is a hard one.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this list and to all who read, please feel free to post your comments, regardless of your view on what a true lady is. :-) :-) I welcome something to think about.

A boy likes a girl who...

listens...

meets his eye...

walk with a spring, not a swagger...

has a bell in her voice...

make inexpensive clothes look cheery...

isn't self-conscious about her figure, but doesn't advertise it...

A boy likes a girl who...

wears a flower, but not the whole Botanical Garden...

is prudent but not prudish...

doesn't care for smokes or drinks...

is a lady, even in jeans...

appreciates football without looking as if she could play it...

A boy likes a girl who...

laughs but not too loudly...

doesn't knock the rock, but admits there's room for Bach...

would rather bite her tongue than her nails...

has opinions, but doesn't think they're the only ones...

doesn't call him on the phone for no good reason...

A boy likes a girl who...

like him more than she likes his car...

thanks the donor for small favors...

neither spreads nor inspires gossip...

doesn't go to the beach dressed in a pocket hankie...

acts herself, instead of aping movie stars...

A boy likes a girl who...

has read a book...

walks in the rain, and doesn't fuss about her hair coming down...

gets up early to go fishing...

appreciates his jokes...

cares about his hobbies...

Faith vs. Fear

For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. -- Isaiah 41: 13

I've been dealing with allergies the past week. Our neighbors decided to cut their hay field across the road and my sinuses are rebelling against the decision. Haha. :-P

It actually hasn't been that bad until last night. I couldn't lay down for the longest time because when I did, my air would get cut off. That, of course, brought back bad memories of my breathing 'attacks'... along with many other unpleasant thoughts about what it would be like to get pneumonia again. And I began to wonder if this innocent case of allergies would turn into something more serious. That strain of thought went on for what seemed like a long time. Hours of night and early morning passed and I still sat in my bed, waiting until it seemed right to lay down again. Finally, I realized I had been 'hearing' a still small voice that was becoming louder and more insistent.

“I will not leave thee, nor forsake thee.... I will uphold thee with my hand. Fear not what flesh can do unto you.”

When God says to hide His word in our hearts, it is for a very good reason. In the most essential moments, bits and pieces slip in around the cracks of my brain and, like a sharp two-edged sword, strike to the marrow of the matter... and my heart.

I suddenly remembered that even in those worst moments of the past couple of years, I had felt God's presence. So real; so awesome; so holy; so loving; so just. There is no question of His existence in my mind. I know He lives and I know He loves me, as He loves all of His children. And I am amazed and humbled how He takes the time to remind me that it doesn't matter what happens, He will always be there. He will never leave me to battle alone, even when I worry.

Perfect love casteth out fear. -- 1 John 4:17

In God I will praise his word, in God have I put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me. -- Psalm 56:4

When I trust in God it changes the way I look at life. It changes my attitude. Trusting means smiling at a younger sibling when they're being annoying. (After all, not only do they put up with me but practicing patience makes perfect. :-)) Trusting means when I sit before a meal, I thank God for it and the few hours of rest I got the night before. (I was not really expecting to get any.) Trusting means standing with God's hand in mine, face towards the future and eyes lifted heavenwards. Trusting means not beating myself up for not being able to help like my siblings do. Trusting means that I praise God after the latest cough because it didn't hurt and not worrying about the next one. Trusting means concentrating on each breath and feeling thankfulness as each enters and exits my lungs... full, unobstructed and lovely. :-) Trusting means not worrying about whether I'm going to sleep tonight or not, but preparing myself with a few good books. Trusting means finding peace... and expressing true joy and love to those I am around.

Trusting leaves no room for self pity.

I try to live by the minute, aware of the future but not looking to it. Because if I forget this very present time, I lose my purpose. When I think of the days ahead of me... whether they be filled with strength or weakness, I find myself anxious: will I place my faith in God? Or will I forget?

And then, I am back in the present, realizing for a moment that I have indeed forgotten Him! But He never gives up and continues to remind me. Sometimes gently, sometimes not.

I watched a movie today called, “Facing the Giants”. Some of you may have heard of it before. I found it to be a fairly good film and enjoyed it. Of course, it's all about trusting God and making God first in your life. How providential was that?! Right on time for what I'm learning.

Anyway, one line that really hit home was when the two coaches were talking and the mentor coach says, “The Bible says 'fear not' 360 times. I think God meant it when He said that.” (I'm afraid I'm not quoting word for word...)

I know I have written about trusting before, so I hope I am not sounding like a broken record! This is actually more of a reminder for me, but perhaps... someone... somewhere is discouraged right now. If you are that person, I pray that you will come to a place that is right.

We cannot face our fears and struggles alone. We must first start by asking God to take over in all areas of our lives and trust that He will do just that.

Then He will show you the way. I promise. :-)

And I'm back..!

My computer ended up with a virus last week and crashed. :-/ But, thanks to the efforts of several people (thanks guys!), I am again online! Hopefully, I'll be able to keep it that way. ;-)

My health is improving, thankfully. Each day finds me with new energy... and it is a happy thing. :-D My lungs have cleared up, as well.

Updates

Yesterday we went to WA for the vitamin c I.V. drip. It was a tiring day but it went well. The doctor was knowledgeable and very kind. :-) It is recommended that I have several more of these treatments... not looking forward to the needles, but enjoy the improvement. Actually, getting the needle in yesterday wasn't too bad. He only had to try twice... what a blessing. :-) My past experiences with I.V.s have been less than pleasant.

Improvement feels like more energy right now. Which is pretty exciting!

And moving... well, we're talking Saskatchewan again. Yep. *buckles her seatbelt* It will be interesting to see what happens!

God certainly doesn't let me down when it comes to exciting stuff happening in my life. :-)

And Life Goes On...

The treatments went well yesterday. My dr. said my body/system responded well to it. That is good news.

She still wants us to go to WA to get treatment from the doctor there. Right now, I think it will happen. Hopefully that will kick it.

And at this moment, I am feeling good! I am blessed. :-)

Treatments

Today I am going to my Dr. to have a major treatment done. Prayers for strength and wisdom are greatly appreciated.

If this doesn't work, we're off to Washington to see another Dr. Or at least that's the plan.

Coughing...

My dr. tells me that it is important for me to cough up what is in my lungs. I hadn't been coughing at all, but last night I had a rough time. I kept waking up not breathing and coughing... and this morning, I have had spells of coughing. I think it is good... but so far, nothing is breaking loose and coming up.

If you feel led to do so, could please pray specifically for this to happen?

Thanks. :-)

energy!!!

Yep. That's what I woke up to this morning. More energy than I've had all week.

PTL! and thank you so much for all of your prayers! :-)

health update

This morning, I talked to my Dr. She said that I have two different types of pneumonia and something else... in short, I have contracted a superbug. We're going to continue fighting it naturally.

The pain is less today. For that I am thankful!! I do feel very tired and am resting a lot in bed.

After talking with my dr., I was feeling very emotional and started asking God, "why me?" (feeling sorry for myself! :-)) His answer was, "I love you." I can't explain it, but that was enough. I am at peace with what is happening and what may happen.

If you feel led to do so, please pray that I'll remain cheerful and be a blessing to my family and anyone with whom I am in contact with. And that I'll remember God's answer. :-)

God bless you, my friends! Thank you. ::hugs::

May I Ask a Favor?

Sometimes I look at my blog and wonder... "Who reads this?" Even if it's just a peek every now and then, could you post a comment to let me know that you do take a peek? :-)

Also, can you tell me if you find my blog to be boring, interesting or just 'blah'? I love getting feed back!!

Oh... for those of you who can't post comments, just drop me an email. The little envelope at the bottom of the post is for just that purpose. Thanks! :-)

An update on my health: my lungs are clearing up. (I am so happy!) They do hurt a lot more now, I assume because they aren't used to all that wonderful oxygen. But I am getting better. :-) If you took the time to pray for me, thank you! :-)

Pictures and other odds and ends...

Following my sister Lydia's lead (www.thepanhandlroughriders.blogspot.com), I decided to post some pictures. :-)



This is Zeke on board an ornery but very wise pony that belongs to some friends of ours. This picture is photoshopped... But I like it. ;-)




Lauren H. and myself. The former is a very talented musician and a good friend. We were having a ton of fun!



Typical Cilla. I love it when she hauls a cat around.



And this... is my Dad and a couple of my brothers shoveling our driveway. The snow is rather relentless here. If it's not coming down in big, fluffy flakes, it's melting and making ice. If I didn't know better, I'd say Kevin from Home Alone has figured out a way to mess with the weather. LOL!

And on a more personal note: my lungs are better than they were. I'm not well yet, of course (it's going to take up to 6 weeks at least to get this cleared out of my system), but I'm on my way. Thanks to all who have been praying for me. :-)

Pneumonia

I have been diagnosed with pneumonia. I had it in March but apparently it came back or has never really left my system. I am relieved that it's this because it explains a lot of symptoms/concerns I've been having.

God is good. I mean it.

Could you pray that His healing hand would touch my body? And, more importantly, that I would keep a thankful attitude. :-) I love to complain... and there is so much to be thankful for. :-)I pray I keep that in mind.