Update

It has been a while since I wrote on my blog. I thought I'd take time to update you on what has been happening. 

I continue with my Vegan, gluten-free diet. It's challenging at times, but I continue to find new items at various stores to keep menus interesting and nutritious.

My chiropractor found some supplements to help with the muscle spasms and headaches. My pain level remains high, and I continue to discuss options with my doctors. It may be that I'll have to go back on some type of medication to lower the pain.

 

The spinal stimulator is "just an implant" at this point. Due to the battery (IPG) issues and the wiring shorts the stimulator can't be used. My pain management doctor and I have discussed what would need to be done to correct the problems. The only solution is to remove the entire stimulator (paddle, wiring, and IPG) and insert another one. At this point, I'm not ready to go through that surgery. That's not to say, I'll have the surgery in the future. I do miss the stimulator as it did help with the leg pain.

In some of my past posts I mentioned my sister and her battle with cancer. The Lord Jesus Christ called her home to Heaven on April 13, 2011. God gave us almost 4 years with Lori, after her first diagnosis. We all miss Lori very much. However, we know that she is worshiping and praising our Heavenly Father and is now living pain free. 

 

Max, my parakeet, has learned a new word. I have no idea what it means or where he picked it up. But he likes the sound of it, because he says it constantly! His new word is "burpy". He mixes it with "happy", "pretty", "bird" and all his other sounds. It sounds funny...so that makes me laugh. 

God continues to supply my needs

(and some wants) in amazing ways.

Here are a few from the past few weeks. 

It was time to buy a new printer. I use my printer to make digital scrapbook cards and print projects for my friends. My old printer served me well and was OVERUSED! God provided a wonderful printer by way of a sale ($100 less!), a discount for trading in my old printer ($50). The new printer is amazing and allows me to even print larger images which will help with my friends' projects. 

I was having a "high pain" day and needed to run some errands. I figured I'd start out and see what I could accomplish and see what special blessings God had for me. God had some amazing surprises waiting for me! One of my Soldiers (adopted through www.SoldiersAngels.org) requested some gummies candy. I found some large bags on sale! Having some extra time after some errands, before my chiro appt, I stopped for lunch. And they gave a FREE lunch! That was an awesome surprise—and was YUMMMY! My last errand was grocery shopping. Not only did God have some special deals for me, but He supplied some new organic frozen veggies.

One of my Soldiers requested books, magazines, and CDs. I stopped by "Half-Price Books" to see what I could find. And once again God had another surprise for me—they are having an additional 20% off sale!

Even though my pain level

remained high, my PRAISE level was HIGHER! 

It's always fun to find God's special blessing "hiding" for me as I go about my day. Those special blessings are great reminders that God loves me and cares greatly for me. He knows all the details of my life—including the pain level and needs and yes, even the wants.

Just the thought

that God, the Creator of all,

knows all the details of my life

makes each day positive!

What God had planned....

Back on Tuesday, Jan 19th, I mentioned some things which I had planned for the day, but didn't know what God had planned. Well, here's the update.

I dropped off my car for an oil change, and maybe a new battery. Then a friend and I went up to Woodfield Mall, so I could drop off my computer to get that fixed. My friend and I went to enjoy a nice lunch and talk, while we waited for the repairs to be completed. During lunch my phone rang. It was the Auto Repair, I quickly thought, 'my car is finished'. However, I was wrong. The car needed many more repairs that I had planned. My friend quickly and kindly reminded me that God is in control.
After lunch we returned to the computer store, they'd need to keep my computer for a few days to fix it. And since my car wouldn't be ready for a few days... my friend drove me home..empty handed. 

The car repairs and a computer operating system upgrade, were not in my plans. However, God has a way of teaching me total dependence on Him. I had a credit card check (pay a 1 time fee and no interest for 6 months) so I used that to pay the car repairs. That gives me some time to pay it off, or for God to supply in one of His creative ways.

When I went to pick up my car, I took the "guys" cupcakes. I wanted them to know that I wasn't mad at them for the high priced repairs. They work hard to keep my 15 year old car running and safe. 

The next day, I went to pick up my computer. It was raining so I turned on the wipers.... I noticed one of my wipers was worn out and the rubber kept sliding out of the holder. Not a good then when driving in the rain. 

The next day, I stopped by the Auto Repair so they could put on new wipers. The guys greeted me with hesitancy..is something else wrong? When I explained it was just my wipers, there were sighs of relief all around! One of the guys put on my wipers and when I asked how much, the reply was..."This is on us! You brought us great cupcakes!". That was a great reminder that since God takes care of little things, He can easily take care of the big things.

Jan 19th was a day which did not go as I had planned.  However, God once again showed me that He is in control and He can take care of me, no matter what comes my way. God continually teaches me to depend on Him.

On Jan 19th post, I included a part about Leading. God does not lead aimlessly. He has reasons for His plans and all that He allows in our lives. He wants us to be dependent on Him and to glorify Him... no matter what! Years ago, a friend said something which I remember even to this day... "Is God enough?" We quickly answer "yes, of course". But when it comes down to daily living... every day needs.... do we really believe, that "God is enough?". 

On Jan 19th I had to work hard to create a positive day. If I focused on the news of all the "bad" that was happening it was overwhelming. Yet, when I got my focus back on God and His leading and His ability to care for me.... it was a very POSITIVE DAY!

2nd Update to "Responsibilty or lack of faith" post

On August 19th I posted a blog about being responsible. On Aug 25, I posted one update to that post. Here's another!

I was seeking ways to save money. I had heard about unplugging things that have clocks, signal buttons, flashing lights, etc, which you don't always use. Items like microwave, radios, TV (including the antennas and digital converter box) etc. So I thought I'd give it a try. The items stay unplugged until I need them. When I'm done with the item, I unplug it again, ASAP. I received my electricity bill this week, and the usage is much lower, making the bill lower too!
I decided to see what other items I can unplug throughout my place. I do have several clocks which I'm wondering how much I use them. If I don't use them, I might as well unplug them. I was amazed at how much money I can save by unplugging items.
Just wanted to share the update!

Sometimes creating a positive day is done by doing something very simply. Often we think we have to do 'big' things to make a difference; that's not true. Most often it's the little things that have the greatest impact.