Happy Halloween!

This morning after Max's shower,

his feathers were sticking straight up.

Guess Max decided he wanted to dress up for Halloween. 

The inset is Max as his cute normal self. 

When Max does silly things like this,

creating a positive day is simple!

2011 Blessings Celebration!

Wow! Where did the past year go? It seems like I was JUST writing about all the awesome things God planned for my 2010 Blessings Celebration—the Damaris Carbaugh concert and the Grill prize pack.
 

This year, my celebration started early. On Sept 28th, a friend and I attended "My Fair Lady" at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora, IL.

As I was planning this part of my Blessings Celebration, once again God sent His special blessings! First, the Theatre was able to accommodate my need to stand. Secondly, they gave me a great deal on the tickets. I thought it would be nice to enjoy something to eat before our show, I went online and found the River's Edge Cafe. They graciously responded to my email concerning my diet (vegan, gluten-free) with, "yes, we have several vegan and gluten-free options!". YEAH! God is so good at taking care of ALL the details!

So, the Blessings Celebration was set. 

On Sept 28th, my friend and I arrived in Aurora and the first thing God provided was the PERFECT parking spot! It was as close as you could get to the theatre, and just a short block from the Cafe. And since it was a Handicap spot, we didn't have a meter to feed.

We parked and enjoyed the short walk to River's Edge Cafe. What a wonderful place to enjoy a meal! I highly recommend it. Their hummus is the best I've tasted. WOW— what a great meal. And yes, there was even a "high" table for me. God doesn't miss a single detail.

After we ate, we walked over to the Theatre and picked up our tickets at the box office. 

"My Fair Lady" was amazing. The live orchestra, the set design, and the performers all did such a professional, and "spot on" job. WOW!

Pictures courtesy of Paramount Theatre.

I couldn't think of a better way to Celebrate God's wonderful blessings—great company, yummy food, and an awesome (& I mean AWESOME) performance of "My Fair Lady". Pain level was extreme by the end of the day, but it was so much fun celebrating!

Can't believe that was already a month ago. Now that it is Oct 25th and as I reflect over this past year, there have been times of pain & sadness, but there have also been times of overwhelming joy because of God's amazing blessings. Watch for a post soon with more details.

Take a moment to reflect on God's blessings in your life—you may actually be surprised at how many He has sent your way! There is no better way to create a positive day, than to praise God for His goodness to you!

"Like" TJ!

ΤJ Bell 

is a NASCAR racer 
who supports Soldiers' Angels

and The Hero Organization!

TJ does a great job spreading the word about our Heroes, let's show our support for TJ and "like" his Facebook fan page!

It's an honor to be a fan of someone who does so much to support our Heroes!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/TJ-Bell-Fan-Page/181082765278207

Headache—a blessing. Really?

Last night my headache started to increase in intensity. I did all my normal tricks to lower it, but nothing worked. This morning, I was hoping it would be back to its normal level, but it's still intense. Trying to get ready, so I can run a few errands today, is somewhat hindered by the headache.

As I was reclining on the Daybed resting, I realized that my headache even is a blessing. Really? Yes. Since my headache is more intense, the TV and radio are turned off. Usually, I have one or the other on—my brain usually functions better when there is "noise". However, today, it's quiet and that has allowed me to realize more blessings God has given me. 

Here are some blessings

which God has provided—

which I may have missed

if I didn't have a headache!

1. My apartment building. It's very quiet. I don't hear my neighbors, and since I'm in the building furthest from the main street, I don't hear much traffic. 
2. My apartment. Being on the 2nd floor makes me at "tree top level". The birds enjoy sitting on the trees right outside my windows. The songs the birds sing keep Max and me company and are reminders of God's creative hand.
3. The stillness. God says, “Cease striving and know that I am God;  I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 (NASB) When I'm "forced" to be still or "cease striving" I am able to spend quality time with God—meditating on His Word and talking with Him.
4. Better days. Living with chronic pain is at times overwhelming. Yet, when I have a "worse day", it makes me more thankful for my "normal" pain level days. I'm thankful that God knows what I can endure and gives me strength for each day—whether it is a "normal" or "worse" day.
5. God's attention to detail. As a "detail" person myself, I love how God takes care of each and every detail. I've posted before about how God makes sure Max is aware of my headache and pain levels. Yesterday, Max woke up "talking and chatting" and it lasted much of the day. However, today, Max woke up and said a few "happys" and has been quiet since. Today, is also the day I see my Chiropractor. His treatments often help lower my headache intensity. So, what better day to have a "bad headache" (although I've never had a 'good' headache), then on a day I see my Chiropractor? God's timing is perfect. 
6. Prayerful friends. It's so comforting to know that no matter my headache or pain level, friends are talking with God about me. It's so cool to realize that the Creator of all things, is hearing MY NAME! And God knows exactly who I am. WOW!

Can a headache be a blessing. Yes! It's all a matter of perspective. And since I want to create a positive day—even with a bad headache—I can find many blessings surrounding me.

Max Calculating—a special blessing!

One of today's blessing is God's gift of Max. God made sure that Max is very aware of me. Max knows when my headache is bad & will simply sit quietly on my shoulder. If my pain level is high, Max will "talk" & do silly things to distract me & make me laugh.

Only God would think of giving me a little bird to remind me of God's constant love & care. God is so amazing!

 

 

On the days when I have a harder time creating a positive day, God sends His love and blessings to help me along.