IC My New Life

Have you ever had one of those days when you felt like you just couldn’t wait for it to be over?  Well, I was having one of those days recently.   It literally felt like I was dragging myself to my doctor’s appointment that afternoon.   I didn’t want to do anything or go anywhere!  What I am trying to describe to you is a day that I needed a “Do-over.”

Moonbeam shined her light on me when I was feeling down and miserable.  She was my nurse at the doctor’s office.  Moonbeam was so nice to me.  Since I was having a difficult day told her that I really appreciated it.  She said she wants to be a reflection of the Lord shining through her.  I had never thought of it that way before.  

A Different Way To Look At It

Most of the time you hear about being the light…but a reflection was a new way for me to look at it.  As she was talking, I began to cry.  I felt guilty for being so focused on myself.  Moonbeam put things into perspective for me.

As I soon learned everyone in that doctor’s office was a Moonbeam in their own way.  The Doctor and the Resident were super caring.  As we talked I could tell they were Christians too.  I told Moonbeam that she has a wonderful place to work – she agreed. 

How Can You Be A Moonbeam?

Some of us work in a terrific atmosphere surrounded by fellow believers.  I also know some of us are in different situations where we may be the only Moonbeam to shine for those around us to see.  That seems like a huge responsibility!  This is when we have to rely on the Lord and He will strengthen and guide us in these settings.  There is a reason we are placed in these situations.

As we reflect on the difficult times in our lives,  we may think that we need a “Do-Over.”  We are given that opportunity every day.  We can be a Moonbeam to someone in life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How did I end up supporting a Pregnancy Center that helps those considering abortion?  I often think back to how it happened.  During the beginning of the Covid-19 Crisis, I felt the Lord tugging at my heartstrings.  I felt God was leading me and my Small Bible Study Group to support a specific cause.

An Answer to My Prayers

I felt overwhelmed by all the groups on the radio and tv requesting support.  It left me with the feeling that there was no way that I could pick just one.  After a few weeks of feeling this way, and praying about it suddenly it was clear.  During one of our meetings, my Pastor’s wife mentioned how terrible abortion is across our nation.  

There it was…that was it!  We could raise money.  And we could give to an organization that was requesting money for ultrasounds for women who are considering abortion.  The commercial stated that 80% of women who see an ultrasound decide to keep their babies.  It sounded like a great cause.  However, we decided to reach out to our local Pregnancy Center.  We even had the Director of the Center speak to our group at one of our Bible Study meetings.

Continuined Tug at My Heartstrings

Again, I thought that I had done my part, patted myself on the back, and thought that was it.  I continued to feel that tug at my heartstrings again except this time it was much stronger.  After all, I was more educated now.  Now I know that women can illegally purchase abortion pills online, but I also know that there is a reversal pill to the abortion pill!

We needed to do more.  We needed to do a fundraiser for this Center.  After talking with the director we tossed around a few ideas.  My heart seemed set on a “Babyless Shower.”  We decided on a Drive-by Babyless Shower and we would have it outside at our church.

However, after continuing to brainstorm with the Director, we finally landed on a Baby Shower for a specific “Mommy To Be.”  There just happened to be a Mommy that is due right after the date we had set for the Shower.

Before the Shower, we asked the Director to come to our church and share some of the things they do. Therefore, maybe they would be more willing to help and we would have the support of the church for the “Drive-by Shower.”

Chose Life

As the Director told the story of Oliver the tears began to flow down my checks.  I’ve heard her tell this story more than once, but when she says “This is what they were going to get rid of.”  In addition, she shows the picture of this sweet little baby boy.  It gets to me every time!

The mother had taken the Abortion Pill and immediately regretted it.  She must have felt the power of the Holy Spirit tugging at her heartstrings the same way I did.  Frantically she called Planned Parenthood and was told that there was nothing that she could do.  They lied to her.  Determined to find a solution she continued to seek help.  She was directed to Crossroads Pregnancy Center and much to her relief they gave her HOPE.  

They told her about the Abortion Reversal Pill.  If the Reversal pill is taken within the first 24 hours it has a 62% chance of working. She chose life! Now she has a beautiful baby boy.  Now she has Oliver.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/grwc5aNX3mgT9f6z7 Click on the link to see a picture of Oliver

Peace in My Heartstrings

This Center has this and many more amazing stories that God has blessed them with recently.  In other words, since we are getting more involved and have been hearing them it has confirmed in my heart that we are helping the right people.

In conclusion, I consider it an honor to be a small part of what such a wonderful ministry in our community.  I haven’t even told you about the Shower yet.  Hopefully, that will be my next post…

https://www.crossroadspregnancycenter.org/ Click on the link to visit Crossroads Pregnancy Center.

https://americanpregnancy.org/unplanned-pregnancy/options-for-unplanned-pregnancy Click on the link to visit American Pregnancy Association

https://icmynewlife.com/what-is-going-on/ Click on the link to visit another COVID-19 related blog

We were on the interstate only 30 miles away from our home. My husband was driving.  At first, a couple of lights showed up on my car’s dashboard. Then all of a sudden all of the dashboard lights disappeared. My husband had already pulled off onto the first exit we came upon. I started feeling anxious and stressed which can lead to a Crohn’s flare if I don’t stay calm.

We decided to pull over in someone’s driveway and call our Roadside Assistance to come and pick up our now-dead car. We also called our daughter and son-in-law to pick us up and take us home. After only a few minutes of waiting, that’s when my nightmare started.

I started having severe stomach cramps and nausea. I immediately started taking medicine to hopefully lessen the horrid effects of a Crohn’s flare. It was difficult to swallow my pills because I felt like I was adding more in a stomach that felt full and did not want to be disturbed in any way. Many times when I feel a flare coming on, I can take my medicine, lie down and be completely still and if I have the luxury, snuggle with my heating pad on my stomach and avoid the ordeal or at least lessen the effects.

As I was lying back in the front seat of my car, my daughter and her husband showed up. I couldn’t move. I wasn’t feeling better, I was feeling worse. The skies began to darken and any flickers of light were bothering me. I hid my head beneath my hat. Moments later the wrecker showed up. Under normal circumstances, both of these things would have received a very warm welcome from me. Instead, they caused me more anxiety, frustrated me, and probably most of all, embarrassed me.

I was not in control. Crohn’s symptoms were definitely in control. I wanted to hop up and jump in my daughter’s car, but I knew if I didn’t keep still (and maybe even if I did)  I might not be able to win this battle. Instead, as tears fell down my face, I slowly got up, walked over to her car, and lay down in the back seat. I continued to have very painful cramps and nausea all the way home. It was a long, difficult, and bumpy ride for me. I could not wait to arrive home and fire up my heating pad and snuggle up with my cats in my bed!!

 I don’t mind sharing with anyone that I have Crohn’s (a bathroom disease) or Interstitial Cystitis (another bathroom condition). What I don’t like is sharing the worst part of my flares. I want to be alone…just me and the Lord. I talk to Him a lot when I am in the throws of these trials. Sometimes I am begging for relief, sometimes I am thanking Him when I start feeling better.  Things can always be worse, although amid our battle it does not seem like it.

In this particular incident, I was ashamed and embarrassed.  Most of the time I try to hide my pain and struggles. I try to fit in and do a lot of the things I used to do..but IT IS HARD! I am not in control in a flare…and I don’t like that, my guard is let down and I’m vulnerable and I don’t like that either! What I did learn is that I can count on my world (aka known as my loved ones) to be there for me. My daughter stepped up and showed me her love. She was very supportive and that is what I needed.

There are always going to be times when life feels like a nightmare.  Surround yourself with supportive, positive folks and talk to the Lord about all of your struggles and the journey will be much easier.

I pulled into the parking lot of my local doctor’s office. I was thinking to myself What is Going On? Where is everyone? Oh, that’s right everyone is at home (where I should be!) practicing social distancing to avoid COVID-19. As I walked the short distance from the most convenient, handicapped parking space, the journey felt like it was miles. My feet seemed to be weighted down almost as if to tell me to run back to the safety of my car.

There was a table in front of the door manned by a very friendly member of the doctor’s staff. I have never seen this before, but as I soon realized there were many things I have never witnessed before that I was going to see on this day. She began asking me a series of questions:

• Have you traveled out of the United States in the last 14 days?
• Do you currently have a fever or lower respiratory symptoms such as a cough or shortness of breath?
• So on and so forth.

Confidently, but also with concern, I answered “No,” to each question. Then I had to sign the paper after she disinfected the pen for my use. She proceeded to confirm my replies by taking my temperature and recording it on the questionnaire. She then offered hand sanitizer to me while she pumped it with her gloved hands. I stood there as she opened the door for me so that I would not have to touch the potentially harmful handle.

I walked into the waiting room to check-in and was greeted by another masked staff member. Oh, I forgot to tell you that I had to have a mask on before I could enter the building and the staff member who checked me in was also masked. As a matter of fact, I could see other staff members walking around since all of the waiting rooms were open for easy access and they were all wearing masks!

My heart began to race, my breathing was heavy and I was pacing the floor. I felt like I was trapped in a dream…a bad dream…a nightmare! I began to panic. My glasses were fogging up and I could barely see…maybe that was a good thing. I just wanted it all to end. I knew I had to calm down, but how?

As I paced around the waiting room all alone, I noticed a bird…no, not a real bird, but a painting of one. I think birds are beautiful. They always bring a source of comfort to me. I began to concentrate on the beauty of the bird and the vibrant color of the painting. I knew I had to focus intently on something other than the fact that I was scared! Why was I so scared?

I’m taking a biologic called Stelara for my Crohn’s disease. It suppresses my immune system which puts me on the list of those thought to be most vulnerable during this Pandemic. Looking around and seeing everyone in masks, being afraid to sit down in the waiting room because of fear for potential germs, combined with the uncertainty of my conditions just became too much for me to handle. It was surreal.

Apparently, scenes like this are going to be part of what we are calling our “New Normal.” I had already weighed the risk versus benefit in my head and decided that I needed to go ahead with this doctor visit, but just seeing everyone with masks on, suddenly it became too real!

I’m glad the Lord calmed me down and I didn’t run out of there crying and screaming like I wanted to do, but it really caused me to pause and consider the magnitude of the way our lives may change forever. It may be a really long time before we can all gather together in a small, crowded waiting room…hmm…maybe that’s a good thing. There are good things that can come out of all of this.

We have a choice in all of this. We can dwell on the fear, and unknown about what is going on or we can trust in the hope of the Lord. I knew this in my heart, but I momentarily let fear overwhelm me.

We need to look for positive things that are possible because of this “break” in our daily routines. A time to slow down to focus and re-focus. A time to look at life from a different angle. A time to realize how quickly our lives can change in such a short time.

One thing that has changed in my life is that I am spending more time with my husband and I am studying my Bible more. All of these are positive things…habits that I intend to continue. So for me, What is Going On is that the Lord is changing my focus. I have had a chance to refocus on how I spend my time. Time is a very precious thing…let’s be wise about how we are going to use ours.

What is Going On with you? How has your life changed for the better? Please share your experiences or suggestions with me in the comments section below.

Can you believe it is time for my 35^th Year High School Reunion? Me neither! The Reunion started on Friday night with 3 different activities until Saturday night. I decided to reserve my energy and try to go to the last event on Saturday evening. It was a risky decision to wait until the last night and last event. This could have meant that I would not be feeling well enough to go, therefore missing it all. Or it could have been a very clever idea on my part that I had saved up what little physical energy that I had for that night.

Since I had decided to go for the latter, I was very disappointed when I woke up Saturday morning in a Crohn’s flare

🙁

This meant I not only didn’t feel well but that I was limited physically. After resting most of the day, I decided to go for it. I think the excitement and anticipation propelled me forward.

Fortunately, my husband was going with me and gave me his opinion on the finishing details about what jewelry looked best with my outfit and other little things that can make me feel very anxious. He is always very accommodating with things like that and it helps me to stay calmer.

When we arrived at the Reunion and I entered that shindig with more confidence than I ever had in all my years of attending school. I was always painfully shy when I was younger. I did many things to help me to get over my extreme shyness, including one topic of discussion for the night, about me and some of my friends dancing and lip-syncing to “You are the One That I Want” from the movie “Grease” in a Junior-High School talent show. I was supposed to be Olivia Newton John…wish I had a video of that one!

It was good to be where I felt like I fit right in…these were my peeps. These were people who looked like me, loved the same old songs and are in the same stage of life in many ways. Most of us are empty nesters at this point, some of them with grandchildren, but many of us describing ourselves starting off with where we work if we were married and so on.

It has caused me to pause and think about Have I learned Anything Since High School? Here is some of what I have learned:

• The relationship I have with the Lord is the most important one in my life and I want the same joy and peace that I have in the Lord for everyone that I meet.

• My career is important but has changed drastically over the years. I have learned that the closed doors, decisions I have made along my career path, and my health limitations were all part of a well-orchestrated plan that the Lord had for my life before the creation of the world…Amah-ZING!

• Love is still important to me. I am so thankful that there were people in my life praying for the wonderful husband that I would marry. Alan and I have enjoyed each other’s company since I invited him to the prom in 1981. We would go on to have one daughter who is a beautiful woman that encourages, motivates and inspires me to be a better person.

• I never dreamed that I would have all of the health issues that I have now. I was not particularly sickly as a child. I have also learned that the struggles I face with my health have brought me to a place where I want to be closer to the Lord.

I could not imagine what my life would be like when I was in High School, but I am thankful for all my peeps who have helped me to find my way to the God-fearing, wonderfully-made woman I am today.

Valentine’s Day for me and my husband sure has changed over the years. I remember when spending an hour or so waiting for a table at a popular restaurant seemed to be my idea of how to show our love. It was more of an outward gesture – to go and see and be seen was what my heart desired.

In my younger years, I always thought that he HAD to buy me chocolates and send me flowers. I think I was trying to keep up with everyone else’s idea of what true love was.

Now I know that all of that doesn’t really matter. No, I’m not opposed to chocolates and flowers, but they are certainly not a requirement to show me love.

This year my, after I came home from work, my husband asked me if we were going to do “shots.” My first reaction was to think he was talking about drinking alcohol, but I knew he knows me better than that. So then, I figured we would take pictures and “do headshots.” But what he really was talking about was him helping me do my Humira shots to treat my Crohn’s disease.

After we told each other “Happy Valentine’s Day,” opened a few small gifts, he gave me my Humira shots and I went to bed. I felt awful by then. I was beyond tired and my body ached from head to toe. Earlier that morning I was in a Crohn’s flare and I pushed myself and went to work.

Most of the time, if I push myself when I’m already sick, I will end up doing more harm than good. That’s exactly what happened on the day set aside to show love. My night ended in a Fibromyalgia flare. However, my husband showed me the true meaning of love by helping me with my injections and not expecting any more out of me than just a quiet night at home with my true love.

Growing older changes your life. Some things are harder, but some things are better. If growing older means that I am learning the true meaning of love then I think that is a good thing. Of course, the Bible says it better than I can…What are some ways that your Valentine’s Day or ideas about love have changed? Please leave me a comment below.

My Gastroenterologist ordered a CT scan of my small intestine to check the progress of my Entyvio infusions for my Chron’s disease. I had told him that if I didn’t have diarrhea, nausea, and weakness that I had pain, pressure and bloating.

Less than two hours after my scan my doctor called me…not a good sign! He explained that they found a large mass in my pelvic area. I made an appointment with my Urogynecologist to find out exactly what it was and what to do about it. He did an ultrasound and said that I had an ovarian tumor the size of a cantaloupe. I knew that I was facing surgery, but I was hoping it would be laparoscopic surgery. He said it was too big for that and he would go back in the same incision where I had a hysterectomy and an ectopic pregnancy removal.  I knew the pain and recovery I would be facing…or so I thought!

My doctor said he could do the surgery the following Friday. He stated he had planned to take the day off to travel but he could do my surgery and then go on his trip. I said it sounds like you want to do it quickly. He said it is more because I know you are uncomfortable. I was more than uncomfortable, I was in pain, so I said next Friday will be good! I had pain in my lower, left, pelvic area. By the following week, I was starting to have pain on both sides of my pelvis.

When I woke up from the surgery in the recovery room, I remember being very groggy, sensitive to the overhead lights, freezing cold, and moaning and moaning because I was in so much pain. I was in there about two hours, much longer than expected.  When they took me to my room I looked like a mummy because of all the blankets they had wrapped around my head and the rest of my body trying to keep me warm and to block the lights.

The first person I saw was my husband. I remember grabbing his hand and a wealth of emotions came over me. I was so thankful to see him again. He told me what the doctor said, but it was a little different from what we finally figured out to be the whole story.

My doctor removed the tumor after he drained over three liters of fluid from it. He said it was bigger than a basketball and that I was the equivalent of being past a full-term pregnancy in size. He said it was stuck to my intestines and wrapped around my ureter. He had to cut my ureter. Another doctor then came in to finish the surgery.

A Urologist had to reconstruct my bladder in order to reach the ureter. He then stitched me up and put in 17 staples. When I woke up I had a catheter that would stay in for ten days. After talking to the Urologist, I also realized that I would be in the hospital for three days instead of one!

My recovery was going to be longer and more complicated.  I was going to be in a lot more pain than I originally thought. But the Good Lord blessed me with an amazing support system. My husband spent every night in the hospital with me and waited on me hand and foot, to the point that I started saying that I would do things myself just because I knew that I needed to move around more. He was also a huge encourager to me to continue to get up and move around.

My daughter and my sister stayed with me so that my husband could go home feed the cats, shower, etc. It was so good to have them and other visitors during my stay at what seemed like a very expensive spa retreat. I had nurses checking on me every couple of hours,  a special bed that assisted me in resting, sitting up, and getting up to walk. I rested more those 3 days than I ever have on any vacation and spent lots of quality time with my husband.

In a way, it was very relaxing. I usually try to look on the bright side of things. I knew I wouldn’t get that kind of rest after I left that “spa.” I tried to make the best of my time with my family and friends. Although I had to go through a lot to get that much-needed rest. I appreciated it for what it was. It was an escape from the fast pace of everyday life and my long To Do Lists both at home and work.

I believe the Lord allows us to go through struggles to slow us down and make us really think about what is important in life. For me, my Faith, Family, and Friends are so important to me. I also appreciate the importance of the expert care of my doctors and have written Thank You cards to them.

I want to continue to reach out to those that mean so much to me in my life. I want to continue to give the Lord what He is due. He has brought me through such a difficult time and provided so much love to me from Him and my loved ones.

During my recent follow-up visit with my Urogynecologist that did the initial surgery, I asked him what is the take away from all of this that I can pass along to others so that they will benefit from what I have been through. The main take away that I can pass along is to encourage all ladies to have their yearly physical exam. Since I had a hysterectomy, I don’t have to have pap smears, so I don’t have annual exams. This could have been another way that my doctor would have found my tumor sooner. Given the other issues I have, such as Crohn’s disease and Interstitial Cystitis; pain, pressure and bloating in the pelvic area are common. I suffered for a long time and I don’t want any other woman to have to suffer needlessly as I did.

My story could have ended very differently. My pathology reports could have come back with a malignant tumor instead of benign. I can’t imagine recovering from this surgery, dealing with Crohn’s, Fibromyalgia, etc., etc. AND being told that I have cancer. Thankfully I don’t have to worry about that and hopefully, this will help some of you to take action on a much-needed cancer screening that you have put off or to encourage a family member or friend to take this step in cancer prevention and unnecessary pain.

 

If you have a similar story or heed my words of advice, please let me know in the comments section.

Rachel is a lovely, brownish gray Eastern Phoebe with a light green underbelly. She is happily married to a dedicated husband and father, Ross (I hope you all understand the “Friendly” connection). They have been married for several years and they had four clutches (a group of eggs) together. They have had at least sixteen hatchlings (a bird a few days old) or more in all.

Rachel is awesome. She gives birth to four or five babies at one time and flies around like Superwoman. Speaking of flies…she catches them in mid-air. She also likes beetles, spiders, and ticks.

She seems quite tame making her nests on the top ledge of my front porch around my four cats. She built her first nest like a single home dwelling. Then she created a two-story condo with very low HOA fees for her brood (a family of offspring or young).

She has used fine craftsmanship on the design of several homes for her family. She designs an open cup dwelling with a base made of mud, built up with leaves and grass lined with fine grass and animal hair.

With incredible motherly skills, Rachel catches her babies’ food, feeds it to them and catches their poop in mid-air.  I have seen her in action on several occasions.  She always amazes me with her dedication to her family, her beauty, and her song. I’m so glad that she has allowed me into her life.

She reminds me not to be anxious or worried about things in my life.  Worrying is not good because we are doubting God’s power and goodness.  Sometimes we say we are just “concerned” about something.  Well, then what is the difference between concern and worry?  When we are concerned about something we are in control of our thoughts and feelings.  Worry is when something controls our thoughts, actions, or even becomes our way of life.

God wants us to remember not to worry.  In Matthew 6:25-26, 31-34, Jesus tells us three times, “Do not worry.”  How is that for stressing an important point?  If we are His disciple and we are worrying, we need to stop and remember that the Lord will take care of us.

What is one of God’s promises to us?  We don’t need to worry about anything and instead pray about everything.  We should tell God what we need and thank Him for all the things that He has done for us. Then we will experience God’s peace that far exceeds anything we can understand.

The next time you see a bird think about how God takes care of them.  Recognize that as His children He will always provide our needs.  Remember His promise that He will never leave us and always be there for us.

Click on the link below to see a video of Rachel singing:

https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=hrj879GkJDo

 

Like many of you, I count down the days until Spring with much anticipation. Recently, I have waited for the arrival of another of God’s beautiful creations. For many weeks now I have noticed a bird hanging around our house and she built a nest. Day after day she sits in that nest, presumably on top of her eggs.

When I wake up right after dawn I can sneak a peek from my kitchen window outside onto our front porch, up on the ledge, of a sleeping Mama bird. She doesn’t move around, her head is slightly turned away from me and I catch her getting a few winks. Later on, I see her nestle gently down into the nest on those eggs, day after day, week after week.

For the past couple of days, I have noticed that she will stand on the edge of the nest and peck around, look down into it as if something is about to happen. The Daddy bird will also fly over to the nest while she is out dining on some big, fat juicy worms or even some yummy flies. He stands on the edge and looks as if to see any sign of life.

Finally!! I look out into the nest one morning and all I can see is these fuzzy, little bobble heads moving around. I am so excited and happy all at the same time. It brings a tear of joy to my eyes. They are here! Welcome baby birds! Welcome to our planet!

How many birdies do you see?  To be continued…

Click on the link below, turn up the volume, watch it full screen, and type in the comments how many baby birds you see on my YouTube video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=28&v=CDwKDWLCj0E

 

With weeks of anticipation and not knowing what to expect the day was finally here. It was Monday, August 21, 2017. It was a day like no other that I have experienced in my life, but I enjoyed it immensely. It was the day of the total solar eclipse.

We live in South Carolina so we were in the path of totality…what a cool word that you hardly ever use other than during an eclipse. I will probably use the word “totality” or some form of it totally more than necessary in this post….get it “totally?”

Of course, you have to wear those totally stylish eclipse sunglasses if you want the full effect of the experience. I read that they had to be ISO certified and that not all of them were safe. Fortunately, when I went for my annual eye check up at my Optometrist’s office they were selling them there. I thought this would be a great place to buy them and be protected so I bought several pairs to give out to family members.

It was a big deal in the small town that I live in and many traveled to our city just for the viewing. I had heard that all of our hotels were booked and some people were renting out their land to visitors who were camping. There were viewing parties, festivals, and concerts planned all over our town and surrounding cities.

My brother had told me that he would be in town for the viewing, so I invited my family over to my house for our own small viewing get together. The weekend before the eclipse I was very sick both days so I didn’t even think about making plans to provide any kind of food, snacks or anything when everyone was here. I wasn’t even sure I was going to feel like hosting any kind of serotinal (I just learned a new word. It means late summer) event.

But when the day came and I was watching the news and I saw the eclipse in Oregon, my excitement grew and grew even though I was still in a lot of pain. As I discussed with my brother while he was here, one of the best ways to not concentrate on your pain is to keep your mind focused on other things.

As it turned out when my family came to the house they also brought one of our long-time family friends. We decided to set up camp in my front yard. My sister had brought several chairs, our friend had prepared his binocular eclipse viewer, and I provided some bug spray and sunscreen. We were all set and had plenty of time to socialize. I showed one of my recent sunset pictures to everyone. When I showed it to our friend he said: “Who’s The Author?” I said, “Our Lord and Savior of course!”

The whole experience of the eclipse was totally cool and weird all at the same time. It was a very special time with my family.  We were able to get together in the middle of the day in my front yard with our funny hats and glasses on waiting for the brilliant sunshine of the day to turn into night in mere minutes before our very eyes.

As it started getting darker my sister called her husband, I prepared my camera and my Mama continued to give us a countdown to the totality. For me, it was a feeling of adventure, apprehension, and awe. When it was totally dark it was so amazing. It was as if the world we knew had completely changed. The crickets started chirping, the citronella candles were glowing and it was dark. It was night-time for two minutes that day…a day that I will cherish for many reasons.

I completely enjoyed spending those couple of historical hours with my family and our friend. I was awestruck at the totally marvelous world that God created and so grateful that I had the chance to share this experience of a lifetime with loved ones.

It reminded me of those words that were asked earlier “Who’s the Author?” Only our incredible creator could come up with something so totally marvelous! I continued to think about those words and asked myself “Who’s the Author” of my life. Not only who created it but who is writing the words to my daily life? Who is writing the words to your daily life?

Am I careful not to use the words Satan wants me to use? Do I lash out at my most treasured loved ones because I am frustrated and in pain? Do I make time to study the words of my Savior so that I will know how to live my life? Or do I just live each day, each month, each year and take it all for granted?

I’m convinced that my life was created for more than just going through the motions. I know that the Lord wants me to make each day count. It may only be in the smallest way some days because of my limited energy and medical issues. It may be praying for others when I am having a bad day. It may be reaching out to a larger audience on my good days like today but I know who’s the author of my life! Do you?  Let me know what do you do to make your life count each day.