Yesterday I started a new book. No, I haven't finished Just As I Am or Spiritual Leadership but they will be finished! I'm in a new season and am thirsty for other kinds of books. This one is called High Call High Privilege and it's written by Gail MacDonald. Gordon and Gail MacDonald are Pastors and writers. Mainly, they've pastored four churches and she's written numerous books. He's written some books as well. They're a very personable couple. Greg has actually met them. I ordered some booklets from them last year or earlier this year and she autographed each one.
This book is written to every woman in a place of ministry responsibility. I'm about 1/3 of the way through it and am on their second pastorate. I'm loving all the stories she tells about their experiences. We have another thing in common. Their kids are named Mark and Kristy. Close, huh?
Anyway, some of the jewels I got yesterday were the quotes she opens each chapter with, and I wanted to share them with you.
How you can think so well of us,
And be the God you are,
Is darkness to my intellect,
But sunshine to my heart. Frederick Faber, 1874
Have your heart right with Christ, and He will visit you often, and so turn weekdays into Sundays, meals into sacraments, homes into temples and earth into heaven. Charles Spurgeon
Untended fires soon die and become just a pile of ashes. 80 year-old retired Pastor.
Men are lonely because they build walls instead of bridges. Anonymous
Am I prisoner of people's expectations or liberated by Divine promises? Henri Nouwen
Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galations 1:10.
I can't wait to see all that this book holds for me. I can't recommend reading books enough. Sometimes they take you on an adventure, sometimes convict your heart, sometimes open your mind and lead you on to other adventures. They're always something you can learn and grow from. The brain is a muscle, use it or lose it.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Appointments
Yesterday I had another PT appointment. They worked me hard again. So hard, that when Kristen came over to stretch me out at the end, my shoulder would not move in some of the directions she wanted it to. She said it was hot and too inflamed to have me do my usual three stretches that day. She said only do it one more time, and lots of ice. So I did. It's improving, I'm not nearly as stuck when I get up in the morning.
Yesterday I also had my 6 month opthamology appointment. To my surprise they dilated me. Usually, they just numb my eyes, stick a pen in each of them, then a blunt blue light to check my pressures. But today was a little different. I had called them before my appointment to see if they were running on time or late. Many of my late afternoon experiences have found me in the waiting room for an hour, then in the examination room for 45 minutes. Greg was leaving for the retreat, so I wanted to spend as much time as possible with him before he left. I was told, "There's almost no one in the waiting room and hardly any folders down the hall. Come on down." So I did. Twenty minutes in the waiting room, then off to the exam room. To my surprise the assistant said, "These are gonna sting", as she squirted my eyes. She's never said that before and they've never stung before. Obviously they changed numbing drops! Yikes! Livable, but not enjoyable.
After checking my vision, I was kicked out of the exam room to sit in the hallway for 45 minutes. Yes, the hallway. As my eyes slowly blurred to the point where I could no longer read, I got to enjoy the comings and goings of doctors, assistants, patients, and . . . a friend! I got to say hi to Eric from church. He's the computer tech that supports the office. It's always nice to see a familiar face in an unexpected place!
It wasn't long that I was in the exam room before the doctor came in. He worried me a little, as he looked at the backs of my eyes with his bright mirror. He repeated one of the eyes, which is always disconcerting. Then he said, "I think you're going to be fine." I love those words. He didn't even check my pressures. I go back for a pressure check in 6 months and glaucoma pictures in 3 weeks, since it's been about a year since my last pictures.
I slept really well last night. A nice flat bed, no waking up from Greg getting up to go to the bathroom, it was fabulous. It was so nice to see gray skies and light rain outside. I ran to the church at 7:30 to open up for a writing seminar, came home and made breakfast for everyone, then went to the store. When I came home Kristen and I watched the first DVD of Oprah's 20th Anniversary series. I didn't stop crying the whole time! It was just too good. I'm so renting the other DVDs. Once I composed myself, I made lunch and started a batch of beef vegetable soup. I love that recipe, especially on rainy days. That, or chili beans. Yummm!!!! It's cooking and we'll have it for dinner and many meals to come. Tomorrow, roasted beasties. (What we call roast beef)
Still need to vacuum and dust, but I feel more like reading, so I'm off to the sofa. Maybe I'll make hot chocolate!?! Hmmmmm . . .
Yesterday I also had my 6 month opthamology appointment. To my surprise they dilated me. Usually, they just numb my eyes, stick a pen in each of them, then a blunt blue light to check my pressures. But today was a little different. I had called them before my appointment to see if they were running on time or late. Many of my late afternoon experiences have found me in the waiting room for an hour, then in the examination room for 45 minutes. Greg was leaving for the retreat, so I wanted to spend as much time as possible with him before he left. I was told, "There's almost no one in the waiting room and hardly any folders down the hall. Come on down." So I did. Twenty minutes in the waiting room, then off to the exam room. To my surprise the assistant said, "These are gonna sting", as she squirted my eyes. She's never said that before and they've never stung before. Obviously they changed numbing drops! Yikes! Livable, but not enjoyable.
After checking my vision, I was kicked out of the exam room to sit in the hallway for 45 minutes. Yes, the hallway. As my eyes slowly blurred to the point where I could no longer read, I got to enjoy the comings and goings of doctors, assistants, patients, and . . . a friend! I got to say hi to Eric from church. He's the computer tech that supports the office. It's always nice to see a familiar face in an unexpected place!
It wasn't long that I was in the exam room before the doctor came in. He worried me a little, as he looked at the backs of my eyes with his bright mirror. He repeated one of the eyes, which is always disconcerting. Then he said, "I think you're going to be fine." I love those words. He didn't even check my pressures. I go back for a pressure check in 6 months and glaucoma pictures in 3 weeks, since it's been about a year since my last pictures.
I slept really well last night. A nice flat bed, no waking up from Greg getting up to go to the bathroom, it was fabulous. It was so nice to see gray skies and light rain outside. I ran to the church at 7:30 to open up for a writing seminar, came home and made breakfast for everyone, then went to the store. When I came home Kristen and I watched the first DVD of Oprah's 20th Anniversary series. I didn't stop crying the whole time! It was just too good. I'm so renting the other DVDs. Once I composed myself, I made lunch and started a batch of beef vegetable soup. I love that recipe, especially on rainy days. That, or chili beans. Yummm!!!! It's cooking and we'll have it for dinner and many meals to come. Tomorrow, roasted beasties. (What we call roast beef)
Still need to vacuum and dust, but I feel more like reading, so I'm off to the sofa. Maybe I'll make hot chocolate!?! Hmmmmm . . .
Friday, September 21, 2007
More PT
Tuesday I had my second Physical Therapy appt and boy did they work me! For over an hour they had me do an entire new list of exercises. The head PT did say I was going really far. I can move about 4 more inches in some of the exercises than a week ago. Yea! I get to go again this morning. I get very sore and my shoulder is very hot afterwards, but the ice feels so good.
Kristen has been sick for a few days. Cold/allergy/sleepy/yucky are all words to describe her ailment. I think she'll be better this weekend.
Mark has a very challenging piano teacher at school. He said he had to work for 10 minutes on one note and still couldn't hear the difference. He was given a new way of practicing and he's struggling with it. His regular teacher gave him no sympathy, simply, "Go with it, he knows what he's doing." Needless to say, Mark had a very bad day that day.
Greg is going on the men's retreat this weekend. I always dread his absence but try to focus on all the stuff I'll get accomplished while he's gone.
Kristen has been sick for a few days. Cold/allergy/sleepy/yucky are all words to describe her ailment. I think she'll be better this weekend.
Mark has a very challenging piano teacher at school. He said he had to work for 10 minutes on one note and still couldn't hear the difference. He was given a new way of practicing and he's struggling with it. His regular teacher gave him no sympathy, simply, "Go with it, he knows what he's doing." Needless to say, Mark had a very bad day that day.
Greg is going on the men's retreat this weekend. I always dread his absence but try to focus on all the stuff I'll get accomplished while he's gone.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Update
Okay, I know it's been awhile and you've been very patient with me. I just have a little update on my little life.
Yes, Mark healed wonderfully, no swelling. Piece of cake.
Friday I had my first physical therapy appt. since the diagnosis. It was great. I had the lady I had before. She has the warmest, softest hands. She's so in the right job for her! Or at least for her hands! I'm happy to announce I've faithfully done all my exercises so far, 3 times a day since Friday morning. I can tell when I get more than 2-3 hours late from my exercise time. My shoulder gets sore and stiff. Nice reminder. I have more range of motion than I did Friday. Yeah!
Mark's 18th birthday was Sunday. We woke up to a forked lawn that said Happy B-Day! Loved it!!!! They also forked his car and wrote on the windows. All tastefully done. It was his friends, though they're not completely confessing yet. We had family down Sunday afternoon, which was nice, but too short. Maybe if I served lunch like my brother, they'd stay longer. Who knows.
Mark's friend's birthday party is today/tonight. Mark wanted to have dinner at a taco truck so we treated them to that. Times have sure changed from Discovery Zone and Pizza to Taco Truck and Metroid Prime 3 on the Wii.
That's about it. Spiritually, it's a time for lots of reading and journaling and praying. I finished the In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day and it was great, especially the last 2 chapters. I already have ideas for who to give that book to for Christmas, etc.
Yes, Mark healed wonderfully, no swelling. Piece of cake.
Friday I had my first physical therapy appt. since the diagnosis. It was great. I had the lady I had before. She has the warmest, softest hands. She's so in the right job for her! Or at least for her hands! I'm happy to announce I've faithfully done all my exercises so far, 3 times a day since Friday morning. I can tell when I get more than 2-3 hours late from my exercise time. My shoulder gets sore and stiff. Nice reminder. I have more range of motion than I did Friday. Yeah!
Mark's 18th birthday was Sunday. We woke up to a forked lawn that said Happy B-Day! Loved it!!!! They also forked his car and wrote on the windows. All tastefully done. It was his friends, though they're not completely confessing yet. We had family down Sunday afternoon, which was nice, but too short. Maybe if I served lunch like my brother, they'd stay longer. Who knows.
Mark's friend's birthday party is today/tonight. Mark wanted to have dinner at a taco truck so we treated them to that. Times have sure changed from Discovery Zone and Pizza to Taco Truck and Metroid Prime 3 on the Wii.
That's about it. Spiritually, it's a time for lots of reading and journaling and praying. I finished the In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day and it was great, especially the last 2 chapters. I already have ideas for who to give that book to for Christmas, etc.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
The Fighter
Mark did well yesterday. He went under just fine, telling stories the whole time. It took about an hour. They let us know where to pick him up. We received our care instructions and waited. They said since he came out of the anesthesia, he had been talking non-stop, asking many questions about what happened. So true of him. He talked early and well and always seeks information. They had to wheel him out in a wheelchair. Looking at him, it was almost like he had been in an accident. His color was kind of yellow, he couldn't talk very well with the gauze in his mouth, and you could see the blood behind his lips. His eyes were sleepy and he was very unstable on his feet. On the way home, he kept writing notes to me to communicate. One said, "I'm a fighter." I just loved that. Considering how nervous he was about the IV, he exited the procedure triumphantly. Yeah!!!!
One socket bled more than the others. It was the impacted tooth site. He drank water, had some applesauce and mashed potatoes, and was good about applying his ice pack. He was a little sore, so we gave him the ibuprofen and pain killer to stay ahead of the pain.
His surgeon called last night around 8:30 just to see how he was doing. He said not to be alarmed if there were brown clots coming out of his mouth in the morning. He said he did well and they had to drill quite a bit to get the impacted tooth out.
This morning, he's not swollen, just a little sore at the extraction sites. He's not hungry yet, which amazes me since he hasn't eaten much in the last 24 hours, but he is craving milk. No clots came out, just a little blood.
The fighter has fought the good fight.
One socket bled more than the others. It was the impacted tooth site. He drank water, had some applesauce and mashed potatoes, and was good about applying his ice pack. He was a little sore, so we gave him the ibuprofen and pain killer to stay ahead of the pain.
His surgeon called last night around 8:30 just to see how he was doing. He said not to be alarmed if there were brown clots coming out of his mouth in the morning. He said he did well and they had to drill quite a bit to get the impacted tooth out.
This morning, he's not swollen, just a little sore at the extraction sites. He's not hungry yet, which amazes me since he hasn't eaten much in the last 24 hours, but he is craving milk. No clots came out, just a little blood.
The fighter has fought the good fight.
Friday, September 7, 2007
A Day of Apprehension
All morning I've felt uneasy. Queezy. Nervous. Some of it might be physiological, as Greg hasn't been feeling well this week. Maybe it's sympathy sickness. I think the biggest part is the tie I have to Mark, as he prepares to have all his wisdom teeth pulled this afternoon, some of which are impacted.
He doesn't like needles and medical visits any more than I do, but needles have caused him to pass out and have seizures the last two times. He seems more concerned with the pain after the extractions than the IV. I'm more concerned how he'll handle the IV. It will be a nerve wracking hour as we wait in the waiting room for him. Prayers are appreciated.
I've been praying for him for the last few weeks as we have known of this appointment. I've tried to not show too much of my motherly concern, but my heart aches for what he has to go through today. All I've been able to do when I think about it is sigh and say my poor baby. I'm realizing that it's true, now matter how old your kids get, there is an unmistaken tie that doesn't break. You can't disengage from it. You can't say, that's them, it's not happening to me, because for some reason, part of it is happening to me.
If this is how we mere mortals feel about our kids, can you imagine how our Father must feel when we go through tough times? I'm thankful he is always with us, always knowing every detail, every thought, feeling and fear. Lord, help me cast these cares on you today, as they're just too heavy for me to carry.
He doesn't like needles and medical visits any more than I do, but needles have caused him to pass out and have seizures the last two times. He seems more concerned with the pain after the extractions than the IV. I'm more concerned how he'll handle the IV. It will be a nerve wracking hour as we wait in the waiting room for him. Prayers are appreciated.
I've been praying for him for the last few weeks as we have known of this appointment. I've tried to not show too much of my motherly concern, but my heart aches for what he has to go through today. All I've been able to do when I think about it is sigh and say my poor baby. I'm realizing that it's true, now matter how old your kids get, there is an unmistaken tie that doesn't break. You can't disengage from it. You can't say, that's them, it's not happening to me, because for some reason, part of it is happening to me.
If this is how we mere mortals feel about our kids, can you imagine how our Father must feel when we go through tough times? I'm thankful he is always with us, always knowing every detail, every thought, feeling and fear. Lord, help me cast these cares on you today, as they're just too heavy for me to carry.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Workin' For It
I spent a few minutes reading today and came across several nuggets of wisdom. The first was when the author talked about his calling. He wrote, "And in retrospect, I'm grateful that it was as long and as hard as it was to discover my calling, because easy answers produce shallow convictions." This reminds me of a conversation I had with our son the other day. We were running errands together and he told me one of his friends just got a new, expensive car as a gift from their parents. I told him I was glad he got to pay for his, as well as recent repairs, because it made him appreciate it and value the work that went into getting it. The same is true of anything we work for. The value is so much deeper than things that are just handed to us in most cases.
Another nugget I discovered is this. "In a sense, sin is short-changing ourselves and short-changing God. It is settling for anything less than God's best. Faith is the exact opposite. Faith is renouncing lesser goods for something greater. And it always involves a calculated risk." This reminds me of my 13 year wait for my amazing husband. I had coined a phrase in my late teens or early 20's that anything worth having was worth waiting for. Funny how that simple phrase had a part in sustaining a pure singleness for all those years. I think of women who are desperate to find a husband for themselves and a father for their children. They settle for less than God's best, thinking they have to beat the clock, because waiting on God will take too long. But oh, the rewards for waiting on God! So worth it.
Another nugget was "If you were to always act in your greatest self-interest, you would always obey God. that is what I mean by a win/win relationship." Isn't that such a true statement? God is so faithful and so loving of His creation. He only wants what is ultimately best for us. Sure, we may have to go through a little fire, but there will always be blessings on the other side. We will be stronger and our character will be made more like His. We will always come out ahead if we obey.
Another nugget I discovered is this. "In a sense, sin is short-changing ourselves and short-changing God. It is settling for anything less than God's best. Faith is the exact opposite. Faith is renouncing lesser goods for something greater. And it always involves a calculated risk." This reminds me of my 13 year wait for my amazing husband. I had coined a phrase in my late teens or early 20's that anything worth having was worth waiting for. Funny how that simple phrase had a part in sustaining a pure singleness for all those years. I think of women who are desperate to find a husband for themselves and a father for their children. They settle for less than God's best, thinking they have to beat the clock, because waiting on God will take too long. But oh, the rewards for waiting on God! So worth it.
Another nugget was "If you were to always act in your greatest self-interest, you would always obey God. that is what I mean by a win/win relationship." Isn't that such a true statement? God is so faithful and so loving of His creation. He only wants what is ultimately best for us. Sure, we may have to go through a little fire, but there will always be blessings on the other side. We will be stronger and our character will be made more like His. We will always come out ahead if we obey.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Milestones
Today was a big day for both of our kids. The kind of day you look forward to with anticipation. The kind of day where you hold your breath in the morning and don't breathe until everyone is home and sharing every detail until you can say, "I'm so proud of you."
Kristen started playing the drums last October. Within weeks she was playing in the youth worship band. Her first drum teacher, on more than one occasion, threw his drum sticks in the air and called her disgusting. Before long she moved onto another teacher. In confidence we asked him what he thought of her talent. Did she have a shot at her dream of touring with a Christian rock band some day? "Absolutely, if she makes the right contacts." In May, just before school was out, she auditioned for the Praise & Worship band at school for the 2007-2008 school year. The band director took her through at least 30 minutes of different songs. She stayed right up with him, changing her beat and the parts of the drums that she used, each song different. He was convinced she was good enough to be in the band. So today, during Chapel at school, she got to perform for the first time. She was nervous but knew this is what she had waited for. Jake said she did well. She though she did well, didn't mess up once! Two teachers and many students told her how well she did. Whew, it was over. I asked her if she was going to be nervous next week. She said no. Yeah!
Today was Mark's first day of college. I can't believe I'm even writing this. Just yesterday he was in his cradle, with that baby smell after his bath, sleeping soundly. Today he drove to college, went to all his classes, picked up a few supplies he still needed, then went to work. Now he's home, doing his Chemistry homework. Each problem has to be on it's own separate index card. You can't hand them in at the beginning of class. You have to meet with the teacher during her office time and spend 15 minutes with her as she looks over your work. Yikes! College sure has changed. And so have the prices! Books for one music class were $165. He has 9 classes! You do the math! We found out that he needs a tux for 5 performances this semester alone. Do we rent? Do we buy? We'll have to figure that one out. I hadn't considered saving for tuxes all those years but hopefully the college funds will pay for wardrobe too.
One more milestone to report. Yesterday Mark got his first 'gig'. He has been asked to play for a wedding in October. How cool is that? I'm going to make business cards for him, because you never know who might want him once they hear him play. It would be a great way to supplement his income.
I told him this morning before I left for work, "Good luck on the first day of the next 4-5 years of your life." He said, "Uggghhhh".
Kristen started playing the drums last October. Within weeks she was playing in the youth worship band. Her first drum teacher, on more than one occasion, threw his drum sticks in the air and called her disgusting. Before long she moved onto another teacher. In confidence we asked him what he thought of her talent. Did she have a shot at her dream of touring with a Christian rock band some day? "Absolutely, if she makes the right contacts." In May, just before school was out, she auditioned for the Praise & Worship band at school for the 2007-2008 school year. The band director took her through at least 30 minutes of different songs. She stayed right up with him, changing her beat and the parts of the drums that she used, each song different. He was convinced she was good enough to be in the band. So today, during Chapel at school, she got to perform for the first time. She was nervous but knew this is what she had waited for. Jake said she did well. She though she did well, didn't mess up once! Two teachers and many students told her how well she did. Whew, it was over. I asked her if she was going to be nervous next week. She said no. Yeah!
Today was Mark's first day of college. I can't believe I'm even writing this. Just yesterday he was in his cradle, with that baby smell after his bath, sleeping soundly. Today he drove to college, went to all his classes, picked up a few supplies he still needed, then went to work. Now he's home, doing his Chemistry homework. Each problem has to be on it's own separate index card. You can't hand them in at the beginning of class. You have to meet with the teacher during her office time and spend 15 minutes with her as she looks over your work. Yikes! College sure has changed. And so have the prices! Books for one music class were $165. He has 9 classes! You do the math! We found out that he needs a tux for 5 performances this semester alone. Do we rent? Do we buy? We'll have to figure that one out. I hadn't considered saving for tuxes all those years but hopefully the college funds will pay for wardrobe too.
One more milestone to report. Yesterday Mark got his first 'gig'. He has been asked to play for a wedding in October. How cool is that? I'm going to make business cards for him, because you never know who might want him once they hear him play. It would be a great way to supplement his income.
I told him this morning before I left for work, "Good luck on the first day of the next 4-5 years of your life." He said, "Uggghhhh".
Monday, September 3, 2007
A Full Sunday
Yesterday was a good day. Full, but good. Church was wonderful as usual. I had the opportunity to meet with a fairly new believer who wanted to volunteer. I just love getting to know people who feel it is time to serve. She has a wonderful heart. As I asked questions, I was drawn in. This is someone I would love to get to know more. To know where she would best serve, I encouraged her to take the Spiritual Gifts Inventory on our website, as well as our Spiritual Pathway Assessment. I have her our Discovering Your Ministry booklet for her to go through, as we won't be having our class in September. There are many places for her to serve and I can't wait to see how God has designed her for ministry. She also asked if there was someone who could help her grow. I seem to be getting a lot of these requests lately, as well as some from people who want to help others grow. The fruit is starting to ripen for harvest.
After church, Greg and I went to a couple's home, who we met during our first Dinners For Eight at our house. They live in Hickman. We were able to talk for some time as she prepared a wonderful meal. We met three of their children who were in their teens and early 20's. After lunch, we were given a tour of their home, their 4 acres of land, goats, horses, dogs, and cats. We even got to go to their daughters' home and see the beautiful quilting she does. After the tour, we came back and had pie. We got some time alone and encouraged them in an area that we knew they were struggling in. They were open and appreciative and we prayed together. It was a wonderful afternoon.
After dinner, it was finally cool enough to venture outside for a walk. Greg and I love to walk, holding hands and talking.
When Mark got home Greg and I spent quite a while talking with him. It was a very emotional talk for me. I didn't even think I could pray without bawling, but I made it through with God's strength.
This morning Greg ran with me. I had mentioned to him last night how we should try and run into our neighbors who we helped with their marriage. Low and behold, as we were running our normal mile around our neighborhood at 7 am, she pulled into her driveway. As we started talking he pulled up pulling their boat. They were off to the lake for the day. We were able to catch up on how they were doing as well as their kids. All is well and even better than before. God is so good, and so faithful.
Today, I get to work on my dig! Can't wait!
After church, Greg and I went to a couple's home, who we met during our first Dinners For Eight at our house. They live in Hickman. We were able to talk for some time as she prepared a wonderful meal. We met three of their children who were in their teens and early 20's. After lunch, we were given a tour of their home, their 4 acres of land, goats, horses, dogs, and cats. We even got to go to their daughters' home and see the beautiful quilting she does. After the tour, we came back and had pie. We got some time alone and encouraged them in an area that we knew they were struggling in. They were open and appreciative and we prayed together. It was a wonderful afternoon.
After dinner, it was finally cool enough to venture outside for a walk. Greg and I love to walk, holding hands and talking.
When Mark got home Greg and I spent quite a while talking with him. It was a very emotional talk for me. I didn't even think I could pray without bawling, but I made it through with God's strength.
This morning Greg ran with me. I had mentioned to him last night how we should try and run into our neighbors who we helped with their marriage. Low and behold, as we were running our normal mile around our neighborhood at 7 am, she pulled into her driveway. As we started talking he pulled up pulling their boat. They were off to the lake for the day. We were able to catch up on how they were doing as well as their kids. All is well and even better than before. God is so good, and so faithful.
Today, I get to work on my dig! Can't wait!
Sunday, September 2, 2007
An Ambitious Saturday
I got up yesterday with just a few things on my mind I needed to do. Housework and take the cat to the vet. The housework went fine, vacuuming, dusting, dishes, floors, bathroom. All done by lunch. The vet appointment wasn't until 2:50, so I had to decide what to do until then.
I decided on making a 4-batch of chocolate chip cookies. I hadn't made cookies in quite a while, so I started getting everything out and found out I needed 8 sticks of butter, and only had 2. I was also short on a few other things, so off to the store I went. As I got to adding the last bit of flour into the biggest bowl I had, my shoulder wouldn't let me continue stirring, and my left arm wasn't strong enough either. "Greg!" Muscular husbands are so wonderful. He saved the day and the cookies were being massed produced. Towards the end I decided to freeze the last bit of dough and clean up the kitchen. I have some time left, what shall I do?
Then it hit me. It was time for another dig. I grabbed my Bibles, my binder from the IBS (Inductive Bible Study) class, and my notebook. It took me about 10 minutes to get my bearings from where I had left off a few weeks ago. Ah yes, 1 Peter. I had done my observation marking for all 5 chapters at once. Now it was time to re familiarize myself with the scripture. I read the introduction in my Bible to get the context of where and why it was written. I read the text. A word stopped me. Deceitful. Hmmmm. The verse read 'For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech." Hmmmm. I went to my electronic Bible program to look up the word. Waiting for it to load, I looked at the clock and it was 2:30. Time to go!
I put the collar and leash on the cat (they like leashes on things at the vet, though my cat becomes a rock when she's scared and doesn't move an inch, even when threatened by a big dog). Sputters has been losing weight. She was 11 pounds about 6 months ago, then 10 lbs. in May, now 8 lbs. You can feel her spine when you pet her. She acts fine, except for the weekly projectile vomiting that we've tried to control with vet appointments and medicines, like kitty Pepto. They shaved a patch from the front of her neck and drew blood. She had been borderline diabetic so with the additional weight loss, I thought it better to retest her. She's still borderline diabetic. Her kidney test was perfect. Everything tested for said she was in fine shape. The vet even said she looked 6 years old, not 12.
She could have hyperthyroidism, and if treated at her age, could cause kidney failure. Most likely it's old age. Cats lose weight to a point, about 30%, which she's done, then stop. I'll weigh her again in about 3 weeks and if her weight is the same, we'll assume it's old age. If she's still losing, we can continue to test at about $70 per test, yikes! to find out what's wrong. I think what's wrong is that she vomits. But the vet said she would do that.
I decided on making a 4-batch of chocolate chip cookies. I hadn't made cookies in quite a while, so I started getting everything out and found out I needed 8 sticks of butter, and only had 2. I was also short on a few other things, so off to the store I went. As I got to adding the last bit of flour into the biggest bowl I had, my shoulder wouldn't let me continue stirring, and my left arm wasn't strong enough either. "Greg!" Muscular husbands are so wonderful. He saved the day and the cookies were being massed produced. Towards the end I decided to freeze the last bit of dough and clean up the kitchen. I have some time left, what shall I do?
Then it hit me. It was time for another dig. I grabbed my Bibles, my binder from the IBS (Inductive Bible Study) class, and my notebook. It took me about 10 minutes to get my bearings from where I had left off a few weeks ago. Ah yes, 1 Peter. I had done my observation marking for all 5 chapters at once. Now it was time to re familiarize myself with the scripture. I read the introduction in my Bible to get the context of where and why it was written. I read the text. A word stopped me. Deceitful. Hmmmm. The verse read 'For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech." Hmmmm. I went to my electronic Bible program to look up the word. Waiting for it to load, I looked at the clock and it was 2:30. Time to go!
I put the collar and leash on the cat (they like leashes on things at the vet, though my cat becomes a rock when she's scared and doesn't move an inch, even when threatened by a big dog). Sputters has been losing weight. She was 11 pounds about 6 months ago, then 10 lbs. in May, now 8 lbs. You can feel her spine when you pet her. She acts fine, except for the weekly projectile vomiting that we've tried to control with vet appointments and medicines, like kitty Pepto. They shaved a patch from the front of her neck and drew blood. She had been borderline diabetic so with the additional weight loss, I thought it better to retest her. She's still borderline diabetic. Her kidney test was perfect. Everything tested for said she was in fine shape. The vet even said she looked 6 years old, not 12.
She could have hyperthyroidism, and if treated at her age, could cause kidney failure. Most likely it's old age. Cats lose weight to a point, about 30%, which she's done, then stop. I'll weigh her again in about 3 weeks and if her weight is the same, we'll assume it's old age. If she's still losing, we can continue to test at about $70 per test, yikes! to find out what's wrong. I think what's wrong is that she vomits. But the vet said she would do that.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
