And it shall, Lord willing, it shall. That's how I'm feeling about my voice problems ... they shall pass and they're here for a reason. I'm still studying in James chapter 1 and that makes all this more bearable.

I went to the Dr. this afternoon and she was a bit baffled by whatever is going on with my voice.
After many questions and an exam, she decided it best for right now to put me on an antibiotic and if I've not improved in 10 days, I will call her & she'll do an immediate referral to a throat specialist.

When all this began it was relatively easy to 'count it all joy' ... because after all, how long can laryngitis last? When days go into weeks then you begin to wonder and yet, I know that I know there IS a reason and in God's good and perfect time, this shall pass.

I'm takin' me to bed shortly; may you all be blessed. My love to you all.

Hi Friends,

Just a note to let you know I'm alive and relatively well. I will see my Dr. tomorrow about the voice issue. At times, I can speak so that it's kind of understandable, then it's right back to squeaking and / or silence. And I'm very tired today ... so tired in fact, that I laid on the couch "just to rest" and woke up over an hour later.

We did have a good Christmas ... our youngest son & his family came for dinner & gifts. I took lots of photos, as usual. Our older son & his family came the day after Christmas as he was dealing with bronchitis and frankly, I didn't want to be around anyone who was sick.

Yesterday afternoon we did an informal gathering for those in my family who wanted to come. I had a great time with my sisters Kay & Rita. It's sad, but I don't see either of them often and one just lives in Dearborn Hgts! She's busy caring for Grand-children and has a place on a lake west of here that takes time. My youngest sister lives about an hour and a half north of us. Still, no excuse for not getting together more often. We ordered Mexican food, ate way too much, took some photos, talked and sat up way too late. Hmmm...maybe that's why I'm tired today.

I've checked on all of you and was thankful you're all well. Pat, I understand Fibro ... I was diagnosed with it years ago and you're right...you can go for periods of time feeling just fine, than out of the blue, there it is in all it's painful fogginess. Thankfully mine isn't near as bad as it was when I worked.

Shall go for now. My love to you all.

Mary did you know that your baby boy
will one day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy
will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy
has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered,
will soon deliver you.

Mary did you know that your baby boy
will give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy
will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy
has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby,
you have kissed the face of God.

The blind will see, the deaf will hear
and the dead will live again.
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak,
the praises of the Lamb.

Mary did you know that your baby boy
is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy
will one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy
is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding
is the great I Am.

As quietly as it entered, Christmas 2008 is nearly gone. We spent the afternoon with our youngest son Shawn & his family here at the house. I baked bread & cupcakes this morning and my hubby fixed dinner for us. He's such a good cook and I'm so very thankful he enjoys creating meals and cooking. I'd rather houseclean and bake any day, so there's a good balance for us.

My Mother-in-law spent the day at her apartment with her granddaughter & great-grandson. The older she gets the less she wants to get out and I can understand that. We hope to have dinner with her tomorrow, either bring her here or we'll take dinner to her apartment. We shall see.

Our electricity went out for four hours last night. We were spending a quiet evening at home, puppy-sitting our Grand-dog Louis, and it ended up being a very peaceful time. We had the fireplace on and candles lit and a battery operated radio played Christmas carols. It is good to be still and those four hours gave me opportunity to think about James, chapter 1 and also, to really think about Christmas and what it means. Sara's post was most fitting in explaining it I think. If you've not read it yet, please go to her blog and do so. She gives us her heart through her words, as Deb said, and I wholeheartedly agree.

I am blessed with my blog friends .. some I've known personally for years and others I most likely won't meet til we all get to heaven, but you all mean a great deal to me. You're my safe place to share thoughts and feelings, hopes and fears, joys and laughter. Thank you all for being a part of my life.

This evening is drawing to a close and Lord willing, we shall all see a brand new day in just a few hours. May tomorrow be as meaningful for you as today was. And may each of our tomorrow's bring us closer to the One who was born to be our All in All.

Blessings to you all.

Here it is, the day before the day before Christmas, 2008. It's hard to believe this year is almost gone. Time is certainly moving quicker and quicker, or so it seems to me. All in all, this has been a blessed year, challenging at times, but blessed in the midst of those times.

I am still reading in James chapter 1. I've been there for well over a week .. since the laryngitis started as a matter of fact, and that was 11 days ago. I still haven't regained my voice, but my whispering seems stronger and that's a good indication full voice recovery will take place.

In looking back over this time span I can see that I've learned things, important things, that I would not have learned had I been able to speak and carry on with so-called 'normal' daily activities. I've learned the importance of a voice and more importantly, how we use that voice. It can do much good or much harm. It depends on our words and the tone we use when we speak them. I can say "I love you" but if my heart isn't in it, you'll know.

"Count it all joy" has become a daily habit for me now...rather than complain, albeit to myself 'cause who could hear me?, I'll say "I count this all joy" and go on. Being voice-less has given me opportunity to listen, to really listen to what people aren't saying when they talk. We do that you know, say a whole lot with what we're not saying.

In my journal this morning I wrote: "I thank You so much God for these days of having no voice. I would not have learned these precious truths had I been able to speak and carry on with my scheduled plans. Thank You for this blessed interruption of silence and learning. Let me not forget what You have taught me ... make these lessons a part of my being ... weave them into the very fiber of who I am. Any strength I have comes from You. Any giftings I possess come from the Author and Creator of all that is. Let me use them for Your glory and the benefit of others. Use my words to bring life and hope to those who read them. Order my steps and direct my path this day. May I walk closely to You and be quick to obey."

So you see, all is well with my soul and I look forward to tomorrow to see what it may hold. And I'll keep counting, as long as the good Lord gives me breath, I'll keep counting it ALL joy.

Blessings!

Day 16 - The Names of God

VINE......................................John 15:5

WAY........................................John 14:6
WISDOM OF GOD..............................1 Cor. 1:24
WITNESS....................................Isaiah 55:4
WONDERFUL..................................Isaiah 9:6
WORD.......................................John 1:1
WORD OF GOD................................Revelation 19:13

This concludes the Names of God.

I had much help from the Internet and for that I am thankful

Day 15 - The Names of God

TEACHER...................................John 13:13
TRUE LIGHT................................John 1:9
TRUE WITNESS..............................Revelation 3:14
TRUTH.....................................John 14:6

Day 14 - The Names of God

SAVIOR...................................Luke 2:11
SCEPTER OUT OF ISRAEL....................Numbers 24:17
SEED.....................................Genesis 3:15
SERVANT..................................Isaiah 42:1
SHEPHERD OF OUR SOULS....................1Peter 2:25
SHIELD...................................Genesis 15:1
SON OF DAVID.............................Matthew 1:1
SON OF GOD...............................Matthew 27:54
SON OF MAN...............................Matthew 8:20
SON OF THE MOST HIGH.....................Luke 1:32
SOURCE...................................Hebrews 5:9
SPIRIT OF GOD............................Genesis 1:2
STAR OUT OF JACOB........................Numbers 24:17
STONE....................................1 Peter 2:8
SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.....................Malachi 4:2

Day 13 - The Names of God

RABBONI (TEACHER)........................John 20:16
RADIANCE OF GOD'S GLORY..................Heb.1:3
REDEEMER.................................Job 19:25
REFINER'S FIRE...........................Malachi 3:2
RESURRECTION.............................John 11:25
RIGHTEOUS ONE............................1 John 2:1
ROCK.....................................1 Cor.10:4
ROOT OF DAVID............................Rev. 22:16
ROSE OF SHARON...........................Song 2:1
RULER OF GOD'S CREATION..................Rev. 3:14
RULER OVER KINGS OF EARTH................Rev 1:5
RULER OVER ISRAEL........................Micah 5:2

Being a Mom is a difficult path to walk some days. A lot of days are that way if we're honest with ourselves. Nothing on this earth can touch your heart and bring tears like a child or grand child who's hurting. It's as though we carry their pain, perhaps more than they do at times.

This has been a heavy-hearted day for me, and counting it as joy has been anything but easy. So I've busied myself ... doing some computer work ... baked some cookies ... made dinner ... and during those times, I've prayed "Lord, please make a way for my son. Please." He was laid off work and has been diligently seeking employment for these past weeks. He called just a few minutes ago to tell me he's been hired at a job he wanted and one he's qualified to do, and he goes Monday to fill out the paperwork. I thank my Father and I offer praise to Him for His mercy and His unending grace .. for His taking into consideration I'm a Mom who would probably lay down my life for one of my 'kids' ... sons, daughters-in-law .. grand girls ... and I fall short of being where I'd like to be in Him. I'd like to see myself as this super-strong woman of faith, but truth be told, there are times, lots & lots of times, when I'm the weeping child seeking her Father's face, and hoping He's not angry because of my lack of faith to trust Him with what matters most to me.

At this moment I am a child who is very thankful and grateful for God's showing Himself mighty to save once again. I am humbled and thankful for each of you who read this and who let me know you're there. You have no earthly idea what your comments mean to me, and I am so thankful that one day, we'll meet face to face, and we'll marvel at God's goodness in bringing us together as sisters in Christ for all eternity.

My voice is still gone by the way and I see that as a blessing this week. There is much I could have said that most likely wouldn't have benefitted the hearers, so I've been quiet and prayed and talked to my Father instead of talking much to any human being. For that, I can and I do count my silence as a joy.

Blessings to each of you. I pray you're all safe and well. Our weather today is cold and we have much snow, with more expected Sunday. How blessed we are to be inside a warm home ... food on our tables ... clothing on our backs ... how blessed indeed.

Day 12 - The Names of God

POTTER...................................Isaiah 64:8
POWER OF GOD.............................1 Cor. 1:24
PRINCE OF PEACE..........................Isaiah 9:6
PROPHET..................................Acts 3:22
PURIFIER.................................Malachi 3:3

Day 11 - The Names of God

NAZARENE.................................Matthew 2:23

OFFSPRING OF DAVID.......................Revelation 22:16
OMEGA....................................Revelation 22:13
ONLY BEGOTTEN SON........................John 1:18(kjv)
OUR PASSOVER LAMB........................1 Cor. 5:7
OUR PEACE................................Ephesians 2:14

Day 10 - The Names of God

MAN OF SORROWS.........................Isaiah 53:3
MASTER..................................Luke 5:5
MEDIATOR................................1 Timothy 2:5
MERCIFUL GOD............................Jeremiah 3:12
MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT................Malachi 3:1
MESSIAH................................. John 4:25
MIGHTY GOD...............................Isaiah 9:6
MIGHTY ONE...............................Isaiah 60:16

Losing one's voice is interesting. I'm learning that first-hand. My voice is still pretty much non-existent, other than a whisper when I try to speak. I did some Internet research on laryngitis earlier today and found there are numerous causes, and the condition can be serious. Never again will I take this condition lightly. It's not a good thing for anyone to have, and if it goes on long enough, I'll need to see a specialist. You're supposed to 'rest the throat' meaning 'don't answer the phone when it rings, let the answering machine get it if your hubby isn't home' ... and don't try to tell that same hubby what he missed on the news. It'll run again at 11:00 and he can hear it then. In other words, keep your mouth closed ... No Talking. You're also supposed to 'hydrate' yourself. In a woman my age that means, 'drink a lot of fluids and fully expect to be running to the bathroom every time you get comfortable'. And that all means, 'count it all joy'. Be grateful I have a husband who cooks & cares for me and that I'm in a safe home where I can make hot tea with lemon & honey and that I can rest whenever I feel like it. Yes, count it all joy.

What runs through my mind from time to time is my Dad having throat cancer years ago and how he dealt with not being able to speak for awhile. He was blessed that radiation cured it, but he went through great pain and suffering before that happened. We moved him into our home and five days a week for six weeks I drove him to U of M for his appointments and radiation treatments. I sat up with him at night when he had coughed up blood and could barely call my name to help him. I cleaned his face and put a fresh shirt on him and I told him, when he was ready to stop the radiation, that I hadn't brought him to my home to die ... he was going to live and that's all there was to it. And live he did. Thanks be to the good Lord.

At the end of Dad's treatments, as he was going for a final check-up, I went along to see my Dr. at U of M and found out I had pneumonia. All the time spent caring for Dad had set me back a notch and I was one sick puppy for awhile. I ended up in bed for a week and Dad was now well enough to go home to Ohio. I cried when he left, and I was hurt that he would go home while I was now the one in bed! But there wasn't really much he could for me had he stayed. I had my husband and two sons to look after me and in the long-run, I was thankful my Dad was still alive and cancer free.

It's odd the things we think about when we're dealing with health issues, isn't it? It's during these times we can learn so much that we wouldn't learn otherwise....like counting it all joy and meaning it because our Father means good for us, regardless of what we may be going through. He sees the beginning from the end and it's all meant for His glory and our good. He knows the steps I take and He orchestrates our lives into a beautiful symphony that sometimes, only you and He can hear.

Blessings to you all.

Day 9 - The Names of God

LAMB OF GOD...........................John 1:29
LAST ADAM.............................1 Cor. 15:45
LAWGIVER..............................Isaiah 33:22
LEADER................................Isaiah 55:4
LIFE..................................John 14:6
LIGHT OF THE WORLD....................John 8:12
LIKE AN EAGLE.........................Deut. 32:11
LILY OF THE VALLEYS...................Song 2:1
LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH............Revelation 5:5
LIVING STONE..........................1 Peter 2:4
LIVING WATER..........................John 4:10
LORD..................................John 13:13
LORD GOD ALMIGHTY.....................Revelation 15:3
LORD JESUS CHRIST.....................1 Cor. 15:57
LORD OF ALL...........................Acts 10:36
LORD OF GLORY ........................1 Cor. 2:8
LORD OF LORDS.........................1 Tim. 6:15
LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS..............Jeremiah 23:6
LOVE.................................1 John 4:8

Day 8 - The Names of God

KING.................................Zechariah 9:9
KING ETERNAL.........................1 Timothy 1:17
KING OF KINGS........................1 Timothy 6:15
KING OF THE AGES.....................Revelation 15:3

I have laryngitis ... the worst I've ever had ... I can barely say a word that's understandable, so I've not been talking much today. That's not entirely a bad thing. I went to the dr. yesterday as this throat thing has been going on for a week, just not as severe as yesterday and today is the worst. The asthma has flared up, so I've had to increase breathing treatments (thinkin' of Elek) and was put on a Prednisone dose pack and an antibiotic.

I'm reading in the book of James, chapter 1 ... 'count it all joy when you fall into various trials' and asking myself "is this something to count as joy?" It's definitely another trial, so I guess it would fit in that category. But when I realize who the book of James was written to, tribes of people who had been scattered and would suffer persecution for their faith, my health issues seem minor in comparison. Minor or not, from what I'm reading, I need to count it all joy.

Matthew Henry's commentary on this says:

"Christianity teaches men to be joyful under troubles: such exercises are sent from God's love; and trials in the way of duty will brighten our graces now, and our crown at last. Let us take care, in times of trial, that patience, and not passion, is set to work in us: whatever is said or done, let patience have the saying and doing of it. When the work of patience is complete, it will furnish all that is necessary for our Christian race and warfare. We should not pray so much for the removal of affliction, as for wisdom to make a right use of it."

There is much for me to learn and this is but another lesson for this time in my life. May I be found faithful to truly 'count it all joy' and see what comes from this.

I hope you are all well. My best to each of you.

Day 7 - The Names of God

I AM....................................Exodus 3:14, John 8:58
IMAGE OF GOD............................2 Cor. 4:4
IMAGE OF HIS PERSON.....................Hebrews 1:3 (kjv)
IMMANUEL................................Isaiah 7:14

JEALOUS..............................Exodus 34:14 (kjv)
JEHOVAH..............................Psalm 83:18 (kjv)
JESUS................................Matthew 1:21
JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD................Romans 6:23



JUDGE................................Isaiah 33:22, Acts 10:42
KING.................................Zechariah 9:9
KING ETERNAL.........................1 Timothy 1:17
KING OF KINGS........................1 Timothy 6:15
KING OF THE AGES.....................Revelation 15:3

Day 6 - The Names of God

HEAD OF THE BODY.......................Colossians 1:18
HEAD OF THE CHURCH.....................Ephesians 5:23
HEIR OF ALL THINGS.....................Hebrews 1:2
HIGH PRIEST............................Hebrews 3:1
HIGH PRIEST FOREVER....................Hebrews 6:20
HOLY ONE...............................Acts 2:27
HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL.....................Isaiah 49:7
HOLY SPIRIT............................John 16:26
HOPE...................................Titus 2:13
HORN OF SALVATION......................Luke 1:69

"It's not too late... the angel said.

Even though the world's a mess...

Even though you're not as young...

Even though you've made mistakes and a few wrong turns

It's not too late...

And then I saw the world through the angels' eyes...

I saw the colors I could paint

The bridges I could build

The lives that I could touch

The dreams that could still come true

And it became very clear to me...

That it's not too late."

Ron Atchison

A special message...
When I don't understand something, I reach up and hold God's hand.

And we walk together in silence.
Ron Atchison

Day 5 - The Names of God

GENTLE WHISPER.........................1 Kings 19:12
GIFT OF GOD............................John 4:10
GLORY OF THE LORD......................Isaiah 40:5
GOD....................................Genesis 1:1
GOD ALMIGHTY...........................Genesis 17:1
GOD OVER ALL...........................Romans 9:5
GOD WHO SEES ME........................Genesis 16:13
GOOD SHEPHERD..........................John 10:11
GREAT HIGH PRIEST......................Hebrews 4:14
GREAT SHEPHERD.........................Hebrews 13:20
GUIDE..................................Psalm 48:14

Who Started Christmas?

"This morning I heard a story on the radio of a woman who was out Christmas shopping with her two children. After many hours of looking at row after row of toys and everything else imaginable, and after hours of hearing both her children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it to the elevator with her two kids.

She was feeling what so many of us feel during the holiday season time of the year.... Overwhelming pressure to go to every party, every housewarming, taste all the holiday food and treats, getting that perfect gift for every single person on our shopping list, making sure we don't forget anyone on our card list, and the pressure of making sure we respond to everyone who sent us a card.

Finally the elevator doors opened and there was already a crowd in the car. She pushed her way into the car and dragged her two kids in with her and all their bags of stuff. When the doors closed she couldn't take it anymore and stated, "Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up and shot." From the back of the car everyone heard a quiet calm voice respond, "Don't worry we already crucified him."

For the rest of the trip down the elevator it was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.Don't forget this year to keep the One who started this whole Christmas thing in your every thought, deed, purchase, and word. If we all did it, just think of how different this whole world would be."
-- Author Unknown

Day 4 - The Names of God

DELIVERER......................Romans 11:26
DESIRED OF ALL NATIONS.............Haggai 2:7
DOOR.........................John 10:7(kjv)

END..............................Revelation 21:6
ETERNAL GOD.....................Deut. 33:27
EVERLASTING FATHER...........Isaiah 9:6


FAITHFUL & TRUE.................Revelation 19:11
FAITHFUL WITNESS...............Revelation 1:5
FATHER.......................Matthew 6:9
FIRSTBORN (3).....................Rom.8:29,Rev.1:5,Col.1:15
FIRSTFRUITS...................1 Cor.15:20-23
FOUNDATION.....................1 Cor. 3:11
FRIEND OF TAX COLLECTORS & SINNERS.....Matthew 11:19

Day 3 - Precious Names of God

CHIEF SHEPHERD.....................1 Peter 5:4
CHOSEN ONE.........................Isaiah 42:1
CHRIST.............................Matthew 22:42
CHRIST OF GOD......................Luke 9:20
CHRIST THE LORD....................Luke 2:11
CHRIST, SON OF LIVING GOD..........Matthew 16:16
COMFORTER..........................John 14:26(kjv)
COMMANDER..........................Isaiah 55:4
CONSOLATION OF ISRAEL...............Luke 2:25
CONSUMING FIRE......................Deut. 4:24, Heb. 12:29
CORNERSTONE.........................Isaiah 28:16
COUNSELOR...........................Isaiah 9:6
CREATOR.............................1 Peter 4:19

Please pray for a young lady named Megan ... she's been on drugs and has been in rehab, but things aren't going as well as her parents expected. She also has a 10-month old daughter and her parents are caring for her as well.

Day 2 - The precious Names of God

BEGINNING.........................Revelation 21:6
BLESSED & HOLY RULER..............1 Timothy 6:15
BRANCH............................Jeremiah 33:15
BREAD OF GOD......................John 6:33
BREAD OF LIFE.....................John 6:35
BRIDEGROOM........................Isaiah 62:5
BRIGHT MORNING STAR...............Revelation 22:16

Beginning today ... the Names of God

ABBA.............................Romans 8:15
ADVOCATE.........................I John 2:1 (kjv)
ALMIGHTY.........................Genesis 17:1
ALPHA............................Revelation 22:13
AMEN.............................Revelation 3:14
ANCIENT OF DAYS..................Daniel 7:9
ANOINTED ONE.....................Psalm 2:2
APOSTLE..........................Hebrews 3:1
ARM OF THE LORD..................Isaiah 53:1
AUTHOR OF LIFE...................Acts 3:15
AUTHOR OF OUR FAITH..............Hebrews 12:2

"10 Christmas Commandments"

"The following item appeared in a church newsletter and contains some good advice that will help us keep selfishness in check this Christmas:

1. You shall not leave 'Christ' out of Christmas.

2. You shall prepare your soul for Christmas. Spend not so much on gifts that your soul is forgotten.

3. You shall not let Santa Claus replace Christ, thus robbing the day of its spiritual reality.

4. You shall not burden the shop girl, the mailman, and the merchant with complaints and demands.

5. You shall give yourself with your gift. This will increase its value a hundred fold, and the one who receives it shall treasure it forever.

6. You shall not value gifts received by their cost. Even the least expensive may signify love, and that is more priceless than silver and gold.

7. You shall not neglect the needy. Share your blessings with many who will go hungry and cold if you are not generous.

8. You shall not neglect your church. Its services highlight the true meaning of the season.

9. You shall be as a little child. Not until you become in spirit as a little one are you ready to enter into the kingdom of Heaven.

10. You shall give your heart to Christ. Let Him be at the top of your Christmas list.

Anyone keeping these commandments is sure to have a blessed Christmas.

"The enjoyment of God is the only happiness with which our souls can be satisfied. To go to heaven, fully to enjoy God, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accommodations here. Fathers and mothers, husbands, wives, or children, or the company of earthly friends, are but shadows; but God is the substance. These are but scattered beams, but God is the sun.

These are but streams, but God is the ocean."
- Edwards, Jonathan -

"Remember, if Christmas isn't found in your heart, you won't find it under a tree."

-Charlotte Carpenter-

Update on Mort

"Mort passed away at 1:20 today (Wed.) Thank you to everyone who prayed. Thank you, Louise, for posting his prayer request. Thank you for standing side-by-side as prayer warriors. Keep his children in your prayers. They have the task of bringing Mort's body up from Fla. to Ky for the funeral and burial. He did not have insurance so they also have the task of selling his possessions for his burial costs. I'm sure some of you know how hard that can be.
Many thanks, teresa"

An update on our praying for Mort ....

"Emergency prayer needed: Mort's children have been told there is practically no hope that he will be able to recover enough to be able to breathe without the ventilator, so the decision has been made (per his living will) to turn off the breathing machice on this Tues. or Wed. The only hope is that he might begin breathing miraclously on his own without the machine when they turn it off. Please pray that this will happen. Even afterwards, he will have to heal from the pneumonia and his kidneys will have to begin functioning again.
Pray also for his children Lisa, John, and Jack who have traveled down from KY to FL to make these hard decisions during this holiday season... from teresa in Ky"