April 2013 Journalling

           

 

1.If you could have a new talent what would it be?

I would like to learn to speak Spanish or German.

2. A friend is coming over to teach me how to do Power Point, and I will teach her how to crochet.  Why does it make me feel old?

3. Was today typical? Why/Why not?

            No, it wasn’t typical because I spent most of it at work, trying to get the paperwork filled out for my disability benefits. Not completed yet and they need to be in by the 15^th. I'm worn out.

4. Who do you trust the most?

            My husband.

5. What’s your next major deadline? What is it for?

        Speaking at the SGF ladies’ retreat the first weekend in May. Please pray for me. Then May 31^st. A guest column for Barnabas magazine. I don’t have a topic in mind yet.

6. What did you have for breakfast today?

            The usual, a fried egg on toast, yogourt and coffee.

7. When is the last time you danced?

            Our daughter’s wedding in October.

8. How did you add art to your life today?

            I created homemade chicken noodle soup and BLT’s for dinner and I edited my message. I also crocheted a baby blanket for a friend.

9.Yay! I came up with a topic for Barnabas. I will take a section of my talk on Self-Control in relation to Thought Life, since it hasn’t been published. It will be entitled, Is a Mid-Life Crisis Real?

10. Today I am completing the million and one forms for long term disability as I’m at the three month mark already.  Sending them off tomorrow, during the approaching winter storm, in Spring. L

11. List the people you live with.

            Husband, youngest daughter, mother, and dog, Kody.

12. What is the next major purchase you need to make?

            A dishwasher. We can only run ours at night because it’s as loud as a jet engine and we can’t hear anything else.

13. What did you forget?

            To journal today. Haha.

14. What is your favorite TV show?

            I’m kind of enjoying a show on BBC Canada on Thursday nights, called Death in Paradise, set on a Caribbean island with a transplanted stuffy British detective. It has a nice feel to it.

15. I have faith that I can complete my messages today. I am also doing another trial of tapering down the dose of my Lyrica. Today I’ve been off work three months. Three months! I just want to have my brain back and go back to work.

16. Who is the last person you kissed?

            Silly question. My husband.

17. What did you wear today?

            Jeans and a blue and green floral top.

18. What is testing you?

            Trying to taper my meds. The alternate days with the higher dose I’m so unproductive. It’s frustrating when I have so much to do before the retreat.

19. What’s the oldest thing you’re wearing today?

            My wedding rings.  Twenty seven years old.

20. List 5 things you should have done today.

            Balance my chequebook, clean my bathroom, review my messages, do the Power Point for my messages, sign up for a writer’s retreat.

21. Where did you spend the most time today?

            Home and church. We had a Providential dinner after church. I brought honey garlic meatballs and mini banana cupcakes. No evening service tonight.

22. So excited. My childhood friend who painted the picture I posted earlier has agreed to do an artistic exchange. I will crochet her a colourful throw blanket and she will paint me a picture. I chose a photograph of my youngest daughter and me sitting on a dock talking. It looks like we’re having a heart to heart even though we were just talking about how cold the water was.
 

23. Were you creative today? How?

            Thought up a new crocheting project; weaving a two colour scarf. Crocheting my current projects, and finishing the power point for the retreat.

24. So happy to hear from a woman from the first retreat. A few of them are coming to the next retreat. That’s so nice, and I missed them.

25. The funniest thing you heard today. Tim Hawkins youtube video of the names for different ways of raising your hands in church.

26. What is the last thing that made you cry?

            Les Miserables, the movie. I was sobbing.

27. Today was tough because my mom called us at 7 a.m. to say she needed to go to the hospital, so we called 911. Thankfully, after a few tests they sent her home, apparently her heart is okay.

28. What did you read today?

            Define “read”. I used the audio feature on my Kindle to read a book about Outlining a Novel. I’m usually what’s called a “pantser” meaning I fly by the seat of my pants and just write, so plotting is new to me, but even the general outlining is very helpful. I asked a few questions of my novel and found the main theme, the inciting incident and  the darkest moment. I know where I’m going with it and can choose scenes based on the character arc, or how I want him to learn and grow. I’m so excited.

29. Where do you want to go next?

           I’d like to go to the Canadian Christian Writer’s Conference in Guelph in June. It’s called Write! Canada and I’m trying to convince a friend to share a hotel room with me. I need to sign up by tomorrow if I’m going, to get the discount. It will be my birthday present.

30. Oh, and by the way, it’s my 49^th birthday today. Happy Birthday to me.  It’s easy to remember because it's the last day to get your taxes done.

March 2013 Journalling

1. Today I leave to speak at my first Ladies’ Retreat. My mom is coming as my guest. I am speaking on Who is this God we Serve? which is basically a review of the life of Christ. Tonight I speak on The Impact of Christ and Christianity on the World. I am surprisingly calm and even excited. That’s not like me. You must have been praying for me.

2. The second message was on Jesus, the God-Man and the third was on His Teaching and Miracles. I am feeling surprisingly bright, timing my meds with when I’m speaking. I took a nap and relaxed in our room. It’s nice to share a room with my Mom; we don’t actually spend this kind of time together even though she lives with us. I appreciate her support. The women are fun and are making us feel welcome.

3. The fourth session is entitled, His Crowning Work of Redemption. I am really enjoying teaching. I especially love it when they tell me about some new aspect of the gospel that they’ve never considered before; like how they never realized how the miracles Jesus did were representative and related to our redemption. Or they feel better prepared to share the gospel or defend the faith. That thrills me. I am excited that God has been opening doors for public speaking. The ladies said they’d like me to come to their church to lead some other Bible studies with them.

4.  I went to the dentist this morning. I was able to move my Neurology follow up appt. up by twenty days to this Wednesday. Maybe I need more tests, or perhaps I have to just wait till this pain syndrome passes or I become accustomed to the meds.

5. What was the first thing you ate or drank today?

          Coffee, and a fried egg on toast. The usual.

 6. Are you saving or spending?

           We are actively saving for a Mediterranean cruise trip next year when I turn fifty. We are waiting for our income tax return to spend on a few things for around the home.

7. On a scale of 1-10 how clean is your house? (10 being the cleanest)
            To a visitor it would probably look like a 7 or 8, but I know it’s a 4 because all my cupboards need to be cleaned. I can only manage one or two things a day, so my organization has suffered, and now it’s like my cupboards are spring loaded.

8. So nothing new from the neurologist except my Hemoglobin is low, 104 and my TMJ was inflamed on the right side, but probably not the cause of my pain. She said I should adjust to the meds, and try to reduce one of them slowly.

9. What relaxes you?
         Crocheting, reading or drinking coffee.

10. What is the most valuable thing you own?
          Other than our house and car, our Amish dining room set.

11. What did you find inspiring today?

            I found a website for Canadian Christian Speakers by Sheila Wray Gregoire. It has helpful material for building a speaking ministry. I enjoyed it so much, I may pursue it.

12. Are you happy?
           I’m not unhappy. Is that the same?

13. How much “me” time did you take today?

            Too much. I can’t do much else, but crochet, surf the web, and sit around.

14. My husband finished the taxes. I’m glad he takes care of those things.

15. I finally got my hair cut and highlighted today. I feel more human.

16. Did you seize any opportunities today?

            Funny you should ask that. I alternate between Carpe Diem and Crappy Diem. Guess which one this is?

17. Where did you go today?
            Church.

18. I am starting to be able to read, somewhat, which makes me happy. I still do the audio Kindle for my Bible reading, and I’m about two weeks ahead.

 19. Today was the aftermath of more snow and wind, even though Spring starts this week. It was very heavy to shovel. I was able to write for 8 hours yesterday, and did most of my talk on Self Control and Possessions. That’s the longest period of alertness I’ve had to date. Today, I’m worn out. I wish I could have a few days in a row of feeling almost normal.

20. What are you glad you did today?
            Finally cleaned my kitchen a little bit, with my mom’s help. My pots and pans were falling out of the cupboard. My house has been falling apart around me the past two months.

21. When was your last vacation? Where did you go?
           The Canadian Carey Family Conference last August, in Paris, Ontario. My husband says, “I don’t know what you complain about. I take you to Paris every year.”

22. The greatest wisdom comes from the Word of God, but then you knew that, didn’t you?

23.  My niece was baptized yesterday in London. My mom, husband and daughter went from here, and my other daughter and her husband also went. I stayed home to dog sit. We need to find someone reliable that we could count on if we needed to go away. It would have been nice to go. I think I want time alone, but then when I get it, I’m lonely.

 24. Passed a horrible accident scene on our way home from church tonight. Always happy to arrive home safely. On a positive note, today another friend offered to dog sit as needed. Didn’t I just mention that yesterday?

 25. If you could have read one person’s mind today, who would you choose?

            I wouldn’t want to read anyone’s mind, and I wouldn’t want them to read mine. I am curious about what goes through my dog’s mind, though.

 26. I think I was trying to wean myself off my meds too quickly. My pain returned and I had to go back to a higher dose. The impairment is worse, and I’m even more discouraged, because I had been hoping to talk to my Doctor on Thursday about returning to work, but now it doesn’t look that way. Is this going to be my new normal?

27. It’s my mom’s 73^rd birthday today. So thankful to have her here with us.

28. Doctor’s appointment today. I’m off for another month, barring a sudden reversal in my condition. Discouraging. However, I did learn that one objective result from a bloodtest was that my auto-immune markers are elevated, possibly due to a virus, and that may be the cause. It’s something, at least. They’ll recheck them in a few months.

29. What was in your mail box today?

           Nothing but flyers, but yesterday I sent off a care package to a soldier I know in Afghanistan, though. This time it was mostly his favourite candies and stuff, and a letter.

30. Yesterday was Good Friday. We had a service in the morning. Since it’s Easter weekend, I posted a blog about Our Rational Faith: Examining Theories of the Resurrection, which was basically what I taught the Women of Faith last week. I remember when I first started studying this years ago. It was so encouraging to me to realize that although we believe it by faith, our faith is not irrational. Here is the link. http://piathompson.wordpress.com/2013/03/30/our-rational-faith-examining-theories-of-the-resurrection-of-jesus-christ/

 31. Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! There’s a reason why we use ‘improper grammar’ and say, “Christ is Risen,” rather than “Christ has risen.” It’s because once He rose, He did not die again, but remains risen from death, in His glorified body.” Today we went to see my nephew get baptized by his father, and then we went to my mother-in-law’s for dinner.

Why Do Christians Love the Cross?

As Christians, we love the Cross. To us, it is a symbol of our redemption. For it was on a cross that Jesus died for our sins. He purchased us. He paid the price we owed. He absorbed the wrath of God in His own person. If not for the work of Christ on the cross, we would have no hope of Heaven. That’s why we sing about the wonder of the cross.

 

Over the centuries, the offence of the cross has diminished. People see it as jewellery, no more significant than a star or a peace sign. But what if we wore a hangman's noose on a chain around our necks? Or an electric chair? What if we sang songs about the wonder of those things? “Oh, the wonder of the noose!” See how absurd and wrong it seems to say that!

Then we see how offensive the cross was to the people of the first century. It was an instrument of torture and execution, a place reserved for the worst criminals. It was, to modern sensibilities, cruel and unusual punishment. It was not the quick death of a lethal injection, a guillotine or even a firing squad.

Why do Christians love to talk about the death of this One? In the hymn, O Sacred Head, it says, "Yet though despised and gory, I joy to call Thee mine."  

We see it through eyes of faith. If Christ had not suffered there, the Just for the unjust, we would have to pay for our own sins. It is, in one symbol, or one word, an image of what Christ accomplished for us. His victory is our victory. That's why we glory in the Cross!

February 2013 Journalling

 

 

1.What is your favorite piece of art you own?

A painting done by my childhood friend out west, of a front stairwell filled with colourful potted flowers. Her name is Anneli Haataja Janssens. See photo above.

 

2. My daughter, her husband and my mother-in-law are coming for dinner tomorrow.

           

3. Today I went to church for the first time in three weeks. I was okay pain wise, at least it was controlled, but I was dopey and drowsy. I was excited about the DVBS meeting. My husband and I may be in the play this year. I will oversee the snacks, buy prizes and help with decorating. My husband will help with the A.V., Lord willing.

           

4. My favorite colour changes all the time, but I like shades of blue and green.

 

5. On a scale of 1-10 how is your health? Currently, a 4 because of my chronic pain syndrome, now into its fourth week.

        

6. If you could do today over, would you change anything?

         Yeah, I’d pay better attention when joining the granny squares on my daughter’s blanket. A few are upside down and I can’t undo it. She says she doesn’t mind because it gives it character, but I’m a perfectionist and it will annoy me FOREVER.
 

7. Name an issue you wish you didn’t have to deal with today.

         Chronic pain.

           

8. What is the largest TV screen in your house?

          42 inches

 

9. What time did you go to bed last night?

           1 a.m.

           

10. What did you buy today?

             Pizza after church.

           

11. I wish I had a diagnosis and relief from this pain. Over four weeks now. I will go for my MRI on Wednesday afternoon. Finally!

           

12. How many photos did you take today?

               Just a few of my crocheting work-in-progress.

           

13. What book are you reading right now?

               The Bible, and that by audio, as I can’t concentrate. Also, it’s the best way to get through Leviticus or Ezekiel. The book I started back before the pain still has the book mark at the same spot. That tells you how bad the pain is. I read four books in the first two weeks of January and none since.

           

14. What are you doing for Valentine’s Day?

              Going out for dinner with my husband. I also got chocolate (Turtles, my favourite), white roses and a card.

           

15. What’s new?

                My MRI is done and just waiting on the results.

           

16. What mood were you in today?

               Pretty good, actually. Yesterday I had a few hours of clarity when I was able to write and I finished the final message for my retreat in two weeks. Today we had a meeting, planning the 50^th anniversary celebration of our church. Then I cooked and baked for the luncheon at church, though I don’t think I can make it through that because that’s when my meds kick in and all I can do is nap or crochet. I have two blankets on the go. I completed the one for my youngest daughter. It’s my only accomplishment this past month. :-(

           

17. What was the last thing that made you smile?

                Seeing my article published in Barnabas, and the brochure for the retreat.

           

18. My biggest hope is that my pain will stay away. Since they doubled my Lyrica about a week ago, it is starting to work. Yesterday I took half as many Tylenol 3’s and I haven’t had any facial pain for 24 hours.

 

19. What has discouraged you lately?

               I always said that if I was not able to be a nurse, I would still keep busy because I am a writer and a bookaholic, but now that I can’t nurse, write or read, who am I?

           

20. What kind of car are you driving?

              None for the last month and half since I am impaired. I used to say if I was rich I would hire a driver, (to which my husband replies, "You HAVE a driver!") but now that I have to be driven everywhere, I miss the autonomy. But our vehicle is a silver Honda CRV.

21. List your pets.

               Kody, our Huntaway (or New Zealand Sheepdog).

22. What are three things you need to buy?

               Three tops for the retreat. Power dressing. But, for around the house, we need a quieter dishwasher, a couch for the family room and blinds for my daughter’s room. May have to wait on the income tax money. Trying to avoid credit.

           

23. Today I felt really secure knowing I am saved.

 

24. Who made a difference in your life this week?

            Three people, specifically. Linda, who took a precious Saturday morning and met me to coach me in public speaking. My Pastor, who read over my messages to make sure they were theologically correct and to help with clarification and questions for group discussion. My youngest daughter, Leah who took me shopping and found some really nice sweaters for the retreat, along with a scarf, which is new to me.

 

25. What is your super power?

             Normally, I would say, I am an ONCOLOGY NURSE! But now, it is I am a follower of Christ. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

 

26. What’s new?

             Wondering why I booked my doctor’s appointment for the day after a snow storm.        

27. What would have made today perfect?

            If my MRI results were more conclusive. I’m glad it’s not bad news, but then neither is it a diagnosis. Probably a local neuralgia (nerve pain) possibly caused by a virus, but not certain. I may need nerve conduction tests. Result, change some meds around and stay off work for another month, waiting to see if it goes away on its own or if I can adjust to the medications so I’m not so impaired by them. At least I'm off the narcotics, finally.

28. What bothers you?

               Looking “normal”, (other than a little haggard from my ordeal), so people expect I can do the things I did before. Come and look through my cupboards and fridge and you won’t say that. I can’t manage more than to walk the dog, do laundry, make dinner and crochet. Able to read only by audio Kindle. Able to write occasionally if I have a few hours of clarity on a good day. Sometimes I can update the bankbook. Whoohoo! Such an accomplishment. (insert sarcasm here).

January 2013 Journalling

1.What is your number one goal this year?

To publish a book.

2. What are you most grateful for?

            My salvation.

3. Are you content?

            Yes, I am happy and blessed.

4. What is your best memory of last year?

            Our daughter’s wedding.

5. What was the last major accomplishment you had?

            I was published in Barnabas in Summer 2012. My first article. I feel legit.

6. What possession could you not live without?

            My coffee pot.

7. Can people change?

            Only by the grace of God.

8. What is the last “good” thing you ate?

            Raw vegetables with dinner.

9. What is your current favorite snack?

            Bbq chips, but they are verboten while my husband and I are trying to watch what we eat.

10. What made you smile today?

            Playing with my puppy.

11. What’s your favorite accessory?

            None really, but I’ll say my watch because it’s practical.

12. What are you reading?

            With Every Letter by Sarah Sundin about flight nurses during WWII.

13. What did you have for dinner today?

Breakfast for dinner. A breakfast bake with shredded potatoes, ham, veggies, cheese and eggs, with toast. Have I mentioned I like eggs? I eat them every day. My husband says they’re my favourite fruit. Chicken fruit. And yes, my cholesterol is fine, thanks for asking.

14. What did you get done today?

            I went to work an hour earlier for CPR recertification.

15. Who last called you on the phone?

            Gillian, from church.

16. Who are you in love with?

            That’s easy. Gary.

17. What are you looking forward to?

            Planning the Secret Agent Themed DVBS for this summer. I have been finding great ideas on the internet. I’ll probably be in charge of the snacks again.

18. The best part of today was finally getting a diagnosis and pain control. I’ve had pain on the right side of my face since Monday. I’ve been to three doctors in three days, had a CT and finally found out I have shingles. Not good news by any stretch, as I’ll be off work for a month since I’m contagious and I will have a diagonal line of pustules on my face and more excruciating pain, which may linger for months to years, I’m told. But at least I know what I’m dealing with and the pain is manageable now that they’ve given me drugs.

19. My current favorite website is Pinterest. It’s something I could do to distract myself from the pain without having to concentrate. I have boards for all kinds of recipes, way out of proportion to how much I cook, a bucket list, places I’ve been, home decor, helpful hints, party planning, and a prepper board called, TEOTWAWKI which stands for The End of The World As We Know It.

20. What was the hardest thing you’re dealing with?

             Fear of the pain and disfigurement of shingles on my face.

21. Today, I’m wondering if I will get a rash with my shingles, or just the pain. It would be nice to avoid the pox since it will make me contagious.

22. I crocheted my first granny square since I was a teenager. It all came back to me. Now my daughter wants me to make her a blanket.

23. What made today unusual?

            I’m still off work, going to the doctor again, for more pain medication and to find out when I can go back to work.

24. What are you looking for from life?

            Hard to think long term today when all I want is answers to my pain syndrome. They’re thinking now that it’s not shingles since I’m ten days in pain but no blisters. I have to see a neurologist now and maybe get more tests done.

25. What is your favorite thing to drink? Coffee; freshly ground, fair trade coffee beans. Black.

26. Today the temperature was minus 10C. There’s about five inches of snow on the ground.

27. How much did you spend at the grocery store the last time you went? $134.00

28. Today I went to see the neurologist. I would like some answers as to what is causing my pain, what can be done about it, and how to prevent or treat it should it recur. Apparently it's not a migraine or shingles, but some kind of trigeminal neuralgia. More tests planned.

29. What was your last major purchase?

I guess it was our t.v. when our old one died.

30. My house is a home because of my library. Books make a home.

31.Today I went to the dentist to make sure my pain didn’t have a dental reason. Apparently I'm dentally perfect.