Detours

Life. It is filled with seen and unseen challenges, changes and detours. Some we choose, some it would seem are chosen for us. We can kick and scream and rage, but the circumstances remain, circumstances we do not want, and never saw coming in the first place.

The choice of another, leaving wreckage and destruction and broken hearts in their wake. Turning a blind eye and deaf ear to those crying out, along they walk, headed for a disaster of epic proportions. We will shout our warnings, beg for them to stop, but on they walk, stubbornly, selfishly, ignorantly.

Had we known this may occur, maybe we could have batten down the hatches and prepared a little, but probably not. Nothing can prepare a person for the chaos caused by these kinds of things. Anger, hurt, betrayal, grief, and confusion fill our minds while the one who placed us here seems to be skipping merrily along. We miss the person that used to reside within the flesh of the one we no longer recognize. We long for a return, a miracle, but until then, the stranger who now poses as the one we knew is unwelcome. Our shouts are ignored, our pleas scoffed at as the pain of their decision presses deeper into our heart and souls, cutting ruthlessly.

So we are left to cling to the Truth we know, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).

Feeling battered and bruised, we lift shaking limbs, I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well (Psalm 139:14).

As our anger threatens to consume us, we remind ourselves, For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12).

It is not that we pray for things to return as they were. No, that would not improve the current situation. We pray, instead, for God to do a new thing, a new work, a new miracle. We pray that He restores, redeems and rebuilds as never before. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland (Isaiah 43:19).

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor (Isaiah 61:1-4).

Join my family in praying for one who has wandered, one who is lost. Won't you?
Luke 15:4
“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?"

Oh How I Miss Thee

It has been a week and two days since surgery. But really, who's counting? Oh yes, me. It seems like an eternity has past, but then, that is bound to be what one feels when under so many restrictions. No driving. No lifting. Take it easy. Swallowing wasn't be easy, at least for a few days. Mobility will be limited.

I spent the first 48 hours after surgery asleep, and that is only a minor exaggeration. Thanks to the anesthesia and the medications following last Tuesday's surgery, I stayed asleep until Friday, more or less. Visitors received a faint hello and a quick opening of my eyes. Luckily, none felt I should entertain. Who knows what I said in my euphoric state, but I am hoping I stuck to funny breathing noises.

I miss exercising, and I miss having enough energy to get through the day without wanting to fall over. But you know what I really miss? My voice. I never before have considered how valuable that little tool is. It helps in maintaining communication with my husband and child, and every other family member. It makes sharing what I need, how I feel, and what I think a whole lot easier. And, it's been all but missing since last week.

In times past, I have been known for being "the loud one." Now, I am the raspy, squeaky one. Until this past week, speaking has never felt like true exercise. I have to concentrate in order for callers to hear me, and work just a little harder than I would if the person were standing in front of me. Shouting is completely out of question and not even a possibility. In fact, even laughing comes out more like varied gasps. Having a conversation of any substantial length can tire me out, while at the same time it excites my brain as I have not ventured far from the house.

It is my voice, yes my voice, that I currently miss. Usually when confined to the house, I know I always have the phone to connect me, in some small way, to the outside world. Now? Now the person on the other end questions if a prank caller has chosen them to be the recipient of some strange call. But no, it is only me, trying to get out the thoughts I have as quickly as I can before my voice fades away altogether. And that has happened, in mid sentence mind you.  Oh this journey of recovery, it is just grand.  Really.

Don't just tell someone you love them tonight, shout it, for me. Would you?

WLW: Show Me Your Sides

Topic: What do you like to have with your favorite entrees? Do you have some great recipes for vegetables?

The easiest side, for my household, is to throw together a nice big salad. Lots of veggies, easy to do. Sometimes, a salad just does not cut it. When a salad won't do it, we typically choose roasted mixed vegetables. Yummy and nutritious. As of late, I have found myself liking baked cauliflower, and it is ok by me if I do not have to share. Other delicious sides include baked potato slices, broccoli bites, and even zucchini oven fries.

When it comes to vegetables, the greater the variety, the more I love it.

Celebrating My Sister

Today marks the day of my sister's birth, many many a couple years ago. She has been sick, I have had surgery; we are going to be quite the party animals tonight when we go celebrate. Ha!

In all honesty, I love celebrating my big sister's birth. Sure, she was a typical big sister at times, but I was also the typical bratty little sister as we were growing up. Regardless of whether or not we were being civil to one another, I can assure you of one thing: no one was ever allowed to speak ill of her in front of me. I could rant away, but if someone else so much as agreed with me, I turned on them.

My sister is one of my heroes. She's a leader, but she has no need for the spotlight. She has a quiet strength about her that I have admired for years. Her faith is unshakeable and it is through our heavenly Father's eyes she knows her value. Between the two of us, she is the introvert, the more softspoken one. Yet she also loves fiercely, is protective of those whom she loves, and I have seen her carry the weight of the world on her shoulders with incredible grace. By all counts, I think she is a walking, breathing, Proverbs 31 woman. It's true.

But it is not for accolades and pats on the back. Whether people notice or not, she remains constant, steady, and true to who God has called her to be. Her life has had its share of tremendous heartache and loss, and the circumstances that would wreck most, strengthened her faith and the relationships of those close to her. She is the friend everyone longs to have.

And, she is shockingly funny. When she chooses, her wit is quick and her laugh contagious. She makes me glad we moved here. She reminds me of what is important in this life. My older sister is one of my life's biggest blessings. My daughter will benefit from her, just as I do. Here's to the best big sister a girl could have. Happy birthday sister, I love you more than this post could ever explain.

*Proof of what she has to put up with (yes, I am on the right)!

Recovery-isms

It is not news that I am not the most patient person. It is not news that I enjoy exercise and am prone to "doing" rather than simply "being." The fact I enjoy conversing with others is also nothing of newsworthy value. None of these facts are mind blowing bits of information concerning me, if you know me, or have read this blog for a while. With that being said, me stating this road to recovery is taking a bit longer than I had expected wanted it to, is also not news. It has however provided me with a few new findings:

1. Full mobility of the head/neck is not something to be taken for granted.  Trying to have a conversation side by side with anyone is a painful and awkward endeavor.
2. Showering can be completely exhausting.  In fact, it is my current form of exercise.  Whew, gets the heart pumping and the lungs longing for some air.  Blow drying and fixing the hair and applying make-up?  Friends, that is like completing a marathon.
3. Laughing, with no sound coming out, makes me look maniacal.  However, it's the breathing in when I laugh and sounding like I am about to launch into a full blown asthma attack is just plain hilarious, which results in looking even more maniacal.
4. Having a voice that will sometimes cease to work midway through a sentence makes communication an adventurous endeavor.  I am becoming an expert in pantomime.
5. Banging on tables and such to get one's attention does not indicate a rise in anger.  Sometimes, that is just the only tool I have.
6. Phone conversations take a lot of effort, and due to my lack of volume, the caller will, at some point, end up whispering as I have to.  
7. Our AdvoCare business has been taking some great leaps forward, ever since my surgery.  It seems I lead best when I cannot speak.  Hmmmm, something to ponder.
8. Drinking without coughing is a small victory I delight in every single day.  Why?  Coughing hurts like crazy.  And sneezing?  Good gosh, that's agony.
9. Raspy voices are not at all sexy.

Road To Recovery

How a week flies when one has had surgery. Tuesday's surgery went really well, according to my doctor, he couldn't have asked for a better procedure, and the disc was definitely messed up. I slept from the time I got home until Friday morning, or so it felt. Thanks to the pain killer and muscle relaxer, I spent most of that time asleep. Whatever sleep I missed due to the pain I was having from the herniated disc was certainly caught up on! Yesterday I opted to forgo the medicines and actually stayed awake all day long. Granted, I did not move around much, but at least I was awake.

My voice has no strength to it and I can barely talk above a whisper. After a few minutes, it just disappears altogether. It is so strange. It makes talking on the phone, or in person, difficult. Plus, it is exhausting.

Swallowing is getting easier, thankfully. I have never in my life had to concentrate so hard when I swallowed, especially water. Because my throat is so agitated and a bit swollen from the procedure, it feels like something is caught in my throat, all the time. There are also times swallowing causes me to start coughing, which hurts like the dickens. Every cough sends pains through the back of my neck and shoulders (technically, my trapezoids). I am also pretty still from the way they had me positioned during surgery, so my movements are limited and slightly robotic. However, I remind myself that the intense, stabbing pains I did have are now completely gone. I am beyond thankful for that fact!

It is frustrating, this recovery thing. I cannot lift much of anything, and certainly not my own child. Last night she wanted me to carry her, and it was horrible to have to tell her "no." It is hard on everyone under this roof since I am here, but unable to do much. As my husband said, it is like I am only halfway here. Thankfully, I know this will not last forever, it's just a season. Seriously, I could be in much worse condition.

I am learning to speak only when necessary, and to listen a whole bunch. I am learning to release control and allow someone else to do the things I typically do. Some days I feel like little more than an observer, which is not easy for a "doer" like myself. So many lessons God is teaching through this.

So, for those of you praying, please pray for a continued recovery, a decrease in soreness and stiffness, for my family to walk through this well, and for us to have the right attitude throughout this little journey. Thanks friends. Be blessed today, and shout "I love you!" to someone today as you sweep them up in a giant hug.

WLW: What's For Dinner?

Today's topic: dinner.
Some people call the 3rd meal of the day dinner. Others call it supper. Either way, most everyone eats it. And when you are trying to lose weight, it can be a tricky meal to prepare a good meal that is healthy and filling. So what are some of your favorite dinner meals? What are your go to meals when you are short on time? Have you tried any new recipes lately?

Dinner tends to be the smallest meal of all for us. Dinners consist of a healthy protein and some vegetables in this house, and I do my best to vary things up a bit. I have found this cookbook to be quite helpful, especially if I know we are going to have busy evenings. Having meals prepared in advance ensures we will not make any last minute, and poor, decisions. Lately, I have also found quite a few recipes on pinterest, much to my delight. Regardless of the recipe, I find it relatively easy to make some healthy exchanges within them to improve the nutrional value.

For those interested in clean eating, I have been noting this site quite a bit. There is a lot there I want to try.

So, dinner's served friends. Enjoy!