Almost 100%

Well, I guess Dr. Doug was correct on the pain pills or his method seems to be working thus far. Today, I'm full of energy and had very few headaches. Right now, the discomfort is in the sinus cavity just above my left eye. Every once in a while it will let me know that it's there. It's more aggravating than painful.

With my new found energy and spunk, I was able to knock out quite a bit on my "To Do" list. I washed up a couple of Katie's chair covers, cleaned up Katie's room, started on her 2 year old slide show (like I did last year), updated my mailing for the week, made several phone calls to catch up on the latest and get things organized for the big party in 3 weeks. As some of you may know, I've been refurbishing a baby doll bed for Katie. I bought the material last week, Katie picked out colorful Shasta Daisies (pink, lavender, yellow). Today, I had the chance to spray paint the frame of the wooden bed. I have to say, it turned out really good. I even found a little time to gift wrap some presents. While Katie watched Mermaid this afternoon, I washed a couple loads of laundry.

From time to time, I've been trying to teach Kaitlyn how to pick up her toys & books that she strews throughout the house every single day. Today, I guess you would say I had enough picking up her stuff. I had to stop myself to notice that I couldn't get certain things done for picking up after her. Well things are going to change around here, by George! I had to start out by showing her to put things away and then I stood over her like a warden and made sure she did it. Yes, I had to spank her on the leg a couple of times because she would rather play than pick up. I promise you I picked up her book/stuffed animal case twice today alone. She gets in her room and pulls everything out of her bookcase and strews it all over her room. I know she prefers it that way, but we will not stand for that one bit. The third time she did it today, I took her back to her room and made her pick everything up. I kept cheering her on because I knew she could do it. It just so happened when she finished her Daddy came home with her new favorite cookies - Strawberry Newtons Minis. I have to say, all the work she put into cleaning her room, she deserved those cookies. I continued to praise her by telling her she was Mommy's big helper and she was a big girl now. She was proud being praised! "I help, Mommy." she said. After cleaning all day, she'd see the toys or blankets strewn all over the place and say "Mommy, mess!" She wrinkles up her whole face just to say mess. It's cute, I have to fight back a smile when she says it. Her new thing this week is: She'll either come get me or holler to me, "Mommy, come here!" and say "Mommy, come play in room." This means, she wants me to play with her in her room. Mostly, she'll pull out her puzzles for us to put together and she's gotten pretty good with the 4 piece puzzles. She has one 5 piece Chimp puzzle, she struggles a little with it.

Please keep in your prayers a family from our church that just lost their Mother/Wife this morning after fighting a good hard fight against Leukemia. Theresa in her late 30s, left behind a supportive husband, two beautiful young daughters & loving and encouraging extended family. I'll tell you one thing, this little lady was ready for a battle. She had her ups and downs, but she never let her downs get in the way of her faith in God. She could really be in a lot of pain, but she kept a smile on her face and would tell people God is in control.

Please continue to pray for the family of my friend, Toni that passed away over the weekend. Last night, I said my last goodbyes to her at the funeral home. It was very hard to realize that she is truly gone (for a while). Last night as I was saying my prayers and talking to God, I thought of all the good times we had and the nice memories. When you think of the good memories it seems to make the grief a little easier to handle. A smile always seems to slip in while your crying. I've tried not to cry so much because of the headaches, don't want to make them worse. It's been hard! I can't stop putting myself in her shoes. She is so young and leaving behind three young children, not knowing how they were going to accept her being gone. Do they truly understand? Do they blame God? I can't imagine leaving Doug and Katie behind. What's so bad is knowing you would be leaving them behind - knowing it for close to 10 years. I know you're not suppose to think this way because the Almighty God will take you when He is ready and He does allow things like Cancer & other diseases to come in our path for a reason. Some of us won't know the reason until He comes face to face with us. I don't mean to preach, but my heart is bursting - I ask you today - ARE YOU READY? Some NonChristians ask - Why? What do you mean? Hey people we are not meant to forever live on Earth! We are all on a journey through this cruel and evil world. We ALL will die, maybe not like Theresa or Toni, but we all will be gone from here one day. We will ALL stand before the Creator/Father, Savior, and Holy Spirit. Some NonChristians say, why do I want what you have because you are no better than I? My friend, we have all sinned and in many different ways, but until you have our Savior Jesus Christ there beside you come Judgement Day, you will be looking at an Eternal Hell. I don't want that for you because I love you! Jesus Christ loves you as well and He wants the very best for you - happiness, peace, joy, hope - the list goes on and on. By no means is being a Christian easy, but the hope and faith in Christ Jesus - He will get you through any brick wall, mountain top, road block, etc. God created us to worship and praise His Holy Name because His Love is Eternal for you and me! If you feel, you are in a pit and can't possibly get out and don't know what to do - CALL UP ON THE LORD! If you think so lowly of yourself right now. You don't feel worthy enough to call upon the Lord. Shout out loud! "God, I need you!" "God, I have sinned and don't want to sin anymore." Confess your sin right now. He doesn't care how large or small your sin is. It could be murder, drug addiction, child pornography, alcoholism. It could be just a small white lie. He wants you to come to Him and accept His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Do you believe that Jesus Christ came down to Earth in flesh, walked this Earth & died for our sins that we might have eternal life? Please read in the Holy Bible - John 3:16 - "God so loved the World that He gave His Only Begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life." Don't think for a second that church or worshiping God at church is just for the worthy Christians. Church is a building for all sinners (yes, that means you!) to gather, thank God for His ever goodness in your life, a place to ask His forgiveness for your mistakes and a place to listen for His Calling. Church is a building to start the healing in your life, no matter if it is physically, emotionally or spiritually. God heals ALL who come to Him - maybe not physically, but in His own way. He heals in His own time for His own purpose. For further reference, I recommend you read "Get Out of that Pit" by Beth Moore. I can't apologize for this out burst because I believe God lead me to write this message. Right now, I'm shaking and my heart is bursting. I believe someone out there needed to read this message. God Bless You!