Sunday, October 23, 2011

Blog Catch-Up Post #1

I am going to try my best to catch up on my blog this week. I have not posted about our wonderful anniversary adventure. We had such a good time. I love getting away and just enjoying life. We stayed at a wonderful place; it was nestled in the trees and hills on northern edge of Branson. It was a Bed and Breakfast, but we opted out on the breakfast. You can check it out by clicking on the name: Aunt Sadies Bed and Breakfast.

We stayed in the Hideaway on the end of the main house. The room was beautifully decorated and very clean. The hot tub on the screened in porch was an added amenity, one that we enjoyed every night.  Everyone was very friendly and the surrounding area was so peaceful, very homey and country! Here are a few pictures:

This pear tree was close to our room unfortunately it was behind a fence, it just looked so inviting. I am sure that was why the fence was up it looked inviting to the deer also. We did not get to see any deer while we were there, probably because we did not get out of bed early enough…lolol.

This was an old cream separator that they were using for a planter. A nice added touch! The sign on it said “While you’re here as our guest, may you find peace and rest.”

Another touch of country…

I thought this was a beautiful lamp.

The yard was a wildlife sanctuary, especially for the birds.
The hummingbirds were fun to watch. They were going at it all day long. This is one of many pictures I took of them.

This feeder was filled every morning and by dusk it was empty.

Every bird needs a church.

This was a neat flower made out of thin metal.

I loved this; it was on the end of the main house.

We were very pleased with our stay and would recommend it to anyone.  Next post will be about the wonderful shows we attended.

until next time...nel

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Be still...

I want to apologize in the beginning for this long post, but I just felt led to share what was on my heart...

Have you ever taken a step back and looked at the situation and realized your prayers were being answered but you were not listening? I am sure we have all done this more times than we would like to admit. We get caught up in the moment and human nature takes over and we forget to listen. We forget to listen to that small but oh so big voice that tries to guide us the way we need to go.
“Be still, and know that I am God:” Psalm 46:10a

As a lot of you know my daughter has been dealing with some health problems. About 4 months ago she was bowling with her family and friends when she started feeling funny. Actually she thought she was having a heart attack, so off to the ER they went. Thank God it was not a heart attack but they did think it was something to do with the heart. After many tests they decided she had this syndrome with a big long name, but basically it is where your brain and heart are not communicating properly and your blood pressure drops and you feel like you are going out. This is one of those syndromes that sometimes people have and do not realize it until it suddenly shows up. Basically there are three ways to correct this, 1) with diet change (lots of salt) 2) medicine or 3) a pacemaker. She had been having other symptoms also: just a yucky feeling, and no energy at all. They tried the diet change, but it did not make a difference, she could not handle the medicine because of the side effects it caused, so all that was left was the pacemaker. There was another important factor several times during this period her potassium level showed up as being low. Unfortunately she did not have a general physician, the one we had used for years had retired.

I want you to remember this has been 4 months my daughter has been dealing with these issues, and this momma has been worried. Key word worried, why do we worry? God has it under control; there were a lot of people praying for her. But again human nature takes over, I think us mommas just think we should be able to fix everything and if we can’t we worry about it.
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Let’s fast forward to a week and a half ago, on a Thursday; she was scheduled for a pacemaker in Little Rock. She was ready for the surgery, x-rays were taken, blood was drawn, heart monitor was on, iv was inserted, the nurse came in and said all they were waiting on was the doctor. Five minutes later he came in and told us he was not doing the surgery, when they ran it through their program it kicked out that the insurance would not pay for it because she had not completely passed out. Unbelievable… or that was my thoughts at the time, I bit my tongue while he was talking, just could not believe this was happening. So we did the only thing we could do we left. My daughter handled it very well, she did not get upset, and they made a few phone calls to the insurance hoping to get something worked out.

My daughter and I were talking a few days later and we talked about how we believe that everything always happens for a reason, God is in control. Our prayers were answered, we had been praying that the Lord would take care of her and whatever she needed he would see to it. Evidently she does not need a pacemaker at this time, perhaps that pacemaker would not help with the sluggish worn out feelings, perhaps that has to do with the potassium levels. She has an appointment with a GP Thursday, they are going to start with new blood work ups and check everything.

It is so hard to see your kids hurting and feeling bad and you can’t fix them. But we can do one better we can pray and ask the Master Physician to wrap his arms around them and protect them and help them. But when we do we need to have faith He will answer our prayers if it is His will, we need to just lay it at His feet and give it to Him. A Lesson Learned!

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

until next time… nel

Please continue to remember my daughter and her family in prayer!

Monday, October 3, 2011

Guess Where I Am Going In A Month....


I am so excited!  The timing of this conference is perfect, but then again everything God does is perfect!  Life has been so crazy and hectic lately with everything going on with my daughter, I think this is just what I need!  And to top it off - I received the tickets through Book Sneeze, a publisher I review for.  How awesome is that?  Since my daughter has not been feeling well she declined to attend so I offered the chance to my sister-in-law.  So we are going to spend two fun filled days praising the Lord!  You can't get much better than that!

Here is a tentative listing of the speakers:  Patsy Clairmont, Marilyn Meberg, Sandi Patty, Lisa Whelchel, Brenda Warner, Deborah Joy Winans, Amy Grant and Mandisa.  Below is a film clip about the Over the Top Conference put on by Women of Faith.



I have always wanted to attend one of these conferences, but the opportunity had never arose until now.  Yes I am excited! And yes, you will hear more about this wonderful conference!


"But grow in grace, and in Saviour Jesus Christ.  To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen"  2 Peter 3:18


until next time... nel