The Struggle is Real? How do you handle struggle? Do you hope someone will pull you out?

Good Sunday Morning Everyone! I hope you're having a blessed Sunday. It's been snowing here for fifty-five plus hours. We are pretty buried in where I am. This is something we generally deal with, but not snowing for that long of a period straight. It's been interesting and with subzero temperatures, it's been a challenge for our son and me. 

Now for the meat of this entry. I said the struggle is real. How do you handle your struggle? Do you wish or hope someone would pull you out so you don't have to deal with the struggle? I put this picture of the monarch butterfly up for this reason. When we find a cocoon we want to grab it or bring it inside when we should just leave it where it is. We can go back to it and check on it. This butterfly is intact in the first cocoon, it's fully encapsulated, fully protected. The butterfly is safe. The next one shows that the butterfly is starting to emerge from its cocoon now; it's vulnerable at this stage. The butterfly is weak, its wings are weak, its legs are weak. The butterfly is not ready for flight as of yet. We may come upon this butterfly and want to help it, but we shouldn't. The third one the butterfly has made progress and is now outside the cocoon. Still too weak for flight. The wings are not ready for flight even though the butterfly is out of the cocoon now. The fourth one the butterfly is out and the wings are expanding a little more as they're drying and preparing for flight. Now the fifth one the butterfly is ready for flight; the wings are expanded and dried, the legs are stronger. This butterfly will take off and survive.

I know our struggles are very real, very painful, very deep at times. We may not handle struggle well. We may look for that one to pull us out of our struggle to make things much easier for us. Is that what we really need or should look for? God can pull us from our struggles, but sometimes He doesn't instead He comes alongside us and walks the struggle with us to help us along the journey. That in the end, we would be like that last butterfly. We would be stronger, able to "fly" handle the next struggle better and know what we need to get through. He will teach us the things we need, give us the tools we need to face the struggles better that we come out closer to him and more confident in ourselves.

I know this journey that I am now facing, the infusions, the tests, the broken bones that may come, the surgical things that may come along isn't going to be an easy one. I can say that I am better prepared because God has taught me, shown me so many things to get through each of these struggles as I walk my journey with OI. So the question remains. How will you handle your struggle? Will you have someone pull you out or will you ask them to come alongside you and help you through it to make you stronger? Will you rely on God more to help you through the struggle? If you need me you can always contact me. Have a wonderful Sunday.

Grace & Peace,

Moving Forward....Watching God put things together just the way He wants to

Hi Everyone, hope you're staying warm in these brutal cold temperatures. I know we are staying warm. My husband is a great provider in that he's running our pellet stove to keep us warm and he brought food in unexpected yesterday. I was so glad that he did. I am putting meals together with what he brought. He does so much and tries so hard to provide for our family. We really appreciate all that he does for us. 

Now to get onto what's going on since my last appointment. I had blood work drawn when I was there last. I received the results this morning and I am not pleased to see where the numbers lay. They're low in areas where they need to be higher and those that need to be low are high. I know that after the bone density next Wednesday my doctor will be scheduling the infusions. 

No this doesn't surprise me. I have learned in the years since being diagnosed when I don't feel right, the bone pain is increasing that means one of two things that my calcium is high or that my Vitamin D is bottoming out. In this case, both are down. I know this is not a "snap of the fingers" situation. I know God can do a snap of the fingers and things are fine -- He's choosing a slow path that will draw me to lean harder, press harder into Him. This is His path, not mine. I have to learn to rest with Him and listen, be alert to His direction, how I handle this as the days go, the hiccups that may come along the way.

As I get more updates I will update here. Have a great day everyone!!!

Grace & Peace,

The wait is over! The time has come.....

Good Morning, Everyone! Today is the day we get the results of all the tests. I am praying for the best. I know that God has brought me from mountain to mountain, level to level in my walk with Him. The journey hasn't always been easy, but what comes out of the challenges, the miracles, the amazing things that I have experienced in my life that the Lord has brought me through outweigh the burden, the fear, the tears, the sleepless times, the times with pain by far!

This is how I am going to roll with what's coming at me today. I will be wearing my OI (Osteogenesis Imperfecta) shirt that a bestie gave to me. I love you Jenn, (Goose). She bought me this shirt because she knows my humor and how I roll with things. She has known with this disease that both our son and I face daily hasn't been an easy one especially in the beginning.  She and others know how torn I was. How I was so afraid that our son was going to die, what do I do now? Where do I turn? How do I get information on this disease? Is there information on this? What are the treatments? How harmful are they? These are just a few of the thoughts running through my and my husband's minds at the time of diagnosis. Never did we see that within a few months I too would be diagnosed with Osteogenesis. I was still scared as I was still learning, yet I was now building my knowledge base. I was building my support system. I was gaining friendships that the Lord was putting me in touch with strong Christian friends. 

One of my best friends lives in New Hampshire. Keith and his beautiful wife Lisa have been great inspirations, great information providers, a great support team for our son and I when we'd face infusions, tests, hiccups along the road of OI we'd struggle through. The phone calls that would come and calls I'd make to them they would provide answers if they had them, prayer and most of all encouragement.  When calls would come sometimes that support would be me giving it to Keith through his challenges with the OI. Giving encouragement and guidance on things that he's facing as well. This is how we roll through this day by day, week by week, month by month, year by year. 

I won't lie and say I am fine with the appointment coming today to get results. I am not fine, I am a bit nervous, and not sure I am ready for the words the doctor will express to me today. I know that I have to move forward. I have to be ready for the diagnosis, is it going to be a severe cycle of the current type of OI I have now? Is it going to be a more severe Type of OI? Is it going to be cancer? How strong am I? I am blessed with many caring friends and I am glad they're in my life and I try to be as caring and there for each and every one of my friends even if they're states away from me. One of my great friends gave me this message prior to my leaving for my appointment. "Prayers the results are going to be not what you think, but a way to make improvements. I feel very confident in your results."

I am now home from the appointment. The appointment took much longer than expected. I arrived and was checked in by 1:20 pm had my appointment with my doctor and finished out with going to the lab for more blood work. By the time I arrived home it was after 5 pm. Now an overview of the appointment. My doctor began by thoroughly going over my record with me making certain all the information was correct; any updates or concerns were added in so that proper attention can be given or directed for that specific concern. After this was done we discussed the results of recent testings and bloodwork. I was given the information that I have been waiting for since before Christmas. I must say first off I was told the results do not show cancer. I praise God for that result, AMEN!! The next concern was is this a more severe type of OI (Osteogenesis Imperfecta); the next result says No, this is not a more severe form of OI. I praise God for this result, AMEN! Now for the rest of the results. I was told that between bones and muscle pain I am in pain 97% of my body. That doesn't sound good, but there is a way to help this and we are on that to get the pain reduced and stopped. They did more bloodwork to make certain nothing was missed. The doctor did say that I was in a more severe state with my OI. I was also advised about Reclast infusions and the benefits that they give.  I am now scheduled for a bone density scan for next week. When the bloodwork results return and the scan is done we will set schedule for the Reclast infusions. I am also being scheduled with a Rheumatologist and an Autoimmune Specialist.

The infusions are going to be a hard rough road, BUT I am going forward and will deal with the harsh side effects as they come. They may knock me, but I refuse to let them break me!

I love when friends send me encouraging messages. They have really blessed me with all that I have had coming at me in this. I will leave you with those encouraging words. 

"You may feel defeated. But, you are more than a conqueror! You may feel cast down. But you are victorious in Christ Jesus! You may not understand why so much is happening in your life that you don't understand....BUT, for every struggle, for every disappointment you had, for every time you felt alone, for every friend that left you God has a turnaround for you!" *this is from INSTAGOD MINISTRIES

"God already solved your eternity problem, why wouldn't He solve your temporary problems?"

"Will keep you in my prayers. Wish there was more that I could do."

"Good Luck Kiddo... I hope they don't make you too sick and your bones get strong. Sorry, I hope the treatments work."

"OK. GOOD FOR YOU! Our God has taken care of you. HE has steadied your emotions; HE has saved you from cancer; HE has given the doctors a way for treatment; HE will be with you throughout this difficult time. RED SEA RULES will prevail! Again--has your front, your back, both sides and everything in between -- you are in better hands than Allstate!!!!"

"This is great Leah that it isn't cancer or another form of O.I. I hope your other visits go well and they can help you."

"I was wondering how it went. Will continue to pray."

"I'm so glad it's not cancer Leah. I'm hoping infusions will help you. Keep your chin up Leah <3"

Thanks for hanging out. I hope you've enjoyed your visit. I will post as I go forward with treatments and let you know how things are going. I will now leave you with something fun. This was at my doctor's office. 

Grace & Peace,

Challenges that come how will you handle the storm?

Good Afternoon, Everyone! I hope that you have wonderful day today. I posed the question to you because I have had several challenges thrown at me recently. I thought by posing it to you I thought it would give you something to think about. I could have easily thrown in the towel and given up in the storms I am facing right now. I chose not to give up. I chose to face these storms head on.  I know that God will carry me through them. We all face different challenges and storms in our lives; from things in our lives, the children, medical things, relationship things and more. The challenges I am facing right now are medical related. They’re overwhelming to me because they’re coming one after the other.  Yes, I could give up, I could cry over them, I could get angry over them; I could worry; where would that get me? How would that resolve anything? It would not resolve anything, it would only stop me in my tracks. It would stop me from moving forward. I instead have taken each one of these challenges to the Lord. I have given them to Him to carry. I left them with Him and as I go through these challenges I will give all the new information that comes from each one and give it to the Lord. I know the days ahead will not be easy, but with the Lord they will be easier. How you ask? Here are some scriptures that I have read that will help me through the days ahead. I will share them with you here. After I share the scriptures with you I will open up about the medical challenges I am facing. 

Psalms 27:1 

 “The Lord is my light and my salvation —so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?”

Isaiah 41:13

“For I hold you by your right hand — I the Lord your God. And, I say to you, Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.”

I Peter 5:7

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.” 

As promised I told you I would open up about what is going on with me. The first storm has been my back I have been having lots of pain still from my injury in April with the aquatic therapy. I have now had two surgical back procedures and may be facing a third. A second storm that I am facing is one with my eyes. I was already diagnosed with early stages of glaucoma, but that is begining to change. I was told that the collagen defect due to my brittle bones disease is now affecting my eyes. I may be facing some serious things ahead. They did mention about surgery for the eyes. I don’t know as I am ready for that yet. I know these things generally happen later in your life, but I am experiencing things now.  I did not think I would be experiencing these right now in my life. I also am experiencing injuries that are occurring without my doing anything to be hurt. I was dealing with extreme pain in my left elbow. I did not know what could be causing it. The doctor asked if I had been doing any heavy lifting or gardening; no, I have not. I have been recouping from a back surgical procedure two weeks ago. He said I guess you wouldn’t be then. They took some pictures and ran some scans discovering that the tendon in my elbow is inflamed and tearing. Again the words surgery come out of the doctor’s mouth. Not what I was wanting to hear. We will try other things before surgery. I will try physical therapy then from there we will see what needs to be done to resolve things.

How you take the storms that come in our lives will determine how you come out on the other side of the storm. If we let them control us then we can be negative, we can give up when there is a positive side that we are missing because we have decided to cover that with negative thoughts. This brings me to a scripture that I love a lot because I remember it often.

2 Corinthians 10:4-6

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casing down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.”

Thanks for taking the time to read this entry. I hope it has given some insight for you to be able to take on your storms in a different way. 

Thank You for stopping by, 

A Beautiful Summer Day....

Hi, Everyone!!! I hope you're having a great day.  I have been reading and enjoying the sunshine today. It's been pretty hot today; typical summer day. I thank God for his beautiful creations. The trees, flowers, the birds, animals. I enjoy seeing them when I look out my window. 

Today has been a pretty good day. The pain is at a minimum right now. I am thankful for that as yesterday was a bit of a challenge when I was at church. I didn't get up and leave although I could have, I chose to stay. God blessed me in that because when I left I was not in pain as I was in the service. Thank you, Lord!!! I felt very refreshed after being in service. I came home and I was able to hear the sermon again!! It was already up!!! Sometimes it takes a day or two, but it was already up.  I then went to a site of a Pastor friend of my family, Pastor Ken Graves,  to see if he had a sermon from the same book of the Bible and he did. I listened to him as well. I was blessed to see that many of the points that my Pastor brought out our friend, Pastor Ken Graves did as well.  This is the sermon from my Pastor, Dr. Eric Paashaus 2 John, Jesus In The Flesh.

I will leave you with this short message; have fun, enjoy your day!! I will write more another time. 

Coming Back......Everything that should have broken me...only made me stronger!

Hi, Everyone!!! Hope you're having a good day. I have been busy this morning with reading and talking to a few close friends that needed me this morning. I also had some business that I had to attend to for my husband and that's complete now. I can finally take some time to write here. Well, ok...that phone call made a hiccup. We had appointments planned for our son this week and pre-registered for them. A call came and now the place that is doing his DEXA scan changed the appointment for the DEXA...now they're going to coordinate it with the doctor instead of my having to call.  I appreciate that since they had taken it to their hands to change the appointment to start with. 

Now for the title, why I chose "Everything that should have broken me....only made me stronger!" I chose that because I have sat here during my recovery with loved ones around me. The various things I felt with the injury from losing functionality in my leg to the point that I couldn't walk. I had to learn to walk again. I had excruciating pain that even with meds didn't relieve it maybe as quickly as I hoped.  God is bigger and God had it in control. I shed many tears during that time as the ladies that came around me can tell you. Them encouraging me; helping me when I needed help to stand, to walk, to do just about any daily task that I needed to do. They were there. They saw that I was down because of the injury, but they didn't leave me there. No, they gave me the tools to get myself back up...they encouraged me through books to read that would be uplifting and showing that I needed not to be down.  They read God's Word to me and had me follow in my Bible where they were reading. We spent time in prayer, we spent time in worship.  I loved and still, love the time we spend together. We do get together even though I am getting better. I am still recovering, but not needing them hovering around me so much now. 

 I am thankful for the friendships that have developed even deeper. I am thankful for all that God placed in my life. 

Have a great day!!

Beginning to find Life.....

Hi, Everyone!!! I know that title may throw some of you, but when I wrote that I got to thinking how this journey has been since the injury. It has been slow and steady, yes, there have been setbacks and things. God has been there throughout and when I don't feel He's there He shows me in His own way that He is. When I am questioned how I don't always know how to answer so one understands I just know what He does. It is hard to put words because sometimes what we think are the right words to say are the exact opposite in someone else's eyes because they mean something different to them than they do to you. I mean like if I say "I'll have a bulls-eye, thanks." Someone might bring me a target with a hole in the center....that's not what I meant. Someone may say "I'll have an egg-in-a-hole, thanks." These two things mean the same the 'bulls-eye' and 'egg-in-a-hole' - it is a slice of bread with a hole in the center with an egg cooked. The same thing, but the wording is different.

Back to my "Beginning to find life"; I put this title because like I said I have seen changes in what's transpired since this injury. I have seen where I was and where I am now. I am not the same as I was I am changed I am different. You say how it's an injury; simple it's bad in the beginning but as time goes it gets better no big deal. Yea, ok I agree, but this has been a big deal. There has been so much that has happened. I have had people helping me daily, bringing meals, blessing my family when we were at wits ends not knowing what was coming next in this healing from the injury. That didn't matter, what mattered God knew. God knew who He was going to bring here, He knew who was going to bring a meal, He knew my allergy to onions - He knew I didn't have to worry about who brought meals because they knew my allergy. They weren't direct family either, no, they were my church family, my friends.

I say changes, there were challenges, pulling from the comfort zone, and so much more. There were times I felt like I was squashed by "God's Hammer" only close friends of mine will understand that terminology. I am better for it - I know more of what I have to do, what is expected of me. How can I say that? I say that because of what has been brought before me. I still have so much on my plate, am I overwhelmed? If I answered "no" that'd be a lie, if I say "yes" - then some may say don't be dramatic. Whoever said I was, did I say I was being dramatic no? I am calm in this even though there is so much going on right now. I will get through this. Why will I get through this, I will because I have committed my life to Christ. 

Thanks for Stopping,

Deep In Thought........

Today has been a wet day with the constant rain coming down. I was looking for a picture to fit with how I have been today. Today I spent most of my time deep in thought. I have been thinking about so many things with all that I am dealing with in this journey of healing. I verse that I thought was from the book of Colossians. Colossians 4:2-3 (NLT) "Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about His mysterious plan concerning Christ...." You may ask why this verse...well, I thought of this one because devoting ourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart; God hears us when we pray. He hears us when we pray and spend time with Him; our relationship grows with what He teaches us. Our hearts are more open to receiving what He has for us. I have been finding with this whole injury my spending time in the Word and prayer I have grown in so many ways. I realize that God means for me to be where I am. You think right away I dare to say; how can you say that? I mean seriously! Are you saying that God meant for you to get injured while in that pool for therapy??? No, I am not saying that. I am saying that He may have needed me to slow down and He allowed this.

There are times where God needs us to slow down and hear what He has for us. While getting injured doesn't mean that was the way He wanted me to slow down. It may have taken that because I admit I can be stubborn and push on when I shouldn't. Some circumstances are beyond our control. Sometimes just a card in the mail, a phone call, a knock on the door can throw us for a loop.  We need to be ready for what may come our way.  When we worry about something is us putting question marks where God puts a period. God appreciates when we do His work; what He has planned for us, for you, for me. There are so many ways that God gets our attention to get us to slow down to draw to Him. I am thankful for this time. This has been a long time; we are now five weeks in and I am still not where I need to be physically, but I have grown in so many other ways. 

I have been with four different women from my church. They come certain days of the week to help me at my home, with walking, with making meals for me, for conversation - times of refreshing for them and for me. We talk about things in our lives and share with one another.  They have taught me so much about them and they've said I have taught them so much about me. I have told them some really personal things that I don't share with just anyone. We spent time in prayer; we spent time in tears not always because of sadness, but in times of growth, times of frustration from things of negative anger. There are times that we spend singing our hearts out loudly with the television...hehe so loudly that we rock and roll my husband right out the front door. I hate to admit we laugh when we do that. Is that wrong??? I have to say that it's funny at times watching his reaction when he's going out that door.  In times like these, I have to think of God's glory rather than for my relief.  You may think why wait, how do you do that?? I mean seriously, naturally, we think of questions like these. "How did I get into this mess, and how can I get out?" "How quickly can I solve this problem?" "Why did this have to happen to me?"  That last one is a difficult one, isn't it? I mean when we get hurt, when we get into something that is catastrophic we think how did this happen? Why didn't I stop? Why didn't I see this coming? Sometimes we need to step back. When something comes at us; instead of reacting how we usually do "how can I get out of this mess?". We should change our thinking to "How can God be glorified in this situation. By doing this can change your whole perspective on the situation that you're in. 

When you think about it what comes to your mind? When you think of the enemy what does he do he comes in and bothers us, annoys us. His mission is to seek, kill and destroy. We need to acknowledge when he sneaks in and attacks us...we need to be at the ready and keep our eyes on the Lord. I have kept you here a long time so I will let you go. I thank you for taking the time to read my post. I will have more to write in the days ahead. 

Thanks for stopping by, have a great day,

Long Time No Visit

Greetings Everyone!!! I am sorry that it's been a long, long time since I have been writing. I apologize. I have been trying to get back on my feet and walking again. I am making progress with some setbacks. I am determined to move ahead. I did get some outdoor time even if it was just sitting on the bench outside my home. That's progress because I am not surrounded by the four walls that now feel like a prison. I hate to say it, but I don't want to be a fixture in my living room; in my living room recliner.
While I could focus on what I am not doing yet; I will not and refuse to. I have to say that this time with the challenges that are and were before me was very taxing on my emotions.  When this all began it was some back pain that started this.  I went to the doctor to seek help to find that I was directed to therapy.  I thought I was making the right choice. When I experienced some pain the first day I thought okay this is expected this is something different that I am used to doing. When it transferred over to the second day and continued from there as you know the rest of what happened. I knew then, that I had challenges ahead that haven't happened yet, challenges that I was facing right at that moment. I said that this was very taxing on my emotions. This was; those that came willingly to our home to help me with everyday tasks, personal tasks I am so very grateful and thankful for every moment spent with them. I am not saying that this is a one-way experience. That is not this in any way.  I say that because these were times of refreshing for me and for them. We learned from one another. They learned about me; things that I had experienced in life. I learned things about their lives; things they experienced. This has impacted how I have dealt with and continue to deal with this setback. Setback?! You may say is that what you call it?? It is and it is an injury from the physical therapy as well, but I will get to my goals and ambitions in God's timing. He knows what they are and when they will happen. While others may think that I am wrapped in what I cannot do. I am not while these things do get to my emotions going and I can become overwhelmed at times.  Those times have been fortunate to have been blessed with friends around and them to bring words from God to my heart that some didn't even know that I was struggling with things. I appreciate each one of them that have been here. I am thankful for my husband that the Lord gave me. I say this because of something dear and close to his heart he shared with me during this time of struggle with me. I will not disclose his words here as they were just that dear and close to his heart and not easy for him to share. I have to say that his sharing these words made our relationship even stronger and helped me to see things with him differently in the current circumstances that I am dealing with.

I have to say that today I am doing better, still have a way to come yet. I am getting there. I am not giving in or complaining at all that it's taking this long to get back to where I was. I can say that I am better for the challenges that I have faced already. I am stronger for it as well. I have been in the Word throughout this ordeal. I have been directed to scripture, to books, to other things that friends and family have brought to me. I was also given things from my Pastor during this time as well. He has touched my heart with his encouraging words through this time. He has touched my heart with his sermons as well. I know through this whole process I have grown in many ways. I am thankful for what God is teaching me through this.  I hope that you will stick with me to see how things turn out and where God leads me throughout this challenge. 

Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to read my post and stopping by. Have a wonderful day!!! 

Glorifying God in Times of Trial

Good Evening Everyone!! Hope you're having a great day. I have to say that I had a rough day with pain and thoughts. I had a dear friend of mine from church staying with me to help me since I have been injured from participating in aquatic therapy because of my doctor's script. I had a tough time with getting up as I cannot do it on my own. I have to have assistance, then I have to use a walker once I am up. Using the walker is difficult as my right leg is not moving the way it should be. I cannot place my foot flat when walking. It will not go that way. If it is forced to go flat then it snaps back up because it will not go flat. 

I wish that I knew prior to going in the water that it was a bad decision for people like me with Osteogenesis Imperfecta. The resistance of the water and our body weight can cause injury and or fracture.

I was told by my doctor that I will be going for pain management for my leg, pelvis, hip until we figure if there are stress or compression fractures. The place for pain management mentioned about if I would be interested in medical marijuana. I am so on the fence with this. I have to say God has really blessed me, directed me in finding out about this. I knew I needed to find out first and foremost if my insurance covered this or not. I didn't want to get excited about trying something that may work for my pain and help my bones to have that excitement destroyed by the insurance company not covering it. I called our insurance company not sure what to expect out of the phone call, but I can say for sure I was greatly blessed and I was told by the one that I was talking to that I was encouraging to her. She said that I was positive and had a positive spirit. I feel that it was God that brought her and me together tonight in the phone conversation. I feel we both needed to hear each other and what we had to express to one another. I am so happy that God did that. I gave her my site and she said that she'd be sure to research Osteogenesis Imperfecta and come look at my site.  I hope I can be an encourager for her. 

I have to say that today has been very challenging as my leg has been spasming very hard. I cannot walk on my foot - I am walking with a walker. I have a wheelchair to go out to do things. I have to spend my days and nights in the recliner in the living room. I really wish that I could get in my bed. My doctors have said no laying flat it is dangerous at this point. I really miss going upstairs in my house. I ought to end things here for now and write more tomorrow.

Have a great night, thanks for stopping by,

I am home...

I titled this I am home. Yes, I am home. It has not been an easy journey. This all started from April 11th my first day of Aquatic Therapy. I left feeling a bit sore. I knew that would happen, but thought this is part of healing. I have to deal with some pain before the healing. Glad that the Lord is my strength to get me better. 

This picture I chose, says "Dear Lord, I come to You today, feeling broken, the same pain, and hurt again. I am honestly tired and weak right now. But I will hold on to You, my sweet Jesus because I know that this is just a part of my journey here as your humble servant." I chose this because although there are pain and feelings of discouragement I know the Lord is always there for me, no matter the situation, the circumstances He's always there. 

Aquatic Therapy Pleasant or Torture

Hi, Everyone!!! Just had to use this cute adorable puppy for the cover for the article. I was trying to find a different picture but didn't want to post pictures of other people. I will try and post a picture of the pool where I do my therapy. The photo below is the pool where I do my aquatic therapy. The pool all the way around is 4 feet. Ok, those of you that know me know how short I am. With that being said the 4 feet of water is on my shoulders. You could say doing the therapy is a challenge all on its own. 

Today we did a few things it was quite rough on me. I am glad that I have over a week before I have to go back and pick up paperwork. I asked them to write out a plan for after this because I don't want to use up all my limited therapy visits from my insurance. They could appeal, but from what I have learned the insurance company about 90% of the time will say no.

I have to say that I am paying for it from what we did today. I have been sick and in lots of pain. I am slow moving right now as I write this.  I am thankful that I have a break from therapy for a while. I say that because when I go back it's a paperwork pickup. I will then take the pool therapy to land and incorporate it with my walking. I will beat this with my body. I don't know what the doctor will say when I go back to him in May. We will see. I then see my OI doctor in June. I will not be looking forward to this one as she's going to be moving out of state. 

I have to say so many thoughts are running through my mind right now as I write this. I know some of you may tell me not to think this way or that, but dealing with this daily is difficult. When challenges come up and trying to get through them is difficult and not always the way you think. When it comes to therapy we don't have many options. There are a lot of things that we cannot do because we could fracture easily. 

Thanks for taking time to read, have a good night,

Saturday Blessings!

Saturday Blessings Everyone! Well, this is a change. I woke up at 4 am for our normal wake up time. I grabbed my medication took that, thought I was going to be up for the day - my body had other plans I was able to fall back to sleep which is unusual for me. I am thankful for the extra rest I don't usually get that due to the pain and discomfort of the Osteogenesis Imperfecta.  Those of us with the disease can attest to the various things that we deal with on a daily basis.

I must say that I am thankful for the friendship that I have made with my "Special Friend." She's great!!! Yes, we may have ups and downs, you know the kind - the bumping of heads on some topics. We have adjusted and learned to get around our "bumps in the road." We are now stronger in our friendship. I thank God for her. We get together and spend time with each other while our children play games together. I am thankful for their friendship as well. They have helped one another with homework as well. I like that they can do that. 

This morning's "dance" was a little easier. I praise God for that. I still loved dancing across the room with my husband. I enjoy our talks. This morning we both were getting up to get our days going. We got down the hall and we were both down the stairs. He did what he needed I got myself ready then our son woke up. We made breakfast.

Yesterday was my first day of physical therapy, but as most of us call it physical torture. Hmm, maybe because we go in with not a lot of pain and walk out with lots of pain. I did experience some pain while there, but when I got home it wasn't that bad until this morning. I guess the work I did, did settle in. I am ok otherwise. I know there will be some discomfort before I get better. I am already working on a plan for after physical therapy.  I want to be the best that I can for my family. I know we can get through this. God blessed me with a therapist that lives close to me. 

I hope you have a great weekend. Spend time with family, friends, and God. 

Blessings,

Let the Dancing begin.....

 

 

Good morning! I pray that you had a good nights rest. I had a little challenge last night, but I'd rather not talk about it. Let's get onto our morning. I pray that you will have a good day ahead of you. 

I "danced" with my husband around our room. Him holding me up as we walked together. We walked the hallway together; talking along the way. I love these early morning "dances" even if they are at 4 am most of the time. Today it was 4:15 am. I decided there was no staying put in bed I needed to get up and get going. The pain was too much. I just couldn't lay there anymore. We made it to the stairs my husband helped me down the first few then I was okay to get down the rest. 

I got myself ready for the day then went to my corner of the living room to spend some quality time with the Lord. I opened my devotional to today and grabbed my Bible to start reading. I always read the scripture reference first then go into the reading.  The scripture for today's devotional is found in Revelation 2:9-10 (NLT) "I know about your suffering and your poverty--but you are rich! I know the blasphemy of those opposing you. They say they are the Jews, but they are not, because their synagogue belongs to Satan. Don't be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life." 

I know I underlined quite a bit here, but there is so much being said in this devotional for today. Where it talks about those living with intractable physical pain, some barely able to function. I know many in the OI community that deals with this daily. I know I have as of late. There are so many days that I cannot even sit up in bed on my own or rise from the bed on my own, but with the help of my husband, I am able to get up. Though it may be painful I keep my trust in God because I know He brings me through the pain, through the fire. He keeps my attitude positive when the enemy wants to annoy me and try to make my attitude less positive. When you think about things, when you are close to God, the more quality time you spend with Him the enemy can't attack you, but annoy you. When you're not walking with the Lord the enemy loves to attack and keep you from God, but that's not what God wants for your life. He wants you to live with Him. When I am dealing with lots of pain whether from injuries or otherwise that's when I am most vulnerable. Words from friends, things I read, maybe even a song that a friend sends I may take all of these wrong - that's when the enemy is causing doubt in me - making me question things. I shouldn't be doing either of those; I should be going to the throne because God is still on the throne. He is our strength whether we are at our weakest moment or at a strong moment when we feel we are close to Him. We need to hold His hand through all that we face whether we think we can go it alone. He is there to help us, guide us, give us wisdom in all situations, circumstances. We need to remember He has promised a crown of life sweeter than life itself. My Lord is a strong, strong mighty tower. Here I am Lord, I am running through the door! I am taking refuge in You! Hold me, Lord! 

Thanks for taking time to read,

Good Morning!!!

Good Morning, my friends!!! How are you this fine morning? I am doing a little better. This morning's "dance" was a bit tough, but we got off and started out of our room and down the hall. Taking that step down the first stair was difficult, but I descended just fine although there was a lot of pain. I still gave God the glory why because He was there walking with me and holding my hand as I walked. He gave me the confidence to take each step. Some of the simplest tasks can be the most difficult, but not when you have God by your side. I was up, rising and shining at 4 am again due to pain, but I took my medication and as you read started downstairs to begin my day. 

Once I was downstairs I got myself ready for the day. I then went to the living room to have my quality time with the Lord. I started by reading my morning devotional A Spectacle of Glory God's Light Shining through Me Every Day, by Joni Eareckson Tada. Today she wrote based on Ephesians 5:20. Paul tells us that we must be "always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." For everything??? I have wrestled with these words, why, because there are things that I guess I keep to myself - this is futile because God already knows! The Bible tells us we're to give thanks, not only for the good stuff that happens in our lives but also for those hurtful, crushing, heartbreaking, out-of-control moments as well. He asks us to see life from His point of view. I look at this disease that my son and I have, the Osteogenesis days are challenging, but God gets us through. I think that He sees right now, right now how one day we will be healed and how the tears, the bruises, the setbacks and sorrows of this life have worked for the glory of His name. I spent time in prayer and I thanked the Lord for everything even for the Osteogenesis and the pain that have been my companions. Not that I like them, but God has a calling, a purpose for my life, for my son's life -- for that matter for your lives as well. We can endure whatever He allows touching our lives. He has our lives cupped in His hands and He loves us and He works every moment for the best and for His glory. 

Hoping to see a friend today. Not sure what they have planned for their day, God does. I will be spending some time in the Word and trying to do some therapy things. I pray that you have wonderful days, filled with the mighty blessings that God has for you!  Don't miss out on all the little and big things that God has to show you. I remember walking with our son when he was a lot younger. He said, "Mama, Mama, look at these tiny purple flowers!" I totally missed them why because I was in the "adult tunnel vision" - this is how we get as we grow up. We become focused on the things of life, things we have to do, what's next on our agenda. That day when we were walking my mind was on when we get back he will go down for a nap, I can get dinner started while he sleeps I can fold the laundry that's washed...and the list continues. When he said that simple phrase "...look at these tiny purple flowers!" Stopped me in my tracks!!! I looked down at him and said show me, baby. He showed me and they were what we consider weeds, but God created them for our enjoyment. I looked closer, then he picked one for me - they were so intricate.  The colors blended just perfectly. Now I pushed that "tunnel vision" to the wayside never to reintroduce. I look for all the tiny things that God created. When I see something new, or something I have seen even daily I still thank God for that blessing. I go for a walk (for therapy) I look for things asking God to show me what He wants me to learn or gain through the walk. I spend time talking to Him. No, I don't get funny looks from people that are around me if any because we don't have to speak out loud to God when we're outside, out in public unless we choose to. 

Thank You for stopping by and taking the time to read my post. Have a wonderful day!!

May God richly bless your lives,

Count your BLESSINGS Not Your PROBLEMS....Good Morning!!!

Good Morning!!! Hope you're having a wonderful day. I am very blessed with my husband.He as always at the 4 am wake up helped me up to do our morning "dance". I am so blessed having him. Yes, we have had our share of ups and downs, but the ups outweigh the downs by a long shot. We danced down the hallway then he sent me down the stairs as I was able to get down on my own. I was glad for that. Not always are the stairs manageable for me. 

I came down and found that our son slept on the couch. He said he had another bloody nose in the night. He's a great guy he handled it on his own; knowing we were just upstairs. He wanted to wake up if I came down. I tried to wake him, but he didn't want any part of my waking him up. I woke him at his normal time to wake for school. He rose and grabbed his clothes for the day, got a shower and ready for the day. We read our family devotion and now we've added a daily scripture reading with a family member's church. If you'd like to take a listen feel free. They have an app in the App Stores, click here, Calvary Chapel. He was off for school; we prayed as always before he left. He's off and now my husband is off to work. I have to get on with my day too before I leave you I want to share something else with you.

I have an app on my phone that gives us a daily challenge. I really love it; sometimes the challenges are something that I cannot do, but that's ok. I will pass on those. I like the challenges they give because some are exercises of just stretches, going for a walk, others are things like thanking someone..what are you most grateful for is another. I like that they're not just one type. I am most grateful to God for my relationship with Him. I am most grateful that He created us and the love He shows us through His creations; all the things He made. The ransom sacrifice of His son and His promises. I thank Him daily even in my deep days of pain. He's there to lift me up, help me face my day. I thank Him because He went to the cross for me, for you, for all of us. His love He has for us held Him there. I am so thankful that He has given us an awesome example of how we should act...being humble, kind, compassionate, a forgiving attitude even despite what others have done to Him, good moral character, living simply and putting others first. We do this even when sometimes it's when we need something, but want to meet someone else's need we do and we are blessed in other ways. We've had when we've given food to another when we were short but wanted to still bless the family. We did this then we heard a knock later on our door and someone from our church not knowing what was going on came with food and blessed us with lunch and food for dinner too. AMEN!!!

Thank you for stopping by, blessings,

Another Day.....Day of decision..Can I go?

Here we are it is only 4 am! The last medication was 10 pm--I am in such extreme pain that trying to even do the "dance" with my husband came with tears, uncertainty whether I was going to be able to make even the first step let alone consecutive steps. We got down the hallway, then the descending down the stairs met with more of a challenge as I had to depend more on my body to make each step-down. I cried and winced with each step; finally, at the bottom of the stairs, my husband says, "Are you going to make it? Can you walk on your own now?" This is so difficult to listen to; difficult being in this situation and feeling helpless. 

My mind is running with thoughts, concerns, questions and so much more. This is so sad when you have to question whether you can or can not get out to something that you love; for me that's church. I love my church, my church family, but when my body puts decisions on me of am I able or should I go? I don't like these decisions. I would much rather just be able to be happy that it is Sunday, family day, the day of worship; let's go!!! Let's enjoy! Why am I silent about it you ask? Well, I am for now considering the time is 4:30 am and my family is asleep, but not me my body is writhing in pain. I am writing yet I am talking with God as I write to you. I will be in His Word after I finish writing here. I may add some of what He showed me through His Word. 

As I said I would share with you what God showed me in His Word. He brought me to Psalm 56. I will write it out for you. I may highlight certain parts which spoke to my heart.

Psalm 56 - IN GOD I TRUST

Be merciful to me, O God, for man

would swallow me up;

Fighting all day he oppresses me. My 

enemies would hound me all day, 

For there are many who fight against me, O

Most High. Whenever I am afraid,

I will trust in You. In God (I will praise His

word),

In God I have put my trust;

I will not fear.

What can flesh do to me?

All day they twist my words;

All their thoughts are against me for evil.

They gather together,

They hide, they mark my steps,

When they lie in wait for my life. Shall they

escape by iniquity?

In anger cast down the peoples, O God!

You number my wanderings;

Put my tears into Your bottle;

Are they not in Your book? When I cry out

to You,

Then my enemies will turn back;

This I know, because God is for me. 

In God (I will praise His word), In

God I have put my trust;

I will not be afraid. 

What can man do to me?

Vows made to You are binding upon me, O God;

I will render praises to You, For You have 

delivered my soul from death.

Have You not kept my feet from falling, 

That I may walk before God

In the light of the living?

Now as I stated earlier that I would highlight some parts. I said that I would go over how they spoke to me.  The first one where I highlighted "Whenever I am afraid... I will trust in You." This part speaks a great deal because I am reminded of the scripture from II Timothy 1:7 "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." This speaks volumes because God has not given us a spirit of fear - we need to hold steadfast to this truth. When we come against a situation that causes fear we need to go to the throne of God for His strength, His love, His guidance to the Word that only He can give us. We have to remember to praise His Word, why? You may ask why, but because His Word is our life instruction. He in His Word tells us all we need to know. He tells us all that we need for what we are going through. We may not think so, but trust Him and He will guide you through His Word what He wants you to read. What He wants to show you to get you through.

I put my trust in Christ as a teenager. I had a great childhood, my parents did all they could with me and my brother. My Mom stayed home with us until we were older then she worked part-time and would be home when we returned from school. My Father, he worked extensive hours yet on Friday night when he'd return home (mind you he had given instruction to my Mom prior to getting the camper ready) we'd leave for camp. We'd go for the weekend. My Mom would give my brother and my instruction to get things ready to go. Pack the things we wanted to bring. She would end with bringing your Bibles. You know there's nothing like reading God's Word around the campfire. My parents let us get involved with sports and other extracurricular activities with school. You may think that that's crazy you in sports!!!! You have Osteogenesis!!! Yes, I know I do. I was born with it, yes. In regards to my parents, Osteogenesis was not well known. Not many doctors were or are even today aware of Osteogenesis. I know my parents did all they could to protect us. Yes, I did fracture a lot growing up, but the things that I did when I fractured I am glad that I had the opportunity to do them - they were fun even though I experienced an injury. I choose not to allow the Osteogenesis to rob me of the fun.  God is with me, God is in me. He is my shield and protector. 

I as mentioned that I put my trust in Christ as a teenager. I had some bad influences around me through school. There were some friendships that I had to turn from because I knew they would lead to ungodly things. I pray for those friends even though I have walked away from the friendship. I got involved in what I thought was a good group to be involved in until I learned some of the secretive things about this group were unbiblical and of the occult. Mind you as a teen that would scare any teen away although I can say that some friends of mine that I made while in this group are still involved, yet as an adult now. I had some wonderful Christian family friends of our family, my youth leaders, my parents, my Pastor, Pastor Blaine. All these people influenced my life directing me to the Lord, to His Word. They talked to me, answering questions when I needed them answered, mentoring me when I needed it. I am so ever grateful that each one of them came alongside me. I accepted Christ, I then took my next step in Faith and was baptized. I continue to grow daily. God teaches, shows me so many things. I love walking with my Lord.

This morning about 7:40 am I rose from bed to begin getting ready for church. The pain wasn't as crippling as it was at 4 am. That I was thankful and I thanked God for allowing me to rise without as much pain. The dance around the room and down the hallway was much easier this time. I still needed assistance, but I wasn't crying because of pain for that I am very thankful. We complain when things are good or bad. We all experience challenges in our lives that tempt us to complain or even give up. When God sends His blessings (and He will), fight the urge to complain. Bob Russell said, "It is a rare person who, when his cup runs over, can thank God instead of complaining about the limited size of his mug!" So when you feel the urge to complain take a step back and spend time with God. 

Thank you for stopping by and reading my post for the day. I know this is a longer one than usual, but this is just some of the experiences I deal with that never get shared. I keep them to myself, or just my husband and I know about them. I don't share them with our son because I don't want to cause unnecessary worry within him. I know he has the same disease, but his experiences may be same or could range very differently from my own.

Blessings, Have a wonderful Sunday,