Who Are You - Really?

Blogs, chat rooms, online dating sites. Each of these things has made it easy to keep in touch, pray for others, update special news events . . . but, they have also made it easy to take on an “alternate” persona. Speaking, through your writing, as if you are someone that doesn’t relate to your real life persona.

Do you know anyone like this? Are you, perhaps, guilty yourself? Are you really who you say you are?

I’ve been blogging now for a couple of years and like to visit my “regular read” blogs, plus new blogs that I find through searches or other blogs. I sometimes read about people who are dealing with trials in their lives, and yet maintain – as written on their blogs – a happy-go-lucky attitude, never ever showing the slightest crack under pressure. I wondered how they could be so nonchalant about events that would cause many people worry, sadness, questioning “why” or even true depression. Even Christ Jesus was sorrowful and troubled over his impending death on the cross.

Matthew 26:

36) Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them,

"Sit here while I go over there and pray."

37) He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him,

and he began to be sorrowful and troubled.

38) Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.

Stay here and keep watch with me."

39) Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed,

"My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.

Yet not as I will, but as you will."

I finally came to the realization that it’s easy to be that way with people that don’t know you, have never met you and don’t know your real life and attitudes.

I have had struggles in my life and sometimes found “Christians” to be the most difficult to deal with because of the beliefs they held that Christians should never be depressed or unhappy. That if I had true faith in God, I would not experience negative emotions. I know that is not true. I know that I serve a loving God and that my faith is strong and that I am blessed beyond measure. I know that God loves me, knows my heart and wants me to love others, being real and sharing His love with them. I know that when I experience troubling feelings and emotions, my responsibility is to look to my Lord for comfort and peace.

Philippians 2:

(1) “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ,

if any comfort from his love,

if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,

(2) then make my joy complete by being like-minded,

having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.

(3) Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit,

but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

(4) Each of you should look not only to your own interests,

but also to the interests of others.”

I know, from my blogging and blog reading that there are many inspirational and Godly bloggers online and feel honored each time that I learn of someone who needs prayer and I am able to do my part in lifting them before God for healing, direction or anything troubling them in their life.

Carry each other's burdens,

and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

One of my goals for 2009 – and beyond – is to be “real” in person and online. To be the person that I say I am – both in speaking and in writing. To understand that every day and every experience is different and that as long as I seek God’s direction in all things, it’s okay to feel whatever it is I am feeling!

Thank you, God, for love, mercy and grace. Thank you, God, for loving me when I feel unlovable. Thank you for forgiveness in my life – both given and received.

In His Love and Blessings
annb

"Til Death Do Us Part"

This has been a great week for Jody and me and I’m so thankful for the blessings God has provided. Christmas day was very quiet for us. Our children had met with us earlier for our Christmas celebration and Christmas day was reserved for them and their plans. Jody and I had the same tradition when our kids were younger. We always wanted to be at home for Christmas so that the kiddos could sleep in their own bed, eager for Santa to bring their gifts and fill their stockings!

Jody and I went to a matinee that afternoon and saw the movie, “Fireproof”. What an awesome movie! It really touched both our hearts, especially because of the events of this year. I’m glad we saw the movie and were able to talk about it afterwards. We are learning how to better communicate with each other and through that, God is really working in our lives.

Chance called me on Friday evening and said he had something he needed to tell me. What a way to start a conversation! I won’t even say what it was he said he had to tell me, but he started by saying, “Mom, you support me in everything I do, right?” Uh, most things! Then he said the words that I never imagined I would ever hear from one of my children.

I quietly caught my breath and said, “Well, uh . . .. “ He broke in laughing and said, “That’s really not true, but I do have something to tell you. Now that you’ve heard the worst news you could ever hear – the truth is . . . I got a tattoo!” I was able to respond that time without hesitation and asked him questions about it (as if I’m interested in his “body - upper arm - art”) and he told me all about it. He finished and then said, “Isn’t that cool?” I told him, “No, not really”. I also explained to him that I love him no matter what and he is his own person.

This past year through everything I have learned, one of the most life-changing things that Julie helped me learn is that I am only responsible for me. I can’t take on anyone else’s “stuff” because there’s nothing I can do about it anyway. I am and always will be Chance’s mom. I will love him always – as I do all four of my children. They are all grown and they all make their own decisions, no longer seeking approval or acceptance of their decisions from Jody or me. Those things don’t define who they are or where they may go in this life. The most important thing I pray for my children is that they all accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, accepting the wonderful blessing of His love!

Saturday, Jody and I met with my siblings and their families for our Christmas celebration. It was such a great time! Even though they all know that I left Jody earlier this year and everything that transpired since that time, they are all loving, kind and accepting of who we are now – in this season of our lives! Not one of them has been judgmental, but instead have listened and been there for me during this time. Not one of them has taken sides – favoring either Jody or me in any way. They love us both and want us to be happy. That doesn’t mean that they have agreed with everything, but they never changed toward either of us. I am so thankful for their love and support!

I’m sad to say that the same has not been true for others. There are some who do not want Jody and me to be together again. There are some who have voiced opinions that have been painful to hear and completely destructive to the relationship that was once thought to be steadfast! I’ve been shocked to hear some of what has been said – not understanding how anyone could be so mean and hurtful.

Jody and I are doing really well together again. We have forgiven each other and are working towards the best relationship possible. We have decided that we no longer have to worry about what others think about our marriage – whether they are family, friends or strangers . . . it doesn’t matter.

What matters is that we have made peace with each other and want our marriage to be under God’s direction. We are learning so much about each other after all this time. It’s as if we never had the peace - during all the years the kids were growing up – that we needed to really build our relationship and secure our marriage. Thankfully, we feel that we have that now. The kids are all grown and we no longer have to listen to other people or care about how they think we are nurturing and teaching our children. That is a huge obstacle to our happiness that has now been removed.

The freedom that we now feel by not worrying about the opinions of other people – only considering how God sees our marriage – is another. It’s as if we are “meeting” for the first time and it’s safe and loving and I know it is “ . . . ‘til death do us part.”

In His Love and Blessings
annb

Please Pray

Have you ever wondered how you would react if your family was faced with news that would forever change your life? Would your faith hold strong? Would your trust be in God? Would you deal with each and every step of the journey with dignity, grace and belief in God's promises?

There is a family - a part of our church family - who was dealt such news earlier this year. I've posted about them before - the Rigg's family, who have a three year old daughter diagnosed with Leukemia. They are a family that is loving, dedicated and with an amazing faith in the Lord. Through all of this journey with Abby, they are an inspiration to everyone they come in contact with.

They have recently been given news that Abby has only about a 20% survival rate. They also know that this news comes from man and not from God. They have put their trust and Abby in God's hands. I am touched by their faithfulness every time I receive a new message about Abby and each and every time I read Brent's or Michelle's blogs.

I would ask that you take a moment to visit them at . . . Where Laughter Lives, and pray for Abby and for this family. Brent has made a video tribute to Abby and you can see it here. I know that this family will touch your heart as they have mine.

In His Love and Blessings
annb

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas! I have sent out my text greeting to all my family and friends and now the day begins. It's very quiet here, just Jody and me. This is the first Christmas in 20 years that it has just been the two of us. We celebrated our family Christmas with all the kids and grandkids a couple of weeks ago and today each of the kids is spending the day with their own little family or with others. It seems strange, but that's what happens as your children grow older.

Jody and I went to a Christmas Eve service at church last night and really enjoyed it. We sang praise songs for the season and re-visited the story of Christ's birth. This is a season of reflection on the greatest gift ever given - the birth of Jesus, His life as a man on this earth, His crucifixion and resurrection. I'm incredibly thankful for this gift.

My parents are both gone now and I miss them so much, but know because of the gift we've been given, eternal life with a home in Heaven, I will see them again and that gives me comfort.

. . . but the gift of God is eternal lifein Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

Material gifts have never been the focus in my family and that has not changed this year. I have received one of the best gifts I've ever received - the blessing of my husband and I being reunited after being separated this year. There is no gift that could top this one. We both love the Lord, love each other and want our marriage to be a reflection of our love. We are both willing to do what it takes to make our marriage one that will glorify God. Our belief is that with this as our heart's desire, our marriage will be everlasting!

God has provided instruction for marriage through His word, The Holy Bible, and that is our focus. We are meeting regularly with our Family Pastor to learn better ways of communication, which will help us to grow closer together.

1 Peter 3

Wives and Husbands

1) Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives,

2) when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.

3) Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes.

4) Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.

5) For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands,

6) like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.
7) Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

I am filled with the belief that God has great things in store for Jody and me for 2009. We are both ready for everything the new year will bring!

In His Love and Blessings
annb

Addy in Disneyland

Elizabeth, Michael and Addy are at Disneyland this week! They left last Friday afternoon and, of course, report back each day. Yesterday was especially fun for Addy because the performers of "High School Musical" selected her to come on stage to dance and sing with them. They threw a feather boa around her neck and she was set to go! She was so excited when she called to tell me about it.

I've posted a picture below of her on stage. If you want to read more about their trip visit Elizabeth's blog here.

Out of HUNDREDS of people, Addyson was one of the handful picked to dance on stage with High School Musical 3. You KNOW she was stoked!!!! She played the part VERY well. People around us kept saying things like, "She's not shy, is she?" and "She's perfect for that part!" They announced her name and that she is from Oklahoma. They also said she's the next star of HSM. She will never forget that!

In His Love and Blessings
annb

Prayer Request for Abby

Please read the following post and add little Abby to your prayer list. Abby and her family need your prayers for God's healing power and comfort for what they are going through now. For more information, please visit . . . Where Laughter Lives. This Update on Abby was posted today, Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Riggs: important update on Abby - Dec. 23rd...

For new readers, our daughter, Abby, three years old, adopted from Guatemala, was diagnosed with Leukemia in July this year.

We thought Abby maybe had a stroke last week; MRI's were negative; she has recovered from the strange symptoms.

Update on Abby...We got a call late last week that our Doctor wanted to consult with us. Never good... Here's the short version about this latest development with Abby:

8% of the population has a specific genetic variation...

That variation is NOT a factor in getting Leukemia...

However, if you get Leukemia and you have that variation, you are FOUR TIMES more likely to die during the first year of treatment from complications or relapse.

One effect of this gene variation is increased toxicity from specific drugs. Our doctor is going to help us monitor this particular aspect so that we can keep those complications to a minimum.

Our kind Doctor said it was "not a death sentence, but no, not good news". I asked her if that took Abby from her previous 70% chance of survival down to around 20 or 30% and she replied "it's hard to put a number to it..." but did not offer another figure.

For the next couple of weeks, Abby is in “interim maintenance” an easier period of chemo, which is kind of laughable if you saw how many drugs and chemo she is still getting. On Jan 16, she begins “delayed intensification” which is the hardest part of her entire treatment. Given today’s news, you can guess how much this 60 day period concerns us since we almost lost her a couple of times already in lesser intensity therapy periods.

We are already planning to get some help during those two months of “delayed intensification” because based on history, we will probably be in the hospital the majority of the time dealing with significant complications. Would you:

. . . Please pray for us to have wisdom, strength and health to take care of Abby
. . . Put Abby on any prayer lists or groups and prayer for her healing

. . . Pray that God will be glorified no matter what the outcome

. . . Pray that God will make provision for the increased needs and expenses coming up

We know that God can safeguard Abby no matter what – four times, ten times, a hundred times “more likely…” whatever. God is bigger than genetics, cancer or any other difficulty we face.

We also know that Abby is in a win/win situation: she wins if we get to keep her here; she wins if she gets to go be with God and wait for us there. However, it goes without saying that we would be unspeakably sad to have to let her go, so we pray for her healing, and ask you to do the same.

Looks like Abby gets to be home for Christmas, and that is WONDERFUL. She went to see Christmas lights last night, and will get to see them again tomorrow night. Our wonderful friends, Carol and Scott, are picking up our three little ones in a LIMO and taking them to see Christmas lights! We have received Christmas gifts for the children from Scott’s office and co-workers. Carol and Scott have just been SO kind and generous to us. We are so thankful for them. They have really gone above and beyond to be a blessing to us.

We also received Christmas gifts for the kids from our wonderful church family, who also continue to bring us meals and help us however they can. We are truly blessed with incredible friends and Christian family. Our own families of course have done much for us too during this difficult time. We could go on and on about people reaching out to help care for Abby. One particular friend, J.N., knows how deeply grateful we are to him. He’s not about getting public praise, but he has been a life changing blessing to us.

If you have any questions, leave a comment, and we will be glad to respond. Thank you for your prayers. We pray that no matter what happens, everyone will see God clearer and be drawn to Him. God hasn’t gone to sleep, He’s not busy somewhere else. He cares for every tiny little re-growing hair on Abby’s head, and every missing hair on my head.

Our faith is unshaken, and God has already been more than glorified through our trial.

Blessings,

Brent (and Michelle) http://www.brentriggs.com/http://www.riggsfamilyblog.com/

Abby recovered from the weird symptoms and gets to be home for Christmas

Memories

I was looking back on my blog this morning for one of my posts regarding my mom and found the post below. I thought it was great time to post it again - 2 years later. Each Blessing that I've listed still applies and I thought it an appropriate time for these memories!

I've Been Tagged!

Tag. . . I’m it! Thankful Meme Annie has tagged me – the theme is three (3) things for which I am thankful. I have to say that three of the many blessings I have received will hardly even begin to touch my lengthy list, but here are three.

1… I am thankful for my husband, Jody. Jody came into my life at a time when, after being a single mom for almost eight years, I truly felt that my life was complete! I was not looking for, nor did I think I ever wanted to be married – after two failed marriages. My first two marriages were filled with abuse – emotional and extreme physical abuse. The abuse was so severe and I had come to believe that marriage and torture were one and the same – at least for me! Jody showed me that love is not painful or unkind! I believe that God brought Jody into my life and led me to accept Jody as my husband for the rest of my life. Jody loves me unconditionally for the person that I am – even with my faults. His expectations of me are realistic and don’t involve punishment if I’m unable to meet those expectations! Jody helped me become a better, more tolerable and more trusting person by loving me. I will thank God, for the rest of my life, for bringing Jody into my life.

2… I am thankful for my children and grandchildren. Elizabeth is my first-born child. She is 26 years old, a wife, a mother and a sister to our other children. Elizabeth and I have a very close relationship – she is not only my daughter, but also one of my best friends. She is a great mom to my only granddaughter. She has a strong faith in God, which is shared by her husband, Michael. She and Michael make a great team – a union formed under the leadership of our Lord. I know that whatever Elizabeth does in this life will be great because she allows God to lead her decisions.

Chance is my baby (even at 17 years of age), born to Jody and me after only 11 months of marriage. We knew that we wanted a child together after we married and were doubly blessed – becoming pregnant so quickly and having a boy – after having three girls in our family already. Chance is very loving and very sensitive. He has an amazing sense of humor and shares it with his family and friends! He is very intelligent and after being tested in while in grade school, was placed in the gifted program! He retains information without much study, but doesn’t always apply himself to schoolwork! He is in the process of learning to drive – even though he really doesn’t care whether he drives or not. He’s not in a hurry to drive and that’s okay with me.

Candace is one of my “instant’ children, becoming mine to share when Jody and I married. She is 24 years old, is a wife and a mother and a great sister to her our other children. She helps me a lot – always ready and willing if she’s needed. Candace is strong, even though she doesn’t know it always. She is a good mom to my two youngest grandsons and loves her boys over everything else. She doesn’t mind hard work and is a great housekeeper. Candace and I are close and I hope that never changes.

Toni is my other “instant” daughter – also becoming mine to share when Jody and I married. Toni is 27, is a wife and a mother to my oldest grandson. She takes her job as wife and mother very seriously and loves her family dearly. Toni was nine (9) when we married and she and I went through a lot of trials together. Toni loved her mom very much and wanted, of course, for her mom and dad to be together always. Toni’s mom died when Toni was 16 and that has been hard for her. I know that she would have loved for her mom to be around to see her as she is now and to have been there for her to share in her special moments – high school graduation, her marriage and the birth of her son. I love Toni and I will always.

3… I am thankful for my “other” family – my siblings, aunts and uncles and cousins. I grew up in a wonderful family in which we were very close to both my Dad’s family and my Mom’s family. We had great reunions – and still do – getting together often and therefore knowing each other well. My parents taught us – their children – to love God above all else and to live our lives according to His will. They taught us love and kindness and the importance of family. Both extended families are made up of Christians and that was evident in every aspect of our lives. When we all met together there was never drinking, distasteful language or mistreatment of each other. We always knew, and still know today, that each member of the families would do anything for any other member of the family – no matter what! My parents are both gone now – but we are still a family - They taught us that!

My thankful list is long – these are only three of my great blessings - as requested!

In His Love and Blessings
annb

A Work In Progress

I serve an awesome God and am so blessed by what He is doing in my life and my marriage. The day my husband told me he wanted a divorce, was one of the worst days of my life. I had made the decision to leave him, but knew that divorce was not what God wanted for us, nor did I. I had spent several months in counseling and had worked through many old wounds that had plagued me and my relationship with my husband throughout our marriage.

Together, he and I made the decision to work on our marriage, to honor the vows we made before God almost 20 years earlier. We immediately went into counseling and began the work, with our Family Pastor's help, to learn the reasons behind the failure of our marriage and how God could change both of us in ways that would create a stronger bond between us. I can see God’s hand in every detail and I know that He will guide us through this process and our marriage will be great!

When I left my husband, I felt like our marriage was dead. I was without hope. He and I had drifted apart and the wall between us seemed impenetrable. It was a decision that I made after a lot of thought and a lot of prayer. I felt, at the time, there was no other choice I could make – we were both so unhappy.

God heals our hearts in many ways, through many people. I know that the counseling I received this year, through Julie - a wonderfully caring, Godly woman, helped me so much. I believe that God placed her in my life at a time when I needed His help and guidance more than I had ever needed it before. She helped me to revisit old wounds, see them for what they were and leave them behind – in the past – where they belong. She helped me to understand how I had come to the place where she met me.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

John 10:10

I know that satan had worked to bring unhappiness and resentment into our marriage. I know that he smiled when I left Jody. He’s not the only “thief” that worked to bring an end to my marriage, but satan definitely had his hand in each and every temptation that presented itself.

We demolish arguments and every pretension

that sets itself up against the knowledge of God,

and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:5

Jody and I are working very hard – together – to make our marriage a union that is pleasing before God. God is and will continue to bring about healing and restoration. He wants to be the priority in our lives, our First Love. He is where Jody and I have laid our hearts, pleading for restoration and a more perfect marriage, even though a perfect marriage doesn’t mean one without trials or temptations, with God at the head of our union, we will succeed.

In His Love and Blessings
annb

Good News - We're WE again!

But may the God of all grace,
who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus,
after you have suffered a while,
perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
I Peter 5:10

I serve an awesome God and he heard my plea and heard the prayers of friends and family as we prayed for my marriage. My husband and I have committed to work together to rebuild our marriage and to give it to God in all that we do!

We met last week with our Family Pastor at church and he will be working with us on a weekly basis to help. This has been a very difficult year for both my husband and myself, but I know that with God leading us, we will be able to work through the issues that caused us to separate and that we will be stronger together!

We've already had some "a ha!" moments and it's amazing what God is doing in our relationship. We made the commitment on Tuesday last week and things are so much better . . . good, in fact - not perfect, but good!

The pastor gave us each a book to read before our next meeting and the books are full of great information that I know will help us. I have certainly had my eyes opened to a lot already!

I always wanted our marriage to work, but never knew how very much I wanted it until we reached rock bottom! Many things have transpired during this past eight months while we were separated, but none of it is too big for God. We have both been very open and honest with each other and that provides a security that neither of us felt for a very long time. I have faith that we will, with our Lord's guidance, get through it all!

At church on Sunday, the pastor started a new series on prayer. It seemed like he was speaking to us. We are working together to make our prayer life stronger which will also make us better and stronger.

God is good and it feels great to know that both my husband and I are committed to renewing our marriage and to make it everything that it should be . . . and to glorify God in all things!

In His Love and Blessings
annb

Just another day

Today's my birthday and it just seems like another day in another week in another year. I've had so many "endings" and am facing another one now. I left my husband in March this year . . . for many reasons. I also have to say that he is a good man with a huge heart! We met, in October of 1988. He had been married before and had two beautiful little girls, ages 8 and 5. I had been married before and had one beautiful daughter, age 7.

We both were Christians, attended the same church and I had known his family (well, at least, I thought I knew his family!) for several years. I knew that he would be a good husband and a good father to my daughter. I also knew that he had custody of his daughters and that we would all become a "blended" family together.

The wedding was exactly as it should have been on February 14, 1989. We included our girls in the ceremony and they were the only ones to stand up with us as we took our vows. We wanted them to be a part of the "marriage" so they would understand what it meant to love each other and vow to spend the rest of our lives - all five of us - as one family!

Never did I imagine how difficult it would be to "blend" our families! We went into counseling immediately to help the girls with the adjustment. Maybe it helped, but it didn't cure all! For the first four years, it was very difficult. His oldest daughter didn't accept me, even though the younger daughter and I instantly had a closeness. My daughter didn't accept him or my new "instant" daughters.

His ex-wife was still a part of the girl's lives and I never wanted them to think that I was trying to replace her - but, I wanted them to know that I cared about them, too. When our oldest was 13, she decided to move from our home to her mother's and that was really tough! There were many tears shed when she left, but we knew that was her decision and only wanted her happiness.

His family never accepted me as a mother to his children. That proved to be another huge contributing factor to the death of our marriage. I felt like I would never be good enough in their eyes and felt like they were against every decision we made for his girls and we were not supported at all by them. When our oldest moved to her mother's, his family would bring her up here, without a word to us, and not allow her to visit our home while she was here. Another blow because I knew then that they still supported the girl's mother more than they did me as his wife.

When I left earlier this year, our marriage had reached the lowest depths I could imagine and really didn't know what to do anymore. We no longer talked to each other. We had not, in all the years of our marriage, been able to resolve issues that plaqued us. The communication was never there and resentment had taken it's place.

We also, for whatever reason, never gave our marriage to God - big mistake! Without God at the head, how can anything grow and become great? I always loved my husband, but because of baggage I carried into the marriage from my past relationships, I was never able to give myself as I wanted to. In that way, I hurt him terribly and live with that knowledge every day. When I left, I told him things that I wished I could have taken back, but words spoken can never be erased!

I've learned a lot in this year and believe that God has used this "season" of my life to teach me - to show me what brought me to this point. I have been in therapy most of this year which has helped me identify the things in my life that caused me to build up walls that no one could ever get through. In learning what caused the issues, I have also learned that through God, I can lay down the hurts, the pain and the "baggage" that haunts me. My counselor and my psychiatrist were also Christians, which was what I wanted. I know God and trust that He will guide me, but for whatever reason, I had been unable to let go of the trauma I've had in my past and give it to my Heavenly Father!

I am well on my way in my recovery and am, most of the time, content with my life. Am I lonely? Sure. Do I miss what was my family? Of course. Do I wish that I had never left? No. I wish that we could have worked together to make things better, but the way things were, neither of us was happy.

Not only did I have the pleasure of gaining two more daughters when we married, but we also had a son together. He is now almost 19 years old. My husband gave me some of the greatest blessings I've had in my life and for that I am grateful.

Even though my marriage is officially ending, I have to look forward and listen for God to lead me to my new beginnings. Thank God for His faithfulness, mercy, grace and forgiveness.

In His Love and Blessings
annb

My Week - So Far!

Okay, so this is Wednesday and so far I've hit a few "bumps" in the road. You might have noticed my last post about Sunday which seemed to have started the week out a little shaky. Well, Monday was no better.

I had a sore finger which started on Thursday last week. I had been working in the garage that day and thought I probably just got a splinter. It just kept getting more and more sore and by Monday evening the pain was really bad. It didn't feel like any splinter I had ever had before. The pain was so intense, I could not even sleep! A finger!

Michael went at 10:30 on Monday evening to the pharmacy and got some ointment to put on it hoping to help, but it really didn't help. It was swelling and the pain was steadily increasing. I then began to think that it might be a spider bite - since I had been working in the garage. I started soaking it in warm salt water and keeping antibiotic ointment on it.

Tuesday the pain was no better, but I just continued my "self-medicating" hoping that it would help. By Tuesday evening, it had begun "streaking" - redness from my finger was also moving in a line up just past my wrist. That's when I became more concerned. I have a heart condition and have to take antibiotics - before dental procedures-including cleanings, surgeries or anything that causes bleeding - to avoid infection to my heart.

I called the doctor and Elizabeth took me to the emergency room. The doctor decided to x-ray my finger to see if there was a foreign body causing the infection. There was no foreign body. He said it was some kind of infection and decided to "open" it to get a culture and hopefully drain some of the infection from it. Well, of course to open it - he needed to numb it. With a needle. Smack dab in the middle of the swelling.

Oh, my goodness! When he put the needle in - they heard me down at the nurses station! It was so incredibly painful! It did drain. He did get enough to sample for the culture and of course, it was still numb! Feeling pretty good now!

He said it would take about three days to find out the type of infection that grew from the culture, but he gave me a prescription to start on antibiotics and a prescription for pain medication. Still numb - still feeling good!

He told me that if it was still swollen and red by tomorrow (Thursday), I needed to come back in and a surgeon would have to look at it. The infection could be deeper than what he could handle in the ER. Great! That was a little scary - but okay.

Before we made it out of the ER and into the car, the numbness had worn off. The pain was now intensified as a result of the work on my finger and it was even worse than when I first arrived! I was crying before we made it to the pharmacy and then home! First thing I did when we got home was to take both the meds he prescribed. Once the pain medicine was working again, my pain decreased and I was able to relax a bit.

Today the streaking is gone, but my finger is still very swollen and sore. I have had to take pain medication again today.

I'm praying that it will show marked improvement by tomorrow so I don't have to meet the surgeon. I'm sure he's a great doctor and a nice man, but I really have no desire to meet him in this capacity!

You can see from the pictures what was causing the pain and you can also see the treatment. Oh yeah, the finger beside the swollen one - the one with the big white patch on my nail? A few months ago I was closing the garage door (two car garage size) and got two of my fingers between the panels as it closed! I was alone and had to actually open the door up again before I could get my fingers out! I don't know for sure, but am beginning to wonder if should avoid the garage!

In His Love and Blessings
annb

Did you ever?

Did you ever have one of those days when you wanted to share some news with someone you care about, but were stopped by something they said? Well, I had one of those days yesterday!

I have a job interview in the morning - praying that it will lead to a job!

In His Love and Blessings
annb

"Not me!" Monday

I have tried a few Monday memes, but none that looked like as much fun - and as therapeutic - as this one! This is my first time posting a "Not me!" Monday - so here goes!

Tuesday, I did not go with Elizabeth and Addy to their clogging class on the final night before they move on to the next level. If I had gone to the class, I would have experienced - first hand - the "chicken dance"! Now, of course, those of you who know me also know that I sometimes am uncomfortable in crowds and would never, ever get up and participate in group activities with people that I don't know. So, it's probably good that I didn't go to the class and do the chicken dance, for the first time in my life, with a group of people - mostly strangers to me!

Since my move, much of my stuff is still packed away in boxes. I did not get a lot of things unpacked and therefore, I have not been able to make up my bed with all the "frills" - crocheted comforter and throw pillows (16 pillows to be exact). I did not, after making up my bed, think that it looked so pretty it would be a shame to sleep on it. I did not pull out the rollaway and sleep on it rather than "mess up" the beautiful bed! Nope, I surely did not do that - that would be ridiculous!

I have also not been unemployed since the middle of July this year. Nor have I recently signed on with a Personnel Agency, praying that they will be able to place me soon. So, of course, I did not this past week consider taking them donuts and coffee each morning as incentive to place me . . . before placing others who may have been with them much longer. That would certainly not be kind or loving so of course, I did not consider doing anything of the kind!

Friday, in my usual check-in call to the Agency, I did not find out that they have actually placed me at the top of their "call list" for opportunities within my skill level. God is awesome and He does answer prayers!

Won't you consider playing along this week? Write you own post, link back to MckMama's blog, sign up on Mr. Linky, and read everyone else's posts. And see here for more detailed directions.

In the words of MckMama, "It's great therapy and a heckofa good time."

In His Love and Blessings
annb

My Choice is Submission - to God

Yesterday, at Church, I attended the Women's Fellowship class where I had visited a couple of months ago. It's a great class and everyone is so welcoming! I think when I attended the first time, I just wasn't ready for the fellowship, but now I welcome it!

We focused our study on Philippians 3:13 - 14:1 and I'm sure that God led me to this class on this day. I certainly needed the lesson and several scriptures really spoke to me.

This year - from the very beginning has been a "season" for me that I did not ask for, nor would I wish it upon anyone. I know that God has used this season of my life for a purpose and for that, I'm thankful! I have learned so much about myself from God working through others He put into my life, prayer and study! and the lessons have given me a deeper understanding of God's love, His forgiveness, His grace and His mercy!

I have struggled with past hurts, relationships and living in the present. Yesterday's lesson was a lesson for me!

Philippians 3:13 says, "forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead."

That definitely hit home! I have carried the pain of past experiences with me for a very long time. I forgave, but couldn't forget. I know that carrying that pain in my heart has caused a lot of anguish that I never released. I release it now and know that God will give me comfort and peace and the help I need to move forward, by choice, each moment!

Philippians 3:16 - "let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind."

One of the women in class commented on this verse by saying that without knowing, really knowing each other - we can not be of the same mind. That gave me such clarity and direction because I have, especially this year, avoided relationships. Because I carried the hurt from the past, I have been afraid to put myself out there to others for fear that I would be hurt once again! How I have cheated myself . . . and others of the gift of friendship!

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear,

but of power and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7

I matter to God and how will I know if I matter to others if I'm not willing to be a friend?

It is my choice to submit myself to the will of God and as someone in class put it, "it is a moment by moment choice".

I am choosing at this moment to submit myself to the will of God. It is my choice to serve an awesome God!

In His Love and Blessings
annb

Saturday 9

So Far Away
Here is today's meme! Saturday 9: So Far Away

1. Where is the furthest place that you have traveled and how far away from home is it?
The farthest I've ever traveled is to Orlando, FL. I graduated from High School in a very small town in a class of 21 students. We took a senior trip (after working Jr and Sr to pay for it) to Orlando, FL; New Orleans, Nashville, Atlanta, GA. It was a lot of fun! I don't know how far it was - the trip lasted about two weeks!

2. What is a blog that you would recommend for us to read and why?
I would highly recommend the blog of Brent Riggs, a Godly man who is an awesome writer. He writes about his family and what they are going through now with their three year old daughter who has leukemia. He writes about finances, getting out of debt - but mostly he writes about God and Godly principles.

3. What is the biggest surprise you ever have had and was it a good one?
The biggest surprise I ever had was when my daughter was born. The entire pregnancy I believed I was carrying a boy. I had only picked out a boy's name, only bought boy's clothes and took boy's clothes to the hospital to bring my baby home. I named my daughter only after she was born and I was able to look into her beautiful little face. My Dad (along with my mom) went shopping for clothes to bring her home in and he actually picked out two outfits for her (which was very unusual for him - never liked shopping!) It was an awesome surprise and she and I share a great relationship even today (she is now 27).

4. What is your favorite quote? (We know we've asked this recently. But there is always another great quote! :)
The Lord will perfect that which concerns me" Psalm 138:8. It is a huge comfort for me to know that God is in control and He will work in all the details of my life, no matter how small or insignificant they seem to me. I matter to Him - and I am so thankful!

5. Have you ever been hospitalized for a major health situation?
I have been hospitalized several times in my life beginning at the age of 11. I had eight surgeries to remove tumors, I had three surgeries for "female" issues, as well as the removal of my so-called "disposable" organs.

6. Do you prefer long hair or short hair for yourself?
I love long hair because there are so many options in styling. My Mom always said a woman should cut her hair by the time she's 25, but that just didn't work for me. I have had my hair short, but prefer long.

7. What was your favorite amusement park ride growing up?
I had two favorites - roller coasters and the tilt-a-whirl. As I got older, the tilt-a-whirl made me sick (all that round and round stuff) and once I developed a heart issue I'm afraid to ride roller coasters!

8. How long do you talk on your phone on a typical day?
I strongly dislike talking on the phone and spend as little time as possible!

9. Other than Saturday 9, what is your favorite meme to do each week?
I like photo memes because I love sharing pictures and seeing pics of other bloggers. I'm not very good at keeping up with memes though.

"Just A Silly Meme on a Saturday!" Visit Crazy Sam to participate or to read the answers of other participants.


In His Love and Blessings
annb

I am a "Grace"

I found this over at Fox Family 5 and thought it would be fun! I certainly fits me pretty well. I've included the meaning of the name Ann - "The girl's name Ann \a-nn\ is pronounced an. It is of Hebrew origin, and its meaning is "favored grace".

I am a Grace!

You are a Grace -- "I need to understand the world."

Graces have a need for knowledge and are introverted, curious, analytical, and insightful.

How to Get Along with Me

• * Be independent, not clingy


• * Speak in a straightforward and brief manner


• * I need time alone to process my feelings and thoughts


• * Remember that If I seem aloof, distant, or arrogant, it may be that I am feeling uncomfortable


• * Make me feel welcome, but not too intensely, or I might doubt your sincerity


• * If I become irritated when I have to repeat things, it may be because it was such an effort to get my thoughts out in the first place


• * don't come on like a bulldozer


• * Help me to avoid my pet peeves: big parties, other people's loud music, overdone emotions, and intrusions on my privacy

What I Like About Being a Grace
* standing back and viewing life objectively
* coming to a thorough understanding; perceiving causes and effects
* my sense of integrity: doing what I think is right and not being influenced by social pressure
* not being caught up in material possessions and status
* being calm in a crisis

What's Hard About Being a Grace

• * being slow to put my knowledge and insights out in the world


• * feeling bad when I act defensive or like a know-it-all


• * being pressured to be with people when I don't want to be


• * watching others with better social skills, but less intelligence or technical skill, do better professionally

Graces as Children Often

• * spend a lot of time alone reading, making collections, and so on


• * have a few special friends rather than many


• * are very bright and curious and do well in school


• * have independent minds and often question their parents and teachers


• * watch events from a detached point of view, gathering information


• * assume a poker face in order not to look afraid


• * are sensitive; avoid interpersonal conflict


• * feel intruded upon and controlled and/or ignored and neglected

Graces as Parents

• * are often kind, perceptive, and devoted


• * are sometimes authoritarian and demanding


• * may expect more intellectual achievement than is developmentally appropriate


• * may be intolerant of their children expressing strong emotions

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy

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It's a Giveaway!

I was "making my Bloggyville rounds" this morning and among my regular blog reads is a site called Princess Hadley. Hadley is a very special little girl going through something that I can't even imagine.

This is Hadley's diagnosis -
Frontal Lobe Brain Damage
Hemiplegia
Diffuse Bilateral Thalamic Glioma (Brain Tumor).
Terminal Diagnosis: Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)-a grade 4 highly malignant tumor.

Treatment has been stopped and now the Lord will heal her completely and she will be with Him! She and her family are on my prayer list!

I also regularly visit her family site, The Fox Family Five and found this message posted by her mom:
"Hadley and I love us some funky cuteness. One of my cousin's fave designers is having a giveaway that I would love to win. =)

Go...post a reply to enter yourself...and let her know that I sent you. =)"

I love giveaways (who doesn't?), so of course I followed the link to calico., and found this note: "she's a maniac. it's a giveaway". I left a comment and I am now entered in the give-away.

Sounds easy, right? Just follow the link to calico., and you can enter that easily, too!

In His Love and Blessings
annb

Joy in Service

Elizabeth and I were talking the other day about the "season" I am in right now. We've come to the conclusion that perhaps this season is to teach me humility. Maybe not humility as you would normally think of the word, but humility in being able to ask others for help when I need it.

I have always struggled when it comes to asking for help . . . even if I am truly in need of it. It's just something I have never felt comfortable in doing. Maybe this comes from feelings of unworthiness on my part. This "season", if nothing else, has taught me that God did not make me to be completely independent. Even in the beginning, He saw that Adam needed a suitable helpmate and created Eve - crafted from Adam's body!

Genesis 2

19) Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name.

20) So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field. But for Adam no suitable helper was found.

21) So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh.

22) Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.

We all know that God hears our prayers and bears our burdens, but so are we to share one another's burdens. He never said we have to carry our burdens and go through our trials and storms alone. Why then is it so hard for some of us to share our troubles with others? Why is it so hard to tell someone what we are going through and that we need help?

Praise be to the Lord,

to God our Savior,

who daily bears our burdens.

Psalm 68:19

Carry each other's burdens,

and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

While my children were growing up, I always tried to help them understand what it meant to "serve". To serve God and others - without expecting anything in return! I'm sure they got tired of hearing me say, "We don't do things for others because we want something back!". That is a life of service! I also told them that when you don't allow others to help, you take from them the joy of "serving". I'm sure we all have felt that great feeling you get when you're able to help someone else - to share some of the your own blessings with someone who has less or is in need!

I'm learning to practice what I preach . . . though I still have a way to go! I have been "not well" - (don't want to call it sick) with allergies, sore throat, cough and laryngitis for almost four weeks now! My voice has not been normal for almost three weeks and gone completely for two of those weeks!

Since I don't have a job I had decided that I would not go to the doctor, but would treat myself at home. Well, so far that hasn't worked so Elizabeth insisted that I go to the doctor and she and Michael would give me the money for my co-pay and prescriptions. Of course, I told her no and she gently reminded me that if I did not accept this help, I would be taking away the joy they would have in helping me. HELLO!!! - where did she get that?! She learned this from childhood with my help and I wasn't even practicing it!

I have so much to be thankful for - God's mercy and grace, the desire Michael and Elizabeth share to serve God! I thank God that He is in control - because without Him, I would be a complete mess!

I trust God and know that this "season" is for His purpose and I will come through it stronger in faith and understanding - and more humble -than I came into it!

In His Love and Blessings
annb

Seasons

Today's Wednesday, October 15, 2008. Today I have been unemployed for three months and one day! This is one of the most difficult seasons of my life and I'm not sure when it will change - for the better.

I have my daughter, Elizabeth and her husband Michael - or I'm not sure where I would be at this point. My husband and I separated early this year with me leaving our home. August 31, I moved out of the apartment where I had been living because there was no money for rent. Two weeks later, I sold most of my material blessings - for money to pay bills. I've emptied my savings.

I am, at times, finding it difficult to feel God around me. I know that He hasn't moved - but obviously I have! I try to keep Him in my thoughts - close by and accessible. I pray - but sometimes it feels empty! I know - in my heart - that God is in control and that "Jesus Christ is the same today, yesterday and forever" Hebrew 13:8. I know that I can draw comfort from God - "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort," 2 Corinthians 1:3.

So why can't my head accept and trust that He is in control . . . that Jesus Christ is always the same, never changing. . . and that I can be comforted by God? Why in the midst of this season can't I just lay it all down before God and accept that He will take care of me? Why can't I stop worrying about the "what ifs"?

I know that to get through all of this, I must lay it down . . . at the feet of Jesus . . . completely turn it over to God! I know that I can't pick it up once I lay it down. I can not waiver - that is not trust!

Maybe that's the scary part for me. I've always felt like I had to be the "strong one". The one to pick up the pieces after the mess is over. The one who had to take care of everyone . . . even though I neglected myself. The one who had to "make it all better"!

I know that I'm not that "one"! God is my healer, my protector, my guide and "[Thy word is] a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105

I will continue to pray . . . especially for needs during this season. I will continue to study and to listen for God's voice - comforting and guiding me through these storms in my life. I will trust that He is the same and will never leave me!

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6

In His Love and Blessings
annb

Grains of Gratitude Oct 12, 2008

Hosted by mum2Brady

I'm a little late posting my "Sunday" Grains of Gratitude, but "better late than never!", right?

This past week has been full of ups and downs! Thankfully the "ups" win out every time!

This week I received notice that I was not selected on two of the positions for which I interviewed recently. I had really been excited about one of them especially and thought I had a good chance at getting the job. The woman who interviewed me said that they had selected someone with experience in the same field, so I do understand - I had never worked in that type of setting before. The same reason was given for the other position being filled by someone else - I also had not worked in that field before either.

At first, the news really got me! It's so easy to fall into the trap of playing those old "tapes" in my mind about not being good enough, but it didn't last long. I went to my knees before God and cried out for his help. I'm so thankful to have a relationship in Jesus and know that is where my strength comes from to get through the storms. Once I released the negative thoughts and laid it all at the cross before God, I was able to "get back on the horse" and start sending out more resumes. I am in constant prayer and know that God will open the door for a job in which I can best serve.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,
says the LORD,
thoughts of peace and not of evil,
to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

Tuesday Elizabeth and I took Addy and all the daycare kids to the pumpkin patch so that each of them could find their own "special" pumpkin to take home with them. When we got there a photographer from The Daily Oklahoman was there and asked if he could take pictures of the kids. He took several pictures and posted two of them in the paper on Saturday. The kids each found their pumpkin and then we were able to get a group shot before we left(with almost all faces looking forward).

Wednesday night, at AWANAS, Addy earned a badge for her vest by reciting seven different memory verses! She was so proud (as were we all!) - so now I'll be sewing on the new patch this week. She loves reading and memorizing and constantly tries to get her mommy to let her do more and more reading. Elizabeth spaces out the lessons so that Addy has enough time to really soak up each one and doesn't let her go past each day's lesson. Addy's like a little sponge and just absorbs everything around her! She loves learning and it's fun to watch her grow in knowledge every day!

Friday night Michael and Liz had some international friends fly in and they will be here until Tuesday morning. They have been such great guests and it's been fun getting to know them. They arrived bearing gifts - even for me! I was so surprised and so grateful. They gave me a bottle of Chanel #5 and I absolutely love it! They also brought me a couple of blouses that are beautiful! They, of course, brought many gifts for Elizabeth, Michael and Addy.

Friday was one of the guest's birthdays, so Elizabeth planned a surprise birthday party for her to be held Saturday evening. She took them all to Arbuckle Wilderness - a park you drive thru with animals roaming throughout. They come up to your car and you can feed them - if you buy the feed, of course. They did and they said it was a lot of fun!

While they were gone, Michael wrapped up gifts and picked up some balloons for decoration and I baked a cake for the birthday lady! She was so surprised! It is such a blessing to be able to be a part of the happiness of another person!

Sunday, we all went to church together, went out for lunch and then went to the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial. Since the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, I have never been to the site once the memorial was finished. It really is awesome! There's a feeling you have as you walk through and see all the chairs - one for each of the 169 people who were killed in the bombing. I think the hardest part is seeing all the small chairs representing the children who were killed. It brings back the memories of that horrible day - as if were yesterday! There was also a statue that represents Jesus weeping! His hand is over His face with bowed head and the inscription reads "And Jesus wept". I know that must be true. So many wept that day and for many days after!

Once we finished at the memorial we then went to Bricktown and rode the water taxi on the canal. We had a great captain/tour guide and the ride was a lot of fun! He picked on some Texans who were on the taxi and they took it very well. There are some bronze statues around the canal and the story behind their creation was interesting. The artist is a professor at Oklahoma University and in the sculpture of the Oklahoma LandRun (still under construction), he put his own face on the wagon driver closest to the canal! When the sculpture is finished there will be 46 different figures - representing Oklahoma's place as the 46th state! I learned many things that I had not known before. There is great art surrounding the canal - sculptures, mosaics and murals. I'm grateful for the beauty that surrounds me.

I am so thankful for the blessings in my life! I am especially thankful for the gift of life given for each of us when Jesus Christ died on the cross! There's nothing greater than knowing God and being able to serve Him!

What are YOU grateful for today???? For more Grains, visit Brady's Bunch!

In His Love and Blessings
annb

OPERATION PRINCESS HAIR!

One of the Blogs I regularly follow is Where Laughter Lives and when I visited tonight Michelle had posted about one of her beautiful children - Abby, who is fighting Leukemia and the effects of the treatment for the cancer! I first heard of this family through a women's Bible study I was in through the church I have attended since moving here this year - Wildwood Community Church. I have been praying for Abby and her family since the diagnosis and believe that God is continuously carrying this family through this difficult time. I have come to know that they are a God-loving family and that they put God first in all that they do. So please read the post and I know, if it touches you the way it did me, you will want to help Abby!

I have copied Michelle's post, which includes a post copied from the organizer of OPERATION PRINCESS HAIR. If you want to help Abby follow the links from http://thevoiceofadventure.blogspot.com/!

The Voice Of Adventure: OPERATION PRINCESS HAIR BEGINS!

First, I want to thank everyone who took the time to help me come up with a costume for Abby to wear on Halloween. You are a very creative group and I loved every idea. Thank you. I plan on showing them to Abby tonight an letting the princess pick. I can't wait.

What I didn't write about yesterday, was that I was wondering what I was going to do about her hair. For the last few weeks it has been coming out fast. Abby used to love choosing hair styles and picking out bows and barrettes. Abby is sad that she is loosing her hair, and has been telling me that she wants to get "wig" hair. When I looked into applying for one, a well known charity said they didn't think that she would be approved, because of her age. I understand there is limits to how many children they can help, but I was sad for Abby.

Last night some wonderful friends, Angel and Amy Block, decided to raise money help Abby get a beautiful wig. Many, many wonderful woman have come along side them, joining together to help Abby. Thank you all so much. The list of people helping can be seen at the bottom on Angel's post at http://thevoiceofadventure.blogspot.com/2008/10/operation-princess-hair-begins.html It has been changing, so I am afraid to list the names here, because I don't want to leave anyone off. We want thank everyone who is helping Abby. I bawled when they told me that they were going to help Abby. Thank you all for helping our precious daughter.

I debated about posting pictures of Abby, but since they are everywhere else, I decided to go ahead and post them here too. We gave the pictures to them, with permission to post them. Brent feels that this is Abby's story. When she looks back at the blog when she is older, we want her to understand how much she has overcome and how brave she was.

Below is a post about Abby, that I copied from Angel's blog.http://thevoiceofadventure.blogspot.com/ Amy and Angel, thanks again for all that you are doing for Abby.

Friday, October 10, 2008

OPERATION PRINCESS HAIR BEGINS!


It's hard for me to even start this post. Already I feel a big lump forming in my throat. Someone that many of us care about is walking through a deep valley. That someone is sweet Abby....

I have serious doubts that I will get through writing this without crying..... Ok now it's too late... I am already there...with tears flowing. This is Abby. You will find her precious family at this blog address.

Abby is so many wonderful things. She is part of an amazing family. There are 7 wonderful kiddos in her family. 3 of those sweeties- including Abby came by way of adoption. Abby is a bouncing, happy, funny princess of a 3 year old....

Now she is also a dear little warrior fighting for her life. She was diagnosed with Leukemia and life suddenly took a radical turn for this amazing family. Her concerns of which princess dress she should wear have turned to whether she will get poked or be able to keep her food down today.

This is sweet Abby right now....

These are the battle scars she has right now in her fight against cancer...

Just one of the MANY things she has been forced to give up is her GORGEOUS princess hair and it makes her very sad.... What is it like to be the mommy that has to tell your 3 year old that she has to take medicine that will give her horrible sores, make her throw up constantly, and cause her to lose her hair? What is that like? What is it like to watch tears slide down your sweet baby's cheeks even in her sleep cause that's how much it hurts.

THIS is not OK with me. If I could I would make this go away. If I could I would change this- I wish there was a way. I know there are so many of us who wish that. We CAN'T MAKE IT GO AWAY! We just can't.

What we can do is give Abby back her princess hair. It's expensive and not something this family needs to worry about during this stressful financial time of paying for medicine and gas and hospital bills. We can not make this all go away but we can give Abby back her hair and make her smile.

SOOOOOO TODAY WE BEGIN.... OPERATION PRINCESS HAIR!

This is your mission, should you choose to accept it...

1. I want us to buy sweet Abby one of these- http://www.hatswithhair.com/

It's called a pony sport. It costs $228. It's made with real human hair. It's very comfortable and can be worn with any baseball type cap that Abby prefers.

After visiting with her mommy we feel this would be very comfortable and fun for everyday use at home and the hospital.

2. We will flood Abby and the other kiddos in the family with care packages that let her and her family know they are loved. If you feel you would like to send Abby or her family a present please e-mail me at angelweir@gmail.com

We can all send Abby fun presents AND ALL SEND an ADORABLE BASEBALL CAP to wear with her new hair. Then everytime she is having a hard day her momma can bust out a new care package to give her something to smile about.

3. We are also going to buy Abby a custom made wig! Check it out here....
http://www.celebritystylewigs.com/shop/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=493

I am so excited about this! It is going to be custom made to look a lot like her hair did before she needed to start chemo. So when Abby wants to dress up nice and look like the Abby she remembers she will have this. This wig will cost about $450. It is made of real hair and created just for her little head.

4. If there are donations exceeding the needed amount for the princess hair we will invite the family to use this money to help with whatever extra expenses they are facing during this difficult time.

It's hard for me to fathom what this family is facing.I want to do whatever I can to support them.

They are full of faith and strong. Cancer FEARS this little fighter! Let's do whatever we can to love and walk with this family during this time. I can't begin to imagine what they are facing but I PRAY that people would be there for me if we ever did walk this path.

TO HELP ABBY GET HER PRINCESS HAIR YOU JUST NEED TO CLICK ON THE PAY PAL BUTTON ON THE TOP RIGHT HAND CORNER THAT SAYS "OPERATION PRINCESS HAIR."

IF YOU WANT TO SEND ABBY A CARE PACKAGE INCLUDING A CUTSIE NEW BASEBALL CAP PLEASE E-MAIL ME AT angelweir@gmail.com

Thank you from the BOTTOM of my little ol' Texas heart for taking care of a little girl named Abby. What we do matters. What we do makes life better or worse for those around us EVERY SINGLE DAY. Let's take time to stop and care.
Hugs, Angel

PS If you would like to spread the word on your blog PLEASE do it!! Feel free to take this whole post or part of it. Then please link your blog to mine so everyone can see how many people are loving and praying for Abby.

Posted by Angel

In His Love and Blessings
annb

Saturday 9 Oct 11, 2008

Saturday 9: Return to Sender

1. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper and mailed it? I can't even remember the last time I wrote a letter and mailed it - I'm an email girl! I have mailed packages to my grandchildren with little notes, but it's always a package.

2. Can you change the oil on a car? When we were old enough to drive, my Dad taught all of us - even the girls - to change a tire, check all the fluid levels and tire pressure, how to "bleed" brakes (which I don't even think is done anymore) and how to change the oil. I have never had to do it myself, but could if I had to!

3. Name three things you have on you at all times. I always carry my purse which holds a lot of stuff including keys, checkbook, cellphone.

4. What’s your life motto? Each Day is a Gift from God - Use it for Good!

5. What’s a word that you say a lot? "Interesting" It's great when there's nothing more to say!

6. What were you doing at midnight last night? We had some company arrive at the airport last night at 11:30, so at midnight I was on the computer just waiting for them to get back from the airport.

7. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought? Wow! I have some serious bags under my eyes! I've been sick for a couple of weeks and when I'm sick or when I'm tired, the bags under my eyes get so dark that I look like I have two black eyes!

8. Who is your worst enemy? My worst enemy is satan! He constantly tries to pull me from God in so many ways - trying to make me believe that God is not with me in all things!

9. What does your watch look like? I love watches and have about 15 - silver, gold, tri-color, black, dressy, casual . . . my favorite would have to be the one I received on Mother's Day this year from Elizabeth, Michael and Addy. It's a beautiful bracelet watch with very small silk red roses all over it!

Visit Sam for more Saturday 9 fun!

In His Love and Blessings
annb