Just Talk It Over

Our nation is in a dire financial and political crisis and in more need of our prayers than most of us imagine.

There is great power in prayer and America needs the hand of God as a guide and a covering of protection. Please join me in daily prayer for our great nation, under God... and for guidance during these dark financial times and as we prepare to elect another president and a host of other public servants.

Pray now and keep praying. Become involved in the affairs of our land. Become a well informed, well "prayed up" voter.

If you missed the presidential candidates' debate, you can watch the entire video online here: http://twurl.nl/788i5f or if that link doesn't work, try this one: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/09/27/complete_footage_the_first_pre.html

I make no endorsement to the material on that web page or the Washington Post in general, nor am I trying to sway your vote... I am hoping you'll let God do that as you seek Him in prayer.

Remember, prayer is just a conversation with your Father, your Best Friend, someone who already knows and loves you, someone who very much wants to hear from you. Talk it over with Him.
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And my day was like this...

• 09:02 Jill coming in from Dothan this evening. I need to finish web site and tidy the house... oh, and pay the bills! 
  
• 09:54 McCain was the clear victor in the debate arena, and now it's time to focus on finance. Big time! 
  
• 14:29 Web work is done, housework almost. Time for a break to check out the news. 
  
• 18:12 Time to go meet Jill.
  

We picked up our friend Jill from the bus station this evening and what a joy it is to have her here. I'm afraid I talked her ear off, though. We visited while I prepared food to take to a friend tomorrow. Then we just talked and talked until she looked like she was about to drop. She'd had a long bus ride from Dothan, AL and the Lord had arranged for a spirit filled traveling companion to get on the bus in Tallahassee, so her ride was pleasant and stimulating.

Jill will be with us until Thursday. She is just radiant with the love of Jesus and is always seeking His face. I am ever blessed when I'm around her.

Hut Fires

We, had a lot of hut fires in our lives, and one may be smoldering now, but before I go there read (or reread) this very cool piece about a hot situation. It was sent by a friend today and is so appropriate for so many...
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One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had happened, and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. He cried out, 'God! How could you do this to me?'

Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island! It had come to rescue him! 'How did you know I was here?' asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied.

The Moral of This Story:

It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of our pain and suffering. Remember that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground. It just may be a smoke signal that summons the Grace of God.

P.S. You may want to consider passing this on, because you never know who feels as if their hut is on fire today!
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My Little Hut Fire

In late August, after noticing some increasing pain in my lower abdomen toward the back, I donned gloves did a self digital exam. Okay, so that's gross, but smart. I found a growth on some sort and called for a doctor's appointment. My doctor is very good about staying on top of things and got me in quickly.

As they all seem to do these days, my doctor referred me to a specialist in a nearby town who fit me into their schedule just three business day hence.

Richard went with me on September 9 to the appointment and the specialist did an exam, found the mass, said it was located behind, rather than in the colon. Good. He said I would want to do some tests, including a colonoscopy as well as a CT scan. He writes the orders on a prescription pad. His office people set dates and say they will call in a few days with my CT scan appointment. So far, all is well.

When I had not heard from the doctor's by the end of the week, I called them. They said my test orders had been sent and they would call as soon as they insurance company authorization. I called again several days later and they said there was no notation on the chart! Did I hear that right?

Finally, on September 17, Richard came with me to the specialist Davenport office where he would perform and exam and colonoscopy. When I checked in, I asked the receptionists to look up the status of the CT scan order. she did that but then said you'll have to ask the doctor about that.

When the doctor came in after I was all prepped gowned and hooked to the IV, I asked about the CT scan order. He shook his head and said there was none. I reminded him he had found a growth and looking through my chart, he denied knowledge of it.

Then I was put to sleep. After I came out of the recovery area, Richard and I met with the doctor. Richard asked about how the tests went and we were told the colonoscopy was clean. No other tests were performed. OK, now what?

I pressed saying, "I have a growth behind my colon. You found it on exam and ordered a CT scan, etc. I know you see a lot of people, but this needs addressed." He ordered a CT scan again and told me to call his office if I had not heard by Monday. This was a Wednesday.

I called his office the following Tuesday and was told they were awaiting authorization and they would call me when they had it. Where had I heard that before? I then called Well Care, my insurance carrier. I was shuffled from one to another customer service people and finally told patients did not get involved with authorizations.

So I called again and this time chose the option for professionals to obtain authorizations. I was told they absolutely could not speak with me. I said, "Please listen for one minute, you don't have to say a thing."

I told them the doctor's name and contact info and that I had a growth and that I need authorization for a CT scan today. God was there because they gave it to me! Then they told me call my doctor and tell them to verify with them.

I called the doctor's office and they were doubtful, but finally said, "Give us a day!"

I have not heard from them since.

My hut is smoldering... God is sniffing the smoke. He's already got a plan. It will be interesting to see what it is. You see, I am not walking in fear, nor am I sitting on my hands doing nothing, waiting for God to do everything because He wants me to do what I can. I will keep pushing until I get my scan. As for any other tests or treatment, I'll wait on the scan results.

Safe and Beautiful on a Sunday

I always love Sundays and today was no exception. Having accepted the call and the pastors' nomination of me as church Prayer Team Leader or Coordinator, I was seeking the Lord's leading as to who I should talk with about the three Prayer Teams I'll be recruiting for and overseeing: Altar Prayer Team; Intercessory Prayer Team and Front Lines Prayer Team which will meet before services to do a prayer walk of the facility, and hold a brief prayer meeting just prior to the service. I have begun putting together the details and guidelines for each team and hope to have them ready to brain storm over at least by Wednesday.

Mike's message was on our positional condition after salvation and he did an effectively convincing presentation on a difficult concept. Even very mature believers can easily fall back to trying to "earn" God's blessings and favor. We like to keep a mental tally of all our good deeds so we can assure ourselves of God's acceptance and our place with Him in eternity. Madness! Grace is Grace is Grace! I am so glad I don't have to merit His favor, for I could never make it, nor could I hope to please Him enough to even elicit a condescending smile, let alone a real favor or an answer to any prayer I've ever directed His way. Instead, He tells me that His love is unconditional. He loves me just because I am me. 

There were a few downsides to this glorious Sunday. (1) Richard came home from work with a cold. (2) The patio pet door we need costs $160. (3) Jill's bus ticket has doubled in price and neither of us can afford it just now. I suggested some alternatives and am praying for Our Lord to creatively tender a solution. (4) The power is out for the third time this evening. This time the blackout has lasted over an hour thus far, BUT our faithful, whole house generator is running like a champ. We're the only house around with any lights.

I don't have a Book installment tonight. I'm still proofing that, but I have an extra to post anyway:

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Staying Safe

Here's a very useful site which keeps you informed about recalls, safety issues etc. and also locates sex offender in your area with info. A map of your neighborhood shows your home in relation to nearby residences of convicted sex offender. Info also includes the conviction charges and dates as well as any known aliases. Works nation wide.  Check it out:

http://www.familywatchdog.us/

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BEAUTIFUL CHRISTIAN SISTER
by Maya Angelou

'A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have
to seek Him first to find her.'

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not shouting 'I'm clean livin'
I'm whispering 'I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven.'

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong. I'm
professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say.. 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success. I'm
admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm no t claiming to be perfect, My
flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain.. I
have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou, I'm just a
simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow!

Send this to your beautiful Christian sisters!!! I LOVE YOU :)

The Girl Who Didn't Cry B

The B in the title denotes a BOOK entry. See below blog.

I am feeling much better and actually got my house clean today. I can't function when it's dirty or cluttered. My brain just does not operate well in a messy environment. So, I got the floors all done and the laundry finished and the porches clean. There wasn't much clutter because I pretty much keep that to a minimum all the time.

I still need to empty and thoroughly clean my frig, but that will have to wait a few days. I have work to do on MT's web site that is way overdue. I could have stayed home this afternoon and made some progress on it but I am better at knowing when to quit, and it was time to quit by four, so off I went to Tampa with Richard.

We were there until nine and about halfway through the evening, we ate big cheeseburger combos with a load of excellent fries, which I enjoyed very much... even though it was breaking my diet. Can't do that very often but it's nice now and then.

I found some old writings as I mentioned in an earlier post. Among them is a start on my life story I had made some time ago. For some reason, I had written it in the third person. I am posting part of that here and will add the rest to a later post:
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The Girl Who Didn't Cry

Iona sat in the gray tweed recliner, her feet tucked up under her. The recliner was not comfortable. Its seat was lumpy, and the foam padding over the springs was all but gone. Shifting her weight carefully to avoid scraping her foot across the thinly covered wood framing of the chair, she pulled her blue robe more snugly around her and smiled to herself.

Richard called her a fuzzy blue bear when she wore the robe. She liked that. He wasn’t a romantic man, but Iona knew there was no love as lasting as the one they shared. “Thank you, Lord, for making us one,” she whispered, “and please help me plan my day now.” She continued to pray as she made notations of the day’s duties and plans in her Pocket Day Timer, a small black book she carried everywhere. As usual, there was more listed than she would ever accomplish in one day.

I should be making Christmas plans, she thought, and immediately felt defeated. There wasn’t going to be any money for Christmas this year. She had plenty of yarn in almost every color, but she knew herself too well to even think of trying to knit or crochet something for everyone on her list. She had tried that before. The house was already full of her half-finished projects.

Still praying, she allowed God to lead her thoughts. “Try something you’re better at,” she told herself aloud. She had often thought of writing her life story for her children and for Richard and had even started once. But where to begin? How much to tell? The whole truth? How bare should she lay herself? Wouldn’t she end up dramatizing as she tried to bring the story to life? Probably, and she didn’t want that. It had to be real and true to be any good, and Iona was afraid she just couldn’t do that.

But the idea continued to nag at her as she refilled her coffee cup. Slowly, her courage grew and the idea seemed more plausible. “You’ll never get it done in time,” a persistent inner voice told her.”

Setting her jaw in defiance and determination, she snatched up her Day Timer and wrote Novel—10 pages under her reminder to attend Parent-Teacher conferences.

Now to the planning and outlining of her story. No. It should just flow, letting God and the work itself lead from one subject to the next. It must not be one of those boring life histories with nothing but dates, places and sketchy events. I must be real and alive and vibrant—like a novel. She had used the word without thinking, but knew now that it must be that. A novel, not based on her life story, but the reality of her life. How many times had people told her she should write her life’s story? Plenty. She knew her life had been exciting and interesting to her, but…

No! She would not, could not allow herself to exaggerate, add frills from her vivid imagination as she had done all her life. One friend with a similar tendency had said “It’s the storyteller in us. We’re writers and we can’t help it.” Was that true, or were they both just plain liars?

What if her story were to hurt someone? It was one thing to reveal her own inner self, her own life and deeds and thoughts, but quite another to tell all about someone else. Others in her life might not want parts of their life in print, even in a limited edition such as this.

Sitting at her computer, still clad in the big blue robe, she continued to ponder this problem as she set up pages and made ready to begin. The cursor blinked on the screen awaiting her first keystroke, but Iona was at a standstill. What about other people’s right to privacy? She didn’t want this to be an expose´. No one should be hurt in any way by this work.

Suddenly, almost surprising herself, she began to type. Let God have it. He would guide her as she went along. Sometimes the truth hurts, she thought, and all of us know deep down that what we do—good or bad—will one day be exposed. There will be a judgement day, a time of reckoning. It’s easy not to think about, since we think of it in the far off eternities. It’s a hard subject, she thought, too deep for this work, but here is my exposure.

Iona glanced at the clock on her desk. An hour had passed and she had only one page finished. This was ridiculous. At this rate, it would take ten hours a day to complete her writing schedule. She would have to quit philosophizing and just let the words and story flow. She wasn’t a fast typist anyway, nor an accurate one, so even if she never stopped to think of better wording, even if she did no editing or rewriting at all, the book would consume vast amounts of time—and time was short. "So what’s new?" she said, laughing out loud.

She was on a killer schedule, trying to be a full-time hog farmer, manage her truck, care for her home and family, wind up operations on her failed corporation, take a full load of AG classes at the college—as always the list was endless.

Then all that was forgotten and Iona was transported by the work itself, the joy of writing, the anticipation of Christmas morning… Dirty dishes and laundry forgotten, the woman at the computer let her mind drift backwards in time to her earliest remembrances. There was no continuity there, just flashes in time, snapshots of early childhood. She had no way to tell how chronological they were, but no matter.

Iona could see her Uncle Chris at the wheel of his new coupe. She was a spindly three-year-old standing in the front seat as he maneuvered through San Francisco's heavy traffic. She was proud he had taken her with him, leaving Mama and baby brother home alone.

Her joy was abruptly shattered in a flash of noise and pain and the hot, sticky feel of her own blood dripping through her tiny fingers as her hands, without direction, groped to comfort and protect her forehead and nose.

Bigger hands, hairy ones, groped and grabbed at her, pulling her from the car. Angry sounding voices yelled and a child screamed. Soon she began to recognize the screaming child as herself and the yelling voice as that of Uncle Chris. Thinking he was scolding her, she stopped wailing and opened her eyes.

She way laying on the pavement beside the dark green coupe. People were looking down at her, and Uncle Chris was cursing at them as he wiped her face with a dirty handkerchief.

A pretty lady brought a wet bar towel and gently blotted away the blood. Uncle Chris stopped yelling and cursing. His voice became smooth and he crooned in appreciation. Some time later, she was standing in the coupe’s front seat again, and they were pulling into a big parking lot.

“You are sure a brave girl,” said Uncle Chris beaming down at her as they walked hand-in-hand toward the grocery store. “I hate squalling kids, as your mother knows, but I do love good boys and girls.” Iona would remember never to cry around Uncle Chris, never, ever again—no matter what. In fact, she decided she would try to never cry around anyone, not even Mama. Well, maybe Mama sometimes, if things were really, really bad.

Feeling quite important, she followed Uncle Chis around the big grocery store. He soon let go of her hand and was engrossed in potatoes and onions.

Iona absently ran her fingers around the cuts on her head and nose. She could feel that her swollen nose was different than her real nose and felt she, too, might be a different person. A person no one knew.

Looking around, she was frightened to see that Uncle Chris had left the produce area. There was only a very fat lady squatting to knock inquiringly on a watermelon. Where was Uncle Chris? Why had he gone off and left her alone in this big place where she might get lost? Mama always held her hand when they went anywhere and never left her alone and afraid in a big scary place like this.

Suddenly her head and nose hurt terribly and her stomach began to shake. Acid tears burned the rims of her eyes and she opened her mouth, sucking in a deep breath, preparing to scream louder than she ever had. But then she remembered.

No! I won’t cry. I won’t!

Fear turning to sudden rage, she turned and ran to the squatting fat woman, yelled at her as loud as she could and ran wildly down the aisle. 

“I have never in my life been so mortified!” Uncle Chris later howled at Mama. But Mama was more concerned about the cuts.

Iona was proud and happy. She had yelled but not cried. Uncle Chris and Mama argued about who knows what, but it didn’t matter to her; she was a big, good girl now. She didn’t cry.

And she didn’t cry a year later, when Uncle Chris visited them again. He had brought a large box of not-quite-ripe tomatoes on that visit. The tomatoes were kept in the bedroom shared by Iona and Donnie so they would ripen slowly.

The children soon discovered they made excellent balls. The green ones were hard and strong-skinned, but the red ones would explode when they hit the wall. When Uncle Chris discovered their game, he spanked them both hard. Donnie wailed and sobbed for mercy, but Iona bit her lip in determination. A few tears squeezed from her clenched eyelids, but she did not cry out loud. Not one whimper.

Procedural Errors

God has His own agenda and I welcome that but many times (most times) don't understand it. I along with others had prayed God's perfect plan unfold in regard to a medical "procedure" (never called much else). Well, here is the unusual outcome...

Okay, this is the lazy woman way to let you all know I had , but didn't have my "procedure" done yesterday. We aren't sure what mixup occurred, but after I left the recovery room, the doctor talked with us (Richard was with me) and the bottom line is, they didn't do the planned biopsy and the doctor seemed clueless when Richard asked about the tumor this same doctor had previously found behind my colon.

Deer in the headlights. Bam! Then right away, he ordered a CT scan which had already been ordered but not done because his office never got the insurance approval.

So what exactly did he do while I was under? I was groggy to the max when we spoke to him, but Richard said that I basically had a glorified colonoscopy is all. I am not so sure about that considering the amount of discomfort I'm having... and the extreme weakness.

Yes, of course, I am getting a second opinion.

Now, I am interested to see where God is taking this next.

Love to all. I am taking the day off, whether I want to or not.

Grasshoppers

I've been digging through some old, unreadable files on my computer. Some have been languishing in a folder called "Writings," some predate OSX and even System 7. There are old college assignments, diaries, budgets, etc. I have salvaged as many as possible although many are incomplete. God has touched my heart with some and my funny bone with others.

Since Richard and I are off for a day with his boss (Mickey Mouse, of course) I'll leave you with a little piece from my college years.

Grasshoppers

A few years back the lowly grasshopper, along with several millions of his prolific kin, had the state of Colorado in an uproar. It seems the local farmers thought their crops would end up feeding more insect families than human families. Now, usually farmers don’t get too persnickety about who their consumers are, but these grasshoppers weren’t willing to pay for what they ate.

Farmers begged relief from state and federal agencies, and were finally granted permission to launch a huge spraying campaign against the voracious green hoard. In fact, said state officials we’ll not only permit the use of some restricted pesticides, we’ll even help with the spraying! Temporarily, both farmers and polititians were happy (it was an election year).

As you might guess, however, the environmentalists and the grasshoppers did not approve of the proposed spraying program, and they soon had their say. But in the end, small planes swooped over the croplands, spewing noxious chemicals which not only killed grasshoppers, but irritated delicate tissues of all manner of beings, including polititians and farmers.

The Chill of Grief

I remember where I was when footage of the World Trade Center attack was broadcast live. Richard and I had taken a mini-holiday and were at the hotel desk. There was a TV monitor above us. I didn't immediately realize what I was seeing. I thought is was a movie. I don't hear well and had not heard the commentary when Richard tuned to me, shocked that I was so placid because I would normally  react openly to such an awful sight. It took a moment for the horror to sink in, then came the adrenalin rush, not from fear, but from extreme shock and the heat of anger... then came the chill of grief.

Now, seven years out, I am still overwhelmed by that assault on our nation, on freedom everywhere. For indeed, that was an attack on freedom, pure and simple. It was born of evil and the seeds were sown by evil ones to the gullible suicide pilots all wrapped up in packages of religious fervor. Our nation has changed since 9/11/2001, and we have come to honor more highly those who serve and protect us in law enforcement, firefighting, true public service AND military service. 

Note this from the BBC: "US troops in Iraq held their own ceremonies to mark the day. The 9/11 attacks sparked the Bush administration's 'war on terror', and are regarded as the defining moment of Mr Bush's time in office." Also, "Seven years on, more than 30,000 US soldiers remain stationed in Afghanistan. The hunt for Osama Bin Laden, who the US believes masterminded the attacks, continues."  

We have are proud to have 4 daughters and a granddaughter in the military. Our daughter Stephanie is one of those thousands stationed in Afghanistan.

In all our outrage, and we are still outraged, we must beware, however, lest we become self-righteous and think we are justified in doing things equally outrageous, like imprisonment without due process, torture, illegal wiretapping, etc. We cannot allow ourselves to become stereotypical bigots. 

Conversely, we must be diligent and dogged in our pursuit, prosecution and punishment of anyone who would dare threaten our nation and our freedom, be it individual or nation. That is one of the primary roles of government, although it seems to have been buried in an out of control expansion of governmental meddling and spending.   

A wise president once said, "Speak softly and carry a big stick." Do you remember him? Our federal government has gone mad with governing and attempting to micromanage every aspect of life in this country and now some want to disable our military so as to waste even more money on bureaucracy. Maybe they feel we can "Speak loudly and carry no stick."

But before I get off on that, lets thank God for the freedom we have. I would not want to live anywhere else. 

Please pause a moment right now and say a prayer for those whose lives were forever changed by the great tragedy of 9/11/2001. Pray, too for all those who serve and protect us. Below is a neat site where you can light a candle (there's nothing magical about it, just a tribute and a reminder), you can leave a brief message... It's a nice place to spend a few moments honoring God and all those who have given so much to America... and still do.

Light a Candle at http://worldtradecenter.com

Divided Attention

I am watching the paralympics as I write this. I have been glued to every live broadcast and have tuned in to every available video. I have Universal Sports here on the Mac and the broadcast put out by the International Paralympic Committee is playing on the laptop. 

I don't mind setting up a password, etc. or joining a mailing list to get such quality coverage. If you have any problems, remember to set up an account on these sites. At Universal Sports, you have to "buy" a package for free. You don't need credit card info, it's just their way of delivering content. I suspect they have some sporting events for which they charge a fee.

I've had a good day, although I am having some digestive track distress that has been building up over several days. I see a gastroenterologist in the morning and I'm pretty sure he'll order a colonoscopy, ugh!

This will be short as my attention is on track and field events on the Toshiba and swimming on the Mac. Amazing competitions!

Shame On US

I am not a sports fan. While I understand and can appreciate the effort, sportsmanship and dedication that goes into prepping for and playing a sport, I attended the various games my children and students played in out of love for the kids, not love for the sport. 

I would much rather visit with the other folks in the stands than pay attention to the action on the field or court. Of course, that didn't happen often because no one there wanted to carry on a decent, non-game related conversation with me. They were all too busy yelling their throats sore. They were far too intent on telling the kids how to play and the refs how to call to want to converse with me. And even before my three brain injuries, I wasn't very good at concentrating on a book in the midst of bedlam, so I often contented myself with examining the attire and attitude of my fellow "sports fans" or daydreaming about some frivolous,  non-sporty thing or other.

The Olympics, however, is a whole other story. I am a die hard Olympics fan and make any needed sacrifice to watch every televised minute of the games and all the associated commentary. As much as I detest "combat" sports such as boxing, I will go without sleep to watch each contest with the intensity of the most avid ringside fan.

Having spent five years in a wheelchair, raising a paraplegic son and being myself disabled, I have an even more fervent love for the Paralympics. I have been reading good things about how Bejing was handling the Paralympics, how the opening ceremonies would have the grandeur and flair in keeping with the amazing opening of the Olympics just past. I was excited about many of the athletes, and was sure I would be inspired beyond measure by their performances and perseverance. 

I fully expected and was happily anticipating to park myself in front of the tube for the duration and began a search for viewing times. I found nothing. Expanding my search, I began to fear the worst, and my fears were confirmed this afternoon when I read a New York Times article by Alan Schwartz entitled Where Americans Can Watch The Paralympics. NOT on TV! The only way we can see the 2008 Paralympic Games is online. 

To say "Shame on US" is not enough! We have hundreds of TV channels and not one airs these games. If such a shutout were targeting a gender or a race, there would be no end of flack, including law suits. Considering the trash that can be seen on TV 24/7, to ignore something so significant of these Olympic games for the handicapped is an outrage!

So, here is where you can see the games online:

http://universalsports.com started with the opening ceremony and aired this morning at 8a.m. Eastern Standard Time. Of course, I didn't know that then. See the schedule below. 

You can also visit the International Paralympic Committee site, join their mailing list and watch the games on their special site.

I'm sure all kinds of clips will show up on uTube and other video sites, but there really should be television coverage nation wide in the United States. Sadly, we haven't treated our handicapped athletes well in other areas, either, but I've said enough. Time to go watch reruns of the Opening Ceremonies...

Oh, I did find out that at 2:30 Eastern, NBC will air a 90 minute program of "athlete features and highlights." Better than nothing, but not much!

LIVE COVERAGE ON http://universalsports.com:

Date, time (ET) Event
Sat 9/6 8:00am Opening ceremony
Sun 9/7 5:00am Swimming
Mon 9/8 5:0:00am Track & field
Wed 9/10 5:00am Swimming
Thu 9/11 5:00am Swimming

8:30am Men’s basketball (USA vs. Australia)
Fri 9/12 5:00am Track & field

9:30am Women’s basketball (quarterfinal)
Sat 9/13 5:00am Track & field

10:00am Women’s basketball (semifinal)
Sun 9/14 5:00am Track & field

10:30am Men’s basketball (semifinal)
Mon 9/15 5:00am Swimming

9:30am Women’s basketball (final)
Tue 9/16 8:00am Rugby (final)
Wed 9/17 8:00am Closing ceremony

And my day was like this...

• 09:07 State Farm just called. It seems there was a third car involved in the accident of 7/31/08. 
  
• 13:02 I got a lot of pesky little paperwork things done. had been putting them off. 
  
• 13:16 Fixing links & graphics on MT's site. http:orlandobraininjurysupport.org 
  
• 16:15 Had a good phone visit with MT. The web site isn't working well on aol. I hate aol! 
  
• 19:19 Worked on MT's site but had one glitch after another. Headache now. Try later.
  

Exciting Book

I finally got my Bible Study handouts put online. We have a tradition that no question is off limits. There may be some answers for which we need to build a foundation before going further, such as discussions about where the unsaved go immediately after death, but we will tackle anything, digging through scripture for the truth of God's whole Word.

As people have visited or joined the class, they have wanted the previous handouts, so I decided to post them on my web site. Also, people wanted me to write out my notes and I thought it was a wise thing, too, because I can't read them when they're cold. So I began typing them as I made them, doing my research and study in front of the computer.

Thus far, I've put up the following handouts: 

• Bible Facts
  
• The Miraculous Bible, Is It Truly the Word of God?
  
• Soul, Spirit, Body: What Are They? How Does God Redeem Them?
  
• The Rapture vs. The Second Coming
  

As I mentioned in an earlier blog, we are studying the Book of Revelation. I have notes up for chapters 4 through 6 and hope to finish 7 this weekend. Links to them are found on the Revelation page.

Anyway, it has blossomed into a full scale project and I find that the in-depth research is a good refresher. Amazing how much you forget without realizing it. Of course, Revelation is not one of the Books I often turn to in my Biblical meanderings. I usually go there only when seeking a specific reference.

As I am drawn deeper into John's final writings, I find myself in awe as my mind's eye takes in his amazing word pictures. They blaze across the horizon of my consciousness shining with the majesty of the throne and the ONE upon it, the four created beings and the 24 elders... Myriads of angels.  I hear a symphony of praise, the martyred ones under the altar calling , "How long..." And the LAMB appears. And we have only just begun! Read through to the end.

The depth and breadth of this book are tremendous, the splendor and the terror emotionally spell binding. One could script volumes of notes on all the minutiae, but it is important not to lose sight of the focal message... Yet we must take care not to disregard vital details, particulars with meanings God intended us to pick up on.

Wow! What a Book!! I challenge you to do a study of Revelation. You can find several study books in your local Christian book store, or online. Of course, you are invited to wander through my notes. They probably make more sense to those who hear it live, but maybe you can glean something as well. 

If you do opt for a book or  online study, I would suggest that you go for a Futurist view. There are four predominant approaches to Revelation, Preterist, Historicist,  Idealist and Futurist. The latter is a literal reading of prophecy and the only one that makes sense to me.  

And my day was like this...

• 10:10 What a nice, grey day! 
  
• 12:01 Wow, I feel empowered. I have prioritized all my To-Do's and have them in my electronic and phone calendar. I even have estimated times. 
  
• 13:27 Have finished updating personal books and paying recent bills, and we still have a positive balance. Whoo Hoo! 
  

Possibilities?

I always look forward to Giveback workshops. A unique resource in the world of brain injury, GiveBack and its founder Dr. Larry Schutz have made a huge impact on my recovery. Also, the folks who attend understand one another in ways no one else can. I have come to love the other recoverers and their families in a very special way and find they are often in my prayers.

I learn something about myself and about recovery every time I go. I never come away empty. Tonight there were three "World Class Recoverers," who had recoveries that were truly miraculous. Their determination and grit inspired me greatly, but I also found the evening troubling in a way.

Each had injuries that one would expect tp leave them in a nursing home or at least unable to return to the ebb and flow of life's ever challenging tides. Catastrophic injuries. Even so, each woman had applied tremendous effort and perseverance as she struggled to overcome terrible insult to their brains.

It almost seemed to me as if the message was "If you are determined enough, try hard enough, you, through your own effort, can overcome your brain injury, no matter how severe." As inspiring as that may seem, it simply is not true. Sometimes the injury is so severe that such stellar recoveries are only possible if God steps in with a miracle.

Normally, it wouldn't be an issue, and I wouldn't say anything about it, except I have seen the harm that can result.

Our son Richard was 13 when he was in a ranch accident that left him a paraplegic with a brain injury. Richard had lots of grit and a determined spirit plus a strong faith in God. Well meaning folks told him he could overcome his disabilities and he did overcome many of the effects. He had an award winning high school career and went on to college.

Richard worked hard on his recovery. He didn't have the advantage of Dr. Schutz' excellent self therapy training, but he had done his rehab at Craig Hospital in Englewood, CO and was doing well, or so we thought. But then Richard started going to healing meetings where he was told and believed that if he just had enough faith, he would rise up out of his wheelchair and walk!

If he could just try harder, increase his faith... then God would heal him. Richard struggled with this. He would lunge forward expecting God to reward his faith by causing his legs to support him. As time went on with one disillusionment following another, Richard began to feel God was capricious and uncaring, that God set an impossible task before him... and he began to hate God and himself.

People who preach a PART OF WHAT SCRIPTURE SAYS ABOUT A SUBJECT AND DO NOT PUT IT IN CONTEXT WITH THE WHOLE BIBLE may as well enlist in the service of the enemy. If it isn't the WHOLE truth, there is NO truth in their message.

Of course, that is not what happened tonight, but I was concerned that there was an underlying tone to the message which seemed to make a promise that with enough effort, brain injury survivors can also achieve recoveries on the par with those we saw on the panel, a premise that cannot be universally applied.

I realize I am over reacting and am probably the only person who saw it in that light. Good. It's off my chest now. It was a tender spot in my heart.

On a brighter note, I was inspired by the amazing recoveries the panelists had achieved and, as always, learned much from Dr. Schutz. Sue did a wonderful job with the food, especially the mini pizzas. Yum!

Overload

We have computers and digital cameras and entertainment from over a hundred TV channels and as many radio stations. The list seems endless. Books, too, are abounding, even in the light of the information highway, the vast and unfathomable internet. It is little wonder that we need bigger and bigger hard drives and ever faster computers.

But with all this, we seemingly have gained no advatange in time. I spend way too much time in front of a computer monitor. For what? I do a bit of praying, encouraging, and communicating with folks, and that is all good, however, a big chunk of my time is spent trying to manage, retrieve or restore the information and pictures, and music and games on my computer... and now my phone.

My phone used to be a black, squarish boxy thing with a rotary dial and an earpiece. For some time, I had a party line. Now, my phone is sleek, white, rectangular and slender. I carry it at my waist in a little leather case, and it has 16 GIGS of memory! It's full of games, tells me what to do and when, has all my contacts, some of whom may be people I have called once in the past and no longer even remember.

For some time now, I have wanted to digitize and organize and label and make discs of all our old family photos and memorabelia. Funny, I have such powerful tools the task now seems overwhelming. Duh!

Well, today, I organized all my journals and blogs on my own computer - the one that recently crashed - just in case the internet disappears in the middle of the night sometime. Yes, my blogs are on several sites... but like I said, in case the WHOLE internet goes poof, I am covered, aren't I?

As the day wore on, I began to have pain in my chest, a tightness... no, not like a heart attack, more like a bad chest cold, congestion. Now, my throat is also sore and I feel really not well. Enough computer, enough anything, except prayer. Perhaps a nap, too.

Well, I didn't nap, I watched part of the Republican Convention. Sarah Palin's speech was a winner except for a few comments. I, for one, want to make sure everyone "has their rights read to them," even suspected terrorists, for if the rights of  the most reviled and weakest among us can me trampled, then my own rights might be the next to go. 

No matter who is elected, I am concerned that the constitutional rights of all people in this country, citizens or not, be jealously protected. While I am NOT an Obama fan and would never vote for him, neither am I a fan of some of the abuses of the Bush administration. 

I am appalled that this nation would resort to torture. I disagree with wire tapping without proper protocol. I am sickened that this great nation would violate its founding principles by doing such things and even go so far as to arrest and imprison people without due process of any kind. 

We have let fear of terrorism lead us into an unwholesome compromise and the evils of expediency. Although terrorists pose a very real threat world wide, trampling on the civil rights and human rights of anyone puts us in the same league as the enemy! 

True Blue, - the Group - Our Creator

We saw Blue man Group this evening. Wow! A funny, frivolous frolic! We loved it. The talent and stamina of these men is amazing. I've been wanting to see them for literally years and was beyond thrilled when Athena gave us tickets for my birthday.

I wondered if the show would actually be worthy of all the hype or if it would be a let down compared to our expectations. I needn't have given it a thought. The show was two hours long and by the time we left, my face was sore from smiling and laughing.

I am almost finished with the Orlando Brain Injury Support web site. I only have a couple of pages to go and some various details to add. I'm proud of the site. It is built on the framework of my Host4Christ site which is soon to be extinct. So I didn't have to do a lot of graphic or page design, just layout, which is pretty simple on this site.

God has recently given me some points to ponder and led me to some attitude adjustments. I often pray with and for people, both friends and strangers. I pray for them where ever I encounter them and God prompts me to ask if I can pray. I recently prayed with a young woman and as I did, the Holy Spirit led me to some insights about her and myself as well. That evening, I heard a sermon on being happy with who you are, how God made you, your performance when you try your best, and so forth. In the wee hours of the next morning, I wrote what God led me to say to my friend, and later, when I received my daily devotional via email, it was on the same subject! The Lord really knows how to make a point!

Part of what He impressed on me and is leading me to share God's message with you. After much prayer and knowing how God so often repeats His massage To me in different ways. I can be a SLOW SPIRITUAL LEARNER AT TIMES, PLUS I LIKE TO BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO PUT WORDS IN GOD'S MOUTH!, so I needed to be quite confident of the teaching.

Consider, then, YOU are His Masterpiece. God made only one like you and no on else can fulfill God's amazing plan for your life, NO, NOT ONE! ...and you are infinitely precious in His sight; HE LOVES YOU!. The Enemy will lie to you and try to lead you to lie to yourself, but the Truth will or has already set you free... even if you don't yet see it.

But sometimes out of habit, or lack of understanding the we cease to consider the detailed and special creative work God did to produce you alone! How easily we forget! I feel that perhaps you and I might need encouragement to joyfully embrace the "you" and the "me" that God took so much pleasure in creating and redeeming. He carefully chose all the attributes that make you just who you are... including the parents and environment and experiences He ordained or allowed (even the unpleasant ones) because He exactly how they would work together to create a masterpiece! ... And He's still at it!!

Don't be afraid to be self-approving of your good deeds. Never be tempted to exalt yourselves, however, may your kudos be sown in front God and His or satan and his... not among others here on earth,. Of course, we also need to realize our constant dependence on the Savior, but I sense many of us, thinking it's a pious thing to do, cut ourselves down way too much. We forget that God Almighty, King of the Universe is and has been in control!

Once more, I repeat a crucial truth: The environment and experiences God ordained or allowed in you life and mine (even the painful or unpleasant ones) all work together to create a masterpiece! HE has a PLAN!! and has been working on it from before time.... And He's still at it!! While usually God has not "brought" evil on you or your situations. nor suffering into you life, NOTHING happens without His direct knowledge. If He desires, He can put am immediate stop to any hardship, every pain. BUT OFTEN HE DoES NOT!!! Remember all things are permissible, but not all are profitable.

So ask for the ability to be happy, content and proud of God's creation of you. He chose or allowed for you the perfect eye color, hair color (or baldness) body type, birth defects, if any, intellect.. even where and when you were born, and being the absolute efficiency expert, . He also selected or permitted your parents, environment, timing on the stage of life. You and I need to realize how "fearfully and wonderfully made"" we are and thank Him for the easy times and the impossibly horrid times, for they have helped form us in to an ever- improving being with direct access to THE TEACHER!

Treat yourself well, mind, soul and body. Eat well, exercise, pray often, take time out for you... and stop beating yourself over your less than perfect life (in your eyes). Instead pat yourself (privately) on the back after an all-effort attempt. Learn to love those brown eyes God gave you and forget about the blue ones you have longed for. Praise God for your super curly that can lead to so many fun styles, and forget trying to be a blond. I'm not "preaching" you should never make some fun changes. I am citing God's Word that we be content with our wages and lot and body... and serve Christ with all these things

Talk it over with Jesus... often. Even if you don't know Him yet, You can get acquainted! Start telling Him how thankful you are for all you body parts that work, for your job if you've got one, for your friends or the ones you're about to make, your clothes, food, shelter, your very LIFE.... Tell Him often, at least once a day. A standing daily date for prayer and Bible Study will transform your life.

Lastly, forget sins and failures that have been forgiven, now that you have learned what you could from... Time to discard those unpleasantries and make them completely off limits. If you"re saved, God has cast your sin as far as the East from the West and remembers them no more. Believers walk in freedom. We''re promised that. Born-again FREE!

Okay, child of God, one last thing. Begin to talk to yourself and to God as you go through the day and have a final review with Him at day's end, He will show you helpful or needful changes, but other than abhorring and confessing our sin, we are to HUMBLY see ourselves through the tender eyes of Jesus, the Loving eyes of Father God...as a forgiven and deeply loved child rich in God-given gifts and an able servant of Christ Jesus.

Wow, didn't mean to write all that, but it just slipped out,,, now it's time for bed.