Fun Times

I last wrote Sunday and that seems an eternity ago. Monday, Richard and I did go exploring as planned. We drove south on US 27 for a little over an hour and stopped in Lake Placid, a small town near several lakes. My favorite was Lake June-in-Winter but is wasn't the water that attracted us, it was the town's fantastic visual displays.

Murals! Everywhere you look, murals, 42 of them. These aren't small nor amateurish, but mostly splendid works of art. Plenty for the serious mural art fan to get lost in; plenty to cause the uninitiated and somewhat bored traveler to at least stop and look at. But the folks in Lake Placid want you to stay a while, study the murals and notice the fanciful waste containers disguised as vehicles, books, animal habitats, a barn, and more! While you're there, they want you to notice the stunningly well done bird portraits displayed on large circular medallions on the outside and inside of some buildings. Oh, and I almost forgot the clowns. You'll find a scattering of brightly painted clown stand-ups (some are sitting) here and there all over town, but mostly gathered near the elementary school.

To entice visitors to linger longer, each of the murals has a special meaning and story behind it, and most of them have hidden objects for you to search out. Of course, to fully appreciate all this and know what to look for, you will want to stop by the Chamber of Commerce and watch the free 10-minute video, examine small versions of the murals, and pay $3 for a book which will take you on a self guided tour and is well worth every penny.

So, for a measly $3, plus the cost of your gas and food, you can have a fun and fascinating excursion that will take all day and is not likely to be something you do often since it is hundreds of miles to the next Mural town, a town with so many murals that is it world famous. Okay, we had never heard of Lake Placid and its murals, but according to the internet, it it quite well known by other, more cultured souls.

Today I visited via email and by phone with Harriet Porter, President of the Lake Placid Mural Society. Although they have a web presence of sorts, not all the links are presently working. We discussed some options to help the public learn more about this wonderful murals project. I will revisit the subject in my blogs, to be sure.

I had sort of let things pile up on me so I was late preparing my Bible Study lesson. Somehow Tuesday slipped on by and I was far into the night, researching the latest archeological finds relating to the old foundation of Herod's temple as it relates to prophecies clearly pointing to the temple being in its place in Jerusalem. We are studying the Book of Revelation and are now in Chapter 11 where John is told to measure the temple. So, it was a busy and long night as I prepared my notes to upload to http://ionanet.com/bible/revelation/rev11.htm . But I do love doing the research and writeups, and I love sitting down with other believers to dig deeply into God's Word.

Tonight, we had the "Not So Spooky Trail" at church. It drew quite a crowd in addition to our own church family. An excellent outreach and so well planned and executed that pros could not have done it better. Living in the shadow of Disney and Universal and all sorts of other big time attractions, locals come to expect top notch entertainment. Ours was deliberately low tech, high fun and wholesome all the way.

I dressed as an outrageous 13-year old punk rocker. Green, red and orange hair of various lengths, mismatched layered clothing and lots of make up. Had a blast!

Changes

It's been quite a weekend, and change is in the air. Saturday was a church workday, and the pleasant Florida fall weather was perfect, even the few showers felt good. I spent most of my time pulling weeds. It didn't seem bad at the time, but this morning I woke up stiff and sore. Admittedly, I stooped instead of squatting like you are supposed to, so the back of my legs are VERY, VERY sore. Amazingly, my back is fine.

Another change is upon us. Today was the last Sunday of The Vinee meeting all together. Next week we have two services; one at 9 and another at 10:30. I am praying everyone becomes accustomed to, and comfortable with the new schedule... especially that Mike is strengthened.  I'll be at both services, anyway.

I need to make changes. I forgot to take The Weekly Prayer Focus to church this morning. I get so irritated when I forget important things. I will need to get everything loaded in the car Saturday night, I guess. I did get the prayer page redone this afternoon. I am happy with it, for now.

But I didn't get any more done on the OBIS site. Time just slips by me.

Changes in my work routine are for the good. Richard wants to do some exploring tomorrow. He's mapping out a plan right now. we have two books of local excursions you can make in one or two days. We've taken several of the trips, modified to fit our interests, and we've enjoyed them thoroughly. I have to get a doctor's referral before we leave, and I would like to make sure the OBIS site is presentable.

A few last minute changes won't take long. I will see what I can do tonight before I crash. I really do want the site to be in good condition, plus I did promise Monday and Tuesday to Richard... taking two days off every week will be an adjustment, but fun!

Hard Work

I am unable to post from Blogger to my own site http://ionanet.com I spent several hours last night and all morning today trying. What a huge waste of time. Enough is enough! I'm already way behind on a very busy day, so forget it... I have the same blog in several places and can work on problem solving some other time.

Meanwhile, I am enjoying a nice day alone. I never get much done when Richard is home. I like hanging out with him too much. So my available weekdays to take care of doctors and business related stuff are Thursday and Friday. I have some business calls to make today, but other than that, I have two unrelated prayer issues to concentrate on and I want to be very sure what God would have me do about each one. Once that is settled, I will tackle family finances, and maybe a bit of house cleaning.

I have let myself get too distracted?, busy?, careless?... and I have not been spending much time in the Word except to prepare for lessons, etc. That is not the same as the intimacy I have with the Lord as I study and the Holy Spirit enlightens. I need to practice what I preach. Put God first in love, money, time, service.. in all things. Easy to say; hard to actually do... very hard.

Check It Out!

This has been, as most Wednesdays are for me, a special day of fellowship and challenge. The fellowship of those in the morning Bible Study and the evening "Small Group" blesses me and keeps me grounded... and sometimes gets me in trouble, therein lies the challenge.

Tonight, I upset some people at Small Group when I declared their view of the Godhead invalid. I was not tactful and probably came off as a know-it-all. I also failed to point out how deeply I respect the young man and his commitment to the Lord. I spoke with him in the yard after the meeting and apologized for the bluntness of my comment. I also let him know I respect him greatly and that his Godliness is self evident and commendable. We parted with smiles and I have a deeper resolve to better manage my tongue while still defending the purity of God's Word at all times.

Perhaps because of my history of being led into Mormonism at seventeen, and later - after I had studied the scriptures and denounced that "faith" - being misguided by radio evangelists and various religious authors, I have a particular zeal for the purity of God's Word. While some passages and even whole books may be open to different interpretations, as is Revelation, there are basic Biblical truths which are core anchors and cannot and must never be viewed in ways other than presented by the Word.

The deity of Christ is one such truth. The inerrancy of scripture is another. While we may misunderstand or misinterpret Daniel's prophecies to a degree, we do not have such latitude when considering the reality of Christ's resurrection.

Many have been drawn to faith in Christ with very little understanding except that He died for them and they now have been set right with God and have eternal life. Their salvation is sure even though they as yet have almost no knowledge. The newly saved are almost always hungry for understanding and thirsty for the Living Water. They tune in to radio and TV where they hear a variety of sometimes conflicting teaching. They attend churches and some of those may not be Bible based, but instead teach a liberalized and false theology.

Not knowing how to study the scriptures for themselves, they accept what they hear. Paul warns us of those who preach what man's itching ears will receive without question. Soon, they are sold out to a cheap Gospel, a twisted theology. Sometimes in all sincerity, folks spend a lifetime serving and worshipping a Lord who exists only in the minds of men.

We need to verify every teaching and compare it with what God says in scripture. Always check it out!

10 Reasons to "Fear Not!"

Increasingly as election day approaches I receive messages based on fear. These are from Christians and are sounding more urgent by the day. Agreed, we have a responsibility to vote after careful and prayerful consideration of all the candidates and issues, and we need to take that very seriously, but not necessarily fearfully. 

I also doubt a  believer in good conscience could vote for Obama if for no other reason than his stand on abortion, but should he be elected, I will not cringe in fear.

For while scripture calls us to fear the Lord, as in a holy awe, we are repeatedly told by angels and Christ Himself to "Fear not!"  Why? Because God is still in control!

_______________________

Top 10 Predictions No Matter Who Wins the Election

1. The Bible will still have all the answers.

2. Prayer will still work.

3. The Holy Spirit will still move.

4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.

5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.

6. There will still be singing of praise to God.

7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.

8. There will still be room at the Cross.

9. Jesus will still love you.

10. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.

...and God approves this message!

ISN'T IT GREAT TO KNOW WHO IS REALLY IN CONTROL?!!

_________________________

Richard and I had a wonderful day. We went to see the film Billy the Early Years. Excellent movie! We highly recommend it. 

On November 7, 2008 Billy Graham will celebrate his 90th birthday. His son Franklin Graham is organizing a special gift for him, many, many messages from those who love him and are thankful for his life in the service of Jesus Christ. Please bless this great man by adding your personal birthday message. There is no cost.

Comfort for the Heavy Hearted

Those who read my blogs regularly know how deeply I feel about GiveBack and its founder Dr. Larry Schutz. I was still struggling with acceptance of myself and my disabled brain when God led me to Giveback in the fall of 2006. Although Dr. Schutz became my treating neuropsychologist, I also attended the free group sessions he held two or three times a month. Both regimes helped immeasurably and, while the difference in my cognitive functioning may not be that great, the improvement in the quality of my life and emotional state has been considerable.

Sadly, I was forced to discontinue regular treatment with Dr. Schutz shortly after it began because my workmen's comp carrier, Frank Gates, refused to make full payment of the medical bills, and I was unwilling to create a debt I could not pay. However, using Dr. Schutz' self therapy manuals and working with a therapy partner as well as working with the group sessions, I made progress along the road of accepting my brain in its damaged condition and learning to operate it as efficiently as possible.

I still live with the chaotic confusion of a broken brain, finding underwear in the freezer and constantly wondering what I may have forgotten or missed. I still struggle to function when there is noise, too much light or activity or when I am tired. But through all that, and in spite of it all, I am happy and content with my life and my "new" and different brain. It's the only one I have and I am thankful for the many things it is still able to do... and I remain extremely thankful for the help of GiveBack!

Now, because of a series of events involving people I care deeply for, I am unable to continue my association with GiveBack. No, I did not disrupt the program, nor have they banned me. My withdrawal was by choice. a choice I felt forced to make under the present circumstances. I am heartbroken over the situation.

I'm sorry this sounds so vague, yet it would be dishonorable to be more specific. So why am I bringing it up at all? I don't know. I felt such loss, a grief I had not expected had overtaken me. My heart was heavy with it and sleep would not come, whereas tears are yet at the ready almost constantly. But God is comforting me...

The Lord has ministered to me in such amazing ways. My friend Jerri in Texas handcrafted for me a lovely birdhouse with a Red Hatter motif. She created this vibrant piece over a year ago but somehow never got it mailed. Then all at once it was at the forefront of her thoughts and she promptly found the perfect box and sent it my way. It arrived Saturday just after I became aware the full impact of the pain at Giveback. It was such a tender touch from the Lord to reassure my spirit that His love is constant and He cares when I hurt. Jerri, who listens for the Holy Spirit always, is also sure that He set the theme and timing of her gift long before I even had a need for God's comforting. 

Then, after church Sunday, another friend, Brandy surprised me with a unique Red Hatter cup. You know about the Red Hat ladies, right? A bunch of older ladies playing dress up and having fun going out with stunningly purple outfits and outrageous red hats, the bigger, the better. Just for fun. It is a mood I needed and God encircled me in His love through the unexpected and fun-filled gifts of my friends. Brandy, too, is very Spirit led.

Finally, today, Monday, I received an email from a Laurie Lynn, a delightful, Spirit-filled friend in Dothan who I had not heard from in about two years. She cheerfully recounted the flooding of her beautiful home by a broken water pipe and the looting of her bank account by a trusted employee, all the while praising the Lord for His faithfulness and care. She had me laughing and praising God with her. After reading what she wrote, I felt such a healing touch. Laughter is effective medicine, alright, just as God's Word says it is.

Have you noticed that God ministered to me in a unique and light hearted way every day from the time the heaviness began to weigh down my heart? And with each of these light hearted surprises, I literally felt lifted up, a lightening my heavy heart. I am sure tears will still come when I think of the sad situation of folks I love at Giveback. Grief is not that swift in passing, but in its midst, the Lord is using precious friends to lift and lighten my heavy heart. I wonder how God will visit tomorrow...?

Scriptures for WEDNESDAY's debate!!!

I am busy writing the study notes for our Wednesday morning Bible study, so this will be short, but I want to make an important point so you can start praying tonight.

Make no mistake, our nation needs prayer as never before. 

I have removed other portions of this blog because as one reader made a certain comment, I was led to pray about it. To the unsaved, it would appear as "name-calling" and that is never my intent. I have a strong heart for the lost and when I say they are without God, that is all I am saying. They need the Savior, for there is no other way by which men can be saved.

Working Overtime

Richard tallied the hours I put in doing things outside my regular household and personal activities. He counted the time I spend on web work for others, online or telephone or in person counseling or praying with others, doing things for Giveback, several churches, or friends. In the seven-day period before Tami came to visit, the count was over 60 hours. I was shocked at first, but then realized how many hours I put in at night.

I don't mind the hours, and I know that I take much longer to do anything than most folks do, but Richard does have a point. I should limit my "volunteerism" as he calls it to 30 or less hours a week, take two full days off for personal life and realize that the world will still spin if I am not trying to help with every problem I hear about. I have been in prayer about that and I feel the Lord has given me a plan. I'll let you know how well it works out.

I have long realized that a big part of my tendency to overcommit is that I have no realistic idea how long it takes me to actually complete a task. Today was a good example. I carefully planned out the day, thinking I had over estimated the time for each task, only to find that it is now midnight and over half my tasks were not even started, much less completed. Since most of these were sequential tasks, one had to be finished before the next could commence. Sadly, I didn't even have my Bible time today.

Okay then, I'll be doing some revision of my commitments. My priorities will remain the Lord first, family next, then all the other things and people I love. Mostly, it is a matter of observation and discovery so that I am in touch with my own pace of operation as I plan my days or consider any obligation. Yes, I know that will involve some increased impulse control on my part.

I am so thankful for this insight! God is always teaching me new things about Himself and myself.

Yay for Prayer Teams!

Such a wonderful day was today. Anthony preached and he was seemingly relaxed doing so. He is much more comfortable in the pulpit than a year ago. I'm duly impressed with that young man and his sweet wife, Sarah.

Before Anthony's sermon, I made a short little announcement about the Prayer Teams along with a few thoughts on prayer. We had a good number sign up for the Intercessory Prayer Team, and there were three added to the Altar Team and even two joined for the PreService Prayer Team. I am expecting God to respond in a mighty way as we seek His face more diligently.

I left the church around two and went shopping, getting home about 4:30. Richard was home soon thereafter and we had a quiet dinner. I had planned to work on MT's web site and Giveback's records but did neither. I fell asleep sitting up on the couch and almost forgot to send the Weekly Prayer Focus out to all the new Intercessors. I am still drowsy. Feels sorta nice.

Hodge Podge

It has been days since I posted and so much has happened I can't remember it all, nor can I be sure of the sequence of events, so I'll just lay it out hodge podge and leave it at that.

I finally went for my CT scan last Friday. I had to arrive two hours early so I could drink 2 pints of barium in suspension, a thick concoction designed to induce instant nausea, I am certain. Horrid stuff. I managed to suck up one pint and was due to slog down the second pint in an hour when I was called into the hallway and asked when my last blood workup was. It seems that since I am over 65, I could not have the IV contrast medium for scan until I had certain blood tests run.

What IV? No one told me about any IV! Of course, no one had mentioned the barium either. Oh well.

I left, heading for the doctor's office, unscanned and half full of barium. Oh, and hungry, too, since I had been told not to eat or drink anything after midnight. The doctor's waiting room was more full than I had ever seen it. I only needed an order for a couple of blood tests. They would try to work me in. Two hours later, I had the orders in hand and rushed to the lab, hoping to have immediate results and race back for a scan. Silly woman!

The lab doesn't do the testing there. They send the stuff somewhere else, and my doctor will have the results by Monday, maybe. In that case, I thought, I am going to eat and drink. I was totally parched. Barium in suspension does not hydrate you. My scan is now scheduled for next Friday. I can't wait for another barium cocktail or two.

On the brighter side, daughter Tami was in town for the last few days. It was great to see her. Athena and Brian joined us and we all went out to Tijuana Flats on Thursday, and then to Le Coq au Vin on Friday. Both were wonderful, each in their own niche.

Amidst all of this, I have been working on a project for Giveback. Having gotten all the materials needed, I am expecting to complete it tomorrow or Monday.

The Prayer Ministry at The Vine has been much on my heart and I have spent many hours in prayer as I seek God's will and provision for Altar Team members and training, Intercessory Prayer team participation and the development of a Preservice Prayer Team. Samuel Chadwick once said, "The greatest answer to prayer is more prayer."

Scan Me Not

It's been a busy day and a strange one.

I began my day with prayer as usual and felt oddly led to verify my insurance company's authorization for my scheduled CT scan Friday. I checked online and saw that there were no authorizations. I had previously checked by telephone and actually gotten them to authorize the scan. They had assured me all was well. Today all was not well.

Next, I went to my doctor's office and was told they had not called in for authorization because I had to see the doctor first. What? This charade had started when I found a growth, lump or whatever in the area of my colon. I went to Dr. Lama (my "primary care physician") who sent me to Dr. Nihalani who ordered the scan along with other tests. I was told someone would call me with the scan appointment.

No one called. I called Dr. N's office several times, then gave up and called the insurance company. They had no record of a request. I told them the situation and, after speaking to several supervisors was told they would authorize the scan and I should have the doctor call to verify. I called Dr, N and told them this. They said, "Give us a day." I gave them two. Still no call. Finally I called back again and while I was on the line they made the scan appointment.

So, this morning after a nudge from the Holy Spirit, I check it out and I am not authorized for any tests. I am back where I started... over a month ago! I see Dr. Lama in the morning. I used to love my insurance company. no forms, no problems... Now I wonder? I found myself fuming, then the Living Water quenched the flames of my anger and power of the Holy Spirit brought me to a place of calm. Although it might feel good to go into a self righteous rant, it certainly wouldn't glorify my Lord. So I smiled and made my appointment, praising God I even had health insurance when so many others do not.

Later today I went to Altemont Springs to get pictures and other material for the Orlando Brain Injury web site. Mary Lou's daughter had some problems getting the needed items to copy to a disc but I finally left with everything I needed. I enjoyed meeting mary Lou and her daughters who are delightful and beautiful.

It was after five when I left their house and headed over to Sasha's in a gusty rain storm. Sasha and I had talked of having dinner, but I wasn't really hungry and I think we both preferred to just visit.

God id Good

What a wonderful Sunday it's been! I am always so blessed to be with my church family, and I can't wait until Richard has enough seniority at Disney to get Sundays off so we can enjoy that blessing together. There was an urgent prayer request because two girls and a baby had disappeared from the mission we serve in Honduras. I prayed much of the afternoon as I am sure others did as well.

I just got news that the lost ones have been found! God's specialty, saving the LOST! I am ever amazed at His mercy in the face of man's depravity and I know it cannot be much longer until the events of the end times begin to take place. If we had even a fraction of a glimpse of God's heart and love for us, and of His infinite power, we would never again say a casual prayer out of habit; never again take Him for granted; never again take our salvation lightly... or, for those unsaved, never hesitate an instant longer to accept the unbelievable gift of Grace for which was paid so great a price.

Athena called and Richard will join them tomorrow. It seems a whole wall of her utility room is termite ridden so they took it out and are rebuilding. I have a prior engagement (two, actually) so will not be joining them.

I have several projects I need to finish right away. One is to write guidelines for the altar prayer team and a prayer focus for the intercessory prayer team. I also need to do some work on the Orlando Brain Injury Support site. Then there is are the Bible Study notes to put online and the next chapter notes to write... I need the help of the Holy Spirit and indeed, He leads me on.

I'm Back

It's been a long time since I posted. Once I get out of synch, it's hard to get back in the routine. A lot has happened but not much has changed.

A friend from Dothan came to visit. She arrived last Saturday and left Thursday. While she was here, we did Disney and the Holy Land Experience. We discussed theology at length. She has a little different view about the security of our salvation, and there were other spiritual issues that came up. She holds a unique position on the Holy Spirit, prayer and other things. She quoted our pastor in Dothan and I am sure she has some misunderstanding of his stance because I know him well and his theology is purely Biblical.

Nonetheless, we had a very good visit and we were blessed to have her. She is somewhat like me as far as tolerance for overstimulation, so it was quite interesting for Richard as we visited Disney's various parks. We stayed away from the wilder stuff. None of us were interested in roller coaster type rides.

I cooked most of the day today, fixing dinners for the whole week or more. I'm thinking it will work well since I get caught up in the day and am always way behind when it is time to fix a meal, so Richard ends up eating a sandwich or cold cereal to many times. Doing all the cooking on one day consolidates the work and the mess... Actually, it isn't like work to me, I enjoy cooking.

So I made baked chicken breasts in a lemon pepper sauce, whole wheat pasta with butter and herb sauce, spaghetti in a rich, chunky, Italian sauce with an emphasis on Parmesan, chicken stoup (thick soup), beef stew, zucchini and sweet onions, turnip greens with bacon grease and spices, mixed veggies, mini blueberry muffins, and banana-blueberry cake with French vanilla icing.

I went to GiveBack Thursday. As usual, I learned much even though I hear only a fraction of what is said. We meet in a big circle and many folks speak so softly I have no hope of hearing. If I can catch some of the sound and see their lips, I can often figure out what is said, but even then I often get the wrong meaning. My friend from Dothan had quite an entertaining time noting all my inappropriate responses. It is true they are becoming more frequent. I have hearing aids, but they drive me nuts. Too much noise. All that sound makes it hard to concentrate. Of course, I know that I will soon have to tolerate the distraction of noise or become isolated because I can no longer communicate well with others. I will trust God to give me the cue to wear hearing aids more and the focus to overcome the distraction of sound.