Grounded

I just have to say that my kids are the greatest. With more than a week of bed rest yet to endure, they continue to have [for the most part] fabulous flexibility and honest, helpful spirits.

I have been rendered useless in my own home. I have achieved full "tabby cat" status and struggle with frustration, guilt, and general helplessness. Meanwhile they cheerfully oversee Elizabeth's watch care with tag team enthusiasm, they take turns getting meals prepared and served, and seem to enjoy my consistent presence and availability in the middle of the living room floor.

I've had my feet rubbed with lotion, ice water served with a straw, and coffee & toast provided every morning --with a great deal of butter, naturally:)

The pain is subsiding each day, it seems. I also have more mobility in my joints - hip and knee. But with the improvement comes distinct temptation to get up "for just a minute to see what I can get done". Philip says, "No, Ma'am!" And so I lay. Or do I lie? Even without drugs, that's a tricky call. I'll let you make it.

Thank You, God, for Landen and his servant-like sweetness; for Luke and his ability to anticipate a need; for Ardyn and her kind-hearted helpfulness; for Ashlin and her ability to care and cope; for Mari Alice for the brightness she brings; and for Elizabeth and her precious personality. Thank You, for Philip. He is one of the greatest gifts You've blessed me with. Help me be gracious and kind as I am forced to retreat and receive. Thank You for Your healing.

Ironic

My brother found this at a garage sale.

I find this wildly amusing.

Back Track

Just got back from an MRI on my lower lumbar and leg. The doctor wants to confirm that the disk that is compressing my femoral nerve has not ruptured. It's my understanding that if it is merely bulging, then perhaps we can avoid surgery, and rely upon physical therapy and "changes in lifestyle" to correct the problem.

About my lifestyle...apparently I sit incorrectly, lay incorrectly, stand incorrectly, lift incorrectly and I obviously paint baseboards incorrectly. Honestly, I'd be surprised if this "lifestyle change" didn't include fewer calories and more exercise. Super-dee-duper.

So, we are on day five of my fortnight of bedrest. The doctor prefers that I lay prostrate on the hard floor with a pillow under my pelvis, my hips shifted to the right and my legs pointed toward the left. Though it sounds ridiculous, and less than comfy, I am supremely grateful for his wise suggestion.

This position is the ONLY position where I find relief from the otherwise constant pain and pressure on my knee. I would have never discovered this posture on my own. The doctor formulated this personalized position by moving everything in direct oposition to how my body was naturally allowing each part to rest.

AND with all the extra narcotic-hazed time to think, I have to wonder if there might be a spiritual parallel to my current plight.

Are there times when our own ignorance or lack of discipline bring about pain in our lives? And as we try to reallign ourselves, we find no suitable long-term solution. But as we submit to Wisom and Truth, we are asked to do the illogical, urged to try the unnatural, encouraged to try the uncomfortable. And in Merciful irony, we find rest. We find peace. We find sustained comfort.

Thank You, Jesus.

Days of Labor

Where the heck have I been?

I used to have lots of fun keeping a blog.

What happened?

Well, let's see...

My baby brother, James, came back to East Texas. Then, almost immediately flew to South Dakota to help with a church plant. His friend from Colorado, Katie, stayed with us while he was away. We had a huge time organizing cupboards, sharing stories and contemplating life's greater callings.

Of the many benefits Katie offered, two were of utmost importance. One was the lending of her wireless mouse. That little electronic varmint made it possible for me to finish the new Women's Ministry newsletter with few frustrations. Second was the introduction of her favorite veggie dish: Chopped Purple Cabbage with Balsamic vinegar, olive oil and salt. So simple, very yummy and even better the next day.

So, the newsletter, "Branches" was successfully mailed out yesterday. Mp3 kids' choir fires up this coming Sunday night. And my summer piano gig has been extended so I will still be accompanying the Methodists across town until further notice.

As far as school, the kids are finding their groove. Both girls have their first scripture passage memorized...Ash has learned Gen 1:1-5, and Ardyn has learned Isaiah 53:1-6. Landen is doing well, and Luke has hit his 10 week wall. He'll snap out of it, I'm sure. He's so bright...but got his attention span for all things new and exciting from his mom.

The deer lease has been bush-hogged. For those who were concerned...

I repainted the dining room and almost finished the new curtains before something snapped in my lower back and my left leg went numb. Couldn't walk. Couldn't sit. Couldn't lay. I was slap out of comfortable postures. I had the first of many visits to the chiropractor today and hopefully I'll be back to "peachy" soon.

And as if bush-hoggin and drape-sewin don't getcha in the Labor Day mood, we have BABIES!!! Long awaited, fat, healthy, gorgeous, bow-head babies.

BFF Kathy gave birth to a beautiful blue-eyed miracle named Kate on Saturday. You can pop over to see her photos she posted to her blog.

And SIL, aka Super-freakin-Momma ran down the road this morning for a brief visit with the midwife and was back before breakfast with baby Abigail in tow. Their photos are on facebook.

Thank you God, for all the wonderful things to which You've called us. Your plans are perfectly timed and full of goodness. I love YOU!