June Reflections

Road Trip              

 My husband is from the south central part of our state. His family moved up here after this junior year of high school. That class has a reunion just about every year. This year, he decided to go. We only stayed for part of it. We had a very nice time. However there were some he didn’t get to visit with. 

Father’s Day

Roger came up for part of the weekend. I had to choose not to attend anopen house for a lady from church as she turned 99. He family had an open house at her home. Also, a lady in our church lost a sister and the family had a memorial service at church. I had been in contact with her several times during her sister’s last days. I contacted her and let her know that I couldn’t attend the service.

Street Repairs 

 Our street has been getting repaired since June 7th, the people doing the work are doing it “piece-meal”. They are patching places that a utility company created in an updating of their service to their customers. The latest project is replacing areas of sidewalk, repairing drive-way approaches, and paving the street where the original company had to dig up the street. 

Vacation Bible School Preparation

We have a new Children’s Ministry Director this year. We got a very late start in planning. We created our own theme and recycled decorations. More about this next month. 

Pastor Rick and Cheryl

At the end of June, Pastor Rick formally went on a Medical Leave. This as their decision. They talked to medical people and to those in our Conference. When he told the congregation, he said he would be working on getting back to where he was (100%) in the next eight to twelve months. In the meantime, we will still have Pastor Stephen Ellis as our pastor. 

Writing 

 I have not done much writing this month. I didn’t feel up to doing any. Please forgive me for this. Time just seems to slip away from me. I am now writing a column for our church newsletter, actually passing on information from the conference prayer network to the congregation.

>July Reflections

Surprise at Church 

 We all got a surprise at church one Sunday. As each of us entered the building, a couple of conference tables were set up. On each table were stacks of tee shirts, all green with white lettering. The church purchased these to help us “get the word out” about our new denominational tie. Some of the men put the tees on over their shirts they originally wore that Sunday. They actually ran out of one size; they are going to order more of that size. The next Sunday, they had those sizes that they didn’t have earlier.

 Possibly Getting New Neighbors

 The house across the street from us was abandoned almost two years ago. I pray for our neighborhood. I prayed for that house and whoever God wanted to live there. In mid-May, a crew started remodeling that house. It took almost a month and a half. Then a “for sale” sign went in the front yard. I did an Internet search and found out more about the house. A week later, I went in again and found the notice that there was a sale pending. Actually, there are two other houses for sale on our block. 

 A Couple of Blessings 

 I wear a medical compression sleeve to contain my Lymphedema, a complication of breast cancer. One of my sleeves recently developed a hole in it (the second one, I was able to fix the first one.) Jim thought I should get another one. The two I previously received had a high price tag. The insurance would not cover the costs. I called my “nurse navigator” and asked her a couple of questions. She told me that there was a store at one of the sister-hospitals in Indianapolis. This store sells directly to patients for at least 1/5 of what the insurance denied. (That’s blessing number one.) 

 Our church has joined the Global Methodist Church. The office manager called me and told me she had gotten an email from the denomination asking for someone to take on the role of “Prayer Point Person” for our church in the denomination. She told me that the treasurer, the pastor’s wife and she all thought of me. (That’s blessing number two.) I accepted.

 Going Visiting

 Jim and I took a weekend and went down to where he grew up. He wanted to get some sweet corn and watermelons. We used to do this several years ago. We haven’t been down there in 15 months. Roger, our son, lives rather close to our friend. They went fishing at our friend’s pond. Three of Jim’s friends from school. Our friend’s brother-in-law and his great-grandson all came out to that pond to see Jim. We came home with two watermelons, three cantaloupes, two dozen ears of corn and a bonus of a quantity of frozen fish fillets. Writing Project I posted part of my writing project on a forum I belong to. My project is to create a Vacation Bible School program. What I posted were five opening skits where each night the emcee interviews a Biblical characters that the children will hear about in the story staion. There will be a craft station where each night, the craft will relate to the Biblical person of the evening. I have also included some “oldie but goody” children’s songs to be used in the opening each night. I want to keep this simple and inexpensive. My working title is: Old Fashioned Vacation Bible School

 Reading 

 I am presently reading the book of Psalms. As of August 3rd, I am starting to read the third book. I have not written much lately. I guess it is due to the “Summer Doldrums”, it is too hot to think on things. (So, I tell myself!)

November Reflections

Etsy

 The Weather

 This past month started out with a continuation of beautiful fall weather. We had a wedding anniversary on one Wednesday; the day was perfect. But by Saturday morning, we had a definite change in the weather. Hubby told me he thought we had 2+ inches of snow on top of our car. Some parts of central Indiana had over three inches.

 A New Website 

 Toward the end of October, I received an email from a writer that I used to follow. She felt a nudge from God to create a Christian online magazine for children. About StarLight Magazine – StarLight Magazine (jean-matthew-hall.com) She was looking for writers to submit stories, games, and devotions to her and those working with her for possible inclusion in this new children’s Christian magazine. I submitted one of the Children’s Moments messages in an edited form. A day or two later, I received an online copy of the November issue. She also emailed me, thanking me for the submission and saying she would get back with me in January.

 Thanksgiving 

Our church hosts a Community Thanksgiving Dinner on Tuesday before the actual holiday. I used to help in the serving line. One year, I cut pies for those dining. Last year, I rolled silverware (plastic) in napkins. I was going to do that again this year, but things got complicated and confused for me. I did send plastic grocery sacks for those working could use them for the carry-outs.

 Due to our son’s work schedule, he works every Friday of the Thanksgiving weekend, he comes home on Saturday, and we have the traditional meal then. 

 An Interesting Weekend 

Thanksgiving did not go as we planned or wanted it to go. Roger came in with a back problem. What we planned to have for dinner did not 'pan out/ Plan "B" went by the wayside.  We wound up having a simple meal. The important thing was we were able to be together.

 On Sunday morning, I received a text message from my friend who facilitates our Sunday school class. Her husband was not feeling well. Was I going to be at church and could I teach the class. We were starting a new devotional-type book for Advent. I managed to do some research on the focus of the first devotional. I reread the second and third ones and had some ideas of how to lead the discussion. The group was small, but they were receptive to the topics. 

 Where Has This Year Gone?

Am I the only one asking that question? As I sit here typing this, I see so many things I should be doing but just don’t have the oomph to manage getting started. Some days, I have some energy, but it doesn’t last very long.

About those Doctor's Scales!

I had two doctor appointments at the end of the month. At the first one, I stepped on the scales to find out that the scales DEFINATELY did not like me. Therefore, I am sincerely trying to stay away from cookies and candy. I am also trying to cut out snacking, (we seem to do a lot of that around here.) 

Remember the reason for the season we are beginning.

August Reflections

https://lymphedematreatmentact.org/ 

https://www.calendarpedia.co.uk/

Writing

I consented to give a lesson at our church women’s group for September. (I had to ask others to fill in for me for two earlier months.) Usually, I try to connect the lesson to some holiday coming up. September is not fall and is the end of summer. After praying about it, I decided to give a lesson on prayer.

I spent one Sunday afternoon writing on the month’s blog theme, Faithfulness. I needed to do this because I am aware of people struggling with issues in their lives.

I am searching again for paying outlets where I can submit my writing.

Advocacy Efforts

I received an email from one of our U. S. Senators. This particular senator is a co-sponsor of the Lymphedema Treatment Act. He talked favorably about the good the passing of the bill would do. He said he would remember what I pointed out when the bill comes up for a vote.

Town Hall Meeting with our U. S. Representative

On August 13^th, I attended a “Town Hall” meeting in a neighboring town. Our U. S. Representative hosted two in our area on that day. I attended the one closer to our home.

My purpose for attending was as an advocate for the Lymphedema Treatment Act. https://lymphedematreatmentact.org/

The format was that people filled out a card with a question they wanted to ask this woman. A member of her staff read certain questions. (My question was not presented to her.) She was supposed to be there for one hour. She talked for 10 minutes before she started answering questions. She went over her time by 15 minutes. After the meeting broke up, I approached one of the staff members with the fact that my question was not presented. She directed me to a gentleman sitting at a table across the room. After he took my information, he said,”Thank you for the information. I have not heard of this bill before.” Our representative has chosen not to co-sponsor this vital bill.

Low-intensity Tornado

On Monday, August 1^st. Parts of our end of our city received high winds, at first thought to be straight line. Several trees were taken out at a city park not far from our home. That immediate neighborhood had downed trees blocking the street. Several houses still had trees down in their yards on Sunday. Our church yard, two blocks east, had four trees uprooted. The tornado also picked up a plastic playhouse out of our playground and smashed it against an outbuilding on the property. The people of the church and one person connected to one of our outreach ministries cut up the trees.

I am feeling better.

I have been able to try to get some things done here at home. I even started writing sort of a story about our times. I am also working on 2023 blog themes and scriptures.

I need to make out a cleaning schedule as well as a writing schedule to follow. I used to do a writing one but I wasn’t faithful in following it.

Home Project

I have wanted to do something to give our kitchen a face-lift. Jim said something earlier to the man who does our handyman work for us about painting the kitchen cabinets. We recently decided it was time to act. I did not want the cabinets and cupboards to be white again. We went and picked out paint. I chose a shade of light gray. The next project he has in mind is to lay new flooring in the kitchen.

Surprises For Me

The end of the month, Jim went to the grocery store to get two items. He came home with several grocery items but forgot to get what he went for. One of the extra things he brought home was a dozen roses for me. He didn’t give any reason. They are in a vase on our coffee table. When I get flowers, I try to keep them for as long as possible.

As as an added surprise. He purchased some serving bowls. We needed them. He purchased several of them. I don’t know why he got so many but they will be nice to have.

July Reflections

 

Writing

In one of my blog posts, I wrote on the passage Micah 6:8. One of my readers is possibly a Messianic Jew. She commented on my thoughts and gave me insight into the order of how some read the Torah. We never know what we will learn from one another. I was humbled by her thought and her comment.

Advocacy Efforts

On Wednesday, July 13^th, the Energy and Commerce committee in the House of Representatives unanimously passed by voice vote the bill to technically correct the Medicare law to include coverage of Lymphedema compression garments and sleeves. It now will go to the floor of the House for a vote. (Please note, there are 350 House co-sponsors of this bill.)

Review Book

My most recent review book is one by A.W. Tozer, Going Higher with God Through Prayer. I chose this particular book mainly because it is on prayer and because I am drawn to what the author has said in the others I have read.

Husband’s Surgery On Hold

Jim’s knee replacement surgery had been scheduled for August 10. His Pr e-Operative Tests has caused them to put everything on hold. His a1c, a blood sugar indicator, number was too high.

And Then the Rains Came

We had not had any rain for about seven weeks. On July 16^th, we got a gentle rain.

On July 17^th the sky opened up and we had a deluge. Water was standing everywhere. We had a power outage that started at 3:23 in the afternoon. Power was restored at 2:15 the next morning. The television weather people said we had NINE inches of rain.

Our side yard is an extra city lot. This lot is lower than where the house sits. When we have water standing in it we always say that we are going to stock it with fish. Our basement got flooded because of the power outage. We are waiting for the furnace to dry out. Hubby does not do well with stress. I am afraid that over the years his health has affected his level of tolerance.

My Austerity Efforts

Due to my having Lymphedema, I have some compression sleeves that I wear and a compression garment that I wear at night. Over a period of one year, at the price I see on the insurance information that I receive, this could be costly for those who rely on these tools to keep the condition from worsening. I prefer to not wait until I receive a statement from the hospital telling me I owe them a large amount of money. I have changed my word processing carrier to one that is free. I receive coupons from my pharmacy that help me save a little bit each time I shop. I cut back on extra mission giving at church.

August is here and, before we know it, it will be gone. Meanwhile, I hope to do better about writing and living for the LORD.

June Reflections

Shiningmom.com 

Our church re-opened-

June 14, our church family gathered for worship. We have two services each Sunday.

Some of those who had attended the second service decided to attend the first service due to the size limitations. On Father’s Day, the men leading the service all were in casual wear. The pastor, who usually doesn’t tell jokes, told some “dad jokes” which he equated to “bad jokes”. Our Pastor has given us sermons and lessons about the life of Samuel and Eli and his two sons. He has done this in weekly installments throughout the quarantine. These have been quite informative.

Getting photos uploaded to my computer-

I was unaware that my cellphone carrier had stopped supporting the uploading of photos to my computer. I also could not get my digital camera to upload photos. (Just between you and me, I think that was a part of my down spirits this past winter.) That issue is partially resolved. I await the delivery of a micro USB cord(U-8) to be able to get photos uploaded from my digital camera. I believe I finally have that contraption figured out as well.

Updates.

I did get to see the ortho doctor about my ankle and foot. This was the first time I saw him. The two times in early March, I saw a Nurse Practioner.  Somehow, the broken bone in my foot turned out to be two broken bones and that severely sprained ankle turned out to be a hairline fracture. I dreaded going to this appointment because I believed things had not progressed to where they should be. I received a new brace to help stabilize my ankle.

New Hair-Stylist-

I went to a new hairstylist. I say new because she had never done my hair before.

I knew her from a friend’s shop. She is experienced in her trade and has some of the same concerns about this COVID stuff. Both she and her husband are in the senior citizen age-range, he has some ‘underlying health issues’.

Journaling God’s Attributes-

I have spent time in June reading various scriptures, usually one a day, and journaling my thoughts about that attribute highlighted by the passage. It has helped me through this time of quarantine. These scriptures have greatly blessed me.

Prayer Group Meeting in Person-

The prayer group to which I belong has started meeting in the gazebo at the prayer walk on our church grounds. We meet wearing masks and practicing social distancing. We enjoy seeing God’s beauty in nature and getting to see one another. 

______________

After three days of working with this entry. I am able to get this intact as I had planned it.

May Reflections

Etsy

Another month of sheltering in place. I was able to be out a few times, always wearing a mask the few times I have been out.

Being a Shepherd

I enjoy staying in touch with those people from church on my shepherd list. Most of them I text. One does not have that capability, so I call her.

Books

I am making some progress in getting back on some sort of writing activity. I have a book review ready to post. I ordered a book on writing. Write Like the Masters, by William Cane 

I ordered and finally received a Christian Writer’s Marketing Guide. I have spent some time searching through it.

I also received a copy of a book from Bethany House Publishers for me to review.

31 Days of Prayer Experience

For the month of May, I have been using a 31-Days of Prayer format. One part of the system is a printed page containing a target. Four concentric circles with terms like Thanksgiving, Wisdom, and Spiritual Insight, Forgiveness, Praise and worship, Confession of Sin, Renewal and Revival. Poor and Oppressed, World Leaders, National Government, Global Church, World Missions, Education, Current Events, Local Government, Global Church, World Missions, Local Church, Friends, Community. In the center of the target we are to pray for Home and Family. I have truly benefitted from doing this.

Also, there is a page of Scripture verses, one for each day. I have been led to journal about these verses. This exercise keeps me in practice to write something each day.

In April, I read and studies Psalm 119.

Looking Ahead

We understand that our church will be able to open on June 14. We know that our worship service will look different than before.

I have chosen not to bother the Activity Director at the nursing home to find out when they will be able to have outside people bring in readings and lessons to the residents. Likewise, I have not tried to call the retirement community. I intend to call those places early in June to see where they are in opening.

This month, my hairstylist chose to “officially retire”. She has had some health issues these past few years. Her husband had heart issues. Her dad who lives with them also has a heart condition.  She has her salon up for sale Please pray for her as she gets that salon sold and she enters a new phase of her life.

April Reflections

Handycalendars.com

April came and is almost history. This has been the most unusual month of my life.

I have not written much this month. My experience with a medical boot was not a positive one. (Think 15-pound weight on your leg.) The nicest thing I can say about that apparatus is that it was a nice neutral color-a pale gray. It would go with all my sweatpants. On April 20, after some discussion with Hubby, I chose to come out of it and put on a regular shoe.

I received a phone call from the orthopedics office on April 30^th. They had to reschedule my appointment again. My new appointment is on May 28^th. That is just short of three months since I fell.

I have been journaling throughout this time. Some of the entries are thoughts on certain scriptures. Others are about Coronavirus and its effect on people.

I have spent this time reading devotional books.

1.)    From Suffering to Salvation. It incorporates writings of Henri Nouwen and thoughts by Christopher Klofft.

2.)    Walking Together in Our Faith Journey assembled by our pastor and his wife, containing devotions written by a few of us at our church and pastor friends and mentors they have had.

Our Sunday school class will continue working through these at such time as we can meet for worship and study. I am re-reading the daily entries.

I am slowly doing research on the Apostle Paul. I am stymied on what foods a Roman prisoner would eat.  

Those of us who live in my state, Indiana, will find out on May 1 whether our shelter-in-place restriction will end and if we will have a schedule for the re-opening of our state.

Our prayer ministry group has been meeting via conference call about twice a week. It is a time we all look forward to.

Our street is the main route to a hospital. Usually, traffic past our house is steady. Of late, that traffic has been sparse. When the weather is nice and warm, I sit on our enclosed front porch for a few hours.

On Easter Sunday, those of our church who could created a parade and drove past our pastor and his wife’s home to tell them how much we appreciated them. I recently saw pictures of the signs the participants created to convey words of thanks to them. One of the Indy channels received word of the plans and sent a photojournalist up to record the event. We made the newscasts for about a day and a half.

As we await the decisions about our lives reopening, let us all remember Who is ultimately in charge.

Peace and Blessings to you all.

OCTOBER REFLECTIONS

Etsy

In the early part of this month, I attended the women’s circle I belong to. We have had an ongoing project to collect supplies for a local retirement home. This retirement community is unique in that it is locally owned by a corporation of local faith groups in our town.

                                

 

The ecumenical women’s group I attend met at our church for this month. My friend Martha and a few of us from our church provided the lite breakfast for those in attendance.

 I met ladies from my high school graduating class for lunch. We had some new ladies and some ladies couldn’t make it. I am finding that I enjoy seeing these girls. I am the last lady on the left.

We only had three of us for our Friends luncheon. We may not meet in November. My friend that tries to arrange these has been involved in teaching a class for about eight sessions. Those sessions have not been in consecutive weeks.

About the middle of the month, I was able to act as the worship leader. I was uneasy and I did make a few mistakes. Everyone who has done it told me I did well.

I haven’t done much writing lately. I have not been up to it. Just copying thoughts about Philippians for the Bible Study I am leading at that retirement community and some short blog posts.

I have been trying to find the time and energy to get out and take some pictures.

Here are two that I snapped:

       

                            This tree sits at the front corner of our neighbor’s front yard.

                   

 I went out the front door to rollup car windows when I looked up and saw these two trees. The leaves caught the sunlight in such a way that the looked brilliant red instead of yellow.

A cousin surprised me with a gift. He lives in northern Indiana and I don't get to see him that often. He's one of my Facebook friends and I believe he got some sort of message about my personal beliefs. Here's what he sent me.

                                                   

               

                                           A pro-life tee-shirt. I was humbled by his action.

I had been considering purchasing a new digital camera. I finally did it.  I was having a bad day, nothing really went right or as I thought it should go.  I decided to go ahead and order it. I like the camera on my cell phone but it doesn't bring objects closer. I should receive it and the other supplies in two days from when I placed the order. 

September Reflections

papertraildesign.com 

September brought with it some good cool days and a few not so cool days. On the cool ones, I was able to sit on my porch and enjoy the weather. Sometimes, those days would start out nice and cool but would heat up quickly.

My visitation partner and I had a good laugh. Facebook told me she had a birthday the day before we were to do our visitation early in the month. As I entered her vehicle, I wished her a “Happy Birthday.” It wasn’t her birthday. It’s in December. I had handed her a card when I gave her my wish for her. When she told me when her birthday was, I asked for my card back. She laughed about all of this.

Only had four come to our Friends luncheon. Several of our group had an illness, Doctor appointments or family members who were ill.

The very next day, I went to a luncheon of some of the ladies from my high school graduation class. There were 14 of us. This gathering was at the same restaurant as our friends gathering the day before. Both days, the same server took care of us. At the high school luncheon, he looked at me and said, “Are you back here today?” All I could say was, “Yes.” All 13 of those around me laughed. One of these ladies is visiting from her home in Hawaii. Another is a retired Physical Education teacher who now teaches Drivers Education at a Driving Institute. Another one has been in tapdancing from a very young age. Another lady is a naturalized citizen from Germany who participates in a group to keep their heritage alive.

On the second Friday of each month, I will be leading a Bible Study at a retirement community in our town. When it was all said and done, there were eight residents and me. One of the ladies came in very late; as we were getting ready to leave, she told us that she came down to see if she would like to join the group. A friend of mine from church was one of the seven. Another lady who attended has visited our church in the past. On that next Sunday, she came with my friend. I was told on Sunday that the group can’t wait until the second Friday in October, my next time to be there.

I have taken a step of faith. Our new pastor uses people from the congregation to act as Worship Leaders. My Sunday school teacher, our Lay Leader, has done it during July and August. They announced a “class” for those who would like to help in this capacity. I attended the meeting and decided I needed to do this. My first Sunday is in October. I will share the video with you either during the week after my Sunday or in the October reflections.

Jim, aka Hubby, had a birthday yesterday. He kept telling me he wanted lots of presents “because it’s not every day someone turns….” The number he put in there was twenty years younger than he would turn. He has a very dry sense of humor. After almost 51 years of marriage, at times, I still have trouble deciding if he is joking or telling the truth.

The woman who chaired our high school class reunion and our class’s Facebook page asked us to include our maiden names on our personal pages if we are female. I got mine done and commented on the class page about it. One of the other women messaged me and asked me how it did it. I tried to explain it to her. Well, she couldn’t find what I was talking about. I had to print my screen and explain it again. But for the screen to print, I had to go to an online site to figure out what I had to do. I am always learning something. It was frustrating until I found out what I needed to do.

July Reflections

End of June: Trip to see Roger and some friends. Our friend Betty had, that day, finished 30 radiation and chemo treatments. She is scheduled for surgery on August 13^th. Of the 30 days, she had one bad day. Jim (Hubby) and I went to Kentucky and saw Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace.

 

July

I attended a first birthday party for a friends’ granddaughter. That was a special time.

New Pastor

 Our new pastor and his wife arrived in mid -June. Their appointment was not official until July 1st. His first Sunday was July 7th. They sat in various worship services. I led prayer meeting on two Wednesday nights at the end of June. The second time, they came and sat in that service. 

Throughout July, Pastor Rick and Cheryl hosted small group fellowship meetings in their ‘home’. This was their way of getting to know the people of the church better. It was nice to get to find out more about some of the people with whom I worship as well as the pastor and his wife

.

I attended a first birthday party for a friends’ granddaughter. That was a special time. Her grandparents sit in our Sunday school class. When the little girl was dedicated, they asked members of our class to join them on the dais and stand with them for the dedication. We were honored to do so.

Class Reunion

I decided to attend my classes 55-year reunion. It took place about a quarter of a mile north of where we live. It was a very nice evening. One thing the committee did was take individual pictures as we entered. A group picture of those classmates who came. And then group pictures of us based on where we went to grade school. My grade school group had eight of us. One grade school group had twelve people.

Entry picture 

"Kids:: from my grade school.

The three women had been in Girl Scouts, back in the day.

Great Movie

I saw a movie at church this month, I Am Not Ashamed, the story of Rachel Joy Scott. She was one of the twelve students that were killed at Columbine High School.

 Special Project

A dear friend called me and asked me to work on a project for an interdenominational women’s group that she belongs to. (I just started attending this spring.) She asked me to create a bookmark for an area meeting to be held in our town. I created five samples for her to take to the president of the group so she could see what they might look like. Each sample had a picture, a topic, and five scriptures that pertained to the topic. Two of the samples had pictures I had taken.  My friend was thrilled with the samples.

  Vacation Bible School

Theme: Polar Blast: Where Jesus' Love is Cool

I oversaw pre-registration and registration.

This is the table I set up. 

On Wednesday morning before the school started four of us stayed after prayer time and painted snowflakes. Here they are used in decorations.

You have to look close to see them

                                             This is the chancel area of our sanctuary. 

The polar bear is sitting by an igloo made out of plastic gallon milk jugs. 

Our custodian did the decorations this year. Her mother found the snowflake lights at a rummage sale just a few days before our Bible school was scheduled to start.