I don't know what has been my problem this week. I have not had time to post any new entries or look at anyone else's blog.
Hopefully this weekend I will have a few minutes to catch up with my friends.
Just wanted to let y'all know that I haven't forgotten about you and you can expect new posts and comments from me soon!
Have a great weekend!!!
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Monday, June 25, 2007
Back to Our Regular Scheduled Programming......
We are back to our "normal" routines today. After days and days of laying around, watching The Food Network and movies (Amelie, The Queen, Dreamgirls, Bobby, Caffiene...) we are both going back to work today.
Keith has an appointment to get one more round of blood work done this morning and then he will be going to class and work at the gym tonight. I hope he can make it through a whole day without getting tired. You know how you wear out easily after you haven't done much for a few days? We did get out to Borders yesterday. We both needed a breath of fresh air.
He wore "regular" clothes Saturday night. (By regular, I mean, shorts and a polo shirt). I hadn't seen him in anything but a t-shirt and workout shorts in almost a week! And, he even trimmed his beard up yesterday! Whoo-hoo!
Just another little update. Everyone has been so great with all the emails, calls and cards! Just wanted to let you know that Keith is doing fine!!!
Keith has an appointment to get one more round of blood work done this morning and then he will be going to class and work at the gym tonight. I hope he can make it through a whole day without getting tired. You know how you wear out easily after you haven't done much for a few days? We did get out to Borders yesterday. We both needed a breath of fresh air.
He wore "regular" clothes Saturday night. (By regular, I mean, shorts and a polo shirt). I hadn't seen him in anything but a t-shirt and workout shorts in almost a week! And, he even trimmed his beard up yesterday! Whoo-hoo!
Just another little update. Everyone has been so great with all the emails, calls and cards! Just wanted to let you know that Keith is doing fine!!!
Friday, June 22, 2007
There's No Place Like Home
GREAT NEWS! I am posting this from HOME! Yup, that's right, you read it correctly- from HOME!!!! Keith was released today around 10:30!
After our doctor left, we had 2 friends, Annie and Amanda, come visit. We were just getting ready to play Phase 10 when the nurse came in and said that she had some bad news. (I was thinking, uh-oh, what now?!?!). She said that Keith was able to go home. She had the release papers in her hand! I started jumping and clapping and yelling "YEAH, YEAH!". Other nurses came in to say that we were having too much fun, but I just couldn't stop celebrating! Oh, by the way, the nurse meant bad news for her because Keith was such a great patient. They all just loved him. She said that he was more than welcome to stay until 3:00, when her shift ended. (Smiles).
We didn't see the kidney specialist today, he wasn't making rounds until late tonight. They figured that we would rather get home than wait for him and boy, oh boy were they right! The renal scan came back negative, everything working normally. They said that he is able to eat anything, make sure he gets plenty of fluids and cannot do any weight training or lifting. The most exercise for now is a stroll around the neighborhood. He has to go back to the lab on Monday for more blood work, just to make sure the numbers are not increasing and our doctor will want to see him for a check up in two weeks, but other than that he is good to go! Thank God! They think that the original kidney infection just got that out of control and affected the kidneys that much. No bacteria present now, but they are still keeping him on antibiotics for 10 days.
Oh, I thought I would post two pictures- one of Keith and I after we got the great news of his release and one of Keith getting ready to be pushed out of his room. They let him stay in his regular clothes, so no pictures of Keith in a hosptial gown! *Sorry Rod, I know that was your request! :) *
It is such a relief to be home. We cannot thank you all enough for the prayers, thoughts and offers of help you have given us. We love you all so much and you have made the past 4 days so much easier for us.
Hosptial updates are officially over! (Big sigh of relief)
After our doctor left, we had 2 friends, Annie and Amanda, come visit. We were just getting ready to play Phase 10 when the nurse came in and said that she had some bad news. (I was thinking, uh-oh, what now?!?!). She said that Keith was able to go home. She had the release papers in her hand! I started jumping and clapping and yelling "YEAH, YEAH!". Other nurses came in to say that we were having too much fun, but I just couldn't stop celebrating! Oh, by the way, the nurse meant bad news for her because Keith was such a great patient. They all just loved him. She said that he was more than welcome to stay until 3:00, when her shift ended. (Smiles).
We didn't see the kidney specialist today, he wasn't making rounds until late tonight. They figured that we would rather get home than wait for him and boy, oh boy were they right! The renal scan came back negative, everything working normally. They said that he is able to eat anything, make sure he gets plenty of fluids and cannot do any weight training or lifting. The most exercise for now is a stroll around the neighborhood. He has to go back to the lab on Monday for more blood work, just to make sure the numbers are not increasing and our doctor will want to see him for a check up in two weeks, but other than that he is good to go! Thank God! They think that the original kidney infection just got that out of control and affected the kidneys that much. No bacteria present now, but they are still keeping him on antibiotics for 10 days.
Oh, I thought I would post two pictures- one of Keith and I after we got the great news of his release and one of Keith getting ready to be pushed out of his room. They let him stay in his regular clothes, so no pictures of Keith in a hosptial gown! *Sorry Rod, I know that was your request! :) *
It is such a relief to be home. We cannot thank you all enough for the prayers, thoughts and offers of help you have given us. We love you all so much and you have made the past 4 days so much easier for us.
Hosptial updates are officially over! (Big sigh of relief)
Keith's Update.....
Day #4 in the hospital.
I got here about 8:30 this morning, just in time to see our regular physician. She just did the routine-question-thing, and answered some of our questions. Keith's creatin (I could completely be butchering the spelling of that word!) is down to 1.7, not that it means anything to non-medical people, but I know we have few nurses out there reading this! He was a 3.0 when he was admitted, so that is a huge improvement. We weren't really given any new information. Still running tests, waiting for the renal scan results and trying to stay upbeat. Our doctor said that the kidney specialist would be in later today to talk to us again. He'll make rounds every day.
Keith did get a roommate yesterday afternoon. An older gentleman who had knee surgery. (Have I mentioned that the IMU was full, so Keith was placed on the surgical unit?) Keith got NO sleep last night. The roomie had nurses and doctors in constantly and when no one was tending to him, he was snoring like a freight train. Keith told me that the man was completely out of it, yanking on his tubes, trying to move his leg when he shouldn't be, kicking and throwing things.... basically making it very difficult for Keith to sleep! Keith said at one point he got up to go to the restroom in the middle of the night and roomie had removed his gown, so Keith got a bit of a show when he passed the bed. He turned his head as quickly as humanly possible!
Thankfully, the nursing staff really likes Keith (who can blame them!?!) and they moved the roommate to another room around 7:00am. I know they were trying to move him last night, but had no where to put him. Very sweet and considerate of the hospital staff......
Oh, Keith did get some Bobby's custard last night, which meant that I got some too! Mmmmmm.....
That's the newest. Will post more later.
I got here about 8:30 this morning, just in time to see our regular physician. She just did the routine-question-thing, and answered some of our questions. Keith's creatin (I could completely be butchering the spelling of that word!) is down to 1.7, not that it means anything to non-medical people, but I know we have few nurses out there reading this! He was a 3.0 when he was admitted, so that is a huge improvement. We weren't really given any new information. Still running tests, waiting for the renal scan results and trying to stay upbeat. Our doctor said that the kidney specialist would be in later today to talk to us again. He'll make rounds every day.
Keith did get a roommate yesterday afternoon. An older gentleman who had knee surgery. (Have I mentioned that the IMU was full, so Keith was placed on the surgical unit?) Keith got NO sleep last night. The roomie had nurses and doctors in constantly and when no one was tending to him, he was snoring like a freight train. Keith told me that the man was completely out of it, yanking on his tubes, trying to move his leg when he shouldn't be, kicking and throwing things.... basically making it very difficult for Keith to sleep! Keith said at one point he got up to go to the restroom in the middle of the night and roomie had removed his gown, so Keith got a bit of a show when he passed the bed. He turned his head as quickly as humanly possible!
Thankfully, the nursing staff really likes Keith (who can blame them!?!) and they moved the roommate to another room around 7:00am. I know they were trying to move him last night, but had no where to put him. Very sweet and considerate of the hospital staff......
Oh, Keith did get some Bobby's custard last night, which meant that I got some too! Mmmmmm.....
That's the newest. Will post more later.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Hospital.....
So much has happened over this week. I guess I will start from the beginning, but with shortened versions of everything that has happened.
I wrote a post last weekend about Keith, how he was feeling sick and diagnosed with a kidney infection. They put him on antibiotics last Saturday and we figured it was only a matter of time until he was feeling 100% again. We were wrong.
He didn't feel much better on Sunday. As a matter of fact, he had a really bad night Sunday night. I wasn't sure what to do. I could feel the panic attack coming on, but went to our room, spent some time in prayer and thankfully God was able to calm me so I could focus on Keith. I stayed home with him on Monday and we went to our regular physician. She wanted blood work done, told him to stay on the antibiotic and they would call by Friday with the lab results. I had to go back to work on Tuesday, so his mom came over to stay with him (she offered and I accepted, Keith didn't want to "put anyone out"). Keith called me at work and told me that the lab called and said he was in renal failure and he needed to get to the doctor. Of course, we were both SO scared. I mean, how did what we thought was a kidney infection progress to kidney failure?!? We all met at the doctor's office and Keith was admitted to Anderson Hospital in Maryville, IL. Our physician in still in IL, we never found a new doctor when we moved to St. Louis. We learned that his kidneys had not actually failed, but "acute renal failure". From what I have gathered, the kidneys were in distress, which could have led to renal failure, had the appropriate actions not been taken.
(big breath cause this is a long story and alot of information)
So, they administered IV fluids, took a lot of blood, did an ultrasound and then told me that I wouldn't be able to stay the night with him at the hospital. My mom was driving down and told me that she would get us a close hotel to stay at, so we could just get right up Wednesday morning and go right back to the hospital, instead of driving all the way back to St. Louis for the night. I am so thankful my mom drove down. I needed to see her face. You know how your mom always is able to comfort? I needed that motherly comfort. *So, THANK YOU Momma, for coming down and keeping us company!*
Back to the updates- the ultrasound came back fine- no kidney stones. His blood levels are returning to normal, slowly but surely. Still not completely back to normal, but the high levels are definitely dropping. They did a renal scan today, which will show any problems with kidney function. We haven't gotten the results from that yet. I don't know if we will get those tonight or tomorrow when the nephrologist comes back in. They said he will probably be here for a couple of days still. Just running tests, tests and more tests. It is so strange for a young, healthy man to have kidney issues. Oh, and he was able to get off his IV, so he no longer totes around the "buddy" as we have come to call it. AND, the most exciting part to Keith- his diet restriction was lifted, so he can eat whatever he wants now. The past two days have been bland, low potassium, low sodium, no dairy foods. The doctor lifted all restrictions, so he will be ordering whatever he wants for dinner tonight and I am pretty sure I will be making a Bobby's run before I leave for the evening. (For those out of towners, Bobby's is yummy, yummy frozen custard)
The hospital does have free wi-fi, so I was able to bring the laptop up, which helps pass the time. Keith is able to check his fantasy baseball teams, email and all that. We have our DVD player and are in the middle of Dreamgirls. Showing later tonight or tomorrow will be The Queen. We have books, magazines, Phase 10 and other card games to keep us entertained. If only the hospital had an outdoor pool, we could stay here for a week. Of course, we are praying that he is able to go home as soon as possible, but may as well make the best of it while he is here.
We have been very fortunate. People were praying for Keith immediately. We know that the prayers are working and God has answered many of them. Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers. We know that God has been right beside us and that is the most comforting thing of all, definitely more comforting that the hospital bed! :)
I will keep updates posted on my blog, so please check back. Pass the link on to anyone that doesn't check my blog, but would want to know the updates.
Thanks again for all the concerns and love- it means so much to both of us to know that so many people love and care for Keith!!!!! We are so blessed with amazing families and friends!
I wrote a post last weekend about Keith, how he was feeling sick and diagnosed with a kidney infection. They put him on antibiotics last Saturday and we figured it was only a matter of time until he was feeling 100% again. We were wrong.
He didn't feel much better on Sunday. As a matter of fact, he had a really bad night Sunday night. I wasn't sure what to do. I could feel the panic attack coming on, but went to our room, spent some time in prayer and thankfully God was able to calm me so I could focus on Keith. I stayed home with him on Monday and we went to our regular physician. She wanted blood work done, told him to stay on the antibiotic and they would call by Friday with the lab results. I had to go back to work on Tuesday, so his mom came over to stay with him (she offered and I accepted, Keith didn't want to "put anyone out"). Keith called me at work and told me that the lab called and said he was in renal failure and he needed to get to the doctor. Of course, we were both SO scared. I mean, how did what we thought was a kidney infection progress to kidney failure?!? We all met at the doctor's office and Keith was admitted to Anderson Hospital in Maryville, IL. Our physician in still in IL, we never found a new doctor when we moved to St. Louis. We learned that his kidneys had not actually failed, but "acute renal failure". From what I have gathered, the kidneys were in distress, which could have led to renal failure, had the appropriate actions not been taken.
(big breath cause this is a long story and alot of information)
So, they administered IV fluids, took a lot of blood, did an ultrasound and then told me that I wouldn't be able to stay the night with him at the hospital. My mom was driving down and told me that she would get us a close hotel to stay at, so we could just get right up Wednesday morning and go right back to the hospital, instead of driving all the way back to St. Louis for the night. I am so thankful my mom drove down. I needed to see her face. You know how your mom always is able to comfort? I needed that motherly comfort. *So, THANK YOU Momma, for coming down and keeping us company!*
Back to the updates- the ultrasound came back fine- no kidney stones. His blood levels are returning to normal, slowly but surely. Still not completely back to normal, but the high levels are definitely dropping. They did a renal scan today, which will show any problems with kidney function. We haven't gotten the results from that yet. I don't know if we will get those tonight or tomorrow when the nephrologist comes back in. They said he will probably be here for a couple of days still. Just running tests, tests and more tests. It is so strange for a young, healthy man to have kidney issues. Oh, and he was able to get off his IV, so he no longer totes around the "buddy" as we have come to call it. AND, the most exciting part to Keith- his diet restriction was lifted, so he can eat whatever he wants now. The past two days have been bland, low potassium, low sodium, no dairy foods. The doctor lifted all restrictions, so he will be ordering whatever he wants for dinner tonight and I am pretty sure I will be making a Bobby's run before I leave for the evening. (For those out of towners, Bobby's is yummy, yummy frozen custard)
The hospital does have free wi-fi, so I was able to bring the laptop up, which helps pass the time. Keith is able to check his fantasy baseball teams, email and all that. We have our DVD player and are in the middle of Dreamgirls. Showing later tonight or tomorrow will be The Queen. We have books, magazines, Phase 10 and other card games to keep us entertained. If only the hospital had an outdoor pool, we could stay here for a week. Of course, we are praying that he is able to go home as soon as possible, but may as well make the best of it while he is here.
We have been very fortunate. People were praying for Keith immediately. We know that the prayers are working and God has answered many of them. Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers. We know that God has been right beside us and that is the most comforting thing of all, definitely more comforting that the hospital bed! :)
I will keep updates posted on my blog, so please check back. Pass the link on to anyone that doesn't check my blog, but would want to know the updates.
Thanks again for all the concerns and love- it means so much to both of us to know that so many people love and care for Keith!!!!! We are so blessed with amazing families and friends!
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Grow Marriage, Grow!
Keith and I are officially registered for this conference! I am so excited. I loved Gary Chapman's book "The 5 Love Languages" and am currently reading "The Four Seasons of Marriage". This will be our first marriage conference. I can't wait. I thought we had waited too long to register and the event would be sold out. We were meant to go.
I am going to have to think of something for us to do after the conference. It is a one day event, so maybe we could do a little night out in St. Louis and stay in a hotel and have a really nice dinner somewhere. Hmmmm, I will have to think about this.
Poor hubby......
My husband has been sick since Wednesday. He came home from work not feeling well. By Thursday, he had gotten worse. He was having joint aches, nausea and back pain. He stayed home from work and class on Thursday, which is a rarity for Keith. I knew that he wasn't feeling well at all when he called in. He couldn't keep any food or liquid down on Thursday, which of course worried me. I just chalked it up to the flu at first.
I begged him not to go to work on Friday, but my husband can be stubborn. He did go to work and said he was feeling better. He even managed to eat a cheese toastie and tomato soup for dinner! Yeah!
Last night he woke up with nausea and back pain around 3:00am. I woke up at 6:15 this morning and his side of the bed was empty. He had been up, walking around, laying on the couch for 3 hours. (He later told me that he was scared at that point). He called his clients and cancelled this morning. We called our doctor, but her office is closed on Saturdays.
After talking to my friend Tracy (who is a nurse) and Keith's aunt (another nurse), I started to wonder if he had something wrong with his kidneys. I wanted to take him to the Urgent Care Center, but he did not want to go. He said it would cost too much money and would just wait for our Dr. on Monday. After a nap and some more coaxing on my behalf, he agreed to go to Urgent Care. They weren't busy and we got in and out in less than an hour. Keith was diagnosed with a kidney infection, prescribed some antibiotics and anti-nausea meds and sent home.
I am so thankful that he agreed to go and we found out what the problem is. The dr. told us that if he had waited, he could have ended up in the hospital with IV antibiotics.
So, he is relaxing on the couch, watching the US Open. I don't know how golf is funny, but it must be because he is laughing (a very good sign!).
Oh, in the dr. office, I said "Babe, I sure hope you don't have kidney stones." He said "Yeah, me too. I'd hate to have a baby before you do." It made me laugh. That's my husband, no matter how much pain he is in, he is still trying to make me feel better!
I begged him not to go to work on Friday, but my husband can be stubborn. He did go to work and said he was feeling better. He even managed to eat a cheese toastie and tomato soup for dinner! Yeah!
Last night he woke up with nausea and back pain around 3:00am. I woke up at 6:15 this morning and his side of the bed was empty. He had been up, walking around, laying on the couch for 3 hours. (He later told me that he was scared at that point). He called his clients and cancelled this morning. We called our doctor, but her office is closed on Saturdays.
After talking to my friend Tracy (who is a nurse) and Keith's aunt (another nurse), I started to wonder if he had something wrong with his kidneys. I wanted to take him to the Urgent Care Center, but he did not want to go. He said it would cost too much money and would just wait for our Dr. on Monday. After a nap and some more coaxing on my behalf, he agreed to go to Urgent Care. They weren't busy and we got in and out in less than an hour. Keith was diagnosed with a kidney infection, prescribed some antibiotics and anti-nausea meds and sent home.
I am so thankful that he agreed to go and we found out what the problem is. The dr. told us that if he had waited, he could have ended up in the hospital with IV antibiotics.
So, he is relaxing on the couch, watching the US Open. I don't know how golf is funny, but it must be because he is laughing (a very good sign!).
Oh, in the dr. office, I said "Babe, I sure hope you don't have kidney stones." He said "Yeah, me too. I'd hate to have a baby before you do." It made me laugh. That's my husband, no matter how much pain he is in, he is still trying to make me feel better!
My New Reads
I bought two new books yesterday to read for Ramblings From Life Summer Reading Challenge.
Like Dandelion Dust by Karen Kingsbury (I know, I know, shocking choice, right?!)
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
I'll let you know how they are after I finish them. They will be my 4th and 5th books of the 15 I am trying to finish by Labor Day. I am making myself read the Karen Kingsbury book second. I HAVE GOT TO give other authors a chance. :)
Happy Reading!
Like Dandelion Dust by Karen Kingsbury (I know, I know, shocking choice, right?!)
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
I'll let you know how they are after I finish them. They will be my 4th and 5th books of the 15 I am trying to finish by Labor Day. I am making myself read the Karen Kingsbury book second. I HAVE GOT TO give other authors a chance. :)
Happy Reading!
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Tonight's The Night!
So, there are 3 shows that get me through the ho-hum summer rerun blues.
Project Runway
Top Chef
Last Comic Standing
Tonight is the season preimere of Last Comic Standing AND Top Chef!
What could be better than a good laugh, followed by a cooking show?!?!
Project Runway
Top Chef
Last Comic Standing
Tonight is the season preimere of Last Comic Standing AND Top Chef!
What could be better than a good laugh, followed by a cooking show?!?!
Provoking Thought....
I was listening to the radio on my way to work this morning. They brought up the question "Do you think there is ever a time when God would want you to be quiet and not share Him and His word with others?"
This really made me stop (well, not literally because I was driving) and think.
IS there a time for us to not share God with others? The answer they gave on the radio, with scripture to back it up, made perfect sense to me.
I won't post the answer. If you are curious, do a little research or leave me a comment and if enough people comment, I will share the answer the radio station gave. (Let me add that it is a Christian radio station).
This really made me stop (well, not literally because I was driving) and think.
IS there a time for us to not share God with others? The answer they gave on the radio, with scripture to back it up, made perfect sense to me.
I won't post the answer. If you are curious, do a little research or leave me a comment and if enough people comment, I will share the answer the radio station gave. (Let me add that it is a Christian radio station).
Monday, June 11, 2007
No Complaints
So, at church on Saturday, the message was about what we say. I am bad about this. We were given a list of things that we should control- lying, complaining, critizing, gossiping, meddling, boasting, insensitive remarks and off-color comments. I need to work on complaining, critizing and gossiping.
Today's task- COMPLAINING.
I have noticed this more and more about myself. The complaints are coming more frequently and easier. I am complaining more and being thankful less.
I am going to change this- not on my own, of course, because I can't. But, with God's help, I can!
So, this morning I decided to stop complaining, just for today. I told myself that I would think, really think, about what I was going to say before I say it. If I realized that a complaint was going to come out of my mouth, I would replace the complaint with a thanks. I didn't last an hour.
I got out of the shower and went into our bedroom for something. Now, bear with me, because you will need a bit of background for this story.
Two weeks ago I bought a new blanket for our bed. Our comforter was just too warm for us in the summer, so I found a thin brown blanket that I liked. It is perfect- soft, thin, cool. The only problem is, it leaves these lil fuzzies all over the place. Keith and I call them the "brown balls". They are everywhere! They are stuck on our sheets, on our bedroom floor, on our pajamas when we wake up, they fall off our pajamas onto the bathroom floor, you name it. So, I lint rolled our sheets last night to remove the brown balls. They looked so pretty and once again, I was very happy with our blanket. Well, this morning I noticed that the brown balls had returned in full force. I was complaining about the time that I wasted lint rolling the sheets yesterday. I caught myself and instead gave thanks for even having a bed to sleep on. Giving thanks made my complaint seem petty and meaningless.
I told my husband and co-workers that I am not going to complain today. They have been given full permission to make me aware of any complaints I give.
It's hard to be so aware of what I am going to say, but I can already see the day being more positive. Plus, it is making me realize all that I have to be thankful for. Work is a place that can cause a lot of complaints, but today I am choosing just to be thankful that I have a job.
I told myself that I would just get through today. I think I will extend it through the rest of the week. I may even write down the complaints I have and then list the thanks I should give. It will probably be a big eye-opener at the end of the week.
Who knows, next week I may even tackle my gossiping. :)
Today's task- COMPLAINING.
I have noticed this more and more about myself. The complaints are coming more frequently and easier. I am complaining more and being thankful less.
I am going to change this- not on my own, of course, because I can't. But, with God's help, I can!
So, this morning I decided to stop complaining, just for today. I told myself that I would think, really think, about what I was going to say before I say it. If I realized that a complaint was going to come out of my mouth, I would replace the complaint with a thanks. I didn't last an hour.
I got out of the shower and went into our bedroom for something. Now, bear with me, because you will need a bit of background for this story.
Two weeks ago I bought a new blanket for our bed. Our comforter was just too warm for us in the summer, so I found a thin brown blanket that I liked. It is perfect- soft, thin, cool. The only problem is, it leaves these lil fuzzies all over the place. Keith and I call them the "brown balls". They are everywhere! They are stuck on our sheets, on our bedroom floor, on our pajamas when we wake up, they fall off our pajamas onto the bathroom floor, you name it. So, I lint rolled our sheets last night to remove the brown balls. They looked so pretty and once again, I was very happy with our blanket. Well, this morning I noticed that the brown balls had returned in full force. I was complaining about the time that I wasted lint rolling the sheets yesterday. I caught myself and instead gave thanks for even having a bed to sleep on. Giving thanks made my complaint seem petty and meaningless.
I told my husband and co-workers that I am not going to complain today. They have been given full permission to make me aware of any complaints I give.
It's hard to be so aware of what I am going to say, but I can already see the day being more positive. Plus, it is making me realize all that I have to be thankful for. Work is a place that can cause a lot of complaints, but today I am choosing just to be thankful that I have a job.
I told myself that I would just get through today. I think I will extend it through the rest of the week. I may even write down the complaints I have and then list the thanks I should give. It will probably be a big eye-opener at the end of the week.
Who knows, next week I may even tackle my gossiping. :)
Sunday, Cloudy, Sunday
Keith and I had the good fortune of being offered free bleacher seats to the Cardinal game Sunday afternoon. How could we pass that up?!?!
So, we decided to go downtown a little early so I could take some pictures. Can you believe that I have lived in/near St. Louis for 10 years and have never taken pictures of the Arch? I couldn't believe it, so I decided that it had to be done.
We had a great time walking around, taking pictures and enjoying our Sunday. It was cloudy out, we got rained on at the game (you'll see the self-taken picture of us in our seats under an umbrella), but we were together and got to see a Cardinal victory, so that made it a great day!
So, we decided to go downtown a little early so I could take some pictures. Can you believe that I have lived in/near St. Louis for 10 years and have never taken pictures of the Arch? I couldn't believe it, so I decided that it had to be done.
We had a great time walking around, taking pictures and enjoying our Sunday. It was cloudy out, we got rained on at the game (you'll see the self-taken picture of us in our seats under an umbrella), but we were together and got to see a Cardinal victory, so that made it a great day!
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Update
I thought I would give my Summer Reading Challenge Update.
So far, I have finished 2 books. I read 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper and One Tuesday Morning by Karen Kingsbury. I have started The Four Seasons of Marriage by Gary Chapman (the author of The 5 Love Languages).
I know that I have said this before, but Karen Kingsbury is the most amazing writer! Seriously, I highly encourage you to committ to Ramblings From Life Summer Reading Challenge- even if you don't have time to read multiple books, my recommendation is just one of Karen Kingsbury's books. Start with Redemption or Even Now or One Tuesday Morning..... who am I kidding, it doesn't matter which book you start with, they are all so good!!! I am so thankful that she releases books frequently because I know I will be so, so sad when I have read all that she has published.
On another note, my dear mother in law has asked me to "get on the ball" with blog updates. She said that she doesn't check many things online, but my blog is one of them. She wants new posts to read more often!!! So Linda, this new post is for you. But, I have a request, not just of Linda, but of all of you. If you check my blog (and I know y'all are out there thanks to my site meter at the bottom), PLEASE leave me a comment. Even if you just say hello. You just have to click on the comment link at the bottom of the post and type away in the blank box. You can leave it anonymously or choose to leave your name OR better yet, you can get yourself a blogspot account and create your own blog! (a lil plug for blogging, could you tell?!?!) I just like to know who is reading. Plus, getting comments brightens my day! I am so thankful for the few faithful fellow bloggers who pop on from time to time and leave lil comments!
Hope everyone has a wonderful Thursday!
So far, I have finished 2 books. I read 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper and One Tuesday Morning by Karen Kingsbury. I have started The Four Seasons of Marriage by Gary Chapman (the author of The 5 Love Languages).
I know that I have said this before, but Karen Kingsbury is the most amazing writer! Seriously, I highly encourage you to committ to Ramblings From Life Summer Reading Challenge- even if you don't have time to read multiple books, my recommendation is just one of Karen Kingsbury's books. Start with Redemption or Even Now or One Tuesday Morning..... who am I kidding, it doesn't matter which book you start with, they are all so good!!! I am so thankful that she releases books frequently because I know I will be so, so sad when I have read all that she has published.
On another note, my dear mother in law has asked me to "get on the ball" with blog updates. She said that she doesn't check many things online, but my blog is one of them. She wants new posts to read more often!!! So Linda, this new post is for you. But, I have a request, not just of Linda, but of all of you. If you check my blog (and I know y'all are out there thanks to my site meter at the bottom), PLEASE leave me a comment. Even if you just say hello. You just have to click on the comment link at the bottom of the post and type away in the blank box. You can leave it anonymously or choose to leave your name OR better yet, you can get yourself a blogspot account and create your own blog! (a lil plug for blogging, could you tell?!?!) I just like to know who is reading. Plus, getting comments brightens my day! I am so thankful for the few faithful fellow bloggers who pop on from time to time and leave lil comments!
Hope everyone has a wonderful Thursday!
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Prayer Request
Keith's sister, Amy, is in the hospital. She was having gallbladder attacks and the doctor scheduled her surgery for Thursday (tomorrow). Monday night she had a bad attack and was admitted to the hospital. She had her surgery yesterday. They were able to do the orthoscopic surgery, so she should have been able to go home last night. She was still in alot of pain, so they kept her another night. Keith just called to tell me that she will be staying overnight tonight as well. We are going to Breese tonight or tomorrow morning to watch Ella for a few hours. (Yes, this is the same sister that had her baby on May 9).
If you could, please pray for Amy. I don't know if there were complications or what is going on exactly. Just pray that she feels better soon and is able to go home to her husband and her little girl. I can't imagine how sick of hospitals she is.
If you could, please pray for Amy. I don't know if there were complications or what is going on exactly. Just pray that she feels better soon and is able to go home to her husband and her little girl. I can't imagine how sick of hospitals she is.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Purpose, Gifts and God
My small group (bible study) is going to spend time studying the Book of Titus. Last night was our first night on this topic. We got into what we feel like God has planned for us in this season of our life, who we think God has placed in our path, who is in our sphere of influence to bring to Christ.... that kind of thing.
This can be a frustrating topic for me. I SO want to know God's big picture for my life. I want the future revealed to me and I have a hard time with the fact that until I ask God to reveal the small pictures to me, I may never know His bigger plan. I ask God to reveal what the future holds, instead of concentrating on what He wants from me today. I also struggle with what spiritual gift(s) God has given me, what my passions are. I don't know if I am using the talents that God has created me for because I am unsure of what those gifts are.
I long to figure out what my spiritual gifts are, how God has wired me and how He wants me to use those attributes to serve others. I am afraid that I will want different gifts than the ones He has given me. You know, like I will want the gift of hospitality, but was given the gift of mercy. Not that mercy is a bad thing, but hopefully you know what I mean.....
I know that until I figure out what my gifts are and begin to put them to God's use, I will feel a little less than complete. I also know that until I put my agenda aside and focus completely on His plan, I will feel a little less than complete. It is very hard for me to relinquish control, ask my husband. I don't know if I know how to let go. I just know that I have to.
So, my application for this week is to read verses concerning spiritual gifts. I am also going to search spiritual gifts online and take a quiz, which might help point me in the direction of my spiritual gift. I'll keep you posted on my findings.
If you know your spiritual gifts, I would love to hear what they are. Also, do you think your gifts have changed over the years or your walk with God? What season are you in right now? What does God have planned for you right now? Leave me a comment and let me know! I'd love to hear about it.......
This can be a frustrating topic for me. I SO want to know God's big picture for my life. I want the future revealed to me and I have a hard time with the fact that until I ask God to reveal the small pictures to me, I may never know His bigger plan. I ask God to reveal what the future holds, instead of concentrating on what He wants from me today. I also struggle with what spiritual gift(s) God has given me, what my passions are. I don't know if I am using the talents that God has created me for because I am unsure of what those gifts are.
I long to figure out what my spiritual gifts are, how God has wired me and how He wants me to use those attributes to serve others. I am afraid that I will want different gifts than the ones He has given me. You know, like I will want the gift of hospitality, but was given the gift of mercy. Not that mercy is a bad thing, but hopefully you know what I mean.....
I know that until I figure out what my gifts are and begin to put them to God's use, I will feel a little less than complete. I also know that until I put my agenda aside and focus completely on His plan, I will feel a little less than complete. It is very hard for me to relinquish control, ask my husband. I don't know if I know how to let go. I just know that I have to.
So, my application for this week is to read verses concerning spiritual gifts. I am also going to search spiritual gifts online and take a quiz, which might help point me in the direction of my spiritual gift. I'll keep you posted on my findings.
If you know your spiritual gifts, I would love to hear what they are. Also, do you think your gifts have changed over the years or your walk with God? What season are you in right now? What does God have planned for you right now? Leave me a comment and let me know! I'd love to hear about it.......
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
