Obtaining Mercy

Just One More Night

It's 2 a.m.

The house is quiet...

Isaac is finally asleep.

Doug is at work, and the dog, Newton, is snoring at the foot of the bed.

I'm watching an old black and white movie (As Young As You Feel for those with inquiring minds).

Suddenly the dog jumps up and starts thumping around the bed, snuffling and scurrying.  I thought he was just chasing an itch.

Something cold and damp touches the outside of my arm.  I look over and see Newton on the other side of the bed, too far away for his nose to have touched my arm.

Then my mind begins to register a few important things about the dog:

• his tail is wagging quickly
• his ears are up and alert
• his mouth is open
• his eyes are darting quickly over the bed
• he is in full "tracking" mode

And SOMETHING JUST TOUCHED MY ARM!!!!!

I jump up out of the bed, turn quickly to look right beside my pillow and see a...

Frog.

A green, slimey, wet, cold, beady-eyed frog!

(I shiver with the telling of it!)

I'll be honest...there are few things that cause me to squeal like a little girl.  Snakes don't.  Mice don't.  Spiders don't - as long as they don't touch me.  Roaches are a dime a dozen here in Florida - no squeals from me.

However, if you put me in a room with a frog...you'd better have a set of earplugs ready.  Sounds come out of my mouth that I have absolutely no control over! 

While I tried to squelch my squeals (I did not want to wake up Isaac!), I knew I had to catch that frog.  There would be no sleeping while it was loose in my room.

I tried using my "gopher" and actually caught it right away, then placed it inside an empty cracker box...it jumped right out...

Onto my pillow...then onto my other pillow...then to the sheets and the headboard.

Eventually it jumped onto the floor and then to my bookshelf, then behind my cedar chest.

I caught it several times with that "gopher", only to have him escape.

And with every escape...I squealed!  I just couldn't help myself. 

With it safe from the dog behind the cedar chest, I thought perhaps it would be a smart frog and just stay there.  So, I laid down and pushed the "Play" button for my movie.

I am not even kidding...within three minutes, the dog was up again, chasing that frog - who obviously did not have a lick of good sense.  And every time it jumped, I squealed.  My throat was really starting to hurt from the exertion!

I picked up the closest thing I could find, a small glass, and as it paused for a moment on the floor, I attempted to drop the glass over it.  No luck...off it hopped.  

Finally, with one more attempt, I had it trapped!  It's not pretty, but here it is:

 

I can almost hear what you're thinking...this demon of a frog fit under that tiny little glass???

Yes.  Yes, he did...

...and I am not even the least bit embarrassed to tell you that!

This is the best image I got of the beast.  I know you will find it shocking.

Do you see that little beady black eye?  He was wicked, I tell you!  Scary, creepy monster!  I'm just glad Isaac was asleep and wasn't terrorized by the brute.

Now I had a problem.  Newton was still on alert, and every time this green goblin moved around in the cup, Newton tried to retrieve it.  I just knew as soon as I laid down, he was going to knock the cup over and we would be right back at the beginning with the evil thing on my bed!

So, I did what any brave, God-fearing woman would do - I texted my husband at work!!!

And my Prince Charming, my courageous conqueror, my herculean hero came home and scooped a piece of paper under the cup and ushered the ferocious fiend out the front door and onto the lawn.

<sigh...>Makes my heart go pitty-pat just thinking about it.

And so ends my tale of the night with the frog.  (Although I will be hearing about it quite often from my hubby, I'm pretty sure!)

It makes you wonder, doesn't it, about Pharaoh in Egypt.  He could have let God's people go free, right away, and Moses and Aaron would have cried unto God to rid the land of the frogs. 

However, when Aaron asked him, "When do you want me to call out to God to get rid of the frogs" Pharaoh answered, "Tomorrow"! 

What in the world was he thinking???  Those frogs were everywhere - in their homes, their beds, and in their ovens, even!  And he was willing to go through another night of that???  Can you imagine how much screaming and chaos and utter misery must have filled the land during that night?

After my close encounter with the "green" kind, I think I would have said, "God, I surrender!  Your people can go wherever they want, whenever they want!  Just take away these awful frogs!"

Wait, though.  Do I surrender every sin God convicts me of, right away?

When I know it will harm me, make me uncomfortable, distance me from my family and friends, do I abandon my stubborn way, and choose God's way?

I don't.  Sometimes, despite the discomfort, I choose to spend one more night with those frogs, just like Pharaoh did.  Even though I am miserable, I cling to my sin for just a little while longer.

After last night's experience, I pray that I remember how foolish Pharaoh's stubbornness seemed to me; and I pray that I will be willing to let go of the "frogs" of sin, pride and stubbornness right away!

So, are you sleeping with any frogs tonight?  There's no need for it.  Let go of them.  Cry out to God to deliver you tonight.  He can come, just like my Hero did, remove those frogs, and leave you to sleep with a peaceful mind and a happy heart.

Blessings to you, my friends,

Alesha

Isaac's Day

Isaac had a fun day today - he went to see Ms. Johanna for his haircut!  You can see that he really needed one, too!

"Let's see just how far away from those clippers we can get!  They buzz and tickle, you know!"

 

"She wets my hair...I wet her drape!"  Isaac's ultimate revenge - drool!!!

 

Some "after" shots...a little dark, I know.

Here's a typical "catch me being still if you can!" shot...he had those hands just a-flappin'!

 

Ah, there's my handsome little man!  I knew he was underneath all that blond hair somewhere!

 

I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into Isaac's day.  He had a good day!  Did you???

Blessings,

Alesha

A Psalm of Encouragement

Psalm 38

[1] O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.
[2] For thine arrows stick fast in me, and thy hand presseth me sore.
[3] There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin.
[4] For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me.
[5] My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness.
[6] I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long.
[7] For my loins are filled with a loathsome disease: and there is no soundness in my flesh.
[8] I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart.
[9] Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee.
[10] My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me.
[11] My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off.
[12] They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.
[13] But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth.
[14] Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs.
[15] For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.
[16] For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me.
[17] For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me.
[18] For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.
[19] But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.
[20] They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is.
[21] Forsake me not, O LORD: O my God, be not far from me.
[22] Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.

Adjusting to our New Normal

I don't know when I've had a more boring day...

It was lovely!  :)

We are doing well, adjusting beautifully to Doug's night shift and enjoying our daily walks.  Isaac especially loves to be out and on the move. 

We had our fall Bible conference this week.  We had great preaching and singing - such a wonderful time together.  Praise the Lord for preachers who still preach the Word of God!  If you want to hear some of the speakers, you will find them on our church's website.   My personal favorite was Bro. Tony Hutson's sermon called "Get Where God Is".  It was excellent!

Oh, and Doug bought me one of those "grabby" things.  Mine is called a "Gopher".

It is proving to be very useful around the house, so that I don't have to bend over to pick up things.  I even used it today to untie my shoes after our walk. :)  A very handy device.

I pray ya'll have a good evening, and to Laura, a great day!

Alesha

Refreshing...

We have FALL in Florida!  Yay!!!  It has been wonderful to feel the crisp cool air, and to be able to open the windows and have the fresh air circulate inside as well as outside.  It will be in the mid-80s again tomorrow, but that is so much better than the 90s we were having.  You will not hear anyone in our house complaining about the weather at this time of year.  We enjoy it so much! :)

I am doing better.  I have been able to care for myself, and even do a few things in the house.  I helped with the dishes a little, and also with the laundry.  I was able to whip up a batch of hummus.  Of course the food processor does all the work for that!  I just stand there and drop stuff in!

I was able to go to the services yesterday.  I attended the morning service for just the preaching hour, then last night, I went to choir practice and stayed for the service, too.  I took "Chairy" with me, and sat in the back in cushioned comfort. :) 

I am still having considerable pain at times, like today.  (I guess yesterday was just more sitting than I was ready for.)  I have found that walking does help the pain.  Doug, Isaac and I have been walking each evening for about 30 minutes.  I've been pushing my wheelchair while I walk, and then if I am in too much pain, I just sit down and wheel myself.  I know that's good for my upper body which is needing to be toned up any way, due to my recent weight loss.

I am not helping to care for Isaac yet.  (Well, I do comb his hair!  Some things Daddy just needs Mommy's help to do!)  I did change one diaper one night while Doug was at work.  It was only a wet diaper, and I did not need to adjust Isaac at all.  He helped me to roll from side to side, and I did not need to lift any part of him.  I was very careful and have only done it the one time.  It saved Doug a trip home from work, which is helpful to him.

You know, I know that not everyone understands what's going on with me; and sometimes they pass judgment on me.  They don't understand why I would do one activity, and not another.  They can't understand why Doug is continuing to work nights, or why I am so "helpless" at home.

The bottom line is that I am just trying to do things that will not hurt me.  Once you have been in the place that every movement caused severe pain, you find that you are loathe to be in that position again.  So, as I gain confidence, I have moved forward.  (I could write an entire blog about "fear"!  What a powerful emotion, and one that I have not had to deal with on such a level before.)

So, if there are some that don't understand our choices at this point, I sincerely pray that they do not ever have to experience my situation in order to understand it.  I would not wish any of this on my worst enemy! :)

The folks at Doug's work, and in my church, have been so kind and merciful to us.  I am grateful for people who live out Christ's attitude of compassion.  Their sweet spirits have been refreshing to our own spirits while we have been sojourning in the valley.

Isaac is doing well.  He had a spate of seizures last week.  We always hate to see him struggle with them.  We had to administer emergency seizure meds one day last week, and he has not been sleeping very well.  However, his sense of humor has remained intact!  We just love to hear him giggle at a song or because of something Doug does.  His joy is so contagious! 

I guess this is enough of an update for now.  I got a little long-winded, didn't I? :)  I pray you have a good day!

Alesha

Counting Blessings

I spent some time yesterday getting "pushed around" by my husband.  LOL!  (Thought you'd appreciate that, Hannah!) :)  He took me to the chiropractor in my new chair. :)

The chiro seems to think I have "facet joint syndrome".  Just click on the name to go to a site that explains it fairly well.  To be honest, I was quite fearful that it would be something more serious.  It certainly feels very serious!  So this diagnosis, although unpredictable, is better than something that would require surgery.

I did feel some immediately relief after the adjustment.  Although, after sitting for any length of time, the pain comes back with a vengeance.  I keep doing a little bit more each day.  "Slow and steady wins the race!" like the hare and the tortoise taught us. ;)

I'm feeling a little bit sorry for myself that I'm going to miss church again.  And please don't tell my pastors, but I miss the choir the most!  ;)  We are already practicing for our Christmas cantata, and I love that so much!  Also our choir is always learning new songs, so I miss out on those as well, and feel like I'm getting behind.  I do enjoy watching them on the web site, though.  It's fun to "see" your choir perform, rather than just hearing it.

I was quite pleased my how comfy my chair performed yesterday, although it did feel peculiar to be rolling around at everyone's waist level.  It's funny how much difference a foot or two can make in your perspective of things.  Now I know why they tell new parents to crawl around their house on hands and knees to view how their baby will see the world, so they know how to "childproof" their home more effectively.  Thankfully, I was not quiiiiiite down on that level!!! lol!

Can I just say again how wonderful my husband has been through all of this?  He is managing Isaac's care without a hitch.  Remember he was home with him full time for a year or so, so he does really great with all of the things required to keep Isaac happy and healthy. 

Of course, Isaac is older now, and we live in a different house, so some things are different.  His taste in videos has changed and he loves to have his curtains opened so that he can see out; but most things remain the same: feeds, meds, clothes changes...and lots of TLC!

Doug is also caring for me extremely well.  He has a real servant's heart and seems to thrive while meeting the needs of others.  I do not have one complaint about his care for me these past two weeks.  I have not gone without anything that I needed or wanted.  He has done all the laundry, cleaning, and meals as well. 

(Well, to be entirely accurate, I must say that Grammy did come over to visit the other day, and ended up dusting before she left.  Moms always seem to know what little thing might just make your day a little brighter!  She also sent over a few pieces of Jalapeno Cornbread last week. Yummo!!!)

I have felt so loved and cared for by my entire family (and my friends) for the past 2 weeks.  I am such a blessed, blessed woman!

I pray you feel loved and blessed today.  Even if you are alone, and in dire circumstances, please know that you are loved by God, and that He is right there with you.  Remember too, that no matter how hard things may seem, they could be worse!  So we need to count the blessing of this present difficulty.  God has protected us from many other things, and we should praise Him for that.

May God bless you this day,

Alesha

Touch of Autumn

Well, here she is - all 20-inch-seat of her!  Isn't she just beautiful?!!  We call her "Chairy"...short for "Chariot" and "Cherry" - because she is such a sweet ride!

I can sit in it for short periods of time.  Yesterday Doug sat me right next to Isaac's recliner, and after I had been there for a few minutes, Isaac t-u-r-n-e-d his head to his left and loooooooked at me...as if to say "I thought I heard you over there!"  Isaac very rarely turns his head to the left, so when he does, it's for a good reason. :)

Today, I was able to trim and peel carrots:

 

This is how far I got:

 

Not a marathon peeling session, but a little bit is better than nothing.  I was desperately trying to get those last 9 carrots done, but the pain was just too much.  No need to prolong the healing time for something like carrots! :)

I had planned to get to my chiropractor today, but we forgot he closes at 11 a.m. on Thursdays.  So I will call tomorrow for an appointment.  He is always able to take me in right away.  I will be glad to get everything aligned, so that the healing can continue in a better way.

Isaac is really enjoyed having Doug home during the daylight hours.  Doug is enjoying working at night.  I am just happy that they are both happy. :)

My mom brought me this gorgeous sunflower last week!  The colors are just amazing for a silk flower.

 

I have it tucked in between the dresser and the nightstand, so I can see it all the time.  Since the temperatures here are still in the 90's, and I can't get outside anyway, it's the only little touch of autumn I'm experiencing right now. :)  I know cooler days are ahead.  I just have to be patient.

Thanks for your encouraging comments and for your prayers.  I know God is working miracles all around me.  I can't see all that He is doing, but I know He is faithfully fulfilling the work that He has started in me.

Wishing you blessings this day,

Alesha

I Go To The Rock

Hi friends,

We are still here...plodding along. :) 

Our weekend was uneventful, if you can call the Lord's daily provision "uneventful".  He has continued to meet every need for every moment throughout our present trial.  We are grateful and amazed to watch His hand at work.

By Friday evening, I was able to stand for short moments; and by Sunday evening, I was able to walk the few steps to our bathroom, unassisted.  That was, in fact, so exciting, that I felt it necessary to text people about it!  I know!  But, remember, I had been unable to do that since the Sunday evening before!  An entire week!  So, yeah, I was pretty pumped!  We chanted the "Rocky" theme when I got back to the bedroom!  LOL :D

My husband has continued to amaze me every day.  Isaac has been amazing, as well.  The first few days, Doug would just stop in front of my door, as he carried Isaac by, to say "hi" to me.  Then one day, when I could stand the movement, he brought him in and sat on the bed with him.  He started just chattering away at me, including his "I wuv ummmm" which is of course, "I love you."  So sweet.  He also waved at me several times.  I know I'd been missing him, but was surprised and delighted to know that he was missing me too.

Someone is purchasing a wheelchair for me.  They are bringing it tomorrow.  I had set out to simply borrow one, but we couldn't find anything available.  So the good Lord met the need in another way - having someone hear about the need and offer to buy one.  I am so grateful for this.  I just don't even have words to express it.  I will be able to get to the chiropractor and to my doctor because of this chair.  I will also be able to move around the house more, and help with things here when I can stand to sit for longer periods of time.

Doug's boss has once again proven to be incredibly generous and flexible.  Doug is now working nights at the print shop.  He can get his work done during those hours that Isaac is asleep, so that I can be here alone with him.  If Isaac wakes up, Doug is just a few minutes away.  I can tell he really missed work last week, and is glad to be back in some semblance of a routine.  So, if you plan to call us, please call after 9:30 a.m.  We'll all be asleep until then.

I am still in considerable pain at times.  I am learning to avoid certain positions that trigger the worst of it.  I am weaning off the pain meds, which is a blessing.  I was constantly aware of the dangers of addiction, and wanted to avoid that at all costs.  I know it is the power of prayer that has brought me thus far in my recovery, and I'll trust the timing of coming of the meds to the Lord as well.  So far, it is going just fine.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THANK YOU so much for all of your prayers on my behalf.  I am just amazed at how the Lord honors the prayers of His people.  Doug and I have had almost constant peace throughout this ordeal.  I only had one day that I had to fight off the anxiety attacks, but even then He was so faithful to give me a song that someone posted as their status on FaceBook that echoed in my head through that whole day.  The song:  "I Go to the Rock"  How perfect was that?!!

Well, I will go for now.  I'm praying you have a peaceful evening (or morning - for you Laura!) :)

Blessings,

Alesha

Something To Look Forward To

I don't really have much to say today...I just wanted you to know that I am moving a little more today. 

Also, I am so excited...beyond thrilled, really...that in December I will get to "meet" my friend Laura! 

We have known each other for several years - I don't know how many, really. However, we have never met in person.  She is a tent-making missionary in Japan, and you know, I've haven't been able to just pop in for coffee with her!

She and the family are coming back to the states for a visit, and one of her stops in is Florida to see some family.  She will be flying into a town very close to me, and we are going to arrange a get-together.

Laura is my friend because she is a sweet Christian lady, but we have more than that in common.  She is also mom to a little boy, Joshua, with special needs.  So we have sent many emails and messages back and forth about our boys over the years, and we often say that they must stay up so late at night so they can "talk" to each other in spite of the time difference! :)

So, I have something really wonderful to look forward to, and for that I am grateful.

You see, tonight and tomorrow night are my 25-year high school reunion.  My classmates are meeting at the home football game tonight, and then for dinner tomorrow night.  Due to the current condition of my back, I will be missing it ALL!  I was feeling sort of sad about that - well, really sad, to be honest.

So, the Lord, in His mercy, gave me something else wonderful to look forward to.

Isn't He just so good to us???

I'll go for now, but I hope that you have a really great weekend.  Don't forget, if you can't get to your church for services (like us, this weekend), you can watch my church's services online.  Sunday School starts at 10 a.m., Morning Worship at 11 a.m. and Sunday night at 7 p.m.  Go Here for the site.  Click "Media" and then "Live Services".

Blessings,

Alesha

Feeling a Little Fezzik-y

As I sat on the edge of the bed this morning and brushed my teeth, my hubby felt the need to wax eloquent about my accomplishment...

So, he quoted Fezzik of The Princess Bride fame:

Fezzik: You just wiggled your finger. That's wonderful.
Westley: I've always been a quick healer.

 

Fezzik: You just shook your head... doesn't that make you happy?
Westley: My brains, his steel, and your strength against sixty men, and you think a little head jiggle is supposed to make me happy?

But a little upright teeth brushing did make me happy today! :)

There are so many things that I will never take for granted again!  I am trying to take advantage of this learning experience, because Lord willing, I don't want to be doomed to repeat it.

I have been able to sit up for short periods of time today on the bed.  No walking yet, or even standing.  The pain is too intense.  But I do feel like we're making progress.

Thanks again to all of you who have been praying for me.  I appreciate it so very much.

Blessings,

Alesha