Hey y’all! It has been quite a while since I blogged and for that I apologize. It is 2:15 am and I can’t sleep so I’ve been laying here thinking. God has been talking to me tonight about how He takes care of us.

Most of the time when He is working we don’t realize it until after the fact. I have several examples I want to share but I don’t have permission. (What is the saying… it’s better to ask for forgiveness than to get permission… lol!) I may be in a world of trouble after this but I am hearing the Lord voice, so here goes…

I truly believe that God places us where we need to be and when we need to be there. When my daddy was in the Reserves, he was scheduled to go to Vietnam. During the night before his deployment, his orders were changed. He then had orders to stay stateside. His platoon went in without him and none came home. WOW!

Now I am not an expert on military orders but I find it hard to figure that a man’s orders get changed in the middle of the night. God was working!!

Later, after I was born, my daddy went out deep into the country (by himself) to cut some firewood. The chainsaw he had back then did not have a safety stop on it for if an emergency occurred. I don’t know how long he had been cutting the firewood but at some point he cut into a log that had a length of chain grown into the log. This chain was inside the bark so Daddy couldn’t see it. As soon as the teeth in the chainsaw hit the length of chain in the log, the chainsaw kicked backward toward my daddy. When this happened the saw cut into my daddy’s face. It cut him across his face. Daddy knew that he had been cut and that it was bad. He later told me that he didn’t look at it in his truck mirror and that he didn’t feel it. Praise God for adrenaline!

He knew he had driven down a road hardly travelled so it was unlikely that anyone would find him. He also knew he was losing a lot of blood and if he were to drive himself out he would likely pass out possibly hurting or killing someone else, so he started walking. I can’t say what he was thinking at the time but knowing my daddy he was praying.

It wasn’t long before a vehicle came down that hardly travelled road. Daddy didn’t know who the people were but they picked him up and took him to the emergency room and dropped him off.

Once at the ER the doctors started assessing his wounds and realized that the chainsaw had pulled his eyelid out away from his eyeball. The lid was cut in half but the eyeball itself was not damaged in any way. PRAISE GOD!

The surgeon’s hands were guided by the Lord Himself because when he was healed, it was hard to find a scar. God was working!

I can look back over my daddy’s life and see so many times that God was working. Not only did my daddy have many testimonies of God’s hand at work, but my sister also has testimonies where God has worked.

A couple of years ago she went to the Spine Institute to have an MRI on her neck. She was to have the test then go back a few hours later to see the physician’s assistant.

She had her test and she and her husband went to lunch to pass the time until her appointment. While at lunch the doctor’s office called for her to come back to the office immediately. When they got back to the office they received another urgent call to come back to the office. When they told the nurse that they were in the waiting room, they were immediately taken back to an exam room.

The doctor came in and explained that when she had gone in for her MRI of her neck, for some reason the tech did the MRI on her neck but also on her back. The MRI of her back showed a cancerous tumor in one of her kidneys. The doctor called a friend of his that was a urologist. Although the friend was off that day, he agreed to go into the office to see her. She had surgery 2 or 3 weeks later. God was working!

I started this blog during the night last night and didn’t finish it. I found out today why God held my hand on finishing it.

A friend and I were going to Bossier this morning. I was driving on a 4 lane road with no turning lane. We were in the outside lane next to an 18-wheeler (he was in the inside lane). We reached an intersection and the light was green so we continued through. We were traveling 45-50 mph as the speed limit changed right about there to 55 mph.

Once we got through the intersection we saw that there was a small car stopped in the inside lane, right in front of the truck that was beside me. I’m not sure what the driver of the truck was doing but he didn’t see the stopped car until he was almost on top of it. (This next part seemed to be in slow motion) As I heard the brakes on the truck I looked at the wheels on the truck and they were locked up and I saw him start to come into my lane. I whipped my car onto the side of the road and honestly just knew he was going to hit the car and us. Guess what… GOD WAS WORKING!

Not only did the Lord have His hedge of protection around us but He had it around everyone in the vicinity. No one crashed and no one was hurt.

I love the poem of the footprints in the sand! Although we can not see Him until we look back, we have to have faith that He is always working.

Thank You, Father for loving us so much that You protect us constantly. I pray for those who do not know You or trust You. It is not always easy to have faith because as humans we fail each other every day but You are always faithful. My heart is so full right now Lord. Thank You for all of the ways You continue to bless my life. Amen.

I am reading a book that is in a Christian fiction series. I love to read. I never would have thought that when I was in high school. Lol

Anyway, in the book I am reading, these 4 guys are having a bible study. They are talking about when Lazarus was on his deathbed. The scripture is John 11:1-3. The reason I am bringing it up is that something jumped out at me when the characters were discussing these 3 verses…

11 Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.”

Most women talk a lot. (We just want the whole story told so there is no misunderstanding… right?) we talk even more when there is a tragedy or an emergency.

These sisters sent a message to Jesus, but they only said 7 words in the message. Now why would they only send 7 words? He needs to know how important it is for Him to hurry right?

I know that when I am praying about a need, I say a whole lot more than 7 words… but what is the difference in my relationship with the Lord and these sisters’ relationship with Him? They were good friends. They had a constant relationship with Him. They didn’t need to say more because of their close relationship with our Savior! That says something about my relationship with Him doesn’t it…??

I definitely intend to work on that! Please pray with me and for me as I try to become closer to the Lord. If you need prayer as well, just let me know privately or on this blog site. I would love to pray with you and for you. I will probably use more than 7 words though. ☺️

Once again I have let life get too busy. I have so much on my mind I don’t know where to start. The beginning sounds like a good place to start.

The beginning was 53 years ago today. It was a rainy Friday evening in Springhill LA. The place was Eastside Missionary Baptist Church. Eastside was having a revival at the time, so right after church let out, someone (this identity is unknown by me) quickly decorated the sanctuary for a wedding. This wasn’t just any wedding. This was the wedding of my parents. It came after years of “dating” (aka going to church together and being chaperoned by my uncles, my Daddy’s little brothers. Lol. I’m sure those were some fun dates.

Anyway back to my story. It was finally time for my Grandpa to walk his little girl down the isle. The only thing was that when he looked at her, he didn’t see a little girl anymore but a gorgeous young lady. She was beautifully dressed in a borrowed wedding gown. She didn’t care that it was borrowed, she was more excited to begin her life with her best friend. I can only imagine, as I wasn’t actually there, that as she was walking down the isle and toward the one man on the planet that God created just for her, that the walk felt more like floating.

The man of her dreams was standing at the alter waiting for her. He was dressed in his best suit and his biggest smile ever. Once again if I had to guess I would imagine his heart was beating so hard he thought it might just pop out of his chest. He was madly in love with her. He had prayed for her and God blessed each of them with the perfect life mate. Finally he was going to marry this amazingly gorgeous and Christian woman.

Theirs was not a fairytale but a real life blessing. It wasn’t always easy, and of course they had many trials and tribulations but their love for each other only grew through it all. It grew and withstood so many bumps in the road because God was at the center of their marriage. He carried them through the hard times.

Then 10 years ago God called my sweet daddy home. Once again times have been hard and sad for mom but she still loves her soulmate and best friend just as much as that day, 53 years ago.

What an inspiration to me and my family! So I have to say “Happy Anniversary to my Mom and Dad!! I love you both so much!!

Wow! How did November sneak up on me? Normally we are spending most every weekend at our family deer camp but this year has been different. While we go up there some, it is a bit different this year.

It’s different for several reasons, some good and some sad, but it has just reminded me how life changes sometimes over time and other times it changes suddenly. We have had both this year and I for one am not a fan of changes. I realize that is the way God intended life to happen, but that fact doesn’t always make it easy.

There will always be changes in life that I have to get used but PRAISE THE LORD that He will never change!!

Hebrews 13:8 says that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever!!! How exciting is that fact?!!!

I have had some things whirling around in my head a lot lately and I keep meaning to blog about it all but I just haven’t taken the time. “Taken the time… take the time…”

How many times do we just not “take the time” to check on someone that may live alone? How many times do we not “take the time” just to visit with friends or family? How many times do we not “take the time” to ___________? (You fill in the blank.)

Yesterday I went to celebrate the life of a sweet, kind hearted, beautiful, and Godly lady. She was a precious wife, a beloved mother, and a fun Nana. She actively supported her husband for almost 45 years, several of which, were spent in my hometown, as her husband was the best youth minister I had and have ever known.

She went to be with the Lord after a lengthy battle with health issues. This fact, in no way, could have possibly prepared her family and friends for her home going.

Today I found out that a man that I have known for 20 years passed away in his home a few days ago. You see, he lived alone, and the only reason he was found today was because the postman noticed he had not gotten his mail in about three days and called the fire department. He went to be with the Lord and no one knew because we are too busy. (I blame no one in particular. I am as much at fault as anyone.)

Tonight I found out that a sweet lady that I saw yesterday celebrating the first lady that I mention’s life passed away early this morning. I do not know what her health was up to that point but she fell ill yesterday afternoon.

What is my point? My point is that we never know when our name will be called Up Yonder… I saw this poem and picture on Facebook tonight and it touched me enough to make me stop and take time to write to y’all to let you know that we need to take the time to do… whatever it is that we are too busy for…

Every minute someone leaves this world behind.

We are all in “the line” without knowing it.

We never know how many people are before us. We can not move to the back of the line.

We can not step out of the line.

We can not avoid the line.

So while we wait in line –

Make moments count.

Make priorities.

Make the time.

Make your gifts known.

Make a nobody feel like a somebody.

Make your voice heard.

Make the small things big.

Make someone smile.

Make the change.

Make love.

Make up.

Make peace.

Make sure to tell your people they are loved.

Make sure to have no regrets.

Make sure you are ready.

Above all else…..

Make sure you know Christ as your Savior

Oh my goodness!! The Eli Lilly Taltz team invited me to come speak to their scientists at their Town Hall Meeting. I was also asked to speak to the Biomedical Town Hall Meeting. I have no doubt that God opened these doors for me.

This was such an amazing and an eye opening experience! As a patient, I have never thought about how long it takes to develop a drug and as frustrated as I have been at not having a drug work for me I got to see the side of the scientists. The drug that cleared my skin is called Taltz. These scientists worked for 16 years to develop this 1 drug. They worked long days and nights, poured their blood, sweat, and tears into this drug and how thankful I am that they continued for so long with such passion!

I got to meet the scientists who found the area of the cell that is damaged and fixed it. I am seriously amazed! I am also so grateful that they followed God’s plan to help patients like me!

I asked y’all to pray for me as I was being interviewed and I could feel each prayer! I had so much fun and I pray that I get to do more things like that!!!

I give God all of the praise and glory for this trip. He is so faithful to answer our prayers when we pray with the faith of a child!!

As most of you know, I have been praying for opportunities to share my journey with my autoimmune diseases in hopes that at least 1 person can understand that with God by my side and most of the times carrying me, they too can have a full life.

Autoimmune diseases can be very overwhelming! I cannot imagine facing this every day with out the Lord by my side.

With all of that said, the Lord has opened another door… I am sitting here right now waiting for my chauffeur to pick Megan and me up to take us to the airport. We are going to the headquarters of the company that makes the drug that has cleared my skin. Oh did I mention it is in Indianapolis Indiana? Yep. That’s where we are going!! Im so excited!! I will be talking to 2 different groups while I am there. The first group is the Bio-Medical Business Teams. The second group I will speak at is the scientists that creates the drug and so many like it. Please pray with me that God takes over the two interviews. I am not nervous I am more excited!!! The only issue I have is that I forget my words sometimes so please pray specifically that God will give me exactly the words He wants me to use.

Thank you all for supporting me like you do!!!

I cannot believe it has already been a month since I updated on here. I really need to do better!! The past month has had ups and downs and I’ve had good days and bad days but I am still trying my best to keep my smile!!

In my last blog I told you about a crazy rash that had come up on my palms and legs and on my tummy. Well it was diagnosed as cutaneous candidiasis aka yeast infection of the skin. So with the diagnosis, I got the correct meds to get rid of it. After it left, the skin affected was dead and now peeling like sunburned skin. It’s a pretty gross feeling to have the palms of my hands peel but it didn’t itch anymore so I could deal with it. No biggie.

My psa and ps were acting up so I took a trip to Dallas to see the doctors. My daughter got to go with me so it was a really fun trip!! I got good reports and a new strategy to take care of my skin and a shot in my knee. My knees felt amazing for a couple of weeks!! My daughter and I found a delish sushi restaurant and a fun dessert place called The Dough Dough.. if you like cookie dough you would love this place!!!

I got to go on a couple of short vacays and enjoyed them both immensely!! Im ready to go back…js. Lol. I got to spend time with Megan and her boyfriend which is always a treat!! I even got to go to church with them one Wednesday night. Megan’s boyfriend was playing the drums in worship and I was proud to watch and hear his talent being given to the Lord and I fully enjoyed hearing the pastor from the church down the road preach. The Lord was definitely speaking through him!!

I have recently found out about a job opportunity and I’m really excited about it but there have been a few road blocks so I am praying that if it is the Lord’s will then it will happen and if it isn’t then I will not be disappointed.

So that’s basically the past month in a nutshell. I promise to try to post more often. Thank y’all for all the prayers!!!

I can honestly say that I have struggled more emotionally and physically last night and this morning than I have in a very long time. I do not think that I am immune to the struggles that my diseases cause but I seriously thought that I had a handle on them. I recently asked the Lord for more opportunities to somehow reach more people with similar struggles and I suppose I needed a fresh dose to do that.

So here is what is going on physically with me… 1- I have been out of my medicine that controls my psoriasis for a couple of months. This has cause my legs to flare up. I am also out of my medicine that keeps the itching away… not good. 2- I have been out of my medicine that helps my psoriatic arthritis for over a month. The doctor has substituted 2 different meds for the 1 I normally take. My body has not liked this. I am struggling to walk as my knees are very affected, and my hands, wrists, and elbows are also very affected.

These 2 issues I can normally handle but let’s add a 3rd issue… Wednesday morning I woke up with a strange rash on my left leg and right hand. Yesterday (Thursday) I woke up with it also on the right side of my stomach and my left hand. I already had an appointment with the infectious disease doctor since I have had 10 staph infections in 6 months, so I decided to show him my rash. All he said was that it was not staph… the question of whether or not it was staph was not even a thought in my head… I have had 10… TEN… staph infections in 6 months wouldn’t he think I would know what staph is? He made me feel like I was stupid or crazy.

Let me say this before I go on… I have a lot of doctors!!! I do not go to drs that make me feel stupid or crazy… I do not need to make up rashes or infections to go to the doctor… I go enough!!

The fact that the dr made me feel like a joke added with the 3 issues from above has caused me to be emotional I guess.

Sooo, I can’t let that be the end of this blog today… I can’t let these struggles keep me down. Do you want to know why??? The reason I won’t let it take hold in me is because I have a Father in Heaven that has promised to take care of my struggles.

Isaiah 41:10 New International Version (NIV)

10 

So do not fear, for I am with you;

do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

WOWZA!!! My God is claiming me over my fear and my struggles!!! He has promised to strengthen me and help me!! He told me He will hold me with His righteous right hand!! So if God is for me there is nothing that can be against me!!!

He not only has claimed me but He also has claimed you, my friend!! All you have to do is believe that Jesus is God’s Son and that He died on the cross for your sins just like He did for mine. He wants you to come to Him!! He wants to take away your struggles just like mine!! Give them to Him and leave them there.

IT’S A GREAT DAY IN THE LORD!!!!!

I finally got to see the movie I Can Only Imagine. Wow!! Hershel watched it after I did but we didn’t have a chance to discuss it. If you haven’t seen it, it is a must see!!

Hershel and I went out to eat last night and on the way home we started discussing the movie. He said that he would never have gotten that back story from the lyrics of the song. We talked about how no one can understand what a person is going through when God gives a song writer lyrics to a song, or words for a sermon, or even a blog. We talked about that the song came from the sheer power of God in changing the life of Bart’s Daddy. I explained to Hershel that when a person loses a close loved one such as a father or a child that they try to imagine what that person is experiencing.

We talked about how (and not to spoil the movie) even though Bart said that the words to the song came to him in about 10 minutes, God had been preparing him for this moment his whole life. Hershel made a statement that I was thinking when he said “God prepares us our whole lives for His purposes but we can only realize this if and when we are in tune with Him.”

This conversation led us into another conversation that was a little harder to discuss… as I said, we went out to eat and while at the restaurant a pretty large family came in. In the family was a girl about 8 years old and she had Down’s syndrome. I tried not to stare at her but it was hard not to. Hershel and I miscarried a child about 18 years ago and the doctor said that the child was a Downs baby so anytime I see a precious Downs child I feel that connection. It was especially hard for me last night.

As we sat in our booth, I asked Hershel if he ever thought about what life would be like if our child had lived (he would be 17 years old now) and of course he said yes and he said that he wished he knew if it was a boy or girl. Well this brought up another subject… before I go any further, please understand that I am not claiming to have any type of psychic abilities. I am, however, claiming that God has granted me blessings or gifts in the way of visions in dreams. He allowed me to meet our little boy (that we probably would have named Peyton) in a dream not long after we miscarried. In my vision, he didn’t say anything but I could sense his sweetness. He had dark brown almost black hair, he was about 7 years old, and even though we are made whole in Heaven, he had on a pair of dark rimmed glasses. He was smiling at me and he knew I was his mom. I could also feel the love he had for me even without words. Let me tell you that this vision has been and will continue to be a treasured gift from the Lord!!

I know I told Hershel about the vision when I had it but I guess he had forgotten. As we were talking on our way home, we talked about the time right after we miscarried and how it affected us and how it made us into the people we are today. Obviously, it affected us in different ways but we can both look back and see how God has used that experience for His glory.

I still mourn the life of the precious child that was cut very short, however, I realize that to wish him back on this earth would be completely selfish. I know he is beyond happy where he is. He has so many beloved family members up there to spend time with and of course he is worshipping at the feet of our Lord!! I remember talking to my mom right after my Daddy moved to Heaven. I told her that it was Peyton’s turn to get to spend time with Gramps. It is still very hard and still brings tears to my eyes when I think about it. I cannot imagine what he has seen but I know that he is completely happy!! I can only imagine!!!