God and the Spider

This is not an original posting, but was greatly inspired by this story that I received from a friend. Hope it sparks something for you as well. ~Jadee

God and the Spider

During World War II, a US marine was separated from his unit on a Pacific Island. The fighting had been intense and in the smoke and the crossfire he had lost touch with his comrades.

Alone in the jungle, he could hear enemy soldiers coming in his direction. Scrambling for cover, he found his way up a high ridge to several small caves in the rock. Quickly he crawled inside one of the caves. Although safe for the moment, he realized that once the enemy soldiers looking for him swept up the ridge, they would quickly search all the caves and he would be killed.

As he waited, he prayed, "Lord, if it be your will, please protect me. Whatever your will though, I love you and trust you. Amen."

After praying, he lay quietly listening to the enemy begin to draw close. He thought, "Well, I guess the Lord isn't going to help me out of this one."

Then he saw a spider begin to build a web over the front of his cave. As he watched, listening to the enemy searching for him all the while, the spider layered strand after strand of web across the opening of the cave."

Hah," he thought. "What I need is a brick wall and what the Lord has sent me is a spider web. God does have a sense of humor."

As the enemy drew closer he watched from the darkness of his hideout and could see them searching one cave after another. As they came to his, he got ready to make his last stand.

To his amazement, however, after glancing in the direction of his cave, they moved on. Suddenly, he realized that with the spider web over the entrance, his cave looked as if no one had entered for quite a while.

"Lord, forgive me," prayed the young man. "I had forgotten that in you a spider's web is stronger than a brick wall."

We all face times of great trouble. When we do, it is so easy to forget the victories that God would work in our lives, sometimes in the most surprising ways.

As the great leader, Nehemiah, reminded the people of Israel when they faced the task of rebuilding Jerusalem, "In God we will have success!" [Nehemiah 2:20]

And remember: Whatever is happening in your life, in God, a mere spider's web becomes a brick wall of protection.

~ Author Unknown

Passing on the Power

Yesterday, in my hurry to get the boys to school since I had to be at the hospital for my (hopefully last) ultrasound, I gave in and allowed them to have a donut for breakfast. Now, I usually have been making them some scrambled eggs so they have some protein to start off their day. I have found a tremendous improvement in their behavior by taking them off the sugar cereals, poptarts, and processed lunch meats.

But as I said, they had a donut for breakfast. I regretted my decision as soon as we reached the car. They were already arguing over who could get in which side of the car, and your backpack is touching me, etc! As our morning tradition, I pray for our day. I could see I was going to need some backup for this morning. Without thinking, I told my oldest to pray for his day and his attitude. Listening to him pray warmed my heart. He prayed in a way that a child would and was so sincere. It encouraged me! Next, it was my youngest's turn to pray. With a tiny bit of attitude, he said, "Dear God" period. Again I told him to pray because his actions were not respectful. He did. And as simple as it was, I could hear the change of attitude in his voice. Amazing how much POWER there really is in a simple prayer.

I am thankful that God has been showing me these little things, because after the last month and a half, it has been real tough to remember to keep my focus on Him.

Matthew 18:20

Matthew 18:20 (KJV)

"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

This scripture is especially dear to me as it is the basis of my Prayer Partnership.

Five years ago during the peak of the stress of my failing marriage, I would call my friend to cry and vent. She was always there for me...literally. She would always listen and tried to encourage me. One night, she said, "Let's pray about this". God used her prayers to calm my soul and strengthen me.

I came across the book "The Power of a Praying Wife"....and instead of seeing changes in my husband--since I was praying for HIM, I began to see many changes in myself. I felt certain this experience of praying Scripture was the opening to the change I had been hopelessly longing for. After sharing this book with my friend, we both began praying together more regularly.

It was amazing to see Matthew 18:20 being played out in front of our eyes! God was there. My friend and I were connected on a soul level. We began to celebrate the changes we saw God doing in each of lives as individuals. Which also led to improvement in our surrounding environments (or rather, improved our perspective on our lives).

Over the years, no matter where we have lived, we have always nurtured our prayer partnership. Sometimes we have prayed everyday, once a week, once a month, and sometimes it may be a bit longer. But God has blessed our friendship through this partnership, that sometimes there is a day or situation that will call us back to that place of "gathering together".

Remember, even God knows there is strength in numbers. And He wants to be in the middle!

My Top 10 List

The Top 10 Things NOT To Do While Sporting an IV Pick-line!

10. Don't sweep the kitchen floor.

9. Don't fold clothes.

8. Don't vacuum.

7. Don't scrub the bathtub.

6. Don't submerge yourself in a hot bath.

5. Don't forget to fully cover and waterproof the given arm before a shower.

4. Don't drive with your left arm (the arm in question) even though that is how you usually drive, so you can talk on the phone or play a CD.

3. Don't carry groceries in plastic bags piled on your arms so you can make it in one trip up the stairs.

2. Don't sleep on your side; must sleep propped up on pillows with given arm on it's own pillow.

1. DON'T ADD AIR TO YOUR TIRES EVEN WHEN THE CAR SAYS LOW TIRE PRESSURE!

Please do not try any of these if ever in the situation to sport an IV pick-line. Author has already experienced the pain and regret of each of the above from having lived with an IV pick-line for a month. It is in your best interest to view this blog as an informational post.

Conspiracy, Cynicism, and CT Scans

After another CT scan today and the threat of surgery looming before me, I am cynical enough to buy into conspiracy theories!

I was having a conversation with T regarding gas prices and world events, and conspiracy theories were brought up. She mentioned that she is pretty cynical when it comes to things like that. I have found myself becoming more cynical in my "older age"...LOL! After telling her about my CT scan today and the additional doctors still pushing for surgery, I was thinking, maybe I am being the victim of conspiracy??

Actually, I don't really think I am, but I found it very interesting that I have left the hospital, been at home for two weeks, when the doctors decide to throw "cancer" out there at me. The 5% chance for this is now the reason they wish to schedule me for surgery. I was told by a couple of docs that I am too young to have a body that is in this poor state of health. I keep telling everyone it is STRESS! But let's see, if my own daily stress as a single mother wasn't enough, let's add on the fact the doctors keep coming up with something new that is wrong with me! LOL! (see, I got my cynicism from T...j/k)

Still I wonder what good the CT scans really do, besides increase my medical bills, when you have doctors from 4 different departments with different interpretations. How do I know which one is more accurate. Not sure I have much choice either. Of course, one doctor only smiled with raised eyebrows when I told him that I agreed that their diagnosis was probably right! =D Yes, T got a kick out of that one too!

On the Road Again...

So I drove myself to my doctor's appointment today! Yay! My freedom has returned. However, it was really strange to have cars passing ME! Maybe T is right about me accomplishing both regression and transition to senior citizen...NOT! =D But I can tell the down time has been a positive thing for me. I am alot calmer and don't feel the need to rush around. Not only can I not physically rush around, but I am happy going about a slower pace. We shall see how long this will last...LOL! Actually, I think it was the gas prices that has me using my cruise and not gunning the car to beat the other lane onto the highway!

I swear, this gas inflation is downright crazy! My financial advisors in my office were talking the other week that we have seen gas under $1 for the last time in our lifetime. Sad, isn't it? (if its true, anyway) But kind of makes me nostalgic...like hearing my parents talk about going to McD's for a 10-cent hamburger! This will be me: Well, kids, I remember when I could fill my entire gas tank and not break a $20 bill! You gotta take good care of your car and don't be driving your friends everywhere. You be the responsible one and make them chip in for gas. Oh yeah! I remember shopping in K-mart and hearing "Blue Light Special: Ham sandwiches, 4 for a dollar!" Can you imagine that??? We could eat as a family for $1? Now we get excited over the Dollar menu at the fast-food joints! LMAO! (Can you tell its late and that I am hungry?)

Watcha Doin'?

So what do you do when you are at home and bored? Usually, I can turn on the TV and watch a movie. BUT the power was out for the afternoon. It was pretty dark outside too. I lit all my candles around the house, but it was very quiet. Can't get online without electricity either! I chose to read in my book. Now that the power is back on....even watching Law & Order is not keeping my attention. What's up with that?

Hmmmm....I am still bored! Maybe its partly due to my boys not being here tonight too. But I have the whole night to relax, but I decided to post instead. LOL! Maybe its time to pull out the Friends DVDs from the First Season??? =D

Okay, so my prayers were answered....and I was no longer bored by my evening! I decided to log on just to see if any of my buddies were online. Sure enough, T logged on right after me. She decided to see what I remembered from her teaching me gin in the hospital. We played three games and had a GREAT time! I think I found my new pastime. And I won't be tripping over any more pool sticks!

BTW, T is a very good teacher! =D

Alive and doing well

Well, my surgeon said that things are looking more positive that I will not need surgery for my gallbladder. I am so glad! Besides, doesn't that just sound like I am an old person with my "ailing gallbladder". I never knew what one was until this hospital visit....or what it did rather...lol! I will find out more on Tuesday when I will be done with my IV pick-line. I am not allowed back to work until they take that out. Which is fine with me! I am still resting alot. These last two days going to the doctors have worn me out. :-$

1 down; 3 to go

My first post-hospital check-up was today with my Hematologist. Thank God for the individual who invented the IV Pick-line. My lab draw was simple, easy, quick, and NO PRICKS!!!

Good news. My platelets are still in normal ranges for the trauma experienced. My red cell count is coming back up. That is, by taking 3 IRON pills/day...yuk! LOL! Yes, I already ate my can of Popeye spinach for the week! =D I will not have to see this doc again for 2 months! Yay!

Angels visited my house today w/ mop and vacuum in tow! I was so very blessed that two of my comrades from Kidz Ministry were willing to come and clean my house for me while I was gone to my dr. appt. Let me just say, that I really liked that and will no longer say that people who hire cleaning assistance are lazy! I felt such a rush of enjoyment to come home and my house was in wonderful condition. These Angels must have had their life insurance in order, because they even tackled my boys' room! N and J did not know about the cleaning surprise until they got home. (Another single mom that I had not met yet, came and got them for the day) N was so excited that he said we need to give Ms. D. TWO thank you cards...one for the yummy casserole and one for his room! LOL! I am glad they are thankful for the help as much as I am. The boys are good help to me too!

Life NOT in the Fast Lane

I am enjoying being home, but I think I may still be on "hospital hours"...LOL!

Of course, I have to be on them somewhat since I am doing my own IV meds. Kind of miss the nurse keeping track of the clock where I could sleep while they hooked up the IV!

I am still up at 6am...which was blood draws and meds...now it's just meds. 7am was breakfast. I am having hunger pains at 7am, but too tired to get myself food. More meds at 9am. Now I can eat breakfast. Nap from 10am to noon. NOTHING on TV...sorry, T, I never could get into any of the Soaps...LOL! Read in my book. 2pm meds. Another nap. Time for dinner. My tray used to come at 4:30pm. Now if I someone is bringing me dinner, its close to 6pm. (But its dinner I did NOT have to cook!) Watch a movie with the boys. Meds at 9 & 10pm. But I am ready for bed BEFORE this. Visiting hours were over at 8:30pm in the hospital and that is when I would go to sleep.

The question is: Am I regressing to a kindergartener's schedule? Or am I jump-starting to the Senior Citizen's schedule?

Noooo, don't answer that...it was a rhetorical question! =D

Whew! I am tired...better go get ready for bed...LOL!

Home Sweet Home

Home at last!

After 15 days in the hospital, I am very glad to be in my own home, sit on my own couch, sleep (still propped up) in my own bed, and of course, use my own bathroom! But my biggest joy was getting to have my boys by my side again.

Thank you all for your prayers. Please keep them coming. My strength is not where it needs to be yet. But I am improving.

T, you are a wonderful godsend and blessing to my family. Dash, thanks for your quiet support and your sacrifice without your "better half"! LOL! Please let N and C know how much they are loved and that they really made a difference in my life too. N and J look forward to coming out to see you all again.

I am still trying to get caught up in reading all the blogs I missed during the last couple of weeks. Be sure to check your old ones, because you know me...I seem to have a comment for everything! =D

Love to you all,
Jadee