Sorry it's been so long....

    

                     

Wow it's been a wild few weeks ....'I'm so sorry I haven't blogged much! I promise to try to do better! I have had a lot on my plate .... 

My favorite verse stands so true ! But those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

      I have regained all strength in my legs and I am able to walk! God sure is good ! Learning to be patient is extremely hard for me ! I so want to be able to do everything I am used to doing with out any draw backs .... However that's not been the case .... I still have a pocket of fluid surrounding the whole heart however it is decreasing! I still struggle with pericarditis symptoms. Pain, shortness of breathe, and swelling. I struggle my hardest with fatigue.... Up and down O2 stats make out door activities really hard when it's hot !

 Through everything that is all said and done I am still one blessed girl. I have learned so very much from all of this.... I have learned to let people help, the house does not have to emasculate to be considered clean, I must listen to my body it's really Imporant to take care of myself,

That material things can be replaced, and weight is just a number on the scale its doesn't define wether or not I am pretty..... 

  Many mile stones have passed , I graduated off my oxygen till 3 nights ago .... Jody cleaned the bathroom with Lysol and the chemical smell really affected my lungs ... So we are learning more everyday that somethings may never be the same again.... 

     We celebrated our 22nd wedding anniversary !!!! We went to a wonderful little restraunt in a near by town and had a wonderful dinner and instead of going out of town we decided to get a gazebo for our back patio ... Given the fact my stamina is that of a turtle .... We decide to put off going away for a few months when my strength is better.... We ended our evening with having my wedding rings cut off my fingers at the local fire department .... My hands had swollen over the rings cutting off circulation... Causing quite a bit of pain and a whole lot of tears...

    I was reminded that night it was a material object it didn't replace our love for one another ..... In a few months when I stop swelling I will have them fixed .... Until then well..... I will be ringless lol!

    My first Sunday in children's ministry will be this coming Sunday ! I am excited and nervous at the same time! I won't be full time for a few more months .... However just to be there makes my heart so happy ! 

      I have been able to do some sewing ! I sewed some of my favorite things doll clothes ! Just because it's my favorite to create ....

           We have planned a family vacation for July ! I am so excited to just get away .... Although I can get around I don't go out much because it takes so much  out of me ! I can't wait to spend a week looking at the ocean .... We plan to have a laid back vacation and not rush the whole time ! That excites me ! Because I know my sweet hubby and kids need it as much I do !!!

       So bear with me when I am here and gone again each day brings new challenges...

Each day I try to regain a responsibility that was once mine .... Some days it works out great other days not so much .... So until we see where all of this has left me I will continue to be patient ! I know I have been healed by the Word of God! He's got this !!!! Thanks for stopping by ! Below are some pictures of some of my work and favorite things ! Praying for you guys ! 

                           

              

                             

                       

                                                 

                                

                            

                          

                           

                            

                            

                              

             

                                 I made a strawberry and cream cake from  scratch !

                               

              

                     My new favorite place in late evenings and early mornings !!! 

 

        

           

         

          

How to Mend What's Not Really Broken.....

 

                                    

    As the First Lady of our Church, a Mom, and Friend. I have many moments of counseling and ministering over the past sixteen years.... 

     I must say the ones that break my heart into shattered pieces are the ones who don't see the beauty that God created and they have either lost or never given the chance to see their self worth. 

        As of lately I have had these conversations with young girls 13 and under as young as 7! Yes you read right 7! It has made me question what are we teaching our children in our homes and society? I have spent some time in prayer over this issue a lot over the past few years ! 

     This past weekend reminded me why we are going to have to step up as moms , leaders of our church's ,and society! Help our little girls, teens, women of all ages see that know that they are beautiful ! That means no matter their size, hair, color of their skin, or where they come from.

       I recently had a lil girl set beside me on my couch and ball and tell me she is fat and ugly! She is eleven. Now what she thinks she sees and what I see are totally different ! I see a beautiful blossoming young lady with long beautiful curly hair, blue eyes , a smile that lights up a room, petite in height not heavy at all . She is a perfect image of what an eleven year old child should look like.

          When she told me all she seen was ugly and fat my heart broke! When I asked some questions why she felt that way I soon learned my hearts suspicions were correct.... She had been repeatedly told that she is fat and ugly at school! Unfortantly she has took those labels on and owned them as hers! We live in a society that defines our beauty by our size .... If our hair looks like such and such on tv, and good heavens forbid we have a flaw because after all Disney stars don't ! 

         Some how we must reverse this vicious cycle ! As a teen I battled a eating disorder and a lot of image issues with myself ! I never felt pretty or good enough even when I only weighed 105 lbs ! I still thought I needed to be smaller.... Or I needed be more like so and so. Other wise I would never be pretty or good enough! The generation before mine did have the mentality that how we were to look our best no matter what was going on because good appearances made everyone believe as long as the outside looked good they would never know how jacked up the inside really was ! Wether it was their homes or them we are talking about !!! No one was ever to know if something wasn't perfect !

So it wasn't uncommon to be told to suck your stomach in no man wanted a fat girl , or the house had to be perfect inside and out because really behind closed doors it was falling apart , or to be compared and asked why your not more like some one else !

      All of that brings me to this ! We all ready know how these things affected us as children. Let's be honest I lost so much weight before my wedding that I could have walked out of my wedding gown !!! I still thought I was ugly and fat on our honeymoon !!!! It took many years to realize my jean size does not define who I am, my worth , or my beauty !!!!! But how many times do our daughters hear us say I am fat , I'm ugly , or I need to drop a few sizes or Daddy isn't going to think I'm attractive anymore !!! Shame on us ladies !!!!! We just taught our child the only type of people who are beautiful are skinny people ! How many times have they heard us compare ourselves to some one else and say if on,you could look like that !!!! We just taught her what God created was not good enough for us, we want a do over ! During the conversation with this beautiful eleven year old girl, tv stars were mentioned! I knew who she was comparing herself to for sure now ! Disneys stars ! Yep I said that out loud ! I love Disney cartoons .... But the tv shows give girls an unrealistic idea of life ! I never remember going to school dressed to the nines , hair and make-up perfect and my figure perfect! Ya know the thigh gap, flat tummy, all the curves in all the right places !!!! Hmmmm no one ever mentions to these girls that they are photo shopped .... They have some one to dress them, do their make-up, and their hair. That on their normal everyday life doesn't look like this ! But let's be honest how many of our moms are comparing ourselves to others as well ! Well if I could just look like .... I'm trying this diet.... Or maybe if I wear my hair like this ...l will be beautiful and accepted more !

We are suppose to set the example in our homes ! Now don't take me wrong there is nothing wrong with being healthy ! We all need excersize if our body's will allow it and healthy foods to keep the inside running well ! We have a problem when we tell lil Suzie you can't eat a ice cream with her on a hot afternoon because your on a diet ! Our daughters learn from us from the time they are brought in this world ! If they constantly hear you put down your body and say your fat and ugly I can promise you she will too !!! Ohh how I wish someone would have told me that before I had kids ! I didn't really realize this till I became pregnant with my second child !  A high risk pregnancy , a death , complications after delivery was a cocktail like no other ... I never really lost all the weight ! It took me some time but I finally gained my confidence back and realized that I was beautiful no matter what size! There has been a few times I have to remind myself that ! Even now ! I gained 20 lbs mostly fluid during my health crisis ! I even had to go out and buy new shirts ! However I have remained positive through all of this ! It's just a number ! It's doesn't tell me who I am ! God does !!! He thinks I am beautiful ! He wants me to think I'm beautiful because He created me !!!! He wants me to know my worth is a price above rubies (Proverbs 31:10) because my worth is found in Jesus !!! Not my size ! He thinks I'm perfect the way I am !!!  Because I'm made in His image !!!! (Psalm 139:4)

      We recently had a guest speaker at our Church who was born with out arms ! If she can tell me she walks by the mirror and says aww girl you look beautiful today !!!! You are fine ! I love you !!! Mauw girl you are hot !!! Why can't we ? It's time we change how we see ourselves ! Instead of telling yourself your ugly, tell yourself your beautiful and you love yourself for who you are !!! Not what you want be !!! Let your daughter hear you tell yourself you look pretty today !!!! Tell her she's beautiful ! Remind her she is fearfully and wonderfully made !!!  We need to step and lDies and take our girls back !!!! Satan has had them to long telling them they aren't worth nothing ! Because Jesus thought we worth dieing for! Don't let Satan steal your joy another day wrapped up in what we have told ourselves or others may have said .... Let God restore you and your daughters today ! Remind them words don't define what God Made !!! He thinks your beautiful and so do I!

    The King is enthralled by your beauty. Psalm 45:11

                 You have been noticed,

                            He thinks your beautiful ,

                                         The glass slipper fits,

                                                          The music is playing,

                                                                     And He's asking you to dance! 

Princess will you give all over to God, take His hand let Him show you how beautiful you are !

Happy Mothers Day

 

                              

 

I have spent a lot of time thinking today about how very blessed I am to be called Mom!!! It's is one of my greatest achievements.... I feel so honored that God would find me worthy enough to be the Mom of two beautiful young women! It's never been something I have taken for granted ! Now please know that doesn't mean I have been a perfect Mom ! Trust me I have messed up more than once along the way! 

     I never will regret one moment I have spent at home with them.... Any sleepless night .... Hours of school... Playing all day while other things needed my attention.... The dirty clothes and house... The nights I have paced the floor and prayed for them! That list can go on ! 

   I was thinking g this morning and I asked myself what I hope impacted them the most as they were growing up.... This is the two things that came to my mind instantly ! I want them to know I love them unconditionally and that I always led them in the ways of Jesus!

      I have taught them many things over the years and I hope those things follow them as well with all the memories we have made ! Creating moments that last a lifetime! I hope those two things at do out the loudest! 

     Because if they do I have done my job as Mom well! After so much sickness over the past 2 months I have had a lot to think about ... My relationship with my girls is one of those things! I just want to know I have been the best Mom I can possibly be to them !!! 

     I am excited to know as they take me to dinner to celebrate me being their Mom!  God has restored their Mom in many ways in one this week ! He has healed my lungs all Exocet mild scarring! No more oxygen, I will walk into the restraunt, not ride in a wheel chair!!! My God has been so very good ! Their lil granny as they like to call me may be slow and sore but she is being healed more and more each and everyday !!!! I am blessed to spend another Mothers Day being their Mom !!! I am praising Him for the many more to come! I hope you all have a very Happy Mothers Day !!! Filled with blessings, love and joy! Thanks for stopping by ❤️Shellie

       

                     The very reason I have the privilege to be called Mom!!! My 2 Princesses! ❤️

  

Women of Joy and a Health Update

 I am so sorry it's been awhile since I updated ! I have had a lot going on! I came home from Women of Joy spiritually restored ! I now know why God said I couldn't miss it! I now have a glimpse of the things He has for me to do! I am super excited ! I know that it will require me allowing Him to do what He has plans to do! The worship and the speakers were absolutely amazing !!!! There wasn't a time during this Confrence God wasn't speaking right to my heart! I left so spiritually awakened !!!! Physically exhausted lol .... I wouldn't change it though! I know I needed to be there so it was worth every effort! So those of you who prayed so I could go thank you ! The ladies of our church were amazing ! They went in together and bought a newer used lighter wheel chair for me! It was much easier on them and me! They were all willing to help me with my bags and oxygen. It was a pleasure to amongst beautiful ladies who love the Lord and each other so much ! They are not just my friends but my family as well!

      I am on the mend slowly.... I am very tired and sore ..... Still swollen all over .... According to the doctor on Monday all of this is normal at this point. He cut my oxegyn down from 2 liters to one !!! He hopes to have me off of it in the next 2 weeks !!! I am very excited about that. After talking to my sweet hubby I won't return to children's ministry until later in May.... The chest tube left open wound that is still draining .... He just feels I should heal up a lil more and I'm okay with that ! That away when I return stitches are out and the hole completely closed and hopefully have all my energy back !!!! I have moved back into the big house !!! After the surgery I have been able to walk !!! It's been so amazing to come back into the home I had created for our family !!! I even slept with my sweet hubby for the first time in over two months last night !!!! My God is so good !!!! 

   It has been a very trying few months .... But I can honestly say when I look back I have seen my Jesus all over this ! I know this sounds crazy, but I am thankful that even though it's been hard I have lived it and experienced His loving grace ....

 So let me end with this ! If your in a storm hold on He has you, even in the darkest part of it He has you !!! Don't let the tossing and turning turn you from Him ! Instead let it draw you closer to Him ! Praise Him even when it's hard !!!! Because I can promise you it will be worth it!!! He will give you beauty for your ashes !!!! I know He has me!!! I praise Him for  He is good !!!! 

I want to leave you with my favorite scripture ! If you remember a few blogs back I shared with you how my sweet hubby came in and told me the Lord wanted Him to remind me of my favorite verse !!! It has brought much comfort and encouragement ! Just know no matter what your going through Wait On Him! He will see you through ! 

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31King James Version (KJV)

      

                            

          

   

Test and progress ....

  

                                  

The quote of above is so very true .... This new adventure my Jesus has taken me on, at times has been very painful! I have felt as if I were close to death, I have felt deep pain physically and emotionally! I have felt as if I were falling apart at the seems, even lost and confused as to what was my Dad (God) thinking ! 

    Only to feel the loving hands of my creator wrap His arms around me and speak peace .... To remind me He had this ! It's anew adventure and He is creating someone stronger and more beautiful in the sight of my creator ! For I am fearfully and wonderfully made in His image ! I could never be anything less than amazing to him ! I have felt His promises ring through my heart, reminding me that all things work for His Glory !!! To stand firm on His promises for the healing would come !!! I know it will He promises it will! My God can not lie ! 

      We have made some small progress and I love to share what my God does! For He is always worthy of praise for all things !

     I have been able to walk Crome my chase all the way to the kitchen stove in my apartment !!! That is a total of 22 steps !!! After arriving I have been able to stand to prepare small meals !!! I have even been able to walk back after that twice !!! That may not sound like much for some but for my jello legs it's a huge improvement ! I do require a walker .... I am to unstable to walk long distance with out it ! That's okay, I'm thankful for my walker.... There were times in history no such things were available ! I am thankful I live in a time those things are there to help me out ! 

    I am still having to use higher doses of pain meds at night to sleep due to the chest pain... That and the hard time walking has alarmed my doctor, so I will see a cardiologist on May 13. To see where we stand with the pericarditis. 

    I had a breathing function test done today ... It was very helpful to help us understand what going on with my lungs. They look for 3 things ! First thing they check for are obstructions like Astmah , COPD, and emphysema. I do not have any obstructions !!! Thank you Jesus for answers prayers!!!  The second part of the test is to see how well my lungs inflate, I have moderate restriction ! Which means my lungs can not take in adequate air. This could be caused from the chemical burn in the lung or the pericarditis . We will be waiting to hear more about that ! The third thing they check for is to see how well the lungs are getting gasses and oxegyn to the blood stream. I have a mild compromise there... We are not clear what the next step will be .... We were told today that only time would tell if the body corrects all of this .... So we are kinda back at the lets hurry up and wait some more place again.... However over all these are answers and they aren't terrible ! It could have shown much worse things !!! My God is good !!! I am thankful for all He does ! I have been sharing in my last blog I would be attending the Women of Joy Confrence ! I am becoming super excited about this Confrence ! It is coming so quickly now ! I am also super excited about who I will be sharing this journey with! My youngest daughter will joining us also one of her close teenage friends and 9 ladies of our church !!! I know I am ment to be there !!! I simply can not wait to see what all God has in store for us !!!

I also finished the book A Women After Gods Own Heart by Elizabeth Goerge, my oh my how you should read if you haven't ! It is a life changer ! I am almost done with the Beth Moore book as well ! I have learned so much about David I hate for this book to end !!! I'll be sure to let you know it after I finish it as well ! I have so loved my quite time with the Lord lately ... I have grown so much ! Finding joy everyday even when it's hard has changed my life .... Trust me it's all how we look at things ! It's not always easy to find joy .... I promise if you look hard enough you will find it ! I have found joy also leads up to hope! The word hope in the Greek translation is elpis. Meaning "confident expectation in the unseen future" or "happy expectation of good. Hope brings forth positivity !!! Without hope we remain broken, we can't see the reason to keep fighting, we let negativity rule our lives !

Hope helps us to hold on because faith is reminding us something good is about to happen !

The Bible says it best in Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope

Thanks for stopping by ! I hope that my journey has inspired you to draw closer to Jesus.... He did not promise me life would be a tea party but a grand adventure ! I'm glad He's leading the way !

                

    

22 steps !!!!

   

                        

Wow it's been a busy day today ! I have had quite a bit of company ! Needles to say I am one tired girl this evening ! However today has been more than about company .... Some amazing things happened today ! My sweet hubby came home for lunch today ... He bent down and whispered in my ear and told me God  wanted me to him remind  me of my favorite verse ! Which is Isaiah 40:31 ! It has been my favorite verse since the day I got saved !!! 

       I had just told my sweet hubby the day before , I really wanted to walk ! I had walked to the edge edge of the carpet to realize it was no further than going to the bathroom I was so upset.... 

  When my sweet hubby told me that I had a renewed hope !!!! I love when God does that !

       So this afternoon I had already made my mind up I was going to try again today even if it was just 3 steps more ! So it was time to start dinner , I have been preparing meals even when if I had to sit in the wheel chair ! However today I wa determined to walk to that kitchen if it killed me lol!!! I am so happy to announce I walked 22 steps and stood and prepared supper all but about 5 minutes of it !!!! I was so excited !!! I was not able to walk back from the kitchen to the chase ... But I made it !!!! My God is good ! Now I must say as well I walked with the assistance of a walker ! I don't care how I got there, I know God helped me get there !!!!  I just had to brag about how good He is !!! I am blessed beyond belief! That's a huge progress after 39 days ! It's exactly 10 steps more than I have been able to take ! I still have a ways to go, I still have struggles with my heart and often get short of breathe .... No matter what though !!! I know God has my my healing !!! I praise Him for each and every improvement !!! Because it has only came because of Him !!!! Thanks for your prayers and stopping by !!! I can't wait to share the next improvement with you !!! I'm super excited about tomorrow at the same time it's bitter sweet .... One of my dearest and best friends is coming to visit ... Yet it also means my daughter from another Mom will be going home .... We have loved having her ! I look forward to her coming again soon! Thanks for stopping by Hope you guys have an amazing weekend ... Remember each and everyday is a gift, be sure to find the joy in each day !!!! 

Gods Ever Presence and Love .....

     Today is my favorite day of the week ! Sunday, one of the day's our family is at church in service for our Lord !!! My amazing husband is a Pastor of an amazing church located in Salisbury, North Carolina.... I am of course the First Lady as my sweet hubby calls me ! I am also over our children's ministry ! It's the highlight of my week to spend Sunday morning teaching the littlest of our church about the love of our God ! Both of my girls find ways to serve each and every Sunday when they are there ! My oldest sometimes cannot be there due to work ... I truly believe God understands that ... It doesn't mean she loves Him no less ... 

     However the last month has been a little different for our family ! I have been able to attend one service.... Since March first.... I was unable to attend this morning due to a bought with strep throat ! I am one of those people who does not believe in sharing my germs!!! Lol, my church family agrees haha! 

So this morning was different .... I wasn't bustling around preparing to teach .... I haven't since February 28,2016. That was the last Sunday I taught, I intended to return the following Sunday after my surgery .... That wasn't Gods plan however.... He's taught me so much this past month ! I miss my kids and from what I hear they miss me !!! We are looking forward to my return !!!! As much as I look forward to my return ! God has shown me and my children's workers ! I can ask for help, and they are very capable to handle it for me ! Maybe this needed to happen so they could see what God could do through them !!! It excites me that they are excited ! I have gained workers since I have been out ! They have to me and said when you come back ! I want to serve with you !!! I was so excited, to see the excitement in their eyes ! I know they have finally seen the calling God had already showed me !

      I had such a hard time asking for help, I have been burned may times for letting people in and letting them walk beside me ! My Dad (Jesus) says it's okay, I've got this trust me! I know He does !!! It makes my heart happy knowing God is all over this!!! 

     I am on day 6 of a 21 day social media break.... I can't really tell you I miss it that much ! I know I will probably allow it back in my life, I pray not like it was though ! It's nice not to know all the gossip! Or be caught up in everyone's lives ... I have my own to that keeps me busy enough with out all theirs to compare mine to !

      I have been reading two of the most amazing books this week ! I almost half done with, it has been amazing ! You should check it out !!!! It's called A Women After Gods Own Heart updated and expanded version By Elizabeth George. This book is filled with many treasures for the heart for any woman !!!! It can change your home if you let it, your heart, how we prioritize things ! Gods so good He makes no mistakes !!! I needed the the words in this book !!! I have also been reading A Heart Like His 

Intimate Reflections on the Life of David By Beth Moore !!! Beth Moore is by far one of my favorite authors ! I promise you will look at the story of David in a new light ! It's been life changing to read why Saul lost anointing of God !!!! Why David was chosen .... I know this story like the back of my hand , I am telling you though Beth has a way of bringing things out in a way I never seen before biblically !!! 

    I have said from the beginning God makes no mistakes ! He didn't on March first either .... I thank Him for all He's allowed .... I woke up with my throat feeling much better today !!! Also not as short of breathe!!!! My God is good !!!! I helped prepare lunch ! I may not be able to walk to the kitchen in my lil apartment, but I'm thankful for the wheel chair that can get me there ! So I can stand for short periods! Without God man would not have known how even make a wheel chair !!!! My healing is coming! I'm just waiting for my change!!!! It was nice to feel some real change this morning! 

It's a happy week for our house, one of my daughters from another mom is costing this week ! I love times like this, the chic flicks, giggles, and whispers ! That's medicine for the soul ! I love when God ordaines things !!!! He is good !!! Not just when life is good, He's good even when it's hard!!! I would like to leave you with scripture :

                              

Isn't God good ! I sure hope you can find joy in your life ! Praying for you this week !!! Thanks for stopping by ! By the way check out the pictures below !!! I'll be sharing the two books I. Am reading and my lil apartment ! My temporary home !!! Blessings and love to each of you !

                                       

                                       These two books are life changing check them out !

                                       

          Kitchen         

 The area in the back is my sewing area

     

                      

This sectional sets right beside my chase ! It has many purposes, it's my hubby's bed , their dining room table, where they spend their time during the day ! They stay with me day and night !!! I have an amazing family !

                                

My bathroom area ! This is my temporary home ! I will be able to walk and return to the big house ! I claim these promises on Gods Word !!!!! 

    

Met a goal !

 

                    

Each day is a gift, I do not take for granted .... Gods mercies and grace never ever cease to amaze me! The past few days have not been without trials, but each trial brings me closures to my heavenly Dad ! I see His footsteps and hands prints all over the place and I have no doubt there has been days He's picked me up and carried me ! 

       I feel His presence with me in all I do , His peace and love makes each new challenge doable.. 

I have enjoyed taking a break from social media! I really never thought I would say that! I have had time to read some wonderful books ! I have spent quality time with the Lord and not felt the need for the rush ...I don't have my phone in my hands non stop ! Since I was in the hospital I have kept my phone on silent so if I was resting I would not feel the need to answer a text or message the moment it comes through... I have been able for the most part to keep my phone on silent ... Unless your hubby has a mini heart attack because he called your phone and your in the bathroom and you don't answer, so he hangs up and calls your daughters phone and she is vacuuming the apartment and doesn't hear hers !  So then calls the house phone in a panic bless his heart... So I have to make sure if I am going to take a nap or something I let him know ! He was truly scared something was wrong .... He laughed after it was all said and done ... Bless he did not find it to humerous to begin with !

     I do have some updates for the good I would like to share! My voice is returning !!! At times it is strong, other times gruff , sometimes soft, but it has made its way back all on its own! For that I am beyond thankful !!! It feels good to be able to carry on a conversation with everyone ...Still get a little winded at times and have to catch my breathe, I am thankful for the change! 

I cooked breakfast this morning !!!! I was so excited !!! I wasn't able to walk to the kitchen.... That will come I just know it ! However I was able to stand long enough to prepare and cook French toast !!! About a total of 8 minutes !!! That's a major improvement ! I am so excited for !!! I am trying to restrenghten my legs ... After I stand for about 5 minutes I start shaking all over ... I'm still very wobbly... Every lil thing I can do I couldn't that get to do is a victory !!! I claim my healing !!! It's coming! I have found that no matter what your circumstances are how you look at them effects how you feel and see things... So positivity and faith are a must at the Almond house ! Even when the devil throws a curve ball ... I remind him he is a liar ... Just like this morning when I realized my daughter had plans my  person that was suppose to come set with canceled at the last minute... I realized my throat hurt in a different way, my fever was up, my head was throbbing, and low and behold I have blisters on my tonsils!!! Classic strep throat systems. So .... I cried told the devil he was a liar and put my big girl pants on called the Doctor, told my  she would not cancel her plans, her older sister would be home and she would be able to help me out....

 Of course my oldest daughter did come to the rescue! She doesn't mind helping her Mom out .... I had to call and tell a friend not visit ! I say all that to say this !!!! My God makes no mistakes ! Even though my day did not turn out as I planned... He makes no mistakes ! Power of life and death lie in the tongue .... What we speak we live! I want positivity and life ... That's what Gods word promises and I claim it for me! 

My God is awesome He can move all mountains ... So I will leave you with this verse of scripture today:

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

Proverbs 18:21 (KJV)

Praying for you guys today ... Thank you for following my journey ... I hope it inspires you to speak life I my your home! Even when it's hard ! 

                               

                                                  My coloring adventure...

    

Happy Easter !

   

                                    

   Today I celebrate a risen Saviour ! Because He lives, I am now saved by grace! I am the child of a King! Who will one day spend eternity with her Dad !!! Ohh my now that is something to shout about!!!! What a difference three days can make ! 

This has been okay weekend ... Yesterday I was able to set up in the wheelchair for about 4 1/2 hours! It was only suppose to be 2 however I wa coloring and time got away with me lol.... I still can not take more than about 12 steps and I am left gasping for air .... So in order to get a long distance the wheel chair is a necessity and a blessing, being I can only have my rescue inhaler 3 times a day! It felt good to be up off the chase ... Can't lie it left me tired exhausted and very swollen .... But it was worth it....

       Today has been filled with blessings ! I had made my mind up earlier in the week that I wanted to be at church this morning even if it ment being in a wheelchair !!!! Guess what I made it! God allowed me to be able to style my hair curly last night !!thats a big deal right now ! I'm not suppose to inhale my type of chemicals !!! My lungs are very fragile right now... By being able to stile it curly it ment less fuss this morning ! So I set my clock for 7am got up and set in a chair got dressed... By 9:15 we had made it to church ! I can not explain the excitement that swept over me when we pulled into the parking lot! It was so good to be in fellowship with my church family, to see all my lil people, worship my Jesus, and here Gods word preached! It was the medicine my soul needed!!!! 

 I praise my Jesus for giving me the strength to do it ! Because I want to honest physically it was very challenging! In more than one way !!! 

       Because I felt it was important to be in church this morning, we let our families know we wouldn't be attending family meals this year! I missed them but boy was I glad I did ! I was completely and totally wiped out after church! I have a lot of swelling after church .... So we swung through Bojangles drive through for some quick lunch came home changed into some pjs ate ant took a 3 hour nap lol and to honest I could have slept longer ! But it was all worth it... I know JESUS is pleased with my love for Him! With all that has gone on the past 27 days, it's a reminder never take any day for granted at all, wether your day turned out nothing like you hoped or it was more than you dreamed, it's a gift God gave just to you! Find the joy in that gift even if it not what you hoped for ! He makes no mistakes ! He's got this ... He will give beauty for my ashes, He will get glory, and I know He will restore my health!  It's just gonna take His timing ..... 

     My family is missing several loved ones at dinners this year ... Jesus called them to be with them... I miss them as well but this has been a reminder my family could be missing me like that ... But they aren't ... Things may not be perfect but Because of God they are good non the less because He makes no mistakes.... I am blessed to be here with my family and serve my Lord ! 

I look forward to next week, I don't know what it will hold but no matter what I know my Jesus will walk each and every step of it with me !!!! I pray that each of you have had a blessed Easter ! Celebrating a risen Saviour !!! Who's love paid the ultimate price for someone who could never be worthy ... He said, I am His and to Him I was worth it ... I know I can never ever repay Him ! But I do know I will spend a lifetime praising Him ! My Jesus, My Reedmer 💜

I want to leave you with this scripture 

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. Matthew 28:6 

I am glad to know the tomb is empty! He conquered death, hell, and the grave! 

Thanks for stopping by Hope it's been a blessing to you in some way !!!! Happy Easter! 

                          

                                  Dunns Mountain Baptist Church Praise Team.                         

         

       Our Amazing Pastor Sharing Gods Word this Morning    

                            

                                     I am so lucky God choose me to His help mate !

    

A Rough Few Days ....

   

                      

Wow is all I know to say .... This quote is on point it has been quite a few days in our home .... We celebrated our youngest daughter sweet sixteen birthday yesterday! It was anything but what we all had hoped for ! I am so glad we have a ball planned for her this summer !!! She hadn't been feeling well and we are pretty sure now she has had the flu .... Yesterday was her worst day yet! The night before my oldest comes home from work vomiting! So she still wasn't feeling well yesterday ! So if that wasn't enough I ran a high fever all day yesterday ! 

I truly feel like the waves are hitting the rocks.... Today is some better for both of my girls praise The Lord! For me however I have still not felt well at all ! I woke early with death gripping chest pains, then when I get up to go to the bathroom I find myself in major trouble with my breathing! This doesn't happen just one time today ... But multiple times warrenting me to use my rescue inhaler !!! On a happier not my voice is a lil stronger today showing signs that it may soon come back ! That makes me a very happy girl ! I know it will make my family happy as well !!!! It's hard to hear someone who is barely a whisper !!! Even with that ray of sunshine today has been extremely hard for me, I promised you guys to be honest about my journey ... So I will say today has been filled with waves of frustration that could only cured with help from my Dad (Jesus) ..... He reminded me to be thankful in everything even the bad days .... My sweet girl thought a change in scenery may help a little so she straightened up the apartment moved some stuff around ... Set a table up for next week to have tea... Something to look forward to.... I tried to find things to keep my busy on my chase that I normally don't do... So if you know me well, you know that I am a avid doll collector ! I have rarely met a doll I don't just adore lol... My sweet hubby surprised me with a new one the other day ! I was surprised and excited! So I spent sometime dressing babies on the chase .... Anything to keep my mind focused on something other than obvious challenges at hand! Then the Lord sent a sweet friend to visit .. That always brightens my day ! I had several text and phone calls ... Phone calls are hard on me and who ever is straining to hear my voice ... Talking for long periods leaves me breathless .... 

    Then my Jesus reminded of how special today is ! You see it's Friday He would take my sins upon Him and because of His grace !!!!! Whoooo Glory !!!! Sunday is coming ! Because of the empty Grave to prove my SAVIOR Lives ! I am saved by His grace and His promises are mine ! So my healing is coming .... I can continue to praise Him !!!! For He is worthy !!!! 

So I shall wake and take tomorrow as it comes ... Praying it for some more improvements.... Even if they don't come as I hope tomorrow, I will praise Him anyways !

I read this verse today in my quite time ... It's so fitting .... 

Isaiah 41:13 For I, the Lord your God,hold your right hand;it is I who say to you, “Fear not,I am the one who helps...

Ihave no reason to fear .... Thank you for stopping by and for your prayers ! 

                                

            Here is a picture of my new baby my sweet hubby got me !!! Isn't she cute !

       

Good News

                                    

Good morning ! I am awake much earlier than my normal for me! It's okay thought I love the sound of the birds chirping happily outside my windows this morning ! Singing praises to my Lord! The sun is shining brightly today! That makes my days easier .... 

I am sorry for not posting yesterday ! My day was very busy and tiring ! So I had to put rest as a priority and not my blog lol. I wanted to share some very good news though !!!! 

We seen the ENT yesterday ! My vocal chords are not paralyzed! Praise The Lord ! After scoping me she has found some serious sighns of acid reflux ! The acid is reaching into my throat and I am not even aware.... It has caused some irritating effects to my tonsils and my larynx ! Good news of all of it is my voice will return ! She hopes soon ! She started me on a new medicine for the acid. She does want me to see a speech therapist ... They will call me with a consult appointment. This will be to strengthen the muscles I am sure ... I have a list of questions for them this morning ! God is so good !!! I'm still whispering today but knowing it will return makes my heart so happy !!! Children's ministry is such a huge part of my life ! I really can not imagine not being able to teach .... I can't wait to return ! 

I am still walking to the bathroom unassisted ! I still get very out of breath and require the use of a rescue inhaler... But today's goal is to make it to the sectional beside my chase and set for at least an hour and short distance walk even if I need my walker .... Main thing is to move around and try to build some strength up ! My chest pains have continued sadly even waking my up .... For now I will use the higher dosage of my pain meds at night so I can rest comfortable.... Today marks three weeks since my surgery .... I can look back and see Gods handprints all over this !!! He is so very good !!!! 

Christian resumed homeschooling yesterday ! So I am meeting goals and I find joy in each day even when it's hard at times .... 

Yesterday I was able to convince my sweet hubby to take me to Walmart to finish Christians Birthday shopping ! I rode in my wheelchair ! It has became a necessity to have, that I am much grateful for .... It was nice to get out but very overwhelming at the same time ... It was a very strong reminder not to take the daily gifts God gives us for granted.... Like the use of our legs to walk long distances and our lungs to breathe easily... I know he has a plan and I am thankful for my each day and my journey !!! He's good and worthy to be praised !!!! In all things !!!! I have a special prayer request ! Please help me pray ! I really would like to attend Easter worship services Sunday ! For the whole morning start to finish to get me back home would be 5 hours ..... I really want to do this ! Please pray I will feel up to it ! I don't mind missing the family dinners and functions ! I would love to celebrate my risen Savior in the house of the Lord on Resureaction Sunday !!!! God is able .... 

Thanks for sharing my journey with me ... I hope you can see Hods handy work through all of this ! I would like toe leave you with this verse of scripture today ! 

For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.Philemon 7 (ESV)

Waiting .....

                                                                              

                                  

I know I am healed I am just waiting for my change .... These words I have echoed through my heart and mind for days now! Faith is believing in what we can not see! I trust my Jesus, He has no limitations! 

Last night was one of the worst nights I have had since I came home... Waking up at 3am with death gripping chest pains gasping for air is scary enough with out it lasting till late morning. All of that is from pericarditis. I was so excited I had been trying to back off my pain medication ... Yet I am thankful for it because even though I have had to go back up to the ordinal dose God created it so I don't have to suffer! For that I am most thankful! So today has been about positive thoughts and resting.... That is totally okay.... The sunshine outside maybe hidden but the Son in my heart shines bright enough to keep my heart light and happy.... My sweet daughters take shifts helping their Daddy out so he could return to work! I am so blessed with such amazing girls! My youngest Christian is my nurse today! She is so kind and amazing .... She goes far and beyond her teenage years....She is so compassionate and loving... She makes sure my every need is met and more.... 

We are a homeschool family and I am very proud of that. I see all the years of teaching them to be kind compassionate towards others needs through years shine very bright in all they do and all they encounter. It's makes my heart so blessed for the years investing in them at home... Time goes by way to quickly... The years of memories being made are worth every sacrifice to make it happen. 

So today I will enjoy the memories made sharing favorite classic movies with my sweet girl.... Maybe try to squeeze in some writing in between naps lol.... After not sleeping last night I am finding it very hard to stay awake today! However my sweet hubby would say that's an answered prayer.... Because before he left for work this morning he laid beside me on the chase, wrapped his arms around me and prayed for me .... Part of his prayer was rest... So I will be thankful for God answered prayers.... I hope your enjoying your Saturday with your families making memories to last a lifetime. Even in the smallest ways ! Thanks for stopping by and your prayers! I will close today with this promise from a Gods word! 

 - And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. James 5:15

Child of a King 👑

As a pastors wife you learn real quick you live in a glass house ! Expected to be perfect , in all you do especially your kids ! They actually learn real quick the part they are expected to play as well ! They see both the good and the bad side of church ! They see the hurt and the joys that come from serving !!!! As a pastors wife and a mom , one of your biggest fears is that your child has learned how to live as a Christian yet hasnt quite gotten it .... I had began questioning just that after our move .... My youngest daughter had been struggling and battling no other than a spiritual battle that would shake our family to its core !!!! So I decided to take my concerns to my heavenly Dad !!!! Left them with Him !!!! I never lost hope !!! It wasn't my place to judge ! Only she knew if her confession of salvation was real or not ! Crazy I know but that Mommy instinct just wouldn't go away !!! Sunday after church my hubby felt the need to walk over and join in with the youth service ! I was talking with some of the ladies , hadn't paid much attention of how much time had passed ... When they returned , they had awesome news !!!! My sweet girl asked Jesus in her heart for real !!! There was a difference this time in her face , eyes , and what she said !!! She told me the other times it was just a prayer , she had never truly trusted Jesus with anything really till last night !!! She felt different !!! She was beaming !!!! I'm so proud she can no truly say she is a child of the King !!!! My God sure is good !!! Never cease to storm the throne room over something in your heart !!! Even if it doesn't quite make sense !!!! Because our thoughts are near and dear to our sweet Lord !!!! 

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 

I'm glad she is still learning and I'm still teaching her !!! Blessings Shellie 💜