Friends....

   

                      

Wow today has been a big day ... I may or may not have over did it .... I still can not walk a long distance .... That's okay it's coming... It is, My God has my miracle! I am praising Him for it ! 

     I have managed to stand in the kitchen and prepare breakfast, lunch, and supervise supper! By the time supper came along well my legs were so week and my breathing labored.... So I had to set... And we'll ask for help! So my two helpers my youngest and my daughter from another Mommy prepared dinner for our family tonight ! They did amazing! I am so proud of these girls, there really is a difference in homeschool kids... I know I am partial, however they are so eager to learn and help ! 

       We have decided today I may need to see a cardioigist ! So my hubby will make the call tomorrow! My foot is swelling more, tingly, and still really cold ... All though my breathing is some better I am still having chest pains. So I will keep you updated ! 

   So to the subject of the title for my blog today ! I have met many people over the years ! Many friends come and gone.... Some have stayed through thick and thin and I thank you for that! Then you have the new ones Gods has placed in your life ! I must say when we packed up a up haul and moved back to our home town a two years ago we came broken.... We knew we were in Gods complete and total will! We were doing exactly as God told us and stepped out on total faith ! When we arrived and were voted in as the new Pastors family 2wks later of Dunn's Mountain Baptist Church. I must say I went in guarded and not sure I would ever let any one breach the the walls, I had put around my heart .... I had been hurt and wasn't sure I wanted to allow some one else into my small circle of friends !!! 

I really wasn't sure I could allow my heart to be hurt again!

     Just let me say , I am so very glad God placed the amazing ladies in my life that He has, and that He opened my heart at all the right times ! I have made some amazing connections here . Some are like sisters, some are like my bestie here, and some are friends that can't be replaced. These ladies have impacted my heart so very much ! Now let me say this I am not in the business of replacing friends! If your my bestie at any point you always hold that place in my heart ! I truly believe God sends who we need for every season of our life ! That is very true for today as well ! The friends I have made here are amazing ! They have called, texted ,visited , and most importantly prayed for me! Even just today I had an amazing surprise visit ... It want expected and I adored every moment of it! That's medicine for the soul! I am so thankful for it.... 

     We all need a friend someone who knows the story of our hearts, who can cry with, laugh with, someone who hold us accountable, and most importantly love and pray for us..... 

    There have been seasons I haven't had a friends because needed me to need just my family... Then there are those times that I have had friends and my children have not or vise versa .... I have found no matter what season , My Dad (Jesus) cared and sent what each of us needed at just the time we needed them most ! Just like today ... I needed that surprise visit ... It was medicine for the soul... It lifted my spirits in more than one way !!! So tonight I want to thank Jesus for all my friends !!! Some hold a very special place in my heart they know the me that some never know! I am so blessed to have that!!! I want you each to know you are some of the most beautiful flowers in my life's garden and I'm so very thankful for you .... I love you beyond words, and I pray for you often! 

I would like to close with this scripture from the Word of God tonight :

A friend loveth at all times, Proverbs 17:17King James Version (KJV)

Thank you for stopping by ... I am praying for each of you ... I hope you have a blessed evening .... Be sure you tell those who are special to you that you love them! 

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...

    

Not what I wanted to hear....

    

                                    

Today has been a long eventful day again ... After the returning of the fever and excruciating pain my hubby made a Drs appointment for today... I tried to argue but well it didn't do any good at all... 

 I didn't figure the news would be exactly what I wanted to hear ... But I wasn't prepared for what he had to say either... So the fever, excruciating pain when I breathe, severe shortness of breathe, and fatigue are coming from the heart condition pericarditis .... So we added two more medicines to the growing list. Then my sweet dr told me this wasn't going away anytime soon ... If I don't have any improvements in 7 days I will need to see a cardiologist ! We are looking at the end of May before we know just what to expect from my heart.... 

    That's not what a 38 active women wants to hear.... I have lost all quality of life .... Since March first... Well life as I knew it is better fitting ... Tomorrow will mark one month exactly ! 

So as I have looked back over this month these are the things I have learned from all this ....

 Positivity is a must ... There is no room for negative thoughts ! My faith has grown even more because I know God has got this ! Goals are ment to be set and not met .... That's okay because some goals are just going to take a lil longer ! I am stronger than I give myself credit for.... I need my family on so many levels! I have the most most amazing husband and daughters in all the world!!! I can live in a one room apartment ! I have for a month now lol! However I do miss the big house .... It's okay to ask for help, it's not a sign of weakness it's actually a strength, I have grown so much closer to God ! Not all Drs are bad ! I still prefer natural medicine over modern but sometimes you need both.... I can be real creative on how to pass time when you are confined to one area all day! That I really do need coffee in my life in more way than one lol .... That no matter what the outcome Gods got this ! He is in control.... I have to take each day as it comes wether it's a easy or hard day .... 

Thats just some of my lessons .... I am sure by the time May gets here that list will surly have grown ... 

Even though I still understand why all this is happened ... As long as Hod gets glory that's all that matters .... So I will leave with scripture tonight ..... 

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Jeremiah 29:1 (KJV)

I am so glad He does.... Praying you have a blessed night .... Thanks for sharing this journey with me !

Taking a break !

   

                                    

Wow ! Sorry I missed a day and I'm so late posting !!!! The past two days have not been my best .... Yesterday was not good all day and left me nauseous from pain ... Woke up even today ! I have started running a fever again and to take a breathe causes excruciating pain .... So I will be going back to the doctor tomorrow ! 

    However last night I woke up several times and so I took that time to talk to my Jesus !!! During our talks, He revealed somethings to me ... Some was not easy to swallow ... Like how much time I spent on social media ... When I could be spending that time with Him... So I decided today to take a 21day social media fast ... Then I will go from there.... I have spent the time today I would have spent on social media reading a book! I loved every minute of it! Then I this evening I spent some time in Gods word and writing in my prayer journal ... I was so pleased with how much time I spent with the Lord today! I am super excited about how much I can grow and come to know my Jesus more! 

   He even reminded me myself worth is not found in my circumstance or others .... His change for me is coming I just have to trust Him! I won't lie my feelings had gotten kinda hurt some of the one I thought would keep in touch with me through all of this I haven't heard a word from.... Jesus reminded me that some people are only ment for a season.... Quit trying to keep what He has already closed the door on ... So I released those people to Him ....I love when the Lord already starts to heal ... What I feel is broken .... 

   My God is so amazing and so worthy of all my praise ! 

Well guys , my medicine is starting to kick in so , it is time to take of me and go to bed ! Thanks for stopping by ! I hope you all sleep well tonight and have a blessed day tomorrow !!!! 

 

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 !