A Day On The Mountain

Here are some pictures of the Rhododendron flowers on the mountain in Roan Mountain. Since this is my first try at pictures on my blog (with Bethanne's help), I hope they show up as beautiful as they really are. Yesterday was a great day to be on the mountain - 64 degrees - no humidity - and God's beauty all around. Hope you enjoy!

Catchin' Up..........

The past few days have been busy, busy and more busy. After being put in the "slow down" mode for the previous two weeks, I have found that doing something or anything is very tiring. This past Friday, my husband and I went back to the scene of the accident and camped for a couple of nights. Saturday was the Rhododendron festival at the park and there were lots of people, food and crafts. I especially wanted to go to get a couple of Christmas gifts I can get no where else. Just walking a little and with the heat, it did not take long to get worn out. That night was grandson Lake's birthday party. We had cake, presents and much fun. It is always so good to be together as a family. Need I say by Saturday night I was ready for bed!

Today has been catch up on washing day and in between loads just resting. In the mail today I got two or three magazines and I thought that reading would be a relaxing thing to do. Sadly, the more I read the angrier I became. I started off with the TV guide. I saw a couple of articles on the front cover that I thought I might be interested in reading. I always like to read In Box which is made up of letters from readers. In last week's issue, a reader had written a letter shaming writers and producers of three shows this summer that are exploiting sex and promiscuity. These shows are at an early hour and the writer ends her letter by asking "What are we teaching our young people?". Then the reply to her letter came in this week's issue. On your remote you will find a button that says CHANNEL and has up and down arrows. Use it. In another article a few pages over there was an interview with one of the stars of one of these shows. His take on the show being "sexually indulgent" is that this is America, and we have the right to do what we want to do.

Having been enraged by TV guide, I decided that I would read my AARP magazine that had also come today. Surely I would be safe in anything I would read in this old retired persons magazine. Wrong! After reading about sunscreen, exercise (they didn't mention bike riding),
health care costs, wounded vets, and antiques I came upon an interview with Martin Sheen. Now Martin Sheen has never really been one of my favorite actors (couldn't stand Apocalypse Now), but I thought I would see what he had to say as a recovering alcoholic. Anyone that has gone through the Alcoholics Anonymous Program and is still involved with it must have good advice to give. Wrong! All I can hope is that no young people read AARP or that no lost people read what Martin Sheen thinks about God, religion and heaven. The interviewer asked him if he thinks he will see his brothers that have died in heaven on day. His reply was that he was not concerned about that. He believes that he will see them in this life. He does not think that we go to heaven. He thinks that we become heaven. The interviewer then asked what he meant by that. His answered by saying that we create heaven right here, right now. We project heaven and that he doesn't have to wait until he is dead. One of the most truthful statements that Sheen made was that he did not have a clue what God is - not who God is but what God is. Does that not tell you how far off track he is?

Now, how is that for meaningful reading. Made me want to go back to the campground where there is no mail, no phone and the most exciting thing that happens is a bike wreck every once in awhile! Seriously, my heart is saddened when I think that many people who have influence in this world do not have a clue as to who God is and find it fashionable to be "spiritually enlightened". It would be so easy to become discouraged and think that there is no hope, but because I know the Creator of this universe and because He lives within me, I am encouraged and I know there is hope for this lost and dieing world. I cannot reach the millions like some, but I can reach those I have contact with each day. I do not have the grand influence like the Oprahs or the Martin Sheens of this world, but I have the one on one influence of my every day world and can testify to what Jesus did and is still doing for me. I am so grateful that I know Him. I am so grateful that I am not still in the dark, grasping for answers and facing eternal doom. I am so grateful that I have a witness to give and I pray to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit in giving that witness.

Just had to share what's on my heart today..................

I Am A "Kept" Woman

You see, there were a few times when I thought I would lose my mind,

But GOD kept me sane. (Isa. 26:3)

There were times when I thought I could go no longer,

But the LORD kept me moving. (Gen. 28:15)

At times, I've wanted to lash out at those whom I felt had done me wrong,

But the LORD kept my mouth shut. (Psa. 13)

Sometimes, I think the money just isn't enough,

But GOD has helped me to keep the lights on, the water on, the car paid, the house paid

etc. (Matt. 6:25-34)

When I thought I would fall, HE kept me up.

When I thought I was weak, HE kept me strong! (1Pet. 5:7, Matt. 11:28-30)

I could go on and on and on, but I'm sure you hear me!

I'm blessed to be "kept".

I'm "KEPT" by the Love and Grace of God!

Now how great is that!

I'm As Good As New!

Well, not really but almost. This post is the last one I will be making about my accident. I don't want to dwell on this "brought on by me" sickness. Today I went back to the neurosurgeon and the trauma Dr. My report was good. The neurosurgeon showed me my first CT scan and the one taken on this past Friday. Even I could see a difference in the original bruise on my brain and one almost two weeks later. Another thing that I had to admit was that this Dr was really nice. Do you ever make snap judgments and then have to reassess your thinking? Did I ever have to do that today. When I was at my lowest in the hospital, this particular Dr came in to see me. I thought he was aloof and certainly had no bedside manner. I had already placed him on my "Drs to never see again" list. Today they told me that I would be seeing another Dr and I was good with that. Then he walked in and my feathers really drooped:( I had prayed about both these appointments today and had specifically prayed about this CT scan. How would I ever be able to understand all that I needed to know with this guy who had no personality and barely would speak my lingo. Well, another lesson learned. Before I came out of the examining room he talked about his wife and children, how they liked to camp and hike, and how he had been to Roan Mountain only once but wanted to go back. In talking to him about my accident I was able to tell him about my heavenly Father's protection of me. How he has promised to never leave me or forsake me even on a bike flying down a mountain and how it could have been sooooooooooo much worse but because of the fervent prayer of many righteous people, he has and still is healing me. As I walked to the car with my hubby, I again thanked God for His healing power and most importantly asked His forgiveness for my hasty judgment.

Next, it was on to the trauma Dr to have the staples taken out of my head (ouch). This was a good experience too and after a short examination, I was told that the dizziness I have been experiencing at times was very normal and everything looked good. I can even drive now! I still have to take it slow and deliberate, but I have mastered that trick! Taking out the staples was not the most pleasant thing I've had done, but it was okay. It is good to have nothing foreign in my hair! Now I do not have to be so particular in fixing and washing it.

Am I good as new? Not really, but I am on the mend. Have I learned anything through all this? Absolutely! God does not allow us to go through hard times without teaching us. My heart is so grateful to all the people that have been praying and to the caring and compassionate nurses and aides at the hospital. My family who, though worried, did everything to comfort me and keep a positive attitude. My Roan Mountain State Park family who came to visit, brought beautiful flowers, and prayed. How good it is to know that when we are in need there are those who love

and care about us.

Control..........A Lesson Learned

I have always been a control freak. That's right - me -sweet, kind, passive (not) me. In the past week, control has been redefined to me. For many years I have on many occasions made this statement of wisdom "God Is In Control". Today on June 12, 2008 at 11:07 am I can honestly and truthfully say with great confidence that "God IS In Control".

Since I have had much down time in this past week, I have had much thinking time. As I went back over in my mind the events of my accident, the Lord began to show me that control is His area of expertise. My area of expertise is supposed to be submission. I am not to dabble in His area. That is not in His plan. If I learned nothing else from my "little" excursion it is that. You see, I wanted God to be in control of the big things like wars, famine, droughts, elections, tornadoes, oceans, rain and such, but I could very well handle things in my daily life, such as my husband, my children, my grandchildren and their life changing decisions - all the small things that God doesn't need to be bothered with. I can handle (control) the little things in my life.

I think that reality set in on me about the time I realized that I had no control over a bike that was speeding down a hill toward a wood pile and a campsite! A split second before I crashed into a steel grill I heard that still small voice remind me that "It's okay, I'm here, I'm in control". Just like that. Simple. Peace. Calm. From that point on I was very much aware that He was in control. It was Him that had John Williams, the campground host for the week, on the cart coming up the hill to our campsite. John immediately was able to go call 911. Had John not been there at that very time, my hubby would have had to leave me alone to go down the mountain to call. Control! It was Him that placed the rescue squad in Roan Mountain which caused them to be there in record time. Control! It was Him that caused Wings to be free at the very moment I needed them. Control! It was Him that placed me in the capable hands of a very knowledgeable trauma team at Johnson City Medical Center. Control! Control! Control! His Control - not my control.

Now, have I really learned a lesson about control? I pray so. This past week it seems that everyone else has been in control of me except me - Drs, nurses, daughters, husbands, monitors, needles and because I was not in control I am getting stronger and better. Imagine that! Sometimes God needs to shake us really good and let us know how helpless we can quickly become and through that helplessness who actually is in control. God is so good. I can see myself when I am 100% again lapsing back into the "control freak " mode, but because my God is patient and forgiving I can also see Him again saying "It's okay - I'm here - I'm in control".

So, today's lesson I have learned is control. Wow! Why had I not already learned that? Too hard headed I guess!

What A Trip!

As some of you may know, the past week has been a real experience in my otherwise mundane life! There are so many things I want to post and share with you so I thought that I would take it slow and easy (which I am having to do a lot of these days). Maybe even post more than one day on the things I have learned, things I have ignored, people I have been impressed by, people that have meant more to me than I could ever express and, most importantly the things that my Abba God has shown me through all this . I started to tell in much detail the parts of the bicycle accident that I remember. In fact, I typed a couple of paragraphs and it dawned on me that no one would want to hear all the gory details of my stupidity (no helmet). Everything that happens to us is a learning experience, if we allow it to be, and if we can admit that we are able to learn no matter how old we are. As I was growing up an only child, my parents taught me to think for myself and that I could do anything. As I grew, they allowed me to do things for myself. That is great teaching if we don't take it too far. Sometimes there comes situations in our life when we have to depend on other people. It is a very humbling experience when you have to trade roles with your adult children. It has been my job for the last 40 some years to be the Mother and give the advice, admonish the warnings, take care of the sick, get the cold wash rag, hold the sick pan, and say "just rest". My daughters took over that role when I was in the hospital. I am not sure that I was ready for that switch, but it had to take place because I was helpless. I have no doubt they were worried, but each time they came in the door their goal was to help me get back to my old self - maybe even a better self! They selflessly took time away from their own families to stay with me - to meet my every need. My older grandchildren came and were of great support. It is always soooooooo good to hear them say "Memaw, I love you". The younger grandchildren called and made cards telling me they love me and to get better. My two sons-in-law endured several nights visiting in a "too" small room with their Mother-in-law and waiting to be sent out when I could not keep down two sips of ginger ale. They both know that I love them for their concern and patience. My husband, who is NOT a hospital person, has been the one to keep the home fires burning and has lovingly taken care of my two four-footed friends. Since I have been home from the hospital, again I have had to depend totally on someone else - my mate. I can't do anything until I ask and then I can't do it after I ask. I have been waited on hand and foot. I always wondered how it would feel to have someone cook every meal for you and do the washing and make the beds and bring you Popsicles. I can tell you that it feels nice, but I will be glad to be able to reverse the roles back. I like to do and now since I can not do, I want to do. Does that remind you of Paul - the things I want to do, I do not do, and the things I do not want to do, I do.

Something that has been difficult for me to get through my hard head (it really is hard) is that this body of mine is really quiet frail. I have always been well. I have never been in the hospital except to have my children. I have not ever been unable to go, but God truly is in control. Each day when I wanted to come home from the hospital, it was not in His plan. I needed to be there for my own good. At 61 learning new lessons is not easy!

I suppose that I have posted enough wisdom for one post, but be assured I have more to tell you. Since I have not been able to post in a week, I have a lot of catching up to do!


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This Has Been One of Those Days!

Sometimes is amazes me just how little I really know. I thought myself so smart when I wrote my first post yesterday. Today I can not seem to do anything I want to do with this blog. Bethanne, my #1 blog advisor has been at the new house today slaving. I immediately moved on to my #2 advisor, Alliekat, who seems to feel that her job is more important than her Mom and does not answer her phone at work. Finally, I try advisor #3, Annaelizabeth who likewise does not answer (later to learn sleep was more important). After several frustrating hours, with no one caring that I am in need, Annaelizabeth calls and we work on copy & paste. Remember, I am not at all computer savy! I have to take it a step at a time and baby steps at that. Very patiently Annaelizabeth walks me through copy and paste (more than once) and it works. Yeah! Whoops! It took something else off. Oh No!!! Now how do I get that back? What a bumber! If I intend to be any kind of blogger at all, I must learn more about this copy and paste thing. I simply can't understand it. Everyone else's blog has all these pretty pictures and wise and spiritual sayings on them. Some people even have beautiful music playing for you while you read. I want my blog to be as good or even better than everyone else's. Lord, You know that I prayed about this blog and you gave me the go ahead. Now, why is it so hard to get this thing going?

Immediately, this still small voice whispered "Hold On". Forget everyone else's blog. You are not participating in blogging to compare your blog to others. That is not what Christian blogging is all about. Christian blogging is to put My children in touch with one another and through their blogs glorify Me. By sharing with each other, you will lift each other up, pray for one another, cry with one another, teach one another and ultimately strengthen one another which strengthens My kingdom here on earth. There are many secular blogs out there that are written to show off and compete with each other. The blogs that my children write are to bind them together not tear them apart".

Oh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now I get it! satan (remember, satan does not deserve a capital s) has taken my frustration with learning about blogging and turned it into a "me" thing. Why does that not surprise me? The very smallest of things, innocent as they may be, he uses as an area that he can attack. But (the rest of the story) only if we allow him!

Thankfully, the Holy Spirit hopped on this one really quick (wish that happened all the time) and I now see this blogging thing in a different light. I am not blogging to be the best - only to be His best - in all that I do in order to glorify Him. Got it!

In the months that I was praying whether to start a blog or not, I read many blogs of friends and family. Some days the thoughts that they had were exactly what I needed to hear at that very moment. How sweet it is to know that God uses, to His glory, something as simple as blogging to unite his children. Thank You, Lord!




The powers of darkness have blinded the race,
Closing our eyes to the glories of grace;
But faith in the Savior brings healing and sight -
He floods our soul with His truth and His light. - DJD