His Wing Shelters You
by Max Lucado
“He will shield you with his wings. He will shelter you with his feathers.” (Psalm 91:4)
My college friends and I barely escaped a West Texas storm before it pummeled the park where we were spending a Saturday afternoon. As we were leaving, my buddy brought the car to a sudden stop and gestured to a tender sight on the ground. A mother bird sat exposed to the rain, her wing extended over her baby who had fallen out of the nest. The fierce storm prohibited her from returning to the tree, so she covered her child until the wind passed.
From how many winds is God protecting you? His wing, at this moment, shields you. A slanderous critic heading toward your desk is interrupted by a phone call. A burglar en route to your house has a flat tire. A drunk driver runs out of gas before your car passes his. God, your guardian, protects you from
“every trap” (Ps. 91:3);“the fatal plague” (Ps. 91:3);“the plague that stalks in darkness” (Ps. 91:6);“the terrors of the night…the dangers of the day” (Ps. 91:5). One translation boldly promises: “Nothing bad will happen to you” (Ps. 91:10 NCV).
“Then why does it?” someone erupts. “Explain my job transfer. Or the bum who called himself my dad. Or the death of our child.” If God is our guardian, why do bad things happen to us?
Have they? Have bad things really happened to you? You and God may have different definitions for the word bad.
God views your life the way you view a movie after you’ve read the book. When something bad happens, you feel the air sucked out of the theater. Everyone else gasps at the crisis on the screen. Not you. Why? You’ve read the book. You know how the good guy gets out of the tight spot. God views your life with the same confidence. He’s not only read your story…he wrote it. His perspective is different, and his purpose is clear.
God uses struggles to toughen our spiritual skin.
Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. (James 1:2–4)
Trust him. “But when I am afraid, I put my trust in you” (Ps. 56:3). Join with Isaiah, who resolved, “I will trust in him and not be afraid” (Isa. 12:2).
God is directing your steps and delighting in every detail of your life (Ps. 37:23–24). In fact, that’s his car pulling over to the side of the road. That’s God opening the door. And that’s you climbing into the passenger seat.
There now, don’t you feel safer knowing he is in control?
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Magic in Dallas!
Whew! My second shot is behind me--praise God! I received the shot at 2:40--so much for a 1:00 appointment today. So thankful that kids were with Aunt KK who is a wonderful, fun, and loving babysitter. They had a BLAST painting, swimming, and playing and I didn't have a moment's worry.
Funny story from the shot experience today--within 5 seconds of Dr. Owens putting it in my ear, my phone rang. I answered it immediately and it was my precious baby sister, Ashley. She said, "How are you?" I answered honestly, "Not so good--kind of dizzy and spinny right now. I'll balance out in the minute." (The first minute after the shot throws you for A LOOP--like you've had about 30 cocktails in a 30 minute period--then it settles down.) After we talked about 45 seconds more, I told her that I was terribly uncomfortable beause they forgot to bring me a pillow and that I was going to call the front desk to have someone bring me a pillow for my one hour on the same side sit.
I immediately called the front desk and told them that I was a patient in a room and that they were going to have to bring a pillow if they wanted me conscious in an hour--my head was placed below my neck and it was not so very comfortable. They immediately came with a pillow. As this was going on, my precious sister called my mom, worried sick. She told mom that I wasn't feeling good and that I was dizzy and nauseated (Which I was the first minute after shot). So Mom, who was shopping in Chicago with a precious family friend, immediately sprang to action. She called 411, got Dr. Owens number, called their front desk, and told them to tend to me immediately! The nurses sprang to action and came running in the room, "Are you sick?? Are you puking?? Your mom just called and said you are feeling awful!" That Mom of mine, she can get things hopping, even from 1000+ miles away. Cracked me up!
The kids and I went to dinner at Asado's and it was Kid's Night--Mark the Magician was there and "Kids Eat Free!" Mark was a HUGE hit--made baby girl a flower balloon and baby boy a bow and two balloon arrows. The kids had a BLAST. We didn't make out on the kids eat free thing, as my children wanted only one thing for dinner: queso and tortillas. I'm raising them right, I tell you. Since we're on vacation, it was acceptable. We are excited for a fun and fantastic day tomorrow! Moved my Thursday appointment up to 10 a.m. to assure that I get the "luxury suite" room I had last Thursday (pillow included without call) and that we get on the road sooner than later! The prayers are working and I'm going to be hearing again soon--I just know it!
Funny story from the shot experience today--within 5 seconds of Dr. Owens putting it in my ear, my phone rang. I answered it immediately and it was my precious baby sister, Ashley. She said, "How are you?" I answered honestly, "Not so good--kind of dizzy and spinny right now. I'll balance out in the minute." (The first minute after the shot throws you for A LOOP--like you've had about 30 cocktails in a 30 minute period--then it settles down.) After we talked about 45 seconds more, I told her that I was terribly uncomfortable beause they forgot to bring me a pillow and that I was going to call the front desk to have someone bring me a pillow for my one hour on the same side sit.
I immediately called the front desk and told them that I was a patient in a room and that they were going to have to bring a pillow if they wanted me conscious in an hour--my head was placed below my neck and it was not so very comfortable. They immediately came with a pillow. As this was going on, my precious sister called my mom, worried sick. She told mom that I wasn't feeling good and that I was dizzy and nauseated (Which I was the first minute after shot). So Mom, who was shopping in Chicago with a precious family friend, immediately sprang to action. She called 411, got Dr. Owens number, called their front desk, and told them to tend to me immediately! The nurses sprang to action and came running in the room, "Are you sick?? Are you puking?? Your mom just called and said you are feeling awful!" That Mom of mine, she can get things hopping, even from 1000+ miles away. Cracked me up!
The kids and I went to dinner at Asado's and it was Kid's Night--Mark the Magician was there and "Kids Eat Free!" Mark was a HUGE hit--made baby girl a flower balloon and baby boy a bow and two balloon arrows. The kids had a BLAST. We didn't make out on the kids eat free thing, as my children wanted only one thing for dinner: queso and tortillas. I'm raising them right, I tell you. Since we're on vacation, it was acceptable. We are excited for a fun and fantastic day tomorrow! Moved my Thursday appointment up to 10 a.m. to assure that I get the "luxury suite" room I had last Thursday (pillow included without call) and that we get on the road sooner than later! The prayers are working and I'm going to be hearing again soon--I just know it!
Monday, July 14, 2008
When It Rains . . .
It really, really pours. I went to work today so that I wouldn't feel so guilty about picking up my paycheck at the end of the week, so I left the kiddos with a babysitter. When I called in the afternoon, they sounded GREAT--energetic, happy, having a BALL. When I arrived home just a few short hours later, Sis was sleeping--out cold sleeping--moved her to a new location and put on a diaper and she didn't move sleeping--and hot. Brother--he looked "off"--and he is. He's running a fever of 101, my friends, and he is now soundly sleeping. So, God has given me this gift--two children sleeping at 6 in the evening when I should be packing and getting ready for tomorrow's early departure. But you know what I'm going to do? I'm going to bed. Because, dadgummit--when they both wake up at 9 ready to party, I'm going to be ready to pass out if I don't. Of course, an enormous thunderstorm has just moved in--it's solid rain outside right now, so that makes the sleep option even more inviting. Lord, watch over and protect these babies--please keep them safe and all of us safe on the road to Dallas. I'd give anything to re-schedule the trip, but the shots have to happen within ten days and this is my only opportunity. Yes, Granny B, I'm trying to stay strong . . . .
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Good News
Okay--so yesterday morning, I played my favorite phone game (that started Tuesday morning) and called the lovely time and temperature lady to see if I could hear anything but tinfoil crunching. And guess what? I heard intonations in her voice! I couldn't make out all of the words, but could make out most of them (probably because they are memorized??) and it was such a positive thing that I just started screaming and praising God. So. . . there's progress!
Later on in the day, I made my precious Mom talk into the left ear and was able to repeat verbatim what she said. Hallelujah! All this with just one steroid injection and mounds of prayer--imagine what two more injections and a team of prayer warriors will do!
My friends have been amazing--such sweet emails, calls, one even prayed for me over the phone, which was completely incredible and so powerful--she will never know. I have faith that a full recovery will be happening and can't wait to share this story with people--God is so good.
The ear is still buzzing like CRAZY, but I know that will improve with time. The kids thought it was fabulous yesterday outside of Target when an evenly timed beep went off about every four seconds in my head. I felt like I was picking up their radar signal or something--it was BIZARRE! Once we drove out of the parking lot and across the loop, the beeping stopped. They must have a high frequency transmitter or something . . .
Everything is coming together for our mini-vacation in Dallas--it'll be such fun. My sister-in-law is taking off work on Tuesday to watch the kids during my appointment, on Wednesday, we are going to PLAY, and on Thursday, Alison Nutting and her kiddos will be with mine during my appointment. God is really showing off with this, and I couldn't be happier!
Later on in the day, I made my precious Mom talk into the left ear and was able to repeat verbatim what she said. Hallelujah! All this with just one steroid injection and mounds of prayer--imagine what two more injections and a team of prayer warriors will do!
My friends have been amazing--such sweet emails, calls, one even prayed for me over the phone, which was completely incredible and so powerful--she will never know. I have faith that a full recovery will be happening and can't wait to share this story with people--God is so good.
The ear is still buzzing like CRAZY, but I know that will improve with time. The kids thought it was fabulous yesterday outside of Target when an evenly timed beep went off about every four seconds in my head. I felt like I was picking up their radar signal or something--it was BIZARRE! Once we drove out of the parking lot and across the loop, the beeping stopped. They must have a high frequency transmitter or something . . .
Everything is coming together for our mini-vacation in Dallas--it'll be such fun. My sister-in-law is taking off work on Tuesday to watch the kids during my appointment, on Wednesday, we are going to PLAY, and on Thursday, Alison Nutting and her kiddos will be with mine during my appointment. God is really showing off with this, and I couldn't be happier!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Things I Have Learned Today
Here are things I have learned today after spending six hours in the car, one hour with a dear friend, and four hours with my favorite otologist ever:
1. My hearing loss is a "major medical emergency."
2. My NSHL (Neuro Sensal Hearing Loss) is profound.
3. According to my audiologist's conversation with the receptionist, my report looks, "so bad." She was totally stoked about my awful results and wanted everyone to know that she got the deafest girl of the day--I think she forgot I had one good ear and could hear EVERY SINGLE WORD SHE SAID!
4. According to my audiologist's conversation with the good Dr. Fred Owens, my hearing loss is, "really, really bad." (this was outside the door--again, I think she forgot I can hear in one ear!)
5. I can only hear 4% of spoken language in my left ear--rock on. There is no clarity there.
6. I can't hear the high notes of Bohemain Rhapsody in either ear (like when they sing: "Galileo! Galileo!" but I can hear "Galileo Figaro!" This freaks me out, because I thought my right ear was all good--and apparently, they are waiting to share the happy news that I am losing hearing in both ears with me at a later date.
7. After the steroid shot I got into my inner ear today (after they bored a hole through my ear drum . . yum . . .), and the two more I get to have next Tuesday and Thursday, I have a 60% chance of fully regaining my hearing. I didn't listen for the other percentages--as soon as I heard there was a 1% chance, I was ready for the stupid shots! I've had a miracle before, and by gum, I know I can have another one!
8. There is something about having the door closed in the audiologist's booth that makes me cry every single time. Don't know what it is. The headphones on my ear. Listening for beeps that I know I won't be able to process, or feeling locked into a sound proof room, but it's bad . . and they need to have a box of Kleenex in there for saps like me.
9. The song "Because He Lives" especially when sung by Kristin Chenoweth, makes me weep. It played as I was turning onto the Baylor Hospital campus (I keep my IPod on random so I never know what's coming next--love the surprise element of that) and I just absolutely lost it when I listened to the beautiful words. Want it to be a song at my funeral--just for future info in about, I don't know, 60 years or so . . .
10. I can't get my ear exposed to water for the next six weeks--which means, no pool, no showers, etc. unless I have "a cotton ball smothered in Vaseline" in there. Ewwww . . .I'm going to Walgreens to buy me some earplugs tomorrow.
11. The Shack is a book worth reading. I know because I've been working on it all week long, which says a lot. I read Mrs. Kimble Sunday afternoon--yes--Sunday afternoon. But The Shack--it's making me think. Which is really good. Especially when I have to lay completely still on my left side for an hour while my inner ear absorbs the steroids . . . .
12. I really hope and pray and want a miracle so that I can hear my children's voices as they grow, the cries of my grandbabies, and the gurglings of my great-grandbabies. There is a huge amount of longevity in my family (Gran til 95, Granny's mom til 92, Meme is still kicking at 97, my dad's granddaddy was chasing rabbits at 88, and I could go on) and I desperately want to be able to hear the sounds, precious expressions, cries, and laughter of my loved ones in the years to come.
12. God is good. I am tremendously blessed. I have an amazing family, some extremely worried and precious friends, and everything working on my body but one stupid ear . . . which, given the possibility of things, isn't all bad.
1. My hearing loss is a "major medical emergency."
2. My NSHL (Neuro Sensal Hearing Loss) is profound.
3. According to my audiologist's conversation with the receptionist, my report looks, "so bad." She was totally stoked about my awful results and wanted everyone to know that she got the deafest girl of the day--I think she forgot I had one good ear and could hear EVERY SINGLE WORD SHE SAID!
4. According to my audiologist's conversation with the good Dr. Fred Owens, my hearing loss is, "really, really bad." (this was outside the door--again, I think she forgot I can hear in one ear!)
5. I can only hear 4% of spoken language in my left ear--rock on. There is no clarity there.
6. I can't hear the high notes of Bohemain Rhapsody in either ear (like when they sing: "Galileo! Galileo!" but I can hear "Galileo Figaro!" This freaks me out, because I thought my right ear was all good--and apparently, they are waiting to share the happy news that I am losing hearing in both ears with me at a later date.
7. After the steroid shot I got into my inner ear today (after they bored a hole through my ear drum . . yum . . .), and the two more I get to have next Tuesday and Thursday, I have a 60% chance of fully regaining my hearing. I didn't listen for the other percentages--as soon as I heard there was a 1% chance, I was ready for the stupid shots! I've had a miracle before, and by gum, I know I can have another one!
8. There is something about having the door closed in the audiologist's booth that makes me cry every single time. Don't know what it is. The headphones on my ear. Listening for beeps that I know I won't be able to process, or feeling locked into a sound proof room, but it's bad . . and they need to have a box of Kleenex in there for saps like me.
9. The song "Because He Lives" especially when sung by Kristin Chenoweth, makes me weep. It played as I was turning onto the Baylor Hospital campus (I keep my IPod on random so I never know what's coming next--love the surprise element of that) and I just absolutely lost it when I listened to the beautiful words. Want it to be a song at my funeral--just for future info in about, I don't know, 60 years or so . . .
10. I can't get my ear exposed to water for the next six weeks--which means, no pool, no showers, etc. unless I have "a cotton ball smothered in Vaseline" in there. Ewwww . . .I'm going to Walgreens to buy me some earplugs tomorrow.
11. The Shack is a book worth reading. I know because I've been working on it all week long, which says a lot. I read Mrs. Kimble Sunday afternoon--yes--Sunday afternoon. But The Shack--it's making me think. Which is really good. Especially when I have to lay completely still on my left side for an hour while my inner ear absorbs the steroids . . . .
12. I really hope and pray and want a miracle so that I can hear my children's voices as they grow, the cries of my grandbabies, and the gurglings of my great-grandbabies. There is a huge amount of longevity in my family (Gran til 95, Granny's mom til 92, Meme is still kicking at 97, my dad's granddaddy was chasing rabbits at 88, and I could go on) and I desperately want to be able to hear the sounds, precious expressions, cries, and laughter of my loved ones in the years to come.
12. God is good. I am tremendously blessed. I have an amazing family, some extremely worried and precious friends, and everything working on my body but one stupid ear . . . which, given the possibility of things, isn't all bad.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
God is so Good
It's more than just a song, my friends. It's the truth. On a whim this morning, I decided to call Dr. Owens' office and see how long it would be until they could schedule an appointment for me. (It normally takes several months). After hearing about the sudden hearing loss and non-stop ringing, his precious receptionist said, "We'll see you at 1 tomorrow." So, this doctor, who normally takes months to get an appointment with, is penciling me in tomorrow AND I get to drive to Dallas by myself, which means I'll have six hours of uninterrupted music choices, choosing when and where to stop and eat, and more. I know better than to say six hours of silence, because, well, my damn ear won't stop ringing . . .sigh . . . anyway, my sweet sister-in-law, who just so happens to be an audiologist, called me and said that I had to insist on being seen by someone within 72 hours of the attack, and tomorrow at 1 will get me into that window. It made me oh so happy to call my lovely doctor in Lufkin and cancel the appointment they scheduled for Monday. Kelly, my sister-in-law, thinks it might be a viral attack on the nerve, and if it's caught in the first 72 hours, something can be done. Such good times--I'll let you know what I hear (no pun intended) tomorrow . . . .
Health Issues
It's summertime. . . and we're sick! Baby boy had strep last week, baby girl is battling an infection, and I lost my hearing in my left ear at 11 o'clock two night ago--party time! When I was pregnant with baby girl, I lost my hearing in my left ear in about my sixth month of pregnancy. When it still hadn't come back and she was five months old, I went to a doctor in Lufkin, who told me (as I was holding my five month old on my lap) that it was quite possibly a brain tumor. SOOOOO, I decided to go elsewhere.
Went to Dr. Fred Owens in Dallas, who is a SUPERSTAR--he ran three thousand plus tests on me (I wish my camera had been there, as I had three or four 18 inch needles sticking out of my head at one point) and said that I had lower tonal hearing loss and an imbalance of fluids in my ear. He recommended for me to take LipoFlavonoids three times a day, Niacin til I flushed (a lovely experience--let me tell you--pins and needles all over your body for about 10 minutes), a Benadryl every night, and a special drug that only Baylor pharmacy could make (they didn't have the ingredients in Lufkin). He also told me I had to completely eliminate caffeine and bring my sodium intake down to 2000mg or less a day. Within six months, and after an MRI, my hearing was restored and I was overjoyed. I also happened to lose 25 pounds after eliminating salt and caffeine (read--chocolate) from my diet. Of course, six months after all of this, I resumed my old eating habits and ditched the pills--after all, I was better!
All was well. . . until . . . two nights ago, when I literally felt a loud pop in my head and then the ringing began. . . and it hasn't stopped since. Except this time, I have upper and lower tonal hearing loss--when I put the phone up to my left ear, it sounds like aluminum foil getting crunched, which is not such a great thing. The good news about this (I am hoping) is that I will be eligible for a hearing aid with the upper tones . . . the bad news is that this ringing is driving me nutto. Needless to say, I have started my low sodium, no caffeine thing back up again, so at least I'll lose a few pounds, even if I don't regain my hearing again! Good times!
Went to Dr. Fred Owens in Dallas, who is a SUPERSTAR--he ran three thousand plus tests on me (I wish my camera had been there, as I had three or four 18 inch needles sticking out of my head at one point) and said that I had lower tonal hearing loss and an imbalance of fluids in my ear. He recommended for me to take LipoFlavonoids three times a day, Niacin til I flushed (a lovely experience--let me tell you--pins and needles all over your body for about 10 minutes), a Benadryl every night, and a special drug that only Baylor pharmacy could make (they didn't have the ingredients in Lufkin). He also told me I had to completely eliminate caffeine and bring my sodium intake down to 2000mg or less a day. Within six months, and after an MRI, my hearing was restored and I was overjoyed. I also happened to lose 25 pounds after eliminating salt and caffeine (read--chocolate) from my diet. Of course, six months after all of this, I resumed my old eating habits and ditched the pills--after all, I was better!
All was well. . . until . . . two nights ago, when I literally felt a loud pop in my head and then the ringing began. . . and it hasn't stopped since. Except this time, I have upper and lower tonal hearing loss--when I put the phone up to my left ear, it sounds like aluminum foil getting crunched, which is not such a great thing. The good news about this (I am hoping) is that I will be eligible for a hearing aid with the upper tones . . . the bad news is that this ringing is driving me nutto. Needless to say, I have started my low sodium, no caffeine thing back up again, so at least I'll lose a few pounds, even if I don't regain my hearing again! Good times!
Saturday, July 5, 2008
SO MUCH NEWS!
First of all, my precious little baby sister is ENGAGED! She called last night while we were driving home from Shakerag, Texas (outside of Henderson, in case anyone's interested) and told us the amazing news. We are so thrilled that John FINALLY proposed (they've been dating over two years) and he gave her the most amazing ring ever. She texted me a picture of it. Have I mentioned lately just how much I LOVE technology?? Less than 12 hours after his proposal in Columbus, Ohio (okay--actually New Albany), I'm seeing her ring! I just wish I could see her to hug her and give her loves. . . and him, too. He's a great guy and the whole family has fallen in love with him over the years. He's definitely a keeper, and I'm over the moon excited that he'll be a part of our family (and that he knows what he's getting into!). Woo!We spent almost all day yesterday at the Broken A Ranch in Shakerag, Texas, where our friends have their farmhouse. We had a ball and I can't remember the last time I was as filthy as I was when we returned home. Baby girl rode a little horse
they saw baby pigs (so cute!)
they selected eggs and put them in a styrofoam container
tasted milk straight from a cow (although, admittedly, it was in a 35 degree cooling vat)
rode around on Rangers and 4-wheelers (doesn't this look so safe??)
and basically had the best Fourth of July EVER! 
The kids were asleep within a mile from our departure and they are still sleeping (praise God!), so they don't know about Aunt Ashley yet--they'll be so thrilled.Summer has been FAST and furious! Oh course, the fact that my poor baby boy has been signed up for something every single week has increased the passage of time immensely. He's been in Vacation Bible School, Art Camp, Zoo Safari Camp (with three other boys and sixteen little girls--how bout that ratio??), taken classes at Angelina College (Power Point and Ooey Gooey Science) and come down with strep and the summer isn't even half-way over! This week he'll participate in a Golf, Tennis, Swim, and Etiquette (can you believe??) camp, then more Art Camp and another class at Angelina College. He is totally into college and thinks it's the best thing ever, which is the best thing ever for me as a parent.
As we were driving to AC for his first class, he said, "Mom, I'm a little bit nervous." "About what?" "Well, I am a little young for college, and what if everyone is much, much older than me?" So precious--of course, he had nothing to worry about, as this is part of the community service program and the oldest children allowed in his age group would be nine. There were only two children in the Power Point class and he had such a great time and learned so much--it was a great experience. Of course, he missed the last week of Ooey Gooey Science, thanks to strep, but he loved his first week!
Oh, he also celebrated his birthday with a pirate party--it was such fun. Here are some pictures of our pool-side pirate party. The tables were covered with black tableclothes, vases painted by my precious babies, sand, beads, coins and shells--of course, we had to have balloons, too!
The kiddos each got an inflatable sword (hanging outside fence), beads, coins, eye patches, hats, and a goody bag. Food was kept simple and easy with just snacks and nuts and fruit snacks and cake--lots of drinks, too!
The cake was exactly was he asked for--he was SO excited about it!
Here is the birthday boy with mommy and daddy--can't believe he's getting so big!
I have blabbered on far too long . . . so let me add this final statement. Remember that butt-kicking, totally intensive exercise class I was going to sign up for? Haven't. didn't. Haven't exercised since April now . . . (except for two water aerobics classes). However, now that there's a wedding in the near future, I'm going to get serious. Really. Also, cleaned out some toys and such from upstairs, where the kiddos live, and donated six large trash bags to Salvation Army--need to do it again this week to really clear out all we don't want--crazy excess!
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