Monday, July 18, 2016

Slow Healing Process

It has been awhile since I've posted here, but I have a good reason. You see, I've been pretty ill for the past 3 weeks, the sickest I've been in many years. And I'm actually not fully healed yet. First, I thought it was a severe case of the stomach flu, but the flu doesn't last weeks. So, last week I ended going to the local ER and they pretty much eliminated any major organ issues, and it looks like I have had a stomach ulcer. I have received some meds to help heal it. On top of the ulcer, I've had a number of other totally separate physical issues and some flair ups associated to the ulcer. So, needless to say, this has been a slow healing process. I've had to slow down, eat cautiously, and get plenty of rest. This 'ole body definitely is not feeling as young as it used to be. But, I know that through it all, the Lord is healing me and walking with me. 

I just wanted to stop by and once again share some of the many blessings God has given to me over the past 3 weeks or so...and  continue my list.(Getting closer to 2000 gifts!)

#1824 - This is one of those beautiful-ugly gifts. The beautiful pergola that my hubby got me for Mother's Day was put up. The ugly was that we had to take it down(at least for now) due to a jealous neighbor and unfortunate circumstances. 
 #1825 - My flower planter pots look beautiful! Gladly, I was able to keep them.

 #1826 - My hubby got me a bouquet of flowers, too! I love my man!!
 #1827 - Spending precious time with my mom, who has dementia. Each day is different...some easy and enjoyable, some more challenging.

#1828 - A beautiful afternoon spent out on our patio...me with my laptop, hubby working on his fishing poles.
 #1829 - A beautiful evening fishing, ending with a gorgeous sunset!
 #1830 - Some more flowers that had new blooms on them. I'm so blessed to enjoy so many different flowers that God has made!

 #1831 - Getting to spend time with some cousins/family who live far and near.

 #1832 - Spending July 4th with Ken's daughter and her family, having fun being part of our lake's flotilla parade.
 #1833 - Getting to see my son and his girlfriend before they took a long roadtrip.(Even though I was feeling VERY sick at that time.)
 #1834 - Spending a hot, hazy afternoon swimming and relaxing with my hubby.

#1835 - Feeling SO much better after a long 2 weeks of illness! Thankful for God's healing power!

#1836 - Having a date day with my hubby...going to the movies and dinner at a new Italian restaurant in town. LOVED IT!!

Thanks for stopping by, friends. May you find joy and a grateful heart each day of your life.
“Dare to Be"
When a new day begins, dare to smile gratefully.
When there is darkness, dare to be the first to shine a light.
When there is injustice, dare to be the first to condemn it.
When something seems difficult, dare to do it anyway.
When life seems to beat you down, dare to fight back.
When there seems to be no hope, dare to find some.
When you’re feeling tired, dare to keep going.
When times are tough, dare to be tougher.
When love hurts you, dare to love again.
When someone is hurting, dare to help them heal.
When another is lost, dare to help them find the way.
When a friend falls, dare to be the first to extend a hand.
When you cross paths with another, dare to make them smile.
When you feel great, dare to help someone else feel great too.
When the day has ended, dare to feel as you’ve done your best.
Dare to be the best you can –
At all times, Dare to be!” 
― Steve MaraboliLife, the Truth, and Being Free

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12 comments:

  1. I'm so glad you are starting to feel better, Ann! An ulcer is a painful thing... (And, the stress of having to remove your beautiful pergola didn't help it, I'm sure!) I do pray that you continue to heal and that the HOA will allow you to put your pergola up again! Blessings & love, Joan

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    1. Yes, that was quite stressful, Joan. But we have prayed about it and decided to give it fully to God. If the pergola doesn't go back up, we will probably invest in an RV and spend most of the time traveling. If God calls us to do so, we may eventually sell and go full-time. Just think, we may be able to see each other again real soon! :) Thanks for all your love and concern, friend!

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  2. I'm so sorry that you've been ill, Ann. I have RA and with it comes a lot of stomach issues related to the meds I've taken for years, so I can relate to a degree. I do hope your issues resolve and heal. Love the flowers and the beautiful setting that you enjoy at your home on the water. And I also love how positive and grateful you are for your hubby and all of your life's blessings. Ann Voskamp's challenge to count 1000 gifts is being far surpassed by you, my grateful, new friend! Thanks for visiting me back at my blog messymarriage.

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    1. My mom has RA, so I'm praying that I don't inherit that illness, as I see how difficult it is for her to do much without pain. I don't think she is taking any pain meds for it, though. Thanks for your uplifting words and kindness. I'm so glad you responded back to my visit and hope our new friendship will keep growing!! God bless!!

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  3. Ann - I am so glad you are on the mend and starting to feel better. Praying that King Jesus continues the healing that was already begun. I am so sorry you had to take your pergola down :( that is so very sad - I love my outdoor space and enjoy sitting under mine - I pray that whatever the issue is with the neighbor gets resolved so it can go back up - the rest of your blessings and pictures are great too. Thanks for sharing today at #MondayMusings and #SoulSurvivor where we are neighbors

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    1. Thanks for you encouraging words and prayers, Debbie. Yes, I'm also a lover of outdoor spaces for peace and relaxing. I'm praying this does get resolved and hopefully soon. I would love to enjoy the pergola before summer ends! God bless!

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  4. Gratitude is life changing! Your photos are lovely and I'm sad about that awesome pergola!

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  5. Ann - Eyes wide open! It's the only way to allow peace and joy through the trials of life. I always say "In the ordinary, its a blessing to seek and see the Almighty! Bless you in all the days to come.

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  6. Hi Ann, this is my first visit to your blog. I found you through your visit to mine.

    I'm sorry you've been so sick, but I am rejoicing with you that you are now on the mend. We can so often take good health for granted, but after a period of illness, we are reminded of what a gift good health is.

    I'm sorry also about your pergola. I hope the situation gets resolved soon, so that you can enjoy it before the end of summer.

    Your photos are beautiful. What a gorgeous place you live at. To have a home on a lake has always been my husband's dream.

    Blessings,
    Patti @ Embracing Home

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  7. I'm so sorry you've been sick! I'm visiting from Coffee For Your Heart. You have a beautiful home. I love the pic where you were on your laptop and your hubby was working on his fishing gear. It's a joy to read your post and visit your blog! I loved the poem too!

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  8. Love that poem. Hope you get back to normal and feel like your old self ( better though) and glad you are seeing sunshine again.

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  9. Thanks for sharing your lovely photos! I'm glad you are feeling better but sorry you have been sick. Blessings to you! I'm your neighbor at #ThoughtProvokingThursday.

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