NO SHORTCUTS - You've got to work for it!

In light of the upcoming election and some proclaiming all the things "Government" is going to do for us I think it's time to hear what God's word has to say about the matter.

"Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth."

Proverbs 10:4 NIV

When questioned about his incredible success, Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, offered these ten insights to anyone starting out. They are worth considering.

(1) Life isn't fair -- get used to it.

(2) The world doesn't care about your self-esteem; it expects you to accomplish something before feeling good about yourself.

(3) You won't make $60K a year right out of school, or be a vice president with a cell phone. You have to earn it.

(4) Do you think your teacher is tough? Wait till you have a boss -- he's not tenured.

(5) Flipping burgers isn't beneath you; your grandparents called it opportunity.

(6) Your parents weren't always boring, it came from feeding you, cleaning your clothes and paying your bills. So before you rush out to save the rain forest from the "parasites" of your parents' generation, try delousing your own closet.

(7) Some schools may have abolished winners and losers, but life hasn't. They may have eradicated "failing grades" and given you as long as you want to get the right answer. This bears no resemblance to reality.

(8) Life isn't divided into semesters. You don't get summers off. Employers aren't interest in helping you "find yourself;" you do that on your own times.

(9) Unlike television, real people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to work.

(10) Be nice to nerds; chances are, you'll end up working for one someday!

The Bible says: "Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth." "The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied" Proverbs 13:4 NIV.

No shortcuts - you've got to work for it!

ANOTHER CALL TO PRAYER FOR THE ELECTION

Now is the time to walk on waves like Peter as we pray for these elections!



We must obey every prompting of the Lord instructing us how to pray, and every command He gives, even if it seems as crazy as walking on water.



We must keep our eyes on Jesus - not on the polls or the pundits, but on the risen Jesus who vanquished every principality & power on the cross!



Obeying the directions of the Lord has led us as a ministry to DC on several trips this month. We've participated in 24/7 prayer lifting up the cross of Christ on the Capitol grounds, seiged with LIFE tape at the Supreme Court, interceded at JHOP DC, and waged war in the heavenlies at Lafayette Park next door to the White House. We're going for one last prayer strike this weekend before the election.



Obeying the directions of the Lord has meant praying out of the revelation He's showed us:


Fasting as He directs us


Praying for the women voters of America to rise up as Deborah, and as Jael, who defeated the enemy with a tent peg - Judges 4


Believing for the women in the families of each of the candidates to have a revelation from God, as Pilot's wife did - Matthew 27:19


Declaring Jesus victorious over all principalities & powers, triumphing over them at the cross


Rebuking fear of economic uncertainty, as well as spirits of anarchy, racism, death, and occultic influence, in Jesus' name


Praying Psalm 91 protection over each candidate & his or her family


Prophesying Psalm 103 over the nation, that youth would be renewed like the eagle's, and for removal of transgression as far as the east is from the west


Proclaiming that Sarah Palin would fulfill her destiny in God's timing, and have a George Washington anointing of protection, statesmanship, and leadership


Asking for the cry for mercy to be louder than the cry for change


Proclaiming that strategy from heaven will be given to intercessors, as Joshua received strategy to defeat Jericho



How is God directing you to pray? Obey his promptings! If He calls you to pray with anyone, anywhere, in any specific way, obey Him with all your heart!



Obeying the directions of the Lord has led us to take our stand regularly in TheCause Prayer Room on Wednesday nights, to seek the mind of Christ & earnestly intercede on behalf of a nation at a piont of decision.



God is on the move in America. Let the Church walk on water for the elections, and the Awakening that is to come.



Faith-walking,
TheCause team

MY HUSBAND - MY LOVE - MY FRIEND - MY OTHER HALF

I had done this post which was SUPPOSE to post on October 4th and didn't!!!

Due to the events which occurred it got lost in the shuffle of things but I found it today and wanted to post it anyway as a tribute to him, even if 25 days late and a repaired heart!

1958-2008

Golden (50th) Anniversary

My Husband, Mickey Wayne Joyce

Husband & Father Extraordinaire

We are celebrating our 50th today!! When we return from our trip I'll share that with you but for today I wanted to tell & show you about this wonderful man, my husband.

October 4, 1958

This is a meme I've seen on several blogs and thought it would be a good way for you to learn a little more about my man.

1. He's sitting in front of the TV; what is on the screen? Preferably John Wayne or some other western

1960 - Juarez, Mexico with his built-in family of girls he loves!

Suzette, Jacque & me!!!!

2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad? Blue Cheese

1964 - The addition of our first son, David.

3. What's one food he doesn't like? Boiled Okra

1971 - The addition of our 2nd son, & youngest child, Marc.

4. You go to a bar. What does he order? We don't go to bars....

1977 - The girls are grown & not at home so this is our little family.

5. Where did he go to high school? Humboldt, Tennessee

1979 - In his Real Estate Broker days

6. What size shoe does he wear? 11

1980 - With new hot air balloon - Suzy Blue

7. If he was to collect anything what would it be? Bees & Gold Coins

1983 - 25th Anniversary

8. What is his favorite kind of sandwich? Cheeseburger

1985 - Struggling to hold our marriage together.

Don't ever give up on your marriage!!

We are living proof of this as we celebrate our 50th.

9. What would this person eat every day if he could? Steak & potatoes

1988 - Renewing our wedding vows - 30th Anniversary

10. What is his favorite cereal? Oatmeal

1995 - Addition of 2 granddaughters, Jessica & Oksana

11. What would he never wear? A dress

1996 - David is home after 10 years!!!!

12. What is his favorite sports team. He doesn't have one

2002 - We've add our 1st Grandson, Aric

13. Who will he vote for? McCain/Palin

2000 -David, Marc, Mickey, Suzette, Jacque, Susan

14. Who is his best friend? me!!!

2007 - Our entire family

15. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn't do? Tell him how to drive & spend too much time blogging

16. How many states has he lived in? 9 & travelled to all 50 and the Providences of Canada

17. What is his heritage? Irish

18. You bake him a cake for his birthday; what kind of cake? German Chocolate

19. Did he play sports in high school? Football 1 year and then Marching band (tuba)

20. What could he spend hours doing? Watching westerns

It was hard to find pictures of just Mickey because his life revolves around His Lord & His Family. I am so thankful and blessed to have shared 50 years with this wonderful man.

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus. Romans 15:5

I have wrestled with what true unity is. The knee-jerk elementary definition would drive us to fellowship, socialize, and interact only with those that see things our way. But the unity Paul is urging us to is a focus on God, an intention to set ourselves on Him, His ways, and the things precious on His heart. The ability and maturity to set aside that which would divide us, and choose instead to focus on that which unites us in Him. (These are not my words and I cannot remember where I copied them down from.....if perchance you are reading this and recognize them as yours please let me know so I can give you the proper credit). When I saw the above statement it fit in so completely with the view I hold when I speak of The Body of Christ and THE Church. I think this is so important ,and true, as we focus on and wind down to this election in 8 days.

I have recently read 2 wonderful posts that I want to link you to.

The first is another great one by Dan, The Bumbling Genius , on Wednesday, October 22, titled "Can Obama be Beaten?" Dan always blows me away with his insight.

The second is by Nancy, In My Neck Of The Woods, on Thursday, October 23, titled "Christian Citizenship".

A MICKEY UPDATE & THIS & THAT

I had made the prayer group on Hearts in "1" Accord aware that Mickey was having a few post operative issues but did not post about it here on Penless at the time. We had to make yet another run to an emergency room last Wednesday night at 8 p.m. The lower incision on his leg, where they took out the vein for the bi-pass, began a slow bled that we could not stop. When we called EMC they felt it might need a stitch and suggested the emergency room. Turned out it was a "seep hole", a WHAT!!!!, that had been left for just this purpose. But it was also a little inflamed so they did 2 cultures on it and put him on a 5 day doze of antibiotics. The culture was to take 3 days, and as of my writing this we have not heard the result of that.

He has also been having a lot of stomach problems, not wanting to eat, not being able to sleep, etc. Anyway, as of today we seem to have gotten things under control and he is doing better beginning late yesterday afternoon.

Let me tell you.........I am not good at this Nurse Susan job. I am far too apprehensive in the fact I do not understand what to do or what is truly going on. I have complete and total faith in God, it's just ME I doubt.

Our House of Prayer meets on Friday nights less than a mile from our home and we were able to make it over there for about 30 minutes so that they could actually lay-hand on and prayer for Mickey. It was such a blessed time.

************

Marc had bought this cap for his dad at the VA Hospital for him to wear home the day he left the hospital. It reads "Korean Veteran". Since Marc did not have to come to help bring his dad home I got home with it without Mickey seeing it and waited until Marc came to the house to give it to his Dad.

Just a sweet picture of Aric that same evening.

A picture of Oksana texting on her phone and grandpa before the surgery.


A picture of Mickey on a little walk we try and take some days.

************

I am so upset with myself. Our beautiful and lovely granddaughter, Jessica, was over to see her granddad post surgery. We don't get to see a lot of Jessica because seems like she is always working whenever we have a family get together. I did not get a picture of her. grrrrrr makes me so angry. She is doing great in her college classes, all A's and one B in English Composition plus working at Ou*t Ba*ck St*eak Hou*se so she is plenty busy and we are very proud of her!!!!

**************

When Dave & Suzette came over last Sunday to visit Mickey they rode Dave's new motorcycle so I had to get these pictures of it and them.


They finally agreed to pose but said, "We look awful"! No, they look like motorcycle riders and our kids.

************

Last, but by no means least.......I had a telephone call from Barbara, Ramblings From An English Garden, all the way from England. Barbara had called me once before, soon after I began blogging. It was such a pleasant surprise and we had a nice visit. I just love hearing her English accent!!!! Thanks again, Barbara, for brightening my day. This call came soon after our night time trip to the hospital. She had no idea about it......but God did!!!!

************

Pray and vote!!!!!

Sorry to my international readers for so much about our voting in this important election but we are at a very critical juncture in this country. It will be over in 9 more days and I'll be back to some other posts so please bare with me.

A CALL TO PRAYER - from Dutch Sheets

I know this is very long, but please take time to read it. He points out why we must pray about this election.


Dear Praying Friend,

In 2000, I wrote the 2nd most important letter of my life-a call to prayer for the elections of that year. I'm now writing what may be my most important letter. I knew the importance of those elections in 2000 was beyond any in my life up to that point and that the spiritual warfare surrounding them would be unlike anything any of us had ever seen. That letter was read by millions of people and I believe millions of them responded by praying. I also believe the prayers turned the tide.

You may question whether President Bush was the right choice; obviously, he has made some blunders in his tenure as president. But two of his decisions alone left no doubt he was God's choice: Roberts and Alito

These two Supreme Court Justices have proven critical in the process of breaking the hold of humanism, death and anti-God agendas that have ruled the Court for 50 years. I assure you that more devastation-the shedding of innocent blood, immorality, decay of the family and an erosion of our godly heritage-has flowed into our nation through that institution than any other door in America. Many times more. The poison allowed into America through their decisions is beyond any of our abilities to articulate. The reality in America is that you don't need to control Congress or the White Hose to rule the nation. You only need 5 people - 5 out of 9 on the Supreme Court. And for decades those who disagree with just about everything you and I stand for have been in control!

In Bush's two terms, the process of turning this around began with the appointments of Roberts and Alito. Now, we win some cases 5-4 and lose some 4-5. (We barely outlawed partial birth abortion. The vote of one judge saved thousands of babies from this horror.) We need one more conservative Justice for a consistent majority, then more to build a strong majority.

In Obama's own words, "the next president will appoint at least one, perhaps two or more Supreme Court Justices." He's right. Almost certainly two or more older, liberal Justices are waiting until after the elections to retire, in hopes of Obama winning and appointing more liberals to replace them. And he certainly would. He voted against the confirmation of Roberts and Alito. So did Biden. And Biden led the fight against Justice Thomas several years back, another of the 4 solid conservatives. Make no mistake about it, the two of them do have a litmus test for Supreme Court Justices, and a major part of that test is Roe vs. Wade. McCain and Palin, on the other hand, both have very strong pro-life positions. This alone makes the choice for President simple. To vote for the 2nd and 3rd most liberal senators (Obama and Biden), both of whom are firmly and blatantly pro-abortion, would be unconscionable.

Obama has actually said that if he wins, he would like his first action as president to be the signing of the Freedom of Choice Act, which would eliminate every other law against any aspect of abortion (partial birth abortion, parental notification, etc.). And with a democratic majority in the House and Senate, pretty much any legislation he and Biden want to pass will be a slam-dunk. There are many other unrighteous positions they hold but this position alone makes the choice easy. If they win this election, it will set America back decades in the cause of life and the restoration we seek.

Just as many of you do, I too, want to see a first black President, but not Senator Obama. To allow that noble and godly desire, the economy or one's position on the war to trump this issue of life and death for the innocent unborn is simply wrong. The scriptures teach that if we choose first to exalt righteousness and turn from evil, God promises to heal our land (see Proverbs 14:34; 2 Chronicles 7:14). It is righteousness that exalts a nation, not wealth, prosperity or armies. If we will finish the process of removing the curses of death and anti-God laws off of America by electing a president that will continue to shift the Court, God will grace us with breakthrough in other areas such as the economy, the war against terrorism, etc.

My faith is not in a person, and certainly not a political party, for the healing of America, but I know God's word and His ways well enough to know that our decisions do move Him to action or inaction. Now to the heart of my reason for writing this letter (I realize I am "preaching to the choir"-most of you who know or listen to me are conservative enough to vote for McCain and Palin.)

I have not written any appeals for prayer concerning this election because: 1) others have, and 2) I believe our movement has matured to the point that the prayer base of the Church is already praying.

But I now feel the need to raise my voice. I am appealing to you to pray for these elections the next two weeks like you've never prayed for any in the past. Faithfully. Passionately. Boldly. Ask God for His mercy and grace. We deserve His judgment for removing His influence and authority from our government, schools, homes and businesses; for the killing of 50 million babies; for leading the world in the consumption and exporting of pornography; for passing laws to reject His; etc. But mercy triumphs over judgment and in His wrath He remembers mercy. In 2000 we actually lost the popular vote and won the election-talk about grace! Please pray for this grace to be released again.

But I am also asking you for something more than normal prayer. For those of you who understand spiritual warfare, I am asking you to also include this aspect of prayer. There is no doubt that we have entered a Daniel 10 moment in time: "Then he said to me, 'Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, I have come in response to your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia'" (Daniel 10: 12-13 NAS). The spiritual warfare in this election is incredibly fierce, and just as it was in Daniel's day, is all about the restoration of a nation. And also like Daniel, we must keep praying until we win the battle in the heavens.

In August of this year I predicted that September would mark a shift in momentum for these elections. This happened with the appointment of Sarah Palin as the Vice Presidential nominee (who is a true Esther in our generation), but when the economy began its meltdown and the media ramped up their unprecedented attacks on Palin, that momentum wasn't sustained. But we can see it turn again if we approach this battle as the spiritual warfare it truly is and bind the evil forces involved (see Matthew 16:18-19). The reality is that this election can be the breakthrough we need to fully shift the Court (and ultimately our nation) or it will be an immeasurable setback that could take many years to reverse-if ever. (Italics/Hilites, Mine - David Crowe)

Please understand what I am saying: if we engage in this battle and do what I am asking-in mass-we will win; if we do not, we will lose. I, for one, don't intend to allow the latter.

I am in Washington, D.C. now (October 20-22) with Lou Engle and a team of prayer leaders from around the nation to war for this election. Join us! Lose some sleep, miss some meals- pray! Pray like never before for these elections. And as you do, involve yourself not only in petitioning prayer but also in spiritual warfare. Use your God-given authority over the plans and strategies of satan's kingdom. Bind all witchcraft that is working to control the outcome, including occultic powers that are suppressing truth. Release Christ's Kingdom rule in every way the Holy Spirit leads you

Don't be deceived and don't lose hope (if you have to, turn off the TV.) It is not too late to turn these elections. God is plenty powerful enough to do so. The real question is will we rise to the level of prayer and spiritual warfare necessary to release that power. And remember, we don't need a majority of Christians who are willing and able to do this-only a praying remnant. We can do it!

Here are some practical suggestions to consider:
1) Fast (a meal a day; a day a week; a Daniel fast; 3 days; 10 days; TV; etc.) and spend the time praying.
2) Agree in prayer with someone everyday for God's will to be done.
3) Form/participate in prayer groups regularly. Churches could pray everyday. 4) Take time in every gathering to pray. (Take 15 minutes in every service to pray for the elections. Turn an entire service to harp and bowl style intercession-worship and prayer combined.)
5) Join 2 or more on a conference call and pray for 15, 20, or 30 minutes.
6) Pray on the way to work (and on the way home).
7) Pray before you go to sleep.
8) Pray before church services.
9) Ask God to give you His strategy-He will!

In His grip,
Dutch Sheets
Senior Pastor, Freedom Church, Colorado Springs

10 DAYS & COUNTING - Until this election is finished

I think we are all sick and tired of this election process.....I know we are!!!!! During the next 10 days I am going to be posting some things about my views on the election.
I would remind anyone who comes to read, and I welcome you, who does not agree with me that I acknowledge your right to believe as you do, BUT I do ask that you be
respectful. This is my blog and no one is making you come here to read it, least of all me. My choices in this, as with every aspect of my life, are based on the fact that I am a Christian and Jesus the Christ is my Lord & Savior. My priorities are 1) Christ first - 2) Family second - 3) Country third.

In light of all this I want to post the following devotion. Even though this is geared for family and personal relationships I think it is very fitting to us here in Blogland, too.

"Watch out or you will be destroyed by each other." Galatians 5:15

HOW TO FIGHT SO EVERYBODY WINS

Healthy relationships aren't conflict free; they're conflict resolving. The problem is: we fight for victories instead of fighting for solutions. The result is: one wins, one loses, and the relationship suffers! Here are some practical insights for fighting so that the relationship wins.

(1) Differences are inevitable, normal, and potentially beneficial. They're inevitable, because relationships bring together very different people. They're normal, because all relationships, including great ones, experience them. They're potentially beneficial, because handled effectively, relationships grow through them.

(2) Here are three conflicting handling styles:

(a) The avoid style. These are the "don't want to rock the boat" and "let sleeping dogs lie" people. They fear confrontation, so they bury their feelings, not realizing they're buried alive and will rise again down the road. They go from clam-up, to build-up, inviting physical and emotional illness. Meanwhile offenses accumulate, unaddressed issues multiply, and unfinished business erodes the relationship.

(b) The attack style. These are the "get them before they get you" people; ruthless fighters who refuse to give in, they inflict terminal wounds on each other. The Bible says, "If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other." Attack begets counterattack, both sides "dig in" and nothing gets resolved.

(c) The approach-assert style: These are the "no price is too high for a good relationship" people. They're sensitive to the feelings of others, yet insist on dealing directly with important issues. They're sensitive to the feelings of others, yet insist on dealing directly with important issues. They avoid blaming, confront the issue, not the individual, and invite others to partner with them in solving the problem and saving the relationship!

From: The WORD For You TODAY

SOMETHING TO CONSIDER

Given the current national economic crisis, you may find this interesting.

The Benefits of the Inevitable Economic Depression

Americans will reduce their overall national obesity rate because they will have less money to spend daily on fatty, fast foods.



Americans will walk or ride their bicycles more because they will have less money to spend on gasoline.



Americans will spend less time on their computers because they will have less money to spend on Internet pornography and gambling.



Americans will spend more time reading than watching television because they will have less money to spend on outrageous cable and satellite fees.



Americans will spend more time worshipping God rather than Hollywood and sports celebrities because they will finally realize that during a depression the latter NEVER cared about them.



Americans will appreciate the value of a dollar and what it takes to earn one before they squander their money on frivolous things they don’t need.



Americans will appreciate that being employed is more honorable than being unemployed because, during a depression, the federal government has no money for welfare and human services.



Americans will finally demand leaders of integrity and principle who truly care about the Nation’s welfare rather than lecherous, self-serving politicians who shamelessly lust for money and power.



Americans will finally embrace hard work, personal accountability, self-achievement, and success.



Americans will finally despise sloth, irresponsibility, government waste, and failure.



Americans will finally realize the family unit, and not government, is the most important element of our society.

ACCEPTING YOURSELF

'LOVE OTHERS AS MUCH AS YOU LOVE YOURSELF."

Matthew 22:39 CEV

Only by loving yourself in a healthy way can you love others the way God intended. When you don't love yourself you live with insecurity, and you keep looking to others for approval. When you don't get it, your self-worth shrivels. As a result, you live far beneath your potential. You are the only person you can't get away from, so unless you learn to accept yourself, you'll be miserable. Stop, and think about the last time you were around somebody you didn't enjoy being with - how did it feel?

Whether good or bad you project onto others the thoughts and feelings you have about yourself. So if you want people to think well of you, have a good opinion of yourself - one that's based on God's Word and nurtured by the right relationships. No question, the Bible cautions us about having an overinflated opinion of ourselves. But don't go to the other extreme! Living with continual self-rejection is an open invitation to Satan, who is always "sneaking around to find someone to attack" (1 Peter 5:8 CEV) Don't play into his hands!

Paul writes: "Nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature." (Romans 7:18 NIV) That means the good qualities you do possess are evidence that God is at work in your life. So be sure to acknowledge them. The Bible says, "We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." (2 Corinthians 4:7). Instead of focusing on your flaws and feeling bad about yourself, recognize the "treasure" of God's presence, power, and potential that lives within you, and build on it.

From The WORD for you TODAY - Sept-Oct-Nov.

A CUP OF FRIENDSHIP AWARD -

I got this blog award from Danielle! It's so cute I had to do it and pass it on.

To claim my fabulous prize of four cyber coffee cups full of mysterious liquid, I must answer the following questions and provide links to my unsuspecting victims:

1. Do you have the same friends since childhood? Not friend(s) but friend. My forever friend, Joan, who I have written much about. I do keep up with some of my fellow classmates via e-mail forwards and updates, etc. I also have to list our wonderful friends, Don & Barbara. We meet them 32 years ago.......that is equal to a lifetime for many of you!!!

2. What do you value most about your friends? Truthfulness & honesty is #1 with me, loyality, understanding, acceptance, sharing our belief in Christ so "Iron Sharpeneth Iron", people of their word. All of my close, personal friends exhibit ALL of these qualities and MORE!!!

3. Are your friends your sounding boards? Very much so. Of course my dearest & closest friend of all is my beloved husband, Mickey. He is REALLY my sounding board!!!

4. What is your favorite activity to share with your friends? Anything and everything, with lots of fun and laughter thrown in the mix.

Since there are 4 cups of liquid, I'm keeping one for myself and passing the others along to....

for this I'm giving it to the 2 blog friends I just met and the one I had planned and hoped to meet.

1. Kitty

2. Brenda

3. Jen

(I'm wondering what this liquid is, too.) I'll bet its to grow these friendships even stronger!!! What do you think?

THE HEART OF THE MATTER - Family and Friends

This picture of Mickey was taken just as we were leaving our home in Coweta to go to Oklahoma City for his Double Bi-pass Heart Surgery the next day.

A RECAP OF THE SURGERY & HOSPITAL STAY

October 8, Wednesday - We headed for Oklahoma City and checked into our motel room. Shortly after our daughters, Suzette & Jacque arrived. Next came our son, Marc, and granddaughter, Oksana, and grandson, Aric. We had gotten 2 rooms, Mickey, Marc, Aric & I shared one room, and Suzette, Jacque, & Oksana shared a room.

Last came our dear wonderful friends, Don & Barbara. You know what good friends they truly are when they travel over 100 miles, and pay for a motel room, so that they can be there to support Mickey & me!!

After getting all settled in we went to Ch*ilis to eat. The following were taken as we were deciding on what we wanted to eat.

Barbara & Don

Aric with Aunt Jacque
Marc, Mickey & I

Oksana with Aunt Suzette

We had a wonderful, fun time, delicious food and a great waiter.

Mickey slept really well!!!! Marc & I hardly slept. We were so glad Mickey could, and did sleep. I think he was just so relieved that the surgery had been moved up and was going to get done and over with.

October 9, Thursday - We arose really early because Mickey had to be at the VA Hospital by 6 a.m. It was decided that only Marc & I would accompany him at that hour and the others would come over later because only 2 of us could go into the check-in portion of the procedure with Mickey. After Mickey had gotten into the famous hospital gown and his clothing was placed in bags for us to take with us, the assisting Physician, Dr. Sand*erw*ich, came in and talked to the 3 of us. He described in detail the upcoming procedure and the time frame that we could expect (4 to 6 hours) . About 6:30 they came to take Mickey to the surgical prep area and Marc & I had to kiss him good-bye and retreat to the general 7th floor waiting room.

Our wonderful Pastor Gary and his wife, Paula, came all the way from Coweta!! Because of being a Pastor they were allowed to go in and spend some time with Mickey, visit and pray for him. These were the last people that Mickey saw. How blessed we are to have a Pastor of a large church who would do that!!!!

One of the nurses was wonderful to call out to the waiting room several times during the procedure. They called right after 8:15 to tell me the cut of the breast bone had been made and the surgery was beginning. Then they called once to tell me everything was going well and no problems. Then they called to tell me the surgery had been completed by Dr. Trot*ter and the Dr. Sand-er-wich was closing him up. This was around noon. They also said to wait about 25-30 minutes and 2 of us could go to the SICU waiting room and the Dr. would come out and talk to us personally.

Here are Marc, Barbara & Don as they waited in the general waiting area. I wish I'd had the presence of mind to take a picture of all the others, Pastor Gary & Paula, Suzette, Jacque, Oksana & Aric but I didn't. I'm thankful to at least have this picture.

Marc & I waited until 12:30 and moved to that area. This was the longest time of waiting. After what seemed a long time another Dr., who we had not seen, or meet, came out and spoke with us telling us everything had gone well and that Dr. Trot*ter would be out shortly to talk to us. After what seemed like forever Dr. Trot*ter did come out and explained exactly what they had done and that it had been a very routine, easy & successful surgery. He told us to continue to wait in the SICU area and they would call us when we could go in and see him.

We waited.....and waited. Everyone, even the booklet I had been given, tried to tell me to be prepared for how awful he would look, very pale, etc. Finally, and I can't even remember the time for sure, the phone call came and Marc & I walked into the first room on the right in SICU of the 7th floor of the VA hospital. He was totally out but he looked WONDERFUL. Marc & I looked at each other and mouthed "he looks great!".

Next Pastor Gary then went in and Paula visited with Marc & I. Pastor Gary came out saying how wonderful he looked!! Then Don went in to see him, again saying how great he looked. He was still totally sedated as the 4 of us saw him.

Suzette, Jacque & Oksana decided they wanted to wait until the following day, when he was awake to see him. Aric was too young to go into the SICU room.

At one point another nurse came into the room and asked if I was his wife. When I said, "Yes", she said I had a long distance call from South Africa. WHAT!!!! It was Retha, one of the bloggers on Hearts In "1" Accord Prayer Blog. What an unexpected blessing and what a sweet, gentle voice Retha has. This call was both exciting and very soothing to me. Thank you again Retha.

Marc & I continued to wait in the SICU waiting room and then saw him after he was gaining conciousness. The nurse suggested the best thing for us to do was go back to the motel and get some rest and return the next morning. We decided to go ahead & leave.

All of us, Don, Barbara, Marc, Oksana, Aric, Suzette, Jacque & I went to Red Rob*in for dinner. We all ate WAY too much and Aric & I even shared a malt. We were just all so relieved the surgery was over and that he is doing well.

After dinner Don & Barbara headed back to Tulsa, as so did Suzette & Jacque as Jacque had to work Friday. They had all checked out of the motel earlier and had moved Oksana to our room.

Mickey has wonderful nurses the entire stay, but the main nurse assigned to him was a male nurse named Arvin. We came to fall in love with Arvin and he was such a help to us.

October 10, Friday - When Marc & I walked in that morning he was sitting up in bed eating breakfast!!! We spent basically the entire day at the hospital. Suzette, Jacque & Oksana all came later to see him. A couple from our church, fairly new friends who live in our neighborhood, Kathy & David came from Coweta to see him. I was totally shocked and blown away when they walked into that SICU waiting room!!! Later that evening, after we had left and gone to the motel, yet another couple from our church, John & Phyllis came to see him. Mickey told me of their visit when I got there Saturday morning. What a wonderful Church the Lord has placed us in and what a wonderful Church family we have.

Mickey asked me to bring the booklet "Going for Heart Surgery...what you need to know" to the hospital so he could have the Dr. actually draw, on the heart picture in the book, where his 2 heart bi-passes had been made.

Marc, the kids & I stayed pretty late at the hospital and on our way back to the motel we stopped at Gr*and*ys to eat Chicken Fried Steak.

October 11, Saturday - When I walk into Mickey's room this morning he ask for the booklet.......I had forgotten it :o( I did get it there the next day!!! Another morning of Marc, Oksana, Aric & I being together and spending time visiting Mickey. Still just 2 of us at a time in his room. Marc had planned to stay until Sunday but since Mickey was doing so extremely well I told him to go on home which he did. He is going to come back, when Mickey is released to go home.

Marc & the grands had barely left when Don and Barbara came again. They visited awhile with Mickey. This is the first time Barbara had seen Mickey post surgery. Barbara had massive heart surgery a few years ago so she knows what it is like. After visiting they took me to dinner at The Ele*phant Bar. It is one of their favorite restaurants and they have closed the one in Tulsa. After lunch, they took me back to the hospital and they returned to Tulsa. WONDERFUL friends!!!!

I stayed with Mickey until almost dark and went back to the motel room by myself that night but slept very well. They have been having Mickey walk and I actually got to walk with him and Arvin as they made their way around the SICU ward and even a little way in the hall. Oh my, walking by the other rooms where there were such desperately ill patients almost broke our hearts.

Arvan let me stay in the room the entire time today. No waiting off and on in the waiting room. Just before I leave Mickey asks me to bring him his shaving kit so he can shave and clean up a bit more.

October 12, Sunday - I arrive at the hospital at 8 a.m. The first thing Mickey says is "Did you bring my shaving kit?" No, I forgot. Oh my, he is going to give up on me about remembering his requests. Really very unlike me but two days in a row I have forgotten!!! The nurse got him a razor, shaving cream, everything he needed to shave.

Suzette & Dave arrived, from Tulsa, about 11 and visited for about an hour. Then they took me out to a wonderful Italian cafe we had seen near our motel. It was soooo nice. We'll have to go back there again on one of these trips we'll be making to OKC. After lunch they dropped me off at the hospital and they went back home to Tulsa. I stayed at the hospital until just before dark and went back to my room alone again. I called Marc that night and said it looks like they may be letting Dad come home Tuesday or Wednesday, but he is doing so well there is no need for you to come over. I have no concern at all about getting him home. One of my main concerns in the beginning was getting him the 130 miles back to Tulsa post surgery.

October 13, Monday - I Arrive at the hospital at 7 a.m. Dr. Trot*ter comes in. Ask's Mickey, "How are you feeling?" Mickey says, "Great!" Dr. T says, "Do you want to go home?" Mickey says, "You better believe I do." Dr. T says, "Get out of here." They proceed with the removal of the final tube and all the preparations for him to leave. I ran back and checked out of the motel. They order all his take home meds, which I pick up at the pharmacy area after I get back, and we are out of there by 10:30 a.m.!!!

Now, for one of the fun blessings that The Lord always seems to give us, no matter what situations we find ourselves in..........

If any of you know anything about Heart Surgery one of the main "recovery" items is a pillow. The patient holds the pillow against their chest incission and especially if there is any pain, or they have to cough. Mickey & I always take our pillows when we travel. We had had them on the trip to Flagstaff, but the day I home I washed the pillow slips and when we left for OKC the next day we forgot our pillows.

When Barbara left the hospital in Tulsa, after her heart surgery, they had given her a heart shaped pillow. I had asked Arvan the day before if they would give us a pillow for him to make the trip home with. You sure didn't want him strapped into a seat belt in the car without a pillow on his chest. Arvin said, "A woman's group use to make those to give the patients but I haven't seen any of them lately." So we are so happy he is going home.......but we have no pillow. It was Columbus day and everything at the VA hospital closes on the week-end and holidays, like the cafeteria, the gift shop. etc.

I said to Arvan, "What am I going to do about a pillow? I don't have one and I have to have a pillow for that 110 mile trip to Coweta." Arvan says, "We'll let you have a pillow, in fact I'll get you a box to put it in as you walk out of the hospital." Then he says, "Better yet, go steal one from the motel room!" I said, "I'm not stealing a pillow from anyone!" Now the young Dr. San*der*wich, who was very serious and didn't ever say a lot, was taking the last tube out of Mickey while this conversation was going on. At this point, he turned around, laughing and said, "Oh, you're not going to steal a pillow." So Mickey is the proud owner of a very soft blue pillow, with a white pillow slip that is stamped, "Property of - VA Medical Center - Oklahoma City, OK - March, 2004".

At 10:30 we pulled out of the parking lot of the VA Hospital, and Mickey had his pillow!!! We were HOME by 12:30.

Here he is hugging that infamour pillow!!

Here he is wearing his wounds.

I have to end by saying........we have a wonderful opinion of the hospitals and medical services in this United States. We were in 3 different hospitals, in 3 different states, within 6 days. We had nothing but the most perfessional, kind, wonderful care and service imaginable. Especially the VA hospital. I NEVER had the slightest concern that Mickey would have wonderful, good care and be made whole. The entire staff were wonderful and the care superb.

I am, and will be, eternally grateful to GOD for the FAMILY, FRIENDS and PROFESSIONALS he surrounded us with during this entire 10 days from Flagstaff, to Grants, to Oklahoma City and home.

More tomorrow on how our time at home has gone.

OBAMA VIDEO

I know there is a better way to post a u-tube video, but since I don't know how I'm just posting this link because it is so IMPORTANT.

Please take the time to view this and give it some thought and consideration before you cast your vote.

http://www.macsmind.com/wordpress/2008/02/27/obama-plans-to-disarm-america

THE TRIP TO CELEBRATE #7 - What we missed!!

This post is to share with our blog friends the parts of our trip to celebrate that had to be cut out.

As I blogged yesterday, we went into Sedona on Saturday evening, October 4th, and couldn't find a room so we drove back and stayed at Flagstaff.

Our plans and intentions, "The well laid plans of mice & men!", was to arise early Sunday morning and go back to Sedona and truly get to "see" it. As I showed in the pictures yesterday it is sitting in the most beautiful, natural setting. We had also learned that it is really a center of N*ew A*ge, Ac*cu*lt*ism, and actual Sat*an*ic worship. Brenda & Sunny had told us we would actually "feel" the oppr*ession when we got there. They also said when they visited they liked to walk the streets praying in tongues. We thought that was a wonderful idea and that is what we planned to do!!!! We were going to spend the day in Sedona and drive on to Phoenix to spend Sunday night.

Prior to our trip we had made plans to spend Tuesday and Wednesday, October 7 & 8, with some dear friends, Ray & Jody. We had met Ray & Jody at an RV park in Nevada back in September of 1997. It was one of those instant friends connections. Ray & Jody lived in Washington State but were planning on building a winter home outside of Tucson. In January, 2004 we visited them in their beautiful new winter Tucson home. In the fall of 2005 Ray & Jody came to visit us at our Coweta home, which was their first trip to Oklahoma. They had contacted us earlier this year and suggested we come visit them this winter in Tucson. At the time I thought, "There is no way we will be making it out that directions." Well, when Mickey said let's go to Falstaff to celebrate we instantly knew we would want to stop and see Ray & Jody!!! When we contacted them they were still in Washington but planning to be back in Tucson on October 5th!!!! Talk about timing. We are so sad that we didn't get to see them :o( They are going to be making a trip Southeast next fall and they will be coming to spend some time with us then. Hurrah!!! We have that to look forward.

Last, but certainly not least, I had contacted Jen, of Pen of Jen, & Double Nickle Farm and made arrangements to take their family out to dinner the evening of Thursday, Otober 9th. Jen immediately answered my e-mail and invited us to come to the Double Nickle Farm for not only an authentic Mexican dinner but it was also the 13th birthday of their youngest child, and only daughter. We were so honored and excited to be included in a family celebration like this!!!!!

Jen and I have become close friends during my time of blogging and I have so much respect for her and her entire family, for their Christian stand and their wonderful Double Nickle Farm and life style that they are pursuing. We were all so excited about this visit. What a huge disappointment to all of us that we did not make it. We are all believing that we are going to get to meet and visit in the future!!!!

So a LOT went on good and bad in those 8 days!!!!! Even though there was a lot of concerning times with Mickey in two different hospitals, in two states, and the disappointment of not getting to share time with wonderful friends and "meet" in real life other wonderful friends we still are grateful for the 50th Wedding Anniversary we shared and will never forget.

Thanks for letting me share these 7 posts about this entire experience with you!

THE END!

THE TRIP TO CELEBRATE #6 - What happened next

Post #5 of this trip ended with me taking Mickey to the emergency room at Flagstaff

Medical Center at 9 p.m. on the night of our 50th Wedding Anniversary......after a wonderful day of remembering and retracing.

Mickey started getting really sick about 7:30 and it wasn't until 9 that he finally agreed that yes, I should get him to the hospital. I love my husband dearly, but like most men he can be very stubborn and head strong!!

When we walked into the emergency room the waiting room was about 3/4 full but when I told them the situation they rushed us right in and past everyone else. When they took his blood pressure it was 212. He was shivering and his stomach was upset. It wasn't until I heard him tell the Doctors and nurses that I learned he had 3 little pains in the heart area. Around midnight they are going to move him into an ICU room and I am told to go back to the motel & try and get some rest. By this time they had already contacted the Oklahoma City VA Hospital and all his information had been faxed to them. How wonderful our modern day systems are!

I am in a strange city, by myself at midnight, and I lost my way trying to get back to the motel. Flagstaff is divided by a railroad track between north & south and somehow I got over the railroad track and ended up on the south side of I40 and the motel was just off of I40 on the north . It was so dark, and so lonely but I just kept praying and saying, "Lord, you've got to help me find my way." He did and at 12:30 I got back to the motel.

The next morning when I arrived at the hospital at 7 they talked to us about having the surgery there in Flagstaff or going on home to Oklahoma. Mickey did not want to have the surgery that far from home and I was very concerned as to how I would get him home, on that long a road trip, post surgery. The Doctor said it was a risk either way. We opted to start to Oklahoma. I was eager to get on the road, so I could make as many miles as possible before dark. They were adamant they would not release him until they had completed 3 blood tests, spaced over a period of time, to be sure he had not had a slight heart attack and that no heart damage had occurred.

He was still shivering and having stomach pain. They were baffled as to why this was occurring. As they were preparing to release him I asked the nurse if there was not something they could give him for the upset stomach. She called the Doctor and they administered a shot, which helped immediately, and had me go to a pharmacy for a prescription for some pills. The third blood test came back showing no heart attack or damage and he was finally released at 1:55 p.m.

It was 318 miles to Albuquerque and we decided that was too far to try and drive. I do not do well, with my eye sight, driving at night. We decided to go to Gallup, N.M. and spend the night there. We got to Gallup at 5:30 and Mickey was feeling better, as we were dropping from the 7000' altitude to about 6000'. It had been raining off and on on us ever since we left Flagstaff but we decided to go ahead and drive 60 more miles into Grants, N.M. We were trying to get as close to home as possible.

Now I have to share with you the most wonderful experience the Lord gave us during this horrendous time. As we were driving from Gallup to Grants we saw a Rainbow. We commented on it and were happy to see it. Then it disappeared. Shortly it reappeared and this time there was another faint double rainbow to the left. We talked about how God brought the rainbow back to us. Then suddenly the second, fainter one, disappeared and the brightest, widest rainbow either Mickey & I have ever seen in our entire lives appeared before us. It lasted and lasted and it looked like we were going to drive right into it. Then suddenly the full bright arc appeared across the sky. Mickey & I knew this was God's way of telling us we were safe, and we were going to make it home. This all started around 5:30 and ended at 6:49. We were so struck by it that Mickey wrote down the times. I cannot tell you what a blessing this experience was to us!!!

We arrived in Grants at 7:30 and check into the motel. Mickey is so-so. I call Marc & report how far we have gotten and leave for a few minutes to run to the Walmart, right near the motel, to get us some milk and cereal to eat and I had already gotten some bananas and a large muffin that day. Mickey takes just a few bites and starts getting sick again. I do not even think Grants has a hospital but I call the front desk at 8:10 and ask if they have an emergency service. She asks me if I don't want the hospital, to come to the front desk and she will draw me a map how to get there. Thank goodness both Flagstaff and Grants were small towns!!! I return to the room and put Mickey into the car and immediately head for the emergency room. Again we get excellent care and attention.

At 10 o'clock I return to the motel to try and get some sleep. I am near exhaustion. I slept until 4 a.m. 6 hours YEAH!! I called the hospital and am told the cardiologist will not be in until 9 a.m. He is resting and they are beginning the series of the 3 blood tests, like they had done in Flagstaff, to see if there is any heart damage.

6:20 our wonderful son, Marc, called to tell me he was booking a flight to Albuquerque, NM to meet us which would arrive at 1:00 p.m. I just had to drive the 90 miles to get us there. I kept reminding the hospital that I needed to leave to make the drive to Albuquerque to pick up our son but again the hospital was adamant about not letting us leave until the last of the 3 blood tests had been completed. He got a good report of no heart damage and we pulled out of the Cibola General Hospital parking lot at 11:25.

At 1:01 we were sitting in a parking lane waiting for Marc at the Albuquerque Sunport. He called just a few minutes later to say he had landed. We picked him up at 1:09. Now this had to be God again, putting this all together for us as only He can and does.

I must tell you.......I was never so happy as I was when Marc climbed behind the drivers seat of our HHR Chevy and I was able to climb in the back seat and know that I had additional help and we were, for sure on our way home!!!

We drove hard and steady. Stopped only to fuel up and grab a soda and snack. Marc & my plan initially was to drive straight to emergency at the VA Hospital in Oklahoma City. We arrived in OKC and Mickey wanted to just keep on for home. He was feeling pretty good now that we were down to below 1000' altitude. We decided to check into a motel in OKC which we did at 10:40. We were all exhausted and slept well.

When we awoke we told Mickey we were going to VA to report to them which we did at 7 a.m. They decided to move Mickey's pre-scheduled surgery date of October 16th up one week to October 9th. They went ahead and did all the pre-surgery tests while we were there and we were finished by 1:50 and got HOME at 3:45. I don't know if I have ever been so glad to be home. It was nice to have the one day to get some business taken care of and sleep in our own bed before returning to OKC and the VA Hospital on Wednesday night, in preparation for Mickey's 6 a.m. appointment for double bi-pass surgery

I have to admit that during this entire episode I was afraid and terrified in the natural (flesh) but I had total, complete peace in my Spirit that we were going to make it and that Mickey was going to be okay. The rainbow God sent us and the timing of making the flight connection of Marc flying to Albuquerque from Tulsa, via Dallas, and our driving from Grants to Albuquerque and making almost instant connection just was a God Thing.

Praise to our God and Savior, Jesus!!!!!

THE TRIP TO CELEBRATE #5 - Our day of reliving precious memories and making new ones

As you know from yesterday's post the first thing we did on our 50th was to locate the church where we had been married and take a similar picture in front on the doors. Here are a couple more.

(click on all pictures to enlarge)


Next we found the Old Court House where we got out marriage license. They had built a new addition onto it but we weren't the least interested in it!

Then we went into the Hotel Monte Vista
To the coffee shop on the corner where we ordered 2 Hot Chocolates. When Sonja found out we were celebrating out 50th Anniversary she offered to "buy" us a treat....either Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Icing or Mint Cheese Cake topped with Chocolate & fresh Mint.
We chose a piece of cheese cake to share and sat at this window as we enjoyed our yummy Hot Chocolate & Cheese Cake. Sonja was so impressed that we had been married 50 years and right here in Flagstaff that she told EVERYONE who came into the coffee shop!

Another picture of my beloved clinging to this street clock and saying, "No, no I don't want to get married".

At 10 a.m. we started the 80 mile drive to The Grand Canyon. About 20 minutes into our travel it began sprinkling and rained lightly the entire journey. We could not see any of the canyon at the lookout sites due to the heavy clouds and mist, but we still enjoyed the ride among the tall pines and up the mountain.

At noon we had arrived at the famous El Tovar hotel where we had spend out wedding night. This time they were all sold out and "there was no room in the inn".

We put our name on the waiting list for the dining hall and spent our time enjoying this old 100 room hotel which opened January 14, 1905. It was named El Tovar in honor of the Spanish explorer Pedro de Tobar who had led the first expedition to Hopi Indian country in 1540. This hotel was built by Fred Harvey who also built the famous La Fonda in my home town of Santa Fe, NM in 1876.

We asked our sweet waitress to take a picture of us eating our lovely lunch in the El Tovar. The building is built of native boulders and these darkly stained Oregon Pine throughout the entire interior.

As Mickey prayed over our lunch he added "And please God, lift the clouds from the canyon so we can see the beauty of your handiwork."

As we walked out of the El Tovar and toward the rim of the canyon to the look-out these are the scene's and views that God blessed our eyes with!!!!!

God indeed answered Mickey's prayer above & beyond what we had hoped for.
Such beauty. If any of you have never seen The Grand Canyon it is absolutely one of the things to put on your "Must see & do" list. Pictures never can capture the beauty and grandeur of this place. This is my 4th time to be dazzled by the beauty.

This little cabin has nothing to do with memories of our marriage anniversary but we took a picture of it because it holds fond memories of a trip we made to Grand Canyon in October, 1966 with our daughters, Suzette, age 12, & Jacque, age 11. My forever friend, Joan, was keeping 2 year old David for us. We stayed in one of these little cabins and roasted hot dogs & marshmallows on the open fireplace. The next morning we awoke to about 4" of snow. Happy family memories.

By the way, it snowed on this mountain this night, too!!!

Our plans were to spend Saturday night at The Grand Canyon at the El Tovar Inn. Then we were going on to Sedona for Sunday & Monday. We have been in Arizona numerous times but had never been to Sedona. We'd heard, over and over, how very beautiful it was so decided to add it in to this trip. We are totally flexible people and so we decided to just drive the 70 miles on down to Sedona for the night.

These are post cards I bought (because our camera charge was done for the day) of the stupendous beauty we beheld driving down the long winding road into Sedona. When we got there it was jammed pack. There was some motorcycle rally going on and the only room we could find was $275 + tax a night!!!! What???? We might consider paying $275 for a week!!! You know we are Frugal people. So the alternate plan was to drive back the 35 miles to Flagstaff and spend the night and return to Sedona the next morning to enjoy it.

Little did we know how much our "plans" were about to change. We got back to Flagstaff at 5:30 and I could tell Mickey was really worn out and tired. We got the very last room at the motel there in Flagstaff. We were just watching TV and about 7:30 Mickey said, "I'm going to go on to bed. I don't feel very well." He got sicker and sicker and I kept wanting to call 911. Finally he agreed I should take him to the emergency room at the hospital which he had noticed where it was that day as we were touring around Flagstaff.

At 9 p.m I checked Mickey into the Flagstaff Medical Center.

Even with this change of events we could see the hand of God. Had we found a room at either Grand Canyon or Sedona he would have had to be flown by ambulance plane to Flagstaff. We are so thankful we were in Flagstaff.