My 2018 Word - FULFILLMENT

The Second year, after beginning my blog, PENLESS WRITER, on January 31, 2007, I have always selected a WORD FOR THE YEAR.  My words for the past 8 years:  2009 Unity - 2010 Vulnerable - 2011 Persevere - 2012  Fervent - 2013 Expand - 2014 Forward - 2015 Steady - 2016 - Growth - 2017 - Victorious. These words have always been what I experienced in that year.  Victorious for 2017 has proved correct as Mickey & I both have walked Victorious through many, many health issues and are closing 2017 out in

My 2018 Word - Fulfillment

I had told Mickey, after our prayer time this morning, that God had not given me a word for 2018,  Then HE gave me Ful-fill-ment:  Noun - 1.The achievement of something deserved, promised or predicted. - 2.The meaning of a requirement or condition.  I knew it was my word because I truly have some promises from God's precious Word that I have stood on for years and am believing in 2018 they will come to fulfillment as predicted!

Since this is the 10th year for a word I looked up What 10 Means in The Bible..... The number 10 seems to reflect God’s authority or God’s governmental rule over the affairs of mankind.  Some scholars see 10 as the number of divine perfection.

I'm ready for God's divine perfection and FULFILLMENT in my life.  

My 2017 Word - VICTORIOUS

The Second year, after beginning my blog, PENLESS WRITER, on January 31, 2007, I have always selected a WORD FOR THE YEAR.  My words for the past 8 years:  2009 Unity - 2010 Vulnerable - 2011 Persevere - 2012  Fervent - 2013 Expand - 2014 Forward - 2015 Steady - 2016 - Growth.

My word for 2017 ---- Victorious.  

As always, I am very excited about my new word.  Victorious feels so "right" and when The Lord gave me this word it just felt "right".  What am I going to be Victorious in?------I have no idea!!  But I know whatever God has in score for me in 2017 I will be Victorious.  What is your word for 2017?  If you have one please be sure and share it with me. 

Since this will be my 9th year to select a Word For The Year I, just now, looked up what the number 9 means: 

Biblical numerology of number 9 is the finality or the judgement. It is generally when at the time of judging a person and his works. Also, number 9 is used to define the perfect movement of God. The biblical number 9 is a number of patience.

Yes, looking that up confirmed to me that Victorious is the correct word for me in 2017.

UPDATE ON MY 2016 WORD 

As the 8th month of  2016 is nearing the 2/3 mark, 

I thought it fitting to update my word for the year -

Growth

I am thankful God had shown me, the previous 7 years, how the word He gives me truly unfolds and comes to pass.

  

This has been an exciting year for me and I have experienced Growth

 in both good and bad ways.

The bad was a double mastectomy on February 9th, 

due to an unwelcome "growth".

The good has been spiritual growth in the area of 

Intercessory Prayer

 With great anticipation, I look to the remaining 

4 months and 4 days

as God's plans for my life unfold.

LOVE IN ACTION and very, VERY HARD WORK - THE FENCE 2016

This is a victory pose 

Mickey (upper left) David Killion (lower left)

Gene Killion (right)

just before the last small, remaining fence panel is put in place

June 2nd.

Now, for the story~~~~~~~~~

This wonderful father and son team, Gene & David Killion

spent 11 days (off and on due to the rain, rain and more rain,) 

repairing 64' of privacy fencing in our back yard, that was destroyed by a very HIGH winds one evening in a violent rain storm.

T

Gene & Mickey surveying the damage on May 23rd.  

Gene, David & Mickey then began dismantling the busted, damaged fence sections, loading it on their trailer and hauling it off.

There was a total of 8 posts and sections, all but 4 posts were taken out today.

Tuesday, the 24th, after King's Kitchen, work began again

Gene removing one of the 4 remaining posts.

The 25th it rained HARD all day

The 26th the 3 of them made the trip to Lowe's to pick up all the supplies.

Gene had priced out the material ahead of this and when they got it all today, due to the 9 panels being on sale, the price was $129.95 LESS than anticipated.  Thank you Jesus!!

Lowe's loaded it all for them, but of course these 3 had to unload all these heavy items.

David, Mickey & Gene letting me get another picture of them.  

The poles and old fencing gone. 

May 27th ~~~~~~ Gene & David worked hard all day by themselves.  Mickey didn't even help today.

May 28 - all three of the guys worked 5 hours today digging 2' deep post holes and cementing 7 posts in place.

Sunday, May 29th through Tuesday, May 31st no work was done while the cement hardened and set the posts securely.

Wednesday, June 1st a great number of the fence panels are attached.

Thursday, June 2nd the last large panel being measured and ready to set in place.

This picture is out of order, but this other small piece at the opposite end was the very last piece to be put in place.  

These three wonderful guys, Mickey, David & Gene humored me with one last picture, peeking through the hole!

Almost done!!!  The last large panel piece and we no longer have to look in our neighbors yard.

Love is talked about a lot ~~~ but this father, Gene Killion, and son, David Killion showed true love and servant hearts in laboring so hard for so many days to repair this 64' of privacy fence for Mickey & I.

  

I know our GOD is going to bless them above and beyond, 

BECAUSE YOU CAN'T OUTGIVE GOD!!

GROWTH and EXPANSION -WOW

On January 18, 2011, 5 years & 5 months ago!,  I opened my home every Tuesday evening, at 6:30 for a Bible Study group called Woman of the World (WOW).  There were 12 woman here that first night.  Over these ensuing years  Six of this core group still remain, and many others have come, passed through and gone.  Even during the illness, and loss of our first-born daughter, Suzette, to her 7 1/2 month battle with cancer, WOW has continued and these woman sustained me during that time.

God never leaves us the same ----- !!!!  Recently He stirred in my heart to do the most important study that we have done to date.

This picture is a wonderful edible fruit arrangement, a gift from my daughter, Jacque, that I served this past Tuesday, and two copies (the same teaching but different covers) of Andrew Murray on Prayer.

 I began an extension of this group for the sole purpose of not only studying, but becoming a strong group of Intercessors.  The blue cover in the middle is the book I first purchased in June of 2000.  I have read this book completely several times, and parts of it even more times over these past 11 years.  Next to The BIBLE this book has taught me the most, and drawn me closer to my GOD and JESUS, My Savior than any other study.  The book on the right, in the light grey cover, is the newest edition which the other woman are using, BUT every word inside these two copies is exactly the same.  This book contains 666 pages and actually contains 6 separate works by Andrew Murray.  We are not tackling the entire book, although I'm sure each woman will eventually do so on their own time, but we are studying #5 The Ministry of Intercession.

Our first meeting of this new group was held May 10th.  I called it INTERCESSION of 15 because there were 15 woman present  The six who have been here from the beginning:  Jeanne Oswald, Kathy Robinson, Norma Goodnight, Thelma Horton, Sandra Rhodes, Susan Joyce.  Newer members the past several years:  Connie Aston, Glenda Holmes, Judy Russell, Kristine Hembry, Phyllis Rathbone.  Recent new ones: Darlene Killion, Dee Hollenbeck, Jacque Cody (my daughter), Mary Killion.

Now, for the best part of all:  it has now become INTERCESSION of 15 and MORE because Wantha Ann Deaton, who was such a big part of WOW for so many years is returning and my close Soul Sister, Kathy Wright, (even though she lives in Phoenix) is following along with us with the book and interaction.

Our 2nd meeting, just 2 nights ago, not only the study itself, but the INTERCESSORY Prayer - which this is all about - was so powerful we were ALL moved to the core of our being.  I know GOD  " Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ"  Philippians 1:6 kjv is doing just that.  By the way, that has been my life verse since I was first saved on September 24, 1956.

There are also 4 current members of WOW:  Carmel Field, Julia Arulsamy, Pam Reynolds, & Patty Ross who have not currently joined this new study yet.

In our small house I WILL manage to get all 21 of us in..... good thing we love each other and closeness!  

I praise and thank GOD for what He is doing and what HE is going to do within each of us individually and collectively. 

UPDATE :  I am blessed to add one more to this group!!!  My blog friend from South Africa, Retha.  Retha, along with Kathy W. is my Soul Sister and the 3 of us are truly a 3 Cord Strand.  Retha will add much depth and Spiritual Wisdom and Insight to this group and is a real Intercessory Prayer Warrior.  We are now 18!!! 

I first posted My Personal Testimony on my PENLESS WRITER BLOG February 24, 2007. That was 8 years ago and as I celebrate Easter, and one of my other blog friends posted his Testimony I wanted to do likewise. I hope you'll take time to read it and celebrate anew with me.

I want to share my personal testimony. Why? That's a good question I had to ask myself before doing this. The answer - because that's who "I" truly am.

I was born into a Christian home. I not only was born into this Christian home but I was raised in this Christian home. My father was a Deacon in the church and both my parents were totally active and committed. Our lives revolved around the church. I don't remember exactly what age I was baptised but I made a confession of faith and was baptised. I believed in God, I believed that Jesus was the Son of God.

After I married and had my two infant girls we bought our first home. As God would have it, he placed us between two Baptist families. One a Southern Baptist and the other an Independent Baptist. Back in those days the mothers would get together, almost every day, and drink coffee around the kitchen table. Meanwhile the children would play either in the house or the backyard depending on the weather.

It was during these daily visits that I began to realize and think to myself: "These two women (everyone was older than I back in those days because I married so young!) know Jesus in a way that I don't know him". They talked about Him like he was one of their personal friends! But I believed in God & Jesus and I went to church and I believed I was on my way to heaven. What's wrong?

Shortly after this realization was dawning on me the Independent Baptist announced her church was having a revival and she would like me to come. I did and I heard one of the Old Time Fire & Brimstone messages. I'm telling you, I ran to that altar and experienced the new birth. Nothing has ever been the same for me. The very next day I remember looking at each and every person I saw on the street and wanting to literally share with them what I had experienced. I began telling anyone and everyone that would listen to me about Jesus.

I suddenly saw the problem. Oh, I believed that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God. That he lived and died for the sins of the world. But I came to realize I believed ABOUT him as a historical Jesus. The same way I believe there was a Christopher Columbus who discovered America, a George Washington that was our first president, etc. I didn't believe IN him as my personal Savior. What I didn't see was that it was for ME that he came, and if I'd been the only one he would have come and died for me. I did have to believe that with all my heart, soul and mind. When I saw that fact and truly accepted him for what he'd done for me I was truly born again. Now I did know him as a personal friend of mine, just like my two neighbors did.

I need to explain further....The reason I did not mention the denomination I grew up in is that when I went back and attended services with my parents, after my new birth, I could see that they did preach salvation. They just didn't do it in a bold enough way for THIS young 18 year old woman to get the message. "By hearing you shall hear and not understand" Matthew 13:14b KJV "Your ears are open but you don't hear a thing" The Message I know many in that denomination are born again. I just didn't happen to be one of them. I also know many are not born again, as is the case in every church and denomination.

I am NOT giving a testimony for the Baptist either. I learned a lot from my Baptist background over many years. The main thing I learned as a Baptist was a love for the Bible and learning to memorize scripture at an early age when it was easier than it is for me now!

During these ensuing many years God has directed our paths and our walk with him. For whatever his reason God has seen fit to place us in various churches and denominations at different times. I feel our walk with our Lord has grown with each step we've taken. It is certainly one of the reasons I have such a love for The Universal Church and The Body Of Christ.

It is always with anticipation that I wonder "What God has in store for us next?" He is such a good God and he's good ALL the time!! Of one thing I am sure, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me". John 10:27 JKV

I am so thankful I am one of his sheep. He is my shepherd, my Savior and my LORD. I know that if he is these things to you that you will rejoice with me. If he is not these things to you I pray that today will be the day you will believe and accept him. In so doing you will truly find "The peace of God, which passeth all understand, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus". Philippians 4:7 KJV "Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life." The Message

I know I've been basically preaching to the choir, as they say. But I also know that too many people who think they know the Lord really only know about him.

OPPORTUNITIES

Today is Friday, January 8th, 2016.  A brand New Year.

Yesterday we got the wonderful, encouraging word from Mickey's Lung Doctor that his lung x-ray shows improvement since his last visit, August 18th.  We were SOOOO overjoyed and so praising our wonderful God.

On our way home, God gave me not one, but two opportunities to serve those around me. (I don't usually share things I do, but I always try and share all the many things that are done for us.......which are SO many!!!)

When we left Dr. Schelbar's office we were literally having difficulty keeping our feet upon the ground but we needed to stop at Aldi's to pick up a few things. While waiting to get sour cream there was a little boy and an older foreign woman at that section and the little boy was having trouble selecting a yogurt he was getting to choose.  The lady, who saw me standing there waiting, pulled him back so I could get my item.  I smiled and said, "Thank you".  

When we got to the check-out stand the lady and the little boy were right behind us putting her few items on the belt.  As the belt would move the little boy was almost hugging the 2 yogurts among the other  few items.  Mickey even said to him, "You aren't letting those get away from you are you"?  We all chuckled.

In the line ahead of us was a mother with two children.  The little boy in the basket had a pacifier in his mouth and a fairly large blue ball in his hands.  He was looking at me with his big chocolate eyes and I asked his mother how old he was.  "He is 2" was her reply, "Yes, he is 2".  As they checked her out the cashier noticed a cookie had been removed from the package she was scanning.  She told the lady to go ahead afterward and get a full package.  

My items were checked and put in the basket and I was given the amount I owed.  As I was preparing to swipe my debit card the older lady, with the small boy and the yogurt, realized she did not have her card, or any money.  She was telling the cashier this and exclaiming how sorry she was.  You could tell she was so embarrassed and upset.  I quietly said to the cashier, go ahead and ring her up and put it on my ticket.  The older lady was saying, "Give me your phone # so I can repay you".  I said, "No, that's fine I want to do this."  

Mickey at this time is on the side counters bagging up our items, the young mother with the 2 children is beside him.  After I got my card swiped and was walking away the woman was still thanking me.  I turned and said, "This isn't from me it's from GOD."  She exclaimed, "Oh God bless you."

As I was walking over to help Mickey the young mother with the 2 children said, "Can you please watch my children for a few minutes?  I have to run back in."  Of course I would.  The little 2 year old with the blue ball is still in the basket, and his sister is sitting on the loading shelf with a red ball.  I asked her how old she was - 5.  I asked her name.  She told me.  I asked the boys name.   She told me.  The little boy is trying to give me his blue ball, still sucking on his pacifier.  I tell him "no, you keep it".  I said to the little girl, "You both got new balls today"?  She said, "Yes".  I said, "You got blessed".  She looked at me and I said, "Do you know what blessed means"?  She nodded "no".  I said "When God does nice things for us that is being blessed.  Do you know who God is"?  She was saying, "yes." when her mother returned and said, "Oh yes, she knows who God is.  We go to church all the time and she goes to her class".  She thanked me profusely for watching the kids.  I assured her I was honored to do so.

I'm tell you ----------- on top of our GOOD NEWS and GOD'S GOODNESS TO US and then being blessed by my GOD to be used in 2 such little ways ------- I was almost floating as Mickey pushed our cart and we headed for the our car. 

As I am writing this, at 11:50 a.m. on the 18th I am awaiting a phone call from The Breast Center about 2 biopsies that were performed on my left breast yesterday morning at 8:30 a.m.  I have been, since finding our I needed these on December 15th,  and am today, totally calm. 

God has been speaking to me in soooo many ways.  Today my 31 day Scripture Writing Plan was Psalm 27:1-3 "Light, space, zest - that's GOD!  So, with him on my side I'm fearless, afraid of no one and nothing.  When vandal hordes ride down ready to eat me alive, those bullies and toughs fell flat on their faces.  When besieged, I'm calm as a baby.  When all hell breaks loose, I'm collected and cool".  The Message - How GOD to have me writing this scripture on this day - whatever the outcome is!!!!   

   

SHOUT IT FROM THE HOUSE TOPS - GOD IS SO GOOD

Our hearts are full and our mouths are shouting praises to our GOD.  Mickey had his 6 month follow-up appointment with the lung Doctor yesterday. 

X-Rays show his lungs BETTER today than 6 months ago!!

Yes, Faith IS the gift of God.

The story of today:  His appointment was at 3:30.  This is the FOURTH lung Doctor he have seen.  We waited, and we waited.  Around 4:30 the nurse, Michelle, who was not new and we had seen the last time, came in and thanked us for being so patient and asked if we'd like something to drink.  She brought Mickey a cup of coffee and myself a diet Coke.  We waited some more.  The nurse came back in, with Mickey's very thick file in her hand, and commented again on our patience.  She then stated that they had deliberately taken other patients in front of us to hold Mickey for Dr. Schelbar to see last.  Since Mickey had not seen him before, and he was not that familiar with Mickey's case, he wanted as much time as needed to spend with him.  Now THAT was a God move.

Michelle set Mickey's thick file on the examining table and began going through the papers.  She was asking us the dates of the various procedures, pulling out those files, placing them in order, to make it easier for the Doctor to get the whole picture.  We waited a little more.

Dr. Schelbar came in.  His first words to us were, "You've really been through it with the doctors, but I assure you I am not leaving".  Music to our ears.  We liked him and his easy going, caring manner from the minute he walked into the room.  Another GOD move, giving Mickey this great doctor to follow him now and in the future.  He, himself, was stunned with Mickey's history during that year, July 30, 2014 - July 30,2015.  He looked Mickey straight in the eye and said, "I'm here to tell you, if a 42 year old man had gone through as much as you have it would have been very difficult, much less at 82".   

At the end of the appointment he said he'd see us in 3 months for follow-up.  He told me if Mickey began to get short of breath or spit-up something bad to call the office.  He said, "I can't promise you I'd get you in that day for sure, but we will get you in within two days".  He then apologized for keeping us so late, 5:30,  and putting us out in the midst of the bad after work traffic.  We assured him we were grateful he had done so and taken the time to spend with us.

We then followed the Doctor to view the X-ray comparisons of the improvement and Michelle said, "You get the good patient award" and gave us 2 of the daily inhalers Mickey takes.

Mickey and I were having trouble keeping our feet on the ground as we rode the elevator down the 12 floors, walked through the empty building and out onto the almost empty parking lot ....... PRAISING GOD every step of the way.  

YES, Faith IS the Gift of GOD 

   

My 2016 - WORD

My word for 2016 - GROWTH

For the past 7 years God has given me a word for The New Year. 

2009 - UNITY

2010 - VULNERABLE

2011 - PERSEVERANCE

2012- FERVENT

2013 - EXPAND

2014 - FORWARD

2015 - STEADY

It has been amazing, to me, the way God has worked those very words into the events of my life.

Since this is my EIGHTH year of words, and "8" is the number of New Beginnings I find that fact very interesting.  

  

MINISTRY - The Act of Reaching Out - PURSES

Tiny, baby steps~~~~ 

1)  Our small group is studying The 10-Second Rule by Clare De Graaf.

2)  Idea I saw on fb - fill an old purse with small, useful items.

3)  Obtained 5 used purses from the church Klothes Kloset.

4)  Began purchasing small toiletry items.

5)  Purchased a couple snack items.

6)  Asked my good friend, and Sister in Christ, Judy Russell to prepare 5  

     personal prayers she writes out and puts in pretty envelopes.

7)  Purchased blank notes and envelopes that read:

Dream, Hope, Believe...

the Lord is painting a  

beautiful

future for you.

He has made everything beautiful in its time.  Ecclesiastes 3:11

8)  Felt lead to add a $5 bill.

9)  Assemble and get the 5 purses ready.

    

Assembling

1st one completed 

All 5 filled and ready to go.

And, NOW - I have placed the 5, filled and ready to go, purses in my automobile. I am asking God, and believing I will hear His voice as HE directs me where, when, and to whom to give each purse.  Judy and I discussed her prayers, each is different.  We believe God will direct the RIGHT prayer exactly to the right woman.

I have never done anything this "random" before .  But, I know God has been directing my steps. I BELIEVE and am excited to "HEAR HIS VOICE".

Watch for follow-up reports as I am obedient to this small Act of Reaching Out.

(Usually it is not a good idea to give cash to people asking for it, because they may use it to buy drugs or alcohol.  Because God is who will be leading me to whom to give each purse, He spoke to me to add this small amount of cash.)  

The JOY OF SPECIAL FRIENDS

Such a great time today with SPECIAL friends.

(left to right) Kristine, Ruby, Tim, Mickey, Susan 

After church Tim & Kristine Hembry took Mickey & I to Claremore for a visit and dinner date with Ruby Curry (Sadly Andy was showing his new LED lighting at a gun show and wasn't with us.)  Ruby's 3 children and 2 foster children were also present.

Ruby fixed a yummy baked pasta dish, Susan prepared a large tossed salad, and Kristine brought 2 large loaves of delicious french bread.

In addition Ruby not only prepared a delicious pumpkin cake dessert, but even sent small ones home with both Kristine & I.

Tim and the boys built a large, roaring fire in the fireplace and we delighted ourselves with the spectacular view out the front window over the pond and acreage and the large number of free-range chickens, of various kinds, running all over.  

We talked and visited and ate and visited and visited some more!!!

Thanks Tim & Kristine for setting this up and thank you Ruby for being the special friend you are to Mickey & I.  

Precious Gift of Precious MEMORIES

Our wonderful friends from South Africa put together the following lovely pages of pictures of Mickey & I as a gift today - our 57th Anniversary.  

 October 4, 1958 - Flagstaff,  Arizona

 Miscellaneous shots.  The top on is the most recent taken of us at Young-At-Heart Meeting a couple of weeks ago.

More Miscellaneous Pictures the larger one was the last one taken before Mickey's heart surgery year!!  You can tell one of my favorite colors is blue.

October 4, 2012 - San Francisco, California

Thank you for this special gift of photo remembrances on this our special

Anniversary Day 

October 4, 2015

What? ------- A YEAR !!!!! Part 4

The continuing story of Mickey's TAVR Heart Valve replacement.  Part 3 ended......April 16-30 - We are just getting by day by day, one day at a time. 

Although we are tired, and we are discouraged about the TAVR being delayed through no fault of our own, we are still confident in the outcome.  We feel the presence of our LORD & SAVIOR on a daily basis.  We stand in the knowledge and assurance that God is walking this out with us one day at a time.  I am still co-leading the Real Christianity Small Group and Mickey is still keeping informed on the Deacon issues.  Many from our Church family are such a blessing to us in so many ways during this time.  We manage to attend church each Sunday & Wednesday.


YES, it is a very l-o-n-g year.

May 1-10 - This first 10 days of May are a continuation from April 16th and the above.  We are waiting.  We get through one day at a time.

May 11 - FINALLY!!!! - pre-op is done.  This long awaited procedure is FINALLY going to be accomplished.

May 12 - We arrive at Saint Francis Heart Hospital at 7 a.m.  Mickey's brother Jerry is here with us from Tennessee. Pastor Steve, Jerry, Son Marc & I all pray together before Mickey is taken in.  Marc, Jerry & I wait in the waiting room.
 We are joined by friend Don Thompson and Heidi, the wife of John who has nursed and helped us so much.

Dr. Archer is the main Surgeon, with Dr. Ensley and Dr. Cassidy assisting.  Dr. Gierdisch, from Loyola University in Chicago, has flown in as Proctor.  This is due to the difficulty of the entry into the chest wall based on the prior Heart Bi-pass surgery done in 2008, and the issue of vein blockage in the legs, which is the first entry preferred source.

The surgery is scheduled for 180 minutes. The plan is to enter through the upper chest with a small incision.  This was the 3rd and least desirable entry.   The Transaortic - Through an incision in the chest.   


There were problems and it was necessary for the Surgeon to do open heart surgery.  This was the procedure they had been trying to avoid due to Mickey's age and why the entire TAVR procedure had been sought, waited for, and delayed for so long.  

THE OPEN HEART SURGERY WAS A SUCCESS, AND THE NEW AORTA VALVE WAS SET IN PLACE!!!!!!

May 13-14 - In the hospital.  Doing good.  Lots of company. Marc, Jacque, Jerry, Oksana, and myself are there from early morning until about 9 p.m. Jerry & I do return home to sleep.

May 14 - When it rains it pours!!  Our HHR is down.

May 15 - Mickey is released from the hospital on the 3rd day at 12:03 pm (that is significant to me and The 3rd Day Sister's Bible Study that was incorporated into my WOW Women - Woman of the Word Bible Study in our home every Tuesday evening!)

  Since the HHR was out of the picture the trip home was made in Brother Jerry's car, which reeked of cigarettes, with Jerry driving.  Mickey begins to sleep - and I might say live - on the living room couch.  

May 16 - Jerry leaves at 7 a.m. for Tennessee.  Mickey takes his 4th Pain Pill at 1 p.m. 

May 17 - We begin recording daily pulse rates & weight.  Today 157/54/97 and 156.2 lbs. 

This is also the last week I co-lead Real Christianity in our study of THE END by Mark Hitchcock.  Kent finishes up the following Sunday, May 25th and we take an extended break.

May 18 - Faithful, and talented friend, Tim Hembrey came by and installs a new thermostat in the HHR and also brings and plants 2 roses bushes in the flower bed.  A red one for me, and a white one for Mickey.  What a blessing and treasure Tim is in our lives. 

May 19-20 - Pain level is not bad and he takes very few pain meds.

May 21 - Follow-up appointment with Primary Care Dr. Aldridge.  
Mickey is gaining weight, because his body is retaining fluid, which is a bad sign - early indication of heart failure.  His feet and legs are swollen badly.  The feet so swollen he had to wear his bedroom slippers to the Dr. 
Dr. Aldridge instructs me to buy pairs of support hoses and prescribes a diuretic to be added to the daily meds. 
THIS WAS A VERY LOW - DISCOURAGING & CONCERNING few days and weeks.
Dr. Aldridge is ordering both Home Care Nursing and Home Care Physical Therapy for us. 

May 22 - Patty, a church friend brought in supper for us and she and husband Aaron visited with us.  Tim & Kristine came and worked in the yard AGAIN.  
May 26 - Thersa, the PT, arrives for the first time. 

May 27 - Nancy, the RN, arrives for the first time.  These two woman will be a great help and source of comfort for us.  The PT came twice a week and the RN once a week.  Mickey & I do the PT exercises on the days she doesn't come using the instruction sheets that Thersa gave ue.  They are helping.  

May 28 - Dr. Aldridge. Swelling doing better. 

June 1- 8 - The RN visit and PT visits continue. 

June 3 - RED LETTER DAY - We attend Wednesday night Church Services.  We have missed 3 Wednesday night and Sunday morning services with our beloved Church family and our Pastor Steve.

June 7 - First Sunday back - We made it for the DEDICATION of the completely remodeled Sanctuary.  What a wonderful day of rejoicing on so many levels.  Mickey is very, very weak but we were determined to be there.  Church is one of the most important things in our lives.   

June 9 - Follow-up with TAVR Dr. Ensley.  Lab - EKG & Echo Cardiogram.  He is pleased with the results of the Aortic Valve and is referring him back to his Cardiologist Dr. Irvin.  

June 11 - Dr. Aldridge appointment.
Mickey slept through the night in BED!!!  Our biggest issue from May 15, when Mickey was released from the hospital, until now has been sleeping.  Many, many nights Mickey would be awake through the night and I would be awake with him sitting in the rocker or trying to rest on the living room floor.  

June 13 - We celebrate an early Father's Day at Cheddars with Marc, Aric, & Jacque.  It is so noisy, we vow to never go there again to celebrate anything.  Marc gave the book The Wright Brothers to him as his gift.  We celebrated early, instead of May 21, because Marc & Gayle were leaving for a week in Branson. Mickey is VERY weak and this trip out was difficult. 

June 15 - Last home nurse appointment with Kathy.

June 17 - Last home PT visit by Theresa. 

June 21 - Father's Day and Jacque attends church with us.  That is the BEST gift she could and did give her father.

June 23 - We make a trip to The King's Kitchen to meet with Dee from Meals on wheels.  It is good to be there and see everyone.

June 26 - The Supreme Court rules and makes Gay Marriage legal in our nation. This has nothing to do with our story, but I wanted it included in here for history's sake as our children and grandchildren, and perhaps some day great & great-great grandchildren may be reading this.  We are heart broken with what we see happening to our beloved America.

June 29 - Mickey is able to attend the Deacon Board Meeting.  

May 15 to June 30 - As a recap:  Mickey is improving but is so very weak and everywhere we go I let him off at the door and we have to sit down and rest a lot.

July 1 - Eye appointment with VA.  Good report on the macular regeneration not getting any worse.

July 2 - A big day for us on two fronts.  We have our appointment with St. Francis Cardio Rehab at 10:30 and at 3:45 we have an appointment with Dr. Jeremy Moad our new lung specialist.  Dr. Moad changes his medication to Symbicort and we see immediate improvement in his shortness of breath. 

July 6 - Mickey begins Cardio Rehab.  We go every Mon - Wed - Fri for an hour. From this first day he starts to improve greatly.  We are soooo thankful.  

July 15 - Dr. Aldridge follow-up.  So pleased with his progress and tells him, "You were a very ill man.  I know I don't need to tell you that."  

July 30 - Follow-up with Dr. Irving the Cardiologist that Mickey was referred back to by TAVR Dr. Ensley.  

MICKEY WAS GIVEN A GOOD REPORT - so good that Dr. Irving does not  want 
to see him to SIX MONTH.   

When we get home and look at our calendar we are AMAZED.  This journey began on July 30, 2014 with an appointment to our then Primary Care Dr. Murrock concerning Mickey's shortness of breath.  He refers him to Cardiologist Dr. Irving - ONE YEAR TO THE DAY - July 30, 2015 the above good report.  

YES - it's been quite A YEAR!!!!  God has been with us every step of the way and we ALWAYS felt in our heart we would get through this trial and that God was not through with MICKEY yet or with us as a team.  We are in AWE - we are in WONDERMENT of God's great love, care, and healing!!!

WHAT A MIGHTY GOD WE SERVE

In addition:

August 4 - Mickey takes back the reigns of The King's Kitchen after his 3 month absence.  Jimmy Arnold has done a wonderful job of filling in for Mickey, Sherry Kelly the main cook, and the entire team has done a wonderful job and has not missed a lick.  

 August 18 - Follow-up appointment with Dr. Moad.  He, also, does not want to see Mickey for SIX MONTHS.

September 30 - Final Cardio Rehab - 36 Sessions completed.  Mickey achieve and surpassed the goals that had been set for him.  

WHAT NOW???  We continue to serve our LORD.  Mickey is back in full charge and swing of The King's Kitchen.  My WOW Woman never missed a lick, although Glenda Holmes had to step in for a short period hosting the group, thank you so much Glenda for doing that.  It has been back in my home for some weeks now and is full steam ahead as we just began a Beth Moore study on DANIEL.  Kent & we are resuming Real Christianity Small Group this Sunday, October 4th.

Last, but not least, we are joining Planet Fitness to continue Mickey's Cardio exercise, including weights.  Susan is continuing to walk 7500 steps a day. 

We are HAPPY - We will celebrate our 57th Anniversary this coming Sunday - October 4th.  We are HEALTHY - We are Blessed with great family and a wonderful CHURCH family.  

Re-print of May 11, 2009 Blog - THEY (our government) HAVE LOST THEIR MINDS

I wrote, and posted, this blog in May of 2009.  As I read it today I am aware how everything I was feeling was correct.  Shocks me this was 6 years & 4 months ago!!  This s-l-i-d-e is continuing and will be faster and faster.  If you have not made Jesus the Christ and Savior of your life I beg you to do so while you still can.  I care. 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Well the "stimulus" package passed the Senate yesterday so we know it's just a matter of time before it will be signed into law. God help us.

This editorial ran in the Tul*sa Wor*ld a few days ago. I was so blown away by this I had to post it here in Blogland. It was written by J*ay Cro*nley

"A trillion is huge, any way you add it"

"Bad debt is spoiling the American scenery, trillions of dollars worth of it.

And a stimulus package is going to run almost a trillion more.

How wide?

C-notes, $100 bills, stacked side by side would circle the Earth at the equator about 39 times.

A trillion is a thousand billions,: a million millions.

A stack of $1,000 bills would reach the trillion mark 67 miles up.

Were a count to a trillion begun now, with each number taking one second to be spoken, it would take 36,888 years for the counters and their heirs and successors to reach the intended sum.

Had a million dollars been spent every day since the birth of Christ, we still wouldn't be at a trillion."

Friends, we have to WAKE UP!!!!!! THIS is what our government, our ELECTED officials., are putting on not only our shoulders but our children and grand children's. Then we don't even know if it will end there. I doubt it will.

Our world, as we have known it, is fast becoming a thing of the past. We are racing, at warp speed, into the fall of one of the greatest nations the world has ever known and certainly the greatest Christian and humanitarian nation the world has ever known.

As a Christian we have to know that we are seeing events predicted in the Word of God unfolding before our very eyes. We will soon find ourselves in a One World Government. I pray, if you have eyes to see and ears to hear, start preparing as best you can......but most of all.....keep your eyes and ears fixed on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith.

What? -----------A YEAR!!!!! Part 3

I started telling of Mickey's heart-health journey & Aorta Heart Valve replacement, that began on July 30, 2014 with an appointment with his primary care physician with shortness of breath.  I posted Part 1 on August 1, and Part 2 on August 3 and am just now getting back to post Part 3.  Why the long delay?  A very busy, happy life got in the way!!

Part 2 ended with this paragraph --- February 17 - Our first appointment with our new Primary Care doctor, Dr. Aldridge.  He is an older gentlemen.  When we first go in I tell him our story, and that I feel we are being "dropped through the cracks."  I am sure he is probably thinking, "Oh these are some of these complaining type patients'.  BUT, after he looks through all the computer records and our history to this point and Dr. Parmley being gone he says, "You have been dropped through the cracks, but I'm putting a safety net under you today."  I could have hugged his neck.  We could feel the concern and the caring. 

February 18 - In the midst of all this, because Mickey was having trouble with his dentures, we decided to get new dentures made.  In hindsight, it was not a very good idea because it took a lot of visits back & forth and Mickey was so very sick.  

February 19 - At 6:05 p.m. I received a phone call from Leslie, the TAVR nurse, informing us the blood test Dr. Archer had taken on the 12th shown Mickey had MSRA.  I am instructed to call a group of 5 Infectious Doctors the next morning. 

 At the time this phone call was received, our kitchen sink faucet had just sprung a leak and we had water spewing everywhere.  Mickey, as ill as he is gets the water shut off, we call our church friend Tim Hembrey, who is such a help, and we rush to Lowe's to buy a new faucet.  At this point I almost come unglued!!!  Tim comes right over and replaces the faucet.

This was absolutely one of my lowest points.  I'm thinking "Dear God how much more can happen?" and then of course the never will be answered questions - "Why?".  I don't know why we ask it, because we never get an answer.  But, even in the midst of this horrible time we were so blessed by Tim in coming to our aide with just a phone call, and a "help!!!".   

February 20 - I call the Infectious Doctors at 8 a.m.  Dr. Rolands will see us but we cannot get in for several weeks.  I am not at all happy with this delay.  I ask them if there is not some way for Mickey to be seen sooner.  The lady helping me tells me that if the Primary Dr. calls and personally talks to Dr. Rolands they might be able to work him in sooner.  She also is kind enough to inform me that Dr. Rolands will be in the office Monday, the 23rd, in the afternoon and can be reached at that time.  This was a definite, direct blessing of God in moving on this stranger to offer this help to me. 

This is our granddaughter, Oksana's, 20th birthday and we have plans to meet the family for dinner at 5:30.  The restaurant is packed, we have to wait, Mickey is so weak and so sick but we would not have missed it.   

February 21 - Our dear friend Kent Rife and Cathy Kegley are getting married.  I host a small Bridal Shower for Cathy at my home.  

February 23 - I call Dr. Aldridge at 7:30 a.m. to talk to the nurse.  I am in tears, telling her about the MRSA and asking if Dr. Aldridge will intervene for us.  She assures me they will handle it.  At 4:30 that very afternoon she calls me back - Dr. Rolands will see us on Wednesday at 1:30.  PRAISE GOD - Yes, Dr. Aldridge is making sure we don't fall through the cracks and is putting a safety net under us.

Dr. Aldridge also calls in a prescription for Mickey's cough and is going to set up an appointment with Dr. Grace Kennedy, a lung Dr.   A very bad day and Mickey takes an evening pain pill before bed, the first in quite some time.  

February 24 - We have to go in for an adjustment on the dentures.  Mickey is so very sick and weak. 

February 25 - We see Dr. Mark Rolands, the Infectious Disease Dr. at 1:30.  Marc meets us at his office.  After the appointment we are sent down stairs to the lab.  Mickey is so weak, and hardly able to stand.  Marc & I decide to drive immediately to the ER at St. Francis Hospital.  It is 3:15 p.m.  Mickey faints as they are doing the X-Rays and is immediately given a large dose of medicines because his potassium level is 6:4 and must be below 5:0.  He is admitted to the Hospital. He is going into Renal failure. 

February 26-27-28- March 1 -2 - Mickey is hospitalized these 5 days.  On the 26th the potassium level is 4:6.  

On the 27th Dr. Kennedy comes to see him for the first time.  Also on the 27th Dr. Trahand, from the TAVR group, comes and they run a test to see if they need to do an interim balloon procedure first, as we want for the Valve Replacement.  

On the 28th - Dr. Kennedy comes again and Dr. Trahand decides NO balloon valve.  We are relieved.  This would have been yet another procedure and had great risks of stroke.  

March 2 - Dr.Kennedy performs a Lung Scope and Mickey is discharged at 2 p.m.  Mickey is so glad to be home again after 5 days hospitalization. 

March 3 - I ask my dear friend Glenda to host the WOW Woman Bible Study and she so gracious does.  

March 6 - Appointment with Dr. Kennedy.  Excellent report - no cancer - no MRSA.  PRAISING GOD once again. 

March 10 - Appointment with Dr. Ensley - He is given 2 inhalers and CR Scan & blood work is done.

March 11 - Follow-up appointment with Dr. Aldridge.

March 12 - Heart Hospital at 9:30 for Heart Cath & heart measurements.  Appointment with Dr. Archer, the TAVR Surgeon, at 1:45.

March 13 - Back for further adjustment on the dentures.

March 15 - My dear, forever friend, Joan, who is a nurse from New Mexico, offers to come and stay with us to help but I decline.  

March 16 - Appointment with Dr. Rowlands.  He is ready to give the go ahead for the TAVR as soon as he gets final results from Dr. Kennedy.

March 19 - Dr. Kennedy determines the infection to have been Micro Bacteria A typical and gives her OK for TAVR.

WE WAIT!

March 26 - Follow-up with Dr. Aldridge.  We are monitoring blood pressure and watching about weight and swelling in his feet and legs.  

March 27 - Appointment for a 2nd opinion about the TAVR from another surgeon, Dr. Carabello.  Because of Dr. Parmley's departure and the severity of Mickey's case they are being very cautious about giving the final approval for the TAVR.  We are getting very impatient with the delays.  

March 30 - Yet another Denture appointment thrown in to this mix. 

March 31 - We go to The King's Kitchen to meet with Dee from Meals on Wheels in Tulsa.  She has been wanting to come and meet us and see our operation.   Although Mickey & I have been absent from King's Kitchen the crew, under the leadership of Jimmy Arnold is keeping up well with everything.  Mickey is so very blessed with this knowledge. 

April 4 - We attend a Celebration for our dear friend Ron, who passed away from cancer.  It was sad and joyous at the same time.  A very strong reminder of how suddenly life can end. 

April 6 - Appointment with Dr. Aldridge.

April 7 - The TAVR Committee meets.  We are told they are delaying their decision until May as they are bringing in a Proctor from out of state to be present.  We are very discouraged with this news.  We feel we are on this tread mill going no where fast and Mickey is so weak.  

April 9 - Feet badly swollen. 

April 10 - We attend the wedding of a dear couple in our church, Jeremy & Jenny.  

April 12 - My dear blog friend from Phoenix, Kathy Wright and her daughter Bethany, come and spend a wonderful day with us.  

As you can tell we are trying to keep doing the things we can and enjoy life.  

April 14 - Dentures again. 

April 15 - Dr. Aldridge .

April 16-30 - We are just getting by day by day, one day at a time.

Although we are tired, and we are discouraged about the TAVR being delayed through no fault of our own, we are still confident in the outcome.  We feel the presence of our LORD & SAVIOR on a daily basis. We stand in the knowledge and assurance that God is walking this out with us one day at a time.   I am still co-leading the Real Christianity Small Group and Mickey is still keeping informed on the Deacon issues.  Many from our Church family are such a blessing to us in so very many ways during this time.  We manage to attend church each Sunday & Wednesday.

Looks like I'm going to have to stop here again. YES, it is a very l-o-n-g year. 

To be continued -----