Who am I? A wife for almost 40 years. A mom for over 36 years. A sister and a friend, of course. Each of these help describe me. But, even more, I have been a Christian since accepting Him as my Savior when I was 12 years old and, this truth defines each area of my life. I have enjoyed some mountain top experiences but have been through some very deep valleys as well. Valleys of incredible grief and even pits of depression. However, most of my days are ordinary, routine kind of days. But in every one of my days, God has been faithful. He has walked with me whatever the day. He strengthens, comforts, encourages and blesses me with life "most abundant."

A favorite life verse: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Why do I write? Though not quite as private as my dad, I am definitely my father's daughter. I find it difficult to share. And to let others in. But I do love to write. I love to put words into sentences and sentences in paragraphs that help express my thoughts. I hope my words help me share my heart. Share the life that God has given me and all that He has done for me and through me. I write with the hope of giving Him at least a bit of the glory He is due.

A verse to guide my writing: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:7

Whoa Buddy!

Posted on By jennifer

Yes, as the title suggests, “Whoa, buddy…” is just about all I can say right about now.  It has been exactly two weeks since my surgery and nothing about the past fourteen days has been anything remotely close to what I expected.  “Whoa, buddy” seems to sum it up best.  Even as I sat down to write this post, my initial thought was something akin to “whoa buddy…I don’t even remember how to do this!!”  Yesterday was the first time I have even opened my computer.  All those best laid plans of visiting blogs, staying in touch and, perhaps, even “getting ahead of the curve” with my own blogging?  Yea, that did.not.happen.

But, fast forward fourteen days and things seemed to have taken a turn for the better.  Yes, finally!  God is renewing both my strength and my hope.  He is always faithful and always good!  I want to thank all of you who reached out – both in the comments and through my email – and left such encouraging words.  They sincerely are encouraging.  I look forward to reconnecting with everyone…..which led me to the question of where to begin?  A simple daybook entry seems like, well, a simple (and good) place to start.  Enjoy.  And happiest Wednesday wishes, my friends!!

The Weather – has been unseasonably beautiful!  One of the prettiest (and mildest) Februarys we have ever had.  We had one bitter cold Saturday (down to 13 degrees) and then, just like that, the mild weather returned and has stayed.  I noticed even the early flowers and spring buds are confused and think it is time to wake up.  Could it be possible that we go through an entire winter without a measurable snowfall (or, ugh, snowstorm??)
As I look outside my window  – the birds are loving life!  Loving this weather as much as I am!  I have spent much time (these last two weeks) on the couch or in the recliner – with a perfect view of our birdfeeders.  Those little feathered friends are a lot of entertainment and bring me (and my husband) a lot of happiness.  I think I have aged into a birdwatcher! I actually have an app on my phone – it’s called Merlin – that helps me identify new birds that we see.  Yep, I’m that age now.
This morning, I am – powering through and trying to catch up on my Bible study homework.  Ironically, this is exactly what I said in my last daybook entry.  But I have a good excuse this time.  I have not had the strength – nor the notion – to watch the videos and/or keep up with my daily “homework.”  But, I am (cautiously optimistic and) determined to return to class next week and really want to be up to speed with the class.  As I mentioned, we are doing Jen Wilkin’s study on Exodus. It has been a great study.  Highly recommend.
Lately, I have been thinking about – how much I hurt?!? Just being honest.  The pain during my recovery has been intense.  Much more than I was prepared for….and, yes,  I would say it has pretty much consumed my thoughts (and my prayers!!) lately.  Huge sigh.
What I’m wearing – today I am actually getting out of my “loungewear” (ha!) and have put on real clothes.  I have two doctor appointments today.  Appointments that are nowhere near each other, I might add.  It will be a full day (full of traffic, to be sure) but I truly do not care.  I am getting out of this house.  WooHoo!  I might even wear lipstick today!!:)
On the menu this week – so many good leftovers from the weekend.  My brother came again.  He was here for an extra long weekend right after my surgery and then cam again last weekend.  He is the best.  He does all the cooking while he is here.  Last weekend, he made spaghetti and tacos – among other things.  We will finish those up and, truthfully, I think that I will soon be “back in the kitchen” which is not a bad thing.  But, seriously, we have all eaten well lately:)
I’m looking around the house – and I am so over snowmen.  I put them out in January and usually enjoy them throughout the winter months.  I suppose it is the unwintery weather of late – I’m not sure – but the snowmen really need to return to their bins.  Helping them do so seems like a project that might require a tad more physical energy/exertion than I have just yet….but, soon.  I would like all the decor to return to “normal.”  As in, before the fall decor, that was quickly followed by the pilgrims and then the Christmas.  You know what I mean.  I’m eager for just the regular stuff that I love!
My To-Do List – includes…..get out of the house.  In fact, it might be the only thing on my to-do list.  I do have a few places I would actually like to go but, truthfully, I just want to get outside.  After my post-op appointment today, I think I will be able to do just that.  I cannot wait!
A verse to share –  how to pick just one?  I cannot say how many times during the past fourteen days that I have been reading my Bible and thought, “This is exactly for me.  For this day.  For exactly how I am feeling.”  It has been precious….and a bit amazing.  Over and over this has happened; however for the sake of sharing here, I will include a few verses taken from Psalm 34.  This psalm was such a comfort to me on the morning of my surgery.  I read it over and over – and the Lord used it to quiet my heart and calm my fears.  Even as I read it now, it is a blessing but not nearly in the way that it was that morning two weeks ago.  I will bless the LORD at all times:  His praise shall continually be in my mouth. (v. 1);  I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. (v.4); The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him and delivereth them. (v. 7); O taste and see that the LORD is good:  Blessed is the man that trusteth in him.  (v. 8)
And, from my camera.  Ok.  Two of my favorite men in all the world…..working hard to fix our dinner.  So willing to step in…and step up, as they say.  This is unedited real life and I’m sure neither of them would be particularly impressed with this photo.  But, it means the world to me….so let’s just not tell them about this!!

 

Life Lately

Comments (8)

  1. This morning I was thinking about you and wondering how you were recovering 🙂 I’m glad you’re “back”, at least for today!

    You will have a long day, but feel so good having an outing, even to the doctor 🙂

    Hopefully your recovery will be all good, from this point on!

  2. So glad you are starting to feel better and I hope being out today will help you feel even better. Take care! Oh and those are some wonderful scriptures. The Psalms are wonderful for helping us through hard time.

  3. I was thinking about you (and worried… that is just in my nature). I’m sorry that your recovery is taking longer than expected but glad that you are feeling good enough to write and to be out and about. I hope your appointments go well today. Take care and keep resting! You got this (as the kids say…)!

  4. I’m glad you are healing up. I remember how good it felt to get out of the house after surgery too.
    I love the pic of your guys – priceless!

  5. I have been checking back every day, praying hard for you! I am so thankful for an update today!! I am glad you are in the land of the living and can get up and move around. I pray that your recovery goes well from this point forward, and God will take all the pain away. We have had great, weird weather too. Yesterday it was 67 and crazy wind. My husband and I sat on our back stoop for 30 minutes, enjoying the sun on our faces. He is recovering from Covid (started 2/3) and has been so sick. He has been confined to the basement, so we understand a little of your excitement to get out of the house. He has not been anywhere since 2/3. I hope your appointments go well and that you have a great day!

  6. I was so pleased to see that there was an update from you today, I’ve been checking every day. I do hope that there was good news from your follow up appointment and that you will be able to feel a little bit better with every day that passes. Enjoy your time outside of the house!

  7. Hi Jennifer – this is my first time in reading your blog and I will have to go through other posts to catch up! But I hope that you continue to gain strength and hurt less. Don’t you just love the Psalms? So perfect (and timely) when we need to hear words of help and comfort. God bless your weekend ahead!

  8. I have thought about you and prayed for you so many times! But one thing I’ve fallen behind on is in reading blogs. Imagine my surprise when I opened up to you this morning and found this post! I’m so glad to hear you’re regaining strength and energy. Much love to you, my friend!

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