Today marks a significant day! It was my brother Forrest’s “Bone Marrow Birthday”. Today marks five year since his bone marrow transplant back in August 2020. All Glory to God! Such a miracle and the family is so thankful. Today as he and his wife went to Duke for his appointment, everything turned out great. From what I understand, Duke no longer has a bell to ring so when they left Duke, they drove to Charlotte and rang the bell there. Forrest sent me this picture and I love the inscription beside the bell.
I remember clearly sitting on the porch praying for him back in 2020 when they found out he would need a bone marrow transplant. I am so thankful God enabled me to play a small role in his miracle by being a “perfect match”. Thank you Jesus for the many miracles that have happened along this journey Forrest and his family endured. It was a hard journey for them but to see all the blessings God has bestowed on them makes it a beautiful masterpiece of God’s handiwork to behold. Indeed, Miracles do happen!
I wore the “Miracles Happen” bracelet until it wore out.
Many of you have followed my blog from the beginning. Every year on Forrest “Bone Marrow Birthday” I have asked permission to share the joys of another year. This year is no different. We give all praise and glory to God for all He has done! We stand amazed and humbled at His grace and mercy. Thank you Jesus! And thank you all for your prayers along the way.
If you or your loved ones are facing a hard, seemingly impossible situation, let me encourage you to pray and trust God for His best. I love the follow scripture. “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV)
Here’s a little “peek” into my world. As an observer of human nature I find it interesting to watch people having conversations. The back and forth flow of words, smiles and laughter. It intrigues me and makes me slightly jealous at peoples skills in the “art”. Yes I call it an “art”. Today I watched the back and forth on a FaceTime. I am training to learn how to really share the phototherapy technology I’ve been using and love. I would never promote something unless I honestly believe it works and I do. So here I am going way beyond myself with watching zoom meetings and imitating FaceTime calls. If you told me I’d be doing this I would have laughed out loud. But I will let you all laugh along with me asI learn: trail and error.
Now back to conversing. From my perspective on today’s zoom I felt a bit like I was in a tennis match of sorts. A Volley back and forth of information and questions. Spoken language is so very different than sign language but I never want to limit myself to one type of dialogue. In all honestly, I prefer text or written language. The backspace is awesome! Yes, I’m over here laughing at that little joke. As I more watched today’s FaceTime than participated, honestly I have to zoom in to see the faces well and the lighting doesn’t always help. So many factors when it comes to Total communication: putting what I hear and what I see together and trust me, I am missing some gaps here and there. Very thankful for a patient caring friend who knows what she’s doing and can sign as well. I am learning a lot and thankful for the journey and stretching of myself.
This afternoon was another type of conversing at a baby shower for a friends daughter. There were both deaf, hearing impaired and hearing people there so lots of different types of conversation going on. It’s interesting because deaf people can converse in a loud group from across the room. I suppose people who talk loud can too. Just an observation. I on the other hand have to be fairly close to do either; understand speech or read signs and I’m always missing something. However, written language I can understand and retain.
Just a little reflection tonight as I think back on today. Honestly all I can do is try my best and let the pieces fall where they will. My gifts are encouraging and prayer. I’m the kind of person that meets you where you are, not expecting anything but just wanting to give hope to keep moving forward. We are all different with such a variety of talents and skills. Let’s encourage each other to be the very best version of who we are and strive to keeps stretching ourselves to learn new things. One day, God willing, I will master the “art” of conversing. I do fairly well one on one, but add more people and I’m lost in the “volley” of words, signs and faces. Just being real. Hope everyone enjoys the rest of their weekend. Be blessed and better yet, Be a Blessing.
A while back a young lady sat on the pew behind us in church. She had been the victim of a terrible act of violence that she survived. It is a miracle she is alive. I remember the video testiomony at church, I’m thinking it must have been in the Spring. This young lady almost died BUT GOD! As is my case in life, I don’t always get all the details because of the way I hear and see but when I saw her a few weeks ago sitting behind us, I texted my friend and ask what her name was. Ever since she told me, I’ve had this young lady’s name on the top of my prayer list and in my daily prayers.
Today she was sitting on the pew behind us again. With my low vision I wanted to make sure it was her because I felt prompted to talk to her after our service. She wears a mask I’m guessing due to the violence she endured. After church I told her I was praying for her and she was at the top of my prayer list. She began typing on her phone and as it turns out was communicating that way. At this point she is unable to speak so she typed on her cell phone. I told her I can’t see or hear well but my husband Ron read it and my friend Lauren interpreted for me. This young lady is going to NY tomorrow and mentioned a possibility of some kind of transplant. She didn’t give details but I was able to share about my brother’s transplant miracle. Next week my brother will be five years post bone marrow transplant. I told this young lady it was no accident that we were talking this morning. God prompted me to encourage her. God did an amazing miracle for my brother and I’m praying this young lady’s miraculous journey continues. Please pray for her. I will just call her ”S”. May God open doors of opprtunity for her and her family as they seek Him and healing.
Our walk of faith is an active walk. God wants us to come along side others to encourage, speak life, pray and lift them up. We are to be the “hands and feet” of Jesus. I am so glad I wasn’t timid this morning because of my own issues. I am learning to step out boldly in faith and do what God calls me to do. So many people need others to encourage them and let them know they are not alone. Let’s not forget those around us struggling. We can just sit back and let someone else do it but don’t you do that! You be a part of encouraging and blessing because it will make your heart swell with amazement at how awesome our God is. I texted my friend after church and said “ I love how God works. Talking to “S” after church, that was such a “God thing”. Such a sweet girl”.
Don’t miss opportunities to be a blessing to others. It’s just the little things that let people know they are not forgotten. Look for someone every day to uplift and pray for. We may never know the impact we have on them with words of life, encouragement and acts of kindness. I can tell you it will bring such joy to your heart. Have an amazing week.
Me doing devotions a few weeks ago at our RiceNBeans location in Rock Hill. Photo credit Terry P.
Have you ever been given an opportunity that you never thought you’d do? Un-nerving opportunities that you can’t do on your own? That’s been me. The RiceNBeans location that I serve at had to change locations for unforeseeable reasons. In the Rock Hill location we are now serving inside where there is a large kitchen. The people can come in and get cooled off in the air conditioned meeting area and have ice water and a meal. At this new location we also get to do a short devotion with the people. It’s a chance for “spiritual food” along with a warm meal. Pastor Daryl asked me if I would lead the devotions. I didn’t realize he meant every week. I honestly texted him recently to let him know I was thinking about stopping with volunteering. Let me explain a bit. Before we were meeting at a bust stop and I was busy doing “hands on” things that didn’t require me to hear people. The cooking and passing out food was easy for me.
In our new location it is a new dynamic where we let our wonderful volunteers to really get involved so they are busy and enjoy their experience. I’m not gifted with “directing” people so I felt like it wasn’t a good fit. I was asked to do the devotions and that is something I can do, with a lot of direction and help from the Lord. The thing about doing the devotions; I can’t see well enough to see the peoples response, I can’t tell if I’m speaking loud enough in the large room, I have a hard time seeing what I’ve prepared and have to zoom in large on my iPad. Bottom line…. it is un-nerving. With all these things, the devil had a good time of making me question if I was reaching the people and if I made any sense at all. A few weeks ago I asked Pastor Daryl if we could give out Bibles and that night we gave them all out except for one. Another night I felt so uncomfortable when the Lord prompted me to tell the people I’d be glad to pray with them if they wanted to accept Jesus. I was obedient and did what the Lord asked but not a single person approached me for prayer but one lady gave me a hug. In a sense I kind of felt like Jonah, wanting to run far away from this challenge but I didn’t. Every time I have spoken the Lord has given me the scripture to share.
Earlier today I did not know they wanted me to do devotions today but when I found out, scripture immediately came to me. I spoke briefly on our “thought life”. Our minds are bombarded with all kinds of thoughts all the times, but we don’t have to let them make a “nest” in our heads. I shared with the the following scripture. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8 (ESV). I looked at a cross reference and saw the New Living Translation says to “fix your thoughts”. We have a choice in what we allow to stay in our minds. Choose what is lovely, pure, just, commendable, praise worthy etc. I also shared 2 Corinathians 10:5 with them that says, “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,”. 2 Corinthians 10:5 (ESV) We have authority to take our wayward thoughts captive. I always try to throw in a true story or two to demonstrate the point. Tonight I shared about when we went to a little place within the campground at the beach last week to get some hamburgers for lunch. We ordered then sat at a picnic table to eat. The cashier was a “ray of sunshine”. She was so sweet and friendly and that set the stage for the experience. The food was NOT good. The hamburgers were cold as if they had been cookened then put in a refrigerator. However the lettuce was crisp and the tomatoe was also good. I laughed and told Ron the lettuce and tomatoe were the best part. It’s all a matter of perspective. Choose to find the good in things and it helps things go better.
Not sure what God is preparing me for, but I’m thankful for His grace, strength and wisdom to know when the devil is trying to make me “throw in the towel”. Not a chance. I’m going to keep serving as long as the Lord keeps this door open. It’s stretching me but He’s growing me for something and I’m honored and humble to be along for the journey. Don’t give up! Don’t quit. Be strong and courageous. God is with us wherever we go. Be blessed and better yet, Be a Blessing! Good night!
It’s a “no frills” kind of day, with my messy gray curls but I circled my patch so you can spot it.
All silliness aside, I’m four and a half months in with using phototherapy stem cell technology patches and I continue to love the benefits. So why do I patch? In all honestly I was a true skeptic at the end of March when my college friend shared the technology with me. I do trust her though and see the amazing results she’s receiving so I was willing to look more closely. I have read so many incredible testimonies of how these patches have changed peoples lives for the better. The testimonies of real people sharing their real life situations has given me great hope.
I believe God made our body to heal itself. God created our stem cells which are the “master cells” and building blocks in our body. By God’s design, stem cells are found throughout our body and in various organs. Their job is to repair and renew our bodies. Stem cells migrate through the bloodstream to areas of the body most in need of repair and renewal. God is so amazing!
The stem cell patch traps the infrared light emitted from our body and reflects it back into the body. The reflected light stimulates the activation of stem cells. People have experienced notable effects in the first 24 hours and have incredible results in the first year. The stem cell patch supports the activation of healthy stem cells by activating GHK-cu (copper peptides) These copper peptides reset over 4,000 genes to a healthier younger state. By the age of 30 only half of our stem cells are working. By age 60, 90% are dormant. Can you tell I love the science behind this? Biology and anatomy were two of my favorite classes many years ago in college.
While the stem cell patches do not “treat” any specific disease. They activate stem cells and your body uses it where renewal is most needed. However, many people share they have benefitted with less pain, reduced inflammation, better quality of sleep, increased energy, less brain frog and less depression and anxiety. I personally can testify that my depression is way better and I feel so much more balanced. I am very thankful my friend shared this with me.
Yesterday my friend shared about the patching conference she just attended and shared a video from the conference of David Schmidt, the inventor sharing part of his testimony. I had some trouble following the video with my hearing and vision issues. Another friend shared with me about “live captioning” in settings on apple devices and told me how to turn it on. I still had some issues since I can’t read as fast as people speak but she shared. the gist of what he said. He diligently studies the Bible, doing word study, comparing meaning between Greek, Hebrew and numerical meaning. He gives God full credit for his inventions. That was confirmation that I’m on the right path.
Hebrews 11:1 says, “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” (NLT) Faith is active. Another compelling verse is found in James 2. “You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete.” James 2:22 (NLT). Jesus himself used some unconventional ways of getting things down. For example, in John 9 Jesus heals a man born blind by spitting on the ground, making mud and placing it on his eyes. He told the man to go and wash in the pool of Siloam and came back seeing. So I’m going to continue patching.
This stem cell patch technology is patented with clinically studies and proven results. It is nontransdermal and noninvasive. While I started in April hoping it will help with my low vision, I am seeing other benefits while I wait: better quality of sleep, more mentally balanced, increased energy, handling stress much better, just to name a few. I’m going to keep praying and see what the Lord allows. He created my body to renew itself. Now where the activated stem cells will end up working is up to the Lord but I trust Him.
I will be having an “Educational Patch Party” in the near future, if you would like to learn more. My friend Kellie and another lady will be presenting the information. If you’d like an invitation to the zoom party, let me know and I’d be happy to send you an invitation.
We can’t grasp the goodness of God. “For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9 (NLT) AND…… “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” Ephesians 3:20 (NLT)
So keep believing, keep trusting, keep putting your faith into action because God is working. I’m personally thankful He is using this stem cell patch technology to renew me. Be Blessed and better yet, Be a Blessing!
On the road, blogging in the car. Heading home from a few days away with our “original three”: Ron, me and Joshua, plus 5 month old puppy Moose. It had been years since we went away, just us with no friends along for the trip.
We planned the trip about a month in advance, picking a small Airbnb at Ocean Lakes campground in Myrtle Beach, S.C. We figured the campground would be more pet friendly, besides we camped there when Josha was little. It was a different kind of fun but we enjoyed it. The thing about planning in advance, you never know what the weather is going to be like. Last week as I checked the weather, rain was forecast for every single day. Half of me wanted to just cancel and plan again, but coastal weather can change so quickly. (And praise God, it did!).
You know how first impressions can set the stage? Thus was the case. As we pulled into the property we were greeted with an overflowing trash can, with several bags of trash laying beside it. The people that had been there before us had a lot of trash. Wow! We walked up onto the front porch and noticed the ash tray and the smell of cigarette smoke. We were not happy with the place at all but I told the guys we would make the best of it. The cleaning service dropped off a quilt for a bed at 8:30 p.m. that first night and it was damp, not completely dry and useless as there was no dryer in the place. So the stage was set, and it took a positive mindset to push past it.
We rented a golf cart and took Moose cruising around the campground. There is evidently a “boulevard” that everyone cruises in their golf carts, up and down. Some people decorate their golf carts and as you pass each other people high-five everyone. I saw small inflatables attached to many golf carts; a shark, duck, flamingo, to name a few. It was very family friendly and pet friendly too. Although all the noise, headlights and people were a bit much for Moose the first night but he did really well.
We found a dog park inside the campground on Monday and Moose loved that. There were a variety of breeds and ages there and they all played and chased each other. That was Moose’s first experience being around so many dogs and it wore him out. We put him in his crate at the house and took off for the beach.
Moose at the dog park.
I had prayed for some non-rainy weather and God answered. Our first full day was cloudy but we still went to the beach. The surf was very rough and wave after wave knocked me over. One big wave knocked the hat off I was wearing. Coming up from the wave, I caught sight of it and went after it, but another wave crashed on me and the hat went churning further in the surf. Sad thing, it was my Dad’s golf hat. (He passed away in 2021). Tuesday we woke to sunshine and I was so thankful. It was short lived but again no rain until later that evening. Again we took Moose to the dog park before heading to the beach. I was satisfied having prayed for some non-rainy weather so we could enjoy the beach, we had two. Our last full day was forecast for 75% chance of rain. We figured we would find something else to do.
Our last day we woke to clear blue skies and a perfect beach day. We went to the pool then went to the beach. The beach was perfect and the surf relatively calm. We all went out in the water together and the guys even saw some nice size fish jumping in the surf. Joshua said that was a sign he needed to go fishing. We did head for the pier after dinner but rain and lightning had set in. Slightly disappointed we stopped at a gas station for some bottled water and the guys bought lottery tickets on a whim. Ron had never bought one before. I was sitting there laughing and shaking my head as they scratched away on the cards. Joshua won $5 and Ron won $200. We had to go to a Food Lion to exchange the card for cash and the guys split the money.
Moose was a good traveler. Joshua had wanted to see how he would do on the beach but there was really no place to give him a good bath so we stuck with the dog park, which he really enjoyed. Everywhere we took him, he was a people magnet. He did well with the attention and even the little kiddos wanting to pet him.
One of the t-shirts I wore this week says “”Grow in Grace”. I told Ron it was a reminder for us all to not complain about disappointments but to show grace. We tried to refrain from complaining about the Airbnb and instead found something to compliment on. The beds did sleep very well and that was the perk of the place. One day we drove the golf cart to a place within the campground to get hamburgers and brought Moose with us. The hamburgers were cold and I do mean cold. It was like it came from a refrigerator but the cashier was a “ray of sunshine” and that made the experience better. I just laughed as Ron commented on the burgers. I said “ that’s some good lettuce and tomato on that burger. Find the good and it changes the outlook.
All in all, it was a different kind of fun family trip. We enjoyed our time together and are thankful to be heading home to our elderly dog Joy. Mom was so sweet to stay with her while we were gone. Joy is 14.5 years old and has arthritis. I know Moose will be so happy to see her. Mom texted me saying Joy was carrying her turtle toy through the house. Moose loves that toy and she was likely looking for him. She will see him soon.
Thankful for time away with my blessings and thankful to be heading home to our own home. Vacations are nice but there’s no place like home.
We all struggle with what goes on between our ears. Our minds are always running in one direction or another. I personally can see a connection with my line of thinking and how I feel physically and emotionally. When looking for a picture for this blog, I googled “picture depicting “mind games” and the above was one of the images that popped up. It’s kind of accurate as our mind is like a big lightbulb shining in various shades and quite fragmented at times. It’s pretty vital to learn how to take thoughts captive. Paul talks about this very thing in the following verse: “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,” 2 Corinthians 10:5 (ESV)
Negative thoughts can especially be troubling. Speculation is another thing to flee from. These types of thinking can get us in trouble. They can cause fear to take form and our bodies respond in unhealthy ways. I am learning more and more how to focus on what God says is true. Paul said, “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV). As we take control of our wayward thoughts, God directs us away from fear. Paul actually encourage us in Philippians what to think on. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthyof praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8 (ESV) (emphasis mine)
Honestly, my thoughts don’t always fall into those neat positive places and I know I’m not alone. My mind sometimes goes into overdrive. Overthinking, self criticism and second guessing myself sometimes gets me off track. Why do we go off “the deep end” like that? I don’t need to measure up to anyone except for God. I know He appreciates my efforts even if I don’t think I measure up to what I should be. This line of thinking is partly due to our human nature and also the world influences we are exposed to. I will add the devil often try’s to tell me I’m falling short and to give it up.. He can be quiet!!! The world really is morally corrupt and we are all exposed to it on one level or another. We become less sensitive to what is pleasing to God when we emmerse ourselves in the world: social media, music, tv, movies, news etc. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (ESV). It’s essential to come apart from the world influences in terms of limiting what we are exposed to.
The above statement reminds me of something I read recently. I don’t quite remember where I saw it but it said we need to be like Moses and “leave the palace”. Moses left the riches of palace life and chose to set himself apart and be like his own people the Israelities. That change would certainly narrow the influence of the “world”. I thought it was an interesting connection. Moses left the rich foods, the entertainment, the exotic culture and privileges to be like his own people. Dare we come apart from our “world” and earnestly seek the things of God? Our lives would be so much more joyful, peaceful and less chaotic if we would truly emmerse ourselves in God’s Word and prayer. I’m thankful for the Holy Spirit’s gentle nudge that quite often steers me away from thoughts, actions and words that I should avoid.
Recently I was dealing with the need to forgive which releases my mind from constantly thinking and rethinking, why in the world people say the things they do. A very wise woman shared the following with me. ”When we get wounded by someone and don’t let go of it so we can be healed from it, we start to hear things through that hurt. Our hearing gets distorted. We start to expect to be hurt. We hear hurt in everything. We must let God heal the hurt and forgive. If not the cycle continues.” (For privacy reasons I won’t share her name, but God knows) I don’t typically dwell on hurtful thinking but I know some people who do. We need to allow God to take control of our thinking and break the cycle of negativity. God is so able to deliver us from it all. We only need to ask Him. I think I will stop here for tonight. Let’s let God have His way and transform us by the renewing of our minds. It can only get better. I’m so beyond thankful to serve such an amazing, mightly, all powerful, Holy God. Be blessed and better yet, be a blessing.
Oh boy! Talking about a hard thing! We ALL experience forgiveness and the need to extend it towards those who wrong us, usually on a daily basis. I see this in humanity, people I know and love, and see it’s a “God” thing. We need Gods help to truly forgive from the heart. As I was praying this morning I asked God to release me from the hurt caused by hurtful untrue things people say. I am always a forgiving person, but lets be honest, the hurt inflicted by people can weigh us down.
It’s kind of interesting, after I prayed this morning asking God to help me to forgive and let it go, including the hurt, He allowed me to see the verse of the day. “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” Colossians 3:13 (NLT) Okay Lord, I’m listening! The thing is, forgiveness in itself is a choice and it’s not a hard choice to make when you want to live in peace. However, what in the world do you do with the disappointment and hurt? Looks like some Holy Spirit healing is needed.
Often times conversations and intentions are totally misunderstoood or taken out of context Other times people get so emotionally disillusioned they don’t see a situation clearly. I’ll throw in miscommunication when people simply don’t understand yet repeat something that didn’t happen. I will go as far as to say, ASL (American sign language) and spoken English are two very different languages.
As I have been reading through the Bible again this year, I love how it “sticks” to my mine. Proverbs talks about gossip and it is so true. “A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends.” Proverbs 16:28 (NLT) This is so true. As I was praying this morning I said, “Lord humanity is such a mess! We are created to bring You glory yet the devil messes it up.“. Everyone, and I do mean everyone gossips sometimes. Some more than others. Just being honest here, There is a wealth of instruction for Godly living in the Bible. Let’s take it to heart and apply it to our lives. The world would be a whole lot more peaceful and joyful. Take for example the following verse from Psalm. “Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies!” Psalms 34:13 (NLT). In the book of James it really “hammers home” this point. “And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.” James 3:6 (NLT)
The Bible is FULL of wise counsel on how to live in this fallen world. It directs us in how to navigate life. As I shared with the homeless during devotions last Wednesday on how powerful God’s Word is, I old them it’s like a map for life. It’s God’s loving instructions to us to get us through this journey. It would be wise to read it and apply it to our lives. We had 9 Bibles to give away last Wednesday. I told them as they lined up to get physical food, to also take a Bible for spiritual food. Eight people took a Bible! Praise God!
Life is messy. From most standards I lead a boring life but yet as I read God’s Word and see life unfold around me, it is messy. I see people with struggling marriages. I see people trying to make it look like their life is perfect, when it’s an illusion. I see people trying to truly forgive people for things done to them decades ago, they say they have forgiven but still refuse to talk to those who wronged them. Then there are those homeless and living in shelters for various reasons, trying to make life work. Just looking at the whole isssue called LIFE, it’s MESSY. It is vital we seek God at every step. The devil is active to stir up trouble BUT Jesus overcomes it all. It’s also wise to be careful about your circle of friends and support group. You need others who will speak life and encouragement into your life not critism. Think before you speak, and yes I am speaking to myself as well.
When I saw the verse of the day, there was a video devotion that went with it. The devotion. tied forgiveness and empathy together. I love empathy! Being able to put yourself inside someone else’s shoes. Try it! It will change your perspective if you attempt to see things from someone else’s situation. A world of wisdom there. I think I will stop here. We can’t change people but we can change how we respond to them and we can creat boundaries to avoid some of people’s chaos. Lord help us respond well and in a merciful gracious way that brings You glory.
Have an amazing weekend. Be blessed and better yet, be a blessing!
Moose visiting GG after his first hair cut. Photo credit Joshua H.
Our grand-puppy Moose is now 5 months old and finally got his hair cut today. He went through a rough spell when he got into a parasite outside that took several medicines to clear up. He is such a dog; eating dirt, bugs, bark and anything he can find outside. He is now 39 pounds and a healthy loving playful bundle of joy. He was looking a bit “shaggy” and was a bit clumsy, probably due to his hair always in his eyes. He is a hoot to watch. Since he has all his shots he could finally get his hair cut. Little “Shaggy” got a new “Do” and he is looking quite handsome. The groomers said he did really well, which was a relief. Our 14 year old rescue Joy can’t stand things like that. Moose seems to feel so much better. It’s been so incredibly HOT here lately and his hair was SO thick. With the trim, his colors show up very well now. He is a beautiful dog. God sure is incredibly artistic.
“Shaggy” Moose before his haircut.
Moose loves being out and about now that he’s gotten all of his shots. He has met some BIG dogs and little cuties too and seems to love them all. He loves to playfully irritate “Old Granny” Joy but she doesn’t mind too much and when she’s had enough, she lets him know. He also licks her and plays with her tail. They are fun to watch. For a while I was a dog referee but thankfully we are pretty much past that stage now. They still only go potty outside one at a time, otherwise Joy would never get to go. Moose will “plow right into her” 😂 We should have gotten Joy a playmate when she was younger so she could enjoy it more but she seems to like Moose for the most part. He may even prolong her life since she is way more active around him,(truthfully because she has to be not because she wants to be.)
Happy Blogging Anniversary to me! Wow four years have flown by and many posts have been shared on a range of topics. Every week God gives me something to share and I’m so thankful for this journey He has me on and mostly that He is with me every step of the way. I just reread my very first blog post written exactly four years ago. My goal was and still is to encourage everyone to “Bloom where you’re planted”. We can’t always choose where we end up in life but we can choose how we deal with it. We can choose to Bloom for the Glory of God! We can choose to Rise Up in the power He gives us. God is so incredibly faithful.
While I have no clue exactly how many posts I’ve written: I usually average 1-2 posts per week for the last 4 years. WordPress is worldwide so posts can potentially be read anywhere in the world. Here are a few stats from my blogging journey. I am humbled and overjoyed that God would allow me to speak life over such an incredible audience. There have been a total of 10,516 views in 136 countries during this journey. Praise God for His faithfulness. While I do not make money doing this, I look at it in terms of speaking life and encouragement. My treasures are in Heaven and I’m just being obedient to share what comes to my heart. You are welcome along on this journey by subscribing. That way the blogs come directly to your e mail. I don’t know how long this journey will last but I will continue to be faithful in the process. Please feel free to share and brighten the world around us. Be blessed and better yet, Be a Blessing! Www.shannonkhinson.com
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