#rootedbythewater – Page 13 – rootedbythewater.blog

What is your aim?

October 4, 2023Leave a Comment

Has it ever crossed your mind what your aim is in life? During different stages of life my aim has changed. Currently I’m happy when I make it through the day, still standing, with a sense of humor. The last few months have thrown some “ugly pitches” (and no I don’t like baseball). Things pertaining to my experience living with hearing and visual issues I can share. Other situations when I’m along for the ”rollercoaster ride” with a different role, I’m not able to share. Whether it’s the role of wife, mom, Bible study member or whatever, I want to be ”all I need to be” in every role.

Truth be told, it can be exhausting. Recently my husband and I were sitting at the kitchen table talking after dinner. I told him I felt so tired and drained. (granted, we have had quite some hurdles lately in life) I explained when I’m with deaf people my eyes are strained trying to see sign language. When I’m with hearing people, I’m trying hard to understand and I can only do so much in that area. When I’m doing Bible reading my iPad is zoomed in large on YouVetsion app. When I’m doing Bible study, I’m sitting at my video magnifier with the study book, making notes for the girls in the group on my ipad, looking up scripture and words to explain meaning. When it’s all combined I feel overwhelmed by it all. God has really opened my husbands eyes to see how I feel and it’s so nice to be understood. As we sat there talking, I admitted that I would probably not be where I am spiritually if I could hear and see everything. God has me at a place where I depend heavily on Him for strength, courage and resilience. Is it hard? YES! Is it worth the struggle? Oh YES! While it is hard, I am at a point where I feel the eternal benefits of my limitations. I don’t have all the distractions of the world to compete with my focus on Jesus. My aim is to serve Jesus. I love how Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭29‬ ‭puts it: “That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.”(NLT) (As a true Southern would say, “now ain’t that the truth!)

My aim is to be pleasing to the Lord in whatever role I am in. So often my prayer is, “Lord I can’t do this. You’re going to have to help me.” God has given me a sensitive heart to the needs of those around me.

Two days ago I had lunch with a friend at Chick-fil-A. As we were talking (sign language) one of the employees was persistently trying to help us. As I observed his mannerism I realized he was special needs. It dawned on me that he was connected to us because we too are “different”. My friend and I are both hearing impaired. It took extra effort to understand him but I tried my best. It’s my desire to bless those around me. 2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭9 says,“Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.” ‬ ‭(NKJV)

Sometimes God gives us opportunities that we don’t feel equipped for. About a month ago my Bible study group asked me to lead the study we are doing. While I do much study on my own and God has taught me much, I still feel inadequate. You need to be able to see the book to teach. You need to be able to read scripture. I was like… but Lord I can’t do this! Two in our group are completely deaf and I know the book is a bit of a challenge. While I can’t carry my video magnifier around to use to teach, I figured I could make good notes on my iPad and zoom in to teach from those notes. As I work on the notes and lessons, I ask God to help me simplify it in a way to get the message across in an understandable way. Defining any words to bring the meaning to life for them. Today was our third lesson and somehow with Gods help I am doing it. One friend gave me a ride home afterwards and mentioned I was doing well. I was pretty stunned. I told her right before our time to get together I said , “Lord help me do this. I need your help.” I will never understand how God works but I know from experience when we make ourselves available, He will pour into us and use us for His glory. Psalms 32‬:‭8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with my eye.”(NKJV‬‬)

While my hearing and visual senses are way off, I am grateful the Lord gives me spiritual aim to keep my focus on what’s important in life. I love Acts‬ ‭20‬:‭24: “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”(NKJV) That’s what it’s all about. Let your aim be high and you true focus on Jesus. He will take you places in life you otherwise would never attain.

If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God. Be blessed!

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Shall we dance?

September 21, 2023Leave a Comment

I love a good rain storm and don’t mind walking in the rain. A little rain never hurt anybody. Although I have yet to actually “dance” in the rain.

What about life’s “storms”. With as many “life storms” I’ve gone through in my 54 years, I should be a professional dancer by now but of course I’m not. Each “life storm” has its own “song” and this one has left us trying to catch the “beat”.

It’s kind of ironic because yesterday during Bible study we talked about how God always sees what we are going through. He is sovereign. Absolutely nothing takes Him by surprise. We have to trust God in the waiting. That’s a lot easier said than done. We also talked about how God knows our breaking point. He knows exactly how much we can take. God is not going to give us more than we can handle and He is right there with us.

Another thing we discussed in Bible study was things that seem impossible. The irony of it all, I’m sitting there teaching about El Roi, the God who’s sees and I begin to share what all is going on in life and ask, “God do you see all this?” My friend Tami was sitting across from me and started signing “Abraham, Abraham. Abraham”. You might wonder why. Abraham had to wait a LONG time for his promise. But God made a promise to him and all Gods promises are yes in Christ Jesus.

We aren’t thrilled about this current “season”. Geez it is hurricane season of life. One after another, they come through. May we have this dance? No choice but to get out there an boogie. Although I am changing the music here. Today I told my husband Ron, I wish I could sing because he would like the song playing inside me. He said to sing it anyway. The lyrics I sang we this: “Almighty fortress, you go before us. Nothing can stand against the power of God. You shine in the shadow, you win every bottle. Nothing can stand against the power of God”. ( Battle Belongs, Phil Wickhan) Yes we will dance to that. And the next song will be, Yes I Will (Vertical Worship) “I count on one thing, the same God that never fails , will not fail me now, you won’t fail me now. In the waiting, the same God who’s never late, is working all things out, your working all things out.”

So in this apparent hurricane season of life we will praise God through it all and watch Him work it out. I’m attaching the YouTube song video links below . Take a listen and join us in our “dance”. Perhaps we should create s whole playlist of worship songs. Comment any suggestions.

Battle Belongs
https://youtu.be/johgSkNj3-A?si=equV8L1G6gqTCuMc
Yes I Will
https://youtu.be/ryFS_3eBq6s?si=oBnadmCsrfX9

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He sees me!

September 18, 2023Leave a Comment

When you dig deep, revelations come to light. Some people read the Bible on a “surface level”. You know just read a few verses and give yourself a check mark for the day. One check off on my to do list. God wants us to go deeper. He wants to bring things to light as we study. When I read the Bible I invite the Holy Spirit into my quiet time. I invite Him to bring things to light that are hidden. I invite Him to change me for His glory.

My Bible study group has started up again, studying women of the Bible. Lately I have been studying the account of Hagar in Genesis 16. What a fitting place to start. The girls have asked me to teach this go round. It is through Hagar that God reveals Himself as “The God who sees.”

God sure has a sense of humor. If you only knew the inadequacy that I feel in accepting this role. My hearing loss is not an issue since others in the group are deaf and one is hearing. However with my low vision I can not see the book without my video magnifier. Okay Lord you are going to have to really help me! (And that is such an understatement). This is just a little “scratch on the surface”.

As I began the study, I had my iPad out to take notes, iPhone out to use YouVersion for scripture reading and the study book itself. I put it all under the video magnifier except my iPad. (which is always zoomed large.) I figured I could use the notes to teach. As it turned out, I felt led to simplify the notes to also share with the group. In all honesty it is a time consuming process but when one friend said it helped her to understand better, it made it worth all the effort. When somone is deaf at a young age, it affects their language skills. This is going to be a team effort. Where I lack good vision, they see well. Where they may lack fluent English skills, I can help there. My friend Tami said she would be my eyes. So this week we will go over our first chapter on Hagar.

Speaking of Hagar, what an ironic place to start. Let me briefly sum up Genesis 16 if you’re not familiar with the story. God reveals Himself to Abraham and tells him to leave his place of birth for an unknown land God would give him (Canaan). Once Abraham and Sarah reached the land, there was a severe famine so they lived temporarily in Egypt. Abraham asked Sarah to tell the Egyptians she was his sister because she was very beautiful. Using this deception shows Abraham did not fully trust God with their protection in Egypt. Sarah was brought to Pharaoh and he gave Abraham servants and animals. This is how they gotHagar, Sarah’s servant. God sent a plague on pharaoh because of Sarah, so he sent them away. They returned to Canaan and settled there. God had made a promise to Abraham, that he would be the father of many nations yet Abraham and Sarah had no children and were very very old. Sarah came up with a plan to “help God out” by taking Hagar and giving her to Abraham as a wife so she could have children for her. This was not God idea but a shortcut to the goal. God doesn’t want our help. He wants our obedience. Hagar conceived then despises Sarah, who then blames Abraham for the problems with Hagar. Sarah mistreats Hagar and she flees to the wilderness. There the Angel of the Lord finds her and reveals Himself to her. God reveals Himself as El Roi, the God who sees.

That was the shortest version of Genesis 16 I could share. Please refer to the scripture if you aren’t familiar with the story.

One of the key lessons I learned from Hagar is “God sees me”. He sees me when I hurt. He sees me when I fall short. He sees when my attitude isn’t right. He sees the good, the bad and the ugly, yet He loves me.

Recently I came Isaiah‬ ‭48‬:‭10 that says, “Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.”(NKJV) Yeah Lord I surely know. In all honesty I do find myself wondering, “God do you see all this? There are many afflictions in life that not only touch me but also my family. Like Hagar I find myself crying out to God. Yet I know God is sovereign. He is in complete control. I can fully trust Him. He is with us regardless of what we go through. We are never alone. There is scripture in Isaiah that touches me deeply. “But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.” Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭1-2‬ ‭(NKJV)

I find this to be very encouraging. I know I’m not alone. There are many going through hard difficulties right now. God sees us. I don’t know the whys. All I know is to trust Him and live in obedience for His glory. When He opens a door, even if you don’t feel adequate, step forward! He will meet you there. So this week I’m going to be obedient and lesd Bible study. Well honestly, I’m going to be a willing empty vessel for Him to fill and pour into others. God is doing a deep work in my heart. It’s hard and humbling but I’m grateful. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬)

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What do you diffuse?

September 10, 2023Leave a Comment

Every single night before I go to bed I put essential oils in my diffuser. The scents of rosemary, frankincense, peppermint and lavender are so soothing. We have tried several brands. My husband has even ordered some off Amazon. I’m a bit wary of using just any brand. It needs to be 100% pure if we’re going to be breathing it all night. Revive brand is my favorite because it’s pure and affordable.

Years ago I ordered a beautiful diffuser. It had a ceramic cover with a beautiful design of little holes. When you turn the diffuser on you can change the color of light and the light shined through the little holes as the sweet smelling oils diffused from the top. Once while changing the water, I removed the ceramic covering. It rolled off the bed, hit the side table and broke into pieces. I could replace the ceramic cover but it’s kind of pricey and the diffuser otherwise works fine. It just no longer has the beautiful cover.

There is a deeper lesson here. That is so symbolic of people. The outside appearance can be so attractive but it’s whats found in the heart that makes all the difference. You know the saying, “Pretty is, as pretty does”.

Just like the fragrant essential oils that I put in the bottom of my diffuser: what I put in my heart is what comes out. If it’s negative criticism, that’s what will come out through speech and action. If I’m filling my heart with the things of the world then my life will reflect the next thing I want to buy or do. When I fill my heart with God’s Word, prayer and worship, I will diffuse grace, love, kindness, patience, mercy, etc.

Here’s a relevant question. What are you diffusing? And while we’re on the tough stuff, a good cleansing is needed periodically. The essential oils can buildup in the diffuser and it needs to be wiped down. I take a q-tip to clean out the small opening at the top. The oils build up over time and it’s hard to get out of the very small hole. Our hearts and minds need a good cleansing too.

It’s hard to be “clean” if you have a daily intake of the worlds crud. God calls us to be set apart. Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭2 says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
‭‭‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬). Here is another good one:“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬). I’m going to wrap this up with one more gem.
“For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.”2 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭15‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬)

I don’t know about you, but I’m challenged to live life diffusing what will bring glory to the Lord. If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. (Hard cover soft cover, and e-book formats.) I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God. Be blessed!

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Deep Roots

September 6, 20233 Comments

I’ve been wanting to write this blog since last week after watching coverage on Hurricane Idalia. One particular video I saw on X (formerly Twitter) social media platform was astonishing. Someone in Florida had videoed tall trees under the distress of strong hurricane force winds. Some of the trees were literally bending until two snapped. It was stunning to watch.

This made me think about root systems. I also wondered if those two tall trees that snapped in two under the pressure of strong hurricane force winds would sprout new life and eventually grow back. It probably depends on the type of trees and how healthy the root systems and soil are. While I am writing on physical root systems and the damage of hurricanes, it really strikes me on a much deeper level.

What about the “hurricanes” in our personal lives? You know those “depressions” that turn into category 1, category 2, category 3 and category 4. Life storms can build and seem relentless. The “storms” can come in so many forms; health issues, disabilities, death of loved ones, lack of concern, issues with kids, finances, the list goes on and on. Just yesterday a friends cousin died unexpectantly. His aunt lost her husband this past Spring and now has lost four of her five children. Another friend recently told me that things seem to improve them wham! Something worse happens! So many stories of people I know going through tremendous struggles. It makes one wonder how much people can take before they feel like they will just break. That’s where strong roots are needed.

Rooted in what you might ask? For me personally it’s being rooted in Jesus Christ. My hope, faith, trust and future are all in Him. He is the one who sustains me when I just can’t. All the people I mentioned with hurricane forces in life are all Christians. With prayer, a steady dose of the “Word of God”, unity in fellowship and worshiping through it all: they will make it. Their roots run deep.

I don’t know how people make it through life without a relationship with Jesus. There are so many who take their eyes off Jesus and become distracted in life. They need a touch from the Holy Spirit to get them back on track. I hope it doesn’t take a life storm to get them focused on what truly matters.

2 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭7-10 says: “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.” (NKJV )

My prayer for you all is summed up in Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭14‬-‭19,: “My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength—that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.”( MSG‬‬)

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Picture in my pillow

August 29, 2023Leave a Comment

Yesterday while changing the sheets I felt the rectangular shape inside the lining of my pillow. Several years ago I put a picture inside the lining of my pillow. (I honestly don’t remember exactly when I did it.) Yesterday when I was changing the sheets I decided to open the pillow liner and see which picture it was. Lo and behold, it was was our son Joshuas “Identi-Kid” 2009 id from elementary school. No, it hasn’t been in my pillow liner for that long. I guess I picked that one because as an id, it’s thicker and would last longer than a normal picture.

You might be wondering why in the world I did that and it’s still in there. Hear me out! I strongly believe in prayer! You could even label me a“radical prayer warrior”. You wouldn’t be far from the truth. Truth be told, when I wake up at night and feel that picture, I pray for our son.

Just yesterday I saw an Instagram video story of him and a friend in Florida in the Atlantic Ocean. He’s helping a friend move back to Charlotte. You know Hurricane Idalia is brewing off the gulf coast of Florida. I showed my husband Ron the video and asked if it was Joshua and his friend and he said it was. I texted him and said, “I saw that video. Isn’t the surf rough? Looks very rough!” I was relieved when he responded, “Yes it was rough but it was fun.” I texted back, “Y’all are crazy! Be safe!” He replied, “You know it!”

He is ALL boy! I could tell you some nerve wracking stories. Some good and some I want to forget. Always seeking one adventure or another. As a mom of course I worry. Over the last twenty five years, I’ve learned that worrying does nothing but prayer changes things. He told me this summer that I’m a little over the top. I bet deep down in that tough guy but sweet heart of his, he’s glad he’s got a praying momma.

Im going to keep that picture in my pillow. When I feel it at night, I will continue to lift up a prayer for our son. As parents we can’t always be there physically but our Abba Father sure can. I found the perfect little sign a while back. It says “Give it to God and go to sleep”. It’s the perfect reminder for me.

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Transplant birthday #3

August 27, 20232 Comments

Me and my brother Forrest several years ago.

I can’t let this weekend end without giving a BIG shout of PRAISE to the LORD! Yesterday 8/26/23 marked my brother Forrest bone marrow transplant birthday #3! Thank you God for this walking miracle! He is a true testimony that God can bring you through the darkest time. It was a tough experience that I can’t begin to even fathom BUT GOD brought him through. Hallelujah! He and family cling to Psalms 91. Today he is doing well and encouraging others going through this same ordeal. He shines the light of the Lord in the darkness of their trials, bringing hope. We are so proud of him and thank God for bringing him through!

Excuse me while I have a praise session…..🙌🙌I will sing of ..all you’ve done, I’ll remember how far you carried me. From the beginning …til the end…. You are faithful, faithful til the end🙌 Thank you Lord for answered prayers!

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Paddling the Catawba

August 23, 2023August 24, 2023Leave a Comment

What a fun adventurous morning with friends kayaking down the Catawba River. My friend Leasa and I had been wanting to kayak on the river side of the Wylie Dam. Today was the day. We met our friend Tami and her husbandTerry, bright and early at the dam.

It was a perfect clear sunny morning, only about 73 degrees with a light breeze. Leasa and Tami took one truck to the stopping point down the river. Terry and I paddled around for about 45 minutes until the other two came back. It’s been a while since it’s rained and the water was low. I didn’t realize how rocky it was out there until I was out in the middle of the river. Kayaking with my low vision is a little bit tricky. Being the first one on the water, it was slightly unnerving to realize I could not see where I had gotten in and noticed all the rocks. Oh Lord have mercy and where was Terry? I didn’t see him at first but then I saw his red kayak and thank God it was red. I can see that color better.

Once Terry was close by, I explained I was wearing my old cochlear implant processor. I can’t hear well with it but I can hear some. I could hear water coming over the dam but couldn’t really see it. He told me to follow him. He was my GPS/ navigation system around the rocks. I stayed out of trouble following him. There is just something about the water and being in nature. It was simply peaceful.

Tami and Leasa finally got back and we all set off down the river. Tami and Leasa would tell me different things we were passing. Tami spotted a few turtles and Leasa spotted a bird. There was even an outdoor church setting along the river. They warned me when more rocks were coming up and I would paddle behind then. Down the river, over the rocks, through a few rapids and under two bridges we went. I did run into a few rocks and it made me laugh out loud. I had so much fun.

Photo credit Terry Peoples

It is neat to know a little bit of the areas history. The Catawba Indians used to trade along the river. There is a really nice paved walking trail called River Walk right beyond where we got out. There are a few signs that tell you the history of the Indians in the area.

I’m thankful for a fun experience with friends today. Great friends who are mindful of your limitations and want you to experience all the aspects of fun times are true gems. God has blessed me with quite a few and I am forever grateful. I can’t wait until our next adventure. So thankful Tami’s husband came along to make sure we girls stayed safe on the river. Leasa somehow managed to fall out of the kayak when she hit some rocks but Terry helped her. Tami and I completely missed her spill. Too bad it’s not on video. Until next time…..

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Your influence

August 20, 20232 Comments

Have you ever stopped to think about the influence you have on others, be it good or bad? Think about it. We all Impact someone. Our decisions, choices, words, actions, attitudes, perspective etc have the ability to impact others around us. Whether we like it or not, we do influence not only family, friends, coworkers, neighbors but even the people you pass in the store.

You might be thinking; I’m too young , too old, too small, disabled, sick, etc. There are so many excuses we can come up with to explain why we can’t make a difference. I totally understand this. I recently came across an African proverb that really made me think. If you think you’re too small to make a difference, you haven’t spent the night with a mosquito. That’s kind of funny but thought provoking and true. Something so small and insignificant can leave a real mark.

Let me give you an example. Years ago when I was doing some volunteer work in college, a little girl battling leukemia gave me the biggest lesson on empathy. We were drawing pictures and her person had no hair. I drew hair on my person. The little girl pointed out that she didn’t have hair anymore because of her chemotherapy. That one small experience has impacted me for life. I seriously try to think about how things influence those around me. I want the best for everyone. Sensitivity is not a flaw. It shows you’ve been wounded by life and desire to help others avoid it.

The word influencer has become a popular thing on social media. Our son is friends with several social media influencers that have millions of followers. I’ve seen lots of what they post: Some good, some not so much. I really don’t get it. I wonder often if they realize the impact they have on the younger generation. You would think with tons of followers seeing what they post, they would think twice before sharing. I guess that’s maturity speaking. I can hear them now saying, “It’s all in good fun.” I was young once and thank God there was no social media back then. Ecclesiastes‬ ‭10‬:‭12 gives fair warning, “The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, But the lips of a fool shall swallow him up;” (NKJV)

When I was growing up we used to sing a song called “Pass it on” at camp. I remember the nights we would have a big bonfire and circle around singing: It only takes a spark to get a fire going, and soon all those around can warm up in its glowing. That’s how it is with God’s love, once you’ve experienced it. You want to spread to everyone, you want to pass it on….

What are we passing on? What are you influencing? Let’s make it good. Let’s keep it positive. I’ve been told by a younger person that I’m all sunshine & rainbows and a bit over the top. Gotta love it. At least it’s positive. Seriously! I don’t care.et’s be purposeful and mindful of our influence. People are watching whether we realize it or not. Let’s make a difference.

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A plate FULL = Life

August 10, 20232 Comments

Me wearing my new reading glasses to blog.

Today on the way to my optometrist appointment, Ron and I were talking. He mentioned people having “a lot on their plate”. I responded, “Yes life is like a full plate of issues… Lord I want to go on a “Diet”. Will you take away some things on my plate?” I know others would like less problems and more joy. In this fallen world though, we will have struggles and trials. I guess it’s all in how we respond and who we cast the burden on.

Seeing an optometrist was a new experience today. Walking into Target to get my eyes checked was much less intimidating than seeing an ophthalmologist. The examination room was pretty much the same set up as my other doctor. This doctor was so kind and took the time to listen to my concerns and try to optimize what I presently see. We started with the chart on the wall. I could see the big E and the next line. The third line I could partially see. I explained I don’t see it all. Some of the letters I don’t see. If I look to the right of what I am trying to see, it looks a little better. Same thing happens when I look slightly below what I’m viewing. We tried different lens which brought a little clarity but not much. We went on to check to see if reading glasses would help. There is a slight improvement but she said prescription glasses were so pricey it might not be worth the cost. She said to try 3.25 strength reading glasses. There was the temptation to shed some tears because once again there was really nothing that could help much. She said to speak LIFE over my eyes and vision. I sure did appreciate that! In 49 years of eye exams, that was a first! My doctor actually spoke life into my situation.

Ron and I left the appointment and we’re heading to get groceries. We decided to stop at a Walgreens on a whim, to try out some 3.25 reading glasses. Ron found some and I went around the store seeing if I could see any better. There was a slight improvement. In the greeting card section, I could read the category markers: birthday, baby boy, baby girl, etc. We decided to buy the glasses and Ron immediately opened them for me. I was excited to try them out in the grocery store. In the produce section I noticed “Pink lady” apples. I had never seen that before. Ron usually finds most things in the store but with the glasses I was trying. I found the fresh shredded parmesan cheese in the deli. Although Ron saw a cheaper variety so he helped me with that selection. I wanted to see if I could notice differences on canned tomatoes. I asked Ron if it said fire roasted diced tomatoes and I was right. When he was checking out, I looked at magazine covers and was able to make out more than usual, although still not a substantial amount. But these tiny improvements made my heart happy.

When I got home I tried them out while texting my mom. I wanted to let her know about my appointment. I can see the iPad keyboard a little bit better. Usually I have so many typos it could crack you up with laughter or make you cry. I typed a text and sent it without editing it. I explained what I was doing to test out if I could see while texting better. There ended up being just a few typos and it wasn’t too much of a puzzle. Each of these tiny improvements are a win.

If you have good vision, you have such a huge treasure. If you have good hearing as well, then your cup of blessings runneth over. Seriously! Sometimes while reading on social media, I notice when people complain about every little thing. I just shake my head and think, if they only knew. Life happens to us all. Don’t sweat the small things. Live in the moment and don’t worry about tomorrow or what people think. I told the doctor today that some people don’t understand I look slightly beside them when talking to them. I’ve had people to try to get in my “line of vision”. I just happen to see a little better when I am looking to the side or slightly down. I’m not being rude, it’s just how my eyes work. She said not to worry about what people think. She’s right.

So tonight I am wearing my new reading glasses while blogging. I see my iPad keyboard slightly better. Ron took thee picture of me blogging. This is me! Every little victory is worth a celebration dance, I’m so thankful for my husbands support. He actually might understand a bit more about the way I see now because the doctor took the time. He is such a big help and doesn’t complain about taking me places. I’m thankful to the Lord for my many blessings. I’m also thankful that God can fix what’s broken in my body. All in His perfect tim, according to His perfect will.

On another note, I hit my two year blogging anniversary recently. In two years I have written 150 blog post and had 4,459 views. The blogs have been read in United Kingdom, China, India, Ireland, Canada, United States, Kenya, Philippines, Ecuador, and so many more. I am totally shocked and humbled. I don’t have a proud bone in my body. I know it’s only through God it has come this far. Many weeks I wonder if it’s my last week because I feel there is nothing to say, then the Lord speaks to my heart once again and I begin to type. One blog at a time, spreading encouragement and God’s light to a world in need of HOPE. Yes it can be tough but God has us and leads us every step of the way. To God be the glory!