TEST

Neglect

To my faithful  billion followers I must offer my humble apologies.  It has been far to long since I last updated.  I will offer my petty excuses here.  This may sound like a pity party and.....maybe it is.  But, we are are entitled now and again:~))

The past 7-8 weeks have been a basic blur.  Going back to the end of August when my father-in-law suffered a terrible fall and a diabetic coma.  After several days in ICU it was determined that the above mentioned things were caused by neglect.  Not enough food, uncleanly ....and so on.  It was at the discharging from the hospital that my husband and I made the decision to move both my father-in-law and mother-in-law into our home.  We live in a modest three bedroom two bath home.  We have three boys in one bedroom, our daughter has her room and then my husband and I have a room with a bath.  We gave my in laws our room with easy access to a restroom.  This all means that my husband and I have been camped out on the living room floor since the end of August.  We both have bad backs it is really starting to talk a toll. But.......God gives strenght to move forward :~))

Yes, my husband has other siblings......No they have offered no help.
We now have a lady that comes three days a weeks for baths, two separate therapists (who are both amazing) that each come twice a week and a nurse that comes weekly.  I have got them both fitted for diabetic shoes, both have had eye examinations, both have had their feet taken care of by a foot doctor, and I was able to get them a local doctor.  (That in itself means that I no longer have to drive 45 minutes to take them to doctor visits, of which they have many.)

My in-laws are not able to be left alone which has been really hard.
My husband teaches Sunday School and preaches every Sunday morning, so he goes to church in the morning.  I get to go the church on Sunday nights and every other Wednesday night.  In laws are getting stronger and are actually able to go to church on an occasion now.

We also had family in from Mexico.  So at one point we had 11 people sleeping in our humble home.
It went like this:
Me and hubby = our daughter's bed
Mom & Dad = our bed
Nick = Nick's bed
Christian = Christian's bed
Isaiah = Isaiah's bed
Victoria = mattress is boys room
Aunt Lucy & Aunt Paulina = sofa bed
Cousin Carlos = mattress in living room


Oh!!  Did I mention that my right hand got cut off???
Yep, Nick had to go and get a full time job just about the time the in laws came.
You learn to adjust.

The children seem to be adjusting well with the exception of one.  This is hard.  We do not want bitterness or resentment to grow.  We want our children to know that it is our responsibility to care for our parents as long as we can.  There have been many people that do not agree with this decision and feel we should just put them in a nursing home and go on.  Well......we just can't:~))  Not yet anyway.  I'm not saying that this might not occur in the future but for now things will remain the same.

All of this has taken a toll on my health, and I have been battling a bad kidney infection for going on three weeks now. I'm on my third round of antibiotics.  But.....God gives grace.

Christian can't have his knee operated on until he stops growing which the Dr says is an estimated two more years.  Praying the pain remains manageable.

My oldest son turned 21!!!  My youngest son has his first loose tooth:~))

My husband has a job and we have NEVER gone to bed hungry.  God is awesome!!!!

Even when things seem to be bleak.....God reigns!!!

Speaking of rain, we finally got some:~))  And a nice cool front too.  Expecting a stronger one Thursday which means more days with no a/c on  = lower electric bills.  God.....provides.

This has been our best school year in probably three years.  I am so glad I waited to start Isaiah.  With only two in school this year the load has been lighter and much smoother. God.... is faithful.

Jesse is having back problems again.  I can worry about the maybes but......it will not help.

I have had many spiritual victories lately for which I give God the glory.

Got to see the premier of Courageous.  WATCH THE MOVIE!!!

Taking my son and daughter to lunch tomorrow for his birthday :~))

Ok, that pretty much sums it all up.  I left out a few things..........but enough already.

God is my strength.  I am going to heaven when all is said and done.  I have much more here and now than I will ever deserve.

QUOTES

"It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible." George Washington

"The New Testament is the very best book that ever was or ever will be known in the world." Charles Dickens

"That book, sir, is the rock on which our republic rests." Andrew Jackson

"I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man. All the good from the Saviour of the world is communicated to us through this book."  Abraham Lincoln

"It is impossible to mentally or socially enslave a Bible-reading people.  The principles of the Bible are the ground work for human freedom."  Horace Greeley

Forgiveness by Paul Gordon and John Caird. 

You mustn't be revengeful
You have to be strong
To offer good for evil
Return right for wrong
We must not hold a grudge
And we must learn to endure
Then as God is your judge
At least your heart will be pure

Forgiveness is the mightiest sword
Forgiveness
Of those you hate
Will be your highest reward

When they bruise you with words
When they make you feel small
When it's hardest to bear
You must do nothing at all

Forgiveness is the simplest vow
Forgiveness
Of all their crimes
Is your deliverance now

Bless those souls
Who would curse your name
When the last bell tolls
You'll be free of blame

You can continue to grieve
But know the gospel is true
You must forgive those who lie
And bless them that curse you

Forgiveness is the mightiest sword
Forgiveness
Of those you fear
Will be your highest reward

The time will come when we will leave this world, and the injustice and
the pain and the sin will fall away from us, and only the spark of the
spirit will remain--returning to God who created it.

You must never lose Faith
You must never lose Heart
God will restore your trust
And I know you're afraid
I'm as scared as you are
But willing to be brave
Brave enough for love.

PKD Update

I saw a new Nephrologist Tuesday at Baylor in Houston.  Both my husband and I were very excited to finally get away from our small town doctor who quite frankly doesn't seem to care about her patients.  She also owns the local Dialysis Clinic and seems to rush people through her doors.  I should have realized this years ago while observing her treatment of a friend.

Well, I was VERY pleased with the knowledge that Dr. Raghavan had about my particular kidney disease.
I learned, after a same day Cat Scan, that my kidneys weigh 12 pounds!!  No wonder I can't get ANY relief from the constant lower back pain.  Also, we learned that there is a rather large cyst on the right kidney that is causing the sharp stabbing pain.  We have made the decision to go ahead and drain this cyst with the hope of gaining some temporary relief.  Our son, Nicholas, had the procedure done several years back and has experienced great pain reduction. Nicholas said it was extremely painful for about four days and after that....all was well!!  I expect a call early this week with the appointment.  Dr. Raghavan also made some adjustment to my blood pressure medicine. This will take some getting used to but I think it will be worth it in the end.

Thankful for both Spiritual and Physical healing, both of which take time :~))

The Instructions of the King

Some thoughts from our recent Sunday School Lesson:


It is fair to say that over the years there has been no greater hindrance to the Lord's work than Christian people who bicker and fight among themselves.  Such behavior disrupts the fellowship of Christians and presents a bad example to the lost.

Lost people often look at the fights among church members and simply walk away in disgust.  Saved people who are outside the fellowship of a New Testament church see little reason to join a group of bickering, sniping, backbiting Baptists.  When we misbehave, we imagine that we are defending our rights while we are really placing a stumbling block in the path of a weaker brother.

The simple answer would be for all of God's children to behave as if they knew that Jesus was watching their every action and hearing their every word.  Of course, He truly is, but we are seldom aware of this spiritual scrutiny.  This is why we need to learn how to live with each other and make the same things important to us that are important to Jesus.

God forgives us ONLY when we seek forgiveness from Him.  God does not just issue a blanket forgiveness for every sin that has ever been committed.  God also forgives us when we are willing to forgive others,  Matthew 6:14,15

An unforgiving spirit will eventually turn into a sour soul.  Many do not make the connection, but when you find a child of God who is sour, critical and mean spirited, you have found a person who will not  forgive others.  The longer we hold onto a grudge, the more bitter we become.  That is why we should not even let the sun go down on our wrath.

If God has forgiven you, then by His grace, you can forgive others.

Friendship and Transparency

May 13, 2011 By toshowthemjesus

Our culture’s definition of a friend has changed significantly since the onset of social networking sites.  It doesn’t seem to have the same depth of meaning anymore.  As Christians, what does it mean to be a friend to another brother or sister in Christ?  Should our friendships look different from those of the world?  For me, a key ingredient to a Christian friendship is transparency.  What does it mean to be transparent and do we as a church have transparency with one another?
Miriam Webster defines transparent as “having the property of transmitting light without appreciable scattering so that bodies lying beyond are seen clearly passing light without diffusion or distortion” or in terms of a persons actions, “free from pretense or deceit.” I like both definitions, though different they both speak clearly what transparency is and isn’t.
Are you old enough to remember transparency machines? I remember my teachers laying a clear piece of plastic on the glass top and writing down their notes for us to copy. The light from under the glass reflected off the mirrors above it and was seen on the pulled down screen on the wall. Everything the teacher wrote on the clear plastic was seen on the screen. Like those machines, I believe it is important for Christians to “transmit light” so that others can see clearly who we are. 
I believe true Christian friendship requires mutual transparency, don’t you? I want a friend who doesn’t hide from me who they really are but who is transparent along with me. A true friend reveals their struggles and asks for accountability. We pray for one another. We help each other walk when one stumbles.  (Proverbs 18:24, James 5:16, Hebrews 10:24, Romans 12:10) 
Mutual transparency creates an environment where friends feels safe and accepted. We treat each other the way Christ treated the sinner’s with whom he ate meals. Christ knew all of their weaknesses and deepest sins, yet he sat at the table with them when it was considered taboo to do so by the society at large. He spent time with those whom no one else would have even acknowledged their existence. He befriended them, healed them, strengthened them and saved them.  He set an example for us in how we are to love one another in spite of our weakness and sin.
Why aren’t we more transparent in the church? Is it that we don’t want our brothers and sisters in Christ to clearly see our heart? To see the sins we struggle with, the pains in our heart, our fears?  Like the definition says, when we’re not transparent, all you see is a distortion.
In reference to the second definition, when we are not transparent with one another, we are being deceitful. The masks we wear cover who we truly are.  We are lying about who we are by having others get to know this masked person instead of the real person behind it.  The bible tells us to bear one another’s burdens (Galations 6:2).  How can we do that if we don’t know what those burdens are because of the masks that we wear?
One of the requirements of belonging to this group of misfits called “Christ followers” is that we have to be sinners. Since we’re all sinners, why do we put on an act that says we have it all together?
Each day that I sit down and press my fingers to these keys, one more piece of this mask falls off.  It’s not easy to bear a naked soul to the world.  The potential for being judged, for being hurt, for being rejected is great.  But Jesus did all of that for us, didn’t He?  Aren’t we called to be like Him?
I believe God gives us each other in the body of Christ to lift one another up, carry each others burdens, and to extend to one another the same love and grace we’ve been given.  God, in his wisdom, has chosen to use the body of Christ as one of the means through which he uses to change us. 
It is as we sharpen one another that we become more like Jesus.  It is as we walk alongside one another, we can see Christ’s love shine in and through each other.  And as we lift one another up, we too are lifted up when we see the Spirit heal and restore.  Today, would you consider removing your mask? Would you become transparent with others in the body of Christ so they can see the pain in your heart?
It is there, in that moment of feeling your heart exposed and naked, that Christ uses our Christian friends to be the physical arms of Jesus as they embrace us, accept us, and walk with us along this journey of the Christian life.

"When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting" Proverbs 11:10 KJV

20/20

So, a week or so back there was an episode of 20/20 that talked about the abuse situation in  Independent Fundamental Baptist Churches. Let me first start by saying there is some sort of abuse in EVERY denomination.  We should not focus on the 'bad apples'. 

I was saved in January of 1997 as the result of a dear lady giving me a gospel tract approximately 9 months earlier. I truly believe at that particular time she cared for my soul.  However, as the years passed (some quicker than others) I feel that the pride of the 'pastor' (the woman's husband) took over.

As I watched the first few minutes of that 20/20 program I wept openly.  What was being said is EXACTLY what we had been living. Since we have been saved we have always been a member of an Independent Baptist Church. You did as you were told, no questions asked.  You dressed the way they wanted you to or you were looked down upon. There was physical child abuse covered and kept secret.  There was a registered sex offender in our mist (which we were not aware of until after we fled).  And yes, I did say fled. We literally fled for our lives and the lives of our children.  It was the hardest yet also one of the best decisions we ever made. To us, this church was neither physically or sexually abusive BUT they were definitely mentally and spiritually abusive.

We learned many GREAT Bible truths under this church and for that I am eternally grateful.
The 'pastor' was an excellent teacher but he became very prideful and was in no position to be a Pastor.  He didn't meet the Biblical qualifications.  He would take what he 'believed' and then use the Holy Scriptures to manipulate the congregation into believing that is what the Bible says when in reality it was simply his personal opinion.

The trouble started very early in our Christian walk. We were babes in Christ and we trusted (without question) the 'pastor'. There were three families involved in this trouble and we literally BEGGED for all of those parties to get together in order to get to the bottom of the problem. (Today they will lead you to believe that you must hear all sides in order to make a decision, but believe you me: THIS IS NOT WHAT THEY BELIEVE OR IT WOULD HAVE BEEN PRACTICED!!) Had these three parties been allowed to tell their stories the outcome would have been very different.

After 13 years there, we left that church and prayerfully joined another Independent Baptist Church. For the first time in our Christian life we felt true Biblical love towards us. Still today, almost two years later, I stand in awe at what our family endured. Not all Independent Fundamental Baptist Churches are abusive.  Make sure the church you attend belongs to the Lord and not to the Pastor.

Family

We had our pictures taken a few weeks back for our church directory and we're graciously given the opportunity to purchase some of our own.  With Jaime about to get married we took advantage of the situation and had our last family picture made.  I must say I could not be happier with the outcome!!!!! My husband surprised me and we got the giant 20x24. Here is the result:

There is a famine in our land, not for food or water but, for hearing the Word of God.

"What you don't see with your eyes, don't witness with your mouth." ~Unknown

Forgiveness

If you are reading this post and have not yet seen the movie Amish Grace, I would HIGHLY recommend you taking the time:-)

World Kidney Day

Today, March 10, is World Kidney Day!!!

We had never given any thought to kidney disease until a dear friend of ours was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Failure in 2000. Then five years later it hit home as two in our home were diagnosed with PKD.
On this day, World Kidney Day, encourage someone about their kidney health!!!

National Kidney Month

The month of March is the official National Kidney Month.
Our family is affected with Polycystic Kidney Disease.
There are many other types of Kidney Diseases.

NKF Urges Americans to Get Screened During National Kidney Month

More than 26 million Americans have chronic kidney disease and most don’t know it. Since kidney disease is often silent without any symptoms, it can sneak up on people, especially those who are not aware of the major risk factors. Anyone with high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of these conditions or kidney disease is at risk and should get his or her kidneys checked. March is National Kidney Month and March 10 is World Kidney Day, the ideal time to learn more and take action. Click here to find out about risk factors, prevention tips and free screenings in your area.

REDNECK MEDICAL DICTIONARY

 

Artery .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  The study of paintings

Bacteria.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .    Back door to cafeteria

Barium.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  What doctors do when patients die

Benign.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  What you be, after you be eight

Caesarean Section.   .   .   .   .    A neighborhood in  Rome 

Cat scan.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .    Searching for Kitty

Cauterize.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  Made eye contact with her

Colic.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .    A sheep dog

Coma.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   A punctuation mark

Dilate.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  To live long

Enema.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   . Not a friend

Fester.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  Quicker than someone else

Fibula.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  A small lie

Impotent.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  Distinguished, well known

Labour Pain.   .   .   .   .   .   .   . Getting hurt at work

Medical Staff.   .   .   .   .   .   .   A Doctor's cane

Morbid.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   . A higher offer

Nitrates.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .Cheaper than day rates

Node.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .I knew it

Outpatient.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .Person who has fainted

Pelvis.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  Second cousin to Elvis

Post Operative.   .   .   .   .   .   . A letter carrier

Recovery Room.   .   .   .   .   .   Place to do upholstery

Rectum.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   . Right near killed him

Secretion.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  Hiding something

Seizure.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .     Roman emperor

Tablet.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  A small table

Terminal Illness.   .   .   .   .   .  Getting sick at the airport

Tumor.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   . One plus one more

Urine. .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   . Opposite of you're out

 

PKD/Valentine's Day

Valentine's day has always been sort of bitter sweet to me.
On this day 11 years ago a very dear friend of mine, Yolanda Cabrera, was diagnosed with complete renal failure. Yolanda fought her battle with courage and strength. Her battle on this earth ended on January 26, 2010 when she made her final trip home to see her Savior face to face.

Six years after her Valentine's Day diagnosis, both my second born son and I were both diagnosed with PKD.  Yes!!  On Valentine's Day 2005 we both saw our doctors for what we thought were two totally unrelated problems and were both given the same results.

Today, Valentine's day 2011, we are headed to Texas Children's Hospital for Nick's regular visit. I am praying his blood pressure is good today!!!

UPDATE:  Nick's appointment went EXCELLENT!!!!!

An Old Farmer's Advice:    

* Your fences need to be horse-high, pig-tight and bull-strong.

*Keep skunks and bankers at a distance.

*Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.

* A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor.

* Words that soak into your ears are whispered...not yelled.

 * Meanness don't jes' happen overnight.

* Forgive your enemies. It messes up their heads.

* Do not corner something that you know is meaner than you.

* It don't take a very big person to carry a grudge.

* You cannot unsay a cruel word.

* Every path has a few puddles.

* When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.

* The best sermons are lived, not preached.

* Most of the stuff people worry about ain't never gonna happen anyway.

* Don't judge folks by their relatives.

* Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

* Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll enjoy it a second time.

* Don't interfere with somethin' that ain't bothering you none.

* Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a Rain dance.

  * If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin'.

* Sometimes you get, and sometimes you get got.

* The biggest troublemaker you'll probably ever have to deal with, watches you from the mirror every mornin'.

* Always drink upstream from the herd.

* Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment.

* Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin' it back in.

* If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around.

* Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply.  Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.
--
Don't pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight,
he'll just kill you.

PKD