The New Year

I have been posting on my other blog, so if you want to stay current, you will have to read there. I am in California for the Christmas holidays. The store is closed until Jan. 2. It's been a busy time, and after the first of the year, I am going to regroup and do some things differently, hopefully. The main thing will be to go on a diet. With so much to do, I need to lose weight to have more energy. I will be looking at different things for the store(s). I am in prayer about church projects. And, of course, awaiting lab results on the kidney evaluation. Now, that the celebration of Christmas is behind, we can start to focus on the New Year. And, already I can tell, it's going to be a busy one, but hopefully a good one!

Day Two

I've had my second visit to Jewish Hospital in Louisville. They drew blood, 8 tubes in fact, for more testing. I told the nurse if I start to pass out from lack of blood, just pick me up from the floor. I did just fine. Then, I met with the psychiatrist for about 45 min, and he said he felt I would be a good candidate based upon his evaluation. So, now, I know I'm not crazy, even though there may be those that would think otherwise. The lab results should be available in 2-3 weeks, at which point I should know if I am compatible to be a donor. Thank you for your continued prayer for both Brad (the recipient) and me.

Listen and Read

I listened to the message "A Miracle in the House" that Pastor Eric had preached about a week ago. Since John and I are usually away two Sundays a month, I like to listen to his messages over the internet in order to keep up on what is being taught. I pray that we take what we have, regardless of how small, and just like the widow and the oil, pour it out so that God can bless it mightily. And, may we expect to see a miracle, not only at the house of God, but at our own homes, as well.

Jackie gave me the book, "Extreme God Chasers". I have started reading it, and can already tell it will be one of those books that will challenge the way you think and feel about your relationship with God. She had read it because of hearing Pastor Eric talk about it, and I have heard him talk about it as well. So, now I will know to what they are referring. Wouldn't it be great if the body of Christ, as a whole, could catch the vision, and the miraculous power of the Spirit would become manifested on a regular basis? Would not our world be changed? Pastor, watch out for that "acrylic" podium---you could be blown away!

Day One

Everything went well with my appointment at Jewish Hospital. I had to drink a really, sweet orange drink as part of the glucose testing, and then they drew blood six different times. I felt well and did not become nauseated---yea! I then met with the social worker who asked many questions regarding my decision for kidney donation, as well as many questions regarding recovery. She said I must have thought everything out, and felt I was ready to proceed with my decision.

I talked with the transplant coordinator this morning, and all my lab results looked really good. My cholesterol level was a little high (that's from all the sweets I like to eat), but nothing to be concerned about. So, now I am scheduled for an appointment next Wed. with the psychiatrist. They want to be sure I'm not crazy for wanting to do this--haha! They will also draw blood to confirm my blood type, as well as for the tissue matching.

I feel at peace with all this. I know God is in control, and He has a plan. Thank you for your prayers as I continue on this journey.

A New Journey

I am getting ready to embark on a new journey. Today, I am going to Jewish Hospital in Louisville to begin evaluation for donating a kidney. Yes, you heard right! This has been in the works for several weeks, but I just haven't shared with many until just recently. I shared with the youth on Thursday night, and with the leadership team at church last night. I am awake at this early hour since I have to leave home at 5:30 a.m. Blood and urine tests will be done today, as well as meeting with the social worker. There are various tests/exams that are required to determine if you're a suitable match for donation. The person I am doing this for goes to our church. Without going into details right now, let's just say God allowed our paths to cross, and God led me to this point where I would be willing to donate a kidney. I'll keep you informed as I get further information. Thank you for your prayers!

"TRA--DI--TION!!!"

The Thanksgiving weekend is over. Now, on to the next holiday, Christmas. However, there were many (myself included) who started on Christmas before Thanksgiving. Normally, I would not have done that, but since I was getting items out of the attic to put in the store, I put my Christmas tree up, too. When I think of holidays, I think of "tradition". When I hear that word, I think about "Fiddler on the Roof" where Papa sings out "TRA--DI--TION". I can't remember any other words to that song, nor any other songs to that play. I just remember "TRADITION".

When thinking along those lines, what are some things that I or my family have "traditionally" done in the past? On Thanksgiving day, we go to John's sister's house in Lexington to be with his family at the noon meal. That is usually the only time we see his brothers/sisters during the year. I cooked scalloped oysters because that was the tradition brought into our marriage that John would bring the oysters (cooked by the wife, of course). While at lunch, the TV in the kitchen is always on, and the Kennel Dog Show (or whatever the name may be) is showing. So, if you're not talking with one another, comments are being made about the dogs on TV. Exactly, where does that fit in with Thanksgiving? Of course, if you don't like dogs, you can always watch the football game which is on in the family room. After leaving there, we come back to Columbia, and have supper at my parents' house, bringing with us the rest of the oysters which were not eaten at lunch. John had smoked a turkey the day before, so that was our contribution to that meal as well.

On Friday, I went to Wal-mart at 5 am, and I must say, that was my first, and probably my last time of shopping Black Firday in the early morning hours. Not worth the hassle. So, I will not be making that a tradition. I just wanted to experience it one time.

Upcoming plans: Write a Christmas letter, mail out cards, go to parties, wrap gifts, decorate some more. All for the sake of Christmas. Who came up with all these traditions? How did giving thanks and celebrating Christ's birth become so complicated? How do we get out of the circle of "tradition"? Maybe I should just watch "Fiddler on the Roof" and relax a bit!