Faith, Family and Friends: My Savior

Showing posts with label My Savior. Show all posts

Satan Creates Chaos, God Is the Finisher

The morning of April 6 was heavy with dew and dawn was waking up. My beloved sat up on the edge of our bed, saying he needed to visit the bathroom. A few minutes later I thought he actually pulled a cabinet off the wall! Rushing in, I almost stumbled over him, crouched on knees and arms. Asking quickly what happened, I noticed he wasn't looking at me, nor responding. Asking if he was hurt, he turned slightly and said something but it was slurred and I had no idea what he said. I admit I thought he was teasing me and threatened to call 911 if he didn't get up and talk to me. When he didn't I ran to my phone, dialing as I got back to him. While talking to the dispatcher, I watched in pure amazement as large bubbles of water popped out, from every pore on his back. Starting at the top and going clear to the waistband of his underwear, it appeared someone was typing rows and rows of water bubbles. Touching it, I told the dispatcher he was non-responsive and was now covered in a cold sweat. She assured me the EMS team were already on their way.

I left Johnny, ran to the front door, unlocked it, noting that a fire truck and an EMS truck were parked with lights flashing and two men were loping across our yard. I led them to Johnny, explaining what had occurred. Once they got to the bathroom, I backed up to our bed, watching. The man I termed to be a leader began asking me questions about Johnny's current state of health, any issues, etc while I watched the opposite man sticking Johnny's finger. He reported blood sugar was fine and began taking his blood pressure. I then heard him say, very low and quietly, "BP is extremely low". He began hooking John to an EKG machine, which immediately sounded like fireworks. At this time, I noticed there were two men with a cot standing in our room. When had they come in?! The 'leader' stood up, pulled me back away from the bathroom, told the three men, "Get him up. We've got to go!" He took me by the shoulders and said gently, "Mrs. Hood, your husband is having a heart attack. We are going to Baptist South. You cannot go with us but you can follow us. Do you have someone you can call?" I nodded, he turned and I realized Johnny was gone. By the time I found my phone, and called a daughter, I realized I'd been holding my breath and this wasn't a dream.

For those of you that have experienced this, my prayers are with you. Johnny's always been the picture of health. However, the last few years of retirement we both have not lived what I now know as a 'heart healthy life'. We ate what we wanted, sleep when and as long as we wanted and exercise? What's that?! Sound familiar?

By the time we got to the hospital and parked - couldn't go in due to the COVID-19 virus rules - Johnny was already in surgery. His LAD (large artery behind the heart) was occluded and a stent was placed after cleaning the artery. There was a "troublesome area" in front of his heart but it was decided to let his body rest in CVCU overnight and Tuesday before tackling the large artery in front of his heart. Wednesday morning found our youngest daughter and me parked once more in the parking lot waiting on a phone call. It came with good news, praise God. A stent had been placed after cleaning the artery and a smaller artery had been cleaned and a stent placed there as well. He was resting and "should go home Friday". With a prayer of thanksgiving we headed home, where I had another 'ugly' cry. This time I was relieved but saddened that I could not be with him.

Picking him up to go home, he looked just as he had the day before our world shifted. Color was good, and he was happy to be going home. I began listening to everything a daughter, an RN, told me what to expect and what we needed to do to avoid another attack. I also hit Google and read everything I could from the Mayo Clinic and the American Heart Association. Where I had felt overwhelmed while he was gone, I now feel a sense of calm and peace. It is going to be a good change for both of us and he has the prayers of family and friends. I'll always be grateful. It wasn't Johnny's time to leave his earthly body that early Monday morning.

He is recovering well, slowly but well. As John Denver said in a song, "Some days are diamonds, some days are gold". And that's about how it goes. Each day is a step forward, though some days are filled with more sleep and sometimes he's a bit edgy and irritable. All things I was warned of, as his body heals itself. I told him today April had become an 'almost' unfavorite month for me. April 6, his massive heart attack and April 21, my 77 Day Sleep Anniversary. However, it's also the birthday month of my twin brothers and a daughter, so it's a good month. We all are able to celebrate together. Well, maybe next year when COVID-19 has been put to bed!

God is good. Always. Had Johnny not recovered, I realized while he was in the hospital, that there were still so many blessings and I had so much to be thankful for. He's always near and I truly felt His comfort and peace, even drying my eyes after crying, I remembered His Word that tells us He bottles our tears. Can you imagine how awesome that is?!

Now? We take it one day at a time. We are eating a heart healthy diet and though, because of COVID, he cannot begin Cardiac Rehab, he will once they open again. For now, he makes laps slowly around the inside of our home. He has more good days than blah days and being able to see our grands that live here in town has been a huge blessing. He gets to FaceTime our oldest babygirl and her family, our middle daughter comes when she can, and our youngest lives here and has been so good to pick up groceries and medications for us. We are truly blessed.

But you know? I was still kind of glad to wake up and today is May 1! A brand new month. This year, Jan-April has held it's own heartbreak each month so I'm praying the rest of this year is filled with better health, a lot of laughter and even more love than before.

Have a nice evening and sleep well, sweet Readers. God be with you and yours~

What is My Calling Now, God??

I struggled on my calling after a divorce. There were feelings of letting God down as a good wife along with all the hurtful thoughts Satan throws at a hurting heart. With a three year old depending on me, I headed to a different state and a new job.

Having a blind date a month later, at a Sunday night worship service, led to a growing love with a man where my heart felt safe. Knowing God was as important to him as he was to me, our relationship deepened and led to very short courtship. Again, God works in mysterious ways. Within just months of our marriage, my beloved grandmother was diagnosed with stomach cancer and I was able to help my mother with 24 hour care. Isn't it amazing that He knows what's coming when we still feel Life is just nicely rolling along?

Fast forward and I began trying to get pregnant, which had always been difficult. Earlier, I had turned in an application to teach thinking if I made my requirements too particular they'd never call. "Man plans, and God chuckles". They called. And I got pregnant. I received a call to teach a second grade class at a local elementary school. I didn’t want to teach. I wanted a baby. However, an early miscarriage took place and in August 1986, I began teaching a small group of children. With each passing year I fell deeper and deeper in love with the blessing God had given. For twenty years I taught second grade with a great staff, with those that became best friends. I loved my calling and where God had definitely led me.

April 21, 2006. A scheduled outpatient procedure with a Dr we’d yet to meet. They simply had an opening and we were to meet him prior to the procedure. Never met him. And Life as we knew it changed. God allowed Satan to create anger, chaos and horrid mistakes within that procedure room which resulted in my death. Then God stepped into this chaos and order was restored. What followed was resuscitation from a Dr called up from ER, as the Dr in charge had charged out of the room in anger, and the next 77 days in an ICU room. I became a very, very sick patient. Five days after the mistakes made by a doctor, who clearly was dealing with issues of his own, my body began a hard fought battle with ARDS from lungs that collapsed during the procedure. I died twice more during the days my precious family and friends lived through on the wings of prayers of thousands. (Years later we were still meeting people, who when they heard my name, told how they and their church had prayed for me. For us.) I began a long 18 month recovery upon returning home July 1, our 23rd wedding anniversary.

I had taken a two year Medical Leave but three of my five specialists diagnosed me with PTSD and could not, in good conscience, give their approval that I be allowed to return to my classroom, citing my health issues rendering me incapable of being an effective teacher. My principle, one of my dearest friends, concurred. It broke my heart. It was 'my calling' and

left me in a dark place of “where do I belong, God?!” Anger that he allowed it was tempered with the blessings that came with the accident. Blessings we couldn’t ignore. But still I struggled to find ‘my place’ in the world.

Our children had their own families. My health kept me from jobs and volunteer work I yearned to do. Years of counseling helped with the PTSD, but brought to the surface events I'd tried hard to forget. Crimes against women I was told not to speak of, though I was the victim. Subjects we shy from and, sadly, creates feelings of isolation. With counseling, I moved from victim to survivor. It then reaches a point you have to use what you’ve learned and let Him lead. My prayers went from “Why, God” to “What now?!”

Thankfully, God never gives up on us. He brings those into our life with the wisdom to lead us to where he wants us to go. It’s still been a roller coaster the last 12 years, with health issues and wanting to go where I felt led. Only to find He had other plans. Friends I loved that left. Friends that came into this ‘new normal’ bringing their knowledge, their love, their

friendship. I remain amazed at how God works to show himself to us.

I never question anymore. I’ve come to know and love the Holy Spirit as I never had before. I’ve thrived with the immeasurable help and love of the Lion of Judah. A God that never left. Was always near. Forgiving. Second chances. Waiting for me to realize I only need to allow him to lead me where he wanted me to go. Friends that pray with me and over me.

With me, an oldest child that was used to being in control, he had his hands full. But he never let me go. And I am eternally grateful for the last 12 years and its blessings. April remains a month of remembrance, some days of hibernation and crying in the arms of a man that understands, realizing I lost years of teaching in a classroom that had become my home away from home with children that became beautiful pieces of my heart. Dear friends I saw each day. But God had other plans and Life goes on. My counselor asked once, if knowing everything I now know, would I go through it again. My answer? A quick "Yes!" For His blessings upon us and our family and friends that walked through this journey with us are infinite. And still occurring.

My time in heaven when I died in that procedure room is another story. A beautiful one that gets me thru the rough times. You'll find it up on the left side bar, a '77 Day Sleep'. There is a heaven. There is a thin line between reality and eternity. There is a mighty and loving God.

PS~take that, Satan!

Winter In the South

i love winter. won't make any bones about it. it's a time of rest. reflection. hot chocolate and a fire in the fireplace. a time to slow down. soft talks at night. soup and crusty bread. endless cups of coffee with various creamers for the holidays. it's my favorite time of the year. always has been.

cardinals. my favorite bird. especially the males with their colorful red in a white world with green hollies in bloom. they remind, and i know not why, of being messengers. they turn up to make one smile. they seem to know when you need to see them. could they be sent to make us remember better times, loved ones no longer here, eternity that will be filled with peace. watch for them. they come when they sense a need. truly. as do dragonflies. but that's another story.

walking on a bridge in a snowy wonderland. romantic. i wonder how many engagements have taken place here? how many have expressed love here? how quiet the snow makes our world. it blankets out loudness, animals settle in to hibernate and sleep. daily outside noise vanishes. all lies dormant. beautifully so.

i know not where this is other than a street my heart takes me to in my dreams. belgium? rome? paris, oslo? i pray that he will show me these places in my dreams once this life is over and there's beauty i still haven't seen. i wonder, do the people who walk these streets wish to walk the streets here? hmmm ~

sadness. so much sadness. 84 deaths and counting just in our state alone. from flu and flu related illnesses. death is no respecter of persons. we've lost family, friends and oh, we've lost our young. those that die with our dreams. this year has been a terrible one with this illness that takes us to such sickness.

our youngest and her family. just prior to going to look at the christmas lights in the town, suburbs and various areas that still love to decorate and set out luminaries. i miss that as our current home is in a suburb that doesn't but oh, we've lived where they do. and it's not only beautiful but brings us back to the heart of christmas with the lighting of a candle. a star.

Spring Is Here!

no Winter last forever;

no Spring skips her turn ~

i am going to pay attention to Spring

i am going to look up through the trees

i am going to listen to the birds

i am going to nurture my soul

with his goodness and delight in his creations

this photo, today, made my heart smile

and i cannot wait until i can hold them

and snuggle the little one

heart memories

the bestest kind ~

Still One of My Favorites

This post remains to be a favorite post with readers and with me. I love the movie and love the information you can find searching for the baseball players. The doctor is even based on an actual character. Here's the link to read it for your pleasure and enjoyment! Click HERE.

Celebrating the last few weeks of Summer.

Teachers are reporting in, families stocked up on clothing and supplies are trying to get in one last chance to take a mini vacation before the business of classes begin. Mothers, like me, put on a smile while my heart weeps because I won't have the children at home any longer. I was never one that did somersaults when the buses rolled up but laughed at the antics of friends that did {giggle font}. As a teacher, it was a delightful time to meet new little ones and also be near our daughters as they attended classes. I was blessed with a career I loved and enjoyed. To also work with some of your best friends was an added blessing.

How are you celebrating these last few weeks?!?! AND, are you one of the many that have decided to homeschool this year?! With dedication and planning, I'm a supporter of those wishing to make sure their children are learning not only basic, needed skills, but also able to work in field trips, extra studies, and bible lessons that public schools either cannot or find it difficult with the financial strain. I am not a supporter of CORE and would love to see it taken off the lesson plans in Alabama. Getting the answer right, but missing the problem because the steps were wrong doesn't make sense to me. Seriously. Look at past generations and the technology that has hit the world! And we did it without CORE. Okay, I'll get off that bandstand {wink font}.

Summer is a'goin' and Autumn she is approaching. I am SO an Autumn and Winter gal and shed no tears as Summer eases out. As your family gets ready for another school year or you watch your grandbabies step up into another grade, I'll be praying for us. For courage to face the fact they're growing much too quickly, peace and calm as we settle into football Saturdays and cooler temps, and that God will show great might in allowing America to have a President that will not take us into a Socialist state and a nation whose leaders refuse to acknowledge God. Prayers are needed more than ever for our nation and her leaders. God bless and keep us near Him as we draw closer to the November election. May He bless you and yours ~

America Needs You, God

we are bruised and battered

heart broken and incredibly sad

but we serve a God that is just and One of mercy

He has not forsaken us, rather wanting us

to turn to Him in fervent prayer

join me in praying that hearts will be changed for the good

that our leaders will look to Him instead of themselves

that we will not lose hope nor cease caring about each other

and that this nation i love will be great once more

"one nation, under God, indivisible,

with liberty and justice for all"

Pieces of my heart ~

and here are some of my blessings this Spring ~

our youngest grandchild turned three this Spring

and i'm not sure just when he grew up

too quickly that's for sure

loves his daddy & mommy, lucy, and tractors!

our youngest daughter with her family at Easter

one loves to swim, one loves basketball, and

miss priss loves her ballet and gymnastics

(and 'her boys')

our oldest with her youngest in Memphis, i think,

traveling with her soccer team. this sweet princess loves her

soccer and her gymnastics and i love watching

her intertwine ballet with gymnastics to music ~

{we have another son in law and grandson {smile font}but

no photos of them yet. traveling with baseball or outside!

I am a thankful for our babies, their men and the gifts of

grandchildren. He is always near. Always with us.

And that's a promise from a God that cannot lie ~

Easter Yummies on Pinterest

Click HERE to find lots of Easter yummies to make and serve. From decorated eggs to bunny cakes and cookies, you'll find it here. Hoping you're planning to nice time with family as we celebrate His resurrection and welcome in the beautiful Spring weather. Blessings!

It's Halloween!

Dress up those caramel apples!

Too cute!

Easy banner guaranteed to delight ~

Have a safe and candy-filled Halloween!

Here's a popular post if you're thinking of changing your background for the season! Have a great weekend and please pray for those in Texas that have had too much water and wind. It's to be 100% rain and wind here tomorrow but not in the excess Texas received. Nature can be beautiful but brutal. Be safe. Laugh. A lot! And remember His many gifts and blessings in your life.

A Few Tablescapes For the Season

Oh, how this makes me feel like we will be with a grandmother. Peaceful and neutrals. One of my favorite color themes. And I love love love the table! You can find this photo and more about her style and home here! I couldn't find this particular photo but I didn't have much time this morning looking. However, I DO intend to add her to my blog list and keep up with this blogger!

Another one of my favs is Stone Gable. Click and go see her eye candy design sense. I have these leaf dishes and love them. Now, if I could find the white set. Oh my downfall. Dinnerware!!

Like me, she loves to decorate for all the seasons and holidays. Although, I have to admit I don't decorate as I did when the babies were at home and the grands were young. I still decorate enough that the mister grins and patiently helps me bring it all out, but I'm finding as we downsize that less is more.

On Stone Gable's far right bar, scroll down and you'll see where you can be redirected to her Fall Tours. Have fun! Take notes!! Leave her a comment. Bloggers 'heart' comments!

Need an elegant Fall tablescape? Inessa Stewart's Antiques can help you set it up and be ready to impress! Good food, great friends, conversation that ebbs and flows with laughter, memories of times past ~ sigh. Perfect time together.

I remember well our Thanksgiving meals in the past, meals on Autumn Sunday afternoons after worship, and how the heart still remembers with clarity the ones present, the ones that have gone on, the little ones that began gracing us with their births. Life is a precious circle of those that have been, that are, and that will be. Make the most of these times, my friend. Time is fleeting and moments pass. The heart remembers and for this, sweet Father, I am most grateful ~

Autumn Is A'Comin'

One of my favorite seasons~

There's really nothing I don't love about it.

When that first crisp cool breeze crosses my face

My whole being takes a deep breath

And whispers, "It's coming! Fall."

Below are two outdoor ways to decorate an entry~

Either one will be easy & help usher in this colorful season.

Reconnected With an Angel

Through a dear friend going through knee surgery, Johnny and I have reconnected with an angel from ICU at St. Vincent's. Our hearts are overwhelmed for we grew to love and depend on her greatly. She was a source of strength for my family and became my favorite nurse. God works in mysterious ways and we are so appreciative for this gift of reconnection. It was nine years ago April 21. It's easier now but Johnny and I still lay low on that day and pray and give thanks~

Sadly, when Kim knew me I was going through an emergency traumatic issue that only got worse before things began to get better. This is how I'm sure she remembers me ~

or this

A very difficult 77 days, from a terrible mistake an impatient doctor made. BUT the other staff at St. Vincent's are superior to any hospital we've ever had to spend much time in. They became family. God is so good. In fact, He is awesome. Here's a photo a year and half later, when we went with Nelson and his wife, Glenda, to our favorite vacation spot, Gatlingburg TN.

Thank you, Kim for being good not only at your God given gift but for going the extra miles during those long days and longer nights when I only wanted you. What I remember and what actually took place are so vastly different! One day soon, we will get drive up your way, meet and catch up. And thank you, God, for working through dear Wilma ~ even though she had to have surgery. If Kim was her nurse, she had the best ~ thank you, Kim. For so much {heart font}

Below, Thanksgiving 2014

Another Great Read

I followed Angie's blog, Bring the Rain, when one of our daughters mentioned it was one I needed to read. It would be a tough, draining read but it also glorified faith in our Lord and I learned so much from her heartbreaking words. If you've not read this, I encourage you to do so. There are many of us that have endured miscarriages, or lost a child after birth. And there are millions we never learn of for privacy is what they chose. Below is a song written and sung by Selah, the group that Todd Smith is member of and lead singer. Praying you are blessed and encouraged by the words of the song and that you take the time to purchase, or check out, Angie's book, I Will Carry You.

A Great Book! A Lousy Virus.

while searching Amazon for a journaling bible, i ran across this and recognized the author's name. i've heard our daughter and some of her friends mention jennifer. the book intrigued me so i promptly hit 'put in cart'. it arrived yesterday and i read the first two chapters twice. TWICE! it's that good. and it's not just for young women. i'm 60 and i totally identified with it and know i'm going to be blessed for reading it and implementing her suggestions in my bible studies. i encourage you to do the same. this is strictly because i like her book and intend to purchase others. i didn't get it free. buahaha

jennifer is down to earth, wife, mother, sister, daughter, child of the King. she knows the ups and downs of life and shares them with her readers. she uses words that are easily understood and, with scriptures, she reminds of His love and promises that will stand for eternity. money well spent.

here's the link for jennifer's blog ~ jen hatmaker

and in yucky, nasty, barfing news,

i've had a virus for the past 15 days. it's been horrid. never, ever had one to last so long but count myself blessed as my brother and his wife had theirs to last three weeks. for the first time in 15 days i awoke with no headache, no chills, no nausea. after getting up very warily, i decided to take it easy, rest and try to stay this way. it's worked. praying it's gone, gone, gone. and i feel, and pray, for those i know that are still in it's throes. there's no antibiotic for it, you can only treat the symptoms. stay hydrated. light diet. no dairy! cough drops. tylenol. generic dramamine. immodium ad. too many days of wrapping up in a quilt while still in jammies. too many days without makeup and hair that really needs a cut and highlights. what a blessing that love isn't based on how you look when sick.

and to end on a happy note, since i began with one!

oh, how i love my Lord.

and oh, how i look forward to eternity

with Him {heart font!}

It's Spring 2015!

First day of Spring, ya'll!

and I'm one of those I LOVE WINTER girls ~

however, this has been the sickest Winter

not just our household, but other family & friends

so yes! I'm happy this year to see Spring!!

may it be a season of rebirth, return to good health,

eating healthier, and enjoying the outdoors & His creation ~

A New Season, A New Year

No, this isn't our little cabin in the woods. But I wouldn't mind owning it. I love the peace, quiet and love through the ages this photograph portrays.

"May He equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to Whom be Glory for every and ever. Amen." Hebrews13:21

Our new year began with family and good food. The ending of 2014 had flu in our household and those of some of our daughters. Yuck. But God is good and always present. We are blessed that we can access doctors and medicines to make us well and healthy. His Word sustains us in times of illness and the worry when one of our little ones is sick. As a grandparent, I've found that not only do I worry about our precious grandbabies, but I worry doubly so for their mommy and daddy as I remember how we worried when they were little and sick. The circle of Life. In wellness and illness.

I look with hope and excitement to 2015. 2014 saw several life changes and a roller coaster of emotions. Selling and buying. Saying goodbyes and saying hellos. Packing and unpacking. With His Guidance and leading our hearts, we know we made the right decision but it still came with tears and promises of visits and staying in touch.

Those that know me well know that Fall and Winter are my very favorite seasons, with Winter topping the list. I love the hot chocolate, the hibernating while waiting for the rebirth of the earth, and the chance to just stay in and reconnect with the one I love. Living where we do we rarely see snow, maybe some flurries if we're blessed, but it's normal to have windy cold days ~ which means we stay in and eat some warming food and keep the coffee pot going.

Praying that this new year will find us all healthier, spending more time in study and quiet time with our Lord and Savior, and doing more to give of our time to others, spend less, and celebrating the little things, always remembering to shower Him with thanksgiving for the infinite blessings. These are goals in our household and we have already begun setting up times to help those that have difficulty getting out and working with fur babies that need love and care while waiting for a family to adopt them.

Think seriously about your blessings, for you'll find them even in your darkest days. How can you pass them on? Maybe ask the cashier to put that order following yours on the grocery conveyor or help someone push their cart to their vehicle. Leave social media for a bit and handwritten a note. Make a phone call. There are so many ways, that don't cost a dime, to show His love and grace. In this 2015, let's go boldly, as John the Baptist, and share His infinite mercy.

And here's to an awesome year!