A Desperate Need For Jesus

Yesterday, our Pastor preached on the woman in Mark 5:25-34 who had a flow of blood for 12 years. She was sick. She was humiliated. She was deemed unclean, and therefore quarantined. She was an outcast, and she was seriously hurting. Not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually.

For 12 years - nonstop.

She was mighty brave for going out into the crowd when she may have been discovered. But she knew Jesus was the One who had what she needed. If she could but touch the hem of his garment, healing would be hers. This was her chance to end her world of hurt.

So she pushed and shoved her way through the crowd, her sole desire being a single stroke of a finger across His hem.

She succeeded, and she was healed. Just as her faith told her she would be.

But this is obviously more than a story of physical healing. This is a story of a woman with a desperation to get Jesus.

As I sat listening to the story of this afflicted woman, I wondered ... do I live like that? Like Jesus is all Ineed? All I desire? Am I so desperate and faith-filled, that if I saw Him, I would know without a doubt that touching a tiny portion of the hem of His garment would heal all of my hurts?

This woman truly is a picture of desperation, but she's also a picture of surety in knowing where hope lies. She was so weary of, and hurt by the many physicians who had failed her. So when the Great Physician came into town, she made a bee line for Him ... because she was sure this Physician was different than all the others.

And that, Lovely Lurkers, is exactly what you and I should do when we are weary, helpless, hurting, and alone. My bet is that if you're reading this, God has orchestrated it, and you are indeed one (or all) of the above.

So make your own bee line to Jesus. Step out in faith, just as this woman did, and experience the healing that only He can impart.

He'll meet you where you are, just as He did with this afflicted woman. I'm so glad I didn't have to be perfect and whole before coming to Him.

And neither do you.

Our job is to accept and hunger for Him. It is then that He redeems, heals, and makes whole.

~Brenda

Potty Talk

Okay, folks. Here's my first video blog, or vlog as it is called. You may remember that I am a BlogFrog Community Leader, and this is our assignment for this week.

You'll notice right away that public speaking is not my forte! In fact, when Jessie watched this, she said, "That's the most I've ever heard you talk in my whole life." Ha!! So see - I am not a talker. I'm just a writer, and I'd like to keep it that way ... but noooooo ... Holly, from the BlogFrog had to step in ... :) Just kidding, Holly. You're great!!

Anyway - my first vlog. Uhm, I do apologize beforehand the location of the video (my potty). I'll explain why I'm there in the vlog. And I also would just like to say that this is a terrible testimony for homeschooler's. LOL. I totally lost my train of thought when talking about what we're learning. So you'll have to bear with me through that part. I may know how to make a video. But I have no idea how to edit one!

Enjoy, and don't forget to send me those video's of yourself that I ask for. ;)

~Brenda

P.S. This vlog is about 10 minutes long! Sorry! I didn't know I was so long winded. Come back later if you don't have 10 minutes. I'd hate to exasperate any of my readers/viewers.

Blog Award

I woke up this morning to a comment on my last post, informing me of a blog award. Wowsie! If that's not a great thing to wake up to, I don't know what is!

To see who graced me with such an honorable award, go here. Mama Bird has an awesome blog, in addition to being a great writer, wife, and mom!

For my acceptance speech, I am to list ten things about me. So grab your latte, a few of your favorite candies (a few!), and a warm blanket (it's cold here today), and pull up a big, comfy chair.

Ah hem!

1. I am about to celebrate my 20th anniversary. And I'm 37. You do the math.

2. My idea of a great evening is to go see a movie with my husband, then go out for a snack and chat a while. A long while. My idea of a great evening alone involves sewing, or reading under a cozy quilt that a friend made me.

3. I love winter and snow, but am growing more and more weary of being cold. I often bring a sweater with me in the summer. Pathetic, I know.

4. I am in the midst of reading the manuscript that my father-in-law's uncle wrote about their family history. It takes place just east of where I am located, and he talks of sod huts and covered wagons ... on the prairie. The only thing better than a fictional prairie story is a non-fictional prairie story!

5. I had open heart surgery and a pacemaker implant one short month before I got married. Needless to say, the wedding was small. :)

6. I am going to post a video of myself later on this week.

7. I'm a very unorganized person. I'm also the church secretary. Ask me how well that's going.

8. I am the youngest in my family. I have two older brothers (we're all a year apart), and was raised around all boy cousins. I do have two girl cousins, but one lived far away, and the other was ten years younger than me. As a result, I grew up playing football (tackle!), basketball, and riding motorcycles.

9. I just bought a fancy smancy camera, and am itching to become much more professional in my photography. You know ... in all my spare time.

10. I love plaid. Not on me, but in fabrics for quilting, decorating, etc. And I do love my husband in plaid. Because he's Scottish, and it looks outdoorsy and ... hot. And who wouldn't love a hot Scot!?

Thanks, Mama Bird, for the award!

To spread the love, I am passing this award along (in no particular order) to:

Prairie Chick. This girl is amazing! I think she found me, but we have a lot in common, as you can tell by the name. Her blog is gorgeous, and she's a talented photographer to boot, so check 'er out!

Becky Smith at Smithellaneous. Sweet lady, beautiful family, and awesome writer.

Annie. Love her style of writing.

A. Anne. I can't say enough about her photography. Her love for the Lord comes shining through in her photography, as well as her writing.

Tim at Fort Thompson. He's hip. He's southern. He's got a really cool blog!

Enjoy!!

~Brenda

Time To Laugh

Time for another blog hop! MckLinky is hosting a "Time To Laugh" theme for this week. I don't know that I have any pics that will make you laugh so hard you'll bust your britches. But ... I at least crack a smile each time I see these photos. I hope it does the same for you!


A little old fashioned temperature taking with my yogurt thermometer. If that ain't a way to ferment, I don't know what is!




This one isn't very funny, but it's darn cute.




This is Jessie's beau, Blaine. When Jessie caught this on camera it tickled me. Partly because he's the serious type, and partly because he doesn't have a mean bone in his body. :-)




Remember this cutie? She still comes over once in a while, when my sister-in-law has an appointment or isn't feeling well and is unable to care for her.



I think I've posted this one before, but it still makes me chuckle. This is the catcher on Andrew's baseball team. Who knew he was also a comical artist?




You can click all of these images to see them full size. Now for some blog hopping of my own. Because I'm in need of a good laugh ... or two.

~Brenda

Sew Much Fun!!

I don't know if there is such a thing as a soul mate.

But if there is, mine came over yesterday.

Her name is Beth. We were born in the same month. We value the same things. We share a love of sewing and quilting, and she taught me everything I know about the latter. Certain acts of love and friendship move us both. We have the same Lord. And heck, she laughs at my jokes - which is essential to being my friend.

Ok, so there's a few things that are different about us. Little things, you know. Like the fact that she is single, and I am so not single. And she's a nurse/missionary. Put 'em together, and you have one brave, dedicated little lady!

I may be dedicated. But I am not brave. Beth is brave.

I admire her greatly for her dedication to the Lord's call, her willingness to answer that call, and most of all, her walk with the Lord. When she comes over to sew, or we meet for coffee, I always walk away richer than I was before.

So without further ado, meet Beth:




Isn't she cute?

I think so too.

Unfortunately, I only took one picture of Beth, and failed to get a picture of us together. But I plan to do that before she heads out on the mission field. So the rest of these are pictures of me that you'll have to buck up and look through. And please don't make fun of my hairy arms. Thank you.






Beth and I actually found something we didn't agree on last night.

We were discussing birth stones, and she mentioned she always felt jipped (is that a word?) by the birthstone of our birth month.

I said, "Yeah, isn't it that pale purple stone? I don't know what they call it."

"No," she said. "It's a pearl."

Blank stare.

"It is?"

She nodded her head.

"My birthstone is a pearl?? Why didn't anyone ever tell me?"

She laughed. "I don't know. But I don't like pearls."

Really looooong blank stare.

"You what?!"

"I don't like pearls."

"You're kidding me. Tell me you're kidding me."

She looked down at her fabric.

"I'm not kidding."

She looked back up at me.

"Are we still friends?"

I said, "Gee. I don't know."

Then we of course broke out into hysterical laughter, picked up our needles, and spent the rest of the night trying to find other things we didn't know about each other.

And that, my friends, was sew much fun!!!

~Brenda

Bringing Good Cheer

I just love this boy.






He's goofy. A bit unpredictable. And very entertaining.





He can make me laugh, even when I've had a week that makes me want to throw a ginormous little foot stompin' fit.

And I am impressed by his sticktuitiveness.

Even amidst a bit o' pain.

He chewed twelve, count 'em, twelve pieces of gum to accomplish that big bubble.

Any bets on whether he'll be mute tomorrow?

~Brenda

The Comfort of Storms

We heard a fantastic sermon at church yesterday. I felt as though my trust in God had been renewed and the flame of Passion for Him had been fanned until it became more like a forest fire than a little flicker.

I still feel that way today.

Spiritually, I am good. Physically, I'm fed up!

I just want to say that those of you whose hearts beat as regular as a time clock, don't take it for granted. Those of you who can eat anything your heart desires and your stomach, like clock work, digests it as though you've given it exactly what it longs for, enjoy it. Because if it ever goes away, you'll realize what an ungrateful little twerp you were for not thanking your lucky stars God for the awesome, rhythmic working of your bodily functions.

Now, having had my little temper tantrum for the day, I can honestly say:

I'm content.

No, seriously. I am. Not physically, of course. But spiritually, I resemble the tides of water that Jesus rebuked in Mark 4:35-41.

They're calm.

They're peaceful.

And Jesus is their master.

Jesus rebuked me yesterday, just as he rebuked those winds and waves - and his disciples, for not trusting in Him. For not remembering that God was with them, that He is in control, and that He knows each and every wave of trial that comes into my life. He not only knows it, He orchestrates it.

That didn't used to be comforting to me. It made me feel as though God was mean, ready to strike me dead at any wrongdoing.

But I've come to realize that when the tidal waves come crashing against my boat with a raging force, there's great spiritual growing to be done. And God cares far more about my spiritual growth than He does about my comfort levels.

I, as an American, love comfort. Comfort food. Comfortable clothes. Comfortable temperatures. Comfy, comfy, comfy!!!

And sometimes I feel like standing on the roof of my little sod hut comfy house, only to shake my fists, and shout "Don't you care? I am not comfortable!!! Please just make my heart beat right!!"

Kind of like when the disciples said, "Hey!! Wake up!! Don't you care that we're all going to die?!"

But Jesus of course knew they were safe, because He was the master of their storm. He carefully planned it, calmly executed it, and confidently controlled it.*

Just as He is doing with my life.

Am I fed up with my stubborn heartbeat and faulty stomach?

Absolutely.

Am I rejoicing that God has a plan, and is working all things together for my good?

Absolutely.

And that's what I really want to shout from the top of my big, comfy house. Because today, my Lovely Lurkers, is the first day that I can truly say that ... and mean it.

~Brenda

*taken from a message preached by Pastor Mike DeVries

In God We Still Trust

I'm amazed that so many American's want to get rid of God in every way they possibly can. Removing God from everything. Our speech, our money, our schools ...

I even understand where they're coming from. Denying God and His existence is part of being a fallen human being. And even though I am a child of God, I still live my life at times as though God isn't here, isn't in control, isn't numero uno in my life.

But that doesn't mean He's not any of those things.

He is.

Whether I acknowledge it or not. Whether you acknowledge it or not. And whether either one of us live like it or not.

Removing Him from our culture does not remove Him. It's simply a denial of Him. I could deny that oxygen exists too, because I can't see it. But that doesn't mean it's not there. Oxygen, whether I believe it exists or not, will continue to be there and keep me alive. I don't have to believe in it for it to be real. And so it is with God.

Denial of Him is your choice, of course. But if you could see in advance what that denial would bring, or know your history and see where it has taken other cultures, I would hope that you would have the sense to turn that denial into belief.

So I'm shouting from the rooftops of my little sod hut house today for America to wake up and leave God in the equation. Know your history, folks. See for yourself how intertwined God and the forefathers of this country were. God made this country great, and it's only God that can keep it great. And when we think and act contrary to that ... well ... that's when it all starts to crumble.

This crumbling, this tearing down of our foundation that was built on solid rock, only to replace it with quicksand is a painful ordeal to watch.

Do I think it's too late?

No. I don't. And my prayer is that we'll see our mistake before that solid rock foundation is completely replaced with the quicksand. Because we all know that building on quicksand won't hold what we're building upright. We'll fall, and we'll do it because we thought we knew better than God ... in fact, we thought we were God.

The following song is something my brother sent to me via email. I hadn't heard it before because it's been shunned by major radio stations. Labeled as "politically incorrect."

It's a simple, true, and convicting message about still trusting in God. Keeping Him in the equation. And being wise enough to keep Him as our solid rock foundation.

So sit back, turn the volume up high, and enjoy these awesome lyrics, music, and pictures.

And ... you might want to bundle up ... so folks don't see your goosebumps.

The song you are about to listen to is from a Las Vegas Diamond Rio concert. They received an immediate, resounding standing ovation, and continue to do so everytime they perform it!
Sadly, major radio stations wouldn't play it because it was considered "politically incorrect." Consequently, the song was never released to the public. So, America, see what you think.. If this offering speaks to your heart and you feel you want to share it with friends and loved ones, please do.





~Brenda

Toddler Bible Winner

Everyone join me in saying a big Congrats to Toni over at The Happy Housewife for winning the Read and Share Toddler Bible!

She's a fantastic blogger, homeschooler, mom to seven children, and frugality specialist (makes me tired just typing all of that out). So hop on over there and give her a little love.

A huge thank you to everyone who participated, and helped get the word out about this giveaway! I truly wished that I could give one of these books to each and every one of you.

Toni, please email me your contact info at Tuppermom77@yahoo.com, and I'll send the book and DVD asap style!


~Brenda

Me and Mahi-Mahi

Any of my Lovely Lurkers ever try Mahi-Mahi?

We tried it for the first time tonight. Nothing fancy. Just wrapped each piece in tin foil, sprinkled a dash of salt and pepper across the top, gave it a little pat on the butt of butter, and threw it on the grill for about 15-20 minutes.

And you know what I love about Mahi-Mahi?

• It doesn't taste fishy
• It is easy to digest
• It doesn't taste fishy
• It's easy to prepare
• It likes ME!
• It doesn't taste fishy

I'm smiling like a fish thrilled to find something new that actually agrees with me. And heck, maybe it'll even give me a little nutrition that isn't found in the other bazillion kinds of meat I eat.

Me and Mahi-Mahi, we're partners now.

I love it and it loves me.

And did I mention it doesn't taste fishy?

Cuz I don't like any fishy taste.

Me and Mahi-Mahi, we have a blossoming relationship that will continue to bloom and bloom until I'm darn good and sick of it.

How much does Mahi-Mahi love me?

Mahi-Mahi loves me so much that when Shaun took me to my favorite fabric store after our masterful dinner, I felt light as a feather. I was able to soak in the millions of mesmerzing colors, the boat load of quilting books, and the endless spools of thread without one single gut cramp.

Maybe Mahi-Mahi and me will have to mesh more often.

If you've never made Mahi-Mahi, what are you waiting for? Mesh and mingle with your Mahi-Mahi. Make the plunge, and even marinate your Mahi-Mahi if you can manage.

C'mon! Join the Mahi-Mahi mania!!

~Brenda, master of Mahi-Mahi

Book Review and Giveaway!

***Contest is now closed.

A few weeks ago, I decided to sign up to be a book reviewer for Thomas Nelson.

You know ... because I don't have enough little projects going.

But this is my way of getting myself reading books more faithfully. Plus, I love to give things away, and this is the perfect opportunity to do so. So if you love books too, then check back in once in a while to see what book I may be giving away next!

The first book I chose was a little out of my league.

See?

Not out of my league in that I couldn't understand it, obviously (that is obvious, right?). But out of my league in that I don't have any toddler children. Still, it looked like such a cute book, and I know a lot of (uhmm, some) Mommy's read my blog, so I couldn't resist.

Wait, what was I doing?

Oh yes - book review! Here's my official book review for this adorable Toddler Bible:

This Read and Share Toddler Bible is graced with adorable illustrations (by Steve Smallman), and easy to understand stories for your little ones (by Gwen Ellis). It begins with the Old Testament, followed by the New Testament - an excellent way of helping parents get their toddlers accustomed to the way a "big person" Bible is laid out.

Each new story also gives a Bible reference. I believe this is a critical feature, as it will begin early recognition of books of the Bible and where each story is found.

Each story was easily understandable, and laced with a strong Biblical truth. Everything from learning to be kind through the story of Joseph and his brothers, to learning about God's faithfulness through the story of Noah and the Ark (and many more!) are in this new Toddler Bible.

Also included are helpful parent suggestions (crafts, hand motions, etc.) after each story, some of which are practical, others simply suggest that the parents verbally reinforce the story. While I found most of the suggestions to be very helpful, there were a few that I would refrain from using - mostly because they didn't fit my personality.

All in all, the Read and Share Toddler Bible is a great way to start your toddler learning about God's faithfulness, our sin, what God has done for our sins, and getting ready for Jesus to return. I would definitely be thrilled to have it if I had young children.

The 60 minute DVD that is included is also helpful (and adorable!), and will help your toddler learn and grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior ... even at a young age.

Now I see you jumping up and down, and hear you saying, "Yippeeee!! How can I win that book for my toddler?"

Glad you asked!

I thought about requiring you to either join my blog, tell your friends about this giveaway, tweet about it, post on your blog, or better yet, all of the above! But honestly, I don't like it when people do that to me, so I'm not going to do that to you. I figure if you like my blog, you'll join my blog! If you're excited about this giveaway, you'll tweet yer little heart out, and post it on your blog. So - it's up to you! All I really require is that you let me know what you'll do with the book (will you give it to your grandchild, read it to your own child, give it to a lady in your church or neighborhood?), and leave contact info (all by leaving a comment) so I can let you know you are the winner!

I do reserve the right to take your name out of the pile if you tell me you'd like to have it, but your kids probably won't sit still long enough to read it, and therefore it will be a dust collector.

So good luck, my sweet Lovely Lurkers! If I have over twenty entries, I'll use an automated system to choose the lucky winner. If I have under twenty, it'll be the ol' draw it out of a hat trick.

Now get this show on the road and leave a comment!

Winners will be announced when ... when ... when I say so!

~Brenda, the bossy lil' book reviewer on the Prairie

Blessings and Bummers

There's a blog carnival going on over at Fort Thompson. The idea is to post an oldie, but goodie. Or I should say re-post and oldie, but goodie. I chose this post because I think it's good to be reminded of our country's need for prayer, and to remain thankful for the freedom's that we do still have.

So without further adiue ... my oldie, but goodie ...






Happy 4th of July to all my Lovely Lurkers!!!

I hope your day is filled with thankfulness for your country, your freedom, for those who have sacrificed and are sacrificing so much so that you can have that freedom, and most of all, for the freedom to worship as you so choose.

I have to confess that I write this post with mixed feelings about my country. While we are so incredibly blessed, I believe we are also experiencing some major bummers where the good ol' U. S. of A. is concerned.

We are blessed to have so many freedoms. But I am bummed that some of those freedoms seem to be slipping away from us.

Government is becoming more and more of an influence in our lives, sticking its nose in where it shouldn't, and controlling things it has no business controlling. I wish more people understood that the government is here for us. Not to control every aspect of our lives, our children's lives, our parents lives.

And I am bummed about that.

I am bummed that Mr. Obama is in office.

There. I said it.

And I'm not even sorry for it.

I was bummed when he was elected. I'm not shy about saying that I had high hopes for Sarah Palin. And if I had to commit a necessary evil by voting for John McCain to get Sarah in, then so be it.

However, I still have high hopes for Sarah Palin.

Maybe you heard she resigned as Governor of Alaska today? There's lots of speculation as to why she made that decision, but my hopes are that a 2012 presidential run win is to blame. I can't say I agree with everything Mrs. Palin says and does. But when it comes to major convictions, her and I are nearly two peas in a pod.

And that is not a bummer. That's a blessing.

It's a blessing that people like her can still run for office - and do quite well. Remember, Obama won electorally, but it was a close race where the popular vote was concerned (69,456,897 to 59,934,814, to be exact).

Whether you know and agree with it or not ... our country needs a Sarah Palin. Someone who can stand up and not be afraid to say that murdering unborn children is unacceptable. Even when they're diagnosed with Down's Syndrome, or any other ailment (who lives and who does not is not our decision - it's God's). Someone who is not afraid to say and live the belief that less government is a good thing. Someone who is not afraid to lower taxes. And someone who is not afraid to keep God at the forefront of her life, family, and country.

More than needing a Sarah Palin, our country needs God. God the Father, God the Son, Jesus Christ, and God the Holy Spirit.

The blessings we are experiencing in America today are a direct result of two things:

1. Our forefathers building the foundation of this country upon Biblical principles and values.

2. A God who is slow to wrath. Gracious. And forgiving.

It is a blessing that I am able to experience the incredible freedom that I do, over 200 years after those incredibly wise forefathers penned our Constitution.

It is a bummer to see that slowly, but surely, slipping away. But I have high hopes that the people of this country will heed these wise words found in 2 Chronicles 7:14:


If my people, who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

A precious promise, a simple solution, and an incredible challenge.

But what a blessing it would be if it came to pass.

~Brenda

**Photo courtesy of Luiz Castro on Flickr

I Heart Faces - Fun, Silly Faces

This week's contest on I Heart Faces is "Fun, Silly Faces." So I looked through my pictures, and here's what I came up with (too bad we can only post one). :-)

This is Andrew's first practice session with numchucks. He was mainly being dramatic, but I do give him an A+ for his acting abilities!

(Click on the image to enlarge).

~Brenda

Farewell, Little Ones

As you may have guessed, we have had some guests!!

Guessed.

Guests.

Get it?

Ahem, anyway ...

We've had a few little guests this week. My brother's kids came for a week long visit. They were planning on staying two weeks, but a few of them were getting rather homesick, plus their dad was getting lonely. They had been at their mom's for four weeks prior to coming to my place, which is a long time for younguns - if you ask me. :-)

So here's a few favorite photos of them from our visit together. Emily told me she would "miss me sooooooooooo much," and Noah, when he found out he was going home said, "Awww, man. I kinda want to stay, but I really miss Dad." And Meghan, when she found out she was going home, said, "Yay! I miss Dad!"

So there you have it. I'm low man on the totem pole when Dad is in the picture.

And that's a good thing.

Together at the park:




Emily, on her way home, fully prepared and equipped with her video game to keep her entertained:




Emily ran from the camera until I told her it'd be such a nice gift to her dad to have some pretty photos of her. After that, it was all smiles and poses:




Noah was rather excited when we bought him his "headlight." He's been wearing it since the WalMart trip last night, and I can't say my eyes will miss it much. :-)




Meghan is really growing up, and becoming quite the young lady. Her and Andrew were inseparable, and were both looking a bit somber as they left his morning.





And I couldn't resist posting this picture. That's my yogurt thermometer sticking out from Noah's arm. They decided it'd be a fun experiment to put it in the freezer, then stick it under their arm and watch the temperature rise. Apparently, Noah's temp was rather fascinating.



All three kids are very well behaved, and I thoroughly enjoyed having them.

Emily and I were two peas in a pod the whole week. I'll miss her telling me "I wuv you, Aunt Bwenna," and "You're jus' kiddin', right?" when I would tease her.

I'll miss having a friend for Andrew, and I'll miss Noah's funny little quips.

Like when I asked him what he'd like to have for a snack, he saw the Cheese crackers and said, "Yeah! I'll have some Cheese Nipples!"

I said, "Uhm, I think you mean Cheese Nips."

And after his splurge of two sugar cookies, he said, "Aunt Brenda, I accidentally got rowdy because of those sugar cookies!!!"

Not sure how ones gets "accidentally rowdy" ... but I suppose we'll go easy on the sugar cookies next time.

Farewell, Little Ones. I love each of you and will miss you sooooooooo much!!!!

~Aunt Bwenna

In The Shadow Of His Wings

God gave me this verse last night before I laid my head down on my pillow:

Psalm 57:1

Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, Until these calamities have passed by.

Are you in the midst of trouble? I seem to be drowning up to my neck in calamities, as are many of my family members.

Notice in this verse that the Psalmist was making a choice to take refuge under His wings. It didn't just happen. His choice to take shelter under the wings of the Lord until his calamities passed was on purpose, deliberate.

And that's what I am choosing to do. Taking shelter until my troubles have passed. It might be two weeks. It might be a lifetime, but choosing to stay in the shadow is vital.

Faulty heartbeats, broken families, loss of employment ... these and all calamities should make our feet swift to take shelter under the wings of the Lord.

Why would we deliberately choose to be out from under that protection and comfort?

I don't know the answer to that, other than that's what fallen human beings do.

But let's not give in to that fallenness. Let's resolve to take shelter. To hunker under His wings, where safety resides. It won't instantly sweep your troubles aside. But what a comfort it is to be under that wing of His ...

Sheltered.

Warm.

Peaceful.

Just make the choice to take cover.

You'll be glad you did. :-)

~Brenda

Meet Emily

She's a tiny bit shy ...




Sweeter than pie ...

>

And cheesier than I ...




She calls me "Aunt Bwenna," loves every kind of snack I possess, and sings a darn good O Come, O Come Emmanuel - vibrato style.

Don't you wish you had an Emily?

~Brenda

Oy. Vey.

Finally ... an update as to what the doctor said.

But hold on to yer Prairie bonnet, cuz it gets kind of ugly.

I called the doctor three times, attempting to get test results. I was put off by the receptionists each time, but also assured that I would get a call. When that never happened, I decided physically going into the office was necessary.

So ... off I marched early this morning.

Hand in hand with my hubbies parents.

For support.

Cuz I'm whimpy like that.

I first told them I needed to speak to the office manager so that I could get to the bottom of why they refused to give me my test results. They informed me they didn't have an office manager (what??), so I told them to get me whoever it was that could resolve the issue. Apparently, that's the nurse. You know, the one who never calls back.

I said "Great! I'll wait in the waiting room for the nurse to show up and give me some answers."

A few minutes later, the receptionist called me back up to the front and said, "It turns out the nurse won't be back until noon."

I swear she wanted to duck, fearing a rotten tomato was headed straight for her head. But she was brave. She stayed put.

I didn't want to walk out of the office without the issue being 100% resolved, aka my side of the story heard. So I said, "Okay. Can I just say something?"

"Sure," the receiptionist replied, her big brown eyes staring up at me.

I said, "Quite frankly, this is not a cold sore we're dealing with here. We're dealing with cardiac issues in a patient that has a long cardiac history. And furthermore, Dr. S. called ME on this issue. He got this ball rolling. He ordered these tests. He called ME and told me that something was not right about all these extra beats I'm having."

I paused.

"That's not cool. And I'm having a hard time dealing with the wait of not knowing whether something serious is going on. If he's overbooked, that's fine. I can go elsewhere. But I need to know. And I need to know today."

At this point, her eyelashes were fluttering so fast I felt a cool draft on my heated face.

"I completely understand, ma'am, and I will have the nurse call you as soon as she gets in. I'm writing a note so that I don't forget. I promise she'll call you."

"Great! Thank you, I really appreciate it." I said. "Oh ... and one other thing. If I don't hear back today, I will be back to get my records so that I can go elsewhere and get the care I need."

"That's fine. I understand." The nodding and eyelash batting continued.

"Alright. Well, I thank you for your help, and for getting the ball rolling."

"You're very welcome," she replied.

We walked away from the desk.

"Now what was her name?" my mother-in-law asked.

I rushed back and asked her what her name was.

"My name is Lydia," she said kindly.

"Well, Lydia, thank you again for all your help. I really do appreciate it."

"You're very welcome."

I feel sorry for receptionists. They have to take all the crap that the doctors faithfully bring to their phones and desks. But I think Lydia and I are ok, and I will be calling her back to tell her I know it's not her fault, and that I really did appreciate her relaying the urgency of the situation to the nurse.

At 12:40, the nurse called me back.

"The doctor said that your ultrasound was just as normal as your last one and if you're still having palpitations, you should come in and see him."

Silence.

"Ma'am, what other ultrasound is he referring to?"

"Oh .. let me check the computer."

Silence.

"Hmm ... looks like there's not another one on here."

I laughed a sick laugh.

"That's because there's never BEEN another ultrasound. That was my first one ever."

At this point, it's clear to me that I'm being given a standard answer to get me to go away.

So I jumped in while I could.

"While we're at it, do you mind explaining to me what the hold up has been with getting me these results?"

"Well, an ultrasound normally takes a week. But as for the rest of the wait, I don't really know why he didn't return your call."

I'm convinced at this point that I'd soon be on the hunt for a new cardiologist - asap style. You know, one that returns calls, cares about his patients, doesn't cowardly shrink in difficult cases. Yeah, that kind of doctor.

Sheesh.

I've never fired a doctor before, but I guess there's a first for everything!

So onward we march. I've called my cardiologist in Houston for a referral in my area, and also asked him to read the results and give me his opinion. I've never been treated as an annoying little pest down there, and I look forward to dealing with some real professionals who actually give a hoot about their patients.

Just the thought of that is pure bliss.

So stay tuned, ya'll!! I hope to hear something within the next few days. I know, I know ... you've heard that before.

All I can say to that is ...

I know how ya' feel.

~Brenda

Prairie Playtime!

Much Prairie Playtime took place yesterday, but not only is it playtime for the little ones ... it's playtime for me ... with my new camera.

Mwaaaahhahahahahhahahaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm in the process of trying to resize the photos so that they show up better here on Prairie Tales (and trying to figure a way to get them looking as good here as they do on my computer). But until then, I couldn't wait to show you my top three favorite photos I took yesterday at our big family gathering for Ashlee's birthday.

Niece Kylie, looking gorgeous as always ...

Niece Meghan, aka gypsy girl.

"Did you get a new camera, Mom?"

And a few snapshots of Ashlee (and my niece Emily), on her 19th (GULP!) birthday.

Love, love, love that girl!!



Happy Birthday, sweetie!!!

~Brenda