Christian Encouragers ~ MARCH Thread
 

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:angel: Welcome Friends :angel:
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You've found a great place to come and vent, share or ask for prayer support.
This is a great group who will be very encouraging, caring and loving....
....anyone is welcome to join!

A Servant's Prayer --

Jesus, My Jesus....How marvelous are your ways....
Far more splendid than my mind can envision.
What an honor to be chosen by you.
A lowly child I am, but empowered by the Holy Spirit
to fulfill the great hope to which you have called me.
I give myself totally to you, Lord.
Take my imperfect heart and make it perfect.
Peel away the hardness.
Close the doors I have opened to the temptations of this world.
Gently remove the roots of painful memories, sins, doubts and fears.
Discard anything that separates me from you.
Lord, fill the emptiness with the light of your love that I might be a
beacon calling the lost back to you.

To love as you love.....
To serve as you serve.....
To forgive as you forgive.....
Always mindful of my nothingness while doing great
and marvelous things in your name and for your glory.
This I pray, Jesus, in YOUR name ...
Amen.

:angel:

HI EVERYONE ~ well, another month has come & gone; time is flying by so fast, it seems. March is here already, and that means spring is supposed to be on its way, but we had a bunch of ***** fall the last few days and the trees look really pretty totally covered in the stuff. That won't likely last too much longer though, so we'll enjoy it whilst we can.

Went out for my weekly blood tests yesterday, but had to go back to another hospital to take a second draw, as the chemo meds made my blood thicken up too much. So must remember to take my aspirin therapy each day. Any side effects I have had are so mild and short-lived, they are not even worth mentioning, except to PRAIZE GOD and thank you all for answered prayers.

Afterward, we went out shopping; and I picked up piles of fresh veggies, fruit, and a few healthier snacks for the next week. It was so fun to get out and about, and get some walking in too. Can't wait until the snow starts to clear off all the roads (mostly just the main ones for now), so we can go for daily walks. Wanna practice walking with the walker first, then without it after that just to see how it goes.

Hope you all have a MARVELLOUS MONTH OF MARCH ...:hug:

Rosebud, You can do it! There is something special about Spring. It's like a new beginning. I hope everyone has a wonderful day. Praise be to God!

Rosebud, so happy you are not having bad effects from chemo. Good planning on the shopping.
I have found that planning ahead is key in the weight loss game.
God's Blessing to all.

Good morning! Well, my weight in wasn't as bad as I thought it would be...I have to get back on track this week. Hope everyone has a blessed day!

Rosebud, I hope you continue to feel better

THANKS, EVERYONE ~ yes, I am doing great; had no symptoms other than a couple short hot flashes after eating, but that could be hormones and a result of the full hysterectomy too. No nausea yesterday or today so didn't even have to take any meds; but I have some here if I need them.

PRAIZE GOD -- I'm doing fab! :carrot:

Getting my eating back on track again; had some treats yesterday, but the week overall was good. DH was very confused yesterday but finally has calmed down now. Hope he has a good day today. We had leftover roast beef dinner last night and tonight, I am going to make that into a beef stew with dumplings. :)

We have a wee bit of ***** falling right now; but not too much. Our furry baby got away on DH this am, so he had a nice romp down the road, but my BIL was able to find him with no difficulty; and he's such a good boy that he came right away.

Just takin' it easy today; all our housechores were done during the week. Have a wonderful weekend, everyone ... :flow2:

Looked out the window this morning to huge beautiful **** flakes falling. It is beautiful scene outside my window. Especially in back where the little lake is... looks like a Christmas card scene. So beautiful.

Rosebud I praise God you are doing so well and having little or no side effects. I saw Dr. Becker's Your Health show yesterday who is a Cancer Survivor. He recommends drinking organic Goji berry juice to protect yourself from chemotherapy side effects. It is good for loads of other things that I was interested in but I thought of you and others I know who are having chemotherapy treatments. In fact, he talke about 4 juices to use to improve health that I plan to get and start taking. DH and I take so many vitamins and I'm trying to learn to not only eat healthier, but also find other suppliments we can use without taking so many vitamins.

Prayers continue for everyone. Have a nice weekend.

Good morning everyone! Another beautiful day that the Lord has made! Hope you all have a great week and stay focused on your health. Together we can do it!

TRISH ~ yes, I also have been studying the natural healing properties of different foods, as is most of my family and many friends. I am adding in anything that could possibly help my health in any way -- esp focusing on more bright colored veggies (reds, oranges, greens, etc); and of course, lots of bright colored fruit (i.e. apricots).

I am also taking some vitamins that were recommended by the doctors too (Vitamin D + B complex); plus a Daily with minerals, and Vitamin A, C, E that will help my skin, hair, and immune system.

RENEE ~ we awoke to lovely winter :sunny: plus beautiful snowflakes falling straight down; looking out these big windows over the lake, looks like a snowglobe. So pretty and nice for a relaxing Sunday.

Unfortuneately, DH isn't having a good weekend; he is having some anxiety about "unfounded dangers" -- of course, it's the part of Alzheimers that brings out lots of paranoid thoughts. Today, he is refusing to eat and drink becuz he thinks someone may try to harm him through that. He says that's why he wants to go home ... :shrug: (Don't worry, we won't let that go on long; he's out shovelling and that will make him hungry. If an emergency situation arises, we will call an ambulance and have him taken to the hospital so they can hydrate/feed him, etc.)

Of course, we are trying to help him realize that it is best for us if we stay here until the chemo treatments are done (5 more to go). We are praying that he will accept that we are so blessed to be here, and to have loving family taking care of us 24/7. We are trying to structure his day to keep his mind occupied with good thoughts, but it is difficult at times.

Otherwise, we are having a relaxing Sunday; just taking it easy. I was able to go up and down the basement stairs yesterday. I wanted to throw a couple of loads in the laundry and was able to do that with no problems. I was so happy to see that my health has improved that much already.

Hope you all have a Superbly Serene Sunday today ... :hug:

Rosebud Isn't it wonderful to have docs who understand about vitamins etc and their place in our healthy treatments. I am blessed to have a doctor like that. Praise God for your smart team of doctors and that they have you on such a good vitamins so you are improving so well. Praying for your DH as well.

Well, it's cold and windy here today, but I know Spring is around the corner. Might be a bit hard to stay focused on my diet, going to Red Lobster for dinner. I know I can eat healthy there so long as I stay away from the cheese biscuits :) Have a blessed day!

TRISH ~ yes, more and more doctors are realizing the health benefits of good food and vitamin therapy. Many people have a hard time getting in all the elements they need; and others, just need more or specialized therapy.

RENEE ~ we had glorious :sunny: all day here; so blessed. It is still winter outside but the temps were lower today as well. I think we may see some melting as we will have lower temps with sun for most of this week.

Had a good day overall; DH was in better spirits most of the day. He did attempt "TO GO HOME" and got lost but a good neighbour picked him up. BIL met them halfway home as he was out looking for him. I think DH may have learned a small lesson today -- that he does not know this area afterall.

I have broken out with some acne from the chemo, and pray it clears up. Put some on OXY and it seems to be helping a bit. We will be away tomorrow; gonna spend the day shopping; that should be fun.

Hope you all have a wonderful week too ... :flow2:

Rosebud my friends used udder balm that you use on cows udders. Both doctors recommended it and it even helps my hands get soft when they get rough. have fun shopping.

Had a wonderful day yesterday. Took a day trip with DH and ate healthy. He supports me in my weight loss, so that's a great thing. Hope you all have a blessed day! Praise the Lord!

Quick flyby. DH post-op check up went well. Everything looks good. Healing is on schedule. DH told him how he feels when swelling and doc says that is because he still has some swelling but it will go away. Said he could give him a steroid to help it but if it isn't too bothersome he would rather not. He left it up to Tony and DH opted not to take the steroid.

Going out i a little bit to have PT draw to see if his blood has thinned back out to where they want it.

Have a nice day.

Prayers continue for all.

I kinda got left behind in February. Now that I know a new thread starts each month I should be able to keep up with you all!

How is everyone doing anyway? It sounds like snow and healing taking place. Spring is a little delayed here in NC. It's encouraging to see all the gardening stuff filling the shelves in stores! I'm still keeping healthy choices at the top of my daily list of things to do...woot woot!

I had a busy weekend! We rescued a Cockatiel and we have been working to get him acclimated to his new healthy and safe environment. Our other Cockatiel is also getting used to having company. His name is Herbie and he keeps surprising us with what he can do. He makes an awesome wolf whistle and has shared a fun vocabulary. He says: "Hey Herbie" "Hey there Herbie" and "Pretty Bird"! We tracked down information from his leg banding and he is almost 10 years old.

Time to go play my Wii! Thinking of you all!

Good morning everyone! Getting more snow today, hopefully this will be the last of it :) I'm baking 4 dozen cupcakes for an upcoming church auction today. I will not sample any! I can do this!

Lisa, glad to see you here...stay focused!

Had difficulty getting on this thread yesterday. And when I did my post would not post. Will try again today.

DH post-op appt went great. They did xrays and everything is looking good. The problem swallowing is because there is still some swelling there, but it should go away when the swelling is gone. If it becomes a nuisance they can give him steroids to help, but at this time DH and doc decided to wait. They removed the stitches and he can leave it uncovered. Eventually the strip stitches will fall off as he doesn't have to avoid getting them wet any more. They were very pleased at how well DH is progressing... we all know that with his blood thinner issues that God has done a miracle in Tony's behalf. We do give God all the Praise and Glory and Thanks. Sure is nice to have my running buddy with me again. We've gone out a few times and once was his idea and we didn't have any appts. He just wanted to get out. Thank You Jesus.

Another answer to our prayers is my son is able to work while wearing the boot on his foot. So we praise God for that since he doesn't get paid if he isn't on the road. God is good.

Thanks again for all the prayers and prayers continue for all.

HI MARGIE ~ all we know is that he came through his surgery well (PRAIZE GOD), but he did catch an intestinal bug in the hospital (this can happen). We are sending up prayers that the antibiotic meds work for him; and for a speedy & complete healing for GARY, so he can go home ... :)


TRISH ~ such great news there for your DH, Toni; and for your son too -- PRAIZE GOD, INDEEDY !!! :D

Another quick Praise Report. My son called tonight and told me that the spots on his son-in-laws lungs was not cancer. It was a viral infection. We praise God that it was not anything more serious than that. Thanks again friends for your prayers.

That's wonderful news, Trish. Continued prayers for everyone. Hope you all have a blessed day!

TRISH ~ Yes, that's some more great news; so happy to hear that, and praying that the infection in his lungs heals up soon too ... :hug:

MARGIE ~ Angie (GARY's wife) put an update in the Prayer Warrior's thread today -- he is out of the hospital, but in a special care facility until the intestinal bug is gone and he has gained some weight back. Like she said, "one day at a time" is how it goes in this type of situation. I was fortunate to be staying here at my sister's B & B to recupe, as I was still very sick from a nasty bug I caught while in the hospital too. I was also weak and had trouble walking at first, as my breathing capacity was down. It took some time to build up my strength and stamina again; and the same will be for GARY too, I'm sure.

Often we are sent home after only 5-7 days, but we still need a long time to recover our health. Like GARY at first, I could only drink water/ice chips; then only liquids; then softer creamy foods, before I could eat regular food. Thanks to the LORD, I progressed quite well with a week in there where I had trouble keeping food down from that terrible flu.

Now I have gained some weight back and need to watch it, as it's coming back on faster than I ever imagined it would. I look much healthier now; my face is not so gaunt-looking and I appear more plump for sure. So now it's time to reign in the munchies and behave myself ... ;)

THANKS, RENEE ~ GOD BLESS YOU TOO; you are a wonderful encourager for us all here ... :hug:

Rosebud, I am so happy that you are on the road to recovery :) Yes, watch those snacks. They sure can sneak up on you real quick. Seems like everyone is doing much better. Praise the lord!!!!!

THANKS RENEE, back on track today -- so far, so good! Really want to make a big effort this week to eat healthier snacks (and fewer as well). ;) We found a Catholic service for DH locally; and he & I went there yesterday am. He did very well while there; and it was an enjoyable service all around "The 23rd Psalm" including songs from a Catholic Hymnal which I have never seen before. Our church back home has a choir but I have never seen the people asked to participate in any songs. I often wondered why that is; so will look into that sometime.

Hope everyone has a superbly Serene Sunday today: just rest & relax; and thank GOD for all the many blessings HE has sent our way on this day! :hug:

PS ~ did everyone remember to put their clocks forward last night? :D

Rosebud, glad you found a service to attend and everything went well. Prayers continued for you and your DH. Stay focused on your health...you can do it!

It is so nice to see everyone doing better , I love answered prayers going the way we want them to go. i been busy with taxes , replanting plants in larger pots till ready to put out. Tomorrow we turn in our taxes to our CPA hope it goes right.

Hi Bootsie....too cold here yet to do any planting. I guess I should think about getting my tax stuff together :) Yes, the power of prayer is awesome!

ROSEBUD Thanks for the update on Gary and good to see you still on here. I'm visiting Southern California now (from Ohio) so I couldn't help but think of Gary. Will continue to keep him, as well as all here, in my thoughts and prayers.

We're lovin' California, first trip here. DD is now up and moving around so I guess I need to sign off, headed to Venice Beach this am :)

Good morning everyone! Hope everyone is well...Have a blessed day!

Quick flyby to say hello. Praying everyone has a blessed day.

:wave: HI EVERYONE --- Thanks for your encouragement and prayers. Well, it's funny what a day can do; yesterday, we had clears roads so I was able to go for a walk the last two days. The overnight, we had a huge ***** fall and it's winter wonderland out there with icicles and all. Oh well, it won't last that long.

I woke up a bit tired this am; had to go to town for my weekly blood tests; and then did do a bit of shopping. The lady at the drug store ordered me some clear OXY for my breakouts. Guess what I used? Hydrogen Peroxide (3%) and it worked wonders ... and guess what the major ingredient in OXY is? Ya, you guessed it -- 5% hydrogen peroxide. So I have the clear one and the cover-up one, plus the HP for the next round.

It seems that my side effects were just a bit delayed as the last couple of days I have been a bit fatigued and some hair is falling out (from my body, then my head this am). So when I go for chemo this Monday (prep day) and Tuesday (chemo), I will see if the pretty head wrap is still there. I saw some really pretty long scarves in the gift shops as well. Maybe I can find ones that will match my coats/clothes if they aren't too expensive. Then later on, I can use them as accessories ... ;)

So now I am resting a bit while listening to some favorite Christians songs that I found on Youtube the last few evenings. Here's one I like ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvDBjNG_pws

DH seems to be doing better this week; PRAIZE GOD!!! Thanks for your prayers for him. We have been trying some new stuff -- who knows what is working for sure. We are trying his meds, plus coconut oil in his cereal, plus I am adding Vitamin B complex 1-2 times a week to see if that helps him in any way.

I'll put in a prayer request about my symptoms as I have to go for chemo this Tuesday; and could use lots of prayers for the trip and the day. It's a long one; it takes 5.5 hours just to put the meds in through intravenus(sp?). Thanks; and have a fabulous Friday ... :flow2:

Hi, trying to figure out how this all works. Praying that joining a support group will help me get motivated and to care again. I have always been an emotional eater. I need to get back on track. I am trying to make time for devotions and prayer.

Rosebud, I will say some special prayers for you today. Stay strong and remember he is with you on your journey.

Exodus, glad to see you here....you can do it! Focus on your health and know that we really care :)

Exodus, welcome.Praying that you will be blessed by this group and that you will find the motivation that you need.

BARGOO, RENEE, and EVERYONE ELSE TOO ~ MY BIL took some pictures of me so that you can see what I look like now with my hair before its all gone. In this one I am laughing and you can see that gigantic tumor is gone! PRAIZE GOD! I'll put in some more pictures as I have them edited ... :D


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:welcome: EXODUS ~ glad you found us over here; in time, you'll be an old pro with this site. Come back often; practice makes perfect -- in more ways than one!!! :hug:

You look so beautiful and happy, Rosebud. So happy for you. You inspire me every day when I read your posts on 3FC. :hug:

Exodus:welcome3:Glad to have you here.
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Rosebud Look good. I think that you are more relaxed now that tumor is gone. I know you are going through a lot but you do look good. And as someone said before, you do have a glow.

Hope everyone is having a great day.

Rosebud-You look wonderful!

Rosebud, before I forget, have you thought of donating your hair to Locks of Love ?
You look gorgeous, thanks for the pics.