Brooke turned 21 on the 9th...where did the time go? We had a family party for her the Saturday prior and she had a blast. A firetruck even showed up to take her for a ride. Life is good!
On the 14th, we took Brooke for a follow-up on her heart. Oddly enough, she sort of fell off the radar after being diagnosed with a blood clot in her heart in June. I made sure she got back on the radar and that she will remain there. Brooke's awesome Cardiologist (Dr. Berman) retired in January (our loss!!) so we are seeing his partner, whom we've seen in the past. He did an echocardiogram and compared his findings to the one Dr. Berman did in June while she was in the hosptial at Presby. and they are identical. The "mass" hasn't grown any and is not restricting blood flow. Good news. He says it is not a tumor or else it would've grown. He feels, like Dr. Berman, that it is a blood clot. Since Brooke is already on Coumadin for life - that's the treatment plan. He will start seeing her every 6 months to monitor some regurgitation issues in two of her valves. This was noted in June as well, but is something new. Pray that it never gets worse and that no treatment is ever needed.
We are closely watching 9 spots that Brooke has developed the past week. It's odd how we go so long with one or two occasionally and then get 9 at once. I continue to do weekly bathings in bleach and Hibicleanse, which I feel has helped greatly.
I'm a great-aunt again to my fourth great-nephew! Auden Joseph Mauldin was born yesterday in Phoenix to my niece Kendra and her husband Josh. The proud big brother is Jonas. Briana, Caitlin, Jaclyn and Tiffany...GIRLS ARE NEEDED!! No rush...just saying...
School is about to do me in. There are no words to how SICK I am of it right now. I know...only 7 more weeks and I'm done for good, but it's all I can do to make myself get homework done. And I have a LOT! I'm carrying four classes which I do not recommend for a working mom. Lord...give me strength!
Sympathy to my Aunt Kim on the death of her dad, to my great-uncle David on the passing of his wife Shirley, and to our belove special olympic teammate - Stephanie. Life is short...it's up to each of us to make it sweet.
Blessings all...
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Forgiveness
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
While researching the topic of forgiveness I ran across an article titled Why is Forgiveness so Rare? I’ve never thought of forgiveness as being rare, so this got me thinking: (1) Why is it so difficult to forgive others and believe that we can be forgiven for our sins; and (2) Why do Christians struggle with the concept of being worthy of forgiveness? Matthew says, “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (11:28)
In Hebrews, Jeremiah talks about the blood of Jesus being the ultimate forgiveness for our sins. There is no greater statement as that. And the Apostle Paul preaches to Philemon about forgiving those who sin against us as God forgives our sins against him for Jesus’ sake. “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6: 14-15) Forgiveness is certain if we ask God.
In fact, the words forgive, forgiveness, forgiving, forgiven, forgives and forgave are mentioned approximately 27 times in the New Testament (NIV version of the Bible). So what does this all mean? It’s simple: We serve a merciful God who is both loving and forgiving. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)
While researching the topic of forgiveness I ran across an article titled Why is Forgiveness so Rare? I’ve never thought of forgiveness as being rare, so this got me thinking: (1) Why is it so difficult to forgive others and believe that we can be forgiven for our sins; and (2) Why do Christians struggle with the concept of being worthy of forgiveness? Matthew says, “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (11:28)
In Hebrews, Jeremiah talks about the blood of Jesus being the ultimate forgiveness for our sins. There is no greater statement as that. And the Apostle Paul preaches to Philemon about forgiving those who sin against us as God forgives our sins against him for Jesus’ sake. “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6: 14-15) Forgiveness is certain if we ask God.
In fact, the words forgive, forgiveness, forgiving, forgiven, forgives and forgave are mentioned approximately 27 times in the New Testament (NIV version of the Bible). So what does this all mean? It’s simple: We serve a merciful God who is both loving and forgiving. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Ready for summer!
Flu. Sinus issues. Allergies. Viral infections. Summer...please hurry up and come!! If Brooke isn't feeling bad - one of my sitters is. My mom is under the weather today so here I sit, at home, with Brooke who is not feeling the best either. Can't say that my allergies are behaving too much either. So ready for warm weather and minimal wind. I just left Walgreen's where I got a 96-pack of Sudafed for Brooke. I have to switch places where I get it so the Meph. cops don't get suspicious. Ha. Really...the sudafed IS for Brooke. Promise! She also has a couple of spots that I'm watching, so please pray for healing.
I spent last weekend cleaning and organizing our office. What a chore! It looks so much better though! I need to take advantage of being at home and get the rest of the house cleaned. We're having the family over Saturday for a cookout...an early birthday party for Brooke. She turns 21 on the 9th. Where has time gone? Where did my baby go?
Time to get busy. Have a blessed Tuesday!
Gena
I spent last weekend cleaning and organizing our office. What a chore! It looks so much better though! I need to take advantage of being at home and get the rest of the house cleaned. We're having the family over Saturday for a cookout...an early birthday party for Brooke. She turns 21 on the 9th. Where has time gone? Where did my baby go?
Time to get busy. Have a blessed Tuesday!
Gena
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