I haven't written much lately (ok, nothing) because: 1) I've been busy planting flowers in my new flowerbeds; 2) I've been busy spring cleaning our house; and 3) I just have no clue what to write about. I've started several blogs, but I figure that if I'm bored writing them, then the reader(s) will be extremely bored.
If you haven't been to my husband's website lately, check it out (www.suffering.net). He has worked very hard on it recently to give everyone daily updates on his sister, Debby. She is currently in Seton Specialty Hospital to recover from being placed on a trach vent. The goal is to get her weaned off of the vent completely, and she has been off of it since Saturday. She does still have oxygen hooked up to her trach, but in the past she was not able to exhale well enough to keep her carbon dioxide levels at a safe level. So, she's doing better, but there is still a long road ahead for her. She desperately wants to leave the hospital and go home, so we are all praying that God will strengthen her enough to be able to do that.
As stated earlier, I've been planting flowers a lot lately. We had new flower beds put in along both sides of the house, so I spent at least a week moving bushes, splitting out daylillies and irises, and planting new annuals and perennials. I also did my own planters for the deck, and I'm just praying that I remember to water them!
My mom has always had the most beautiful gardens ever. When I was younger, she grew almost all of our vegetables, but now that my sister and I are grown, she only grows flowers. She tried getting me interested in gardening when I was younger, but she failed miserably. To me, spending time in the garden was worse than being sent to your room.
However, now that I've grown up and matured, I have a whole new appreciate for flowers. I love planting them, watering and feeding them (thank God for Miracle-Gro), and watching them grow. (Still not fond of the whole weeding thing, though) Daffodils always make me smile when I see them, and my collection of daylillies never cease to amaze me. The house just seems so much more inviting with flowers planted around it.
I'm also amazed at how hearty some plants are. I always line the front flower bed with red begonias, and these things are indestructible. A couple of years ago, I was awoken by a horrible growling sound. I had no idea what happened till the next morning when I went outside and saw two of my begonias completely shredded. My best guess is that a rabbit or other small creature was being chased by a fox and the begonias were collateral damage. I was devastated by the destruction, but was utterly amazed when those flowers grew back! They were noticeably smaller than the rest of the begonias, but they did grow back. Isn't God's creation amazing?
Tending the garden just reminds me, in this world full of pain, suffering, death and destruction, that God is still in control. Plants and flowers that He created are still glorifying Him just by growing and being beautiful. May we all seek to glorify Him in all that we do with the gifts that He has given us.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
First date!
Six years ago today was my first date with my husband, Tim. What a wonderful ride the last six years have been. I'm more and more in love with my husband each day, and am continually thankful that God brought us together.
According to my husband, he stopped dead in his tracks the first time he ever saw me. No other woman had ever had that affect on him before, but, it took him over a year to actually start talking to me! As for me, I had always had a great respect for Tim, but really didn't know how to talk to him. Then one night, he taught our singles group when our pastor was out of town, and I just remember sitting there thinking, "why can't I find a man like him"? A month later we finally had our first "real" conversation, and I was immediately smitten. However, it would be another 3 months before he'd actually ask me out. Talk about torture!!!
Anyway, 6 years ago today, we met at Victory Field to watch an Indianapolis Indians baseball game. We didn't watch too much of the game, but I do remember that the Indians came back from 3 runs down in the last inning to win it. That was pretty exciting, but not nearly as exciting as talking to Tim! We had so much fun together that we were the last ones to leave the ballpark.
About a week and 3 dates later, I started having a meltdown. I didn't know how serious I could get with Tim because I didn't know if I could handle all the demands of his disability (he's been in a wheelchair for the past 15 years due to MD). I didn't know if I could handle those demands because I didn't even know what they would be. And, I certainly didn't want to break this guys' heart--he was (and still is) way too special to do that to him. I cried my heart out to God claiming that I didn't know if I should date him because I didn't know if I could marry him. God answered, "I'm not asking you to marry him--I'm asking you to date him". Well, I told God that I could do that! Within a month, I was begging God to let me marry Tim. Thankfully, God granted that request 8 months later.
Six years later, Tim still makes my heart smile. I am continually amazed by his faith in God and how that gives him true joy in this life. I am truly blessed to be able to serve him as his wife!
According to my husband, he stopped dead in his tracks the first time he ever saw me. No other woman had ever had that affect on him before, but, it took him over a year to actually start talking to me! As for me, I had always had a great respect for Tim, but really didn't know how to talk to him. Then one night, he taught our singles group when our pastor was out of town, and I just remember sitting there thinking, "why can't I find a man like him"? A month later we finally had our first "real" conversation, and I was immediately smitten. However, it would be another 3 months before he'd actually ask me out. Talk about torture!!!
Anyway, 6 years ago today, we met at Victory Field to watch an Indianapolis Indians baseball game. We didn't watch too much of the game, but I do remember that the Indians came back from 3 runs down in the last inning to win it. That was pretty exciting, but not nearly as exciting as talking to Tim! We had so much fun together that we were the last ones to leave the ballpark.
About a week and 3 dates later, I started having a meltdown. I didn't know how serious I could get with Tim because I didn't know if I could handle all the demands of his disability (he's been in a wheelchair for the past 15 years due to MD). I didn't know if I could handle those demands because I didn't even know what they would be. And, I certainly didn't want to break this guys' heart--he was (and still is) way too special to do that to him. I cried my heart out to God claiming that I didn't know if I should date him because I didn't know if I could marry him. God answered, "I'm not asking you to marry him--I'm asking you to date him". Well, I told God that I could do that! Within a month, I was begging God to let me marry Tim. Thankfully, God granted that request 8 months later.
Six years later, Tim still makes my heart smile. I am continually amazed by his faith in God and how that gives him true joy in this life. I am truly blessed to be able to serve him as his wife!
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