July...What a Month!

Stepping Out

Today marks 69 days since Jim received his new heart. The days seem to be going faster than I can count. He is able to do so much more than he has been able to in a long, long time. He is able to walk up to the barn (out building) without having to sit down or feel like he has to lay down. We recently went to Cheaha mountain and we semi hiked to Bald Rock. They have a super nice porch all the way out there so handicap and disabled individuals can still enjoy Bald Rock. He didn't need it this time. It was amazing to see him walk over rocks and over little inclines without having to sit down or feel like he was going to pass out. What I like most of all is that he is able to preach the gospel, without struggling like he did. He is such a huge help to me. He is a great Bible student and helps so many to understand the Word in practical ways.
Now for some downers. He shakes like a leaf on a windy day. This is due to all the medicines he is on. Even when he is in bed, he is just trembling. He can't stop it and he has trouble sleeping because of it. He doesn't hardly like to eat anything anymore. He likes Mexican but other than that he will eat fruit, fruit and then more fruit. He has mood swings...like a woman going through THE CHANGE. He is good in the morning then about lunch time he can be as ill as can be. Then at night time he is giddy. It is frustrating, funny and challenging all at the same time. I definitely can't wear my heart on my sleeve. He still needs his naps but over all he is doing good.
We go for the 10th week biopsy tomorrow. It is like a small family reunion each time we go to the doctor. You become so close to them and you hate to leave them because they take such good care of you. I ask for your prayers as Jim will be going through blood work, chest x-ray, echo, EKG, heart cath and biopsy. If you don't know already, the biopsy is where they have a claw like device that they put through his neck and actually pull off pieces of his new heart. They like to get 4-5 pieces. Jim is awake during this process and can feel it. It is quite dangerous but must be done in order to check for rejection.
Through various sermons that I listen to and the godly counsel that I receive from those I trust, I have recently challenged myself to STEP OUT. It can be quite consuming to live the life that I do. I struggle with health problems daily, try to take care of my husband,, raise my two children and then there is the dogs, the house and the yard. Above all that I earnestly seek to be the best Christian I can be. If I can do that then I will be a better person, wife, mother and even take care of material things better. I have been focusing on myself and Jim to the point that I have lost touch with others that need my help. I rarely have a moment to spare but when I do...I want to and know I am more determined than ever to help someone else. I need to step out of my world, my problems, and help others. I have lost sight so to speak that others desperately need me and what better way to raise your children to know and love the Lord than the path of a servant. I ask for your prayers that at any moment that I can, I will take advantage of serving others. It is what gives me the greatest joy in life.

Red lights and Religion

Ever since I turned 16, I have tried my hardest to be the best driver I can be. I had a rough start, my dad, my brother and even Jim can attest to that. There are certain laws, guidelines and regulations we have to follow if we are to master the art of driving. There are some observations that a good friend of my mine recently reminded me of.

Whether I am in Munford, Alabama or Harrisonburg,Virginia...Memphis,Tennessee or Savannah,Georgia...rules are rules.
Questions:
1. When I come to a traffic light in Oxford, AL, that is red I will stop. When I travel to Panama City Beach, FL...will I stop if the traffic light is red?
2. When I see an upside down triangle that says YIELD in Birmingham, AL, I will slow down and check for oncoming traffic. When I am in Memphis, TN...will I yield if I see the same road sign?
3. When I am traveling from Talladega, AL to Munford, AL and I see a speed limit sign that says 45....I drive 45 mph. When I am in Piedmont, AL...will I travel 35mph if that is what the speed limit sign says?
By now most of you are saying YES! So what?
Now ask yourself these questions:
1. Do I respect man more than God?
2. When God tells me to stop, will I do it...or will I run right through it and take my chances?
3. When God tells me to yield not to temptation...why will I rush out without heeding His word? Am I that brazen to speed ahead not even checking up?
4. When God sets limits and boundaries for me to keep me from spiritual, emotional, and physical sickness...why do I say it doesn't matter? I won't get caught this time right?
This week my dad came home to the Lord. He has been missing in action for a while now. He struggles to attend the worship services faithfully and to put God first in everything he does. He doesn't have the support that he needs to successfully do that. He has made excuses claiming he was too tired and struggles with His attitude. I can't express my appreciation for his tender heart and his honesty. I expressed to Him that his children are grown but they still need a godly father and his grandchildren need a godly grandfather if they have any hope of making it to heaven.
God knows as well as many of you that I struggle to have the proper attitude at times. I am too tired to concentrate at worship services at times. I try and will keep on trying to examine and work on myself daily. I pray that my dad will receive the support and encouragement he needs. Thank you daddy for loving the Lord.
What do you say? Isn't it HIGH time to give more respect to God than to man? 

First Gospel Meeting Since Transplant

WILL YOU COME TO HEAR THE TRUTH PROCLAIMED? Only 59 days after receiving a new heart, Jim will do his best to preach and teach the good news. Please come and support this effort. Don't support the man but the message.

Jim will be speaking at the Munford Church of Christ 143 Main Street Munford, AL  36268

Meeting times are as follows:  Sunday 9am, 10am and 5pm & Monday - Wednesday 7pm (July 21- July 24)

All Clear!

We received the phone call yesterday evening that Jim's 8th week biopsy was clear. NO REJECTION! His blood work looked great and heart cath numbers were good. We are feeling so happy and so blessed. Thank you for your prayers! TGBTG!

We did it!

Julianna and I cut off our hair to donate. It was a big step for the both of us. We pray that some child will be able to have beautiful hair and feel confident no matter what trial they are facing. So thankful to God for this opportunity.

Anniversaries

People celebrate anniversaries of all sorts. People celebrate their marriages, maybe when they brought their first home, when he got his first sets of wheels or the first time she ever got to shave her legs...haha!

For me I celebrate various milestones through the year. The little things and the big ones. Every year I am thankful to be married to my high school sweetheart. Every year I celebrate having my van that has been paid for for years now. Every year I celebrate when we moved into our house. We usually take pictures or have a special meal or a special prayer of thanksgiving is offered up at that time. 

Every Thursday is now a special anniversary...on July the 18th, Jim will have had his new heart for 8 weeks...that is two months...56 days...is it real? I am still trying to take it all in. 

We are so thankful. We continue to offer our thanks and pray for the donor family each night during our Bible Time. Without it, Jim would not be here with me. He was so close to slipping away into eternity. I know all to well that that would have been a much better and sweeter place to be. God through His infinite wisdom has plans for our family. Special plans for Jim. I try to treasure each day. Though I am not doing a very good job at it. 

I have cut grass...I am cleaning out closets and rooms. I feel so ashamed to have so much stuff. Life truly is not made up of things but of the precious memories we create with each other. What a world it would be if we all lived within our paychecks and did without all the "necessities" of life. I believe we would all suddenly realize how blessed we are to be able to go to church and worship the True and Living God. I believe children would act better and they would want less. I believe parents would love their children more and would sleep better knowing that life is better when it is simple. 

If you think about it each day is an anniversary. Each day is a reason to celebrate. If you can breath you can Praise God! If you can open your eyes then you can see His marvelous creation. You are one of His greatest creations. If you can hear then whisper a pray of thanks for what you have before you. Do you hear the rain dance upon your roof or the laughter of good friends? If you can smell then is there a rose bush blooming or a tall pine tree nearby...sniff it up. If you can feel, then hug someone...hold their hand...pat someone on the back. God gave you that sense for a reason.

I celebrated a very special anniversary Sunday. I will share it with you soon. Keep on praying and believing. Don't put limits on God.

Thank you God for one more day with my "preacher man!"

Just 45 days

Just 45 days after receiving a new heart. Jim taught the adult Bible class at the Ironaton church of Christ and then that night we drove to the Glencoe church of Christ. He preached his first sermon there. The encouragement and love we were shown was humbling. We had a great meal and fellowship afterwords. God has blessed us and continues to show that His people are the best people in the world. Thank you is not enough. Thank you for everything everyone and anyone has done for us. TGBTG!

It's good to be home

Sign by Julianna. It was amazing.

Leaving UAB to go HOME!

In the car...on the way home.



Balloons, streamers, signs, WOW what a welcome.



Homemade decorations by Julianna.

Bella missed Jim. He was gone for more than 60 days.

My superheroes.

Cameron and Bella bonding.

Julianna made a super long bubble.

Cameron, hula hoop and homemade bubbles.

Special bows for special girls

The 4th of July Firework Show at Pell City.

Jim, Julianna and our dogs. The dogs are hiding because the fireworks scared them.



Julianna and Bella...red, white and blue buddies.