Thursday, June 14, 2018

Slow Lane, please

light blur
I must keep reminding myself to breathe. My body encourages me to release all my muscles and let the tension go. My life seems a blur. I know you experience the same feelings. If you don't, please share your secret.

A chapter in our lives ended in February when my daughter's divorce was final after a turbulent six years of marriage. We are so thankful for God's grace and love during life's big disappointments. We are confident it is all for good and look forward to what God has in store for Sydnee and her precious daughters. I hope I don't make this sound too easy. Their separation and divorce has been one of the most difficult, heart-shredding, agonizing and tearful times in my life. My prayer has always been for her ex-husband to accept the love and support we, I offered. He would not.

Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathered her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!

Did you notice the exclamation point at the end of that verse? Yes! An exclamation point written in God's word. The next verse says "Behold, your house is left unto you desolate." Short version: If you don't accept God's love, you will be on your own. God helped me to have love, patience and continual prayer for my ex-son-in-law while watching him tear down my daughter and their children. Sydnee allowed God to gather her, his child, under his wings of protection. He has not left her desolate. I praise him for her recovery thus far. I trust him for her continued healing and happiness. Please help me pray for the ex. He is the daddy of my granddaughters and I want good things for him.
My dad suffered his fourth stroke mid-March. Hospitalization and rehabilitation kept him away from home for almost a month. He is doing well. We just celebrated his 81st birthday on June 8. My mom was a trooper! She stayed with him every single day during his recuperation. She didn't even go home. We took her clothes and she showered at the hospital. We celebrated her 78th birthday at the rehab facility with a German Chocolate Cake baked by Sloane!  We got Dad home and Mom started enjoying ER visits. She had immediate surgery for a 8.25 mm kidney stone mid-May. My daughters took off work providing care for both of my parents like champions! I was down with Flu B when my dad was in the hospital. My granddaughters, both of them, also got the flu. I was out of town when my mom went to the ER and subsequently had surgery. Thank you sweet daughters for all you do!
My husband, Steve underwent extensive testing for a double lung transplant the first of May. Two long days of testing were over. His heart cath was scheduled for Wednesday. After eight long hours of waiting, we were sent back to our hotel and asked to return on Thursday. Several emergencies during the day kept pushing his procedure back until it was closing time for the cath lab. He qualified for the transplant but opted to forego right now. It's a long story so I hope you'll continue to read on. I can guarantee you some goose bumps.

Duke University Hospital transferred Steve's case to Emory at our request. North Carolina was too far from Chatsworth to consider doing his transplant there. The condition he suffers requires rheumatalogist visits. He saw one at Emory two years ago but she dismissed him. She encouraged him to see Dr. Veeraraghagan (Dr. V). I've tried for two years to get an appointment with Dr. V..  Ain't happening! Dr. V and Steve's regular pulmonologist at Emory are in the same practice. Evidently, pulmonolgist aren't like obstetricians who want you to see all doctors at the practice. I haven't been able to break through the office personnel to get an appointment. Even if I schedule one online, the appointment is canceled and I get a call asking me if I've made a mistake with selecting a doctor. Annoying!

The transplant team asked what it would take for Steve to say okay to a transplant. His answer "I'm not sure. I've been thinking about it but just don't know." My answer "I'll have to see an accurate diagnosis AND I want him to see Dr. V." I voiced this to the psychologist and the transplant team coordinator. They promised me they'd talk to the team after Steve's test results to see what the team thought. Emily, the transplant coordinator was very interested in the conversation. I felt I was finally being heard.

Fives days after Steve's testing, Emily called to give us the good news. Steve qualified for a double lung transplant. However, with our reluctance, the team thought an appointment with Dr. V. was a good idea. An appointment was scheduled for May 17. On May 15th, Dr. V's office called. Steve's appointment was canceled. Dr. V. had a family emergency.  I called to reschedule the appointment but guess what? Couldn't break through the office staff again! Emily finally called us with another appointment scheduled for July 5.

Here comes the goose bumps. When Emily called to tell us Steve had qualified, she was so excited about the Dr. V. appointment. She said "Guys, I got to thinking about what you said about Dr. V.. I remembered a patient we had two years ago with Steve's same diagnosis. I checked the files and with Dr. Neujahr to make sure I wasn't crazy and remembered correctly.  Anyway, this patient was pending a double lung transplant. He saw Dr. V. and WE DON'T EVEN FOLLOW HIS CASE ANYMORE. We're not sure what Dr. V. did for him but it worked!"

Praise Jesus! Now, that's what I've waited six years to hear!!! This doctor, through God's grace, is going to heal my husband! I'm believing and receiving! Please help me to ask God's favor in this situation. Thank you in advance for your prayers.
I absolutely love the life God has given me! The tough days make the simple days so much sweeter. And sometimes, the simple days outnumber the tough. 2018 seems to be a double doozie so far. One day in April, I remember specifically. My daughter Sloane got a promotion at work that day. It was a simple one...

Love you guys. Thanks for listening to me
spill my heart,

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Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Are You a Phubber?

What is a Phubber? Someone guilty of Phubbing!

phubber

See that woman with her cell phone during brunch? 
She's a PHUBBER!

I knew ignoring people by engaging with your cell phone was a thang, but I had no idea it was a "disease" or actually had a name.

I follow a chiropractor who healed his mom of cancer, Dr. Josh Axe. He published an article today about this very phenomenon. In said article, he discusses the Dangers and the Five Telltale Signs of Phubbing. Very interesting and thought provoking article. You can read it here.

Take a minute to leave me a comment. Let me know if you have this disease or this is just hogwash!

Using a cell phone 365,
Tammy

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Tuesday, March 6, 2018

I'm still standing


Hello lovelies! I couldn't let this week get by without saying "Hi!". I'm still standing.
though I'm
Sifted and
Worn...
I created the picture from the words that ran through my being this evening. And ministered to my heart. I've been on repeat of those steps for some time now. I feel I'm in a continual rinse and spin cycle. I can't wait for God to hang me out to dry. To enjoy the sunshine, the relaxation of the breeze, the gentle sway rocking me to sleep like a baby, the vast expanse of the great outdoors, the smell of freshness in my nostrils, the freedom of knowing this chapter is finished. 

Revelation 3:7-8 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth , and no man openeth; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
I'll share my journey soon but for now
I bid you adieu.
May God bless and keep you as he does me and mine.

Trusting Him 365,
Tammy
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Monday, February 19, 2018

American Cancer Society Fundraiser Idea: Pamper Your Princess

acs fundraiser

The Chicken Creek Cancer Crushers held their annual American Cancer Society (ACS) Fundraiser this past Saturday, February 17, 2018. The event, Pamper Your Princess, is an exciting and successful fundraiser in our close-knit small hometown. A close friend of mine became passionately involved with the ACS after she lost her husband to the disease. Pamper Your Princess may be the idea you've been searching for to help support a cause dear to your heart.
  • Tickets are prepared and sold prior to the event. Each ticket designates an appointment time for your princess to be pampered. Your fundraising committee should decide ticket price prior to advertising your event.
princess ticket
  • The event is advertised by word-of-mouth and facebook. A facebook event is used to invite and communicate to participants.
princess advertising
  • Princesses are pampered by getting their hair styled, nails painted, dressed up in a gown and having their pictures taken. Princesses range from toddlers to teenagers!
princess cups

oriental trading
I donated the products I received free from Oriental Trading to the Pamper Your Princess Event.
You'll also find backdrops for decorating your Pamper Your Princess event space as a "castle" at Oriental Trading. Oriental Trading has everything you need to make your event a fundraising success. So much fun for a great cause! Let Oriental Trading help you prepare for your event soon.

Praying for a Cure 365 Days a Year,
Tammy
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Thursday, January 25, 2018

Doritos Chicken Casserole

chicken casserole
Doritos Chicken Casserole
Take my word for it. The Doritos Chicken Casserole is yummy! A dear friend gave me this recipe 30+ years ago. Yes! I am still making it. Yes! My family still loves the delicious creamy taste of cheese and mushroom soup paired with the unique taste of Doritos. Click the link above or click here for the recipe. You won't be disappointed.

As usual, I made a few substitutions to the recipe. They are listed below:
  1. I bake my chicken for 15-20 minutes seasoned with Pampered Chef Southwest Seasoning
  2. I use Progresso Mushroom soup (gluten free)
  3. I omit the Cream of Chicken (because it contains gluten)
  4. I prefer Sharp Cheddar instead of Velveeta
  5. I bake it in my beautiful Pampered Chef Rockcrok Everyday Pan
Please! Leave me a comment. I want to know how you like the recipe for Doritos Chicken Casserole.

Could eat it 365,
Tammy

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