Miracles of Daily Living

8/3/2012 – It’s been quite some time since I’ve felt like I had a post worth posting.  Until today, I was feeling like I was repeating myself with all the little miracles that were passing through my days.  I know it’s wrong I didn’t feel them “worthy” of mention, and quite honestly it was a combination of laziness and depression.  It’s not that I wasn’t grateful for the gentle reminders of the daily miracles all around me; it was more a case of needing answers, praying for some miracles to come to fruition and a lot of personal junk going on in my life, that I might have been feeling a bit overwhelmed and wanting to be able to report a miracle of all miracles.

Now, today, I was reminded, it is in those little moments the important things become clearer. As I checked into my continuing education class, I went and picked a seat by the door where sunshine was filtering in through the curtain. It was just enough heat to keep the chill of the air conditioning from being quite so uncomfortable. Just a few minutes after I got settled in, I looked across the room at the entrance and I saw a lady pass through the door and head straight over to my table. She introduced herself, “I’m Betty. I’m so glad I got here, I thought I was going to be lost. That would not have been good.”

We shook hands and I smiled and told her my name and asked where she was coming from. She said she is originally from Columbia, South America, but lives here in Chicago now.  I found her to be immediately enchanting and as we looked over the itinery, I told her I was looking forward to learning what it had to offer. She seemed to know exactly what question to ask to find out my history. Throughout the day, she asked tons of questions that were more pointedly directed to my condition than any of the therapist I have seen to date. She also did a technique on me that immediately improved my pain level, and she taught me how to do it myself, and the exercises to strengthen the surrounding muscles to keep it in place. Along with that, she was a big advocate to get the presenter to “check me out”, which came to be at the end of the afternoon.

Between being the demo person for the class and my new friend Betty, I can honestly say, I have not felt this good in 19 months!! Do you know all the things that had to come together to bring this all together?? Lets just list a few: I had to find the information about the class through an online search for CEUs; It had to be a topic I wanted to learn; I had decide to take the class over the same weekend as my parents sale; I had to register and pay for it and then get a hotel I could afford; we had to get to Schaumburg even though our car was acting up.  Today, the way Betty found me, I have NO doubt, she was sent from God.  As she left today, she said she had been praying all day to get out early enough to make it to a very special church service they were having at her church tonight, and we got out earlier enough for her to make it!!

Today has been a very Miracle affirming day. There has been a complete sense of peace even amongst me having been put on “display” (which is usually very uncomfortable for me). I’m much more comfortable being the one on the other side, trying to help others feel better. It was awesome being able to accept their assistance without uneasiness and a total gratefulness.

These are my Miracles for this the 3rd day of August, 2012.  God Bless, Te

7/1/2012 through 7/4/2012

7/1/2012 – This was the day we finished our cleaning of the rental house.  Since we started our travel this evening at 9 p.m. e.s.t. – we were exhausted by the time we were approaching Columbus. We began searching the Holiday Inns (we are Priority Club members) in the area, they were ALL listed as booked!  We had found one “other brand” hotel but the internet and cable was not working. So, we tried one last ditch effort to get a room. We called “our downtown” HI, and made our case and they had 2 rooms left but only for one night’s stay!  YES – perfect!  God provided for our rest! We found out the next morning, not only was it the 4th of July weekend/vacation week, but there was a National Volleyball Tournament in town and therefore EVERY hotel in Columbus was sold out for the week.

7/2/2012 – As we awoke this morning, we were grateful for the rest!  We got on the road a little after 1 p.m. e.s.t. and only stopped for lunch at the Firehouse Subs on our way out of town.  After travelling most of 5 hours on the Interstate(s) we had reached Oakwood, IL.  As we headed to the Casey’s, which is on the other side of town, we ended at the crossroad of US Route 150.  When we got back into the car, I asked Donnie if he was up for a little backroad travel, and he said, “why not?”

It was the best decision I could have made.  There is something so comforting to me about driving down a highway, surrounded by corn and bean fields, old farm houses with their character and beautiful barnyards, small towns and new and unique things to see!! There is soooo much more to this beautiful country that we do not see by staying on the “main roads”. Often times you can see the Interstate less than a mile from the road we are on, and yet the scenery is totally different!  How much do we miss by not stopping to take a few sideroads every now and then??  This applies to our daily routines, too. Do you get upset when things end up taking you away from your plans?  Maybe we were meant to see, learn or experience something we would have otherwise missed.  Being in God’s Country made my travel home a more peaceful and comforting experience which I, and Donnie, thoroughly enjoyed.  The best part, even though it took us about 1-1/2 hours longer, time passed quickly with the new sights to see! I’d say this can be attributed to we were travelling on God’s timing = Miracle travel experience!

7/3/2012 – Today began with a trip to the lawyer to sign my paperwork.  Yes, that means we are in settlement!!  This means my life of limbo is going to be moving forward!  As I reflect on the past 18 months and all that I have experienced, I can honestly say I would not trade one bit of it!! It has been a time of pain, learning, patience, frustration, growing, changes, positives and negatives. Through it all, I have discovered more about me than I even knew I wanted to know!  However, it is beyond words, it is a spiritual experience. And, I know I am ready to take on the adventure God is setting before me, without fear or anxiety. Life is all about change and meant to be enjoyed.  This is the attitude I’m going forward with, from here.

Following a full day of appointments in the “cities”, we returned home just in time to get to the Lions’ shed and pick up the float.  We got it to the starting line and then we got the “Lion” ready, just as the parade started. (It was 87 degrees and she was going to be in a full fur lions costume – but, she LOVES it!)  There is something so awesome seeing the kids along the parade route yelling and waving, “Hi Lion!! Hi Lion!!” and when the Lion turns to wave at them, they get a look of awe and they are soooooo excited!!  Even though we are “Lions Club” and the mascot does not have an official name (that I know of anyway), we heard, “Simba”, “Joey”, “Alex” and some are very polite, “Mr. Lion”.  A message came to me amist the parade chaos, it reminded me that no matter the name we call God, (Christ, Jesus, Jehovah, Father or Daddy) He is happy when we call Him and we should be excited to respond with pure excitement when He turns our way!

Following a quick exit to the shed to put the float away, we headed to see the second half of the fireworks display.  They were awesome as usual. (Of course, I’m a big firework fan, too!)  They were being highlighted by the bright full moon shining in the clear night sky, (which is another one of my favorites since childhood). As I would look out my window on a full-moon night, it was as if God was shining on me, and I always slept the best those nights. Tonight, God’s shining light was illuminating each one from behind.  Every firework is unique and beautiful. They light up the sky with their colorful display and then gone in a flash, but they add delight to my heart and a smile to my face. I’d call that a Miracle!  Is that not what we should be to one another - everyday?? Each of us are unique and beautiful and even though we may only have a moment to simply smile, it may be the best thing the recipient sees that day!  Let’s be those fireworks in other’s lives, shall we?

7/4/2012 – Happy Birthday America!!  If we only remember one thing this day, our forefathers came to America to pursue a life of freedom. All of us who have been born into this privilege, it is easy to forgot what all they went through to allow us to live the life we do.  They came here for religious freedom, and I find it sad when all the various religions of the “melting pot” are often at odds against each other. Then there are those who voice their opinions about people who are different than they are. (There are so many examples, I’m not even going to try to list them.) However, if you remember, we are here and blessed with freedom.  Freedom, in part, means being who you are; loving people for who they are.  In all religions, even if you don’t have one, the happiest people are those who Love One Another and Serve their Neighbors. I wonder what could be possible if this were to be lived out on a daily basis, by everyone who is happy to be living in the “Land of the Free”. What impact might you leave for your future generations if you live grateful to be free??

Big Lily Pictures speak for themselves:

#1) Normal size   #2) Big lilies   Simply amazing - same bulb package, same species, planted the same day.  =)

These experiences in nature, messages, learning, service opportunities, flowers and fireworks are just a few of my Miracles for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th days of July. God Bless, Te

6/29/2012 & 6/30/2012

6/29/2012 – Tonight we were blessed with rain.  It was quite amazing that at the same time it began raining here, it was also raining back at home.  That rarely happens!! And, it was similiar weather with high winds and heavy rains for a short period of time.  Just after the rain stopped, we headed to the store and as we turned the corner, just under the line of the dark clouds was the most brilliant red I have ever seen in the sky. The red filled the horizon and quickly dispersed into purple, indigo and the blue of a night sky.  It was really beyond words and it literally took my breath away.

And in that passing moment, I thought of all those who are in Colorado who are dealing with the wild fire, that the same kind of glow on their horizon, takes their breath away for a much different reason.  And, in that mere moment, I felt connected to those who were experiencing loss, and my heart sank into sadness.

6/30/2012 – Tonight there was a different kind of fire in the sky – Fireworks!!  They are my most favorite tradition for celebrating.  As I stood in my in-laws driveway, I was able to see them over the hills. I’m really not sure where they were coming from, but they were an unexpected treat. By this point in the night, I was exhausted!! I have been helping Donnie all week with cleaning the rental house, and I have discovered my threshold for energy.  However, seeing those fireworks lighting up the evening sky, rejuvenated me with the feeling of being a kid at heart!  It had to be a God Moment because we had originally had plans to be watching a movie. Instead, Donnie went to the rental house to pick up the mower and I walked out with him, and there they were!!  Still bringing a smile to my face and lightness to my heart!

These are my miracles for the the 29th and 30th days of June, 2012.  God Bless, Te

6/28/2012 – Today was a very hot day, not just in my hometown area, but in Pennsylvania, also! However, nothing has captured my attention like the Colorado Springs, CO, fires.  I’m grateful for a friend keeping us updated, and it sounds as though they have the flames under control again, and he and his family’s house is safe. The magitude of this destruction is hard to wrap your brain around.  But, you have to remember, they have reported 346 houses lost, but not one human life.  There are somethings that can be replaced and some things are one of a kind treasures.  It’s those one of a kind treasures, PEOPLE, who are each a Miracle in their own right.  So, grateful for their safe evacuation!!  As long as you are on this Earth, you are here for a reason and you will fulfill your purpose!

After a long afternoon of hard work at the rental house, I was blessed to witness another beautiful sunset over the hills surrounding us.  After the sun went down, we were able to start a fire to dispose of our days’ work.  As I watched the flames consume the debris, I took a picture and captioned it, “bush trimmings, old carpets, a palette = a sense of accomplishment!”   It was then, after I posted the picture on Facebook, I noticed the image in the picture.

  I loved the “thumbs up”! It gave me a sense of verification for a job well done! =)

For the safety of the citizens of Colorado Spring, I am grateful; and, the picture was my Miracle for this the 28th day of June, 2012.  God Bless, Te

6-18-2012 & 6-19-2012

6/18/2012 – Tonight brought the Lions to Central Park.  It was the induction of officers for the upcoming “Lions” year. I was awed as one of our members received his 40 year membership award!!  And, we now have the youngest board member as our Tail Twister, Betsy my neice. She just graduated from High School and became a member on her 18th birthday this past January.  As I look at these two members, obviously at the opposite ends of the age spectrum, they both contain the one trait that unites all Lions – their willingness to serve others.  The Lions are one of very few organizations that still pray before their meals, say the pledge – including “under God” and conduct business under the biblical principles of “what you do unto the least of these, you do unto me.” When so many people Internationally work together, Miracles do happen!! And, it starts in our own communities!

6/19/2012 – Tonight I got the opportunity to take pictures of a new family member.  She is just a couple weeks old, and came into this world 4 weeks early.  She is so tiny, and yet when you look at her, she is a fully formed, completely unique being.  She has had a struggle to start her first few days on Earth, but she is growing stronger as each day passes. To know the story, before the story, her mom was told she had a very little chance of ever having a baby; according to doctors and modern medicine and sciences.  But, just look … the odds have been overcome!! That is what you call a Miracle!!

  LOVE baby feet.  Just look at the intracies of those tiny little feet; each of the 10 perfect toes and all the lines and wrinkles that make her footprint unique.

These are my Miracles for the 18th and 19th days of June, 2012.  God Bless, Te

6-17-2012 – Happy Father’s Day! It was a beautiful day outside today! I got to sit under the shade of the huge tree in our backyard, the sun shining and the lovely gentle breeze making it, dare I say, Perfect!? While sitting in this wonderful setting, I became aware of the bark on the trunk of the tree.  It was quite a busy place.  There were ants scurring to and fro.  There were other flying insects that would light and pause, then take off to unknown destinations.  There was a beautiful coating of lush green moss on the north-facing side and other lichen like formations all around.  It is soooo big, I cannot put my arms around it, in fact it is hard for Donnie and I to reach around and touch our fingertips.  As I looked skyward, I could see the branches of varying thicknesses, and I had to smile a little as I thought about exactly what the tree in “family tree” signifies.  How appropriate on this Father’s Day, that I would be able to enjoy this similation of this tree to all those families celebrating their Dad’s today!!

An update on the flower patch … we have officially 3 blooms open and several more are changing colors in anticipation of opening in the next day or two.

 (click on the image and it will appear in the proper orientation – back arrow to return to blog)

This afternoon, I rounded the corner to enter the door, and I found myself having to take a few extra steps around the 6 foot lily plant which has changed it’s position to reach for the rays of sun that were streaming around the limbs of the tree I talked of above.  It amazes me how a seemingly static plant moves toward the sun. Not so fast as to be seen, but none the less, enough to notice the change in position.

Obviously, I’m fascinated with the Miracles of plants and nature.  These are my Miracles for this the 17th day of June, 2012.  God Bless, Te

6-15-2012  After many challenges with our account because of some strange credit cards issues, our health concerns, our personal lives in general, and a few other things; I feel I am ready and able to continue blogging.  I am sorry for being so distant, but in going through this dark period, I had to work through it all before being able to share again with you.  Mind you, Miracles were evident everyday … It was I who was not able to convey them in my humaness.

Just a few highlights of the past week – The lily plant still continues to grow ever upward, now a good 6 inches above my head, and still no open blooms. This to me signals the perserverance to grow even when it’s not time to bloom.

This past weekend, it was such an amazing time of service.  First I chaired the food for the Main Street Orion’s in Central Park during the yard sales.  Immediately following the clean up of that, I found myself at the Orion Lion’s club Ewaste drop-off. I could not be happier with the opportunity these two organizations offer to the people of Orion!  Orion is a “Great Hometown” and I’m proud to call it my home.  I was reminded that we are put in charge of caring for what we have been given. I’m grateful for this town and my ability to serve those of my community.

We were blessed, Wednesday morning to spend some time with a friend of ours, who happens to be blind.  She was in need of a scanner to be able to read her mail.  Her computer is equipped to read her email to her, but she was missing that simple link to make her a little more independent.  As I sat and talked with her and watching her simultaneously take in all that Donnie was doing to make this connection happen, it truly amazed me how she was able to take it all in; even offering bits of wisdom into the programming she had to help Donnie, and on her first attempt made it work!!  She was soooo excited, with a giant smile on her face and a happy dance to go with it.  Then she said, “now I can read my own mail again.” (WOW, things we take for granted, huh?) She told me stories of all she has accomplished and her experiences as a communications specialist.  She is set to be our Lion’s Club secretary after she completes her year in training, and I have every confidence, she will be able to do this job and do it well!!  This experience signified to me how many things we don’t do because we don’t think we will be able … this awesome lady has accomplished more than many will even try!! Because of our time together, I know God placed her in my life to give me a renewed spirit to try!!

Found this on Facebook and LOVE what it has to say :

How about the wedding on Wednesday night??  My friend has found a wonderful guy, whom her girls love and they share an unbelievable sense of humor and love for one another. She asked if I could come and take their pictures and I was honored.  It was held in their backyard and definitely the smallest wedding I’ve ever been to. There were just her mom, friend by phone, the minister, Donnie and myself in attendance; besides her, the groom and her daughters. Yet, it was the most meaninful, happy and fun times I have spent!! You can see the love in their eyes!  This reminds me, it’s not about the pomp and circumstance, it’s not about the festivities, it’s about Love. As the Bible says, God is Love, and we are to Love One Another.  My friend and I can go for days, weeks and even months and take up where we left off once we get in touch again.  I am grateful for the love of this friend! And I’m so happy for her and for the love of this man whom God has sent to her!!

As for what I’ve been going through personally, I am not able to get into all the details, but after struggling with the feeling my whole life is crashing down around me, I was comforted when this message appeared, “On this day, God wants you to know, … that as you surrender to divine providence in your life, you will feel lifted and carried and held. All is well, all is well, all is well.  (Ironically, this was found just after I fell up the stairs.)  This reminded me that, no matter what all is going on around me, not one single thing will I change if it is in God’s will.  And, I then remembered Isaiah 29:11, “¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”** With that, I decided to not let all that is going on in my Earthly home affect all that my Heavenly Father has planned for me! I won’t tell you it’s easy, but I have the assurance of my favorite Bible verse, “I can do all things through Christ who Strengthens me!” Philippians 4:13 ***

With that, I’m going to close for now and tell you, there are soooo many more Miracles around us every day if we are only willing to open our “spirit eyes” to see them!  These are just a few of my Miracles for the past week, and I look forward to reporting again daily. Please, feel free to share your Daily Miracles, as I’d love to hear them!! God Bless, Te

* This comes from www.jcluforever.com via Facebook

** http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+29%3A11&version=NIV

*** http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philipians%204:13&version=NIV

5/29/2012 – Today I have seen so many little things that can only be described as miracles.  As we were preparing to head to Iowa City, there were more than a few things that came together at just the right times to be called perfect timing. Also, several thoughts from out of the blue to remember to pack this or that.  As we left town, we passed by the chiropractor’s office, since Donnie had fallen a couple days ago and his back was giving him spasms. She was available, she was able to adjustment the jammed sacrum, and he is feeling better. (Hands of Healing.)

There have been many beautiful things to see, also. The bright sunshine and clear blue skies with a spotting of clouds. There was the countryside as we travelled I80 W across Iowa. The sun glistened green on the fields full of corn and bean plants emerging from the soil. Everything looks so alive, even compared to a month ago.

After we had our dinner, we went for a walk and explored the Iowa Firefighter’s Memorial just a block from our hotel. Beautiful weather for a walk; and a beautiful memorial park to walk through.  The air smelled fresh, despite the garbage dump fire just a few miles away, as the wind was blowing away from where we are staying.

After 17 months, I am looking forward to tomorrow’s re-evaluation.  I’m also a little nervous about what it will determine, as it is going to be on my permanent “ability” record. What will this mean? It is a good possibility I will not return to PTA work, but what? What will the settlement be? What exactly does this mean for my future?? And these thoughts have consumed me this past week.

Let me tell you before I continue, there is one more perk for our stay in Iowa City. Upon check-in, we asked about an upgrade, as we are platinum Priority Club members. As it would play out, we were the recipients of a recent cancellation for a suite! Despite getting the hospital discount rate, we were able to upgrade into a suite! I do believe this was not just “good timing” but “God’s timing”. Not that the size of the room matters, it’s just that we were allowed a special benefit to divert my attention back to the God moments I’ve been ignoring.

Sooooo, I want to be honest with everyone, also. I did not write this week, because I was simply focused on other things. This whole past week, I have submerged myeslf into my spine rehab program. I have been doing my morning exercising video every week day morning, walking a minimum of 15,000 steps and additionally trying to do more business related things for 4-5 hours everyday. I know this doesn’t sound like much, but I was sore and exhausted. I didn’t have my attention on the “God Moments” of the day … And, you know what??  I felt like something was missing!

Even though I would notice things like the flowers growing along my walking path; the gorgeous hues of purple, pink, orange, gold and red sun setting behind the trees; and the hugh ominous rain cloud that was rolling in on the horizon with bursts of sunshine radiating from behind.  There are the smiles, waves and “hi”s from the passers-by that let me know I’m in my small hometown. One night, as I walked, the smell of the freshly fallen rain on a newly mown lawn smelled heavenly! Such a fresh and clean scent filled the night air. I took in the cool breeze with deep breathes that seemed to reach something deep inside my soul. I knew it was God, however, I’ve been so far in my own head, focusing my thoughts on my disappointment with my progress, my financial issues, life changes and what my future will hold (and, of course, not knowing) I did not take those miracles for the blessings they were.  And, I could not force myself to report them, either.

Well, it’s about 40 minutes until midnight. It’s a few hours until I go to the hospital to find out how much I have improved and what my permanent “ability” level will be … No matter the outcome, I will share with all of you.  I’m asking for prayers for peace, understanding, wisdom and guidance. Especially guidance, as I feel like a lost soul right now! I’m searching for the miracles in this experience.

Thank You for listening and your prayers. These are my Miracles for this the 29th day of May, 2012.  God Bless, Te