My hubby thought I looked "cute" on my prep day...so he took my picture (in spite of my protests) while I sat in the warm sunroom and drank my liquid diet and tried to sit still long enough to read...ha ha...that's enough about that subject...
Welcome to my "Open Window"...a place of hope, encouragement, and adventure as we journey down the road from "Closed Doors" to the new opportunities God places in our pathway. I hope you will take the time to go back and follow the trail of mixed blessings and fears, failures and triumphs from the past and side-trips in the present. Perhaps it will conjure up some of your own special memories, and be an invitation for you to share with others. I look forward to spending this time with you!
What Do You See Outside YOUR Open Window Today?
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
Quiet Days of Rest and Renewal
This week has been a little different. As some of you who are my Facebook friends already know, I prepared for and had a colonoscopy earlier this week. For those of you who have done this procedure before, you know what the prep is like, and also know that it's one of those things you don't want to have to do again for a LONG time. This is my third time, and I am thankful that so far they haven't found anything seriously wrong, but enough to tell me to be sure to stay on a high fiber diet and come back in five years. This is an important test to determine if one could have colon cancer or any pre-cancerous polyps, etc. If you are over the age of fifty it is highly recommended that you have one at least every ten years. Don't let the unpleasant "prep" keep you from having this valuable screening. It could save your life!
My hubby thought I looked "cute" on my prep day...so he took my picture (in spite of my protests) while I sat in the warm sunroom and drank my liquid diet and tried to sit still long enough to read...ha ha...that's enough about that subject...
I think HE likes to watch me as much as I like to watch him!!
My hubby thought I looked "cute" on my prep day...so he took my picture (in spite of my protests) while I sat in the warm sunroom and drank my liquid diet and tried to sit still long enough to read...ha ha...that's enough about that subject...
Before things got too "active" I noticed that the window on the door of this sunroom was rather dirty, so I decided to step outside and wash it, and I noticed something interesting on the inside of the window :
This sweet pair of "lips" smooched on the glass. I realized then that they were the sweet lips of my hubby, who often likes to watch me from the door when I am sitting outside on the back patio watching the birds and/or reading....
And so, I couldn't wash them off the window....could you? Again, if you are one of my facebook friends you've probably already answered this question, and everyone who took the time to respond agreed that they should not be washed off. I don't know how many years they will last...but I they will remain there for now or until they somehow get smeared...
Here's one of my curious fine-feathered friends that I love to watch...
So now that's all over and done with and I am resting and recuperating. I have noticed that whenever I have any procedure requiring anesthesia that it takes me a while to completely recover...I tend to have what I call a "fuzzy brain", or brain fog, for a few days (weeks? months?), which causes me to have difficulty recalling words, thoughts, and typing here...if you knew how many times I've had to correct words that I've typed here you'd be amazed. They just keep coming out backqards or misspelled...kind of dsylexci (dyslexic) See? Apparently this isn't unusual, especially the older we get. I just hope it goes away soon. This is the first time I've felt like trying to write anything new this week and it's an effort to keep going...(and I keep sitting here trying to think of something to say)
Yesterday morning we took a walk to our neighborhood pond and enjoyed the beauty of the sun shining on the water.
We read in our morning devotions about the anointing of King David when he was just a shepherd boy...
I Samuel 16:7
"But the Lord said to Samuel,
'Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him (regarding Eliab, David's brother).
For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'"
And I asked myself,
"I wonder what God sees when He looks at my heart?"
I pray that He sees a heart ready to serve, ready to listen, ready to learn...ready to be renewed in spirit and love...
Psalm 51:10-13
10. "Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11. Do not cast me away from Your presence,
and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
12. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
and uphold me by Your generous Spirit.
13. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
and sinners shall be converted to You."
Amen.
Here is Keith Green singing "Create In Me A Clean Heart"
I include this song in loving memory of my son Matthew. (2/25/1973-5/25/2014) Keith Green's music and life story (who is also now in heaven) had a profound influence on Matthew's life, and therefore remains very special to me.
Here's another song by Keith Green that means a lot to me. I'll close with this one.
"Oh Lord, You're beautiful...
Your face is all I see,
For when your eyes are on this child,
Your grace abounds to me…"
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This must be the season for colonoscopies. Strong Heart has his tomorow and so today has been his prep day. Only he didn't have a nice warm sunroom to enjoy...only snow. :) Rest up, my friend. xx
ReplyDeleteI'll be praying for "Strong Heart" today as he undergoes his procedure. I know he will be happy to have it over and done with!! I pray for only good results! And then come home and stay warm inside as you enjoy the snow outside!!
DeleteI'm glad your test came out negative. Keith Green was a mentor of my husband in the days when Glenn was newly born-again. He has a collection of Keith's songs and sermons. We really enjoy listening to them. God bless you, Pam.
ReplyDeleteThank you Carol! Oh, I am so glad you understand about Keith Green! Yes, my son had all of his music and his life story/book, even the sheet music. He couldn't play an instrument, but really tried to play the piano. Actually, his wife can play the piano and did try some of Keith's music, but it isn't easy. There is so much depth of spirit and soul in his music...it truly ministered to our son when he was a teen and on into his adulthood. God bless you and your hubby too. Thank you for stopping by today!
DeleteYes, I've been there before and might be time again soon but hope not.
ReplyDeleteThe red bird may be wondering what you are doing. I love to watch them and hear them sing.
I hope you are enjoying a warmer day today than yesterday! Do your redbirds stay around through winter? They are probably hungry for some good seeds today if they are there!! Enjoy your day, and thank you for visiting.
DeleteYes, I've been there before and might be time again soon but hope not.
ReplyDeleteThe red bird may be wondering what you are doing. I love to watch them and hear them sing.
Keith Green made a huge impact. Truly lived the Gospel.
ReplyDeleteMy condolences, Pamela. I've read your articles about Matthew in the couple of years I have been following your blog. I always enjoy hearing about him.
"I wonder what God sees when He looks at my heart?"
Good things I think. All good things. :)
You are priceless! I wish you were close by enough to hug now and then. (((hugs))).
DeletePam: I like your sun room. I try to put off that "experience" as long as I can.
ReplyDeleteI understand. But they say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I just wish they'd come up with a better way to "prepare" for that ounce of prevention! LOL.
DeletePamela, I had no idea you had a colonoscopy scheduled, but am so happy to know everything went well for you. Loved the sentiment of your husband's lip prints on the glass door - true romance never dies! Thank you for sharing your wonderful thoughts and photos with us.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
All's well that "ends" well...pun sort of intended. LOL. And yes, my hubby is a romantic in many ways. I don't get roses or candy, but lots of kisses and love. The real deal. So thankful. God is good. All the time good.
DeletePam, I'm thankful that your colonoscopy went well. The brain fog and just feeling "off" is miserable. You certainly do need a time of rest and renewal after the prep and procedure itself. I'm familiar with Keith Green (have heard a bit of his life story) and at least some of his music--such as the ones you shared. At some point, it would be nice to read more about him.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Thank you, Kim, for your kind comments. I am working my way out of the fog and back into the clear, one day at a time. Keith Green was a favorite of my son, even though my son was much younger...but his music really spoke to him during his teens and had a profound impact on his life, which carried over into adulthood. Keith's ministry was unique and marvelous for the time in which he lived...and it is amazing that his life's testimony continues to reach people today. His music speaks to our world today as well...a lasting legacy for Christ. Thank you for your ministry as well!!!
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