It's been a busy week. I'm sorry I've been a bit awol here in blogland. Just a lot going on, and it's been hot! Too hot to think too hard I guess! LOL.
We did take a walk a couple of times...and I had to take a picture of this crape myrtle blossom, growing on a skinny little branch of what used to be a bigger tree probably back in the day in someone's yard in the old historic section of town where the highway went through and took away their houses...You know I just love to see how life goes on in one way or another...
And this morning we had an occasion to go into the "big city" of Palatka, which is about 15 miles from us. (Not really a BIG city, but bigger than where we live). Palatka is known for its many murals painted on the sides of the old store buildings in their historic section of town. I happened upon this mural, and wanted to share it with you:
This mural is of a Cattle Drive to Paynes Prairie, circa 1930.
Here's a brief summary of the history of the cattle drives to Paynes Prairie:
Link to more about the Murals in Palatka, FL. There are so many, and they are all so interesting. I still haven't seen them all in person, but this link will show you what is there.
Some of you may have already seen these pictures on Facebook this week, but I'll share them again for those who haven't...One early morning Mr. Cardinal came calling at the bird feeder...I know many believe that when a Cardinal visits it's like having a visit from someone who's gone on to heaven. I don't know if that's true or not, but I do love to see them, and they do always make me think of those who have gone on before us.. Always a comforting sight and thought.
Mr. Cardinal seems to be oblivious to the cats as well...
Oh to be able to be so relaxed...
I guess you can tell I didn't get much done that morning!
But perhaps the kitties have the best idea for a hot summer day...
Mr.Cardinal seems to think so.
Ah yes, "perfect peace!"...something we are learning about...when our mind is on the Lord, and when we put our complete trust in Him, we can be at perfect peace. When we allow the cares of this world and our fears for the unknown to get to us, we get anxious and afraid. But GOD!
It's been so hot this week, the kitties have been finding different places to rest in the shade...Not sure that's much cooler, but Sunshine seems to like laying there under the tarp that covers the lawn tractor.
Of course our "porch kitties", Blackie and Sunshine, are totally oblivious to the Cardinal just a few feet away from them. That's a good thing, really! Look at Sunshine...he's definitely enjoying his "catnap".
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
Remember this old hymn..."What A Friend We Have in Jesus"...
1
What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!
2
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
3
Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer;
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer;
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.
Amen.
We've been going through a lot of waiting and trusting and praying these past several months, while hubby has been dealing with some mystery illness and total exhaustion. We've been to different kinds of doctors and had several kinds of tests...and still there haven't been any real answers. Tomorrow morning he goes for more lab work to rule out some other possibilities...but here's the "good news"...
Yesterday he met with a neurologist (finally!). After the Doctor looked over all the test results that have been done over the past few months, and also after asking my hubby many questions about how he feels, etc., finally my husband asked the doctor if he believes that he has any neurological disease? And the doctor said, based on what he sees, he does not believe that he does. However, he wants to run a few more blood tests to rule out some things, so that is why we go tomorrow, but he said he really doesn't believe they will show anything significant.
Now, personally, I am a little frustrated with that answer only because we still don't know what's going on. But the doctor reassured us that he doesn't see anything life threatening or serious. It could be a kind of "chronic fatigue" situation, but there really isn't a whole lot that can be done for that. However, to hubby, this news was great! It relieved his mind so much that I have noticed a new spring in his step...and tonight he even went to the church board meeting (where he is the chairman), and I thought he was planning to resign from his position because of his illness, but instead he rejoiced that God has given him the strength and desire to keep going. He was like his "old self" again, and it was like witnessing a miracle of God right before our eyes! So I want to stop and give thanks to the Lord for what He has done...because I know it was God who did that! Praise God from Whom ALL blessings flow!!
And so I will leave you with those words of hope and thankfulness for tonight. There's some other things going on, but I will save that for another post as I am tired tonight. It's been another long, hot day, but, oh! It did finally rain! We had a good little thunderstorm and rain this afternoon, so that is something else to be thankful for!
I like this translation of Philippians 4:19...
Philippians 4:19 New Living Translation
"19 And this same God who takes care of me
will supply all your needs from his glorious riches,
which have been given to us in Christ Jesus."
Amen!!
Good night dear friends!
Our loving Father who knows our needs before we ask has come to the rescue once again, Pamela! I'm so gratified to hear this great news about John, and I will continue to pray for his healing from that persistent fatigue. May our Lord bless you both with His mercy and grace!
ReplyDeletePraise God, over and over!! Just getting the news that it isn't neurological or 'significant' is probably such a relief that he can't help but feel better! I'm so happy for you both! I just love how so many smaller towns are embracing murals on buildings! Lakeland has quite a few, as well. Thanks for sharing your photos with us, and that fuscia crape myrtle is gorgeous! Cats are just the best sleepers!! Sunshine is so cute, all twisted around like that. Sending a hug to you and to John! xo
ReplyDeleteI'm so thankful for this update on your hubby. Just knowing it isn't anything serious is a relief, but it would be nice to have answers. I'll continue to pray for him.
ReplyDeleteI love the mural! It's so cool that many towns are doing this.
Those "porch kitties" sure have decided that your place is home. :)
Just the worry alone can cause fatigue. I hope the news from now on is better and better all the time. Praying for healing and that the professionals have inspiration on what is really going on.
ReplyDeleteThat's good news it's not neurological! I can understand his relief.
ReplyDeleteSo many things can cause tiredness and exhaustion. Sometimes it's a simple vitamin deficit, and other times it's a long search. (A friend found out yesterday he has Lyme disease. Took ages to find that out!)
And psychological factors can also be a cause. Especially when age climbs, worries can start and when someone doesn't talk about it, it can cause serious physical problems.
I hope they can find the cause soon.
The flower is amazing! And those murals!
So nice to see even the animals are relaxed.
Enjoy!!
Interesting you mentioned Lyme Disease. They actually tested for that, but it was negative, so that was a relief. Now they are testing for other auto-immune diseases, but the neurologist already said he really doesn't expect they will be positive...but he wants to check to be sure. So we are thankful that at least things are being checked and ruled out. And yes, anxiety can definitely affect how one feels, especially the older we get. Thank you for your words of wisdom. I appreciate your thoughts on this!
DeleteGlad to hear of the good news, and will pray for continued healing and answers. Those photos of the cardinal are amazing!
ReplyDeleteYes, the heat/humidity is a bit much...keeping you in prayer my friend. P.S. I would never comment on your towels, LOL. (regarding your comment you left, LOL)
ReplyDeleteLOL. I know you wouldn't, and I was just teasing you. However, if I know you are coming I will make sure the towels are folded in thirds, although I'm not ever sure I know how to do that. I assume you mean with the center of the towel where usually there is a design or pattern is what should be showing, and the two outer edges should be folded back. That is the way I hang them on the rack...they just rarely ever stay that way! LOL.
DeleteThankful that the latest test gave your hubby so much relief and peacefulness. Still praying for answers though.
ReplyDeleteLove all the murals and the history behind that Cattle Drive one. Great artistry.
Your Kitties sure know how to take "cat naps".
Love the cardinal photos. We don't have them here on the west coast. Saw my first ones many years back in Minnesota. Such amazing color.
Love the hymn too.
Sue
Hi Pam! So glad to hear that your husband has been feeling better, and I hope you get some definitive answers about his health soon. I love the picture of the cardinal at your lovely bird feeder. I haven't seen many cardinals around here. Those murals in the neighboring "big city" are very interesting. Hope your week is going well. See you again soon!
ReplyDeleteI’m glad your husband is feeling better and is more like himself but he still needs real answers. Yes cats know how to relax and the way they can twist their necks - would surely give me a major headache!! My cat Susie, loves to sleep beside me in bed and she’s been licking my nose and it wakes me up. Then she gives me a little meow sound - it’s just too cute. Often I feel her whiskers and open my eyes and there she is starring at me. 👀 She also walks on top of me - trying to wake me up. I’m used to it and go back to sleep. She just loves to be with me and as close to me as she can get.
ReplyDeleteMy town has a lot of murals as well. I really like the horses and the cattle drive scenes. I have a cousin who lives in Bell, Florida. They have cattle ranch and have cattle drives in the winter months there. She’s even invited us to join them since my husband and I used to ride horses but it never materialized and I haven’t heard from her in years. But it sounds like it would have been fun if I were younger.
I sure hope you all can get some relief from the heat and humidity. I believe I heard we’re heading into some HOT triple digits in the next coming days. It won’t bother me - I’ll be inside staying cool. 🆒
Dear Pamela, this is one of my favourite hymns. Your photos are beautiful and the mural is amazing.
ReplyDeleteIt is very hot and humid 😫 here in Montreal and is supposed to be like this for the next seven days.
I will be staying indoors a good part of this for my health and safety.
Thank you so much for sharing this post and your lovely photos.
I can so empathize with your opening sentences, Pam! So glad John's got that spring back in his step; our thoughts can sure make a difference, can't they? (And how can we NOT stop thinking/fretting?) Lifting my prayers that answers are forthcoming sooner rather than later!
ReplyDeleteI've been reading your blog for a couple months now and can totally empathize with your husband. I got covid last November and have had Long-haul covid ever since. Fortunately, I am finally starting to pull out of it. The doctors tested me for things like lupus and hemochromatosis because my ferritin was high, but in the end it was just plain old long covid. That's what I believed it was all along. It is soooo hard to be sooo tired all the time. I'm glad it appears your husband is on the mend. God is good!
ReplyDelete--Melanie
Wow, that is very interesting, Melanie. Thank you for visiting and introducing yourself! "Long Covid" is something that the Doctor mentioned could be a possibility if nothing else shows up! Such a strange illness that one was/is. I'm glad you are starting to feel better, and I hope it continues. Please come back again soon!
DeletePamela, this is one of my favorite Hymns of all times, and so thankful HE is our friend. I love the pictures of the mural. We had a few days break in the temp was so nice and now under extreme heat warning. Happy to hear of the update on John. Have a great rest of your week. I have a new post up
ReplyDeleteMorning Pamela...I do hope you all get some answers soon as to what is causing your husband to not feel good. This is the hardest part, when you know you don't feel good, but yet you have no answers. Surely, the doctors have checked his thyroid? Often times, these test are overlooked in men. My dad went through something like this and he just was not himself when it came to his energy level. After requesting his Thyroid to be checked, sure enough it was way low. After starting meds, within a couple of months, he was feeling good again. Talking about heat, we are smothering around here. even when we start to leave the house, I want to crank the car and let it get cooled down before heading out. LOL. Y'all have a good weekend and just rest. BTW, the cardinal is so pretty.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Shug...yes, the previous batch of lab work included thyroid and even Lyme Disease, which were both negative. We are waiting on the results of a new batch of tests now...hopefully the bad things will all be ruled out. We are praying so! Continuing in prayer for your Sam. One day at a time. (((hugs)))
DeleteIt can be very frustrating to identify an illness like this--it was years before MS was confirmed for me. Sometimes knowing what it isn't is a comfort, too!
ReplyDeleteOh, I am so sorry that you are dealing with that illness. May God strengthen you and help you day by day to keep going strong. And yes, you are right..."knowing what it ISN'T is a comfort too!" Amen.
Delete