Praises & Prayers

Sunday, Sept. 5, 2010



I have decided to try something different this post. Please just bear with me and let me know your thoughts.


PRAISES
These are things which I am very grateful for.

My husband Steve, who cares for me, worries for me, does all the research and incredible reading that goes with this whole process. He also puts up with my fits (yes, I am sorry to say, I can throw a righteous fit!) supports me when I am in pain, takes care of ALL of my meds, (all I have to do is take them.) He is generous with gifts and anything my silly heart desires. He always puts me first before himself and eats the same saltless foods that I do. I am first and foremost in his life right now. For being such a bulldog and making sure things are done properly. Without Steve I probably would not be alive today. Thank you Heavenly Father for you have blessed me so.

My family for all of their encouragement, concern, phone calls, cards and just wanting to be there. My greatest source comes from my mom, Jane, Aunt Betty, then all of you who call and email and read my blog. You are the greatest family ever and I have loved all of you since I was a child.

My childhood which was rich in family, fun, many great adventures and wonderful folks who enriched me beyond what I would have hoped for. All of my memories are happy and full of joy.

My incredible family in Christ, who pray for me and believe in my healing. It is through them that I also am able to have a greater faith in our Lord. I love it when you all share your favorite scriptures and experiences which open up my heart to Christ.

My doctors whom have stood by me for the past 20 years and gave me the encouragement that I can beat this despite all the doom & gloom. The friendship that developed and their pride in me as a fighter. They always made me feel like I was not their ordinary patient but someone special.

Kaiser Permanente for all of their generosity in their benefits, ease of getting through this process and being able to step out of the box for us to make sure our lives are comfortable and we are taken care of. Not many patients have the advantages that we have through Kaiser and it is very frightening to think that we would have to do this on our own. My heart goes out to those who do not have the benefits that Steve & I have been blessed with.

The Dawson family, who so unselfishly have provided so much for us. The support that they give Steve is amazing and they ask so little of him when he is busy with me. They are doing a terrific job of getting along without him and do NOT put any pressure on him. The employees are also attempting to get along without the control freak of a boss and doing a pretty good job. Once again we are blessed with an amazing family.

Our friends from our horsie friends, neighbors, fire fighter friends and especially all those that we consider "family." They not only support us in spirit but do so much in helping with our home, our animals, and are ready at the drop of a hat do anything that needs to be done. It is truly amazing the things which they have done that shows their love for us. Without them this would be a much more stressful event for us.

For my God, who gives me life and a hope that goes beyond anything I could describe. With God in my heart I am able to live, laugh, dream and cry. Whom I can call on when I am frightened, when I am in pain, when I am doubtful and even when I doubt my faith. I am in His hands and it is His will that will that I will try to understand. Thanks for opening my heart to Christ and His family.

For the days that I feel great and am able to get out and not be "sick". These are precious moments and I raise my hands in praise for these moments as they are so important to us. There are always those who have very few of those days. I am so blessed with these moments that they make my heart sing.

For our incredible children, Rob & Heather and their two precious gifts, Ruby & Bodhi. It is amazing to me that they so want to be here and help us deal with all of this. They are never far away from us and we so enjoy each other. We have been so blessed by their love for each other and for the love of their children. We are so proud of them and may God continue to bless them forever.

I am so thankful for my love of life, for my passions, for my love of animals and for my family & friends. There is not much that I absolutely loathe about my life except my disease and even then I can think of ways that it has enriched my life. I love the God's gift of this earth, of books, of learning, of being able to be busy and active and in grooming, caring & riding my horses. I love the companionship of my dogs and my cats; their unconditional love is always so amazing to me. God truly blessed all of us with the friendship, wonder, and beauty of all life.

While I am sure that is not all it is all I have time for tonight.
There is no importance in the sequence of praises, I only wrote what was in my heart. No praise is greater than another, only that they come from God.

I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I did writing it.

God Bless and Grant You Many Praises,
Steve & Steph