Because He Obeyed

 

Last February my dear husband David made an appointment to see his doctor.  He was having some digestive troubles that he thought might be related to having his gall bladder removed.   In addition to prescribing some probiotics, the doctor also ordered a full blood panel just to rule out any other potential issues.  The good news- David’s cholesterol numbers are fantastic!  The bad news- his A1C (measure of blood glucose control) was 7.1, placing him in the diabetic range.  Diabetes!!!  Not the diagnosis we were expecting.

David’s doctor instructed him to change his diet (1200 calories per day limit) and lose a minimum of 20 pounds (25-30 would be even better) within the next 6 months.  At that time, David would return for a follow-up appointment and have more blood tests to check his progress.  Further treatment options would be discussed at that time.

Wow!  1200 calories per day?  My sweet man, who LOVES food, was being asked to reduce his total daily calories to about one-third of his normal intake. No small feat. 

David received the diagnosis on Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent.  We had planned quite a feast for that evening, not knowing that life was about to radically change.  When we sat down to dinner, David explained what was happening to our girls.  He patiently answered all of their questions and was honest about how this had taken him by surprise.  They were pretty shaken by the news.  We all were.  We had walked through many major health crises with other people, but now this was happening to one of us!

During this discussion, David told us that he was committed to doing whatever he had to do to get healthy.  No excuses.  However, one issue lingered in our minds. There is a significant family history of diabetes on the paternal side of his family tree.  Would diet control alone be enough to reverse this?  David said that he would do all he could do and trust God for healing in the process.  We girls committed to do whatever we could to love and support him through this.

The next day we cleaned out the pantry and fridge, setting a course to follow the new diet guidelines.   David began to meticulously measure food portions and count calories.  It was NOT easy and it was NOT fun!  But he quickly began to lose weight, which was great motivation to keep going.  He had such an amazing attitude in the midst of the struggle.

A couple of weeks ago, David went to his doctor for the six-month follow-up visit.  After losing 27 pounds, David’s A1C was down to 5.7, placing him within the normal range for blood glucose control.  Hallelujah!!!  The diet control is working!  The doctor was very impressed that David actually followed his treatment recommendations.  He told the medical student that was observing during the appointment that day that he wished all of his patients would follow instructions and take control of their own health the same way as David.  Obedience really does bring blessing!  No medication is required and David will return for annual visits to monitor his health.    Double Hallelujah!!!

Words can hardly express just how proud I am of my husband.  His faith and determination have inspired me to make my own diet changes.  Granted, I have only lost 9 pounds as compared to his 27- 1 for his every 3- somehow this hardly seems fair!  But, it is what it is and 9 pounds are better than nothing!

We certainly haven’t arrived at the end of this journey.  Now comes the challenge to maintain this lifestyle change.  During the times when it is especially tough and temptation is all around, David often turns to me and tells me that he is determined to be successful because he loves me.  Because he wants to grow old with me and be around to enjoy his kids, and grandkids, and great-grandkids.   Oh, how I love that man!  And so we continue on… one moment at a time…choosing life…together.

Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life.  Proverbs 9:11   

 

 

 

The Gift that Keeps on Giving

As a little girl I had lots of hopes and dreams, but there was one desire that burned so deeply I thought it might actually consume me.  I wanted to learn to play the piano. Eighty-eight keys of pure magic! 

We didn't have a piano, but that didn't stop me from pretending to "tickle the ivories" on just about every surface imaginable.  I would "play" on the back of the seat while riding in the car.  When the organist would play during church, I would "play" along on the back of the pew in front of us.  I would even kick off my shoes to "play" the organ pedals just like the organist did.  I made myself a keyboard from construction paper and "played" it until it eventually fell apart.

Each time I asked my parents for a piano, I was met with the same response, "We would love to get you a piano, but pianos are expensive and we just can't afford it."  And so, I would play on in my imagination, wishing and praying for such an instrument to appear.

My Aunt Marsha had a piano and she would often let me "play" it when we would visit.  This was only somewhat satisfying; I was sitting at an actual keyboard, but only pressing the keys in some random order.  I wasn't making real music.  I tried to escape into my imagination, pretending that I was playing some beautiful, intricate sonata at Carnegie Hall, but then it was time to go and I would feel that familiar ache again.  Oh, how I longed to learn to really play the piano!

I was so jealous of my friends who got to take piano lessons.  Most of them didn't really enjoy the process and were angry that their parents "made" them practice.  I offered on many occasions to take their place.  I just couldn't understand why they didn't appreciate this amazing opportunity that was given to them.

While in elementary school, I learned how to read music from our music teacher, Mrs. Brackett.  The other kids in my class thought it was boring, but I was positively fascinated.  After borrowing some beginner piano lesson books from my Aunt Marsha, I went through each song and identified the name of each and every note.  I used the fingering chart in one of the books to teach myself where to properly place my hands and I would "play" the songs on our kitchen table.  I was so determined to learn to play, even without the actual instrument!

Each year before my birthday, I would remind my parents that a piano would make a lovely gift.  And each year, I was disappointed.  They just didn't have the means to make my wish come true.  What I really needed was a fairy godmother!  And, one day, she appeared...

It was the morning of my 11th birthday.  I had spent the night before at a friend's house and arrived home shortly before noon... just in time to see a piano being moved into our living room!  I could hardly believe my eyes!  I immediately began jumping up and down with excitement.  My parents quickly explained that this was a gift from my Aunt Marsha.  In fact, it was her piano.  My aunt had decided to get herself a different piano, so she devised a plan to give her Baldwin to me.  It was a gift that would change my life.

I began piano lessons the very next week.  I progressed quickly and soon I was playing everywhere!  I became the designated accompanist at church and at school.  I was asked to play for numerous occasions in the community. By the time I was in high school I was giving piano lessons to young beginners. A whole world of opportunity was opened to me because of that precious gift.

Shortly after I was married, my piano was moved from my parents' home to our home.  We moved 15 times in the first 15 years of our married life and that piano has gone everywhere with us.  Both of my daughters learned to play on that beautiful instrument.  Now they are the ones who are asked to play at school and in church.  Another generation influenced by that selfless gift from so many years ago.  It truly is the gift that keeps on giving.

My Aunt Marsha passed away yesterday morning.  She was 74 years old.  She never married or had any children of her own.  We, her nieces and nephews, were the blessed recipients of her love and generosity... as if we were her own kids.  She was forthright, funny, and, at times, incredibly frustrating, but definitely one-of-a-kind.  For all that she was and for all that we shared, I am so grateful.  I will miss her...

Why I Celebrate Lent

I did not grow up in a religious tradition that celebrated or even acknowledged Lent.  I didn't even understand what Lent was until I was an adult.  However, I did enjoy many a Friday fish fry at the local Catholic church!  I am currently the member of a congregation that defines itself as "non-denominational." When people ask for my religious affiliation I simply tell them I am a Christian, a follower of Christ.  So why do I celebrate Lent?

Because I am easily distracted and innately selfish.  I lose focus and periodically get bogged down in the "stuff" of life.  I over-schedule my calendar and allow my priorities to get out of order.  I make bad choices, say stupid things, and feel as though I might collapse under the weight of it all. 

In short, I am human.

I require constant reminders that this life is not all about me.  Rather, it is all about the One who gives me life.  

When the Lenten season arrives, I am reminded that I need to do some spiritual spring cleaning. Repent and let go of the past, seek to give to those in need, fast some of those habits that steal my attention, and refocus my heart on Jesus.  After all, the word lent simply refers to the season of spring. A time of renewal and refreshment.  A period of new growth.  A bursting forth of life and creation that celebrates the Creator.  

Letting go of the old to make room for the new.  To breathe in some fresh air and stand in the warmth of the Son.  A renewal of vision and purpose, with reminders all around of just how much He loves me! Receiving grace, restoring hope, and rising joy!  That is why I celebrate Lent.

*Throughout this particular season, this has been my daily meditation:

"Be still and know that I am God."

~Psalm 46:10

A few years ago a dear friend shared this little variation with me.  Simple, yet powerful...

Be still and know that I am God
Be still and know that I am
Be still and know
Be still
Be

Word-filled Wednesday

What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations. ~Psalm 104:24

Monday Musings

Out in my yard today... a cloudy day with an expected high in the low-40s.  The ground is littered with several tree branches courtesy of some really windy days last week.

The forsythia is beginning to bud and the grass is starting to green up a bit.  Each day brings us that much closer to spring!!!!!!

I'm grateful for... sinuses that are starting to clear, my husband's determination in dealing with a huge challenge, and the love and support of a precious friend who always gives me a safe place to land.

One of my favorite things...

is this precious heart inscribed with the phrase "Love never grows old." I smile every time I see it!

This week I'm reading... Morning's Refrain by Tracie Peterson.  This is the sequel to Dawn's Prelude and book two in the Song of Alaska series. 

I just finished our book club pick for this month- Save the Date by Jenny B. Jones.  This was a fun, light read and fresh approach to Christian Young Adult fiction.  I'll be passing this along to my girls.

I'm looking forward to... the Magic Valley Youth Orchestra concert this Saturday afternoon.  My daughter Brianna will be playing her cello and she has a solo!  I love to watch her on stage.  Such a shining star with a kind and generous heart!

Simple life tip for the week... "To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter... to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring - these are some of the rewards of the simple life." ~John Burroughs   Take note of some of the simple rewards in your life this week.

Word-filled Wednesday

 That is why the LORD says,
“Turn to me now, while there is time.
Give me your hearts.
Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning.
  Don’t tear your clothing in your grief,
but tear your hearts instead.”
Return to the LORD your God,
for he is merciful and compassionate,
slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
He is eager to relent and not punish.

Joel 2:12-13

Monday Musings

Out in my yard today...  sunny and 42 degrees.  I'm not at all upset with the groundhog's prediction.  If we are to have six more weeks of winter weather like we've had so far, then bring it on! 

These little guys were under my birdfeeder enjoying the seed that the bigger birds dropped.

Baxter diligently secures the perimeter every time he goes outside.

This heart hangs outside right next to my front door.

I'm grateful for... a huge mug of green tea with coconut, ginger, and vanilla, a clean kitchen, a smart husband, and mercy that is fresh each morning!

One of my favorite things... is listening to solo piano music.  George Winston, David Nevue... so relaxing and inspiring. 

This week I'm reading... Dawn's Prelude by Tracie Peterson.

This was January's book club selection that I am just now really getting into.  I'm also doing a ton of reading to prepare for my Bible study each week, so I don't have as much time for leisure reading right now.

I'm looking forward to...  the premiere of the new show "Smash" tonight.  A show about making a Broadway musical?  Absolutely brilliant!

Simple life tip for the week...   "There's a way to do work that lasts forever.  Just do everything with love."~ Ann Voskamp   What could be more simple than that?!