MEMORIAL DAY- VIET NAM

The war in Viet Nam is one very close to my life. In this war, I lost many of my high school classmates. One day we graduated and in a few months we saw the names again in the news- died in action. Young men whose bright futures were snuffed out in a matter of moments it seemed. They gave their very lives for freedom's cause.
Wendell also served in Viet Nam. He was drafted, then enlisted and went to Radar school at Ft Monmouth New Jersey. Soon after graduation, he was shipped out to Viet Nam. He spent his time at Vinh Long watching the radar screen. He sent me a recording of actual incoming mortar rounds- he was running to the bunker for shelter, and once inside the recording reveals the excitement and fears of those with him.
He sent home pictures of the countryside and has many memories- some good, some not so good. He doesn't talk about the bad times.
This Memorial Day weekend, we will be thinking a lot about the valiant men and women who selflessly serve on our behalf. Please take a look at the WALL erected to honor those who died serving this great nation in Viet Nam.

NATIONAL REMEMBRANCE WEEK

America Unites in Remembrance

The White House Commission on Remembrance is an independent government agency whose missions include:

Promoting the spirit of unity and remembrance through observance of The National Moment of Remembrance at 3 PM local time on Memorial Day;

Ensuring the nation remembers the sacrifices of America's fallen from the Revolutionary War to the present;

Recognizing those who served and those who continue to serve our great nation and reminding all Americans of their common heritage.

There is a wonderful website you can visit to learn more - lots of history HERE

NOT GAINFULLY EMPLOYED TODAY

" God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof." Psalm 46:1-3

I was thinking this morning about Armed Forces Day- it's today. It is a day that we set aside to pay tribute to the men and women of our nation who protect and defend our nation. This verse came to mind as I made the previous post. It is God who defends and is our refuge and strength. He works through our military and keeps us safe. What a merciful and awesome God. Our praise should be nationally directed to Him.

It was a busy evening on Friday at the hospital. We seemed to have discharged about 50%+ of our patients, and then suddenly admitted even more. It's like that on Fridays. There is a real trend.
I am doing well with my foot problem. There is some discomfort and I tend to guard it when I walk, but the swelling is all but gone. It presented no problem at work. Wendell says this morning that his knees ache- I would assume it is from all the soggy weather we have had this past week. Today looks sunny and I hope it lasts. We could use a dry day.
We are both off this weekend.
It occured to me that in just over a week, I'll be on my way to see the Valentines and spending time with them over Memorial Day. Oh, I'm so excited to see them again. It's been since Christmas I believe that we visited last. Then, I'll be coming home via Maryland after visiting with the Schneiders there for several days. Though we communicate daily, it's been about a year since I've seen them. I pray God will provide all that I need for this journey. Mandy and John will be helping Wendell where he needs assistance here at home, and he has encouraged me to go ahead with the plan to travel next week.
Isaac will be 6 in a couple of days. I'm sorry to miss his wildlife birthday party, but I'm so happy to be going to their house- I'm taking brownie makings for all of them and hope to make them together. I'll be taking craft supplies too, and we should have a great time.
It will all end way too fast.
My coffee cup seems to be empty. I think I 'll get a refill and then get started on the day.
Keep us in prayer. We need this each day and are so aware of your remembrance of us.
Remember Dieter too. His surgery went well and he's home recuperating.

ARMED FORCES DAY

May 20, 2006- Armed Forces Day- the day we pay tribute to the various branches of our military- those who defend us unselfishly.





Many of our family have and are members of the USArmy. Our family has been active in the military in most all branches.















President Harry S. Truman led the effort to establish a single holiday for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country.On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force Days. The single-day celebration stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under one department -- the Department of Defense.

THINGS ARE LOOKING UP

Yesterday I had the doctor look at my foot again. Morton's neuroma has crippled me to the point where I feel like I can't function normally. The injections last week helped for an hour or so, but then the swelling toes and feet continued. So he gave me a script for Medrol and I went home with a little hope of finally getting over this. I was so tired last night that I went to bed before 8pm, and then woke up at midnight. I cautiously got up to the bathroom and realized that though the foot still has a goodly amount of tenderness, it is definitely not AS tender as when I went to bed, and the swelling is starting to recede- my toes don't look like little sausages any more! The Medrol is starting to work! Thank you Lord for good doctors and medicines that can resolve the inflammation!
Medrol is a corticosteroid and is used for all sorts of inflammation. It gives prompt relief, as I have noted. I'm not one who likes to use the steroids, in fact, I stay clear of them as much as possible, till I can't deal with a problem any more. For me, it's a last resort before the surgeon.
Another couple days on this, and I should be good to go..

Just a quick side note.. 2 days ago I got up and tried to get myself dressed. You wouldn't believe how much toes have to do with balance. My toes on my left foot were so swollen that my balance has been 'off' for days and I've had to rely on the quad cane by times to keep me upright. It was in the morning that day that I was trying to put on a pair of slacks in the bedroom and suddenly lost my balance and fell ... right into the closet! Hehehehe... it is probably the only time in my life that I would be thankful that my closet was so stuffed and packed with clothes and soft items- I've been cleaning the bedroom and everything tends to get piled in front. The items there broke my fall and rendered me unharmed....... well, just my pride... and I was so glad no one else was there to witness it... they would have laughed at the sight! It was pretty funny after I realized I didn't break anything- including bones!

WATER WATER EVERYWHERE

"You water its ridges abundantly, You settle its furrows; You make it soft with showers, You bless its growth. " Psalm 65 :10

Wow! We seem to have had a lot of rain since yesterday- long needed and very appreciated.
Even though it's a bit chilly, I notice more green in the woods and the grass seems to be taking off growing- time to mow soon.
Yesterday, though a soggy one, was very enjoyable. I spent the day in the office and then came home more relaxed than usual. Wendell had a good day too. We were both tired from being up so early in the mornng, so we both went to bed with the chickens. (Actually, before the chickens).
I found it necessary to have my foot injected twice yesterday for something called Morton's neuroma- very painful. The injection on the top of my foot wasn't too bad, and I felt immediate relief; the injection on the ball of my foot was like a giant bee sting! OUCH! I've had ice on it since, and it's still pretty painful to walk, but then it will take 3 days for the cortisone to be effective.
{A neuroma is a noncancerous (benign) growth of nerve tissue that can develop in various parts of your body. Morton's neuroma occurs in a digital nerve in your foot, often between your third and fourth toes. The condition isn't a true tumor, but instead involves a thickening of the tissue around one of the digital nerves leading to your toes. It causes a sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot. Your toes may also sting, burn or feel numb.Also called plantar neuroma or intermetatarsal neuroma, Morton's neuroma may occur in response to irritation, injury or pressure — such as from wearing tightfitting shoes. But it may also occur for unknown reasons.Treatments commonly involve changing footwear, resting your feet, and using arch supports or pads to help take pressure off the area. In some cases, your doctor may recommend anti-inflammatory drugs, a cortisone injection or even surgery.}
That's about it for today. Keep praying!!

MTHFR

No, it's not an error, it is the DNA testing I had done this past February and thought I'd post the report on this blog. It's important to my family to have this information, and I was encouraged to 'spread the word' in case YOU might be afflicted.

MTHFR, DNA analysis
Result: A1298C/A1298C
Two copies of the same mutation identified.
Interpretation: (Methyltetrahydrofolate Reductase)
This patient's sample was analyzed for the MTHFR mutations C677T and A1298C. Two copies of the A1298C mutation were identified. Results for the C677T mutation were negative. Elevated homocysteine levels have not been reported when two copies of the A1298C mutation have been found. The diagnosis of hyperhomocysteinemia can not rely on DNA testing alone but should take into consideration clinical findings and other studies, such as homocysteine levels. Because MTHFR mutations and their associated risks are inherited, genetic counseling and testing of at-risk family members should be considered.
The MTHFR enzyme is responsible for creating the circulating form of folate. Folate is important in homocysteine regulation. Defects in the MTHFR enzyme can indirectly cause elevated homocysteine levels. The C677T mutation in the MTHFR gene can cause elevated homocysteine levels in individuals with insufficient folate, particularly when there are two mutations present. The A1298C mutation has not been associated with elevated homocysteine levels unless a C677T mutation is also present. Elevated serum homocysteine levels have been associated with an increased risk of cerebrovascular disease, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction and venous thrombosis. In women, pregnancy complications and an increased risk of fetal open neural tube defects have also been reported. The relationship between these conditions and MTHFR mutations is controversial.
Additional information:
Dietary folic acid, B6 and B12 supplementation has been suggested to lower homocysteine levels in some people. Folic acid supplementation has been shown to reduce the recurrence of neural tube defects.

NEW BEGINNINGS

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.
John 1:1-4

I'm up early- it's a new day- you might say the first day of the rest of my life. These verses from John keep running through my head this morning.
We have a lot of 'beginnings' in our lives. Learning to walk, speak, drive, etc.. then new births, marriages, friends, and jobs.. All of these have one thing in common- in the beginning, they were the start of something new and special. God certainly is weaving a beautiful tapestry with our lives. He has given us so many new beginnings, and all things come from his wonderful hands.
Today I'll be at the hospital again- gainfully employed. It's my regular weekend off, but one of my co-workers was so kind to change days with me so I could be off yesterday to be with Mandy and John on their special new beginning. So I am fulfilling my obligation to my co-worker, and then be off again on the Sabbath.
We plan to be in church then, so ask that you all would uphold us in prayer again - that we would both be healthy and able to make the trip down to New Kensington. God has already provided new tires for my car, and a full tank of gas.
All is cleared on all sides for Wendell to return to work on Monday- 6 weeks post operatively.
He will be on light duty for 4 more weeks, and his boss says he'll have him do some painting for a while. He still has to be very careful- his sternum is just beginning to heal, and could snap easily if he isn't. He's moving around pretty well, and able to do some little things- like mowing grass on the lawn tractor.
I guess you could say it's a new beginning for him- new coronary vessels, and returning to work anew for this season.
New beginnings tend to make my heart joyful.. that's the way it should be.
Have a glorious new day, everyone... be thankful and pray without ceasing!

ALMOST A PERFECT DAY

I guess everyone wants a perfect day when they get married... or when their children get married. It doesn't matter really whether it rains, snows or whether the sun is shining.
Today started out to be Mandy and John's perfect day- a new beginning for them.
I figured I had lots of time to leisurely get myself ready for the ceremony, but when Wendell went outside, he discovered that my front driver side tire was flat- really flat.. sitting on the rim flat. He's not allowed to lift, so it was my job to get the tire changed. I put my old jeans and shirt on and went outside to survey the damages. Mandy followed me out, and between the 2 of us, we had almost half a brain. I opened my trunk and dug out the little donut to replace the damaged tire till I could get to Sam's Club to buy new ones. We searched for about 15 minutes for the jack and finally located it stuffed up into the trunk so obscured, I really don't know HOW we ever found it. I brought it out and then started looking for the rest of the equipment.. Uh- huh...... oh.. that WAS the equipment. We struggled to find just where to place it under the car and actually did. Now to get the car jacked up so we could remove the tire. Well, the tire kept turning while we turned the tool.. so we had to set the car back down onto the ground to make it more secure. Ugh! After all that work getting it up!
Finally we got the tool on that removes the lug nuts. Neither of us could manage to even budge one. Oh.. we needed a pipe for leverage. So I went looking for a pipe to put on the end of the tool. Meanwhile, Mandy called John and he said "well, if they were put on by a machine, you will have to put all your weight on the bar and it should move." Not so good.. when Mandy stood on the bar, the jack collapsed and the car came crashing down. John's next statement " I really don't know what to tell you.. I have Triple A and they always come and fix it for me" .... opened my eyes.. "HEY! I have triple A!!" So we decided to go inside and give them a call to see if they could change the front tire.
Yes, they could and a service person would be there within the hour. Wendell was so upset that I'd called them. He said they'll put the donut on the front and you can't drive the car with the donut there. My reply was simply that no one could drive the car without it, and besides, that's what the donut is for- to get you to a service station to repair a tire.
I'd lost my Sam's Club membership card, so Mandy took me there to get a new one and then we picked up the cake for this afternoon. Wendell called a little later and said he would drive my car to Sams if we'd meet him there and I could get the tires. We agreed. Meantime, JJ was on her way from Altoona and would be planning to arrive in Butler at 1:15 or so, and would need a ride home. That meant someone would go back to Butler to pick her up.
I got my new tires on- nice! It drives better and doesn't make all the noise the other tires did.
As I came out of the parking area, JJ again called and said she was about 20 minutes from Butler if someone would meet her. I pulled into Scheetz and waited for her to arrive. Everything worked out well. We got back home with just enough time for me to get ready for the wedding.
Well, it was an ALMOST perfect day!

RAIN IN ITS SEASON

"Then I will give you rain in its season, the land shall yield its produce, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. " Leviticus 26:4

We had a gentle rain last evening and through the night too.. everything is damp. But I also notice that all the flowers are perked up and looking refreshed. And the rhododendron bush is also blooming like it will never end.
Now, there's an interesting bush- it blooms periodically through the winter AND summer. It doesn't seem to know that it's supposed to rest and recoup in the winter. I started dumping my left over coffee on the plant a few years ago- late at night when I came home from work and walked by with my cup. It seems to thrive on the coffee for some reason, and so I continue the practice. At the same time that I bought this plant, I bought one for my mother. She is the one with the green thumb, but her plant never did much and finally died. I suppose the deer didn't help matters any either. They walked right by the back of the trailer where she had plants growing, and then of course, would stop for a nibble now and then.
Mum had a lot of plants she put in while she was here. They still bloom and flourish. The little lilac bush is now a huge (tree)- and so tall you can't get to the higher branches. The cinnamon bush has always been a favorite too. I have tried to take snippets from it, but it won't grow for me. (maybe I should try coffee??) Bridal wreath is pretty much the first sign of spring, with it's dainty white flowers and then the greenery so beautiful all summer long. Peonies, crocuses, roses, marigolds, daffodils, forsythia, rhubarb, and then the flowers that Charlie plants in the garden every year are spectacular all summer. The redbud and firebush are works of art. Of course, the fruit trees have blossoms and despite the cold snaps of spring, they will produce fruit in July and August.. apples and peaches.... the cherries usually get picked off by birds. Red raspberries are setting their fruit now too. Ohhhhh... so good! Mandy makes jelly with them and everyone wants a jar when she gets done. And too, the asparagus- my personal favorite- will produce for weeks before we let it go to seed.
The showers bring on new growth everywhere! Scripture is true today even as it was written so many years ago. Rain in it's season bringing forth fruit- and it happens every year in it's season just as He said it would.

PLANT A TREE, WATCH IT GROW

"Then he took some of the seed of the land And planted it in a fertile field; He placed it by abundant waters And set it like a willow tree. " Ezekiel 17:5

Well, imagine that.. it's the last Friday in April, and that means it's ARBOR DAY. It's a national holiday, but do you know what it's all about? It originated in Nebraska in the 1800s to replace trees lost on the plains. It was finally declared a national holiday, and there is even a website from the Arbor Day Foundation. Here you will learn a lot.. about trees. You can even buy trees from them- 10 trees for $10- your money will enroll you in the foundation. The site also has lots of things for kids.

ACLJ

The American Center for Law and Justice, otherwise known as the ACLJ, this group fights for Christian civil liberty. Ten Commandments in the schools and on public property, the IRS wanting to tax churches, etc.
Visit the site to see all the things for which they are going to bat for Christians in the world of law.

STEELITES

Wendell's family were Steelites. His grandfather was the last pastor of the North Union Reformed Presbyterian Church- Steelite.
More information about this branch can be found here.
Another site is a biography of Rev David Steele.
And this by Tony Cowley..on voting.
Interesting articles..

PSALMODY & INSTRUMENTS

Periodically the questions come up about Exclusive Psalmody and Why we use NO instruments in our worship. The Regulative Principle has everything to do with the answer.
I've found some internet articles, and thought I'd share why Covenanters believe as they do.
Click on the blue hyperlinks to read the articles, and of course, take a look at the Manchester RPC link too.
Perhaps take a look at the 5 points of Calvinism .
Lots of reading here, but very informative and fairly easy to understand.

PSALM 32

What blessedness for him whose guilt
Has all forgiven been!
When his transgressions pardoned are,
And covered is his sin.

O blessed the man 'gainst whom the Lord
Counts no iniquity,
And in whose spirit there is not
Deceit or treachery.

When I kept silent, my bones aged;
My groaning filled each day.
Your hand oppressed me day and night;
My moisture dried away.

Then I to You admitted sin,
Hid not my guiltiness;
I said, "I will before the Lord
Transgressions now confess."

Then You did all my sin forgive
And take my guilt away.
For this when You are near at hand
Let all the godly pray.

The rising floods will harm him not.
You are my hiding place.
And You will comfort me with songs
Of victory and grace.

this is undoubtedly one of my favorite Psalms..... there are so many favorites. Psalm 32- if you want to hear the tune we sing to these words, click here.

WHAT?! NO INSULIN???

It's another frustrating day where simple things become mountains.
Wendell used his last insulin this morning. I dutifully went to the pharmacy where we get all our medications, and found that they were out of his insulin- but they were expecting at least some by Monday.. What to do? Immediately , the gut starts to twist again, and the nausea appears. For the rest of the world who are not diabetic, it presents no problem, but for a diabetic who is getting regulated again post operatively, it's life threatening. I could only pray and trust that they could rectify the situation. It occurs to me that I am relying on God more and more all the time.. that's what He wants me to do, and if it takes one crisis after another, then so be it.
Of course it's Saturday and no doctors are in today, though there would be someone on call to talk to, but not his doctor- Not someone who KNOWS how he has been going up and down with his blood sugars over the past 4 weeks, and that he's just been in the normal range all day for 2 days now. It's really quite stressful.
The pharmacist finally called another local pharmacy at a grocery store, and was able to get one box of the filled pens with Wendell's type insulin. I was so relieved and went directly there for the medicine. They actually had 2 boxes left in their stock, but since I was not one of their 'regular' customers, they would only give me the one box. That's okay.. at least he'll have his insulin tonite for dinner, and we'll go for the 2nd box next week and thank the Lord for providing again. He goes through about 5 pens a week (one box).
That seems pretty odd to me that a drug company would run out of their supply of insulin. I mean, when you think of the millions of diabetics in the world, and the need for the drug to sustain life, you'd think that there would be a never ending supply... but there isn't.
Here is a site that is about diabetes. Wendell is a Type 2.

LAND OF PROMISE

Well, it's a fertile field out there.. Here's a list of RP bloggers on her website Land of Promise.

IRISH RPC

Good morning. I was having my coffee and decided to do a search of the Reformed Presbyterian Church to see if there were any blogs referring to it. I found this one from Ireland.
Mark Loughridge is the pastor of the Milford RPC in Co Donnegal. Interesting.

APRIL 19- TURNING A PAGE

"This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

Well, it only seems fair that I put my own picture from years ago on the blog on my birthday. I was 3 yr old here.
We lived in Upper Burrell then.
Dad took this picture..there are many others in existance that he took and developed himself. Is it any wonder that I am the 'visual' person that I am. It's a trait I got from him.

(Note to self: have fire extinguisher in hand , pin pulled and ready when the candles are lit on my cake this year. 911 is the number to call 'just in case'.)

My hair was bright red, thus "Carrot top" and "Red" were some of the nicknames I carried throughout my childhood.
It was a lot redder in those days. No comments, please.

Nicknames were kind of interesting.. in my teen years I was referred to as "Mimm" .. and at the hospital I got dubbed "Mern" for some strange reason. I understand from Mandy that John has already started referring to me as "Blaze" ! Thanks John.. I know you read the blog.
I have to admit, the hair color and the temper seemed to go hand in hand.. though in my adult years, it doesn't show a lot or very often. We can be thankful for some things. I've mellowed.
I'm still outspoken often enough, and will state my cause when I feel strongly about an issue, but more often than not, with a gentleness rather than fury.

Please....... be patient ...... God isn't finished with me yet.
He seems to be molding me and shaping me moreso in these last few years than ever. As I read His Word and learn, I grow closer to Him and put all my trust there. In my aging, I am learning patience, love, and to be willing to give more than I receive. There is much more, and I'm thankful to know the Father loves me, cares for me, provides for me, and is always there for me.
Yep, I'm turning a page today.

"CALL 911 !!!!!", I SCREAMED

Well, we had quite a day here.. the story of what happened is at the bottom of this posting. This picture is of the firemen spraying a fire retardant on some smoldering leaves just behind our house.
5 trucks from 2 companies arrived.. this one pulled just behind our house.
This one was beside the house
And a 3rd one beside the house too.
You can see the side of our house here .. too close for anyone's comfort!


I didn't have time to grab a camera while the blaze was getting started, but this is the smokey aftermath ..Our neighbor's barn can be almost seen on the far left of the picture

It was just after 12 when Wendell went in to lie down for his nap. I took 2 small bags of papers out to burn in the burn barrel, and instead of standing with it as is my habit, I went back to the house to call my patients for Thursday's appointments. I had second thoughts, and decided to check the burn barrel out the back kitchen window. When I looked out, there was a lot of smoke- more than would come from 2 tiny bags of waste paper. I realized I'd have to put out a fire there, and then looked one more time...... it looked more extensive than first glance. I screamed for Wendell "I set the woods on fire!!!". And then I ran out the door and to the back of the house to the garden hose. Quickly I turned it on and realized in my haste, I couldn't find the end of it! Then there was no nozzle- I didn't have time to look for it, so I put my thumb over the end and started spraying the closest fires. I looked up and saw trees way back in the woods ablaze.. really burning hard. I screamed back to Wendell to "Call 911".. this is too much for a garden hose!.. He did, and 10 minutes later, the first of 5 trucks came in the driveway and back along side the woods. Problem was, there was not just one large fire, but hundreds of small ones with several large ones. I put out as much fire as I was able, and then left it to the wonderful Penn Twp and Middlesex Volunteer firemen. How I thank them for being there.
I prayed while I was alone in the woods with my measly garden hose.. and then when it was over, I thanked the Lord again for preserving homes and people. No damage to houses, nobody hurt at all. Thank the Lord for his mercy!