My friend from MD is visiting with Dave and I for 3 weeks. She has been a huge help. She has taken over fixing most of the meals which is a real blessing. Gives Dave and Cindi a break. As long as I stay out of her way when in the kitchen there is no problem. I go and play on the computer and Dave disapears down the basement. Works out great.

Tomorrow I go in for my 2nd in a series of three shots. Not looking forward to it at all. Not even sure if it is helping at all. Since getting my first dose I haven't been able to walk right. My feet won't go where I want them to go. I walk like I'm drunk. Let's just say, "I'll be glad when tomorrow afternoon is over."

Looking forward though to spending time with the family in celebration of Lauren's birthday Wednesday night. I thank God for blessing Dave and I with 3 wonderful girls and 3 great son-in-laws, and 10 terrific grandchildren. We are indeed richly blessed.

Help!!!!!

It just doesn't work to have two women in the kitchen at the same time. Am I going crazy yet????

Patience-Patience

That is one thing I am lacking. I admit it. I hate waiting for things to happen. When I pray for something, I want it waiting for me by the time I finish praying. I know I'm unreasonable. What can I say? I think that is why I get so frustrated. I need to work on letting go and letting God in His time do the fixing, the mending, the healing. You get the picture............

I sometimes wonder if God is even listening. There is a void. Too quiet. God, are you there? Why can't I hear you? Even as I read Your Word I wonder if you'll answer. This is not me. The only thing I can blame it on is being sick for so long that I found myself giving up. I need to get turned around again. Instead of keeping my head down, keep it looking ahead and up. I don't need to see where I've been. I know where I've been. Believe me when I say it was no sweet place. It's time for me to get out and smell the roses again. Time to be thankful for what I do have and stop complaining about what I don't have. I have been on this pity party way too long. Ok Joanne, die to that old self and get on with the new. Life is waiting for you.

The one thing that I do look forward to is Sunday mornings. Even in all my frustrations, church is the one place I find peace and rest. To sit and worship with family and friends is a gift I cherish. For that one hour in church and Sunday School I am at peace with myself. Yes, life is waiting for me to move forward. To rejoice and sing praises for all that God has done and is doing for me. I'll take that hour of church and let it roll over to 2, 3 and more hours. Take the hours and roll them into days, weeks and months. Yes, life is waiting for me to move on and with God's help I will do it.

Centralia Carillon

Dave, Cindi, Dorene (friend from MD) and myself drove to Centralia to hear Carlo van Ulft play the Carillon. For those that have never heard the Carillon played it is well worth the time to go and listen to one of the concerts. I can't believe the music that comes from the bells. Concerts start at 2pm. Check out the website at www.centrallia-carillon.org.