Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Barb's Blog

Yesterday I had a most painful, horrible experience. I have had much pain in my right heel and foot for some time now, saw an orthopedic surgeon about a month ago. He prescribed therapy and excercises and tylenol (that's all I can take). It did not get better. So, I called the dr. back last week and had an appointment yesterday. I had four options, continue what I've been doing, hoping for improvement; wearing a night brace to keep my foot rigid and straight; surgery; or a shot in my foot (heel) of cortisone. Now that was a most difficult decision, but I chose the injection, thinking that though it would hurt, it would feel better later. I almost backed out after the dr. told me that it was the most painful injection that they give.... and that the injection that I had in my shoulder four years doesn't hold a candle to the one in the heel. You see the foot is tougher skin and full of nerve endings and is very sensitive. After praying that I would get through it by myself, since Charlton is visiting Steven in MS and having fun fishing, etc. , I decided to get it over with.

When the numbing shot went in first, I thought I would faint with pain, excruciating. I was told that it would lessen the cortisone injection. Well, I felt every bit of the pain......it was the most horrible excruciating pain I've ever felt...I'd even take childbirth again over this. And, she was right, the shoulder injection was nothing compared to the shot in my foot bones. Every nerve in my body seemed to be affected as I cried out in sheer pain, begging for it to be over with in a hurry. My entire foot felt like an exposed irritated nerve all the way to my toes, not to mention that the bones felt like they were being split. Well, that was my extraordinary experience for the week, maybe year. Other than the injection site being still sore and a bit bruised, my foot feels so much better. I can actually walk on it again, without hobbling and limping around everywhere. Praise God for helping me to get through it.

I couldn't help but think about the horrific pain I experienced and wonder in amazement how Jesus, our Lord, endured the nails going into his feet and hands. My experience was surely nothing in comparison to his agony on the cross. He had no one to show compassion in that crowd of angry sinners. He knew He would get through it, though, because it was part of God's plan for Him. How he suffered. One can not imagine how much those nails hurt, until they've had an experience such as mine yesterday....and mine was a drop in the bucket to what Christ suffered.....and all for us....are we worthy of His suffering? God thinks so or it wouldn't have happened. It makes me realize that there is an analogy here. After my pain yesterday, my foot felt numb for several hours, and I was so glad that it was over and I could expect pain-free days ahead (if it works as it is supposed to do). After Jesus's death on the cross, how glad He must have been that all that was over and He would be going back to Heaven to live until He returns to take His followers to their reward, too. After our pain on earth is over, we can expect pain-free days forever with Him in Heaven. What a wonderful thought! (see John 3:16,17) Also, in John, "I go to prepare a place for you, so that where I am, there shall you be also."

Barb's Blog

Friday, June 09, 2006

Barb's Blog

I am so thankful for so much. I am thankful for my wonderful daughter and her little girl, and our two amazing sons and their little girls, too. My grandchildren are the highlights of my life, for sure. They are definitely the best there could ever be! God sure knew what He was doing when He spared my life in l999 and brought these little girls for me to love and enjoy. We love grandparenting soooo much.

If it weren't for God and His orchestration on that day in July, 1999, I wouldn't be here today. Each day is amazing, never doubt it. Once you have a near-death experience, you see things a whole lot differently. I look forward to the day when I get to go to Heaven and be with Jesus and all His. But, while I'm here on my journey through life, I love being with my family, friends, and all those whom I come in contact with daily. Life is fragile. It can disappear in a moment. And, each of us has an appointed moment, don't doubt it one bit! Only God knows the big picture of our lives.

My dad has already had his "Big Exit Moment" and I know that Jesus was right there before, during, and after it and for all eternity. I am so thankful that my Dad was one of the finest Christians that I've ever known. He put his entire being in God's hands and looked to Him for healing, love, comfort, and guidance every moment. My dad touched so many lives, in addition to those of my family, children, and friends; he served his life for God on earth and I know that he is doing the same in eternity. And he is ever present in my memory on a daily basis, reminding me that putting God and Jesus FIRST is how we should spend our brief time on earth. (It seems more brief all the time.)

These are my thoughts for today.

Barb's Blog

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

June 6, 2006
Hey, folks! Here's an amateur blogger in action! Tell me what you think.