A Message From the Heart

Just an update: I have just finished my 9th narrow band UVB light treatment at Traverse City and have 3 more to go. The desired end result hopefully will be skin softening...but only time will tell. If I am showing some progress, then the Dr. will order an "at home" unit. In addition I am still going to Mercy Rehab for hand therapy. My therapist is absolutely amazing!! Her name is Ilia and she is a wonderful Christian lady who has made a huge impact on my life.The desired result of this therapy is to stretch and limber up my ligaments and tendons to keep my hands from "stiffening". I continue to see several specialists who are helping me sort this out and keep on an effective tratment course.

I have been truly blessed my many friends that have driven me to my various appointments! These trips have given me a sweet time of fellowship, and an opportunity to reconnect with friends that sometimes I don't see often enough!

Thank you to Nancy Lanning, Debbie Glupker, Kathleen Erdman,Bob and Jan Ford, Dawn Trowbridge, Becky Trowbridge, sister-in-law Jeanne, and Steve and Sue Kuhn. Your friendships, and willingness to "get me there" has truly been appreciated by Ken and me.

Sometimes people will ask me "What keeps you going?"....well first it is my faith, and the "rock solid" love and support of my husband, my parents, and sister. Our sons and daughter-in-laws are a constant source of prayer support and love....and I thank them for that. When I am at my lowest times of the day....it is my family's faces I see....and those of our 7 adorable grandchildren. I am grateful to know that I can pick up the phone any time of the day and they are there for me....and take the time to "pick me up". I am touched by the many cards, e-mails, and phone calls that I have received from many of you. These communications are a real boost to me fighting this disease with strength and determination!

God is good......all the time! Even now, as I collect disability pay instead of my regular "teachers pay"....God has cleared the path for us to sell our horse trailer, a horse, and a saddle....all online! He truly is supplying all of our needs...and we have a peace in our hearts that passes all understanding!

".....Forgetting what is behind me and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" Phillipians 3: half of vs.13 and all of 14

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a cloud of witnesses,

let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance

the race marked out for us" Hebrews 12:1

When Zoey put her head in Joel's garbage the other day,

she got the lid stuck one her head....and needed human help to

get it off. I can compare this to the verse above that says..

"...let us throw off everything that hinders

and the sin that so easily entangles"

Well, like the dog that got entangled in the garbage lid, we too can become tangled in the sin in our lives.....but praise God we have a Savior in Jesus who paid the ultimate sacrifice...and when we ask Him, to He removes the lids from off of our necks...and freely forgives us so that we can better serve Him!!