Medicine - a blessing or a curse?

I woke up this morning with conflicting feelings about medication. Take for example, the medication they put into my nebulizer to open up my breathing passages to breath better . . .. obviously an important medication for me and very needed when it's time. As soon as I finish the medicine however, I am left with a pound of side effects like shaky hands, racing heart, exhaustion, and back pain . . . good times.

Or, for example, what about the pile of medication I am taking each day to combat the side effects of the other medications I'm taking . . . anybody?!

Yes - I'm thankful for the modern medicine we are blessed with in our country but can't help but think it's not all it's cracked up to be each day . . . and if you don't have to, don't do drugs . . . that's my public service announcement for the day . . . make it a good one!!

Crochet Therapy

It may sound silly and geriatric but there is something very therapeutic to me about crochet. Travis brought by my latest project (a late wedding gift for my sister) and I have thoroughly enjoyed using my hands to create something tangible as well as the routine of the stitches over and over and over . . .

I guess I'm just practicing for my days in the nursing home . . .

A Timely Read . . .

I just finished reading a book by Laurie Edwards entitled "Life Disrupted - getting real about chronic illness in your twenties and thirties." My hubby picked it up at the library for me on the off chance it may offer some insight. It was a perfectly timely read. The author used words I'm thinking in my head. It addressed all the issues I've faced over the past three years of increasing asthma - from hospital visits to disappointing cancellations to difficulty in friend relationships as you are less than predictable in being available to grow relationships well. So many times in this book I felt "a ha" moments and received so much encouragement that yes, it is difficult dealing with a chronic illness at such a young age but yes, it is possible to still live a happy full life. It confirmed some of the big decisions I have had to make lately in order to make room for my health . . . it made me feel like I was not alone in thinking things (both productive and negative) . . . and that there are others out there navigating this crazy journey and still finding success in life. Thanks honey for a great book - and thanks Laurie Edwards for being so transparent in your story allowing others to find truth.

Love Story

Last night Travis came to visit me at the hospital (the only visitor allowed right now) and brought with him our laptop and the movie "Young Victoria." It was a sweet movie full of amazing costumes, great history and a fabulous love story. I was taken with the sets, actors and beauty in the film but more than that, I was struck by the fact that the greatest love story was happening right next to me. My husband is and always has been my best friend. He's a shoulder to cry on, a hoot to laugh with, a strength to draw from, an adventure to experience and everything in between. What is a greater love story then climbing in the mud with your wife in the hospital and loving her with everything you have? I love you Travis Alan Marsh and thank you for your continual support and love . . . thanks for writing a love story with me . . . and although we're not always wearing the fanciest costumes or dancing at the most elite parties, the way you walk with me through sickness and health, good times and bad is amazing . . .

Hospital Life

Soo . . . I'm back in the hospital as my asthma exacerbation has continued to worsen and I continue to have side effects from the strong doses of steroids . . . I am not allowed visitors at this point but would love your prayers, support and emails. I have Internet access here and will post all the fascinating experiences as they come . . . This to Shall Pass . . . and in the meantime, I'll enjoy the lovely selection of hospital food!!

Amy Grant?!

I just finished reading Amy Grant's book titled "Mosaic." Who didn't love Amy Grant in the 80's and 90's?! And then who wasn't shocked and surprised with the news of her divorce to the father of her three children and quick re-marriage to Vince Gill (country music star)?! She received a lot of bad press at the time and I must admit, I was one of the thousands of people who turned my back on her as a Christian artist feeling disappointed at her choices.

Why then would I want to pick up a book about her life? Mostly, I was interested in her perspective on how things went. And what surprised me the most, is how much I learned and grew as I read it. I went into it thinking I would learn more about her and ended up learning more about God . . . His forgiveness, His plan, His involvement of our lives . . . she shares in the book much about her childhood and family life and also shares much about her personal relationship with God - how she starts her day by standing outside, rain or shine, saying at the top of her lungs, "THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE . . . I WILL REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT" then by reciting the Lord's prayer (as she says, "When Jesus tells us this is how we should pray, we should listen."). She incorporates many lyrics to her songs of old and new as well as reasons why she wrote them - the back story of her musical journey. I was struck with the words from one of her songs entitled "Breath of Heaven" in which she says, "Help me be strong . . . Help me be . . . Help me." What a simple prayer and one I want for my heart's cry . . .

I have also recently been listening to her new song "Better than a Hallelujah" and have been moved to tears at the way "we pour out our miseries . . . God just hears a melody" . . . enjoy the song . . . and pick up the book . . . it's more than a biography . . . it's an intimate glimpse into the very public life of one of God's children - and the reminder that God loves us all the same . . . celebrity or not, we are in need of God, His forgiveness, His grace, and His purpose for us.

Return of the Rehab Reviewer . . .

Back on the nebulizer . . . back in the land of asthma flareups . . . back to the place of a whole lot of nothing to do but getting through . . . so I read . . . and watch TV and movies . . . and as I've not been overly impressed with the movies and TV I've recently viewed, I thought I'd share a few of the books I've completed (you know me and completing things!)

If you're interested in the book (and who doesn't love a good book?!) check it out from your local library, or click on the posted link and order it used from Amazon . . . good times.

Okay - "Butter Safe than Sorry" was a silly little mystery set in Amish country. The main character is an over the top bed and breakfast owner that gets herself in the middle of crimes and tries to solve them in her own crazy ways. Apparently it's part of a series but you don't need to read them in order as I picked it up out of no where and did just fine. Not gonna change your life but might make ya laugh and we all could use more of that in our lives!

And the second book, The Blue Orchard is based in fact (although it is a piece of fiction) and quite controversial. It tackles issues of race, the great depression and abortion. The premise is a poor young girl who attempts to support her family through various jobs with wealthier families. She is taken advantage of and mistreated. She eventually sets her mind upon becoming a nurse and the story of her determination is inspiring. Through referrals and life experiences, she ends up working for one of the most prominent figures in the black community - a doctor who is involved in politics and preforms illegal "operations" for hundreds of women referred to him by everyone in the community including famous politicians and well known members of the community. It delves into the moral discussion of the "operations" as well as the thought process of those involved. I am a firm advocate for the life of babies - who are real people upon conception and whom God has a plan for. I am also, however, not afraid to read books of varying viewpoints to add to the conversation. This book put a human side to the often "clinical" view we take. It stretched my thinking outside the box. I left the reading still feeling the same about my position (and the main character in the book is left with much thought on the topic as well) but fascinated by the times and circumstances of how people lived and choices they made. I am often critical of what I read as I am a very involved reader and get engrossed in the stories - but if a piece of literature is well written, not offensive in language or description and serves a purpose of thought and conversation, I am willing to read it. That's just my opinion - for others I know they limit themselves to only Christian authors and that may work for them . . . I am careful to read something inspirational and encouraging as well as the fiction books I choose . . . and the pool of good Christian fiction has grown astronomically . . . just my personal opinion to read from various opinions.

All that to say . . . read a book this summer . . . maybe it's fluffy and silly or maybe it's historical and thought provoking but the moral is - read a book. It's a good example to your kids, it's good for your brain and it's a nice way to spend a summer afternoon . . . take a book outside . . . have some lemonade . . . read the same book as a friend and talk about it when you take the kids to the beach . . . read a book.

Can't find a good book? I stumbled upon a fabulous website that will be my new friend . . . www.whatshouldireadnext.com . . .you enter the title of a book you read and enjoyed and it pops up a list of 30 some books you might like . . . fun . . .  off to read . . .