Never Changing

Life happens unexpectedly. We never know exactly, what will occur down the road, even though we often try to plan ahead. There may be obstacles that we cannot anticipate, much like driving on the same streets every day. One day is fine, and the next there is a huge pothole, that throws the front end of the car completely out of alignment, and damages the wheel drum. Without warning, we have to spend $200 or $300 on repairs.

Suddenly, we begin to fret, even though there is nothing we can do to change our situation. Instead of feeling anxious and hopeless, why don’t we become full of hope, in knowing that God will help us? Somehow, some way, God will provide a way for us to survive this difficulty. He has been there for us in the past, and He will be there now. Remember all He has done before, and you will see there is nothing to worry about. Life may change, but God never does.

Fasting For Healing

Hello my dear friends, praying you are all doing well. It rained here early this morning, and today. So, quite a bit of the snow melted, but it is cold. Wherever you are, hope you are staying warm, and well. Wanted to share my heart with you, and my plans for the month of February. Beginning Monday, February 1, I am starting a healing fast. I am fasting for healing of my lovebug, myself, my sister Vickie, and several of my blogging friends. My plan: Two days a week-Liquid Fast. Two Days a week-Vegetables&Fruits only. Two days a week- Fruits Only. Sundays- Total fast. Please pray for me as I enter this time of prayer and fasting, I know God is going to send healing into many lives.

Snow Day

Well, it is snowing here in Tennessee. I love it!! We rarely get any snow, so this is really a big deal. We have close to six inches already, and it is suppose to snow some more tomorrow. Lovebug had therapy today from 3-4, it started really coming down while we were there. His mom had given us a ride there, it took us an hour and a half to get back home. The traffic was really bad. Thanks to God for getting us back home safely. After we got home, lovebug did not want to go in the apartment right away, he said I am going to clear some snow off of our car. I should have gotten a big clue right then, duh!! Of course, I was too busy being a mother hen, walking behind him, making sure he would not fall. All of a sudden, whack!! I was attacked by flying snowballs, courtesy of my dear lovebug. He started throwing them at me, faster and faster. He was laughing so hard, it was a beautiful sight to see. He has been through so much recently, seeing him act like a big kid, enjoying himself tremendously, touched me deeply. All of a sudden, he stopped throwing snowballs, pulled me very close to him, and gave me the sweetest, coldest, most loving snow kiss ever. Shortybear and Lovebug needed this childlike moment today, thanks Father.

Thankful Thursday-Unexpected Blessings

Welcome to another Thankful Thursday, the theme this week is unexpected blessings. Which actually, is perfect for me this week. Are you aware of the unexpected blessings in your life? God is continually blessing me in unexpected ways. Lovebug and I are seeing God working in our life's in so many areas. Right now, we are walking through a storm. But, God is keeping us safe. He refuses to let the storm overtake us, He daily encourages us. We have been blessed by so many precious blogging friends, in so many amazing unexpected ways. Our love for each other has grown tremendously through this crisis we are in. We praise God for all of our blessings, we are so unworthy.

Expecting To Give

In your marriage, are you expecting to get, or give? It should be about giving, giving what you may ask? I pray that your marriage has the kind of love, that empowers you to want to give all you have to each other, expecting nothing in return. May you see your love for each other, for what it truly is, a precious gift from God. Your spouse's heart is a valuable treasure, that should be handled with great care, and much prayer. Be blessed my sweet friends.

Watching Him, Watching Me, As He Watches Us

Yesterday, was one of lovebug's therapy days. As I stood there watching him working up a sweat, giving it all he has, and so much more, I noticed something that really touched my heart. He keeps his eyes on me nearly the entire time he is doing his therapy, which is one hour long. When we got home last night, I asked him why he keeps his eyes on me while he is doing his therapy, instead of on his physical therapist. His answer was: I am greatly motivated by you, you are my inspiration, my cheerleader, my little general, and actually, you are my therapy. I feel as if by keeping my eyes on you, I will succeed at any therapy they ask me to do, because you keep my heart beating. Wow, he is definitely a keeper, my grand prize in life. I see so much in him, he is my hero. He is so determined to get better, he refuses to give up. His faith has grown so much just in the past few weeks, he gives all the praise and glory to God. My prayer is that as God watches us go through this storm together, He will be happy with the way we handle it. We are holding onto the umbrella together, keeping our eyes on one another, focusing on each others strengths, and cheering each other on to victory. Of course, our eyes never leave our heavenly Father, from whom all of our precious blessings flow.

Thank You Father

Dear heavenly Father, We know there is hope in our marriage, and we thank You for placing that hope there. We are not only husband and wife, but also best friends. We come to You wholeheartedly, we choose to do whatever You would have us do. Guide us, and teach us. If we need help, and right now, we do Lord, we know You will help us. We thank You Lord, because You already know and understand all our needs and wants. In Your precious name we pray. Amen

A Little Bit Of This, And A Little bit Of That

Hello everyone, praying you are all doing well. Lovebug and I are doing ok, we now do one hour of physical therapy, instead of two thirty minute sessions. He still calls me the general, and tries to flirt his way out of various exercises, lol But, he is really doing great. He is working so hard, but is still numb. God is still here, and He is not going anywhere. Miracles will arrive, when God is ready for them to arrive. We are patiently awaiting their arrival. Financially, we were able to get our bills paid for January, praise God. We found out this weekend, that lovebug's check is not going to be $179.07, instead it will be $175.05. But, God will provide. We called to make an appointment to apply for SSI, and food stamps. We are in the process of getting all the paperwork together, and praying that one of us, or both, will be able to get a check. We do not want to lose our apartment, or our car. May God have His way, and will. We are totally trusting Him with everything, we are His children. I have a dear friend, who is like a daughter to me. Her name is Cheyenne, I met her when she was only 10 years old. I was her Sunday school teacher. We become very close, she spent nearly every weekend with us, and most of the summers. I love her more than words can express. She is now 20 years old, and a married woman. Her and her dear husband Jon, are precious to me and lovebug. She has recently started her own blog, it is wonderful. But, she rarely has any visitors, except for me. If you get a chance, please visit her, tell her I sent you. It will put a big smile on her heart, and you will be blessed by her words. Thank you all. Here is her link: http://p319women.blogspot.com/

When The Going Gets Tough

Is your marriage going through a rough patch? Are you experiencing some tough trials? Has it been awhile since you have seen the sun shine through your marriage, due to all the dark storm clouds overhead? Hang in there, do not give up on your marriage. Do not give the evil one a foothold in your marriage, kick him back to hell where he belongs. The struggles in your marriage make everything much more worthwhile. There is always hope, because God is now, and will always be in the miracle working business in all areas of your marriage and life. When the going gets tough, get down on your knees, and cry out to God. Seek His beautiful face, reach out, touch the hem of His precious garment.

Laughter, The Best Medicine

Lovebug and I have always enjoyed laughing together, we are just like two big kids. We are always pulling jokes on each other, and doing silly things to make each other laugh. I make up little songs and dances, and then sing and dance all over our apartment. Recent events, have made us truly appreciate the laughter even more. We choose to love each other through these storms we are in, and instead of filling our eyes with tears of sadness, we are choosing to share smiles and laughter with one another. I want to encourage lovebug, never discourage him. I want his heart to smile daily, as he walks this journey that God has set before him. I really believe that laughter is the best medicine, and will help in his healing.

Thankful Thursday

Hello everyone, welcome to another thankful Thursday. I pray that you are finding many things to be thankful for these days. We must count our blessings, not our trials. Our trials make us stronger, which that strength can become a sweet blessing. I am very thankful for my lovebug, and how dedicated he is to his physical and spiritual therapy. He is determined to give it 100%, he is working so hard to get stronger and better. May God bless his efforts. I am thankful for the continued love that is pouring into our lives through our blogging friends. Your love offerings, prayers, and endless encouragements are so very, very appreciated. Lovebug has cervical spinal cord compression, and also a condition known as guillian barre syndrome, which is similar to MS. We are thankful that God spared lovebug's life, and we truly feel that God will send healing into lovebug's body soon. We are thankful for God's word, which tells us that He will supply all of our needs. Because of our heavenly Father, we our rich in countless ways. I am thankful that my marriage is better than ever, we are standing strong together, instead of falling apart. Thank You Father for being the super glue that keeps our marriage strongly bonded. We love you, and each other, more than words could ever express.

Prayer Request

Please pray for my dear lovebug, he had another spell today. He broke out into a really bad sweat, said he did not feel very good, and almost passed out. This is the third time this has happened. It is scary to see this happen to him. I pray for him to get stronger, and to totally recover from this. We continue to patiently wait for our miracle, total healing. Thanks for praying with us, blessings to all of you.

Building Our Home

Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it. Psalm 127:1 Dear heavenly Father, we are interested in what You may have planned for us, but at the same time we admit we are afraid. Will You ask us to walk into areas of our lives we have never even talked about before with each other? We are working hard, because we want to be obedient to You. You are our God, our almighty God, our Savior, and our Redeemer. You gave Your life, Lord, that we might have life. We are most thankful for Your gift to us. Is there any less that we can do for You? We may waiver, we may falter, but we both commit to You today our desire to become all as a wife and husband that You desire and have planned for us. We need You, O gracious and patient Lord. We ask You to strengthen us when we weaken. Chastise us if we refuse. Lift us if we stumble. Thank You Father, for hearing our prayer, which we ask in the name of Jesus. Amen

Physical And Spiritual Exercises

Well, here at the Oldham's, we are working out physically and spiritually. Together we are growing stronger through the physical therapy exercises that we are doing at home. Each day, after the therapy sessions at home, we have a time of prayer and devotions. We pray for our family, friends, blog sisters and brothers, and our world. So, we are also growing spiritually stronger. Our marriage is getting a real workout. Tonight, as we were having our time of physical therapy, lovebug was flirting with me. He kept saying, "Has anyone ever told you that you have the most beautiful brown eyes, I could get lost in them." Translated, that means"Do I really have to do 10 of these leg lifts for 3 sets little general??? My answer,"Thanks for the compliment, but you still have to do all of your leg lifts lovebug. Kiss! Kiss!

Our Week

Hello dear prayer warrior friends, praying you all had a good week filled with His love. I thought I would give you an update on our week. Lovebug had therapy on Monday, and Friday. We were not able to go to his therapy on Wednesday, his mom got sick and could not take us. Praise God, she is feeling better now. Lovebug had an appointment with the neuro surgeon that he saw in the hospital on Tuesday. There have been no changes in either of his conditions, but we continue to wait upon our miracle. As for lovebug's therapy, he is working so hard to get better. He goes to therapy three times a week, and faithfully does his exercises here at home with me, the little general. We had a wonderful visit with our dear friend Marsha on Thursday, it was such a blessing to spend time with her. She was so encouraging to our hearts, thanking God for her. Please continue to pray for us. We were blessed so much this week by several different blog friends sending cards with love offerings enclosed in them, we wish to extend big thanks to all of you. We greatly appreciate your kindness to us, we love you all very much. Please continue to pray for us. Specific prayer needs at the moment: Finances- We thought we would be getting $235.00 disability through lovebug's work, but found out today, that after they take out taxes, and insurance, we will be getting $179.00. But, God will provide, we are His children. Also, please keep lovebug's health in your prayers, pray for total healing, for God to return the feeling to his body. He has not felt well this week, he had a spell at Walmart on Thursday, he started sweating really bad, and almost passed out. The same thing happened Friday at his therapy session. Please keep him lifted up in prayers, I know God can, and will heal him. Blessings to all of you, our fellow travelers on this journey.

Shining For Jesus-Marsha

A bright, shining light of Sonshine arrived at our door yesterday. She came all the way from North Carolina, just to spread His love to two people here in Tennessee. You all know her as Marsha from Marsha's musings. She came through our door, and immediately our spirits were lifted. She gave us both great big hugs, and smiled that beautiful smile of hers, that truly lights up a room. We visited for a little while, and then she took on the role that she is so wonderful at, Godly servant. She took us to the lab so lovebug could get some blood work done, then to Walmart so we could get some groceries. She treated us to a delicious lunch, but her company was the best part of the meal. We shared tears, laughter, great conversation, hearts, and even a couple of songs. Shortybear and lovebug will never forget this day, the day that Marsha spread Sonshine all over two lives that had recently been flooded by some major storms. Thank you for loving us dear sis, may you be blessed as you bless others. We love you with all of our hearts.

Thankful Thursday

Thankful Thursday is here, what are you thankful for? I am thankful for God's provision of me and my dear lovebug. I am thankful for dear blog world friends that have been reaching out to us with financial support, and much love. Our hearts are so grateful to all of you. May God bless all of you, as you are sweetly blessing us. I am grateful to my mother in-love for driving us to the various doctor appointments, therapy sessions, and grocery store. I am grateful to our best friends Cheyenne and Jon, who came all the way from down in Georgia to run errands for us, cook for us, take garbage to the dump, and even change some light bulbs for us. I am grateful to dear Marsha for giving updates on her blog, getting a prayer button made for us, and seeking help for us. I appreciate that she will be coming to see us today, just to help us out. I am so glad to be a member of the family of God. I love my brothers and sisters dearly. Big thanks to Donetta for all the love, prayers, phone calls, encouragement, updates, you are very appreciated. Please keep praying for my lovebug as he continues this journey, love and prayers to all of you.

2010 Focus Word, And Bible Verse

Mat 21:18 - 22

Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered. And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward forever. And presently the fig tree withered away. And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away! Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. : My focus word for 2010 is Believe!! This Bible verse is going to be my verse for 2010. I am believing in miracles for my lovebug, and for others. Please join me in beieving all the wonderful things that God can, and will do this year.

2010 Challenge-From Marsha's Blog

1.What’s one thing you could do this year to increase your enjoyment of God? Count my blessings daily.
2.What’s the most humanly impossible thing you will ask God to do this year? Asking Him to totally heal my lovebug.
3.What’s the single most important thing you could do to improve the quality of your family life this year? Focus on being strong for my lovebug, and with my lovebug.
4.In which spiritual discipline do you most want to make progress this year, and what will you do about it? I want my prayer life to be stronger, and more intense. I will be more dedicated in this area.
5.What is the single biggest time waster in your life, and what will you do about it this year? Television, I am going to choose God, not television.
6.What is the most helpful new way you could strengthen your church? Pray for all church members, and the pastor. We will be going back to our old church.
7.For whose salvation will you pray most fervently this year? My brother, sister in-law, niece, nephew.
8.What’s the most important way you will, by God’s grace, try to make this year different from last year? Be a doer of His word.
9.What one thing could you do to improve your prayer life this year? Keep a prayer journal
10.What single thing that you plan to do this year, will matter most in ten years? In eternity? Staying focused on God's plans for my life, not my own plans. Leaving everything in His capable hands.
These questions are taken from http://www.biblicalspirituality.org by Don Whitney of Southern Seminary.

Dance Partners

Every night, lovebug and I do therapy exercises here at home. There is one exercise we do, where we seem to be dancing. We are standing face to face, holding each other's hands, and we waltz across the floor twenty five times. We stare deep into each others eyes, it is an exercise for lovebugs balance. We both love this exercise, it really makes us smile. Actually, it makes us act like a couple of teenagers, giggle giggle. Last night, as we were dancing across the floor, I started singing to him. Here is what I was singing: Could I have this dance for the rest of my life? Would you be my partner every night? When we are together, it feels so right, could I have this dance for the rest of my life? Lovebug said yes, that I could have every dance, for the rest of his life. Forever dance partners, forever life partners, me and my precious lovebug.

Thank You

Thank You seems so inadequate, our hearts are overflowing here at the Oldham's. We are so beyond grateful for the precious heart blessings we are receiving from the blogging community. Your prayers, cards, financial gifts, phone calls, concern, precious friendship, and love, are more than appreciated. Each night, your names are lifted up high toward heaven, we are thanking God for all of you. You will never know how very, very much you all mean to us. Thanks for cheering my lovebug on towards his healing. We remain diligent in our preparing for his miracle, and God still rules. Be blessed my friends, you are all dearly loved and appreciated.

Working Together

As my lovebug and I were doing his therapy exercises here at home this evening, sweat was pouring off of his dear brow, but he kept on going. I am beyond proud of his efforts. He refuses to give up, and is working so hard to get his strength back. He has nicknamed me his little general, he says I am keeping him in line. To see him this way, hurts me so very, very much. He never one time, has complained. He is so brave, my mighty warrior. We will see this through to completion, and at the finish line, will be Jesus, with a precious gift for my faithful lovebug, total healing in his body. We give You total praise in anticipation.

Listening To Him Breathe

Every night since we have been home from the hospital, I sleep with my head on lovebug's chest. His heartbeat is the sweetest music I have ever heard. It plays a sweet tune to my own heart, and gently lulls me to sleep peacefully. On Christmas Eve, as I watched my lovebug fall back on the bed into my arms, and begin to have seizures, my world spun out of control. Trying to imagine life without him, was something I just could not do. As they began to work on him, and then wheeled him away from me, and down the hallway to ICU, I cried out to my Father. He came running to that hospital, and spared my lovebug's life. I praise Him for saving my lovebug, and allowing that beautiful heart to continue to beat in time with mine. When we realized that lovebug was numb from the waist down, and his left arm was numb, again our world went spinning, but again the One who set the world in motion, came running to be by our side. He is still with us here at home, and He is not going anywhere. Together, our hearts will continue to sing a song of love and faith to one another. We refuse to give up, or give in. Lovebug will get stronger, and his feeling will come back into his entire body. Our God will receive all the glory and praise that is due to Him. Until then, I am enjoying the treasured gift of my lovebug's heartbeats playing in my ears. Thank You Father, thank You.

Thankful Thursday

Hello my precious friends, I miss you all very much. But right now, my life consist of doctor appointments, and therapy sessions for my dear lovebug. My heart overflows with gratitude to all of you for your continued love, friendship, and prayer support. I think of you all and keep you all lifted up in my prayers. I pray that your new year has started off with many blessings. God is so awesome, never doubt that. He is the miracle worker, the life sustainer. I watched as He saved my lovebug's life on Christmas Eve, such a blessing was poured all over my life that night. I was given the most treasured gift ever this Christmas, my continued life with lovebug. Things are very different, but that is ok. God still reigns supreme, I give Him all the praise that He so greatly deserves. Thank You Father for Your love, for Your strength, for Your gentle care, for the rest that only You can give, and You do give so sweetly. Thanks for the peace that surpasses all of our understanding. I am standing firmly on Your promises, clinging to You Father. I believe You can, and will heal my lovebug. He is such a good man Father, He loves You, and believes in You with all of his heart and soul. He has taken such wonderful care of me for so long, please reward his efforts. Heal him Father from the top of his precious head, to the bottom of his feet. Restore what has been taken from him, make him new. Heal him Father, hear my hearts plea. Touch him as only You can. I believe, I believe. I love You Father, I love You. Thanking You ahead of time, for what I know You can, and will do.

Our Journey

Our journey began on Wednesday, December 23. My dear lovebug was complaining with a headache, and his blood pressure was running high. Then, he said his right leg felt a little numb. I told him we were going to the emergency room just to be safe. As we were sitting in the emergency room, his left leg started going numb. Of course, they started taking blood, and running test on him right away. Eventually, he also lost feeling in his left arm, and from the waist down. They were sure he had a stroke. On Christmas Eve, I almost lost my lovebug. I watched, as he fell back on the bed into my arms, and began to have seizures. The room become filled with nurses, and the trauma unit. They made me leave the room, and sent me into a waiting area. I was crying, praying, and falling apart. Finally, they came and told me they were taking him to ICU. I was totally out of it, they had to take me downstairs to the emergency room, I was almost going into diabetic acidosis. All I wanted was to be with my lovebug, it was a nightmare. Praise God for bringing us through that night. When they let me out of the emergency room, and I was able to go into the ICU to see my lovebug, words cannot express how I felt to see him laying there like that. He is my life, and it hurt so much. Praise God for bringing him out of ICU, and into a regular room on Christmas Day. I was blessed with the greatest Christmas gift ever, my lovebug's life. Of course, our journey did not stop there. It is very much an on going journey. We came home from the hospital on New Year's Eve, quite different from the day we left. Lovebug has no feeling from the waist down, or the left arm. He has to use a walker, and has to have my help getting around. Our life has been changed, but our love has been made only stronger. God is still in charge of everything, and I continue to give Him all the praise. He has carried me, and continues to. I will never be able to thank all of you enough for all the beautiful comments, love, friendship, and precious prayers for me and my lovebug. Please keep praying for lovebug, he starts physical therapy next week. God and lovebug are my two hero's. I love you all so much, sweet blessings to everyone.