Good-Bye 2011

As we say good-bye to 2011, I am not sad.  Actually, I am very happy to say good-bye. It has been a long, hard, sad year. Memories of this year will remain with me, but will bring sadness to my heart. But,as always, I give much praise to my Father. I praise Him for saving my life, for helping me learn to walk again,  for getting me well enough to be able to come home.  I praise Him for helping us financially once more, and for reuniting me with old friends. Last , but certainly not least, I praise Him for unfreezing Eddie's hurting heart, and bringing him back to church. Woo Hoo, what a great way to end this year. Thank You Father, I love You.

Fearless Friday

Today, please join me in praying for all of those, that have back slidden away from the Lord. There are various reasons, or excuses, that people use for running away from the Lord. My own lovebug has been running away for awhile now, because he has been upset with the Lord. Because he did not want to go to church, he kept me from church. That hurt me so much. But, I never gave up on him, neither did God. I kept on believing, and praying.  I knew my prayers would be answered, not in my time, but in God's time.  Well, Tuesday night, they were answered.  This Saturday night, we will be celebrating the new year in church, praising, and worshiping the Lord.  Sunday morning, we will be back at church, to worship our Father.  If you have loved ones, that have wandered away from God, please do not give up on them, keep trusting, and pray, pray, pray.

Thankful Thursday

As we prepare to say goodbye to 2011, and hello to 2012, my heart is overflowing with peace, love, and much joy. It is all thanks to my precious Saviour. In 2011, I was sick for eight months, then had my stroke in September, and nearly died. There was alot of stress, sadness, and depression, for Eddie, and I both. Finances were a big problem, due to medical bills, it was a hard year. But, God never left me. He picked me up, and carried me, when I could not walk. He poured His strength into me. He constantly surprised us, with financial blessings, just in time, always right on time. I am truly looking forward, to the new year. We will be starting back to our old church, where all of my dear friends go. I see nothing, but good days ahead. The new year is looking so bright, I need a new pair of sunglasses, to face it. Woo Hoo!! Thank You Lord, I love, and appreciate You.

Word Filled Wednesday

Amen, such truthful, precious words.  From His lips, to my heart. I am so thankful that He has never left me, and I know that He never will.  Man has forsaken me, and will continue to, but not my dear Father.

Old Friends=Good Times

Hello everyone, praying you are all doing well. I am so happy, my heart is singing. The song it is singing is- I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart. Woo Hoo. Monday night, I received a phone call from a dear old friend by the name of Gwen. I have known Gwen for 22 years. We went to the same church for years, her dad was our preacher until his death in 1995. He is the preacher that married Eddie and I, back in 1985. I love the entire family. Gwen called to tell me that another dear friend of ours from Texas, brother Frankie, was going to be in town Tuesday. She had already called several of the old friends from church, to invite us all to come to the Golden Corral Resturant, on Tuesday night at 6:00 P.M. , for a reunion dinner.  Eddie, and I, went to the reunion dinner tonight. It was so much fun seeing my old friends, my heart just melted. We shared old memories, cried, laughed, and prayed alot.  Gwen invited us to come to our old church, on New Years Eve. They are going to watch a movie, and then have a time of praise and worship, until midnight. We are going. What a great way to spend New Years Eve, at God's house. I have great news. As most of you know, Eddie has been having a struggle of faith since I had my stroke. He has been very stressed, and upset. He has refused to go to church. He has kept me out of church for almost three years now. My heart has been broken over this situation. Well, tonight, he told Gwen, that starting this Sunday, we will be coming back to church. Praise God from whom all precious blessings flow. I am so very, very happy.

Sister Fun

My sister, and I, spent the night at our dad's last night. We had so much fun, had our own pajama party. Woo Hoo!!  After our dad, and step-mother went to bed, we stayed up for hours talking, I loved it. We hardly ever get to see each other, so we had alot of catching up to do.  We cried a little, as we talked about my stroke, and shared memories of our precious mother, and brother, that are in heaven.  But, we giggled, and laughed alot  too. We drank hot chocolate, and shared the cool whip, lol Eddie and I took my sister back home late this evening, I miss her already.

Happy Birthday Jesus

Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday dear Jesus, Happy Birthday to You. Come celebrate our Saviour's birth, the greatest gift ever received.  Enjoy this day, and remember, Jesus is the reason we can, and should celebrate. Tell Him thank You, and sing Happy Birthday to Him. He is your gift, not those presents under the tree. I love you my friends, Merry Christmas.

Christmas Eve 2011

Christmas Eve 2011, has been wonderful , really enjoyed it. We went down to Eddie's parents this afternoon, ate a delicious dinner. It was Eddie, me, his parents, our two nephews, their wife's, and our great niece, and nephew. Watching the children tear into their gifts, after we finished eating, was so much fun. We laughed, took pictures, ate desserts, laughed some more. Now, we are home, Eddie is crashed out on the couch, and I , of course, am on the computer. I wish all of you, from the bottom of my heart, a very merry Christmas. Christmas hugs, and love from my home, to yours.

Fearless Friday

 Please join me today in praying for those that do not believe there is a God. May their hearts, and eyes, be open to the truth before it is to late. I found out this week, from my sister, that my brother Jim, is an atheist.  I knew that he did not go to church, but I did not realize how bad things were. He has nothing to do with me, he has not called to check on me, at all, since I had my stroke. He tells everyone, that if something happens to me, do not call him, he does not want to be bothered. My sister said, whenever she tries to talk to him about God, he totally shuts down, says the Bible is just a fairy tale. Unfortunately, so many people believe this. We need to cover my brother, and all others, with much prayer, and love. Thank you for joining me.

Thankful Thursday

             What am I thankful for? I am thankful for my life, and for another day, in which to live that life. I am thankful that I have been able to rise above the obstacles, that were put in my path, after my stroke in September of this year. I am thankful for the blessed assurance, that Jesus is mine, and I am a daughter of the King. That makes me a princess, although, my crown is sometimes crooked, My Father still loves me. I am thankful for a forgiving, and merciful Father, who has never, and will never, give up on me. I am thankful for a Father, who sees my full potential, when, sometimes people, see no potential in me, including myself. I am thankful for a Father who gave me the best gift ever, my salvation, so rich, and so free. Thank You Father.

Word Filled Wednesday

My Christmas prayer for all of you, is for you to know, how very much God loves you.  I pray that you are walking close to Him, if not, please turn around, and run straight into His waiting arms.  Merry Christmas everyone, and precious blessings for the new year.

In Other Words Tuesday

“ Christmas belongs to us,
the believers of Christ,
it doesn’t belong to the world.
Christ needs to be elevated in our hearts year around.
He didn’t come to be marketed, as a seasonal gift
on sale for half price.
We were the ones, that were bought at a price. ”David Jeremiah

Amen, so very true. We should not just celebrate Jesus at Christmas, He should be celebrated everyday.  He is not something to be found at a sale on black friday. He lives within our hearts, that is where you can find Him.  He is the greatest gift ever given, priceless. Mary wrapped the very first Christmas gift, baby Jesus. Every other gift dims in comparison, nothing comes close to the value of Jesus. Jesus was not, and cannot, be bought. He freely gives His self away.  We were the ones bought, at a great cost, Jesus's life. It is past time, to try to repay Him, as if we ever could!! But, we can try. Spread the good news, of Jesus, and His love this Christmas, and always.                                                                                                                

Monday Manna-December 19-Luke 2:19

                                                              But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.                                                                          
Mary, the mother of Jesus, treasured the words of God that came to her through the conversations, and events of her daily life. Luke tells us, that after the visit of the shepherds sent to adore the newborn child by the angelic choir, "Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart" (Luke 2:19; see also Luke 2:51). Through long years of pondering God's word, and cherishing the memory of these mysterious events in her heart, Mary penetrated the truths they held, and her understanding of them grew. 
I often picture Mary carrying, and guarding, these mysteries in her heart, turning the words and truths over in her mind, as if holding a precious jewel in hand, and turning it over and over, letting the light play on every facet. This is a vivid image, of what it means to meditate.
The idea of meditating may scare some of us away. Isn't that meant for contemplatives, who spend long hours in prayer? Yet meditation on what God has said, and done, should be the business of every Christian.

One Week Until Christmas

Woo Hoo, only one week until Christmas. I am so excited, I feel like a little kid. Eddie, and I, finally know what our plans are. On Christmas Eve, we are eating dinner, and exchanging gifts at Eddie's parents. Then, on Christmas Day, we will be eating dinner at my sister in -laws, and exchanging gifts with her, my niece and her husband, and my precious great nephew Zachary. After we leave there, we will be going to my dad's, to exchange gifts, and have snacks. . My sister will be there, and one of my step-brother's, his wife, and little boy. My sister and I, are spending the night with my dad, I am looking so forward to this time with my family, love them so very much. Praying that all of you, have a wonderful Christmas.

Caroling 8- The Christmas Blessing.

I have joined a Caroling Blog Hop at Peggy's - aMazing Grace,,,Mazes, Messes, Miracles. Won't you join us in caroling across our blogs, until Saturday. Just list a favorite carol, and sing along with us as you go.                        I love this song, it says what I wish to say to my dear husband. I am truly thankful to be here with him this Christmas, thanks to God. My prayers have been answered, and I have the greatest gifts, my life, love, and family.

Saturday Healing Verse- 2 Timothy 1:7

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Tim 1:7             Well, the news at my neurologist Thursday, did not go the way I had hoped, and very much prayed for. But, that is ok.  God is still very much in control of all of this. I will not be afraid, because, I have God on my side.  He gives me everything I need to battle on. Praise God.

Fearless Friday

Please join me today, as I pray for all those that have lost their jobs, and cannot find work. Sadly, so many are experiencing this. It is very scary, not knowing if you will be able to pay your bills, or feed your family. So many, have lost their cars, and homes, due to the economy. Christmas is not filling their hearts with joy, but with major stress. Wondering, if they will be able to buy any gifts at all, for their dear children. Please realize, how very blessed you are, and bend a knee, for those hurting.

Caroling 7- While You Were Sleeping

I am joining a Caroling Blog Hop at Peggy's - aMazing Grace,,,Mazes, Messes, Miracles. Won't you join us in caroling across our blogs, until next Saturday. Just list a favorite carol, and sing along as you go. I hope you will join us.                      Do you realize all that happens, while you are sleeping? The world continues to go on, as you are dreaming, snoring, ect.Huge events take place while you are sleeping.  On the night Jesus was born in a manger, people were sleeping, unaware that the Saviour was being born,  who would save their souls, and make them whole. Years later, as Jesus hung dying upon a tree, to set us free from our sins, and death, people once again, were sleeping, unaware of the event. One day, or night, very soon, Jesus is coming back to get His bride. Are you going to be sleeping, unaware, in the dark, your light totally put out? I pray your not, instead, keep your light brightly shining, let Jesus know, you are watching, and waiting, with much anticipation.

Thankful Thursday

On September 5th, I had a stroke, which has changed my life in some ways, but , I feel it was changed for the better. I feel that I have been dancing through my life, every since the stroke happened on Labor Day. I have the greatest dance partner, He has many names, Healer, Great Physician, Savior, but, I call Him Jesus.  He is very light on His feet, and is constantly lifting me off my feet, and carrying me. He has taught me much about this dance we have been doing together, my life dance. He has taught me how to roll with the punches, twist and shout through the good times, keep my head up, and eyes totally focused upon Him, my life partner. He has promised to never let me down, and if I start to fall, He will quickly be there to pick me up. This morning at 10:15, I have an appointment with my neurologist to find out the results of my recent MRI. What will I find out? Is my brain still swelling? Is that blocked artery in my brain still 100% blocked?  Are there other blocked arteries in my brain? I have no clue, but that is ok. My dance partner knows, and He will be right by my side at the appointment. Whatever news I find out, I am still looking forward to many more dances, with my Jesus.                                                                                             

Caroling 6-Where Are You Christmas?

I am joining a Caroling Blog Hop at Peggy's - aMazing Grace,,,Mazes, Messes, Miracles. Won't you join us in caroling across our blogs, until next Saturday. Just list a favorite carol, and sing along as you go.   Sadly, that is the question that so many people are asking this year, after losing their job, becoming homeless, or finding out that they, or a loved one has cancer. Some are laying in a hospital, sick, hurting, crying out, Where are you Christmas? My prayer for them, and for you my brothers, and sisters, is that you would look inside your hearts, deep down, find the love, joy, and comfort that Jesus put there, when you accepted Him, as your Saviour. Then, you will once again, know where Christmas is. It is inside of you. Go, give it away, to those who do not know Jesus, share the Christmas gift with them.

Word Filled Wednesday

Amen, amen. Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed. Save me, and I shall be saved, for Thou art my praise.  Yes, You have healed me more than once, I will forever sing Your praise. Thanks for saving my soul, as well as, my life. I love You.

Caroling 5_ Happy Birthday Jesus

I am joining a Caroling Blog Hop at Peggy's - aMazing Grace,,,Mazes, Messes, Miracles. Won't you join us in caroling across our blogs, until next Saturday. Just list a favorite carol, and sing along as you go.                        Happy Birthday Dear Jesus, I am so very, very thankful that You were born. You are my forever favorite Christmas present. I love You with all of my heart Jesus.

Caroling 4- Go Tell It On The Mountain

I am joining a Caroling Blog Hop at Peggy's - aMazing Grace,,,Mazes, Messes, Miracles. Won't you join us in caroling across our blogs, until next Saturday. Just list a favorite carol, and sing along as you go. I hope you will join us.

                                                                                   Amen, Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills, and everywhere, Go tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born. We should tell the great news everywhere we go, Jesus was born, He is real. The Bible is not a fairy tale, it is a true book, filled with the truths of our precious Saviour. So, go tell it to a hurting world, share the wonderful story of Jesus.

In Other Words Tuesday

“ Can we see that we are the shepherds?
Can we with open eyes,
see who we are,
and who He is, and what He has done?
Are we amazed?”
Rev. Mark Shaw                                                                                                                    I have always thought that the shepherds were so blessed to be visited by the angels, announcing that Jesus was born. As they traveled to visit the precious baby Jesus, how excited they must have been. What was their greatest job, after seeing the baby Jesus?  To proclaim the greatest news ever, to share Jesus with others. To show, and share, their amazement with others.  Are you excited to know Jesus? Do you stand in amazement , knowing that Jesus is real, He lives, and He is coming back soon for us.? Do you realize that you are a shepherd, and you need to spread the good news, Jesus is no longer a baby in a manger, but He will forever be, the greatest gift ever given to the world. Amen!!

So This Is Christmas-Caroling Blog Hop

                                     I am joining a Caroling Blog Hop at Peggy's - aMazing Grace,,,Mazes, Messes, Miracles. Won't you join us in caroling across our blogs until next Saturday. Just list a favorite carol, and sing along as you go. I hope you will join us.  I love this song, really makes you think. So, this is Christmas, and what have you done?? Going shopping on black Friday, having all your gifts bought, and having everything you are cooking for Christmas dinner, that is not what the song is talking about.  Have you reached out to another fellow human being this season, that is really in need of a friend? Have you donated toys to needy children? Coats, or food, to needy, homeless families. Dig deep, think of others, not yourself.  Share the greatest gift of all, Jesus, and His love.                                                                  

Wonder-Filled Day

Hello  my sweet friends, praying that you have all enjoyed your weekend. I know I have. My niece, Kelli, that I have loved like a daughter, since the day she was born. Called, and asked me if I was free. I said, yes, why?  She said she had several errands to run, and would Eddie and I, like to keep Zachary for a few hours.  Woo Hoo, of course, I said. Zachary is my precious great nephew, love him more than words can say. So, she dropped him off at our apartment, and away we three went to Walmart. Of course, the first thing we did, was put a huge bottle of apple juice in the buggy, he inhales that stuff, lol Then, Uncle Eddie burnt rubber straight to the toy department, Zach, was sitting up front in the buggy, giving Eddie driving directions.  Aunt Nesie was trying her best to speed walk beside the buggy, Zach kept saying, in a very loud, but oh, so cute voice, Come on Aunt Nesie, toys, toys!! When we got to the toy department, we had to go down every aisle, not once, but twice.  We had to stop every time he spotted something that grabbed his attention, which was quite often.  He has suddenly becoome interested in spiders, his mom bought him one a couple of weeks ago. So, Aunt Nesie was on the hunt for spiders, and I finally found one.  He was so excited, spider, spider, woo hoo. Well, we left Walmart, but not before buying Zach, apple juice, a spider, a frog, a dinosaur, and a big helicopter. He was so happy, could not wait to get back to our apartment, so he could fly his big helicopter with Aunt Nesie.  It was a fire department rescue helicopter, that made it even better. His dad is a fireman.  He kept saying, Aunt Nesie, I am going to fly you to the stars, way up in the sky, and then to the hospital, to get you all better. Bless his precious heart. When his mom came to pick him up, he said, no, I want to stay with Aunt Nesie, and fly my helicopter. As they were walking out the door, he kissed me, hugged me, and said, thanks for my helicopter, I love you Aunt Nesie.  I had a wonder-filled day , through the eyes of Zach.  Thanks Lord, for blessing my life with Zach.  I truly enjoyed the helicopter ride!!

Saturday Healing Verse: Psalm:103:2

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: who forgives all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases …” (Psalm 103:2)  Lord, I could never, and would never, forget all of Your benefits. You bless me daily with Your love, and forgiveness. I am just one imperfect woman, but You blessed me with the precious gift of Your salvation. You have healed me more than once, and continue to watch over my health. Thank You will never be adequate, but I will forever praise Your holy name, and give You the full ownership of this womans life. Amen

Fearless Friday

Please join me today, and pray for lost souls all over the world. Also, pray for those, that have wandered away from the Lord. May they turn back toward home, and run straight into their Father's welcoming arms. Whether, you are lost, and need to give your heart to the Lord, or you need to start over, and rededicate your live to Him, do it soon. Do not keep putting it off, time is running out. He is waiting, and watching, please come home.                                                                       Salvation is a gift from God, that will enable you to spend eternity in Heaven. To receive this gift, you need to accept Christ into your life, repent of your sins, and begin living a life that is pleasing to God. If you feel you have done too many bad things for God to forgive you, you are wrong. Whether you are old, or young, rich or poor, a liar, a thief, an adulterer, a murder, and so on, if you truly repent in your heart and accept Jesus, YOU WILL BE SAVED....                  Please feel free to pray the prayer of salvation that is on my blog. If you do, please share this happy event with me, sweet blessings to you.          




                                                        

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for God's protection.. Yesterday, I had to have an ultrasound done on my legs to check for blood clots. God was right there in the room with me, watching over me. The news was wonderful, no blood clots. Friday, I go for an MRI on my brain, to check the swelling in my brain, and to look at the blockage. I know God will be right there in the room, controlling the results. I feel so safe and secure, under His protection. I love Him, and appreciate how He always watches over me. I pray you are protected by Him too, if not, I can tell you how you can be.

Word Filled Wednesday

As a new year will soon be here, I want to totally rededicate myself to my Father.  I love Him, and His people so much. At Christmas, and continueing throughout the New Year, I do not wish to receive gifts, but, instead, I wish to give away gifts.  These gifts do not cost a dime, but are priceless. I want to give my time, my love, my heart, my encouraging words, and the plan of salvation to those in need. I do not want to be selfish, and think of me, me, me. I want to stretch out my arms to a hurting world, and offer refuge, by sharing Jesus. Please join me, together, we can all make a difference.

In Other Words Tuesday

“ We can thrive —
and even offer life-giving rest to others —
because God is at home in us.”
Bonnie Gray                                                                                                                      If God is truly at home in us, then we will be at rest. We should seek out those suffering , and in great need of rest. Pouring out His love and care upon others, will allow them to enjoy the rest, that only He can give. Do not be selfish with the precious life-giving rest that you have been blessed with. There is a hurting, dying world outside your window. Be ready, and willing to share His love, and gift of rest to others. You both will benefit.
                                                                                                        

Marriage Monday-Our Engagement

November, 1984, my prince charming, otherwise known as Eddie or Lovebug, took me out for a wonderful dinner. When he took me home after our dinner, I could tell he was very nervous, because he was so quiet. We sat in the car talking, and then I told him I had to go inside. He said, no, not right now. I said ok, what is it honey? He got out of the car, came around to my side, and helped me out.  We walked over by a tree that stood in the yard. Eddie got down on one knee, my heart begin to pound very fast in my chest, as my eyes filled with tears. He softly said, Sweetheart, you know that I love you right? I said, yes, and you know that I love you. He took my hand in his, and said, will you please make me the happiest man in the world, by saying you will spend the rest of your life with me? Will you marry me, and become Mrs. Oldham? I could not believe what was happening, I was so happy. I dropped to one knee, looked him in his gorgeous eyes, and said, will you marry me, and make all my dreams come true? We both said yes at the same time. We then hugged like what seemed forever. On April 6th 1985, two hearts became one, and our love continues to grow. 

Award Time

Thank  you dear Joan at http://www.reflectionsofhisgrace.com/  for blessing me with an awesome award called tell me about yourself award. Here are the rules. (1) Thank the person who gave you the award, (2) reveal seven things about yourself, and (3) Pass the award on to 5 other bloggers. Leave a comment on each blog, telling them that you’ve nominated them for this award. Ok, here are seven things about me: 1) I love hot chocolate with cool whip on top of it. 2) I love bubble baths, so do my rubber duckies. I have yellow, pink, and purple duckies. 3) Christmas is my favorite holiday. 4) I love to eat cold pizza for breakfast. 5) I love to sing. 6) I love to write poetry. 7)  I love to dance, when nobody is watching. Now, I would like to share this award with the following people. Lon at http://throughChristJesus.blogspot.com/  Sharon at http://sharonsharinggod.blogspot.com/  Jocelyn at http://inthepalmofhishand.blogspot.com/  Devita at http://paintyourlife.blogspot.com/ Anne at http://annesphamily.blogspot.com/

Go Home

Hello brothers, and sisters. I pray that you all had a very blessed Sonday. Please know that you are all loved so very much. God created you, so that He could love you, and have fellowship with you. If you have wandered away from Him, He is waiting with arms opened widely to embrace you. Come home, all who are weary. He will give you sweet rest, and peace. Do not cry out to men for help, they are just mere men, they will fail you, and let you down. God will never fail you, and only uplift you. He is waiting, all you have to do, is go home, go home.

Saturday's Healing Verse: Deuteronomy 32:39

Deuteronomy 32:39

New International Version (NIV)

  “See now that I myself am He!
There is no God besides Me.
I put to death, and I bring to life,
I have wounded, and I will heal,
and no one, can deliver out of My hand.                                                                            Father God, there is no God, besides You. You alone are my healer, and my true Physician. You give the Doctors their wisdom, and ability to do their job. You give life, and You take life, You are our creator. Only You know the number of days we have in this world. Sometimes, You wound us, to wake us up, to show us what we need to do to change our lives before it is too late. But, You also heal us Father, and I am a living example of Your healing powers. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

Fearless Friday

A stroke occurs every 45 seconds, affecting approximately 700,000 Americans each year, according to the American Stroke Association. Stroke remains the third leading cause of death in this country.
With strokes occurring so often, it is important to be able to recognize the symptoms of stroke in order to obtain treatment early on—when it is most important.  The most crucial key to recovery is immediate medical attention. Whether it is you or someone around you that experiences these symptoms, it is critical that someone calls 911 right away.
Many people associate pain with a stroke. However, that is not common. “Most people have weakness, trouble with speech or walking or coordination problems,” says Fred G. Wenger, DO, medical director of the Emergency Department at The University of Tennessee Medical Center. “A lot of it will depend on where the stroke is located.” Stroke warning signs are indications that the brain is not getting enough oxygen. Call for help immediately if you or someone around you experiences one or more of these signs.

• Sudden weakness, paralysis or numbness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden onset of double vision, dimness or loss of vision
• Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding language
• Sudden severe headache without apparent cause
• Unexplained dizziness, unsteadiness or loss of balance, especially in combination with other signs

It is easy to misinterpret these symptoms since they could be symptoms of other conditions, so it is imperative to get to the hospital and receive a proper diagnosis and treatment. For treatment to be most successful, a patient should be treated for stroke within the first three hours of the onset of symptoms.
Sometimes people will experience stroke symptoms that disappear within a few minutes. These transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or mini-strokes are caused by temporary interruptions to the blood supply of the brain. TIAs are a pre-sign of stroke and should not be ignored. “Many times symptoms will be gone long before the person goes to the emergency department,” Wenger explains. “Five percent of people who experience a TIA will go on to have a stroke in the next 48 hours. In the next 30 days, that number rises to as high as 10 percent. That is not minimal.”
About one-third of people who have a TIA eventually will have a stroke, one-third will continue to experience occasional TIAs and the final third will not experience further symptoms. Your doctor will perform tests to determine the cause of TIAs and treat the problem through surgery or medication, if possible.
Being Prepared
There is no way of knowing when a stroke will occur. However, there are critical actions that can happen in case of the onset of a stroke.
If you start to show signs of a stroke, be prepared to take action.

• Do not ignore warning signs , even if they go away.
• Record the time the first symptoms began. Timing is critical, because it determines which medications can be given.
• Record how the first symptoms began.
• Do not eat or drink anything. One of the problems associated with stroke is difficulty swallowing, so eating or drinking could be dangerous.
• Collect any medications that you currently are taking. (Bring the bottles, if possible.) If the bottles are not available, write them down along with the dosages or be sure to tell the paramedics or emergency department.
• Call 911 right away. Do not try to drive yourself to the hospital.
• If someone around you may be having a stroke, take action for them by calling 911 right away.

Prior to ever having a stroke, you can make preparations. “Emergency department professionals would love to know the patient’s medical history and all of their current medications,” Wenger says. “Sometimes things that do not seem relevant could be extremely important.” The following tips will help you be prepared in case of a stroke.

• Be sure to keep a record of any medications you may be taking.
• Prepare a health record that is easily accessible in an emergency and include doctor names, previous surgical procedures and health conditions.
• Prepare a list of emergency phone numbers near the phone or in your wallet or purse.
• Find out which hospitals are nearest you and which ones have stroke centers with 24-hour care. UT Medical Center offers the highest level of technology, the best trained physicians and nurses and a stroke team available 24 hours a day.

Most Likely Stroke Victims
Anyone can experience a stroke. Strokes can occur at any age and in any race or gender. Your risk of stroke, however, doubles every 10 years after the age of 35. Risk factors that you cannot change include age, race, gender, family history of strokes and any prior heart attacks or strokes.
Although anyone can have a stroke, certain risk factors may increase your chances including the following.

• High Blood Pressure
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Atrial Fibrillation
• TIAs
• Obesity
• Excessive Alcohol Use
• Some Illegal Drugs

Even though there are treatments for stroke, prevention is key. Wenger concludes, “Smoking cessation and hypertension management, would be so much more effective and efficient than trying to treat stroke after one occurs.”
If you or someone around you is experiencing symptoms of stroke, call 911 immediately. To find out if you are at risk for a stroke, make an appointment with your doctor or call 1.877.UT.CARES (1.877.882.2737) to make an appointment today!        Please join me today in praying for all those that have been affected by stroke, whether it be yourself, a friend, or a dear loved one.  Ask God to bless over them, and continue to heal them.

Thankful Thursday

From the rising of the sun, until the setting of the sun, Your name is to be praised.  I praise You Father for everything. I praise You for this new day, and the breathe You blew into me this morning, granting me another day of life. You allowed me to be able to get out of bed, and walk into the other room. I praise You for the use of my legs. I praise You for my vision, so that I am able to see the beauty of this new day. I praise You for my hands and arms, even though, due to my stroke, I can only feel the right arm, and hand that is ok. I can still raise them all towards heaven, and give You the praise that You are so deserving of. I give You praise for my heart, that is filled to overflowing with love for You. Soak it up Father, it is Yours.