Lightning Strikes – Journal Entries 2019 October 13-15

Oct 13

7:19a- didn’t hardly sleep last night tossed & turned all night trying to get comfortable. Whole body hurts. Sinuses severly congested. Hard to breath. Face hurts. Rt hip throbbing. Chest pain has eased some. Neck hurts. Had nightmare when I did sleep. 

Don’t want to get up.

2:00p- I’m exhausted and hurting. Taking a nap…or trying at least. 

3:00p- Keep tossing and turning. Hard to sleep when you hurt so much. 

Thyme tea apparently has a lot of benefits.

Haven’t read artilce yet but I did feel better less dizzy when I was drinking it.

5:30p- rt hip throbbing 7/8 can’t sit comfortably or stand comfortably. Took 3 ibuprofen. Apply cold pack on hip. 

Headache 5; Neck 5. Applied pain roller to back of neck 

8:30p- headache now 9/10. Taking migraine rx and going to bed. Indigestion. Taking 4 papaya enzymes.

9:00p- migraine still bad. Applying heating pad to head & ice pack to back of neck. Still in bed. Had kids get them for me. Indigestion burning. Chewing 1 tums.

10:30p- migraine beginning to ease. Pain in rest of body from neck to toes increasing. Now 9/10. Taking cyclobenzaprene (sp?). I know it as Flexiril easier to spell too. Still have indigestion. Taking 4 more papaya enzymes.

11:10p- pain in body feels like I’m being stung all over!!! Taking 2 Ibuprofuen. Hoping the muscle relaxer kicks in soon bc that will knock me out of my misery for little while.

Oct 14

7:00a- woke at 4ish tossing and turning to get comfortable. Fell back asleep. Woke at 7am. Whole body stiffy and achy. Trouble waking still tired. Muscles randomly twitching thru body. 

Went to bathroom and laid back down.

9:00a- brewed cut of hot tea. Sat on chase lounge to sip. Back hurting 5 – low back throbbing, upper back stinging

10:00a- chest starting to throb 6, rt hip throbbing 5. Taking Naproxen. Applying ice pack. 

Neck aching 5 – applying pain roller

11:30- morning PT exercises. Tired afterwards laid down to rest a bit.

12:30p- son prepared lunch. I ate.

1:30p- son put laundry on bed. daughter helped fold laundry and put it away. Wore out.

Back and arms throbbing. Have headache 5. Need to take Tylenol before it gets worse.

2:15p- Whole body aches. Brain hurts and bit foggy. Legs cramping. Hands swollen and achy. Neck hurts. Low back hurts. Tired. Need to lay down a while to rest.

4:00p- chilly, burning sensation in center of back. Trying to help with dinner just made it worse. Resting on heating pad.

6:00p- rt hip throbbing like toothache. Applying cold pack. Have to keep fidgeting trying to get comfortable. Heads starting to hurt.

9:00p- full blown headache. Feet getting cold. Neck hurts rt side. Rt hip throbbing with pain shooting down rt leg. Back & rt side cramping. Hands ache.

10:20p- Head still pounding. Taking Tylenol. Took night meds (Propranolol, Gabapentin, Cyclobenzaprene, magnesium, calcium d3, & turmeric). 

I don’t like the Cyclobenzaprene. It may help ease the muscle spasms and help me sleep, but I feel like it makes the nightmares wores. 

Oct 15

5:30a- woke around 4:30 from bad dream. Have bad headache. Whole body aches. Rt hip hurting. I’m so tired. If only I could fall back to sleep for a while longer.

6:45a- headache turned migraine. Lights bothersome. Nauseous. Taking migraine rx. Applying cold pack to back of head & heat pad to feet. Feet cold. Laying down in dk room for while.

Ears ringing. Stinging needle pain in forearms & calves area. Rt hip throbbing. Butt hurting.

9:00- I’m very tired & sleepy. Headache has eased though to tolerable range. I’m still nauseous. Sipping on herbal tea hoping it’ll help.

10:00- still nauseous. Trying piece of burnt toast. 

11:00a- a storm must be on coming. I so hurt thru my whole body!!! It feels like all my nerve endings are tingling and I’m being poked with needles eveywhere!!!

My Mom came over to help me prepare a little for my hearing on Thursday. I’ve gotten used to living with this daily pain and trying to work thru it. It’s hard trying to focus on it again to explain to judge why and how it has affected my daily life. It hurts my brain to think so much. My headach is bad again. Ugh!

Leaning on heating pad. Taking Tylenol sinus. Drinking water. Closing eyes for while.

12:00p- put tea on stove to brew and forgot about it. Forgot to put timer on to remind me. Thankfully, Dezirae noticed and turned it off. Jakob willingly finished making it for me. 

12:30p- I need a nap. Probably should eat lunch first. 

1:00p- had daughter make pbj sandwhich bc I’m not feeling well and dizzy. Sandwhich not agreeing with me. Still nauceous. Taking ginger to see if that helps. Oh, I’m out. Ugh!

1:23p- called pharmacy. I’m having allergic reaction to rx. Have to call Dr.

Dry heeving. Laying down for now.

1:30- dry heeving has caused center of chest to hurt and icy sensation to begin in center. Whole body aches. Head hurts. Ears ringing. Mom suggested papaya enzymes.

2:40p- chilling tingling sensation in upper body, arms, and head.

3:50a- bad headache still have, arms and hands stinging pain, dizzy, feet freezing w/socks on, legs throbbing, rt hip aches, stomach hurts, nauseous still slightly. Muscle cramping mid section, throat hurts, sleepy

Dr not read file why not? Allergic to sulfa drugs not she see?? Lord, please help!!

4:07p- Dr finally called back. I’m to stay off the hydrothoro… (can’t recall name) & come in for BP check in one week. Asked so I’m not suppose to take any bp rx or do I go back on the other rx. Answer no stay off the Hydrochlorothiazide (it popped up in auto select) and come in for BP check. Do I need to make apt? No just tell them at front desk you’re here for BP check. 

Decided to check bp. It is currently 135/90 hr 64. 

I just got Bp regulated and doing good. Now this!!! Ugh!! 

6:42p- able hold down dinner so far. Still have bad headache. Nerves stinging thru body. Rt hip throbbing. Face feels flushed. 

My nerves are stinging burning in torso. Wish I knew how to explain the screaming nerve pain pulsating thru my body right now. 

11:00p- just as my headache was easing a thunderstorm decided to roll through causing migraine to flare up. Nerves tensed causing burning sensation in body. I’m so exhausted and hurting. Took 2nd Benadryl still slight nauceous. Took 2nd relpax bc migraine came back. Hope to sleep soon. Lightning keeps making me jump. 

Lightning Strikes – Journal Entries 2019 October 10-12

Oct 10

6:00a- broken sleep. Tossed and turned all night trying to get comfortable.

Woke to rt hip throbbing and low back hurting. 

8:00a- Jordon made me breakfast in bed. So sweet!

Had to have help changing sheets on bed. Headache worse and I’m exhausted and out of breath. Need to lay down a while. Hands and wrists swollen and throbbing. Rt hip & lower back throbbing. Pain shooting down rt leg. Feet cold. Toes tingly.

1:00p- Jordon’s been helping with laundry. Helped make bed. I’m tired. Rt arm throbbing. Head feels foggy. Neck hurts. Rt hip throbbing. Low back aches.

10:50p- I’m exhausted and hurting all over. Rt hip throbbing, back aches, feet cold & tingly, neck tingling in neck.

Took pm meds.

Oct 11

6:00-woken by rt hip pain. Slight headache. 

6:30- went to bathroom. Decided to read Bible on phone. Tired. Rested.

7:00- alarm went off. Hit snooze for 10 minutes. Decided to do morning exercises. 

9:00a- left for Dr apt. 

Bp 100/67 hr 62 oxygen 98 w 199

Dr very confusing to me today. Not for certain she believes me. Thinks some of my symptoms are not lightning strike related. Not sure what that means. Bp is now too low. Changing my rx up. Uncertain what she’s changing bp rx to. Changing tramadol back to naproxen bc of the inflammation issues. Told her I was okay with that. She seemed surprised. Told her it only relieve part of pain anyways. Nothings taken it all away post strike. Mentioned something about muskoskeletal issues not sure what she’s referring to. 

Asked if I was getting any physical therapy. Told her yes. Asked what exercises. Did best to remember (deep breathing, chin tuck, knee rock, half squat, marker exercise, x to x to help with the vertigo, clamshells, bridge but can only do 2). 

Dr asked about headaches. How often take relpax? Had to take 3 migraine relpax in last couple weeks. Asked how often getting headaches. Told her daily but I try not to take anything unless it gets too bad. She said that’s good. Asked what I take. Told her Tylenol. If it gets severe, then the relpax.    

She ended up requesting cbc and comp blood panel. I suspect she thinks I might have diabetes. I wasn’t ready to have blood drawn. I’m tired of that being their go to. I don’t have diabetes. Ugh! I just had blood drawn 3 or 4 months ago. Everything was fine then. 

12:00p- Joe took me to lunch at Chick fil A. Only tables open were by window. Had to wear sunglasses bc sun too bright. It was hurting eyes. Joe has us move away from window. 

1.30p- home again and I’m hurting and exhausted. Laying down for a bit. Pins and needles sensation in back, neck hurts, slight headache, lemonade gave me indigestion. Took papaya. Need a nap. Buttock hurts. Muscles twitching in legs. My whole body aches right now. Oh!! That reminds me. Vehicle pulled out in front of us on Cody rd! It had just rained and road was slippery. Joe slammed on breaks to try to avoid hitting her. I grabbed handle and froze. I just knew we were going to collide. Breaks kept jumping. We came within inches of hitting her. She drove off like nothing happened. Praising the Lord for His protection!!! I need a nap.

**Note to self…I was chewing gum prior to blood draw today. It helps calm my nerves and/or ease pain. It could effect blood sugar results.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/complete-blood-count/about/pac-20384919

https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/comprehensive-metabolic-panel

5:00p-Dezirae helped with dinner. Tried to make biscuits look like pigs for the pigs n blankets. Lol. 

11:30p- really tired. Pain widespread. 

Rt hip throbbing. Headache. Chilly. Hands swollen and achy. Neck hurts. Elbows hurt.

Oct 12

6:50a- I ache all over. Strange dreams. Stuffy nose. I don’t want to move.

Not feeling well. Manage to do morning PT exercises. Rest a while.

11:00a- Dezirae went with me to grocery store to get a few items. Using wheelchair. Got dizzy going around corner. Need to be more careful. Chest starting to hurt just picking up cans of spaghetti sauce off shelf. Ugh! Kind of glad Dr switching me back to naproxen. Tramadol not helping the inflammation issues.

2:00- laying down to rest. Very tired. Need to check notes on what I did for energy. I have none.

3:30p- slept for over hour. Could sleep longer.

7:00p- made myself eat dinner. Not hungry.

8:30p- I’m not feeling too good. Headache. Eyes watery. Hands ache. Lft elbow feels bruised. Feet freezing. Chest burning and throbbing. Rt hip hurting. Nose stuffy. I feel chilled. Joe says forehead is warm. I’m going to bed.

9:30- tossing & turning to get comfortable. I hurt so much. Took pain rx

Lightning Strikes – Journal Entries 2019 October 7-9

Oct 7

5:00a- woke crying from nightmare – dreamt I was struck by lightning amd I felt it!!! Woke to fiery pins and needles sensation all over body especially on left side. Joe comforted me until I fell back to sleep. 

7:00a- I have headache and whole body aches. Hands and arms numb and tingly. Neck throbbing. Toes tingly. Low back aches. Tired. 

5:30p- just folded load of laundry while sitting on bed. I’m exhausted. Arms, hands, back and butt are stinging. Neck hurts. Feet from ankles down stinging. Out of breath. Need to lay down to rest a bit.

10:44p- today has been quite a stressful day and I can feel it so in my whole body!!! I’m hurting quite horribly. Need to destress and find a way to calm my nerves.

Oct 8

2:30a- woken to very sharp stomach pains. Back stinging needle pain. Took me long time to fall back to sleep

7:00a- woke with hands and arms numb and tingly, low back throbbing, lower lft leg tourniquit tighten feeling with some tingliness, toes tingly, rt hip aches, and tired

11:30a- worked on bulletin a little for Sunday = headache. Folded clothes on bed – arms ache, back pins and needles, very tired. Need to rest a bit.

12:21p- laid down for 45 minutes. Still have headache, sinuses congested, hands throbbing, low back hurts, feet cold, and I’m shivering. 

Sitting in chase lounge in LR under blanket to warm up. Took cat nap for 15 minutes.

1:30- attempting to balance checkbook – after several minutes brain gets cloudy causing vision blurry. Muscles in back stinging. Hands swollen and throbbing. Have to take breaks to complete bc it’s giving me headache.

Decide what to make for dinner. Been horrible at meal planning lately. Tell Dezirae she’s going to help me with dinner. 

Errors in writing something twice and forgetting to write things in checkbook. Ugh! Takes me almost two hours to balance checkbook.

3:40p- nerves in arms, hands, legs, feet stinging. Took pain rx. Laying down a while til it kicks in.

4:45p- called atty to discuss hearing. Answered his questions from last phone call that I couldnt answer. Asked if he dealt with brain injury patients before. He asked more questions. I answered to what I thought I understood. Wanted to know why I have nerve pain answered I don’t know. Apparently that’s the wrong answer. Joe was able to be there for last part of call. He asked couple questions. I don’t remember them though. 

Prayers please. Apparently I’m going to need a miraculous intervention to get approved at my disability hearing. If I’m understanding correctly, the doctors at victory did not document everything in my records. Nor did they do proper testing required to prove my disability even though at a friend’s suggestion I requested them (nerve conduction study, etc.). I’m even having trouble understanding questions to answer correctly. The added stress is magnifying my symptoms to which I have trouble explaining why. I am not suppose to answer “I don’t know.”

My faith is certainly being tested and I can only lean on Him because I can no way fix this. 

The fact of having to admit publically that I need help has been really hard for me. It’s been hard enough admitting it to my family and friends. I just want to cry!!! Wait, I already am. 

All of this has caused my pins and needles sensation to magnify all over my body. I end up laying down on chase lounge next to Joe bc I need comforting. I desire as a little child to be told my booboos will be all better soon and everything is going to be okay. 

5:15p- Dezirae is graciously fixing dinner. Taco mac and corn casserole. I partially supervise as I need to sit periodically to ease back pain.  

6:00p- Joe suggests I sit next to him. Jakob rented a movie. We eat dinner a lot in the livingroom because though I like our kitchen table it is very difficult for me to sit on wooden benches for long. I’m not able to sit in same position for long periods of time so I keep fidgeting.

8:00p- I’m so exhausted from pain today that I decide to go to bed early. 

8:05p- I decide to do my night PT exercises to see if it’ll help ease some of pain. 

8:30p- fat chance of pain easing soon. 

8:47p- decide to reach out to couple friends and ask for prayers about upcoming hearing. I’m distraught over it and will be glad when it’s over.

10:57p- still wide awake and hurting from head to toe. Took pain rx amd melatonin. Hopefully, I’ll sleep soon.

11:28p- still awake. 

2 Timothy 1:7For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Philippians 4:6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Luke 1:37For with God nothing shall be impossible.

Lamentations 3:22-23It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.  They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

Oct 9

Fell asleep sometime after midnight. Woke around 4am. Whole body aches. Headache. Took long time to fall asleep. Woke again at 7:00. Hit snooze. Woke at 7:30.

Read few verses on bible app. Got up and used restroom. Sat back on bed. Took morning meds. Got up to get dressed. Told son it was time to get up. Feeling tired so sat on bed to rest. Remembered I needed to do morning exercises. Did morning pt exercises. Tired sat on bed to rest few minutes. Got up to pick hair.

3:00- went grocery shopping with kids. They did shopping. I rode around in wheelchair. Got eyeglasses adjusted. I’m exhausted and out of breath. Slight Headache. Hands swollen, tingly, and throbbing. Low back aches. Legs & feet hurt. Muscles randomly twitching thru body. Back aches. Muscles in arms to elbow burning. Need a nap. 

6:30- Joe & Jordon cooked dinner tonight. Food tasted delicious even though tongue is hurting most of day. Spots on tongue irritated and painful. Head hurts. Pins and needles sensation thru body making me quite tired.

8:00p- took Epsom Salt bath. It’s quite a chore to bathe. Washing hair causes muscles to cramp in arms. Have to take breaks. Washing body hurts arms too. When done, it wears me out and causes shortness of breath. 

Rt hip is throbbing like toothache. Left elbow feels like piece glass stuck in it! Have headache. I’m exhausted. Going to bed am I.

Lightning Strikes – Journal Entries 2019 October 4-6

Oct 4

6:30a- woke to lft arm & hand tingling, much pain in back, & rt ear hurting. 

7:40a- back pain increaseth, neck & shoulder muscles tight causing pain, hands tingly (lft more than rt), muscles randomly spasming in back, butt aches, feet hurt, legs ache, lower lft leg and foot tingly, rt hip hurts

Deep breathing while listening to wholetones music transformation 528.

 11:00a- icy burning sensation in my back, neck muscles very tight and hurting, headache, toes tingling, eyes blurry

12:20p- went to bank & store. Legs throbbing, wore out, nerves pulsating thru body, whole body aches, headache. Icy burning sensation still in back. It hurt my legs to push gas pedal. Low back throbbing. Out of breath.

https://www.healthline.com/health/dysesthesia

2:50

https://howtogeton.wordpress.com/2017/09/19/how-to-answer-the-question-why-cant-you-work/

3:00 whole body hurts. Headache worsening. Taking pain rx. Laying down with eyes covered.

4:00p- pain still there. Hard to lay still. Eyes covered with pillow. Taking migraine rx.

5:00p- pain still there. Not diminished. Migraine still there. Lights bothersome. Rt ear throbbing.

7:00p- Joe & Jordon cooked dinner tonight. Thankful bc I wasn’t up to it. Hurting muchly.

9:00p- chest really hurting. Putting ice on my chest. Headache still there. 

10:59 

http://www.michaeltyrrell.com/life-love-lullabies

These are suppose to help you go to sleep. Playing through samples now. Sound pretty, but with my massive headache not sure if they’re helping. 

Ouch! Sharp pain in elbow. Chest center throbbing. Both feet tingly and hurting. Lower lft leg tourniquit tighten feeling. Low back throbbing. Hands swollen and achy. Joints hurt throughout. Neck hurts.

Oct 5

7:00a- had trouble waking. Had nightmare last night. Apparently it was bad enough that I screamed in my sleep…thought I dreamed it. Joe said he asked if I ok. When I didn’t answer, he hugged me and I told him I had a nightmare. Woke hurting all over as if I’d been in a fight. Muscles very tight. Joe sweet and rubbed my back for a bit. It’s like my muscles are in tension mode and won’t let go. 

Have a funeral to attend today – Sullivan. Hopefully the pain rx will take edge off enough to endure.

1:30p- didn’t think there would be bunch of people at funeral. Started getting anxious. Went and found seat away from crowds. Always leary of being bumped in a crowd and not being able to keep balance and falling. Service went well. Family glad we were there to represent the church. Family thanked us for putting life back into the church.

Back and legs started throbbing. Legs started feeling like lead balloons and throbbing. Low back throbbing. Headache ensued…so many voices. It was hard to focus on person talking in front of me. 

Laying down resting now. Just that little bit wore me out. Nerves tingling thru body. Rt hip aches. Hands swollen and achy. Lft hand tingly. Low back aches. Ringing in lft ear. 

3:30p- ended up sleeping for two hours. Could’ve slept more. 

11:00p- feet freezing. Feel icy to touch. Lower lft leg tourniquit tighten feeling with some numbness. Tingly in lower left leg and all 10 toes. Hands ache. Brain foggy. Rt ear aches. Neck itches and aches.  

Oct 6

12:10a- nerves stinging in neck, back, arms, & hands. Sharp dull pain in rt back as if I’ve been punched. Feet freezing. Toes tingling. Lft hand tingly. Headache. Thirsty. Muscles randomly twitching thru body. Rt hip throbbing. Trouble falling asleep. Taking muscle relaxer.

6:00a- think I finally fell asleep sometime after 1:30a. Both arms and hands numb and tingly. Whole body aches. Headache. Neck hurts. I don’t want to get up.

9:30a- head pounding, rt ear & jaw throbbing, head swirling making balance more unstable, rt hip throbbing, hands and fingers pins and needles, headache

11:30a- headache, brain feels foggy, eyes hurting, trouble focusing, dizzy, eyes feel heavy, exhausted, pins and needlez in hands, rt hip aches, pins and needles in feet, lower lft leg tourniquit tighten feeling with some numbness, neck throbbing

5:30p- brain hurts. Fogg is great. Headache strong. Know I have things that need to be done but I have no clue what they should be. 

9:57p- 82° outside and I I’m freezing like a popsicle!!! I’m shiverring under covers. Hands like icy. Feet & ankles like ice. PJ pants on, socks, and two tops one long sleeved and I’m under a sheet, a blanket, and a comforter. Rt hip throbbing. Head pounding – headache most of day. Lights bothersome. Screen resolution down all way and it’s still too bright. Eyes hurt. Rt side cramping. Neck hurts. Ears periodic ringing. Took pain rx, migraine, & muscle relaxer. Calves cramping.

Are You a Biblical “Influencer?” by Angela Morrow

Happy Happy Monday! I hope you all had an amazing weekend! This week’s devo is “Are You a Biblical “Influencer?” written by Angela Morrow! Please take the time to read and enjoy, I hope this is a blessing to you! I hope that you have a great week!!

Are You a Biblical “Influencer?” – Angela Morrow

An “influencer” is one who has the power to move; in persuading or dissuading; one who leads or directs. I know this may sound foolish, but I just recently have found out what an “influencer” is according to our social media culture today. Honestly, I was not impressed. I found it to be a sad cultural norm. However, not in the sense you may think. I did not find it sad that people in this day and age do the same thing they have been doing for centuries (just by a different name), but rather we have “Christian Influencer” that trying to “influence” others for Christ by doing it the same way the world does it. They use the world’s music, they use the world’s lingo, they use the world’s method of delivery to do what exactly? “Influence” others to be “modest but trendy”, to be “Christian in style”, to “makeup like Jezebel without acting like Jezebel”? Ok, I made that last one up, but it did get me thinking. As Christians, we are supposed to influence people, we are supposed to point people to Christ, right? So, what is your influence? Are you a Biblical “Influencer”?

Paul tells the young preacher Timothy something that I believe can be applied to all Christian believers today, “These things command and teach. Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” I Timothy 4:11-16

Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity…in doing so thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. It We are to be “influencers” but not as the world influences but as the Bible influences. Are you influencing as Christ would influence? Are you setting an example of the believer, the new creature in Christ, that has put off the old man with his deeds? Are you influencing in SELF or are you influencing in CHRIST?

Not only is it important to be an influencer based on the Bible, but it is important that you are influencing the people you should be influencing by order of importance. Your home is your first place of influence.

Are you Biblically influencing your home? As ladies, we all have many different avenues to which we can influence in our homes. Are you Biblically influencing your husband? Husbands need a wife who is influential in gaining her husband’s trust. Proverbs 31:11 states, “The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.” Are you Biblically influencing your children? Children need a strong godly mother influencing them in Christ. Proverbs tells children to “…forsake not the law of thy mother:” on several occasions. Do they see their mother praying? Do they see their mother reading the Bible? Do they see their mother not just going through the motions but living Christ in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity? “She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.” Or do they see their mother on their phone all the time taking selfies? Do they see their mother demanding perfection for a photo? Do they see their mother one way at home and another way in public? What laws are you setting forth for your children to follow? Is it the Book of the Law? (Joshua 1:8, “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”) Maybe you are reading this, and you do not have children or a husband. Are you Biblically influencing others in your home: your parents, your siblings, and/or roommates? All of these people in your life can be encouraged and influenced by your testimony. Just the other day my eldest daughter was praying with a friend on the phone. I was encouraged and influenced by her testimony. My heart grew ten sizes, and I was extremely humbled in that same moment. I told my husband that I wish I was like that at 18. Are you too busy trying to gain followers rather than influencing those in your own home? Are you Biblically influencing your home?

Are you a Biblical influence to your church? Local churches need Christian ladies that want to be Biblical “influencers” at their church. Churches need nursery worker, Sunday school teachers, encouragers, prayer warriors, soul winners, disciplers, gossip stoppers…I think you get the idea. The Bible specifically talks about the older woman influencing the younger. Titus 2:3-5 states, “The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.” Are you influencing young ladies to be discreet (wise in selecting the best means to accomplish a purpose; circumspect; cautious; wary; not rash)? Are you influencing them to be chaste (pure; genuine; uncorrupt; free from barbarous words and phrases, and from quaint, affected, extravagant expressions)? Are you influencing them in charity? Are you influencing them in purity? Are you influencing them to be keepers at home or are you influencing them to be keepers of Facebook or Instagram? Let us raise the next generation in the best book of all, the Bible. Are you Biblically influencing those around you? Are you Biblically influencing your church?

Are you Biblically influencing your town/city? Passing out trats is one the the most important things you can do, but there better be a testimony behind that tract because they are watching you. I was in another city helping with a ladies’ conference. I went to Olive Garden with some other ladies and left a nice tip with that local church’s tract. As I was leaving our witness chased me down and said she was so grateful for the tip. She also stated that typically when the people from “your church” eat here they complain the most and rarely tip. I’ll say that has made me a little more cautious to leave a tract from a local church when dining out. What kind of influence do you have in your town/city? Are you giving your church a good testimony? Are you not just sharing the Gospel, but living it too? Would your neighbors know you are a Christian if you never told them? Would the Lord say, “I know thy works…nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee”? Are you Biblically influencing your tow/city?

Lastly, are you a Biblical influence to the uttermost parts of the earth? Do you spend as much time or more promoting missions as you do yourself on social media? I understand that we cannot go everywhere; I also understand that Facebook, Instagram, etc. are excellent ways to reach the world for Christ. However, if your feed is not doing that, what is it doing? I personally would rather spend my time helping a missionary than spend my time making a post about my style for the month. Maybe you have lost sight of priorities. Are you spending too much time influencing the world that you have forgotten about your home? Think of all the joy you could have if you chose to be a Biblical “Influencer” for Christ. Let’s just get back to that blessed old Book and start raising a generation of Biblical Christ-like “influencer” in our homes first and then across the world.

https://www.sappsolutely.com/devotions/are-you-a-biblical-influencer-angela-morrow

Behold

Isaiah 49:16 Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands;thy walls are continually before me.

When the word “behold” appears in Scripture, it usually means we ware to take notice. This passage should give us the assurance that God delights in us as even our names are graven in His hands.

Lightning Strikes – Journal Entries 2019 October 1-3

Oct 1

5:00a- It feels like I just fell asleep. I’m so tired. Whole body aches.

7:00a- alarm goes off…hit snooze 

7:30a- need to get up. Whole body aches. 

9:40a- 1st load of clothes in dryer, 2nd load in washer, dinner in crockpot. I’m exhausted and hurting. Chest making weird gurggling sound when I breathe occasional. Hands swollen and achy. Rt back neck throbbing, low back aches, lower lft leg starting to feel numbish, head swimmy. Must rest for moment. Need to get ready for TBI.

10:35a- TBI mtg. They’re doing art therapy with occuptional therapy students from South. We are5 design a mask that shows what we’re feeling. I chose lightning bolt in front of the sun, question mark, heart with bandaid, & butterfly. 

3:45p- atty had me in tears. I wasn’t understanding what he was asking and why so I didn’t know how to asnwer questions. He was getting frustrated

Oct ,2

4:00a- woke to muscles cramping in arms, pain in back, shoulders, and center of chest. Headache. Hands swollen and achy.

7:00a- drift off to sleep and get woken by muscle spams. Mine heart faileth. I don’t handle stress well anymore. Having to admit I am unable to do things anymore without it causing much pain breaks my heart.

1:27p- I’m exhausted and hurting. Bad headache. Need to crash.

https://www.fox23.com/news/science/striking-away-lightning-safety-myths/356533760

10:39p- headache, I hurt all over, rt ear throbbing, neck throbbing

https://getpocket.com/explore/item/how-to-survive-a-lightning-strike

Oct 3

6:30a-woke to muscle spams and lft hand numb and tingling, lower lft leg a little numb and tingly, lower back throbbing, muscle spasms in left mid torso   

10:19a- I’m not feeling very good today. Feet freezing. Random muscle spams thru body. Very tired. Going to lay down a while. Headache.

11:30a- intense sharp pain in left side abdomen

12:30p- Need to get up. Not feel right. Bad headache. Whole body hurts.

Bp 105/70 hr 59

Having sharp pains in abdomen. 

6:00p- just about burnt dinner. Smelled something burning. Forgot it was in oven. Ugh!

7:00p- sharp pains under rt arm. Feels like its being dug into. Very annoying and frustrating.

11:21p- whole body aches. Rt ear & jaw throbbing. Entire back throbbing. Lower lft leg tourniquit tighten feeling with some numbness. Hands swollen and achy. Tongue hurts. Head throbbing. Both feet tingly. Neck hurts.

Took night meds, pain rx, & muscle relaxer. 

Lightning Strikes – Journal Entries 27-30September 2019

Sept ,27

1:00p- getting ready for ladies conference this weekend. I’m wore out and out of breath. Rt arm is cramping. Need to rest before we leave.

3:30p- got to check into hotel room early. Went to swim in pool. Able to wade along side of pool until people on other end started getting too roudy and throwing people in pool. Water too choppy and got too much for me. 

Rt arm shooting pain from finger tips to elbow. Chest hurting.

11:30p- back at hotel room. Made goodnight call to Joe. Can tell he misses me. I miss him too but enjoying night with gals. Watching movie with the gals. They’ll probably conk out soon. I’m tired but not sleepy yet.  

Headache. Neck hurts. Feet hurt. Lower lft leg tourniquit tighten feeling with some numbness. Rt hip hurts. Hands ache but not swollen. Rt ear aches. Sinuses seem clearer.

Sept 28

6:30a- 2nd half of ladies conference today. Devotions 1st. 

7:30a- Breakfast at hotel. Woah! Not seen hotel breakfast that busy before. Line out the front door at one point. I had bacon, eggs, potatoes, yogurt, & apple juice. 

8:30a- 2nd breakfast at church. Chick-fil-A minis & Starbucks Ice Coffee. I’m going to regret drinking the coffee later. I’m suppose to be caffeine free, but it tastes so good.

9:00a- conference begins. Music sessions way too loud. I’ve misplaced my earplugs. Ugh! Loud noises cause migraines. 

12:00p- conference over. Decided to check shopping booths out since they wouldn’t be so crowded now. Talked with Debbie Young & Rebecca Henderson. Asked Rebecca if she did custom orders. Explained why…lightning survivor.

1:30p- Mom surprised us and treated us ladies to Olive Garden for lunch. Nice treat. I wasn’t hungry. (I haven’t had much of appetite since the strike.) Nothing on menu looked appetizing. Dezirae wanted specific plate but commented it was too much. I told her I’d half it with her. She agreed. I remember this was/is my favorite restaurant. In my mind, this was where Joe took me on our first date.

3:00p- ladies conference good. I’m exhausted and hurting all over. 

Talked to family for about 1/2 hour once home then went and crashed on bed. I couldn’t push anymore.

7:00p- Joe gentle woke me to see if I wanted to eat dinner. Told him I was still exhausted and hurting. He said I could just sleep. Told him no I need to finish bulletin for tomorrow. 

10:36p- family helped fold bulletins. I’m so exhausted and hurting from head to toe. Told Joe sometimes I wonder if it’s worth it pushing myself thru stuff like this for others benefits when it causes me so much pain. I was encouraged though. Took pain rx & benadryl.

Whole body throbbing. Headache. Feet freezing. Put socks on. Nose runny. Hands swollen and achy. 

Sept 29

11:00a- brain is having trouble processing things today…like the wires are crossed and muddled. Eyes hurt. Muscles in back icy sensation have they, feet getting icy cold- put socks on, headache slightly, vision little blurred, 

Kk says she’s cold so I let her borrow my blanket. 

Rt hip hurts, neck hurts

Sept 30

7:00a- woke up hurting all over and feel quite overwhelmed. I hadn’t even gotten out of bed yet.

8:00a- after reading my Bible, I finally get out of bed. I step on scale. I’ve almost gained back all the weight I’ve lost. 😢 My heart sinks. I know there’s got to be a link between inflammation, pain, and weight but I have no clue how or where to start working on it. 

I head to kitchen and get frustrated bc I feel like my house looks like a bomb exploded. To me, my house is a chaotic mess. Daughter is babysitting today. Boys home sleeping. Kitchen a mess. Laundry everywhere. Checkbook needs balanced so I know what bills I can pay. 

8:35a-Joe reminds me I need to renew tags. Ugh! Today is last day of month! 

https://painfreefatloss.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwz8bsBRC6ARIsAEyNnvpXuje69msSx-BapEXMlgTKR4gXC1es8Aa8d6mzg0sJfa6cqYAGDWAaAteDEALw_wcB

9:20a- It’s my dad’s bday & I have no clue what to get him. I feel like melting down. I retrieve to bedroom bc tears escape my eyes. 

I need to run to my “Heavenly Father” bc He alone can pick me up right now. Because deep inside this armour this warrior is a child. I cry for a while.

10:30a- finally able to pull myself together in order to go get tags renewed. Looking at calendar realized today wasn’t Oct 1 but rather Sept 30. I won’t have a late fee after all which helped to ease my nerves some. 

11:24a- I let Joe know all tags were renewed. He asked me to take car to O’Reilly’s for diagnostic testing. 

12:00p- manager very nice. He printed codes out for me. Asked bc I knew I wouldn’t remember in order to tell Joe.

2:30p- had to lay down to rest a while. I’m worn out from going from short trip. Need cat nap to have energy to make birthday pie for Dad.

10:54p- I’m hurting all over. Random prickly pins and needles pain. Lower lft leg tourniquit tighten feeling with some numbness. Neck hurts. Headache. Hands swollen and achy. Lower back hurts. Shoulder muscles tight. Hot flashes. I’m hot now. Bright lights bothersome. I have phone screen brightness all way down and it’s still too bright. Upper legs ache. Toes tingly. Conversations hard to comprehend. Had to have people repeat themselves a lot today to catch all words they said. Eyes hurt. Periodic ringing in ears during day lasting five minutes or less each time.

Muscles randomly spasming.

Lightning Strikes – Journal Entries 24-26 September 2019

Sept 24

7:50a- rough night. Nightmares. Severe cramping in legs kept waking me. Bad headache. Whole body aches. Severe congestion. Lights bothersome (have brightness turned all way down & extra app on to darken screen and background is still too bright. Muscles randomly spasming thru body. Hands swollen and achy. Rt ear hurts.

Drinking Thyme tea with Oil of Oregano, peppermint and copabia oil. Think I put too many drops of Oil of Oregano bc my tongue and lips are burning. Ugh!

10:00a- brain feels fogged and overworked…worked on May 2018 for my blog. Wish I knew how to just transfer like copy& paste bc it would be so much easier.  

10:30a- Thankful for Teaching Textbooks. I struggle to even figure out word problems anymore. The words on a page don’t make sense at first anymore. Sometimes it makes me feel so stupid. (I know that’s not true bc I’m still smarter than a 5th grader. Lol.) Took me 10 minutes just to understand one word problem before I could try to explain to my daughter how to put said word problem into a formula. My brain needs a break. 

Vertigo kicking. Got dizzy walking down hall.

11:59a- lunch time already! I feel like I’m in slow mode and rest of day is in super speed.

12:30p- I’m exhausted and brain is hurting & swimming. Need to close my eyes a bit. (Ended up crashing for about an hour.)

Sept 25

1:33p- Taught classes today. Easiest one was ASL. 2nd hour I was blessed with 3 amazing helpers. 3rd hour I sat in Life Skills class and was able to assist with proper techniques for job interviews. I am spent and exhausted. Nerves are tingling thru body and I’m jittery all over. Feel a crash coming soon. Need to eat something bc I forgot to eat breakfast. 

Joe has severe sinus infection which caused the elevated blood pressure and vertigo. Dr gave antihistamine and increased bp rx. Wrote him out of work for a week. Can’t afford that right now. Irritates me.

2:00p- Brain hurts. Kids cooked lunch. Having trouble keeping eyes open. Muscles randomly twitching thru body. Rt hip acjes. Low back rt side burning. Head hurts like it needs to be pried open to relieve pressure.

4:30p-didn’t mean to sleep that long. Guess I needed it.

6:30p- family makes dinner & brownie cake for my birthday. That moment when you forget to hold your hair back while blowing candles out and you catch your hair on fire!!! Oh, the stinch!

7:30p- couldn’t stand the stinch any longer. Had to wash hair. 

11:30p- lower lft leg tourniquit tighten feeling with some numbness. Neck throbbing. Rt side neck hurts more than lft. Headache. Jaws ache. Rt ear hurts. Low back aches. Rt hip aching. Middle of back aches. 

Sept 26

9:00a- had trouble falling asleep last night. Ended up taking muscle relaxer. Finally fell asleep sometime after 2am. Slept til 8:50a. 

12:00p- trying to purchase postage label online for package. Made purchase when I was trying to print label the internet glitched and I lost the page!!! How am I going to retrieve label now? I sat there trying to figure out how but got nowhere fast. Frustrated. My mom came over to ask help with a letter she needed copied. She started asking questions trying to help but that just frustrated me more. Ugh! Decided to take break from label situation and help my mom with her letter issue.

Once she left, I chose to call post office to ask for help. Man on other side off phone said he didn’t know how to help me. Gave me another number to call bc the lady there would know how. Called 2nd number to no avail!! Ahh!!! I need to get label printed. 

Decided to google how. Found not the answer I sought. Thought I guess I have to swallow cost though I couldn’t afford it. Asked God to help. Began to go thru steps to purchase new label and found tab to retrieve past labels. Found one I needed. Took me several tries bc the label wouldn’t pull up when I clicked it, but finally able to print original label without having to purchase 2nd label. What a relief! This all took me couple hours of frustration. 

4:00p- Joe decided it would be best for him to stay home bc he was still not feeling too well and still bit dizzy. He asked me my opinion. I told him I was wrong person to ask bc if I stayed home everytime I was to get dizzy or not feel too well I wouldn’t go anywhere. Why? Because if I turn my head the wrong way I get dizzy. Also, if.a storm decides to roll through town without notice I feel plain aweful and like I’m about to pass out.

8:45p- made it to pharmacy just in time to pick up rx for Joe. Met regular pharmacist. She asked how I was doing & checked to see if Drs made progress about my tongue issue. Said her & other pharmacist was talking about lightning today and she told her about me. She began to talk about how bad off I was at first and bragg about how far I have come. I was able to talk to 2nd pharmacist and helper about my lightning strike and the challenges I’ve faced and am working to overcome. Pharmacist said they should write a book about me. I giggled. Able to tell them about my blogging my symptoms and recovery efforts. Also told them about the lightning survivor support group and how much they have helped me.  

Lft lower lg tourniquit tighten feeling with some numbness with some numbness, feet tingly & aching, skin itches especially in neck area, random sharp pain in rt pinky and thumb midday, eyes watery, rt hip aches making it hard to sit comfortably, low back aches, shoulders ache, neck hurts, light headache

Lightning Strikes – Journal Entries 21-23 September 2019

Sept 21

11:51p- almost forgot to write today.

At church from 9am-3pm. Did follow ups today with Joe & daughter. First stop, man given gospel but didn’t want to pray. Second stop, man remembers me. Glad to see us. Joe talked with him little bit. Going to mom’s church. Encouraged him to get baptized. 

Back at church, rested up little then started working on changing out decor for fall. Got side tracked then back to fall decor. Joe studied for sermons tomorrow. 

Then delivered goodie bags to fire fighters and police officers. Then home. Once home, felt wore out and decided to take nap before working on bulletin. Nap only lasted about 20 minutes. Startled by a noise. Couldn’t get back to sleep. Finished bulletin. Started turkey rollups for dinner snack…not really hungry. 

Rt wrist and hand throbbing. Rt elbow aches. Rt side hurts. Back of knees hurt. Lower lft leg tourniquit tighten feeling with some numbness. Exhausted.  Neck hurts. Sharp pain in sides. Feet cold periodically. Tingling in both lower legs. Sinuses congested. Random sharp stabbing pain thru body. Thirsty (didn’t drink enough today). Random muscle spams thru body. 

Sept 22

7:00a- woke from nightmare. Whole body aches. Rt hip throbbing. Muscles pulsating in upper back. Hands swollen and throbbing. Eyes hurt. Tired. 

♫It’s a good thing to give thanks to the Lord and sing praises to His name in the morning He will show His love…♫ wish I could remember the rest. Maybe I’ll just have to write it myself.

9:55a- feeling extra wobbly & dizzy today. Almost fell just walking in auditorium at church. 

10:30- rt hip throbbing. Headache.

11:00a- Do you know how difficult it is to play piano for services when your head hurts and your brain feels like its bouncing on a stormy sea? I really flubbed up on music playing but I did my best. Ears ringing.  Had to sit in pew to support back. Piano bench is extra hard today. Rt hip really hurts.

While playing offertory hymn I was trying to tell Joe that the people not standing. He was busy trying to write me a note to ask if I could play a certain song for the special. When he got up to pray he asked if I read the note. Told him I didnt know he wrote me a note. Read note. At least I know how to play song – Victory in Jesus.

11:49a- rt side of head at my 2 feels like large spike has been driven through. Feet getting cold.

1:00p- feel like I’m going to crash. Need to lay down. Asked Jakob if he would go to dollar store to get me anbesol. Rt jaw throbbing immensely. He graciously got me two kinds. Relief feels good.

1:30p- loud noise stsrtled me just as I was about to dose off. Setting alarm for 3. Have things to do but really need to rest. 

3:45- oops I guess I shut alarm off unknowingly. Needed to rest. Time to make cookies with kids.

6:30- told Joe that dizziness and playing piano don’t mix. He checked my eyes. My vertigo is kicking in. He said eyes are very jumpy. He told me to stop playing. I forgot and did best to play next hymn but quit at last chorus. Played intro to next hymn then stopped. Joe asked church to pray for me bc vertigo kicked in. 

https://www.webmd.com/brain/home-remedies-vertigo

8:30p- had trouble walking down hall. Joe helped me to chair in livingroom. Joe sweet to cook dinner too. 

Needing to wear sunglasses inside. Lights hurting eyes. Lower back & rt hip throbbing like toothache. Headache. 

9:20- going to bed

Sept 23

5:30a- Joe have bad headache causing vomiting. Tried to help but he needs to sleep.

6:30a- take Jordon to work

7:30a- decided I was going to try to do little clean up in kitchen.

Made bisquick mix, coffee cake muffins (name doesn’t match there’s no coffee in them. Things that make you go hmm?), wash some of dishes.

1:54p- exhausted. Need to crash few minutes. Have to leave to take Dezirae to volleyball. It’s away. Not going today couldn’t handle it today anyhow.

2:15p- Woke in time to take Dezirae to vball. 

4:30p- praise Jordon’s co-worker dropped him off at home.

Trouble with ears ringing. At times, it’s like my wjole ear get clogged and I can’t hear out of it. Been jumping back and forth from rt to lft randomly most of day. 

8:00p- cooking dinner late. Asked boys to do dishes. 

9:25p- muscle spams in my lft lip. Ugh!

10:30p- feet freezing & tingly. Headache worsening. Ears have been ringing off and on most of day. Several times left ear seems clogged while it’s ringing. Neck hurts both side. Upper shoylders ache. Back aches. Hands swollen and achy. Random muscle spams thru body. Tired. Dizzy still. Loud noises & bright lights bothersome. Hands feel extra dry & itchy. Rt hip aches. Eyes watery.

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