Lightning Strikes Journal Entries 28-30 June 2019

June 28

8:00a- acutually had a pleasant dream first time in I can’t remember how long. Woke two muscle spasming randomly in body, headache. I think my muscles are stuck in the state of spasm

845a- folded two loads of clothes that have been sitting for 2 days. Why do my arm muscles have to burn so much when folding clothes, upper back muscles throbbing, headache more intense. Need to lay and rest until burning subsides. Going to work on my PT exercises.

https://www.healthline.com/symptom/muscle-spasticity

5:14p- PT went well. Blair encouraged we’re moving in rt direction. Stopped at Walmart to get few things but they’re remodeling dairy section. Frustrating! Decided to go to Rouses. Severe thunderstorm rolled in. Now stuck at store. Tried to warn people it wasn’t safe to be near the windows while it’s lightning. I know first hand bc I was struck by lightning. They paid me no mind. Ugh! Called Jordon to make sure he’s ok. Told him to unplug computers. Trying not to freak out. I need to go to my safe place. Muscles tense. Back muscles burning. Legs and feet throbbing. Muscles in legs spazzing. Rt hip throbbing.

Texted Joe to let him know what was going on. Told me to stay safe. He texted several times to check on me.

My phone started acting up and wouldn’t send textes back to him. He started getting nervous if I was safe.

He called once off work to check on me. Tried turning phone off and on twice to no avail. Deleted last two apps downloaded – no avail. Finally updated apps (hadn’t thought to do that in a while). Finally texts went through.

6:00p – When he got home, he gently scolded me telling me I needed to overcome my fears of storms. I can’t let them control my feelings. Not exactly what I wanted to hear but knew it was true. I used to be the strong one. I used to be fearless knowing Christ was by my side, but now I have allowed fear to overcome me. He suggested I start quoting scripture when I get scared. He then gave me big hug and kiss and told me he loves me.

I on the other hand just wanted to be held and assured that everything was going to be okay. I did not like hearing the truth bc it hurt. But I know I need to get a grip. The struggle is real. How does one overcome? By leaning on the everlasting arms of Jesus and allowing Him to be your shelter in times of storms. I know all of this. Relearning how to practice and apply it in daily life is what I must do.

June 29

7:00 scared myself awake in midst of nightmare – dreamt something was ripping my big toe off – I jerked awake b/c I literally felt sharp pain in rt toe like it was being ripped off. Severe pain in toe for several minutes after waking.

After came aware of surroundings, noticed Joe was holding me. I felt relieved and sense of peace knowing he was near me. Thanked the Lord for him.

7:45a- soulwinning cancelled due to thunderstorm

8:00a- morning PT exercises

8:26a- headache, watery eyes, sensitive to lights, whole body aches, hands swollen and achy, muscles randomly twitching thru body, neck hurts. Need to get up. Need to figure out breakfast.

8:45a- getting up for day lost my balance and fell into dresser. Hit my left arm. That’s going to be a bruse.

9:23a- strawberry lemon coffee cake in oven. I’m exhausted. Rt elbow throbbing.

12:56p- cut my rt ankle and don’t know how. It hurts & burns. Hmm?

3:50p- wore out. Laying down a piece. Keep jerking myself awake.

8:00p- apparently when I tripped earlier kicking the step stool in kitchen (peripheral vision not quite right yet) I sprained my rt foot…now it’s little swollen and throbbing like toothache. Propping it while working on bulletin.

11:59p- intense pain thru body. Stinging sharp pain in rt hand and wrist. Low back & neck throbbing. Eyes watery. Sneezing. Left lower leg slight tourniquit feeling with some numbness. Rt hip throbbing intensely. Trouble getting comfortable. Taking muscle relaxer.

This might help you understand what’s going on or possibilities to expect since your strike. Read it at your own pace. Don’t try to tax your brain too much right now. Rest is important for recovery.

https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-medical

June 30

7:00a- woke thinking we overslept. Trouble getting moving…whole body aches.

I can hear birds singing in the tree tops in the distance outside. They sound wonderful.

♫ It’s a good thing to give thanks to the Lord and give prasies to His name in the morning we will shew His love…♫

1:28p- my brain feels like it’s being tossed to and fro on a stormy sea – really hard to focus. I’m exhausted and hurting. Need to take nap.

4:00p- laid down for over an hour never fell asleep but rest was helpful.

Hung 2 tapestries in fellowship hall. Began decorating for 4th July. Worked on scripture journaling theme for July and posted.

8:00p- Reni tickled me so today. She wanted to sit with me in church tonight again. I was holding hands in lap. She looked at them and told me I looked just like her Mom. I chuckled (we look nothing a like) and asked her why she thought so. She replied “Cuz of your hands. They look like my mom’s.” I said, Ok. Thank you and love you too. She made my day.

11:25p- I’m exhausted and hurting. Hands tingly and numbish. I’m freezing. Joe said my hands feel like ice. Pain rx wearing off and it doesn’t feel good. Brain feels taxed. Feel like I spent all my energy plus some today. It wasx good day though.

Lower left leg tourniquit tighten feeling with some tingling. Low back hurting. Neck hurts. Noises irritating. Lights bothersome.

August 24, 2021August 19, 2021

Lightning Strikes Journal Entries 26-27 June 2019

June 26

5:00a- scared awake. Joe needed the car keys (I forgot to hang them up). Muscles began to spasm. I hurt everywhere.

8:00a-Took over an hour of deep breathing and listening to music to fall asleep for one hour.

8:45a- called DMV to schedule apt for Jordon to get his permit. Lady told me it’s all done online. I excused myself and had to explain that a had a TBI and tried yday but couldn’t figure out how to do it. Lady asked me to hold a minute. When she came back, she was kind enough to do it for me while I gave her the info. I hated having to admit that new things are difficult to comprehend, but at least I was able to make him an apt. It’s a surprise.

11:49a- Not a happy camper. At eye Dr’s office for Dezirae, been sitting in waiting room 1 1/2 hours. The longer I sit the tighter my muscles get and more pain it causes and more agitated I get. Turned on music on phone. Applied pain roller blend to my neck.

Ended up being at Dr’s office for almost 3 hours. I’m hurting horribly.

4:00p- had to meet missionaries at church. Jordon mowed yard for littlle bit until Joe needed to get inside house. Really need to find his keys.

9:49p- so worn out that I crashed out on chair in livingroom around 7:30ish. Joe woke me at 9 to go to bed. Every fiber of my being is screaming pain! Tears leaking from eyes. I’ve over done myself the laat few days. Completely exhausted. Managed to invite few friends over for Jordon’s 16th bday on Monday. Don’t want him to miss out bc I’m not feeling up to it. Gotta figure out what to get him.

June 27

7:50a- woke to intense pain in entire back. Muscles randomly spazzing thru body. Neck throbbing. Headache. Tears leaking from my eyes. Overdoing it is not worth the pain. Take me a bit but need to get moving to see if it’ll ease. Need some herbal tea.

1:50p- burning papers put me out of breath. Need to rest a moment to catch breath then get ready for church. Have to make list of things to bring or otherwise I indubitably will forget. Dizzy. Hands sharp pains. Bent over too far now low back & shoulders painfully throbbing.

Doc has me switching pain med and it seems my pain is more intense now. Hopefully, it’ll kick in and ease pain. If only I could find there were an herb that reduces pain without long term side effects. Still looking.

5:30p- attempted to lay down and rest a bit. I’m still hurting muchly (I know that’s not right verbage but can’t think of word at moment). Friend called to talk and asked prayer.

7:30- neck pain, rt hip throbbing, back hurts, brain feels like its floating hard to focus. Asked God to help me play piano – can’t focus on notes and keys

11:17p- I’m hurting and exhausted.

August 24, 2021

What the Future Holds

by Dr. Paul Chappell

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. Psalm 23:4-6

I’m sure you’ve seen the photo sections in newspapers where they ask various people to respond to a question. I recently came across one where they were asking people how they viewed what lies ahead. A thirteen year old girl said, “My computer screen is brighter than my future.” There is no question that we live in a time of great uncertainty and confusion regarding what will happen next. Things that people counted on as stable and long-lasting proved to be anything but reliable. People we expected to remain steadfast faded away. It is no wonder that many people are unsettled and fearful concerning the future.

As believers, our trust is not to be in men, institutions, or our resources, but in God. When we recognize that He is in control and provides His mercy to accompany us every day, we realize there is no need to be fearful regarding the future. Our lives may be filled with hardship and difficulty, but we will never be forsaken by the Good Shepherd. We can always rely on Him to both know what is best for us and provide for all our needs. Corrie ten Boom said, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”

When we allow worry and fear to control our thinking and our actions, we are demonstrating a lack of faith. The promises of God are certain and sure, and our future is settled. We do not see what lies ahead, but God already knows. We simply need to trust in His love and care for us every day.

Today’s Growth Principle:

The faithfulness of God is the foundation of our hope for the future.

https://devo.paulchappell.com/

August 22, 2021August 19, 2021

Lightning Strike Journal Entries 24-25 June 2019

June 24

11:53a- Received call from Dr. I do NOT have yeast in my throat! It doesn’t explain bumps on tongue and down throat. While it’s good news, guess I’ve perplexed Dr’s once again. Lol

12:00- Chiro apt in Pensacola, FL. Did spinal scan and xrays. Have to make apt to come back for follow up apt. Gave me copy of read out. Funny thing is the spot that read normal is where I hurt when I lift my arms for any length of time.

Everyone was really friendly even the dog. Pleasantly surprised to see scripture on the walls. Got impression it’s for rich people though. At least first 2 visits are paid for already.

5:30p- met missionaries at church. Family helped me with putting vinyl letters on VBS banner. Guys hung it for me. I am hurting!!! Feel like a decrepit old granny (except I’m not even a granny yet haha). Pain hurts none the less.

6:00p- I’m spent no more go in me. Suggested to family leftovers for dinner.

8:00p- I passed out on chase lounge in livingroom for over an hour.

11:27p- took 2 Tylenol and muscle relaxer. Doc wants me off the Naproxen. Called pharmacy earlier today. New pain rx not ready yet. I sure hope it helps ease my pain.

Muscles cramping thru body tensing up while lying in bed. I hurt so much that eyes are watery. Pain from head to toes. Headache, neck throbbing, shoulders & upper back aching, low back throbbing, muscles in legs tense and crampy, calves ache, feet and ankles ache, hands swollen and achy, thirsty, rt ear hurts, left ear ringing off and on, muscles twitching on face

June 25

6:45a- Oh, the pain! Why do I have to hurt so bad upon waking? Woke from nightmare. Hurt from head to toe throbbing pain. Level 9

8:00a- fasting blood work this morning…not sure if I should take pain rx…wish I could but I’ll play it safe

https://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/fasting-blood-tests

12:45p- attending funeral/celebration of life for Dr Phillip Shouppe. Around 300 people attended. He certainly left behind a positive legacy for his family, friends, and patients alike. So many people showed that they had to add chairs and even then over 50 people were standing.

30 plus years of service as a Chiropractor in the Mobile area. I was his first lightning survivor patient. His family even knew me as such (that tickled me). I expressed to the son that his father was the only Dr that had cared about my recovery. He thanked me and replied that was a good way to be remembered and encouraged me to do the same. Thankful that he knew the Lord as his Saviour and one day we’ll meet again.

My dad put my nerves on tight rope. His driving scared me today. I even watched YouTube videos on way home to keep my brain occupied (if you know me at all, those things irriate me).

10:46p- most of body throbbing pain with eyes slightly watering. Took muscle relaxer…body is so tense. Random muscle spams up and down body. Lower lft leg tourniquit tighten feeling with some numbness in lft foot. Left ankle area swollen. Bad headache. Bright lights bothersome. Low back intense throbbing. Hands swollen and achy.

August 21, 2021August 19, 2021

Lightning Strikes Journal Entries 22-23 June 2019

June 22

7:00a- slept good last night. Still tired. Low back, neck, & rt hip throbbing.

11:45a- had to take it slow on visitation…moving head wrong kept making me wobbly even with cane…almost lost my balance couple times (if it weren’t for cane I would’ve fallen)

2:00p- guys went to Jackson. Dezirae & I watched Hallmark movie. I fell asleep for about half hour. I was tired.

202p I’ve managed to perplex Dr’s once again. Throat culture came back negative – meaning I do not have thrush. While this is good news, it doesn’t explain the lesions on my tongue and down my esophagus.

6:00p- had parents over for dinner. Chicken, rice, peas, & rolls. Enjoyed fellowship.

10:57p- neck throbbing, low back & rt hip throbbing. Feet freezing. Lower left leg tourniquit tighten feeling with slight numbness. Center of chest hurts. Feeling wobbly and uneasy.

June 23

11:26a- can’t figure out why some days it’s harder for me to focus on things than others especially when it comes to playing piano. Rt side started cramping and rear end become painful while playing piano. Wonder if there’s a way to pad the bench tactfully. Have headache causing unlevel feeling. Rt hip aching. I finally have nails painted. Funny how a little thing can brightn your attitude. Center of chest & upper back hurts/aches.

11:55a- rt leg cramping. Sharp pain in rt neck & shoulder

1:45p- need to lay down for a piece…feel lightheaded like I’m crashing

4:00p- tried hanging tapestry by myself

6:30p- realized while playing piano (attempting to anyways) that I forgot to put my shoes back on. Lol

10:44 – just took tick off Joe. Jordon stung by wasp twice. Applied baking soda paste. Keep eye on him…he seems to be okay. Noted tick bite in calendar told boys to check themselves.

My eyes are burning. Bright lights bothersome. Pain level a 7 or 8. Did too much with putting letters on bulletin board and hanging tapestry. Couldn’t finish tapestry…had to ask for help bc lifting arms above my heart cause intense pain in arms, neck, shoulders, and chest.

11:40p-still wide awake in great pain

August 19, 2021

Lightning Strikes Journal Entries 16-17 June 2019

June 16

7:00a – morning! Strange dream midst of Joe scared me awake. Put me in yucky mood. Ache all over. Feet hurt to walk on. Headache but it feels weird. Muscle randomly twitching thru body. Neck hurts. I just want to go back to bed.

8:00a- Joe sweet and put chicken in crockpot for me seasoned. Today’s Father’s Day but I’m not feeling it with kids not here. Glad Jakob’s here.

9:30a- balance very off today. Not feeling right. Let Joe know. Showed! me a storm’s coming

10:30a- taught Sunday School. Lesson was about Joseph’s brother visiting him in Egypt. Taught about kindness, forgiveness as God has forgiven us. (Eph 4:32).

It began to storm with Lightning and thunder. Some of girls were getting scared. To be perfectly honest, I was too but I knew deep inside I had to be brave (I wanted to hide under table).

Reni asked ever so serious like, “Mrs. Melissa, I have question. What are we gonna do about the storm? I’m scared.”

I responded, “It’s going to be okay. We’re just gonna ignore the storm right now and focus on our lesson.” She said, “Ok” and smiled.

Kids just melt my heart. They certainly know how to help change your perspectives.

12:00p- pain in lower back intense

2:50p- just finished lunch up with my Dad, Joe, & Jakob. Only able to wash part of dishes and get most of food put away. I’m hurting so bad! Need a nap. If it weren’t for it being Father’s Day, I’d stay in bed today.

4:00p- working straightening mission house up for next guests on 24th. Made 1 bed. Straightened out linens, & organized kitchen drawers. Back throbbing, out of breath, & exhausted. Have about a week to finish it up.

6:00p- random hiccups

10:50p- I’m exhausted and really hurting all over. Hopefully, I’ll fall asleep quickly and stay asleep.

June 17

9:45a- enjoyed being able to spend one on one time with Jakob this morning. Alone for about 5 hours. Took that time to rest, watch hallmark movie, and start planning lessons for school upcoming.

Washing dishes causes great pain in back and chest.

Attempted to finish a split skirt pattern I started two years ago, but couldn’t figure out how to get started on next step. It was Greek to me. Perplexing.

6:00p- discussed with Jakob decisions he needs to make in near future.

11:59p- struggling to fall asleep even after deep breathing exercise. Keep hearing noises outside.

Low back throbbing, rt hip throbbing, itching, hands swollen and achy, feet ache, lower lft leg tourniquit tighten feeling with some numbness in lft foot,

August 18, 2021August 18, 2021

To live is Christ

August 16, 2021August 16, 2021

How is Your Day? -Lucinda Metsinger

Happy Monday!!! Are you ready for another great week to spend with the Lord?!? This weeks devotion is “How is Your Day?” written by Lucinda Metsinger! Please take the time to read as she shares her heart with us today. I hope you have an amazing day!!!

How is your day?

One of the best things my father ever taught me was, “Never let anyone else decide what kind of day you’re going to have or what kind of person you’re going to be.” He was usually telling me this wisdom when I came crying to him about some ornery thing my brother had said or done. At the time, I just wanted my dad to scold my brother for being ornery. However, he knew that he would not be able to correct every person that came into my life and hurt my feelings or made me cry. My Dad was trying to help me realize that allowing someone else that kind of power in my life was giving them power that only God should have. God, and God alone should be the One to decide what kind of day I’m going to have or what kind of person I’m going to be.

Throughout my life, I have recognized that this wisdom can be used over and over again, not just on ornery brothers, but other prickly people.

– You can use it when it comes to the church lady who has to let everyone know ALL the gossip.

– Use it on the fella who cut you off in traffic.

– Use it when dealing with people who are unkind to your children.

– You can even use it on your willful child who seems to know just the right buttons to push to send you into “Crazy Mommy” mode.

No matter who the person is, they should NOT get to decide what kind of day you are going to have or what kind of person you are going to be. Only GOD should have that power.

Along the way, I’ve also realized that I can use this wisdom when it comes to hard circumstances that come my way. Hard times WILL come. We cannot control when they will happen, but we can decide what our response to them will be. Many things in life can knock the props out from underneath us.

– The loss of a job

– A wayward child

– A cancer diagnosis

– The death of a loved one…etc

Satan will use any number of things to try to make us bitter or angry or jealous or even spiritually paralyzed. As a Christian, we can decide to give God the hard circumstances that come our way, then, sit back and watch Him use them for our good and for His glory. Only GOD can do that!

Don’t let anyone or anything but God decide what kind of day you are going to have or what kind of person you are going to be!

Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Isaiah 26:3-4, Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

https://www.sappsolutely.com/devotions/how-is-your-day-lucinda-metsinger

August 15, 2021August 9, 2021

Lightning Strikes Journal Entries 20-21 June 2019

June 20

5:00a- woke in severe pain in rt hip & headache.

6:00a- took Naproxen, Joe applied pain rub to rt hip area – still throbbing

6:20a- applying ice pack to rt hip. Feet throbbing. Pain increaseth causing tears to leak out eyes.

6:49a- lft ear ringing, head pounding, neck hurts, arms aching

8:30a- took nap. Head still pounding. Took migraine rx. Legs throbbing, neck hurts, rt hip throbbing, muscles spazzing randomly throughout body

1:00p- took 2nd nap.

2:00p- been hard to maneuver bc my legs feel like lead bricks today. Don’t know how to explain or cause. Migraine has eased. Still have slight headache. Things prepped for VBS mtg tonight (I think).

Feeling lethargic and weak presently.

Making D.E. drink. Maybe it’ll give me enough energy for rest of day.

4:00p- leave for church. Kids going to help with mission house. Recvd call letting me know Dr Shouppe, my chiropractor, passed away this morning. 🙁 He was one of only Dr’s that cared about my recovery.

11:55p- wide awake. Lower legs throbbing, tingly. Lower lft leg tourniquit tighten feeling. Lower back & rt hip aches, muscles randomly twitching thru body, neck hurts, hands ache, skin itchy, feet cold, head hurts

June 21

7am- woke from nightmare. Neck & rt hip throbbing, headache too. Muscle randomly twitching.

9:30a- going to The Explorium as family today.

4:30p- saw new Dr today. Joe & I really like him. Very thorough. Did neck xray. Multiple muscle spams down spine from neck to lower back. Throat culture to check type of yeast in order to know how to treat. Took time to ask questions and listen.

He’s surprised that other Drs haven’t done much testing that should’ve already been done. Started today with neck xrays, throat culture (still battling thrush), fasting labs next week. Because I still battle vertigo, he said I most likely have inner ear damage.

Changing pain rx. Wants me off Naproxen as it could be a contributor to the thrush. Keep up with homeopathic/natural remedies for thrush. Increase Echinacea. Glad I’m taking it.

Said other Dr should’ve treated me more strongly in beginning for thrush. Said there’s other things they should’ve already done but haven’t. Dr wants copies of file from other Dr. I told him not sure wants in my file and explained what neurologist suggested. He was appalled. Told him they want to put me on botox, dementia rx, & antidepressants and I refused bc after research I felt side effects would’ve magnified symptoms. He said I did right for me.

Dr willing to learn and work with me treating one thing at a time. He’s okay with me using natural remedies. Dr says I have a good attitude considering all I’ve been thru…lucky to be alive. Told him I told Dr that God still has a purpose for me. Dr said, “He must have bc you’re still here.”

I thank the Lord for answered prayers!!!

6:00p- exhausted! Resting until friends come in from out of town. Going to meet them for dinner.

11:20p- had good visit. I’m exhausted.

August 14, 2021August 9, 2021

Lightning Strikes Journal Entries 18-19 June 2019

June 18

8:00a- rough night. Didn’t fall asleep until after 1am so much pain. Woke every about two hours.

9:30a- made pineapple upside down pancakes for Jakob. They were delicious.

10:36a- its thunderstorming! Every nerve hurts. Extra unbalanced. Sinuses congested in overdrive. Brewing some thyme tea with oil of oregano to help.

1:53p- need to pick up few items from store. Sitting on floor in Wal-Mart. I’m wore out from shopping for few items. No wheelchairs available. Realized I forgot to drink my tea.

2:30p- came home, ate lunch, and crashed for about hour.

10:29p- kids finally home. Whole body aches. Lower left leg numbish.

Rt hip aching. Headache – was migraine earlier but took rx to ease it. Low back aches. Muscles randomly twitching throughout body. Neck hurts. Muscles fewl tight. Having trouble remembering to do things.

June 19

Had tough day trying to get things accomplished. Scatter brained today even with list.

Head & brain on the dizzy side most of day. If move head too fast .

Recvd bad new that my chiropractor had massive heart attack over weekend. Next 24 hrs critical. Prayers for his survival and comfort for the family.

Rt hip throbbing intensely. Arms and lft hand numb. Headache. Lower left leg numbish with tourniquit feeling. Hands swollen and achy. Whole body aches. Upper shoulders burning and sting.

Took walk with Joe short ways. Had to stop part way to catch up with sea tossed brain. Felt like I was about to tumble. Happened at store couple times too.