Author: Melissa

Hello, my name is Melissa. I grew up as a pastor's kid and am now a pastor's wife. I'm married to Joseph Smith, who is the Pastor of Pine Air Baptist Church in Grand Bay, AL. We have three miracle children here on earth and two in heaven. As of July 18, 2017, God graciously allowed me to survive being struck by lightning. Five years later on March 31, 2022, I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer HER2+ and HER2-. Today, I can say, together with God's help, I am an OVERCOMER! Because He lives and His mercies renew every morning, I can say I am a Lightning Survivor, Cancer Warrior, and Daughter of the King!
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Lightning Strikes – Journal Entries 7-9 December 2019

Dec 7

8.30 very rough night…trouble falling asleep…trouble staying asleep. My whole body hurts! It feels like a storm’s coming through. Ugh!

Bible read. Scripture posted.

Worked on blog last night some, but couldn’t figure out how to retrieve timeline from Facebook on phone (usually do that part on laptop). Got thru June 2018. One month closer to getting caught up to present day. If only I could figure out parameters of schematics of tech side of the blog. It’s amazing I’ve gotten what I have. PtL!

Hiccups are annoying. Pain is at 8 right now. I’ll see if pt exercises help any. Getting moving eases pain a notch in some areas but not others. Sure could go for lavender Epsom Salt bath soak.

Sometimes I wish Joe would shut his phone off at night. It went off several times last night. Ugh!

11.40 turkey and chickens being processed today. Mixed emotions.

1.20 had to take some ginger. Getting nauceous. Headache. Whole body aches. Hurts to move. Chewing papaya enzymes too. Can’t take pain rx until stomach calms down. Ugh!

7.00 stomach still not right still feeling a wee nauceous. Indigestion burning esophagus. Took 2nd ginger capsule & 3 papaya enzymes. Face feela flushed again. Cheeks burning. Whole body hurts. Haven’t been able move much today.

9.20 indigestion burning. If I could puck (puke) I may feel better. Taking prevacid & nauceous dimenhydrinate rx

11.50 indigestion and nauceousness is easing

Looked up essential oils to help

https://www.essentialoilhaven.com/essential-oils-for-nausea/

Rubbed pain relief roller on back of neck and bottom of feet. Sniffed it few breaths as well. Hopefully I’ll feel better in morning.

Feet freezing. Random cramping thru body today. Low back & rt hip throbbing. Headache. Shoulders tight. Neck hurts. Center of chest popped couple times today just moving. Hurts horribly.

Able to order gifts for Joe & Jakob today. Will be shipped to house by 12/16. Check emails for updates.

Dec 8

7.30 snooze I hit for 15 min. Fell asleep sometime after 1am. Nightmares kept me tossing and turning. They didn’t calm until Joe moved closer to hold me.

What an encouragement to hear Joe getting a text out of the blue from fellow pastor (tw) telling him that he was praying for him.

10.00 visiting church with friends we’re staying with for weekend. Quaint & friendly, but I miss my church. Looking forward to being in our church tonight.

2.30 heading back home now. Already hurting. I enjoyed being able to discuss issues I’m challenged with post LS with friend that has some of same symptoms post her bad auto accident and be an encouragement to as well. Like the itchy skin could be a nerve damage thing. Or the trouble finding right words to express a thought.

5.30 rt hip throbbing with pain rt leg. Low back throbbing. Light headache. Face itches.

8.00 Joe treated us to McD’s for dinner so I wouldn’t have to cook. Only able to eat half my burger. Joe ate rest. Salt on fries tasted good. Odd. Haven’t had burger in long time. Yum! Ankles feel bruised.

9.00 got boost of energy when we got home. Wrapped first present for bulletin board & cut out other box shapes to wrap tomorrow. Need to have it up before next Sunday.

Started working on planning meals for week. Have few days done, but will need to get some groceries. Very low on veggies in house.

11.30p whole body.aches, low back throbbing, rt hip throbbing, feet tingling, hands ache, headache, stomach hurtz, tingling in ankles

It just dawned on me today that there’s about two weeks until Christmas. I’m no where near ready. Ugh! Not going to stress – one thing I’ve learned is that stress causes me much pain!!! Need to write out everything to do between now & Christmas and work the plan. Will definitely have to get help but what gets done gets done. I’ll try not to shed a tear for what isn’t done. Bummer I just remembered Christmas cards. Guess it might be shirt list. Prioritizing is key. I need a planning calender for next year.

Lord, please help calm my brain and give me restful sleep. Thank you for life, my friends, and family. Thank you for Your sacrifice at Calvary.

Dec 9

7.59p I’m wore out exhausted. Family watching the Christmas Great light.

It’s hurting my eyes and brain. Sharp pain shooting in rt elbow. Whole body aches. Took pain rx.

8.40 arms stinging. More tired. Feel like I’m fading.

11.22 pushed thru pt exercises. Feel like I just did rigorous workout. Whole body hurts. Cramping rt side. Rt hip throbbing. Lower lft leg tourniquit tighten feeling with some tingling. Skin itches. I’m hot. fingers, hands, toes tingling. Rt ear hurts. Deep muscle bones ache.

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Jesus – Bright and Morning Star

Revelation 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. 

Jesus sent His angels to testify in the churches so that they could spread the word to the world. Hence, we should be joyfully sharing the Good News to the world around us.

Jesus gave himself the names “the root of David” and “the bright and morning star”.  How can these being opposite of each other be compared to Christ?

A root is deep in the ground where it’s not seen while a star shines brightly in the heavens. The root signifies His humanity while the star signifies His deity. The root connects Him to the lineage of David; the star declares that He is the brightest of His Father’s glory and will be the One who puts a final end to the darkened world.

Looking forward to His glorious appearing!

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Lightning Strikes – Journal Entries 4-6 December 2019

Dec 4

7.50 woke from nightmare. If only I can get my subconscience calmed so I won’t have nightmares anymore. I diffuse lavender at night.

Face hurts. Whole body aches. Rt hip hurting. Need to look for new chiropractor that won’t charge a lot. Probably could use an adjustment.

Looked in mirror. Rt eye very swollen. Started taking zyrtec again.

9.00 Jordon still coughing & snot green. Called Dr. Apt at 10am.

10am Dr confirmed sinus infection. Rx, nasal spray, and cough rx called in.

11.00 Mom called to see if Dezirae could help her babysit today. Dropped her off at place.

11.45 begin to process pumpkin for puree. Think I’ll dehydrate more for powder again. Wow! Pumpkin powder will last up to 5 yrs stored in cool dry place. 1 large pumpkin produced about 2 cups of puree. Woah!

12.45 bloody nose. Head pounding. Lights bothersome. Exhausted.

Need a nap. Not feeling well – feeling weak. Probably need to eat something.

7.59 able to help an LS pal find a TBI group near her by reaching out to my TBI coordinator for info. Thank you, Lord!

10.48 just finished pt exercises. Short of breath. Tired but awake. Arms sore. Rt hip throbbing with sharp stabbing pain in buttocks. Low back aches. Headache. Congestion starting to ease. Toes tingling. Feet hurt. Hands ache. Center of chest aches. Both legs ache. Lft leg tingling from knee down. Neck and shoulders tight and sore.

Dec 5

8.00 overslept guess I needed sleep

Headache. Ears ringing. Neck throbbing. Tingling sensation down spine. Whole body aches. Chest aches. Sore all over. Lft leg tourniquit tighten feeling with some tingling in lft foot. Had nightmare.

Read Bible. Several psgs. John 10 made song pop in head ♫little lamb little lamb little innocent lamb I’m gonna serve God til I die…♫

3.45 left for church early to

8.00 face feels flushe*b6

Dec 6

12.49a having trouble with sides cramping horribly. Headache.hands hurt. Neck hurts. Feet chilly.

Think I finally fell asleep around 2am. took that long for cramping to ease.

6.00 hear noise I couldn’t recognize. Fell back asleep

7.00 woke to turkey crowing.

8.00 decided to read my Bible not going to fall back asleep.

10.00 Joe begins processing ducks. Stayed outside with friend to be a support…cringed at sounds, only able to handle it so long until smells made me nauceous. Had to go inside

https://msktc.org/tbi/factsheets/Memory-And-Traumatic-Brain-Injury.

11.30 remembered that I needed to check on SS pkg. Called company. Kept getting hung up on after automated system said it was having technical difficulties. Googled another number to call. Pkg to arrive soon.

12.30 helped friend wrap ducks for freezing. Never thought I’d ever do this. Yuck!

2.00 everyone chatting in livingroom. It’s too much for my brain to process all at once. Getting very sleepy. Dozed off several times.

4.30 guys decided on pizza

Lft side cramping again. Center lft chest hurting. Neck hurts. Shoulders tight & stinging. Still sleepy. Wish I had more energy.

6.30 face is flushed. Balance seems to be really off, but so far been able to catch myself. Have to get up from sitting position more slowly.

10.30 can’t sleep…in much pain from head to toe. Brain racing. Stinging needle pain in feet & toes. Neck throbbing. Stinging needle pain with periodic cramping in entire back. Legs burning aching. center of chest lft hurts. Rt jaw & ear aches. Indigestion.

Recvd email from Dr Mark Hyman about a recent podcast (not quite sure what a podcast is or how to retrieve one yet, but one day I will).

“PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injuries: A Functional Treatment Model”

https://drhyman.com/blog/2019/11/06/podcast-ep79/?utm_source=Broken+Brain+1+%2B+2+%28Combined+List%29&utm_campaign=08ab6cdaa7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_03_29_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_c903b97dee-08ab6cdaa7-122239769&mc_cid=08ab6cdaa7&mc_eid=ed52d2e850

 

Interesting articles like these help me understand the significance of my many facets of unknowns regarding post LS injuries. I think I’ve always wanted to know the why’s and how’s of understanding things. Still do it’s just a little more challenging now due to learning curves and memory issues from the trauma and TBI.

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Lightning Strikes – Journal Entries 1-3 December 2019

Dec 1

7.00 woke up late. rough night. Congested. Body feels like all my muscles are pulsating at same time – almost like I’m being electrocuted.

10.30 headache getting bad. Took naproxen.

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003927.htm

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001407.htm

https://www.mstrust.org.uk/a-z/paroxysmal-symptoms#what-are-paroxysmal-symptoms

 

Brain hurts. Eyes hurt – feels like my vision is getting worse and more blurred.

12.30 Joe invited visitors to stay an eat with us. Sent kids to store to add to it.

2.00 I’m exhausted and hurting. Brain hurts. Face hurts – sinuses

4.00 Guess what!? I was just asked to share my testimony about my lightning strike at a preachers conference next June. It’s exciting but nerve racking at same time. What ever will I say? Who am I that people want to hear my story? All I can say is Thank You, Lord!

Lord, please give me words to say (no point in writing them down as I would struggle following them) and help me to be a blessing pointing others to you. I am humbled at the thought.

10.00 In telling my son to stay on top of taking Echinacea, C, & zinc to combat his congestion and sinus issues, I realize I need to follow own advice. I also drink 1 tbs acv in half glass of orange juice. Gotta get over this junk. Using immune blend as well.

11.30 I’m wore out. Head pounding. Whole body aches. Sinus congestion & pain. Rt hip throbbing. Legs achy and cramping. Sneezy. Rt ear hurts.

Dec 2

12.30 still wide awake. Tylenol sinus not touching headache. Took it 2 hrs ago. Stuffy, runny nose. Lights bothersome. Night owl activated to help. Neck hurts. Lymph nodes at base of neck swollen especially lft side. They don’t hurt but are obviously swollen when looking in mirror. Tingling in lower lft leg down to toes in lft foot.

3.50 woke to runny nose and runs.

7.30 rough night. Up every few hours. Head pounding. Face hurts. I think I have sinus infection. I hurt from head to toe.

8.00 kids having trouble getting motivated to do schoolwork. I don’t blame them would rather stay in bed. Have much to do to prepare for weekend though.

12.00 brain hurts from helping daughter with schoolwork. Need brain break. Have headache too. Whole body aches. Face hurts. Sipping herbal tea. Dinner in crockpots – mushroom soup and meat for philly cheesesteak grilled cheese. Decided to use waffle iron. Brain may handle one sandwhich at time easier.

7.30 I feel miserable. Head pounding. Took Tylenol sinus, nasal spray, did nasal rinse, herbal tea, Echinacea, zinc, and c. If I can’t get under control will have to call Dr for help. Ugh!

Dec 3

6.30 woke to nose running. Whole body aches. Headache. Exhausted. Nightmares. Lamp bright. Eyes hurt & watery. Face hurts. Neck hurts. Feet cold. Severe congestion and stuffiness. Hands ache and sting little. Low back aches. Rt hip throbbing. Legs crampy & ache. Rt ear hurts. Rt jaw feels like toothache.

♫It’s a good thing to give thanks to the Lord and sing praises to His name. in the morning we will la la la and give praises to His name.♫  Wish I could figure out if that’s a song I remember from my youth or I’ve written it in my head.

♫ In His time, in His time, He makes all things beautiful in His time. Lord, please show me everyday As You’re teaching me Your way, That you do just what You say in Your time.♫

7.45 time to get up. Kids have school. If only I could take a sick day.

9.00 called Dr’s office to make apt. Confirmed that I have sinus infection. Antibiotics called in. They’ll be ready this afternoon. I feel miserable.

11.30a physical therapy today. Pushing myself to go. It’s been 6 weeks since last visit. Blair says even with set back of getting sick I’ve improved overall. Yay! Able to do walking test around cone without cane for first time. Confirmed the reasons she asked for 2nd opinion was not only right tract for VOR exercises but also my dizziness stems from central nervous system damage aka TBI. This info to me is reassuring – It’s not all just in my head though it is, and I’m not crazy. Had me do new exercise – walk in and out of cones on floor. Reminded me of soccer exercises when I was a teen. I liked soccer.

Is it odd that I tear up when some action or smell causes me to remember a memory I thought I lost forever? Sometimes it feels as if I have selective amnesia from the TBI post LS. I have large periods of my past that I can’t seem to remember.

When I’m around others talking about past memories, I listen and really try to be happy for them. In my mind’s eye, I wish I could remember things in my past…like my wedding day, my babies being born, their first steps, etc. I don’t hardly remember any of them. Makes me want to make keepsakes book so I can remember…or at least enjoy the pictures. Then I just want to have a good cry because I don’t remember.

Maybe I can research how to get back your memory.

10.30 Antibiotics taken. Face hurts. Rt eye swollen half shut. Been long time since my allergies acted up this much. Don’t recall what was done to combat it. Whole body aches. Rt hip throbbing. Neighbors burning leaves tonight just made it worse. Informed kids they’re on their own for breakfast. I’m sleeping in a little. I need the rest. Had to cancel decorating at church tomorrow. Lord willing, I’ll feel better enough to decorate some on Thursday before church.

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Lightning Strikes – Journal Entries 28-30 Nov 2019

Nov 28

6.00 slept good once I fell asleep. Bad dreams don’t remember much…in distress…strange men in woman’s bathroom…talking with Mrs. Chris and her brother about situation as if we were best of friends…just strange.

Must have been moaning bc Joe was rubbing my back when I came to. It felt so good back has been very sore last few days.

6.30 Whole body aches. Headache. Severe congestion. Sore throat -hurts to swallow.

Got up to take cinnamon rolls out of fridge for them to rise. Rt side starting to cramp. I’m so tired.

 

Nov 29

5.00 woke to nose running…thought it was blood at first but thankfully not. Guys already gone hunting.

6.30 nose running again

8.00 back rt side cramping with sharp jabs. Making it hard to do much.

1.00p Dezirae helping to rearrange LR little to be able to put tree up.

3.00 finally got it figured out. Dezirae work on putting tree up while I reconnect computer.

7.00 Mom, Mark, & April came over to see if Dezirae & I wanted to go with them to see the Christmas lights at Colonnades. We went with. So pretty.

7.45 I’m exhausted and hurting all over. Went to parents house to visit with Mark & April little more. They leave tomorrow some time.

11.40 been sneezing & coughing most of day. Eyes watery. Skin itchy. Took Benadryl. Legs ache. Lower lft leg tourniquit tighten feeling with some tingling. Congested. Actually contemplated sinus rinse today but never went thru withit. Bones aches. Rt hip hurts. Feet ache with toes tingly. Low back throbbing.

Vitacost.com/blog/vitamins-supplements/supplements/types-of-magnesium.html 

Nov 30

12.29a hope to fall asleep soon. Much pain, tired, eyes watery, nerves tingly thru body, rt hip throbbing, whole body aches.

8.30 very rough night. Bad headache. Severely congested. Bad headache. Hurts to move. Whole body throbbing. Bad dreams. Lights bothersome. Noises bothersome. Head pounding.

9.30 made immune blend roller bottles for Joe & myself – both of us not feeling well (sick). Had to take migraine rx.

11.45 I hurt all over & feel plain lousy. It’s going to be a lazy day for us.

10.30 managed to get bulletins done. Had family help. Dezirae did fill ins and guys helped fold them. I’m feeling tad better. Applying immune blend helped. Tired. Still ache all over. Chilling tinging poky pain all over back. Coughing. Congested. Headache. Sneezing. Center of chest hurts. Hands ache. Rt hip aches. Feet ache.

Oddly enough I enjoyed being sick with my hubby at same time today. Not gonna sound right (it sounds funny in my head) but usually when we are sick at same times we are grouchy to each other not today. We were helping each other, checking on each other, cuddling and watching tv together. It was comforting. Thank you, Lord!

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Lightning Strikes – Journal Entries 25-27 Nov 2019

Nov 25

5.30 it’s too early. I’m so tired. Whole body hurts to move.

8.00 lights bright. Chest throbbing. Did way too much past weekend. Whole body hurts. Back hurts.

9.58p

https://wellnessmama.com/5425/balance-hormones/

11.30 VOR exercises sure do initiate vertigo symptoms. Suppose to be helping…they may be, but gabapentin adds to dizziness so not so sure. I don’t think gab is helping with nerve pain. Need to figure something else out.

Wondering if hormones are out of balance due to LS? Feel like my body is fighting something yet I feel stir crazy. TBI mtg tomorrow am & church in pm.

Dizzy. Back aches. Headache. Hands ache. Low back aches. Muscles randomly twitching thru body. Lower lft leg tourniquit tighten feeling with some numbness & tingling. Toes tingly. Neck hurts. Rested most of day. Shoulders ache. Sinuses congested. Skin itchy feeling like somethings crawling all over me. Lips chapped.

 

Nov 26

5.30 whole body aches. sharp stabbing pains in torso, headache, congested, arms stinging, low back throbbing, lower left leg tourniquit tighten feeling with some tingling, neck hurts, eyes watery. I’m tired.

Woke from strange dream…I beat three strange people up for getting too close to daughter and myself in store.  Have daughter call 911. I faint just as cops and Joe show up and end up in hospital not knowing what happened or how I got there.

2.00p Able be to an encouragement and witness to newcomer at TBI today. It was encouraging to me to be able to talk about the Lord. Wore out & have headache. Need to crash a while.

3.00 fell asleep for short while. Probably could sleep more

11.59p whole body aches. Rt hip throbbing. Low back throbbing. Lower lft leg tourniquit tighten feeling with some tingling. Lft hand tingly. Neck hurts. Head hurts. Tired. Need to go to sleep. Contmplating weaning myself off the gabapentin. I don’t think it’s helping enough to make difference except to make me dizzier.

 

Nov 27

5.30 woken by sharp pain in center of chest. Felt like heart fluttering for about 5 minutes or so. Muscles in legs spasming.

Bad dream. . . I was searching for something in semi panic state. Couldn’t find whatever it was I was searching for. Sinuses congested. Trouble breathing. Eyes watery.

8.30 asked question about herbs for fibro and nerve damage last night. Funny how people assume both are about you. I’ve not been diagnosed with fibro but many have told me my symptoms mimic it. I have been told I have nerve damage from the LS and can attest to the chronic widespread pain I live with daily. What meds I have been subcribed are not helping but seem to me to make it worse at times.

Thought I’d check the functional medicine route. One person suggested checking out Amy Meyers.  Another suggested Lysine. I already take turmeric. Need to add the ginger back in. Just trying to figure out what works for me.

Whole body aches. Sore throat.

11.00a decided to work on blog for little bit. Have bad headache now. Ugh!

8.45 just finished playing scrabble with family. Had to have assistance with phone to make words. Brain hurts. Headache. Feet cold. Throat hurts.

10.50 exhausted. Headache. Throat hurts. Not feeling well. Crashing. Hope to feel better in am.

Immune blend. Benadryl. Naproxen.

Rt hip sharp stabbing pain. Random muscle spams thru body.

8.23 deciding to wean myself the gabapentin…think that’s the cause of my headache and nauceousness the last couple days. Strange though bc I’m on lowest dose right now. Still been taking it in am but not pm. Guess I need to go slower. Figure why put a poison into my body if it’s not helping ease the pain and just makes me more dizzy.

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Names of Jesus

JESUS – The name above every name

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: Philippians 2:9

Something that has been lost in today’s society is the proper reverence for the name of Jesus. His name is often used flippantly in conversation as a euphemism. We have forgotten the commandments of Exodus 20 and have allowed other things to rule our lives.

Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. Exodus 20:7

The Strong’s definition of “Vain” originates from the same as H7722 in the sense of desolating.  Its definition given is evil (as {destructive }) literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as {false} subjectively): uselessness (as {deceptive} objectively; also adverbially in vain).

We need to get back to giving God the proper respect He deserves.  One way we can show Him respect is to only use His name when we are talking to Him or about Him.  We do not need to use His name as if it’s just another word. 

Not only do we disrespect God in our language, but also in our actions.  We call ourselves Christians, but we do not always act like one.  We can’t just say that we believe.  We must live it.   It’s misleading when you say that you are a Christian when God has no part in your life.

Jesus’ name is the Name above all other names. Jesus is to be highly exalted.  As we declare His name, we are confessing that He alone is Lord.

Different names of Jesus

It has been exciting to search out the names of Jesus.  I would like to encourage you to search the Scriptures for yourself and dive into the Word.  Print the monthly Scripture Journal Calendar below.  It will help you get started.  The following list is only a handful of the names of Jesus…

  • Authority
  • Bright & Morning Star
  • Captain of Salvation
  • Deliverer
  • Everlasting Father
  • Fountain of Living Waters
  • Gate
  • High Priest
  • I AM
  • Jehovah
  • King of Kings
  • Last Adam
  • Mighty God
  • Nazarene
  • Only Begotten Son of God
  • Prophet
  • Resurrection and Life
  • Son of the Highest
  • Truth
  • Uncorruptible
  • Vine
  • Way
  • Excellent
  • Young Child
  • Zeal of the Lord of Hosts
Names of Jesus

What is Scripture Journaling?

It is simply reading a daily selected passage of Scripture, handwriting the passage, allowing Christ to speak to you, and then writing down the insights or spiritual lessons you learned from the passage. It also helps you more readily hide God’s Word in your heart.

Below is a printable list of the Names of Jesus with accompanying passages of Scripture. I trust you will enjoy journaling the names of Jesus as much as I have enjoyed this.

Names-of-JesusDownload

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Lightning Strikes Journal Entries 22-24 Nov 2019

Nov 22

4.24 awake. Ugh! In so much pain…especially upper back, shoulders, and arms. Hurts to move.

6.45 don’t want to get up yet. Still much pain. Hands swollen and achy. Entire back throbbing chilly tingling sensation down spine. Legs ache. Feet ache. Mouth dry. Tired. Strange dream

 Coconut oil good for lots of things. 

9.00 sometimes I wonder if muscle relaxer rx pills some more potent than others bc some days it seems harder for me to wake up than others. 

9.00 Jordon got call to go to a job. My errands must wait til someone can go with me. 

2.45 Im flat exhausted…feel crash oncoming. Need to lay down a piece – til feeling subsides or else I’ll fall.

4.30 I crashed hard. Trying to wake up now. Need to get ready for kids play. 

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.drweil.com/health-wellness/body-mind-spirit/autoimmune-disorders/fibromyalgia/1/%3famp=1

11.40 overall good day I think. Kids did well in play tonight. Lots of people in auditorium…sometimes makes me wish I could wear beats to muffle the multiple sounds that hit my brain. Looking forward to Christmas break from co-op. Kids are not. They enjoy getting to hang out with friends. I understand more than they know such is why I forbear. 

 Whole body aches parts even sting sharply as if storm’s a brewing nearby. Hope to fall asleep soon. 

Stinging needle pain in hands, artms, shoulder, back, & toes. Headache. Center of chest hurts. Low back throbbing. Dizzy. Random sharp stabing pain in lower legs and feet – enough to make me jerk. More I try to relax the more my muscles randomly spazzing thru body. Very irritating at times. 

Song from play swirling in brain…only remember bits and pieces…candles burning bright…

Nov 23

7.30a whole body aches. Headache. 

Lots to do today but will have to pace myself so I don’t hurt myself

Family will help alot too. 

3.30 resting watching movie. Having trouble deciphering words spoken. 

10.00 I’m plumb exhausted. Took me all day to make pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie, & dinner rolls. Jordon peeled potatoes for me. Dezirae made Hawaiian salad. Joe took care of turkey. Jakob got called into work at 3am. He got home around 6pm. 

I’m exhausted and hurting all over. Took Tylenol arthritis and 1/2 muscle relaxer. Preparations for Church Thanksgiving Dinner tomorrow. Back muscles and hands stinging pain. Not up to doing pt exercises. Feet throbbing. Low back throbbing. Rt heel feels bruised. Legs ache. Center chest aching but starting freezer burn pain. Definitely did too much…hope I don’t hurt too much in am. 

Thankful God gave me strength to get through and for family’s help.

Another thought prayer answered today. Given a couple tops…one matched a skirt I didn’t have to match. PtL! 

Nov 24

5.20 whole body throbbing! Eyes watereth. I just want to sleep a little more. 

8.45 need to lay down to restbforbfew minutes before services begin. Pain rx wearing off. Didn’t bring anymore with me. 

Organify? Had top superfoods to help rejuvenate your body.

10.00 tip of middle lft finger lft side hurts like dickens. Finally figured out somehow I cut the tip at edge of nail bed. Not sure when but it sure hurts.  

1.30 during afternoon service my rt side began cramping bad tried to wiggle discreetly to ease pain to no avail. 

3.30 came home and practically plopped onto chair in livingroom. Turned on heating pad and sat several hours til pain eased enough I could move a little without too much pain.

11.00 fell asleep for a little bit in chair. Time for bed. It was good day but I’m plumb exhausted.   

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Christmas Joy by Tiffany Moore

Happy Monday! 2 MORE DAYS of November!!! Time is flying by! This week’s devo is “Christmas Joy” written by Tiffany Moore! Please take the time to read as she shares her heart with us today! I hope you have the BEST week ever!!!!

Christmas Joy – Tiffany Moore

Do you ever watch those cheesy Christmas movies? I love them! At some point, every movie seems to have a family decorating a beautiful Christmas tree with twinkling lights. Then, you see that loving family singing Christmas carols and drinking hot chocolate with a fire blazing behind them. Have you ever contrasted that with how decorating your house for Christmas really goes? First, you clean your house because it is nearly impossible once all the Christmas knick knacks get put up. Then, you have to go to the storage shed or attic hoping to be able to locate red and green boxes and totes. Then, you drag them to your living room. If you have an artificial tree (even a brand new one that you got on clearance the prior year), you might let it air out on the porch so no mama rodents and her offspring come inside with it (yucky true story.) Then, you will probably scratch your arms all up while assembling and fluffing the tree because you don’t have on long sleeves. You might even have to pause during all of this multiple times and remind your children that some ornaments will shatter if you drop them. You might answer what feels like a million questions from your children about the decorations through which they are pilfering. Can you say tiring?! Where are the Christmas carols? Where is the sweet family drinking hot cocoa and the blazing fire? At my house, it does not look like a Hallmark movie! Oftentimes, reality DOES NOT equal Hallmark fantasy. You might get discouraged that your life does not resemble that perfect “Christmas Moment.”

There are several things that can steal your joy: comparison, anxiety, discontentedness, grief, pain and busyness. It is so easy to get caught up in what is going on in your life that you realize you are just “going through the motions.” The Christmas season becomes another item on your “to-do” list. It’s not fun or even special. It’s definitely not sweet like a movie! Comparing your life to those around you (or even a movie), being discontented, feeling anxious about events, physically, hurting, losing a loved one and just being so busy can overwhelm and overshadow the enjoyment of your holiday season. Sometimes, we have to purposefully focus on having JOY during the holidays. He wants you to have joy. In fact, the Bible says in 1 John 1:4 that our “joy may be full.” Living miserably or without joy during any time of the year is not what we are supposed to do. To ensure you don’t lose your joy this Christmas, you need to remember what JOY means.

J- Jesus

Christmas is about Jesus coming to earth as a baby to save us from our sins. It’s not about having perfectly decorated tree or having all your presents wrapped in the same trendy paper. It’s not about the parties or caroling. It’s about remembering and recognizing Jesus. He came to earth so we can go to Heaven. He’s the reason for the entire season.

O- Others

Christmas is about sharing Jesus with others. Yes, we do that some by all the activities we do during this time of year. However, if we will keep our eyes focused on Jesus and the goal of sharing His love with others, we will have more JOY. So, as you’re making cookies, wrapping presents, or even decorating your Sunday School classroom, don’t forget to share Jesus with those around you.

Y- You

Christmas is not about you. 😊 However, it is a wonderful time of year to refocus your spiritual life. It is a good time to put more energy in your relationship with Jesus. Renew your relationship with God by maybe reading your Bible more instead of binge-watching holiday movies (gasp!) Truly reflect on the goodness of God in your family’s life this past year. Thank Him by reorganizing your priorities each day to start the day with Him in prayer.Having JOY in this Christmas season is your choice. Lower your expectations of “Hallmark movie perfection” and just focus on Jesus, the Reason for the season. There is a little chorus that might help you when you start to lose JOY this Christmas. It is sung to the tune of Jingle Bells.

J-O-Y, J-O-Y

Having JOY means

Put Jesus first,

Yourself last and

Others in between!

https://www.sappsolutely.com/devotions/christmas-joy-tiffany-moore

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Lightning Strikes Journal Entries 19-21 Nov 2019

Nov 19

5.00 sky is awake so I’m awake. Ugh!  Too early.

6.00 read Bible on phone & pray for today.

6.30 need to get going. Whole body aches, but not as bad as I thought I would. PtL! 

Eyes crusty on edges. Lft shoulder sore like I pulled a muscle and achy.

8.15 taking Dezirae to Dr.  Asked nurse about being cash patient. $125 initial plus what ever tests to run. $60 per visit thereafter. Kids Dr is an internist. Could possibly see her. Neat…knew she was pediatrician but not internist too. Not so sure about pricing though. If God wills, He will provide.

Toes are freezing. Legs ache. Balance off way much today…have to keep catching myself. The fluorescent lightning is hurting my eyes. Putting sunglasses back on. 

https://www.growingupherbal.com/echinacea-versus-elderberry

10.30p still have blood tinged nose. Going to try Tylenol arthritis for day or so to see if bloodiness will clear. I suspect Naproxen is one of contributing factors. The other factor I’ll get checked out after first of new year.

Whole body aches. Sore from head to toe. Very busy day between appointments. I’m exhausted too. Rt ear hurts. Using vicks on cottonball in ear to ease discomfort. Ear canal swollen. Headache.

Nov 20

4.00a woke to severe stabbing pains in stomach.

6.30a alarm goes off. I’m exhausted. Strange dream…only thing I remember is I was searching for something that was extremely hard to find. What ever it was it was important to be found. 

Very congested. Eyes watery. Hands ache

Researching ways to make life simpler for planning meals. Tried making a meal plan board with several different recipe meal cards, but it’s too complicated for brain to compute. Tried the 6wk meal plan, but it’s too much for my brain to compute. So far I like the weekly meal plan with grocery list under each day, but I strongly dislike the color yellow & I prefer organized boxes to help me shop in grocery store so I not repeating steps and aisles multiple times. I found a grocery list I like to use for most part, but it’s for people with babies which I have teens and I try to make my own cleaners so I don’t go down those aisles much.

There might be something to the Tylenol Arthritis. I didn’t wake as in much pain as I usually do especially after a busy day. I still hurt but not as bad.

8.30 Kids have play practice today for program on Friday. Kids chattering before practice begins is bothering my brain. Head hurts and lights bothersome. Moving to dark room. 

10.45 preschoolers are adorable ringing their bells, but oh does it hurt my head so. Remembered I keep ear plugs in my purse. Put them in to dampen sounds. At least my hair covers my ears so you can’t see the bright orange plugs. It amazes me how well I can hear still with plugs in ears. 

12.30 allowed Jordon to drive to store from co-op. Had a close call. He did good job correcting himself. I’m tired and my nerves are shot. Took back driving after he parked. Explained me being tired makes nerves more jittery and they don’t mix. He agreed.

2.28. I’m exhausted. Need to rest a while. Nerves feel like they’re on fire. Feel like I’m going to crash. 

Nov 21

6.30 awake several times in night. Pain causes troubled sleep at times. Strange dreams – ones I don’t want to remember.

I hurt all over. Comforter feels like lead. Headache. Hurt from head to toe. Decided to let kids sleep in a little since they’ve been ill this week.

https://www.healthline.com/health-news/aging-scientists-find-physical-cause-of-fibromyalgia-062113#1

7.30 hands stinging. Feet especially right getting sharp stabbing stinging pain making me jump! Rt ear ringing and achy. Neck hurts. Shoulders & back hurting. Chilling sensation going down spine to lower back. Lower back throbbing. Legs ache. Don’t know how to get the sharp stinging stabbings to stop.  

https://www.verywellhealth.com/staying-warm-fibromyalgia-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-715593

11.45a finally finished Jordon’s costume for tomorrows play. Took me few hours just to figure out how to cut it out. Took me few hours today to sew it together. Had to look up how to sew sleeves on. I almost did it wrong. Good thing I thought to google instructions for sleeves. I would’ve been horrified. It’s a bit too large, but it’ll work. But I did it!! Thank you, Lord!  

3.00p helped Jordon put some stuff in car to take to church. Muscles in legs now spasming. Low back throbbing. Short of breath. Hands ache.

4.00 taking pain rx to help me get thru this evening

 7.24 left side back throbbing. Arms and hands stinging.

11.50p lower back & left side cramping & throbbing pretty bad. Hands swollen, achy, & tingly. Speech not matching brain thoughts. Neck hurts. Chest center hurting. Hiccups. Headache. Tired. Jakob bday tomorrow and I’m not ready. Jordon offered to help make cake. Sweet boy. Taking muscle relaxer. Need sleep lots going on this weekend.