Getting caught up
My pretty water lilies like the heat! That's good for them because I'm sick of the hot weather. Although we are now in what is "normal" for us - 103* I still can't shake that 119-degree day.
There's a lot to catch up on,
so let's get started.
My California poppies are still hanging in there -
most are now dormant with a few hangers-on.
I have decided that I have a fear of fires. After the Carr Fire in July 2018, that freaked me out enough to last a lifetime.
Lately, my anxiety about fires has been affecting me physically. I've noticed that when I'm asleep at night, I tend to clench my teeth. It's not so much grinding as it is just clenching. When I wake up in the morning, my teeth feel loose, my gums are sore, and I even experience bleeding when I brush my teeth. To alleviate this, I've started using a dental guard again, and it has been helping. I've also noticed that I catch myself clenching when I'm watching or listening to anything related to fires. While the situation has improved, I need to schedule a dental appointment soon.
I finally scheduled a mammogram and had that done 2 weeks ago, and everything is good! There is no cancer in my family so I wasn't surprised.
I have never had a colonoscopy. I never wanted one. I still don't. But I'm 70 now. Again, I have no family history of cancer. Everyone keeps bugging me about it, so okay, okay, I'll get it done.
It's been a very hectic month of studying. So much going into my mind that I get tired more easily at night. From the Friends of Israel Instruction and homework - then switching my mind as we ladies are studying the Hebrew names of God to taking an online study that is mandatory for incoming BSF leaders.
No wonder I couldn't figure out WordPress. My brain was FULL.
Once I finish the (FOI) classes on Tuesday evenings, everything will start to settle down. I think we have just four more classes left, and then the Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) begins on 9/11. My Thursday Ladies Bible study at church will be studying the book of Isaiah.
One thing that is good. I have never slept better!
Isn't this a pretty flower?
I just found out the name of the volunteer tree in my yard – it's a desert willow, scientifically known as Chilopsis linearis. This tree is indigenous to areas like Baja and the Mohave Desert. Astonishingly, it is capable of surviving in extremely dry and hot conditions, and once it takes root, it thrives with minimal need for watering. It will be a beaut when it grows to full height.?
I am grateful for the beautiful birds that bring seeds to my yard, that result in the unexpected birth of a tree. Just wish it was in a better location. This tree is very close to our shed. It was the thought that counts!
They're doing fine.
God bless them - they are still there even with the gates open. I’ve been keeping an eye on the happening at the wild horse sanctuary.
Cal Fire is allowing the owners at this time,
to go in to feed them and water them.
I stumbled upon news of a cattle drive originating from Eastern Shasta County near Shingletown. It was a relief to know that cattle trucks were available to transport the animals to the Shasta Livestock auction yard for their safety.
I was happy about that.
Despite making progress in overcoming the habit of worrying, the fires filled me with an overwhelming sense of unease. It felt as though the weight of the world rested on my shoulders, and letting go of this anxiety proved to be quite a challenge.
I relapsed.
It's interesting how I managed to overcome it. I had a conversation with my stepdaughter, who was feeling anxious and concerned. I gave her advice that I should have been taking myself, and it helped me, too. It was like a lightbulb moment for me.
I advised her (and myself) to
- disable the alert sounds and instead manually check for alerts once a day.
- made sure that the emergency services had our phone numbers
- It's important to stay occupied, especially by keeping the mind engaged in something other than the fire.
- Pray
I'm feeling much better. It's strange how we're able to provide comfort to others, yet struggle to comfort ourselves until we verbalize it.
I think I have covered everything. I am sure happy to have a blog to write in again. A new home for me.
God Bless and Take Care
Debby
Keeping yourself - especially your mind - occupied is so important. When I have too much empty space and extra time to thing (and overthink) that is never good for me. Anxiety just seems to lurk around every corner. Praying things will calm down soon. I have been looking into BSF and/or a couple other options for Bible study in the fall. Have not made a decision yet but I am excited for studies to resume. I enjoyed your post...and your photos! Have a wonderful weekend ahead -
ReplyDeleteThis year, BSF will be tackling the book of Revelations! My Ladies Bible study at church will start Isaiah.
DeleteI am going to absolutely love this new season of studying Gods Word.
Wow - two deep studies! You are going to be busy...but I am sure blessed!! Thank you for sharing your comment on my blog earlier. Truly only another mother can really begin to understand the grief that comes with losing a child. I appreciate your sharing about your loss. Praying the Lord sends you an extra blessing today:)
DeleteThe Isaiah study doesn’t have homework. We read and discuss: more like a discussion/ prayer group. The BSF one will be my deep one with home study plus I’ll be facilitating a group for the first time! 😐
DeleteYou gave her such good advice!! I sure hope the dentist can help you! I am 75 and have had 2 colonoscopies. The prep is the worst. During the procedure, you are knocked out and feel nothing. Maybe the water lily survives the heat so well because it is in water? The flowers sure are pretty. I sympathize with you because I have so many fears. Being old just seems to add to them.
ReplyDeleteI’m not looking forward to the “prep”.
DeleteYou know you’re probably right about the water lilies doing well because they’re growing in water! Duh! 🙄
Hi Debby, I have never been caught in a fire or around a fire which is good as I would freak out and have a melt down. I have had 2 colonoscopies the prep is horrible the procedure I don't remember. I like pretty flowers and all the birds we get out the front of our home.Nice photos
ReplyDeleteI’m still waiting for them to schedule me. Hope it takes 6 mos!
DeleteWhen I was a kid, I remember waking up in the middle of the night feeling hot - I went to open my window, and the house across the street was in flames. Hot water tank exploded. Scared me to death.
Hello Debby! I'm trying to get caught up here with your new blog! I saw the first one on my phone, but couldn't comment. I'm glad you have it all up and running, and it looks great! I'm glad you aren't using Word Press, as I find it difficult to make comments on those blogs. I am praying for you and the anxiety over the fires. I can imagine it would be very stressful living so close to them. I am glad that God is helping you cope and giving you peace of mind and comfort. You have so many lovely flowers, and the pond lilies are beautiful! My pond looks so much happier now that we've had some rain to refill the pond. Re: colonoscopy. I've had several. Yes, as others have said, the prep is the worst part of it. But once you get there and they put you to sleep you won't remember a thing. And it's a good idea to get it done. I am due for my mammogram...have to make the appointment. Thank you for the reminder! You have a lot of studies going on, etc. , but it's all really good stuff. Good for you! Please take care and just keep your eyes on Jesus. He's always right there!!
ReplyDeleteI had everything set and prepared, but I just couldn't figure out how to display my individual blog photos on the main page. Every time I uploaded a photo, the same photo would appear on all the posts, which was incredibly frustrating!
DeleteI'm feeling better, but I always have a watchful ear for what is going on. We still have a ways to go.
Some people read books and I do bible studies.
Greetings!
ReplyDeleteGreat post are you fairing well with the Park fire? I will visit another day . I lived in your area on Ash Creek for 8 years across from the Holiday ranch. Miss it like heck! Be safe.
Welcome! Thanks for dropping in. We're safe but keeping a healthy eye on the situation. Are you still in California?
DeleteLinda Chapman here from Linda’s Life Journal…. I’m on my phone but I want to thank you for visiting me! Fire raged wildly here in the Tres Ritos area and around in 2022. That was the year my sister died and my son took me and Louis Dean up to this mountain cabin. This is our fourth trip here and the stark visions of burnt forest have softened now so you can see the green forest floors….
ReplyDeleteI’ll get on my laptop in the morning and will make sure I’ll be following your blog!
Hi there, Linda Chapman! It does take at least 4-5 years for the burn scars to start greening up again. It's just always so sad for me to see my stomping grounds, burn.
DeleteHi there! I wanted to drop by and say thanks for checking out my blog. I love meeting new blog friends. I've never been to California but I do hear a lot about those wild fires. I hope and pray you stay safe. I imagine it's scary to live through.
ReplyDeleteYeah, we do get our fair share of them. Thank you for your prayers. I'm sure we'll be fine but it's still unnerving.
DeleteI sure enjoyed your photos here, Debby, and I'm looking forward to getting to know you better through blogging. There are so many wonderful folks I've met over the years out in BlogLand! Sorry about those wild fires - that would cause me to have anxiety, too. And it's so true that when we give advice to others, we often free both them and ourselves from needless worry and overthinking.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, and thanks for coming by my blog today!
Martha, Thanks for being here. I don't do social media, but I enjoy my blogging friends. God Bless
DeleteIt seems even though there is so much going on around you that you really enjoy a challenge. BSF and Revelation..whew.. that's a lot to chew on. I know you can do it though.
ReplyDeleteSo far my relatives properties are still safe as well as the church camp my son was working at for the month of July.
I have never been that close to fire but I think I would be in the same state of mind as you.
Being 80 seems to make my mind a bit more worrisome. Trying to leave it in God's hands every day.
I like your new blog and your folksy way of bringing us up do date. Photos are fantastic too.
Sue
I can do it because, as I said above, I don't read regular books—I don't have the time. I prefer to "chew" on God's word and enjoy Bible studies.
DeleteLassen Park is still closed, but that is more for logistics and safety reasons. It's hard to evacuate a National Park. God Bless you, Sue.
Beautiful photos today and the one of your water lilies is very delightful. Oh Debby, I am so very sorry for the anxiety that you have felt over the fires. I am asking God to bring you much needed comfort in knowing that you can Trust HIM and HIS protection. Of course, I do not have the ugly flames of a scorching hot fire that can be seen in the horizon, but I do know how anxiety feels and God can help us bring down the strongholds that are keeping us captive. My prayers for you and your family. I would encourage you to get that colonoscopy. I have had several, due to having diverticulitis, and they are honestly not that bad. Bless you sweet friend.
ReplyDeleteI'm better, but I still am not 100% me. Just knowing it could change at any minute - I try and keep my mind busy. Fortunately, I do sleep solid at night.
DeleteWell, I'm waiting for them to call me back for the colonoscopy. Their recording says not to keep calling and leaving a message, so I wait. I'm not in any hurry!