Welcome to the Journey
The Sundial Bridge and the Sacramento River
My husband and his daughter went for a walk while I remained at home to care for my knee.
We're expecting a high of 97 today. The temperatures are gradually decreasing, but just like in other regions, we experience those false autumns - followed by another week of summer. The battle for Fall begins, but in the end, Autumn always prevails.
I’ve noticed that the sun is positioned lower in the sky, which indicates more shade, and sunset is arriving earlier. Another subtle indication that fall is on its way.
I’ve been giving my knee (the back of my knee) some rest, and it’s showing positive results. The swelling on the front of my knee has gone down. Yesterday turned out to be a very good knee day, but this morning I’m back to some soreness again. I have missed swimming and last night’s fellowship dinner. The couple lives on a steep hillside, which would have been hard for my knee to navigate. I really need to give it time to recover. I've already notified the BSF Admin that I will require assistance with arranging the chairs in my room.
Okay I admit it...
I’m feeling somewhat discouraged. I know I will overcome this challenge and emerge stronger from it. It just feels like the older we get, the more challenges life throws our way. It's almost as if each year brings a new twist or hurdle to tackle!
Welcome to the Journey
The cardiologist contacted me and has arranged for the implanted loop recorder procedure on September 23. I chose not to delay it any further and proceeded with it. I dislike having matters linger over my head. It feels like everything piles up all at once, and it can become quite overwhelming. I was scheduled for a mammogram, but that will be postponed for about six months because of the implant. I am not ready to think about how a mammogram will feel to have that metal piece in my chest!
NOPE, nope nope...
NOT THINKING ABOUT THAT YET.
Wednesday marks the beginning of everything. I’m eager to start, but I have so many thoughts racing through my mind. I’ve reached out to all my ladies, and naturally, there’s all that last-minute chaos that drives me a bit crazy. I'm receiving text messages from Admin, reminding us about this and that. All I want to do is focus on studying the Bible. I understand, I understand that it all comes with the territory. Things usually get sorted out within the first couple of weeks.
The Patriarch Jacob walked with a noticeable limp, a symbol of his struggles. Though he didn’t have it all together, all the time, God used him in unexpected ways.
Today, I need to remember that feeling fragmented doesn’t stop me from walking with God, even if I'm limping. He still embraces my flaws, having borne them on the cross.
,
I have found that it’s often through our deepest fractures that hope and grace shine the brightest. I used to tell my sons, during times when we struggled that this is when God performs His most incredible miracles, and He never failed us. In the face of feelings of inadequacy (BSF) and discouragement (Knee and Loop recorder) we can still find purpose, proving that we’re never beyond the reach of His divine love.
Until Next Time
Debby
Those are beautiful photos that your husband took, Debby. I'm so glad your knee is showing some signs of improvement even with an occasional setback. I'm sure you'll get all the help you need in setting things up for your Bible study, too. Remembering that God embraces us, loving us with our warts and all, is such a comfort. Hang in there and hang onto Him. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteThanks Martha. Life will always have set backs.
DeleteThe bridge is so stunning! I cannot remember, have you gone to a doctor about your knee? When I tore my meniscus, a simple arthroscopic procedure really helped it. I know what it is like to have so many doctor appointments! I always say that my dates with my husband are all at doctor's offices! I know you must feel so overwhelmed with so much going on. Please continue to let me know how you are doing.
ReplyDeleteNo I decided to see if it would heal by resting it. We’ll see.
DeleteYes I do feel overwhelmed.
I really appreciate the honesty and reflection in this post. It’s so human to feel discouraged when life keeps throwing hurdles at us, yet your faith and perspective seeing even the limping moments as part of the journey are truly inspiring. It’s a gentle reminder that progress isn’t always perfect, and even in the struggle, God’s grace shines through. www.melodyjacob.com
ReplyDeleteAww, thank you, Melody for your kind comment. ❤️
DeleteThe photos were beautiful. I enjoyed them, Debby. I know you are so excited about Bible Study. Nervous about the procedure. You are human. We are all like that. The knee causing you to change plans. It's hard you have a lot going on now. BREATHE!
ReplyDeletelol - one of my best friends used to tell me that all the time - BREATHE. Thanks for the reminder
DeleteBeautiful photos! Glad your hubby got some time with his daughter.
ReplyDeleteI love your comparison to Jacob. I just finished a book called Limping with God about Jacob, so good!
It will be good when BSF has been going for a few weeks and everyone is in a routine...
Wow what timing and you just finished that book. Yeah I’ve learned that about myself, that I get overwhelmed when there’s too much going on. I always tell myself, it’s good for me because it keeps me growing and stretching
DeleteKeeping you in my prayers during this season of rest and recuperation and preparation for the things ahead. I know "the show must go on" even when we feel like our body is wearing out and wearing us down. But remember that with God all things are possible! (Remember Mary and the Angel Gabriel!) Those pictures of that sundial bridge are amazing. I bet that is something to see in person! And yes, I am noticing the subtle changes in the skies and sunset, etc. Fall is on the horizon, regardless of the temperature on the thermometer! One day at a time. You cn do this. God is with you.
ReplyDeleteYes the show must go on. Tomorrow, Lord willing I will attempt to go to the store. I will be very careful and my son will be with me. I just have a few things to get them I will rest my knee once I get home. It’s hard to just not move around. I believe just getting out a little will improve my mood. Thanks for stopping by, Pamela. I appreciate it.
DeleteDebby,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by!! Beautiful pictures your husband took...
No one knows what is ahead of us and the one thing that I learned in the past few years is that no one is promised tomorrow. So the best thing we can do is always let our loved ones know how much we love them....I never expected to become a widow at 66 years old. I thought that I would be the one to die first as I have several medical issues...But God is the one in charge....
Hugs,
Deb
Debbie-Dabble Blog
Yes I totally agree with you. I think you’re doing well in spite of your husband passing. God had other plans for you. Plus you have those twin granddaughters to love on!
DeleteTake care and God bless.
I am praying for you, Debby. Thank you for your faith. I found this post encouraging.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you.
Aww, thanks so much, Victor, and for your encouraging comment.
DeleteThank you for sharing your heart, I understand the feelings of being overwhelmed! It's been one thing after another for myself! But we must just do what we can each day and the next challenge or hurdle. I bet you are a great ! Blessings, Roxy
ReplyDeleteI will be praying for you!
When my tasks start piling up one after another, it can really be overwhelming for me. I thrive when I have a bit of breathing room - just a little buffer to keep things manageable!
DeleteBlessing to you, Roxy, and thanks so much for stopping by.
Please read my post
ReplyDeleteWhat a serene setting ... a thoughtful place at which to rest.
ReplyDeleteThese days I'm not feeling especially strong and then? I read what's in your heart: "I will overcome this challenge and emerge stronger from it." Thank you for letting me know there's more 'oomph' remaining than I give myself credit for. I'm praying for you right now.
Thank you for your healing prayers that are helping. I'm feeling much better.
DeletePraying for you Debby. You are doing amazing work Debby, and I appreciate your posts.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carla. I'm thankful for your friendship and prayers.
DeleteWonderful pics of the sundial bridge. Hoping for your knee to get better soon. Good luck with the loop recorder. Very windy here with white caps on the river. We lost our cable and internet service for a bit because of it. Janice
ReplyDeleteWow, that must have been some wind. We're cooler at 91, but it seems we are on a downward trend day by day...
DeleteThe pictures are beautiful. Glad you're having some healing on your knee. Seems the older we get the more time it takes to heal. Praying all goes well with the procedure!
ReplyDeleteThanks - simple procedure, so I don't anticipate any issues other than maybe a little discomfort as the incision heals.
DeleteLooks like a beautiful place to walk. I'm glad you are having some positive results with you knee and sorry that it was bad the next morning. I'm waiting for my left leg to improve. I can't stand using a walker. I understand being discouraged. ((Hugs)) Yes, I just had an overwhelming week with appointments everyday and it's far from over. I will be praying for you. Wishing you all the best with the Bible study. Take care and God Bless you.
ReplyDeleteThat Sundial Bridge is interesting! Glad you are recovering from your knee injury, however slowly!
ReplyDelete