Currently Lies Women Believe: And the Truth that Sets Them Free By Nancy Leigh DeMoss see related

Absolutely Brilliant Household Tip

I CAN SMELL!!!

So what, you may say?  I went through a couple years in the 80's while I was working when I couldn't smell because of nasal polyps....I believe it was allergy related.  I had them removed at the drs office, more painful and uncomfortable than childbirth without medication!  And I've had 3 children that way!  But it was such a relief and wonderful to be able to breathe again and smell even stinky things.  Losing that sense causes problems too, even though not as obvious and problematic as being blind or deaf.  And I think it does affect mood too...smelling good things makes me feel better, even how smells bring back memories.  And I'm selling Avon and haven't been able to smell any of it since I started...I have to go on memories of smells! My husband got me perfume for Valentine's Day and my anniversary in March, today is the first day I could smell it!  And it's very nice, thank you sweetie!  I have seen a nose doctor, now they have a fancy name, not ear, nose and throat anymore, it's otolaryngologist ....but the one I saw further specialized in noses...she was very nice and talked to me and let me talk.  That's one of the most important things to me with a doctor, that they listen to me and tell me everything, not talk down to me.  She gave me a bunch of nasty medicine....and one week later I can smell.  Now I credit God for this....she would not guarantee that I would be able to smell even if I had surgery for the polyps(btw I guess I didn't mention she took pictures and I have lots of them) but I thank God fully for her knowledge and help and His guidance to this place.  I want everyone to see the gross stuff that's been coming out....my college roommate said I was like Roseanne Roseanna Danna from SNL back then...no one will look though...  This happened once without drs help....a man came to Word and Worship back when Pastor John was alive and prayed for many people for healing.  I was too shy to go up front, but had horrible sinusitis and infection, couldn't even speak long enough to read to my children I was so clogged up.  I accepted his prayers for myself in my seat....after the service this really big glob slithered out of my nose(I know, Roseanne again! But it's amazing!) my nose ran all day and everything came out and I was healed, never got another infection for years afterwards. Really, I have not had problems with allergy or infection that has lasted past a cold before this year.  I thought of using an antihistamine that day to stop the running, and then I thought....do I really want to stop this?  It's irritating, but it's cleansing!  So I didn't interfere and was glad.  People who haven't had problems with their nose probably won't understand how I'm so excited....but I need to tell about it anyway.   Since this had gone on since this spring, I didn't want to wait years this time in misery.  I thought I only had one polyp, that's all I could see/feel anyway...But the dr said my polyps were "impressive"....not good, but many...I see her again on Nov 2.  I can't wait to tell her.  I am probably to testify to her too....I was willing to have surgery for this, and it looks like it won't be necessary now.  I am very thankful.  And excited, so hope you all see this in the way it was intended, not just to be gross...  She said I would feel great on the medicine and she is seeing me again that long from now because she wants to know how I feel when I am not on the medicine.  So I can make a better decision if I wanted to have surgery or not...but they put you under....as of now I don't see a need for it.  Last time I had polyps out in the 80's he did it in the office and I was awake...I do like as little medical intervention as possible but knowing when to get it is important too.  The only thing I ask you to pray is that I think the antibiotic I am on is pretty powerful and pray I don't suffer any side effects from it. (I read them all on the info sheet....some pretty bad ones) I am also taking a steroid...for the imflammation...I have six more days of antibiotic and 4 more of the other.  And I know I don't stop taking them just because I feel better, I need to finish the course.

Fragrance is important to God too....we can be a sweet smelling fragrance to him too.

from www.biblegateway.com 

garden harvest

  Not bad for all the weeds I let go! Mammoth and regular sunflowers 

The biggest!

Had to settle for miniature roses in an apt!  Hope they do as well inside!

Currently Lies Women Believe: And the Truth that Sets Them Free By Nancy Leigh DeMoss see related

Encouragement and direction

Ok...I'm not doing facebook for September, but I did go on yesterday to check my families "friends".  Probably didn't need to, should have left it in God's hands....  Now this will auto post to facebook and I'm not counting that!!  I get these posts from Proverbs 31 ministries and I thought this was a good one today.  So I'm reposting it with all the info and you can subscribe yourself if you want.  I'm trying to read more encouraging things.  But I've been thinking this myself lately too.  When we get prideful and say, "I would never...", that's exactly when the devil gets his claws in.  We are no better than anyone else except for the saving grace of Jesus.  And the Bible says Jesus loved us while we were still sinners too. 

I am missing my friends in Pittsburgh.  Send me an email!!!  gjwdlw@yahoo.com !!!  I could use prayers for energy and organization.  I love my family and I'm glad Matthew is home.  One more I just have to add....I was at a homeschool mom's meeting Monday, the first of the year, and Lori asked the age old question, why do I homeschool?  It may seem old, but it was very good for me to go over again.  I'd gotten away from it. What is our purpose?  Probably why I had problems with Matthew at the end of high school....someone mentioned how we don't have to teach to the tests.  But I was doing that wasn't I?  It became, college prep for the purpose of getting a scholarship so we wouldn't have to worry that we didn't save dollar one for his education.  My purpose no longer was that he be closer to God, and a godly character....we didn't even do things to seek out what he might be interested in, we thought we knew.  Now he is seeking on his own.  I wish he would have classes this fall, but I will only encourage, not force anymore.  He is not attached to me even though he is a part of me and he has to make his decisions.  No matter how it makes ME and his dad look....and I am still proud of him.  He is working at Reese's, and has survived many layoffs.  So he must be doing a good job there.  At least some of those character traits we wanted to instill are there, hard work, diligence.  I was the lazy one.  I wanted him far away....out of my hair.  I counted the days his last year till we could send him to college.  I thought that was the answer.  He would be with people with his interests.  He did make a friend or two, but I guess it was a culture shock for me too to see how debased college students are.  And the teachers when I saw the comments on his papers. The homosexuality really jumped out at me.  From heterosexual boys....I actually worried he would be raped while he was there.  Thank God he is strong and can defend himself, and he probably appeared the scary hermit while he was there so hopefully they left him alone.  But it was a wrong choice.  He is a man and if he chooses to do nothing....I have to trust him and pray for him through it.  We did insist he work.  The Bible says if you do not work you shouldn't eat.  I won't let him lay around.  I know God has a plan for him.  And I guess it isn't in my timing!!!  He is a leader and a protector.  I see that "protector" in him so strongly.  God will use that in some way.  Military, police, lawyer?  I know he loves the computer, but I don't know how much that is in his future?  When he was young I saw lawyer in him, but I hate lawyers.....No offense Larry P, I love you!!!!  There are great Christian lawyers out there....but very few it seems.  My mom pushed me away from being a nurse.  But I think that was part of my calling.  I love to help people and help sick and old people.  I feel I still have a calling there.  Parents should help their children find their calling, but not be pushy....I'm thankful he wants to stay at home right now.  But if anyone out in Pittsburgh has a place for him to stay if he decides to go to college out there, let us know!!  His wishes were to go to CCAC....it might be good for him to get an associates degree first, then he may know more of what he wants or where he wants to go...

Ok, here's the original thing I wanted to repost.

Encouragement for Today

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Friday, September 18, 2009 Forward to a Friend   Free Newsletters   Print

September 18, 2009   The Six Most Dangerous Words Ever Glynnis Whitwer    "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)           Devotion: A few months ago, I heard the most horrible news report. It was about a couple who owned a python.  One night, the snake escaped from its cage and killed a two-year-old baby. It was heartbreaking.  I kept asking, "Why?"  Of course, those people never thought that would happen to them. That's where I ended up in my thoughts ... with what I have decided are the six most dangerous words in the English language: THAT WILL NEVER HAPPEN TO ME! I don't judge this couple for having the snake. My heart just breaks for them. And my heart breaks for anyone who finds themselves in a devastating situation because they didn't think anything would happen. The hard truth is, every one of us has the potential to make a serious mistake, or a life-altering miscalculation, because we thought we were immune to trouble. Here are examples we see every day: A woman who enjoys an "innocent" flirtation at work A kid who gets in the back of a truck A girl who gets in the car with someone who has been drinking A couple who moves and stops attending church A mom who starts an email communication with a man who makes her feel young again The list goes on and on. Every woman, man and child is a candidate for making a mistake. This is because of our sin-drenched DNA. It's also because we have a tendency to forget this sin-nature, and ignore the fact that we desperately need God's help ... every minute ... every hour ... every day. When I think "That will never happen to me," I let down my guard. I imagine myself above my circumstances and above the need for God.  It's like I open a door for pride to sneak in. The reality of this world is we are in a battle. Only many people either don't know that, or forget it. We wake up thinking it's going to be a peaceful day. However, for those who have chosen to follow Jesus, we have an enemy who is preparing for a fight. No wonder we are blindsided by the results of our choices. We are in a fight we don't know about.   A passage in 1 Peter reminds me to be on guard, and gives me hope: "Turn all your worries over to him. He cares about you. Control yourselves. Be on your guard. Your enemy the devil is like a roaring lion. He prowls around looking for someone to chew up and swallow. Stand up to him. Stand firm in what you believe. All over the world you know that your brothers and sisters are going through the same kind of suffering. God always gives you all the grace you need"(1 Peter 5:7-10a, NIRV). That last verse is what I hang on to when the sadness of this world threatens to overwhelm me. No one is immune to making a mistake that ends with devastating consequences. No one. It's a call to remember that I need God's help every day.  And that His grace is enough for me.                                                                                                                                                                             Dear Lord, I know how desperately I need Your help. On my own, I'm no match for Satan's schemes.  Yet I know You have given me grace to be alert and to stand firm in the face of temptation.  Help me to make the right choice in every situation.  Forgive me when my selfishness or inattention causes You sadness. In Jesus' Name, Amen.   Related Resources: Do you know Jesus invites us to come to Him to repair whatever's broken in our lives?  Hear more and be encouraged by this truth on our Radio Show .   When Your Child is Hurting: Helping Your Child Survive the Ups and downs of Life by Glynnis Whitwer   Confessions of a Good Christian Girl: The Secrets Women Keep and the Grace that Saves Them by Tammy Maltby   Visit Glynnis's blog and browse her other resources here   Application Steps:  Have you made a choice recently you regret?  If so, take this opportunity to confess that to God and ask for His forgiveness.  Commit to praying for God's strength to stand firm.   Reflections:  What are some dangerous paths women tread, believing they are immune to making a wrong choice?   What are some habits you can develop to keep you alert to the devil's schemes?   Power Verses: Psalm 37:23-24, "If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, or the LORD upholds him with his hand." (NIV)    Proverbs 2:6, "For the LORD gives wisdom, and from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding." (NIV)     © 2009 by Glynnis Whitwer. All rights reserved.   Proverbs 31 Ministries 616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road Matthews, NC 28105 www.proverbs31.org

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