Not too long ago I was tired of "normal". Today, I am embracing that word.
Sometimes we get in a rut in life and we want things shaken up a bit, yet neither my huband nor I wanted this. My hubby had to have open heart surgery a few weeks ago and our world was (temporarily) turned upside down. A very serious heart problem was discovered while undergoing pre-op testing to have a torn rotator cuff and torn bicep operated on. He was immediately admitted to the hospital. Strange how, one day he was complaining about shoulder pain, and the next day we were both very grateful for it!
It was and still is a long painful journey for him (including his shoulder, which can't be operated on for a while), but you can be sure that we both have walked away with some new perspectives on, and appreciation of, life.
This morning, as my husband pulled out of the driveway for his first full day back to work, I couldn't help but think just how good it felt to have things finally becoming "normal" again.
And, every 3rd weekend in September in Thornville, Ohio, it is "normal" to attend the awesome Backwoods Arts & Crafts festival, where you can meander through the woods, checking out the 250+ vendors selling their handmade treasures, while enjoying bluegrass music and eating kettle cooked chips and popcorn. Besides the delicious food and unique gift ideas, there are fun activities, too. Once again it looks like God will bless us with gorgeous autumn weather.
Come enjoy the ambience and be sure to check out booth number 183. That's where I'll be with my 10 titles (4 new ones), and my writer friend, Candace Pope. She c0-authored the book, "Wheelchair for Sale" with Marvin Sallee. It is a delightful true story of miraculous healing and Pastor Marvin hopes to be there on Saturday to sign his books with Candace.
Strap your walking shoes on and come out and enjoy the fun. Don't forget to stop by and say hi. (For more info. on the fest, see my "Appearances" tab to the right.)
Praising the Lord for "normal",
Connie
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Our Awesome God!
Have you ever wondered why God led you to a certain place at a certain time? Have you questioned Him, not knowing or seeing what He was up to and maybe doubting that you had even heard from Him in the first place?
I had one of those moments yesterday. A loved one is battling cancer. While my husband and I were in the waiting room with her family they told us that the main surgeon had just told them that he was going to perform radical surgery. This doctor had no bedside manners and he did not even want to review the recent tests reqested by another doctor. He was adamant that a lot of extreme facial surgery was necessary, involving the removal of an eye and some teeth. The family was numb with grief, as you can imagine.
My husband and I left them alone in their grief, so they could come to grips with the news. We all had known that there was a possibility of this happening, yet we hoped, up to the last minute, that it would not be so. After an hour, a nephew of my loved one walked by me and said they still had not begun surgery - she was still in pre-op. Suddenly I KNEW why we were there. My husband and I immediately joined hands and prayed hard that God would divinely intervene - that extensive facial surgery would not be necessary, that the main surgeon would be overuled by the other doctors and that proof would be given to convince that doctor that the cancer was isolated to one small area; that the cancer had not, in fact, spread as they feared.
And guess what? The surgery was completed in half the time estimated and no incision on the face was even necessary!!! They were able to enter under the lip and do all the operating that way, because it had stayed contained to one small area. And... instead of a 5-7 day stay in the hospital, she may get out this afternoon!
Praise the Lord for His mercy and for answered prayer! Our entire church has been praying for her for several weeks. God heard the heartfelt cries of His kids, and yesterday I KNEW why I was to be where I was.
Oh taste and see that He is good! His mercy endures forever!
Praising His name forever,
Connie
I had one of those moments yesterday. A loved one is battling cancer. While my husband and I were in the waiting room with her family they told us that the main surgeon had just told them that he was going to perform radical surgery. This doctor had no bedside manners and he did not even want to review the recent tests reqested by another doctor. He was adamant that a lot of extreme facial surgery was necessary, involving the removal of an eye and some teeth. The family was numb with grief, as you can imagine.
My husband and I left them alone in their grief, so they could come to grips with the news. We all had known that there was a possibility of this happening, yet we hoped, up to the last minute, that it would not be so. After an hour, a nephew of my loved one walked by me and said they still had not begun surgery - she was still in pre-op. Suddenly I KNEW why we were there. My husband and I immediately joined hands and prayed hard that God would divinely intervene - that extensive facial surgery would not be necessary, that the main surgeon would be overuled by the other doctors and that proof would be given to convince that doctor that the cancer was isolated to one small area; that the cancer had not, in fact, spread as they feared.
And guess what? The surgery was completed in half the time estimated and no incision on the face was even necessary!!! They were able to enter under the lip and do all the operating that way, because it had stayed contained to one small area. And... instead of a 5-7 day stay in the hospital, she may get out this afternoon!
Praise the Lord for His mercy and for answered prayer! Our entire church has been praying for her for several weeks. God heard the heartfelt cries of His kids, and yesterday I KNEW why I was to be where I was.
Oh taste and see that He is good! His mercy endures forever!
Praising His name forever,
Connie
Friday, May 29, 2009
Prison Ministry Update
My prayer warrior friend Pat, and I, went to the Ohio Reformatory for Women this week and were blessed to be able to donate 14 digital conversion boxes to the incarcerated women there. Several of the recipients are inmates in wheelchairs who live for their television and who have no one on the outside to assist in the cost of a conversion box. Even with the $40 coupons, it is still tough for many of them to come up with the remainder of the cost. What a blessing to be a part of this much needed ministry.
Special thanks go to our church family, First Baptist Church of Heath, for supporting this project. They allowed me to hold 2 book signings after worship services, with all the proceeds going toward the jail and prison ministry. And, following my speech at the mother/daughter banquet a few weeks ago, Ms. Valerie, the hostess, took up a collection for the inmate boxes. What a great church family Pat and I are a part of!
Like most of us I am thrilled that winter is finally behind us. It was a long one this year. But now I am torn between writing, yardwork and housework. Not enough hours in the day, or energy in the body! :-)
Please pray for my current book projects. One of my proposals is being considered for publication and is before the Book Review Committee at Beacon Hill Press. In this age of cutbacks, book publishers, too, are facing huge financial hurdles. Christian writers covet the prayers of the saints to assist in getting the Word out, now more than ever!
Writing for Him,
Connie
Special thanks go to our church family, First Baptist Church of Heath, for supporting this project. They allowed me to hold 2 book signings after worship services, with all the proceeds going toward the jail and prison ministry. And, following my speech at the mother/daughter banquet a few weeks ago, Ms. Valerie, the hostess, took up a collection for the inmate boxes. What a great church family Pat and I are a part of!
Like most of us I am thrilled that winter is finally behind us. It was a long one this year. But now I am torn between writing, yardwork and housework. Not enough hours in the day, or energy in the body! :-)
Please pray for my current book projects. One of my proposals is being considered for publication and is before the Book Review Committee at Beacon Hill Press. In this age of cutbacks, book publishers, too, are facing huge financial hurdles. Christian writers covet the prayers of the saints to assist in getting the Word out, now more than ever!
Writing for Him,
Connie
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Ministry Request (It's Free!)
I don't usually ask for contributions on my blog, but I feel the need to do so now. No, not financial contributions, but coupon contributions. The warden of a local state prison has given my prison ministry friend, Pat, and I the go ahead to gather the digital conversion converter boxes to donate to inmates who cannot afford a box. Since there is no cable or satellite service available at this prison, many inmates will not be able to afford a conversion box and will not be able to watch television after the conversion in June. (Many lifers and handicapped inmates LIVE for televison.)
We are asking people to please donate the coupons that they are not going to use (the coupons are for $40 off the purchase price of the boxes) , and we will purchase the boxes and take them to the prison. IF you are interested - God bless you! It is real easy to do: Just go to www.dtv.gov. Please email me and I'll tell you where to send the coupon after you receive them.
Thank you and may God richly bless you!
In Him,
Connie
Matthew 25: 36 "I was in prison and you came to visit me."
We are asking people to please donate the coupons that they are not going to use (the coupons are for $40 off the purchase price of the boxes) , and we will purchase the boxes and take them to the prison. IF you are interested - God bless you! It is real easy to do: Just go to www.dtv.gov. Please email me and I'll tell you where to send the coupon after you receive them.
Thank you and may God richly bless you!
In Him,
Connie
Matthew 25: 36 "I was in prison and you came to visit me."
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Appearances
Speeches & Book Signings
Signing - Backwoods Fest
Thornville, Ohio
Sept. 18, 19, & 20th, 2009
Opens each day at 10 a.m.
Closes Fri. & Sat. at 6 p.m., Sat. at 5 p.m.
I'll be at booth #183 - stop by and visit!
Signing - Holiday Craft Fair
Etna United Methodist Church, Etna, OH
Sat. Nov. 14, 2009 9am-3pm
More info.: degoniad@insight.rr.com or call 740 964-9816
Speech - Literary Club
March 24, 2010 1:00 p.m.
Glenwood Methodist Church in Valleyview
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
