Sign Here

As my son and I talked, my grandson disappeared for a few minutes. Later, after they left, I found my grandson had been signing his name on multiple pages of a puzzle book I keep in the bathroom. I chuckled at his wobbly letters as I realized, once again, how fast our children grow up and how very much they learn in those first five years of their lives. Writing their own name becomes a high priority- a skill they will use daily.

Think about how many times a day we sign our names: to notes, letters, e-mails, checks, contracts, credit card purchases, log ins, birthday cards, memos, blog-sites, comments and more. We can even purchase stamps with our signature on them or purchase software that will hand write for us. Yes, technology is finding other ways to identify us, but it will always require our name in some form.

Now, with my right hand in a cast, signing my name requires as much concentration as my grandson as he is learning to write his name. My name is made up of wobbly letters also, but after three weeks they are neater and more readable.

I've re-learned a few things as I painstakingly formed each letter of my name:
1. I couldn't write with my left hand until I had to do so. Prior to surgery, I tried to practice and failed; necessity changed that.
2. I have an awesome mind- writing is a brain-thing. My left hand and arm are the same as the right- same bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints. It's my brain that directs their movement and efficiency. My brain has had to throw the switch to put my left hand on track.
3. I am thankful that I can just click my mouse and my signature is added to my e-mails. We take too many things for granted as they become the "norm" in our lives.
4. I am identified by my name to most people yet there is only one of "me." I am special- uniquely made to fulfill God's purpose for my life.
5. I am known by name by my Creator- He never confuses me with any other Connie. (Isaiah 49:15)
6. I am written, via my name, on the palm of His hand. (Isaiah 49:16)
7. I am in the Lamb's Book of Life by virtue of my name that was written there the day I said, "I believe!" and chose to follow Jesus, my Savior. (Revelation 3:4-5 and 21:27)

All of these truths can apply to you also- no surgery, pain or cast needed.

Selah... (Pause and think on these things.)

Shalom, Connie

Casts Times Three

Would you believe that I had the 3rd cast put on today? It is still purple; &, hopefully, this one will not slip causing more pain. I have been painful & restless, which also means irritable- I need an extra measure of patience.
3 weeks to go with the cast on & a pin in my thumb- no matter where you live, you'll probably hear me whoop with joy on April 19th. Most important tho' is whether this procedure gives me back the use... without pain... of my thumb.
Some verses of encouragement for me & for you, if you're painful, remind us that good can come from our suffering:
Motivates us to ask God for help- Psalm 30:10
Allows others to pray for us- 2Corinthians 1:10-11
Enables God to teach us patience- James 1:2-4
Permits God to restore us- 1 Peter 5:10
& my favorite-
Teaches us how to comfort & encourage others- 2 Corinthians 1:6

Selah-

Shalom, Connie

Home on the Range Single-Handed

Whoa! I slept in & the morning is almost gone; so I slithered into my jeans & threw on a sweatshirt. Good nutrition being essential, I headed for the range gathering the needed supplies on the way. Having missed the morning feed, I added extra grain. On the range I put it all together... whew, took nearly 2 hours to finish! Glad I don't always have to do this single-handed.

My cast will be off in 4 weeks & breakfast will be a whole lot easier to prepare! But I sure enjoyed my waffles, eggs and bacon with whole wheat toast, & orange juice. Before the month's over I may even master cracking an egg with one hand.

Blessings to you today; & I hope you'll be visiting the House of the Lord tomorrow!

Shalom, Connie

Fixed!

Well, fixing is in process... must heal first. My hand is very painful & swollen, which keeps me from using it.
Pain occurs throughout our lives & is a blessing that goes unrecognized.
My little grand-daughter has a lot of bumps lately as she tries new things. Just took her first steps walking & anticipate she'll be running soon... along with more bumps & bruises. Closing a cupboard door with her fingers in the way yielded tears, but she's learning.
Pain in my hand sent me to the hand surgeon, and today's technology allows my joints to be fixed. One small deteriorated bone was completely removed, but once healed my thumb will work again... without pain. Today my pain forces me to rest my hand. It also reminds me of how grateful I am to have 2 hands and makes me thankful for a good mind as I come up with alternate ways to do things.
Do you have pain in your life today? Emotional & spiritual pain can be just as devastating as physical pain.
Although pain isn't a choice that we prefer, it can be a blessing! It protects, teaches, guides, heals and more.
If you are hurting, know that Christ suffered also & understands- ask Him to use your pain to bring joy into your life!

Selah-

Shalom, Connie

Who Are You, My Reader?

I finally received some mail today- the first since I moved a week ago; as usual it's mostly bills & junk mail, but it made me feel that I belonged here now.

However, the flag is not up on this site's mailbox. My mailbox is empty. I have no idea who is stopping by & reading this blog...
I'd like to know! I had planned on this being a prelude to my new Website... what is my next step?

I need to get some feedback either here or at cgeewriter at yahoo dot com.
Connie

No Cake

No Birthday Cake, but it has been a great day! Cards, e-mail wishes, flowers, phone calls, lunch with a friend, & an evening concert made my day special.

If I had birthday candles to blow out, I would wish to age with a childlike faith and a closer walk with Jesus.
Think I'll make that a prayer request...

Shalom- Connie

Repairs Needed

Yep, I need my right thumb joints repaired. So I am having surgery on Tuesday morning , March 13th. I'll wake up with a cast that I get to keep for 4 weeks. Then I'll trade it in for a splint. Once the healing process is over I should be able to use it without pain! And I can go back to doing some of my favorite things: needlework, piano, handwriting notes & letters, & playing with my grandchildren.

I am right handed so the next weeks will be a challenge- any tips for functioning with just one-hand?

Also accepting prayers for no complications during or following surgery, quick & complete healing, & patience while casted.

Have several books waiting to be read & ordered some research material for my next writing project. Can keep busy if I can manage brushing my teeth & other daily tasks. My friend, I need your words of wisdom today!

Shalom- Connie

Moved!

My boxes & I have moved & co-exist in my new apartment.
Slowly, I'm winning the "I'll find the floor first!" race; but then I open another box...

I'd finished organizing all the kitchen cupboards & drawers.With a sigh of relief I managed to fit everything in. That is until the Squelch-Your-Joy Bird hatched a set of mixing bowls in an innocent looking box. Help!!

Downsizing isn't much fun because there are memories attached to most things. However, a good memory- that requires no space- is of the 4 men and 6 women who helped me move. Guys & Gals, I could not have done it without you! Thank you from my heart... bones & muscles, too!

Need new homes for some things like Teddy Bears, children's choir music, needlework kits, & more. Lots to do by next Monday.

Back to unboxing...

Shalom- Connie