Tests, Tests, & More Tests

Guess you can call me a bit testy today; and I am sure that some of you can relate to having many tests without a resulting diagnosis. Today I had a chest scan, but won't probably hear about the results until next week. My patience with many things is in the angelic range, but not in this area of my life. I WANT AN ANSWER!

Well, I didn't get any tests results with that outburst, but I did get 3 answers!

First, let me set the scene. I left the imaging place and headed for comfort food- well, after all, I had to be NPO prior to testing. That's a two-fold reason for comforting yummies, right? Then I headed home to the Senior Residence, where I live.

As I walked in the lobby, it was filled with ladies. That usually happens when the mail hasn't arrived so I said, "No mail?" All of them spoke at once telling me that I had received a package. You better believe, if had not opened it in their presence, there would be a lynching via the gossip-grapevine. After removing several empty plastic shopping bags, I found a Valentine surprise: a candy heart-shaped lollipop, a card, a bookmark, some cute stickers, & some delightful hand cream. Everyone oohed & aahed, but I disappointed them greatly by not telling who sent it. My testy-self walked toward my apartment giggling.

Comfort food & a caring package does that!

Then I received an e-mail card with a loving and prayerful message to encourage me.

Thank you, Lord, for showing You care about every detail of my life via my friends' surprises.. And thank You for my attitude change...

As I was praying the Lord reminded me, once again, of 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV): "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."

In God.Com JamesAlexander Langteaux wrote it this way- "For I (God) am the great source of healing, salvation, and deliverance, but without compassionate outlets, what good is my source?"

Lord, I do praise You, but I have a feeling you want me to share this....

So here I am, with an early Valentine's Message from the Lover of your soul:

B e assured that your Heavenly Father
L oves you! And He is waiting to
E ncourage you and to give you hope as He
S howers down His joy upon you. Just
S end up a prayer and ask! He always answers.

Y our life has purpose- no matter your circumstances.
O nly trust Him- He sees the finished canvas of your life!
U- turns are allowed... seek His presence & you'll be blessed.

Have a Heartfelt Valentine's Day!
Connie

Reaching the World

I am so very excited and I have to share this with you!
The ezine, 4Him2U, is 3 months old and growing strong. The January issue was posted today; and I checked the counter. We've had visitors from all over the world!

The site counter shows over 2500 visitors from the USA, Afghanistan, Albania, Austria, Australia, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, England/Wales, Germany, Ireland, the Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mauritius, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Poland, Russia, Scotland, Senegal, and South Africa. Isn't this wonderful!

If you haven't stopped by, please do. As the editor, I am blessed as I read each writer's contribution and I know that you'll find something special just for you at www.4him2u.com. (Link available on lower right column)

Shalom, Connie

Opportunities Anew

Beginning Again

2007 was a great and a awful year for me, but today get to begin again! As I get older, I appreciate the New Year as an opportunity for another chance. (Wish that wisdom came earlier in life.) So let me begin with 2007. It was a rough year health-wise and financially. I am feeling pretty good now, as the year winds down; so I want to be healthier in 2008! And my finances would improve if some of my writing sells. :) The good stuff of 2007 includes finding ShoutLife; improving my blogging skills and opening a website; forming Sonrise Writers with my dear friend, Bonnie Winters; facilitating Marlene Bagnull's Bible study for writers 3x with each time greater than the last one; the opportunity to mentor some writing friends; writing a monthly column on emotional abuse for Positively Feminine; becoming the editor for The Encourager, a printed newsletter for the chronically ill; and greatest of all the "birth" of 4Him2U in November. The special thing this year is that I made and actually fulfilled my New Year's Resolution: to better hear the voice of God! To learn to be in His presence and to be quiet- yep, I had to shut up in order to listen. This has been and continues to be an awesome and precious time with the Lord. I count that as the reason for the good stuff of 2007! For 2008 I want to improve my walk with Him; I want 4Him2U to reach >10,000 new folks around the world; I want to be published with pay; and I want each of the Sonrise Writers to receive writing contracts. For you, my reader friends, I am asking God to bless you in a special way this coming year- so special that there can be no doubt that God is the source!!! I want to be a "Spirit-walker" and to be content: being where God wants me, doing what He wants, and being satisfied with His timing. May He grant the same for each of you. Shalom, Connie

Not a creature was stirring...

...except me! Christmas was a very quiet day as I made the choice to stay home alone. (My son and his family went to Iowa.) Because I had been so sick during most of December, what I wanted for Christmas was NO germs to lay me low again. Did share a Christmas Tea with a neighbor- we sat in the library (in our apt. complex) by a Christmas tree sipping tea, chatting, and enjoying the music in the background. It was relaxing and nice to get out of our apartments for a while.

And what to my wondering eyes should appear? Gifts from Santa! Several boxes of stationery, cards, stamps, pens, and hand lotion via Home Instead Health Care. Not a better gift for this writer who loves to send letters and cards. A lovely surprise!

2007 was a great and an awful year for me, but on Tuesday I get to begin again! As I get older, I appreciate the New Year as an opportunity for another chance. (Wish that wisdom came earlier in life.) So let me begin with 2007. It was a rough year health-wise and financially. I am feeling pretty good now, as the year winds down; so I want to be healthier in 2008! And my finances would improve if some of my writing sells. :) The good stuff of 2007 includes improving my blogging skills and opening a website; forming Sonrise Writers with my dear friend,Bonnie; facilitating Marlene Bagnull's Bible study for writers 3x with each time greater than the last one; the opportunity to mentor some writing friends; writing a monthly column on emotional abuse for Positively Feminine; becoming the editor for The Encourager, a printed newsletter for the chronically ill; and greatest of all the "delivery" of 4Him2U in November. The special thing this year is that I made and actually fulfilled my New Year's Resolution: to better hear the voice of God! To learn to be in His presence and to be quiet- yep, I had to shut up in order to listen- has been and continues to be an awesome and precious time with the Lord. I count that as the reason for the good stuff of 2007! For 2008 I want to improve my walk with Him; I want 4Him2U to reach >10,000 new folks around the world; I want to be published with pay; and I want each of the Sonrise Writers to receive writing contracts. For you, my friends, I am asking God to bless you in a special way this coming year- so special that there can be no doubt that God is the source!!! I want to be a "Spirit-walker" and to be content: being where God wants me, doing what He wants, and being satisfied with His timing. May He grant the same for each of you. Shalom, Connie

"It's Looking Alot Like Christmas"

Or is it? Just how does Christmas look?

Earlier this evening I was watching PBS's Christmas in France. The customs varied from area to area- Paris celebrated differently than they did in the countryside. There were beautiful, snowy scenes; even a horse-drawn sleigh. Is that how Christmas looks?
Or is it the Christmas pageant with little ones dressed in shepherds robes or wearing crowns like the 3 kings?
Is it the live manger scene in front of the big church downtown?
Or it is the Christmas tree with colorful gifts underneath?
Having been a nurse for over 40 years, I have worked many Christmases caring for sick, injured, sad, lonely, dying people? Is that how Christmas looks?
For each of us it is different; and it may change from year to year also.
As I prepare throughout Advent for the celebration of Christ's birth, I try to envision Christmas from the viewpoint of the angels, of Joseph, of the shepherds, of Mary, and so on.
But I never thought of Christ's birth from His grandmother's point of view. Guess it's because my son left today to join his family in another state. The weather in the midwest is bad so I'm not sure if he arrived safely. He very well may be stranded.
As a mom, I am wondering if he's in an airport or was he able to get a room? Are my grandkids okay? Or were they on the way to pick him up along with their mother? Do they have a place to lay their heads tonight?
Is that what Christmas may have been for Mary's mother?
Was she worrying about about Mary traveling when she was so close to her delivery time? Was she concerned that they'd find a place to stay? Did she realize that it would be more than days or more than even weeks or months before she'd met her grand baby? Did she understand who this baby was?
Was Christmas a day of continuous prayer for Mary's safety? Or had this mother disowned her daughter?
Was she going to accept a baby that wasn't even Joseph's? How would she react when the King decrees that all males under two must die?
So many questions with no answers.
All I know for sure is that I want to "Go Tell It On the Mountain that Jesus Christ Is Born!"

Dressing Up for Christmas?

What a time it has been! On the day before Thanksgiving I had a heart cath, which praise God showed only mild vessel narrowing and no major problems. After 2 days of being pampered at my son's I returned home to rest prior to a final test. The pulmonary function test was mostly normal- a good thing!- but did show that not enough oxygen is going into my blood stream. At last, a reason for why I have been short-of-breath and fatigued with exertion since June. Now I will see a pulmonary specialist for the why's to be answered.
But, meanwhile, in the middle of ladies Bible Study last Wed. I began wiggling and not paying attention. Boy, was I itchy!!!
Within hours I was scarlet from the neck down and within 24hrs later I was sick with my own Santa suit on, but I was not hopping a sleigh to anywhere... I was grounded. I didn't have Santa's rosy cheeks either- those below my listless blue eyes were very pale. Turns out my sweet 19 month old gr'daughter shared her strept infection with me; but instead of strept throat I had Scarlet Fever.

Today, the rash is nearly gone & I even feel well enough to check my e-mails.

For all of you, I have 2 tips on Dressing Up for Christmas:
1. Wash your hands often- it's still the best way to avoid illness.
2. Cover that cough or sneeze- it's the best gift you can give to others.

While I'm waiting to see the return of a sparkle in my blue eyes, I'm sipping tea and reading a few Christmas books as I prepare my heart for Christmas. I pray it won't take Scarlet Fever for you to spend some time in His presence... remember, it's not what you wear, what you do, what you wish or what you buy...it's opening your heart to Him in celebration of His gift of love!

Delivered! Healthy new e-zine:"4Him2U" arrived & weighed in at 8 pages. Celebrate with us & visit our little star.Subscribe now & watch her grow. 4 Him, Connie Gilbert http://www.4him2u.com

A Felted Purse

I saw a woman with a felted purse. As a knitter, I asked whether she had made it. That began a long conversation about the fun she has felting , choosing the yarns and colors, waiting to see how the yarns blend when they shrink, and the joy of giving her creations away. Although I have never felted, we chatted easily as knitting enthusiasts. That led to why we were at the orthopedic center and the mention of an upcoming surgery for her.

Suddenly there was silent pause... we both realized that this was not a "by chance" meeting. "I'm a Parish Nurse;" I said, softly breaking the silence. She smiled saying, "No; you're an angel sent by God. I needed one here." (She is from out of town; after surgery she will return for chemo, which will require a motel stay each time.)

I am not an angel, but I do recognize that I was in that place, at that time, to become a tangible touch of God upon her life. My new knitting friend & I will share more times together- I am already blessed having met her.

How often do we miss the opportunity God has placed in our path because we're not paying attention? Sure glad I noticed that purse!

Selah-

Shalom, Connie

Teacher vs Learner/Writer vs Reader

Who is who? That's my question.

Wednesday I was writing my monthly column. As I write, I image that I'm sitting with a cup of tea and just chatting with a friend. Our conversation runs through my mind and out my fingers onto the keyboard. When I finish writing, I read through it to be sure it flows, to be sure I wrote everything I was thinking. I've been known to leave a sentence or paragraph out because I thought it, but my fingers never caught up.
I edit and rewrite any oops-es; then proofread for punctuation and grammatical errors, and those nasty spelling errors the computer doesn't pick up.

As I was reading through my column, I began to feel an emotion that I couldn't define at first. I glanced up and realized my "reader" was me. The message was for me ~ it was a reflection of music in my life. (You can read it at http://www.positivelyfeminine.org under Beautifully Feminine. My column is called "Connie's Coda.")

The emotion? The overwhelming joy of learning, writing, teaching, and reading all at the same time! I wept knowing how blessed I was.. and am... and continue to be.

Selah-

Shalom, Connie

Blown Kisses

I've been sick this week. Feeling a little better today, I went to dinner with my son's family.
"No hugs & kisses!" I said as I washed my hands before leaving.
After a pleasant time together, we made plans for later in the week.
Then the 5 year old kissed me on the cheek & his little sister blew me kisses good-bye!
Sure beats all the medicine in the world seeing smiles & getting blown kisses.

If I could bottle them, I'd drop my insurance coverage.
Feeling better just thinkin' about it!

Muse Online Writers Conference

This was a unique experience. Nearly 1900 attendees from around the world came together, via computers, to a 7 day writer's conference. I attended 20 one hour live sessions & at least that many workshops. I have copied 2 notebooks full of handouts. Topics ranged from simple writing tips: "write everyday" to complex information on publishing and promotion. As I finish the last day of the conference, I want to tell you, my reader, that I will be putting to use many of the things I've learned about writing skills, websites, promotion, etc. because it it my heart's desire to encourage you wherever in life this finds you. As a Christian writer, I feel that it is my responsibility to do my very best, which includes continuing to stimulate these gray cells of mine with new, and appropriate knowledge.

Hectic Pace

What a week! I am "attending" a free online writers conference that is a week long. Over 1800 attendees from over 10 countries are there.
I signed up for 26 1 hour live sessions, but because life happens I have missed several already. But there are ongoing forums, which I actually like better than the live chats.

Just think- I don't even have to get dressed much less figure out what to wear, no hurry, hurry, wait at the airport, no huge hotel and food costs, & yet there are the perks: give aways & special pricing, a book store, networking, & free access to many of the presenters.

There has been a minor price to pay for ink. I've used up over half of an ink cartridge & filled one notebook with handouts & I'm only half way through the week.

The live sessions are one hour long and many follow one after another. Thank goodness that some folks are slow typists so I can sneak a bathroom break in once in a while. Oh, yeah, I've also broken my rule about no eating & drinking at the computer.

Manipulating my normal weekly activities around the conference has been a challenge at times, but well worth the effort.

I am learning about all phases of writing: writing specifics, marketing, self-promotion, publishing tips, funds/grants, how to have a book tour online, & more.

All this because a Canadian writer wanting to share the pluses and minuses of the writing-publishing world.

I will persevere & not quit because this opportunity is priceless!

Sorting buttons

I'm a bit on overload... can I be too blessed?

The website is nearly completed for the new e-zine. The writers will gain access today, but it will remain locked until Nov.17th for the public- except for the home page & the subscription page. As soon as the domain name is added, I'll let you know so you can subscribe & never miss an issue!

A new development... that means another blessing! On Friday I became the editor for "The Encourager." It is a printed newsletter that goes out to folks with chronic illnesses. 130 men & women in 30 states plus Canada, UK, Australia, & Israel receive it every other month. I already write a column for it & was e-mailing prayer requests so I have begun to know these precious people. Many are homebound so uplifting mail is a highlight for them.

Got to spend time with my son & gr'kids on Sat. That's them ( above)! Nothing like gr'kids to wear you out AND energize you at the same time! Love those little hugs & kisses, too!

Yesterday I was too wired (must be the hair in the small picture above) so I sorted buttons! Real buttons; you know, the kind you sew on? Sometimes you just a no-brainer to settle down all those thoughts that begin to run into themselves. Other no-brainers I've used include: the art of coloring books, playing solitaire or Scrabble, doing laundry, & filing papers. My theory is that when you change tasks to these repetitious, boring actions, it requires a different part of your brain to kick in. Thus resting the super-active area for a while. It works for me most of the time. The added benefit is I came up with a few simple Christmas projects to do while I was sorting the buttons.

So now I'm back to clickin' on the buttons & doing fine!

Will update you soon.

Shalom, Connie

From Blogs to Webs!

"I am not sure that I am ready for this!" As soon as that thought entered my mind, I just had to laugh. It hasn't been that long ago that I asked, "What's a blog?" Then I set out to create one.
Well, my first one is out in cyberspace somewhere. This one has been here a while & then I added another one in July. Although, I've still more to learn here, I have been "sent" to build a website.

Now, I'm not technically inclined, but I am determined... or maybe, stubborn? Or maybe, it's because my Boss does His best work in my areas of weakness. Well, you better believe I am outside of my comfort zone! Yet, it is exciting to be birthing a new online magazine. Who says you can't be expecting when your 63 years old? Sarai laughed when she was in her 90's- God changed her name to Sarah & she gave birth to Isaac. Then there was Moses. He was nearly 80 when he had a "career" change- from shepherd to God's spokesman to the pharaoh.
So here I am- in good company- going from writer to publisher/editor/writer of 4Him2U!

Forgive me, if I'm not blogging like I should. I'll keep in touch! Right now I have to learn about RSS feeds and buttons and bows... and thingamajigs.

Shalom, Connie

The Garden Photo

Gotta set up a photo shoot.Where? How should I pose? Do I want it to tell more than just my face?
Those were the thoughts I had. Then an idea popped in, "Go to the hospital!"
Don't laugh, we have a lovely hospital. Healing permeates its decor from the moment you walk in. As you enter through the revolving door, you stand among trees and plants. Then you see a wall with water slowly flowing down several panels; to the right is a fireplace with overstuffed chairs that welcome you to rest awhile.
In fact, all of the waiting areas are restful, filled with greenery and soft music; and almost all of the patient rooms have mountain views.
On the second floor is a small, lovely chapel with a nearby outdoor garden. That's where I am in the photo- seated on rocks near a small waterfall with the statue of a reader. What a better place for a Christian author!
So ignore the warm breeze that's blowing my hair... listen to the babbling sound of the water as it slowly falls across the rocks into the pond... consider The Reader. Maybe, she's you sitting on the rock ledge! Maybe, she's reading my story!

Keepin'On Keepin' On!

This gramma is having a hard time keeping up lately, but have you ever tried telling God, "Whoa!" He just says, "Keep moving, Child."

Now when He calls me Child, I just have to remember that my earthly body is temporary; and wearing it out for Him is okay. Erma Bombeck once said,"When I stand before God at the end of my life I would hope that I would have not a single bit of talent left and could say "I used everything you gave me.'" Me, too! But I also must add it is only because He said, "My grace is sufficient for you. For my power is made perfect in weakness." (2Cor. 12:9 NIV)

So, how is God moving in my life? I'm glad you asked.

I'm learning how to design a website for a new e-zine coming this fall. And you just gotta know, that's Him 'cause I'm technically -0 on a scale of 1-10. A trial site is at www.4Him2U.highpowersite.com, if you want to take a peek- comments welcomed.
I'm preparing to hold a writer's Bible study on-line with Christian writers living in different zones. Technical stuff again...
My new columns are blessing me as I write them- isn't it amazing how God ministers to us as we go about His work!

Wow, my little gray cells are mighty busy and so is my Prayer Team. Thanks, my friends!

Stop by again soon; I'll keep you posted.

Shalom, Connie

Crossroads

Confused where to go? What to do? When? Why? How?

Me, too! Politics confuses me. Technology confuses me. Business tactics confuse me.
Dwelling on the things that I do not know or wish I knew yields confusion that can spiral into depression. But we were not meant to know everything well. Each of us has knowledge, skills, and talents unique to us plus, hopefully, some commonsense.

What's the key to this dilemma of what, where, when, and how? I believe it is relationships and networking. Through the building of positive relationships we learn what people know, who we can trust and depend upon. They in turn have their network of people who know and people that can be trusted. Another term may be "word of mouth."

We are all looking for answers to simple and complicated issues: Who is honest when it comes to insurance? Who is the best doctor for you? When is the right time to buy or sell a car or a house? What school system is good or should we home-school? Which computer system will meet your needs? How to pick a tomato that will actually taste like a tomato? And on it goes...

Recently, I watched a mother teaching her young daughter how to shop for groceries. She demonstrated how to pick the good plums, explained the difference between "each" and "by the pound," when to buy brand names versus cheaper store brands, and how to have a balanced diet. Her trip to the grocery store probably took twice as long, but the benefits will last for years. We need to do more of that!

Older women need to mentor younger women, boys need to have men in their lives to look up to, teens need safe places to go where guidance isn't a threat, all of us need to become better listeners.

I know I am rambling. I am frustrated that I live in the richest country in the world, but children go to bed hungry. That politicians spend billions of dollars campaigning, but millions cannot afford health care. That people can work for 40+ years then, when they retire, they have to decide between buying medicine or food.

Are you at a crossroad? Are you looking for answers?

Here's where I am suppose to say, "Look to God, He has the answers!"

I love the Lord with all my heart. He does guide me in my decisions; He does answer prayers. But God gave man the knowledge, emotions, skills and talents needed to responsibly care for this world. Have we fulfilled that responsibility? When are we going to look away from our needs to the needs of those around us? When are we going to really listen to one another?

Selah-

Think on these things-

Each of us are at a crossroad, what choices are you going to make? What will the ripple effect of those choices be?

I am going to ask my Heavenly Father, what choices He wants me to make. I am going to ask Him for a peek at the ripple effect of my actions so I will understand that what I do can change this world.

" I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something; and what I should do and can do, by the grace of God, I will do." How about you?

Shalom, Connie

"I'll be praying for you" is the greatest gift anyone can give IF they are sincere. I have mentioned previously that I never say those words unless I mean them because I feel that they carry a huge responsibility. After all, Revelations 5:8 tells us that the prayers of the saints are kept in golden bowls as a sweet fragrance to God.
That said, I am asking for some prayer warriors- folks serious about praying.

New opportunities have come my way and, with each one comes the possibility for opposition. Lucifer will use any barrier he can to keep me from fulfilling God's plan.

Over the years I have learned several things about the evil angel, who was cast from heaven & God's presence. He is real. He is angry at God & constantly challenging Him- even though he knows he cannot win. He isn't very smart, but he is sneaky. He uses our weaknesses to create stumbling blocks, potholes, & rough roads so we will detour from the path to God. The more God asks of us, the more Lucifer will try to distract us- the aim is to keep our focus off of God. Most important is that he hates the name of Jesus & the sweet fragrance of prayer is offensive to him.

Selah-

As I strive to please God through my writing, I need the protection of prayers. I will be publishing & editing a new on-line magazine, writing a monthly column for Positively Feminine (www.Positively Feminine.org.) and a bi-monthly column for The Encourager. I have also been given the opportunity to be the Assistant Editor for The Encourager; my main responsibility will be their prayer ministry. In addition to these new tasks, I continue to lead a Bible Study for writers & a support group for those who are chronically ill or have chronic pain.

Join in ministry with me through daily, supportive prayer. Leave a comment & let me know a bit about yourself so I can pray for you.

Shalom, Connie

Updates

My cardiac tests were within normal. I am jumping for joy! Waiting wasn't easy, but I am relieved & ready to increase my activity & exercise.

Have just learned some new things about blogging so you will be seeing some changes in the near future.

Meanwhile, I am writing & preparing... Expecting! A new e-zine 4Him2U is coming this fall, near the holidays. This is an exciting new, adventure for me & the Sonrise Writers. More details soon.

Shalom, Connie

Fatigue Can Overwhelm

I love the cartoon Maxine; she says things... well, in a way I wouldn't. There is one where she's resting in a hammock & just letting the world carry on without her. I have had to try that lately because I tire very easily & get short of breath with exertion, I am pacing myself better & prioritizing my needed activities. I make sure I have rest times in between all that I do.
The cause is unknown at present. I am having a cardiac Stress Test tomorrow to rule out the heart as the cause.

Meanwhile, I haven't posted so I can use my computer time to prepare for my next God-Event. More on that later as it falls into place with His timing. 2 Corinthians12:9 never meant more to me than now. And Habakkuk 2:2 is my goal.

Today I want to recommend 2 novels by Brenda Rickman Vantrease: The Illuminator and The Mercy Seeker. Although they can be read as stand alone books, The Illuminator is first & sets the scene & characters for The Mercy Seeker. Although not sold as Christian books they truly are and I guarantee that you will never view the Bible the same after reading them Yes, they are fiction, They are based on historical fact, are well researched, & expertly writing. You can find them at bookstores & through Amazon. My little local library has them so check out yours because they are hardcovers.

Shalom, Connie