ThinMint

The Red Sea – part 2 One of the points we can take away from the Red Sea crossing is that we’re not meant to face backward –where our enemies are in the throes of being destroyed. It’s about moving forward to a bright future promised by God. It might be a future that appears opaque to our eyes, yet we are called to trust. Like the Israelites, God is taking us places that are unfamiliar, often frightening. These trails may seem like we’re meandering without purpose through darkness, through storms, through repetitive tests. Still we should know He is in control. So when we feel downtrodden what should we do? Acknowledge that our help comes from the Lord, and believe that the same God Who delivered Job, Noah, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Esther, Daniel, Ruth, Jonah (and so many others!) from adversity will also be faithful to shepherd us. We see God’s hand in who He picks to lead. Moses, a man with well-known shortcomings, was called to be the leader for such a time. Trump, a man with well-known shortcomings, has been called to lead for such a time as this. I don’t think it was in spite of; I think it’s because of their imperfections they were chosen. God delights in those who acknowledge they need Him –even when at first glimpse they appear to rebuff His plan. Our faith would be misplaced if we look to man to lead us; we must trust Him to use others for His purposes, and that includes commissioning us.

The Red Sea – part 1 I suspect many of us have been reflecting over the Red Sea crossing lately because one cannot ignore the parallels between that beautiful history, to what we are facing today. Like the Israelites, we find ourselves in a situation that is beyond our individual capabilities to solve. Like them, we are surrounded by an enemy who is bound to a dark force. We are facing seemingly insurmountable odds of breaking free from a corrupt system. Would this not be a moment that belongs to God? And do we not have a portion in this phase of history? We have been given an opportunity to crush an evil that stretches back thousands of years. I don’t know if our ancestors were presented with the possibility that we have, but without a doubt, all of it has culminated to this point. We are called to confront evil. Are you as deeply flattered and humbled as I am that God wants us here for these circumstances? We were made for such a time as this. We have been given divine distinction! Of course, we cannot do this alone. Seeking Him, understanding and submitting to His will, praying, believing and living for Him, will see us hand delivered by God. Unfortunately, some share the same laments as some of the Israelites. Like our spiritual ancestors, some have allowed their fear to blind them from truths, from God’s miracles. They refuse to believe that God is moved by the plight of His followers, assuming that we have somehow been abandoned, forgotten. Are we in danger of being contemptuous towards God? Yes, some folks are dangerously flirting with showing God disdain for what He’s working out for our good.

Hope you'll forgive me for doing a little bit of "cheating" here and there. I need to spend some time reconciling insurance bills against the processed claims. I am also woefully behind on handling all the thank you acknowledgements that need to be taken care of. And of course, my mind is busy, busy, busy (!) thinking about what to write regarding our journey. So while I work on those things and more, I thought I would forward some stuff I've already posted on the channel...

~ and still a little more LOVE ~ I still don’t know how God will use our experience to help others, but I told Him to send me. Yesterday I started capturing my thoughts, typing about our journey one clickety-click at a time. There is no love greater than His. When there are so many channels who post morbid, obscene, joy-stealing stuff ad nauseam, it attracts a lot of negative commentary. It’s beyond tiring. Y’all are amazing with your generous compliments and edifying comments to one another. You’ve made this a precious community with your class, affability, excellence and good-heartedness. I love y’all. Yesterday the kids and I celebrated Valentine’s Day a little early. When we finished eating the Chinese food, my daughter handed me a fortune cookie. My insert was: “Your sense of humor allows you to glide through these difficult times.” 😃 So much to love. So very much. Happy Valentine’s Day 💕

~ some more LOVE ~ I need to keep spreading the love 😊 Thank you to the admins who have done an amazing job when they were suddenly cast in to the role. Well, except for Fark. He’s been with me since the beginning. We meet via a channel neither one of us no longer follow. He had replied that one of my comments was funny. So I had to like him on that principle alone! When I mentioned starting a channel, he encouraged me. He’s been a good ear, he’s sharp, witty and has a deep love for God’s animals. Tracy is the one who helped with the attorney’s retainer when our families told me they didn’t agree with me securing a health advocate for Felix. She also helped me understand his chest X-rays and the accompanying medical lingo. She’s been a constant ray of sunshine finding it’s way through the dark clouds. Thirza has been great -doing double duty as she is also an admin over on the Patriot Homeschoolers Chat. She’s never complained to me, she’s always encouraging me and I appreciate her willingness to share her life experiences to help others. Paula is from the channel @CallToBattle I recommended. She’s down-to-earth, pure sweetness and so desirous to follow God’s plans for her life. She’s truly inspiring with her humor, gentleness and helpfulness. Thank you, Admins, for jumping into the chaos when this hard journey started to bring some calm and direction. You kept the trollish posts away from my weepy eyes and worked so hard to uplift me. I love you! And thank you to The Patriot Voice and Lin Wood for your willingness to share about what was happening in my neck of the woods. Because you posted about us, our family was (is!) blessed with prayer support from your own followers. I love y’all for that act of kindness!

~ LOVE ~ When we were first married, Felix had to travel for his job. He came back home before midnight exhausted, but he settled down with me, insisting that I finish watching the BBC version (or rather, the Colin Firth version) of Pride and Prejudice. He stayed up with me until it ended at 2 am. That’s love. A couple of years later, my hair was being deliberately antagonistic and not for the first time I threatened it with scissors. Felix stepped in, gently brushing my hair then braiding it. This was the first time he had done something like that for me. That’s love. The twins, our firstborn, were born via caesarean. It was a pretty hard recovery, and by the time we would crawl into bed I would be shaking from the low grade fevers. And fear. I laid next to him, quietly crying, gripping his hand. He knew I didn’t need words from him; just his presence. It was as if he was soaking up my distress. That’s love. When I learned my estranged non-bio Dad was terminally ill, Felix made the arrangements for us to travel to see him one last time. That’s love. Shortly after giving birth to Number Four I developed a rare MRSA breast infection. He helped me with the breastfeeding so I could capture as much milk as possible. A week later when I required emergency surgery for it he was there to help bathe me through it all -when taking a shower terrified me (the pain was so excruciating). That’s love. For my December 2021 birthday (3 days after he was admitted to the hospital) he ordered a custom cake for me: a Lord of the Rings/Star Wars/Jane Austen theme. The bakery is keeping the order on hold for us. His birthday is next month and I told him I’ll have them change the order for his birthday. He insists that we get the cake he originally ordered. That’s love. This is the man you are praying for, cheering on, graciously giving to, steadfastly supporting. My Beloved.

Hello Dear and Precious Friends! Felix is making improvements each day though it is pestiferous* that one has to stop the momentum of progress because of... the weekend! The doctors said they plan to remove the trach/tube Monday or Tuesday. And the plan is to move to inpatient rehabilitation by the end of the week. Or the beginning of next week because everything shuts down for... the weekend! He’s frustrated with the neuropathy in his hands and feet. I’ve read that improves with movement and with stabilized glucose (his numbers have been out of whack since his admission and he is not diabetic). He also is ready to have the feeding tube removed but apparently that is one of the last things addressed -usually as an outpatient. Felix needs better nutrition and I’m doing my best to help out with that. He weighed 180 went he went in; it shot up to 194 a few weeks later; and now he’s 146. He doesn’t feel sorry for himself, he’s not angry or resentful. However, he desperately misses our kids and very much wishes to have his dexterity return. We talk about this miracle quite a bit and it’s a struggle for both of us to find the right words to describe what we’re walking through. He has so much to process, so much to accept, so much to be grateful about. It’s a lot to sort through. I showed him pictures of the cards you’ve sent. The fireplace is full now so I started hanging them from the second floor balcony rail -which is almost full as well. He can’t believe y’all did that for him. Or made donations to bless our family. Or sent the thoughtful gifts, especially for our kids. Thank you seems so inadequate for the compassion and support you’ve bestowed to our family. * Y’all know what this means: big, grownup words deserve a cookie 😃

Good News Friday! February 11th - February 18th, 2022 Typically I will post the good news that has accumulated for the week (after researching the stories). However, because of my current circumstances I’m enlisting your help. I’ll post some stuff as well, however please know I haven’t vetted any of it. Just wanted to pass it along 🙂 Please share all the good news that has occurred over the last week -even personal tidbits!

Two weeks ago, after checking three separate times with my LTAC liaison that it would be okay, I brought Felix flowers and a little plant. I was questioned several times at one of the hospital’s lobby desks, gave the name of my contact then was allowed to proceed to the LTAC floor. No sooner had I stepped into Felix’s room when The Flower Nazi showed up to inform me that Felix could not have the flowers and plant. Because of germs. Had I brought him artificial ones, you know, the dust collectors that harbor germs in the fabric, he could have them. But, not the live plants, you know, the God created oxygen helpers. Do you know how hard it is to find floral arrangements for men?!? I gave the nurses the flowers and they put it on the station counter located outside his door. 8 feet away from his room. I have brought him snacks, grooming supplies, clothing, tennis shoes, and an iPad. I’m not an expert, nor a Flower Nazi, but I’m pretty sure all those items have germs on them. Especially the bottom of the shoes and the iPad. And most definitely me. SciEnCe, being very sophisticated science-y will keep us safe. From the post office Mask Rebels. And flowers. Sadly, it cannot keep us safe from the inconsistent and arbitrary rules. * * * * * * * Getting ready to visit Felix soon (after taking a day off yesterday to run errands). Will post an update later... Hope you have a beautiful Friday, full of sane people and God’s lovely flowers.

I’m not sure why those who comply with the inanity don’t understand our frustration with it all. I mean it’s one thing to come to your own conclusions about why you’re willing to comply, and you’re okay with other folks coming to their own conclusions. It’s something else entirely in wanting to use force to make others comply to your way of thinking. I stopped by to check the PO Box and had a notice to pick up a package. I had the two youngest with me, and of course we were not wearing masks. We were in line for about 5 minutes when Employee #1, whose salary you and I pay for, told me I needed a mask. Actually, it was Employee #2, whose salary you and I also pay for, who chimed in because I couldn’t understand Employee #1. Technically, it was a customer at the counter who pulled down her mask to tell me what they were saying because I couldn’t understand either employee behind their masks. And the very sophisticated science-y wall of plexiglass. I was told to go the lobby, ring the buzzer on the door and someone would help me because, “YOU DON’T HAVE A MASK, MA’AM,” Employee #2 said, projecting her voice after pulling down her mask so I could understand her. Don’t we all want good communication skills from the employees whose salaries we pay? So I go to the closed service door, ring the buzzer (that’s been touched by God only knows how many fingers) and note that it’s a Dutch-style door. I causally wonder where they’re hiding the very sophisticated science-y plexiglass. When the top half of the door is opened I explain to Employee #3, whose salary we pay for as well, that I was told to pick up my package here. She asks by who and like a toddler, I point to the employees safe behind their very sophisticated science-y plexiglass and say, “theys told me.” She was surprised then told me to wait. Employee #4 (you’re not going to believe this: we pay for her salary, too!) brought me the package and said I had to come to that door because I didn’t have a mask. You will be surprised Dear Reader to learn that this Dutch-style door did not have the very sophisticated science-y plexiglass. Employee #4 handed me the package directly. Don’t we all want bravery from the employees whose salaries we pay?

Dr Jen is the friend who put me in touch Dr Jana. She is also the friend who sent me an early morning text on December 29th -shortly after I saw The Cross in the dawn sky. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that sometimes our obedience in following God's instructions allows us to help and bless others. I will always be grateful that Dr Jen listened to the Lord that morning... Dr Jen VanDeWater has been a sweet, gentle voice in the midst of my chaos. She is also a part of the Frontline Doctors community and is a strong advocate and participant in securing freedom for all of us. If you follow her channel you'll note that her lovely posts are a reflection of her grace and beauty. https://t.me/DrVanDeWater

Wow, y'all have some great tips, thank you! I spent last night and today doing some research and there's still more to go through! This evening I am making Felix a stew using a bone broth base. A few of you asked me about the lotion and I hope to share the recipes soon. I made a few varieties as it's fun to tinker with it. A friend put me in touch with Dr Jana Schmidt, who was a tremendous help in getting me some top quality ingredients from her online store. This includes a new favorite for me: pine needle tea with plum, dandelion and elderberry. I add a little raw honey and oh my -it's a warm, delicious hug in a mug! She also recommended pine peppermint tincture, dandelion and wormwood extracts for a couple of the lotions I made. Please note that these products are not your typical over-the-counter items. Dr Jana is a part of the Frontline Doctors community so be sure to check out her website at your leisure. https://www.janasallnatural.com/

2 of 2 Today was a good day. Using the walker, he was able to shuffle/step a few feet at a time. Using his left hand (he’s right handed) he fed himself lunch today. Of course, he’s exhausted as he has limited dexterity. The hope is to get the trach removed by the end of the week, and get him to acute care, the next step in his restoration, by the end of next week. Please let me know in the comments section some supplements/drinks/food (especially liquids) I can bring him to help boost his energy, give him strength, build muscle... If you are inclined, please pray for Felix to be filled with God’s peace, and to be emotionally, mentally and spiritually strong! (Philippians 4:8)

Sorry for the lack of updates. By the time I have a moment, I feel utterly spent and just need to sleep. 1 of 2 When I was visiting the ICU, I wanted to be there to speak to doctors (who are terrible at calling you at home and visiting the room when you’re there), to watch what the nurses were doing, to make sure he felt my presence, to lay hands on him, to pray over him, to massage him with a handmade lotion, to play music, to just sit and hold his hand. It was tough needing to be there for him and to be there for my kids. Visiting Felix at LTAC is a different kind of stress. He can now express his needs and I spend pretty much all my visiting hours addressing those needs. LTAC has their own odd hours and inane rules. And the Big City Hospital has some inane people. After almost 10 weeks of dealing with inane rules and people, I’m doing my best to keep taking the high road. I wonder if there will be covid-related jewels for our heavenly crowns? 🤔 It’s an honor to take care of my beloved. To minister to him, to show him how much he means to me, to try to give back to him all he’s done for me. I hope it’s enough. Felix and I haven’t quite been able to find the words to express the miracle that God mercifully gave us. We haven’t quite been able to find the words to express the gratitude we feel towards all you have done for our family. Our cups runneth over!

Good News Friday! February 4th - February 11th, 2022 Typically I will post the good news that has accumulated for the week (after researching the stories). However, because of my current circumstances I’m enlisting your help. I’ll post some stuff as well, however please know I haven’t vetted any of it. Just wanted to pass it along 🙂 Please share all the good news that has occurred over the last week -even personal tidbits!