Over coming obstacles

It all started back in late October when I heard movement under my sink in the kitchen. Of course the fear initially sets in because i dislike bugs and critters big time. So I called my husband and we called the exterminator people. They came out to inspect the house and received bad news that we had a rat infestation. I believe it was from clearing out land at the side of the house and they then entered our garage and ate a hole through the wall that led to our laundry room. So they laid out the traps/During this same time our AC unit decides to quit. We then proceeded to have more bad news that we would have to redo the duct work upstairs since it was all messed up and didn't follow regulations. So more money went out the door. Well then during that same time our outside fence was rotting and just fell over and our dog kept escaping and scaring the neighbors ( he wouldn't hurt anyone but he does have a ferocious bark). So we ended up hiring a guy to repair the fence.. more money gone. Also the rat inspector noticed rotting to the door frame on back side of house and states we would need to replace the whole frame and door. We had the fence guys replace and they did an excellent job. Our house is not dumpy by any meeans..it's absolutely beautiful but was built in 92 so things are starting to fall apart if you will. So I felt major spiritual attack at this point..it was one thing after another and I was trying to get ready to go on this amazing trip to Israel and I felt the enemy was trying to distract me from really focusing on the Lord and all that he had planned for me. I always start my day in his word and doing my devotions. I highly recommend "Jesus Calling' if you don't have it already. He really speaks to me through this. I'm reminded of Ephesians 6 where it talks about putting on the full armour of God. We went to Israel leaving the "mess" behind and had an amazing time (see previous post). We then get back and do a load of wash and the washer starts leaking..I thought "those rats ate through the hose"..sure enough they did . See we laid out rat poison while we were gone and my parents watched my dog..well rat poison makes them thirsty so they go to a water source. So now we had to replace the hose. Shortly after i ran the dishwasher and then we had a sink leak and the dishwater Plugged up. So now more money out the door and had to fix all of that and it ate a hole through the dishwasher hose. I was really ready to lose my mind at this point. I didn't really know how much more I could take..of course I would think "it could be worse" so I really counted my blessings and continued to trust in God. We hired a person to cover all the "holes" the rats made and caught a few in the traps and whatever was left in the wall well they would eventually die. After that took place I haven't seen any more rats!! Praise God! I was sure glad that was All over.. Move forward to Jan 2018: We all went out to cracker barrel to celebrate my 38th birthday on the Saturday before my birthday..things were finally feeling back to normal..well that Tuesday My father (age 67) developed a cough after going to visit my grandmother in grand bay. I thought "ok it's just a cough and it should get better, after all this is the worst flu season i've even seen in my 16 years as a nurse." Needless to say it got worse and then he started having diarrhea/vomiting and very weak so on the day of my birthday my mom shows up at bible study with this beautiful cake from public and everyone sings to me but then mom said "dad is worse and I'm going to go take him to ER". So they went to the ER and he was found to be very dehydrated (you see, his large intestine isn't there due to familial polyp disorder -had it removed years before) so when he's sick he can be very sick. They then tell him he has a bowel obstruction (which he had one year before after his hip replacement) so again I wasn't too concerned since we went through that before and it was bowel rest and he was fine..well not this time.. we thought he was getting better and could possibly go home as he was allowed to have clear liquids and soft foods /well that tuesday night he started vomiting again and didn't have any bowel movement and received a text wed am "help me". We then talked to the Dr and they said the general surgeon wants to perform surgery that day..Really? I then felt my world tip / I of course went to prayer and we prayed over my dad and went tho the beautiful prayer chapel in the hospital. I knew I"m not in control and God is..this is completely out of my hands. His surgery went well however they had to remove a portion of his small intestine and found his stomach lining coated with polyps and even thought some were possibly cancerous..they said he would have a long road ahead as he would possibly have to get his stomach removed and go on tube feedings. We were devastated. I know though that my God is bigger than my problems and I knew he could heal him if that was his will to do so. So I kept positive and just wanted to see my dad. He finally got back to his room and he was in some pain. I noticed his respirations were high/so i checked his pulse and it was 130 and so I thought let me check his bp/ 86/50. Normally my dad has high blood pressure. I called the nurse and things just spiraled from there. They bolused him with fluids since he was in some state of "shock". I believe it was hypovolemic since he had nothing really to eat/drink x 1 week and they sucked all that fluid out through the ng before surgery. I was highly upset as well as my mom but I knew I had to be "strong" for her and my dad.. I would just go out in the hall and cry. my mom and I stayed with him all night as he was moved to ICU. The nurses and Doc's were awesome. I did hear the monitor go off at one point and i flew off the couch. They did an EKG as he had a run of V-tach. I asked Dad if he was ok and he said yes. They then came and did one shortly after again and states he's having a major heart attack. My body was shaking..I thought then that I could really lose my dad..I had NO Control..I told him that "I love you Dad, You have to fight!"..He then proceeded to go to cath lab and it felt like FOREVER. The cardiologist came to talk to us and stated that they had to place 3 stents on left side of heart (he had 95 percent blockage in 3 main arteries ) and that they would have to give him integrillin which is a blood thinner but now he runs the risk of bleeding. He also was placed on the ventilator as he couldn't maintain airway. We walked back up to see him and that was very hard. All of his labs kept getting worse as the was not able to perfuse very well to his organs due to his bp being low /despite being on vasopressors) He also started having some internal bleed due to blood thinner. Needless to say it was a highly stressful time but I kept strong in front of my dad but I did lose it a few times.I would sit and stroke his hand and played music and read scriptures over him. We could do dialysis as a last ditch effort but his body had enough. I told him "i know I told you to fight but you have fought but now's your time to go and be with the Lord." That wasn't easy to say as I was still holding hope that Jesus would save him...after all he came and saved my mom years before. God told me "not your will, but my will be done"..it reminded me of Jesus in the Garden as he was submitting his life to God and not wanting to die but was willing to so that we could have eternal life!!! I then completely surrounded my father to God. I knew beyond a shadow of doubt he was going to better place where there would be no more suffering or pain. His bp then dropped after I told him it was ok to let go and that we would be all right from 100 systolic to 50 systolic. his reflexes went and i knew he probably went to be with God in that moment as the machines/pressors were just keeping him alive physically. During that night mom and I were resting on couch and she felt someone squeeze her arm. She thought it was me but was not. I believe it was my Dad saying "i'm all right, you will be ok". We all gathered around his bed the next day as we said enough was enough and took him off the "pressers" and he died within 10 min. He wasn't suffering as he was sedated and already really left the night before. I did feel great sadness but I also felt happiness for him as I could only imagine what he was seeing in that moment and for the rest of eternity. My father was a great man of faith in God and a huge advocate of prayer. I loved seeing him become so close to the Lord during the last few years and he always attributed it to me since I invited him to my church and he saw how close I was to God. We Then went through the next days with the Strength of God . It was only by God that we were able to even function. I did pray to the Holy spirit on that wednesday (day of his surgery ) to give me strength and joshua 1:9 was mentioned as well as 5 other verses about strength..Wow..ask and you shall receive.. On the day of the viewing my grandmother fell getting into the car/we thought she was alright initially but then after the viewing couldn't stand and felt woozy. she had hit her head. I then proceeded to go with her in the ambulance to the ER but then the CT scan breaks and she had to be transported to Fort walton. My aunt lucy went with her as we had dad's Funeral the next day..I thought what else Lord?? Her brain scan came back negative but she ended up having fractured pelvis. She then had to stay in hospital a few days and then go to rehab which is where she is currently. Big praise though is that she will come live with my mom since she is 92 years of age and that will help my mom focus on her rather than other things. It's bad as well since it's a lot to deal with at one time. We know God's in control though. I went to visit my dad's grave the other day..while there wind chimes started going and there was no wind..but then a big wind burst came out of nowhere and the leaves fell and then big rain drops fell from the sky for a few seconds ..i went back to my car an no water was on my windshield. I do believe it was a sign from my dad..he knows i love signs from God. In closing..I'm so very grateful for all my family and friends and their support during this difficult time. I know my dad is so very happy with Jesus and all the relatives who have gone before. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

israel trip

This time last year I was fixing to open my stocking which would contain a note saying my husband is planning a trip for is real for the 2 of us! I couldn't believe it..I was sooooo excited!!!! We were going to be going with the new orleans baptist theological seminary group. My husband had asked around to see if anyone local was planning a trip and we were referred to this group. This group is AMAZING by the way.. So the time finally came to leave (we flew out of New Orleans with the rest of the group: about 45 of us in all) and the flight over was a little turbulence..too much for me to sleep so maybe slept an hour if that..not really sure. WE did watch a lot of movies as it was a 13 hour total flight in all. We finally arrived in Israel ..long line through customs but then they heard we were in a group and they let us through quickly! We were then able to change our money over to Israel money. We then boarded the charter bus and headed to a mall for lunch in Tel Aviv and then went to Ceaserea where King herod had a fortress and a beautiful amphitheater..WE saw so much while we were in Israel (Sea of galilee, caphernum, where disciples caught the fish, mount of beautides, korazim, border of syria (Golan Heights), Dan (abraham's gate), Bet Shean, Lebanon border, mediterranean sea, Akko, overlook of Nazareth, Elijah called on God, Megiddo, Quaram (Dead Sea scrolls), Jordan River, Dead sea, Mandala (where Mary Magdalene lived ), Jerusalem : mt of olives, Garden of Gesthemane, church of the holy sepulcher, Golgotha, jewish quarter, wailing wall, remnants of second temple, upper room, Bethlehem (church of the nativity) Israel museum (where dead sea scrolls are kept) , Garden tomb and where david slew Goliath! Im sure I even didn't list all of the amazing places! I did want to touch on the testimony of what took place: On the last morning we were staying on the sea of Galilee I had some quiet time with the Lord and as I was headed back to breakfast I felt the Holy Spirit say " Jenny, turn around"..now the day before i thought that would be nice to see a rainbow since it was kinda overcast and how cool it would be to see one over nazareth or over the sea of Galilee. I didn't see anything so I headed to breakfast and as I was sitting there a rainbow appeared! My chair flipped over and I went running outside and there it was over Caphernum where Jesus did most of his ministry! I did break my phone screen as I was so excited I dropped my phone but at that moment I didn't care! We were at the Garden tomb and there was a tour guide who was a retired nurse and I felt led to record the end of his talk and he said there was this man from switzerland here a week ago and he said that while he was in the ICU the Lord appeared to him and healed his heart. I thought of my mom how she was healed by God 8 years ago in ICU and saw him as well (see previous post). I instantly started crying and was led to give him my mom's testimony standing in front of the garden tomb to him. It was amazing and highly emotional. This trip was such a very amazing time! I will never forget it and it truly is the BEST trip ever! I learned so much from our amazing tour guide and the ministers and the students!

33 and the revelation 12 sign!

I haven't posted in what seems like forever but that doesn't mean that God has remained silent it's just I've been busy with life. I came upon this macbook posting about the solar eclipse that occurred on the 21st of August and it's very interesting /needless to say I've backed it up with my own research to make sure it's true but here are some interesting facts that I believe God is trying to get our attention! The solar eclipse occurred on the 233rd day of the year and 133 days until 2018. It also occurred on the 33rd week of the year. It crossed oregon first which is the 33rd state and it ended at the 33rd parallel. It lasted 1:33. Also 33 days from the solar eclipse is sept 23rd which is "the day of return" on the jewish calendar and it's right after the feast of trumpets and before atonement. Also on this day the revelation 12 sign is set to appear in the sky which hasn't happened since around the time of Jesus's birth. Some scholars believe that the rapture will occur on this day/ The bible does that there will be signs in the sun, moon and stars and that the sun will be darkened before his return. I know no one knows the day or hour according to scripture as well but this may be talking about when Christ comes and restores his kingdom on earth (2nd coming): The rapture I believe will happen before then and then the tribulation period will be after the rapture. The next solar eclipse is not to set place for another 7 years from now as well. It's all very interesting facts and even more since i've been seeing 33 and 333 A Lot! I feel God is trying to get people's attention to get right with him before it's too late. Now is the time to repent and accept him if you don't already. I love how our pastor preached tonight on sharing the gospel message with others..we are all broken and in need of something to fill us up since brokenness causes us to be separated from God due to our sin so some people turn to shopping, food, alcohol, drugs, and the like. But ONLY Jesus can truly fill the brokenness and restore right relationship with God the father since he is holy and we are not. So God sent his son Jesus to die on the cross for our Sins so that we can be forgiven and have full restoration and be FREE with him. So now people must decide whether they want to live with him who Gives Eternal life or without which is brokenness and life without him. Choose JESUS! He loves you and so do I :)

My Dad's Healing journey

On Dec 20th 2016 My dad had a rt total hip repair. We gathered that morning to pray before he went in and like always he was in good spirits but of course somewhat nervous. Surgery went great and he was sent home 2 days later. He then started having stomach trouble and just didn't look himself. He ended up with a bowel obstruction and was in the hospital for a few days and then sent home again. 2 days later we were back in the ER since the previous bowel obstruction never cleared. He was very upset since he felt like he had ruined Christmas. However, I was just thankful that he was alive and he was getting the help that he needed. He ended up in the hospital for about 8 days and during that time I felt scared since I didn't know if they were going to have to operate again (he had his large intestine removed back in 2011 ) so he isn't considered "normal".. they also had a difficult time trying to get an iv in and he just didn't feel "right". I decided to take my kids to Seaside for the day to help get our minds on other things and we couldn't find a parking spot. I was so aggravated at this point since I just wanted to have fun with the girls and they were looking forward to our outing. I was upset driving back to the hospital and as I was listening to Psalm 91.1 (they were playing Xmas music during this time since that's all they played at that time) and this song just came on that I never heard ever before and it's called "Smoke" by Plumb. I highly encourage you to listen..when you feel like your world is falling apart or going up in smoke it's a reminder that he is your healer/comforter etc. It was such perfect timing and I downloaded and played for my parents..it was such a beautiful sight to see my father laying in his hospital bed with his arms raised to Christ. He was healed by God of his bowel obstruction and sent home finally! Things were starting to look up ..until a few days later when he started having pain in his rt leg with swelling. He went to his primary and was dx with a blood clot..massive from his knee to his belly and then they did a CT scan and showed multiple blood clots in both lungs. I felt like I was reliving the time when My mother was ill 7 years ago at that very same hospital after she had surgery and developed blood clots and internal bleeding and almost died but God healed her! PRAISE GOD! (read earlier blog). The same songs would play on radio as they had come on during the time mom had her clots. Also we had many visitors and our friend Larry prayed Psalm 91 over my dad just like it was prayed over my mom by our pastor when she was ill. Also we were given 3 prayer shawls when mom was ill and really ministered to us in our time of need. A few years later I felt God telling me to give mine away to my friend Julie who's mom was sick in the hospital. My mom also wanted to give her one of her's as well. She didn't want to take it since it was sentimental to us but I told her one day she will find someone in need and give it to them. Well, Julie came to visit my dad and she had the prayer shawl that we had given her. It was very moving. All in all dad was in hospital for 1 week on blood thinner. He's doing better but still will take time to heal. It's a set back but during this time we have all grown closer in our walk with God. We were able to focus on God and not the problem and not give in to Fear. I'm so very thankful he has saved my Father and my mother!

Stepping out in faith/overcoming FEAR

Two weeks ago I was preparing to leave for Doterra Essential oil convention and I went to bible study a few days before and Marilyn Turk was the guest speaker. She spoke about stepping out in faith and overcoming Fear. I felt like this message hit me to the core and was greatly affected by it since there are many things that I am fearful of as a person..fear of spiders, snakes, bad people, evil in general, asking people to join me in the business etc. I then proceeded to go to the bargain box since it was my Father's Birthday and he was working there at the time. I then went to the book area and found a book called "Stepping out of the boat". I thought wow that's just what Marilyn just got done speaking about and thought it would do me good to read this book. So on the plane i'm reading the book and felt WOW this is so right on..it was just so good that I finished it within a few days..I strongly feel everyone should read it!! So when we get to Doterra Convention (which was awesome by the way..if you don't know about essential oils and the therapeutic benefits that it can do for you please contact me..these are AMAZING and happen to be VERY biblical! They are great to help support the body with the different ailments etc)..we went to leadership training and they talked about the FEAR cycle, or do you want to be in the love/hope cycle? WOW!!! Fear cycle is mainly feeling discouraged, negative thought pattern etc and the hope /love cycle is being thankful ..it's the DECISION you make when trials/tribulations come..are you going to be down /discouraged/negative or are you going to choose to praise God for the blessings he's already given you and then the miracle comes and then abundance and then you are free to give to others! AMAZING! As we were driving one morning as well we passed by a building called "Fear Factory"..looked like scary people on the outside..i guess it was considered to be a haunted house..thought it was funny considering how many times God was talking to me about the whole Fear thing. We had a lady speak about the Rwandan Genocide from 1994 and how she was one of the only sole survivors and how she was held inside a bathroom with 8 other people and couldn't talk for 90 days and how she asked God to not have the man open the door and she would believe in him..the bad people searched the house and when they came time to open the door he told the guy that was hiding them that he trusted him and left..she then committed her life to Christ and was able to teach herself english as well during the 90 days of hiding. She talked about the power of prayer (all of this in front of 30,000) and then a lady in the audience fainted and she stopped and said "let's pray" and we did and she was able to get up and walk out and was fine! She was also able to forgive the guy that killed her entire family! It truly was the BEST testimony I have ever heard! On the way home from New Orleans (where we flew into).. God gave me 3 rainbows..the first one was in Louisiana, the second in Mississippi, and the third was at the Alabama State line. After the second one I told Dave, "there's going to be a third because that's just how God works"..the third one came but then I questioned whether that truly was the third rainbow..well right after I questioned it the number 3 appears in the middle of the rainbow!!! I was so excited and just praising God and asked him to continue to reveal himself to me and then a Cross appears in the middle of the rainbow with a door off to the side and then down below in the rt hand corner of the pic was what looked like a female lion with a cloak on. It was amazing and lasted for quite a long time! God is Awesome and amazing and he truly does show himself if we have eyes that are wanting to see.."seek and you shall find".. I went back to bible study this week and I was offloading about some things and Eva who is a powerful prayer warrior told me that God told her the word that i needed to hear was "fear"..the thing that I was still needing to overcome/let go. I am working on it..it's a work in progress but I know God will help me and I can do all things through him who strengthens me:).

The lion

About a week ago I was really distraught over the world and I told God to come down and all of a sudden in my patio this image appears of a lion and to the left of that a cross! It was amazing! Even my children were amazed! We then went to life way a few days ago and there was this shirt with a lion head in center of cross and the verse Revelation 5:5: "weep No more; behold, the lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has conquered so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals". Jesus is the lion, he wins in the end.. So take heart , he has overcome the world!!

You make me brave

The other day I was having a bad day at work..the type of Bad day where you wonder what you just did since it was so busy..and you question if you are supposed to continue. Don't get me wrong..I LOVE my job but on days like that it's VERY difficult..this job is probably the most stressful but most rewarding!!! I get in the car after my crazy shift and this song immediately comes on "you make me brave" by Bethel music..Sooooo AWESOME!!! At once I felt peace and felt HIS strength to continue in doing what He has called me to do!! Also a few days prior I had a patient that was having bad anxiety..started an iv on her and some blood had dripped onto the sheet and it formed a PERFECT heart!!!I told her that's Jesus saying he LOVES you..It was so AWESOME!!!