Another update on mom.... tough one for her...

Hi Everyone:

Mom has not had a good day. She has not been comfortable whatever position she is in. She has had some nagging, but normal problems that go along with adjusting to life with a colostomy bag. I can tell she really wants to be able to do things, but her body will not allow it. The process of waiting has never been easy for mom, but she is being better about it than most people would be. She will get her staples out Tuesday. I know she wants to update for you all herself, but of course is just not feeling well enough yet. She enjoys your comments. She has numbness in the top of her leg, which doctors say could be short term or long term. The doctors told her this could be a possibility. God is faithful! Thank you for all you done. Please pray the healing process will go by fast for mom. You know how positive mom is; please pray with me that God would give her strength as she recovers. That God would protect her against discouragement. I’m asking him to give her grace for each moment. That she would feel free to vent in the tough times, and receive understanding. We are so proud of her. It is more than understandable that this process would be frustrating for her. She is laying in my bed in hopes that my hospital bed will be more comfortable. Thanks for reading! Each day will bring improvements. Thank you again! Our family is thankful for your kindness and support you’ve shown through prayers, flowers, food etc. God’s mercies are new each day
T.J.

Praise Report 2 She is home!

I just wanted you to know, in cause you have not heard that mom is home!!!!!!! She got home around noon today, and was very please with all the flowers, gifts, plants, etc many of you have given and sent to her. Thank you! I just saw her home for the first time since she she got home about an hour ago. every one insisted I go to AAA as usual, and I did, because the minstry is like second family to me. I could hardly wait to get home to see mom though, so I signed out a bit early. She has slept many hours since being home. Justin put Macy the dog on a leash so mom could pet her. Macy was so sweet with mom, and I am sure she was great medicine for mom too. I know I would have cried if I had witnessed the moment. I don't have much news at this point. I'll update as the process continues. I believe mom is so happy to be home, and we are so happy too! Please keep up those prayers and praises! Thank you all for everything!!!
T.J.
Hi Bloggers: Above is the lastest update! Thank you for your prayers and support! We are one step closer to "normal" Miss you guys!

Praise REPORT and continued prayers!

I am so excited to write this post for you all. I just talked to mom on the phone and she said the pathology report came back and the cancer is gone! Let me type that again so it will sink in better. They were able to get all of the cancer, only one lymphnode came back as cancer and it is now out.If Mom is able to eat solid foods between now and tommorow she will be able to come home at some point tomorrow. We are all so excited to have her home and can hardly wait for tommorow to come.Thank you so much for your continued prayers throughout this process.We are praising the Lord for this incredible news. We still know that there are hurdles to climb and recovery that still needs to take place. Hopefully if there is additional information to pass on to you I can do that once I talk to Mom further. She is now taking a nap and Mumzie is tearfully rejoicing. My friend Michelle and her adorable son Alex are spending some time with me today and it was wonderful to hear such good news with her. None of us have a guarantee of what tommorow will bring as far as this life goes, but I am reminded that we always have HOPE in our Lord Jesus Christ. We hope you will join in the celebration wtih us and continue praying for mom as it is still a slow process. We are thankful for all of you.
T.J.

Steady Progress....

Hi All:

I wanted you all to know Mom slept from 10 PM to 2:00 AM, which in the hospital is pretty good. She no longer has a pain pump which I’m sure she will miss, but she will take pains meds by mouth. She continues to show improvements a little every day. She wanted my aunt to bring my hair rinse tray board, so she could wash her hair. Mom has always been one of those people who want to wash her hair every day. Her best times surprisingly seem to be mornings, as she of course tires easily. By the time I got there last evening she was wiped out. She walked a longer distance on the walker yesterday, and her catheter has been out a couple days now, so that increases to the amount of walking she does as well. If I didn’t mention it before her epidural is out. One of her drainage tubes was removed, she has two still in. Has already walked today. She ate grits this morning. She has started to have some visitors for short periods of time. I say short periods, because sometimes it takes energy to talk, if she has had a busy or difficult day. The smallest tasks take big effort, but she is improving! God is faithful! My aid was kind enough to type the update yesterday for me. Our Dad’s sister is being very kind to come visit me today as she and her Son my cousin visited with Mom & Justin at the Hospital last night!. She and her family live near Macon and are some of the most generous people in the world. Thank you all for your gifts, cards and most of all prayers. I’ll update again soon
T.J.

VICTORY IN JESUS ONE STEP @ A TIME!

Mom made it through her 7 hour surgery Monday. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS! HERE IS TODAY'S UPDATE THANKS!

Hello All:

I apologize for the delay, today is the first day that I’ve been home for any length of time. Mom went to her own room yesterday. Yesterday was not a good day for mom. The first night she had tingling and numbness in her legs which is a side effect one of the medicines in her epidural, so they were not able to get her up yesterday due to that, and low BP. They changed her med, so that problem was solved. Praise God. Yesterday when I saw her she was very confused, but this of course is very natural for the amount of meds she has had, but glory, I’m so thankful she has meds! Yesterday her nurse commented about how mom has not complained one time about anything. I smiled and quickly said, no she never has been one to complain, at least not on the outside. That is God’s power and grace, and evidence of your prayers and her faith. Today mom had a rough morning with nausea and pain, but she has had a better afternoon. Last night she slept well until about 4:30, when her pain meds were nearly out, and after that she slept until 7:00 AM. She still does not talk much which is totally understandable, but she is more alert. She requested her cell phone, and to stay by herself tonight. They are still suppose to get her up out of bed tonight, and we all dread it for her, but know it must be done. I have not seen her today, but tomorrow after my shift at AAA I will spend the evening with her, and I look forward to seeing her improvements since last night. Most of the family ate dinner together at the hospital last night, and we will have funny stories to tell mom when she comes home Thank you for your ongoing prayers and support!
T.J.
T

preparing for mom's surgery,,,,

Mom's surgery is tomorrow @ 7 AM. I'M USING my grandmother's laptop, so i don't have long. It is hard to type. ('m in bed. long story. thank you fot your prayers! i will post ;ater.

Keep Abortion Out of Health Care

Keep Abortion Out of Health Care

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Before and After! My Bedroom Part 1

The teal is before the pink is after! Sorry the photos are dark. Butterflies is the new room theme. More later.......

Life List, Chosen Ones, and More...

Hi Bloggers:

Thank you for your prayers! Today, I want to do a couple things. A friend and fellow blogger inspired me to make an ultimate to do list for my life. Here I go, the only problem is I don't truly think half of it will happen, but I'll make the list for fun.

1. Go to Hawill

2. Have my first adult kiss.

3. Reconcile with loved one

4. Get a fulfilling job that pays reasonable.

5. Write a book and have it published

6. Lead Someone to Christ

7. Visit Fayetteville GA,

8. Meet Kirk Cameron

9. Go to DC.

10 Lay on the grass under the stars.

11. Read all of Karen Kingsbury's books

12. Have my own place

13. Be a public speaker.

14 Go on a cruise

15 Have lunch with Michael W Smith.

16. Sing karaoke.

17. Meet Mike Huckabee.

18. Host a formal party

19 Go on a cruise.

20 Have a daughter for a week.

21. Go to disneyworld.

22 Have a wedding/honeymoon/marriage.

23. Be completely content for an entire week 24/7

24. Feed the hungry children

25. Talk someone out of hurting themselves

26. Go to CA.

27. Fast

28 Meet Rick Warren

29Have a good looking guy tell me I'm beautiful, and know he means it

30. Go swimming again.

31 Learn to like Salad.

32 Hang out with John Erickson Tada

You know sometimes I think the things we think we want and dream about are often more fun in minds and hearts, than they are in life, I mean like the saying says the grass is always on the other side. It is weird, but sometimes I find that unfulfilled dreams can often bring me more joy than the reality not matching up with me ideals. Maybe that makes me totally crazy, but it makes me fantasy world far richer.

Next topic... Rejection-If you have lived hardly any time at all, then I know you have faced rejection either real or imagined or both. You also know how great and humbling it is to be chosen. I remember when I was chosen by my peers in high school to be a senior court attendant. I tried to keep my cool, but inside I was soaring. There has since been a debate, as to why they actually voted for me, but if nothing else, it was God's gift to me. What joy there is in being chosen. We are wired with a longing to be chosen! I have been reminded afresh what the Bible tells us about being chosen. The Bible tells us that God CHOSE us, we did not choose him! It also lets us know in Eph 1 that because God chose us, he also favors us. It is cool as I think it must be true that God not only loves me, but he actually likes me too. I have plenty of people who love me, but I often wonder how much they like me lol. Do you know what a huge deal that is? The same is true for all who trust in Christ. Christ both likes and loves us! Oh how I need the Lord to remind me when the darkness is so very thick. Rest in the realty chosen ones!

FYI The word chosen itself appears 123 times in the Bible Thank you for your comments!

I am so in love with Ryan PG13

I am in love with Ryan!!!!! Ok so I know this isn't my usual blogging format, but I needed a little fun! Hope you guys understand. You can see Ryan in the movie the propsal out now! FYI mom's surgery is planned for August 3rd 7 AM! I will have some more devotional posts as well as pictures of my new room.

I'd Rather Have Jesus!

Hi Blogging friends,

Thank you so much for your kindness and compassionate response to me regarding my last post. I have saved your comments, and will read and reread these. Glenda, Thank you so for the verses. Beth, I feel your prayers. Val, Thank you for such love and grace. I feel so loved! Dee, you are amazing! It seems like you have a window to my soul! Thank you All! I have however decided to delete my former post, so it will not have any way of causing visitors to stumble, as we never know how what we write might cause others to give into some form of temptation.

I thank you for your prayers. I am doing better today. I would love to have some wisdom to share, but I'm in a learning process myself at the moment. Mom is in good spirits as always, we will know more on Tues. Jenn will be home Wed, can't wait! I will ask though, do you find that God sometimes uses music to minster to you when other means don't seem to get your attention? I was listening to the Hymn I'd Rather Have Jesus, and it isn't like I hadn't heard it, but somehow it seemed to reach me today. So I did some research. www.allaboutGod.com

I’d Rather Have Jesus – The History I’d Rather Have Jesus is a song written by Rhea F. Miller with the tune written by George Beverly Shea. This poem, written in 1922, was left on a piano in the Shea home by Bev Shea who wanted her son to find it and change the course of his life. The words, I’d rather have Jesus, moved George so much and spoke to him about his own aims and ambitions in life. He sat down at the piano and began singing them with a tune that seemed to fit the words. Shea’s mom heard him singing it and asked him to sing it at church the next day. . I’d Rather Have Jesus – The Lyrics I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold; I’d rather be His than have riches untold; I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands, I’d rather be led by His nail pierced hand. Than to be a king of a vast domain Or be held in sin’s dread sway, I’d rather have Jesus than anything This world affords today. I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause; I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause; I’d rather have Jesus than world-wide fame, I’d rather be true to His holy name. He’s fairer than lilies of rarest bloom; He’s sweeter than honey from out of the comb; He’s all that my hungering spirit needs, I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead. I’d Rather Have Jesus – The Bible’s Support This hymn is about dedication and commitment. To follow after Jesus is costly. Matthew 16:24-26 says: “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?’” I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold. . . Philippians 1:21 reminds us: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead. . . Philippians 3:8 says, “What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.” I’d rather have Jesus than world-wide fame, I’d rather be true to His holy name. . . Praise God for the words of Rhea Miller and the caring of Bev Shea. Because of them, George followed after Jesus and we are blessed with the fruit. Hope this blesses you all, as it did me.

Update and Happy 4th!

Hi Bloggers:

Thank you for all your prayers for mom and family. We won't know the results of her biopsy or scan for a couple weeks. The scan didn't give her harsh side effects like before, so this an answer to prayer. The doctor says it will take a couple weeks to get over the biopsy. Thank you! I know a lot of my posts have consisted of this new development in our lives, I hope you understand. I will label the post, in case there are only ones or topics you wish to read.

Happy 4th! While mom has little energy she still wants to go to my Aunt's house tonight as usual. I am very thankful for those who serve our country to protect us. I am thankful for their families who sacrifice so much! As Christians we have more than one freedom to celebrate! Gal. 3:28 www.biblegateway.com There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Enjoy your freedom, the price for it has been paid!

The first of many updates

Hi Bloggers:

Hope your week is winding up well! Thank you for your prayers for my mom. I have not heard anything yet. She has a caringbridge page, you can subscribe to for updates, if you wish. You do have to register though. The site is: www. caringbridge.org The page name is: Madelineellis I sense your prayers. God is good! More posts soon.

Cancer Back, and Prov. 3:5-6

Hi gang:

Hope all is well your way. We found out this week that my mom's cancer has returned. I don't know the extent of it yet. She is having a Pet scan on Thurs, and a surgical biopsy. I think I knew it was coming, and that is why my mood has been lacking. God has comforted me, and I know he will be faithful. I know we all have trials and we must cast our cares upon Christ. I do not know what you maybe facing in your lives, but I am reminded that we must not rely on our own understanding, but we must trust our God who understands all things! Prov. 3:5-6 Blessings,

T.J.

I''m enjoying your blogs!

From Bitterness to Thankfulness

Hi Gals:

Wow!!!!!!!!!!! So much to write. I want to begin with a thankful list. I know others do this weekly, but I want to do it now.

1. I''m thankful for God's grace upon my life I don't deserve to be his daughter, but I am.

2. I know it sounds funny, but I'm thankful God does not let me know what is going to happen before it does sometimes.

3, I'm thankful my stomach is intact today.

4, I'm thankful for a back up chair when my breaks down like today.

5. I'm thankful for running water, as I think about how Jenn doesn't have any.

6. I'm thankful for doggy kisses

7. I'm thankful my mom can get medical coverage.

8. I'm thankful my mom is here on earth.

9. I'm thankful my brother can go on the mission trip tomorrow.

10. I'm thankful for Michelle and the new bible study we are doing together called Me, Myself, and Lies

11. I'm thankful Jenn will be home in three weeks.

12, I'm thankful for Sandra Rose

13. I'm thankful for Dr. John Barber, and the depth of wisdom he has.

14. I'm thankful for the fact that sometimes long distance friendships really do work.

15. I'm thankful God is true to his promises. As you can see: I have endless reasons to choose thankfulness over bitterness!

I have been struggling with bitterness in life in general lately. It is amazing how when we choose thankfulness it transforms us, lifts us up. Christians most of all, have no shortage of reasons to be thankful. Does that mean I should go around pretending life is peachy all the time? No, the truth is there are days I wonder why in the world I am here? I often think wouldn't my life serve a greater purpose in heaven than here? I often feel out of place in this world. It isn't that there aren't wonderful things about this life, there are. Laughter joy lessons beauty, It's all here, but it is all perfected in heaven! It is tempting to think I am useless here. Yet I know God placed me here to glorify himself, and who I am to tell him otherwise. I am on the second of the new Bible Study, to be honest It hasn't really occurred to me much that God wants honor from my thoughts. My mom is having biopsies done, they found a spot, but the doctor things it's only scar tissue. Keep you posted. I've added some new music Jenn!

R&R PDL Devotional!

This minstered to me so much I had to post, and I'm going to spend time at his feet. Thanks Sandra!

Be Real and Be Relaxed With God
by Rick Warren

"Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world" (Psalm 46:10 NLT).

Hurry is the death of prayer. If you rush through all your prayers, it will kill your prayer life.
I have a habit in my prayer life: before I pray any prayer, it is almost spontaneous that I take a deep breath. I just relax, settle down, and let go of any tension. Then, I'm ready to talk God.

So, when you pray, relax. Take a deep breath and try to forget anyone or anything that's around you and just focus in on God for a minute. Calm yourself down and get still: "Be still, and know that I am God!" (Psalm 46:10 NLT).

Jesus sat in Martha's house, but she was so busy, she couldn't stop to talk to Him and enjoy His company. Jesus said, "Martha, Martha! You are worried and troubled over so many things, but just one is needed. Mary has chosen the right thing, and it will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:41-42 TEV). Mary chose to relax at the feet of Jesus, listening to him while "Martha was distracted" (Luke 10:40 NIV).

Be real and relaxed, "Go to your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you" (Matthew 6:6 TEV).

Quickie Silly Night time post!

A - Age: 26 B - Biscuits or Bagels: biscuits of course C- Chore you hate: Being peace keeper D - Dog's name: Macy my brother's dog E - Essential start your day item: Time alone with my Bible, uninterrupted F - Favorite color: Teal G - Gold or Silver: Sliver H - Height: Short, Short, I - Instruments you play(ed): None J - Job title: Job is a funny word K - Kid(s): 0 L - Living arrangements: Complex M - Mom's name: Madeline not to be confused w/ Madelyn. N - Nicknames: Teej, T, T.J. That girl in the wheelchair O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth, yeah several. P - Pet Peeve: People who ask how are you, but don't really care how you are Q - Quote from a movie: " Oh Capitan my Capitan R - Right or left handed: Right S - Silblings: Justin T - Time you wake up: 8:30 or Later U- Underwear: Overrated V - Vegetable you dislike: Most of these W - Ways you run late: Talk, or my mom X - X-rays you've had: Arm, Hips, Back leg foot Y - Yummy food you make: nothing Z - Zoo favorite: Otter`

I tag whoever reads this!

NEW Begining and Relationship effort

Hi Bloggers:

Hope your weekend is going well! Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging comments! I am doing well. Summer always seems to lift my spirits! I am so excited also, because my friend Jenn who comes home July 14th. Jenn is an amazing friend! I learn so much about what a Christian should be from her, and we laugh, and she is so much fun to be with! Please pray for her as she leaves Nepal and returns to America, that God will pour his love on her like never before! I want all of you to know how much it means to have blogger friends like you!

Mom is out of town for the day in Kentucky for a surprise party! It amazing to think about just a year ago, I wasn't sure she would live let alone be taking a trip! My heart overflws with thankfulness to my God! He truly heard my prayers, I have no promise that her cancer won't come back, but I am beyond thankful God has given her his healing! Sorry I guess it just hit me afresh! By the way, did you know that having an ongoing relationship with God, takes effort on our part? Hear me here, I'm not referring to a works based doctrine. What I am writing about is found in Hosea 6:3 Let us strive to know the Lord." HCSV) WWW.crosswalk.com We are of course saved by Grace Alone, which is something that overwhelms me! We must strive however to know the Lord to deepen our relationship with him, as well as our knowledge of him! We aren't surprised to know that sometimes our relationships with others take effort, but to be honest, I am not always willing to make the effort to deepen my relationship with God. The Creator of the Universe, made the greatest effort in all of history to pursue a relationship with me and you, and yet at times ladies, even this; is not enough to motivate us to put fourth the effort to pursue him. Okay this is from God, not me, because it is convicting me lol. We are redoing my bedroom, and it is like a new start for me. I won't give details as I want to surprise Jenn, but once she sees it, I'll post pics. Speaking of pics. Here are a few of baby Jackson and family. Hope you like my new blog layout, I may not keep it, as it more difficult to find things, but it does reflect me a bit more. Let me know what you gals think.

Covered by His Blood Warfare, and waiting!

Hello There:

       I am still in the blogging world!  Hope you guys are well!  I apologize for my absence from your blogs and my own.  You may have heard me say before that I've had some battles with depression/anxiety.   While I only had a few blue days this time, it was kind of  disappointing after the progress the Lord has given to me.  This time was different, I felt it was more spiritual attack than anything else.  I know it is not popular to say in this culture that there is Spiritual Warfare, but after speaking with my pastor and one person I greatly trust, I am convinced that it is biblical to believe spiritual warfare is in fact a real thing!  Please don't misunderstand, I don't mean I am demon possessed or anything.  In fact, I want to remind all that Greater is He that is in us than one who is in the world.  Paraphrase of 1 John 4:4  You see to be frank I let my guard down spiritually.  I got lazy and indifferent, apathetic.What I really got too comfortable, and it began to cause me to be prone to attack, but in recent days I have been reminded that Christ has secured the victory for me!  His blood covers me, and therefore God's eternal judgement passes over me, because my soul is covered by the blood of Christ!!!!!!!!!!   Wow!  What would it be like if we truly took hold of that truth!    

      I have been waiting for some time for God to restore a broken realtionship in my life.  I want something to happen, but clearly has  said to me you are to wait and pray.  My response has been Lord I'm tired of waiting and praying for something to change, but the truth is, I am called first to obey, and trust God has heard my prayer and will act in His time!   Are you tired of living an unfulfilled dream, or tired of waiting for God's healing hand?  If you are, I hope like me you will pour out your heart to your Abba Father, and ask him for hope and comfort as you wait upon our Great and Mighty God!!!! 

Thank you for your prayers!

Hi Bloggers:

        Thank you praying for Jenn and the people of Nepal.  Thank you for also praying for me.  I look forward to the time when I will have a lengthy amount of time to post, but I just want to say thank you, and I'm thankful for those who have put their lives on the line for the freedom and safety I enjoy!  I'll be back soon!