Theme for the November Brenda Photo Challenge... Broken...

Time to get ready for the next Brenda Photo Challenge!  (click on the name to sign up)

We have three weeks to get our photos taken and posted! 
The Theme is Broken.  The date is Saturday, November 13th!

This is always a lot of fun.  I post my entries on my photo blog... Nita Jo's Photos
I have to admit, I've neglected my photo blog lately.  I haven't even entered the Challenge for a while, but I'm definitely entering this one.  If I can't take three photos on this theme... well, let's just say all I have to do is walk out to my backyard to find one or two subjects that fit. 

I may be absent for a few days... my youngest sis arrives today!  We have a lot to pack into this visit, so I'll see you after...  Maybe I'll even post an "honest" picture of me if we take some.  My profile picture is from the 70's... it is labeled "young Nita Jo" but maybe it's time for "much older, very overweight, but still happy Nita Jo"...  We'll see...

Blessings!

CAT Scan Results

Well, they found a small tumor in the parathyroid.  Doctor feels it's benign, but wants me to see an ENT surgeon for evaluation.  We'll be deciding whether to "watch and wait" or "remove"...  I'm already leaning toward removal.  My appointment with the ENT is next Tuesday afternoon, so for those of you who pray... please remember me in your prayers.  For those who don't, just send your good thoughts my way.

I do believe prayer is our most powerful healing tool.  I also believe in the talents and knowledge God has given doctors. 

God alone knows the number of my days, and nothing can interfere with His plans for my life.  Don't get me wrong... I am asking and praying for complete healing... but my heart is at peace, because I know who holds me in the palm of His mighty hand.

Bright note!  My sis arrives tomorrow!  I'm so excited to see her!

Blessings,
Nita Jo

I'm Back...

I've been online a few times, but just hadn't taken the time to get back to blogging.  Still working out computer issues, as always.  We went to visit my father-in-law.  I hadn't been over in four years, and it was nice to be able to travel again.  I did really well on the trip.  Didn't even have to take much pain medication.

Today I'm waiting on CAT Scan results.  Had to have two of them done last Thursday.  Most of you know how claustrophobic I am, so when they said they'd have to bind my arms for the second scan, I could feel the panic rising.  The scans were four hours apart, so I took an extra Xanax for the second one, prayed a lot, and practiced visualizing happy things.  I did just fine with it, but was pretty groggy from the Xanax well into the next day.

Anybody else out there with "space" issues?  I do not like small, confined spaces... MRI machines, elevators, tiny rooms with only one exit (this is why I won't see movies at the historic Flicks movie theatres anymore)...

I was able to get out to church yesterday.  It was a great service, and was just what I needed.  It is always good to look outside yourself and your circumstances.  Perspective.  Positive attitude...

These are definitely things I needed this past couple of days.  We made the mistake of co-signing for an apartment rental for someone.  They didn't default, but the roommate did.  Although we were told my husband was only signing for one, the fine print legally tied him to the roommates debt.  After a large hit to our credit card (which we have been trying so hard to pay down) and many tears of frustration, we can say "lesson learned" and try to move on.  We hope at some point the young lady will pay us back.

Happy news!  My youngest sis is coming to visit for a few days, first at my home and then over to her mom's.  It's been about four years since she's been here.  I am so excited to see her!  I'm trying to think of what all we can squeeze into the two days that she's staying with me.  We have so much to catch up on!

Well, I know this was a long, long post... just so much on my mind today.
I hope you're all enjoying the wonderful autumn weather like I am! 

Blessings!
Nita Jo

Update:  In case anyone "guessed" the identity of the young lady we covered the debt for.  There were extenuating circumstances, landlord difficulties, etc.  Also, once she learned what we'd done, she immediately made plans to pay us back.  Awesome young woman!

No Internet

Hello all!  I'll be without Internet for a week or so.  I will be sure to check in with all of you when I'm back online!


Blessings,
Nita Jo

October!

I love October!  It's been a week of cooler temperatures... perfect for me.  I'm listening to Mahalia sing "I'm Gonna Live The Life I Sing About In My Song"...  Love it.  Makes me want to hug my Grandma... sending love heavenward... Yesterday would have been her and Grandpa's anniversary.  It is my uncle and aunt's, and my cousin's... Happy Anniversary to Burt and Pat, Kent and Robin... and also to another cousin, Elverta and Bud.  Celebrate your love!

My priorities have been to continue filling donation boxes and spending some quality time with my family.  There is a peace in my home that was missing for a while.  It came from my heart... battered, broken, frustrated, sad... the peace also comes from my heart.  There is a healing power when you give over everything, and just let God's peace cover you.   I miss my loved ones who are no longer with me.  Maybe that's weak.  Whatever... I will always miss them.  Sometimes tears will come.  It doesn't mean I don't know they are in a better place.  It means I wish I could pick up the phone and share a moment; I wish I could have one more hug; just one more shared laugh.  But, "It is well with my soul..." and I don't fear death... I did when I was a young woman, but that fell by the wayside on this journey of my life.

Autumn memories... beautiful, nostalgic, poignant... I feel them with every breath.  I love my life.  I love those who were, and who are, a part of it.

Blessings to you, my dear friends!
Nita Jo


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