Boojoyful

                                   Braydon visiting me in ICU when things weren't moving.                                              Jackson cheering me on in the step down unit. October 1 Whew, it's been 17 days since the stroke.  The walker has been put away and the cane is hung up in the house and just pulled out for rough terrain!  Speech is good until around 5PM and then there are a few slurs or slip ups from just being tired. My morning begins with me taxing my brain on Luminosity  and then I head out the door to therapy.  I fix my own meals and fold laundry and put away dishes for our daughter.  By the time the rains stop in Virginia I'll be ready to slip in my kayak and take off...just may need someone to dump me out on the beach afterwar...

Missing Moses.  He would be the ultimate recovery buddy. September 30 Button, button, who can do this and that with buttons (in occupational therapy yesterday) plum tuckered my left hand out! Sometimes I momentarily forget I've had a stroke, then the simplest task brings a subtle reminder.  Struggling to comprehend a couple exercise moves yesterday I asked for a  mirror to be rolled in front of me. The left side weakness became visible to me reminder and brought to mind the verse in James which relates to doing more than just listening to God's Word.  We've got to do what it says. Likewise, if I want to return to full strength, I've got to do what my therapists say. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.    James 1:22-2...

Oodles of Uncle Love. Thanks for coming to visit. September 29 If you've ever seen/read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory , then you've heard of a piece of candy called the everlasting Gobstopper.  The sales pitch is that you can suck on it forever.  The past two weeks I've experienced the Everlasting GODgiver.  Each time I reflect back with someone we see God's footprints right beside me. This afternoon I told my god-daughter, who had come from NC to visit, that if God calls me home right now it is fine because the past two weeks with him have been magnificent. Sitting in the therapy waiting room yesterday morning, my husband and I were discussing the reality of me returning home to the lake anytime soon.  Right across the room three people were talking about the great sermon they just heard at Shiloh. (We guessed that was their church.) Shiloh is the name of our property!  I told them they had no idea how God has just used them to bless us!   ...

September 28 Yesterday was a good day.  I have the privilege of buying our four year old grandson his first bike and watching him test drive it through Walmart.  As we moseyed (my description of my new gate) out to the car I was overcome with gratitude and thanked the Lord for allowing me to accomplish this sweet feat. We have laughed that my life will now be divided BS (Before Stroke) and PS (Post Stroke). I had started this devotional back at the lake...BS. God makes me laugh.  Not being able to sleep the other night, I headed into prayer mode around 3AM.  The necessity to do some "cleaning out" in the house has been on my heart and discerning a method to that madness was foremost in my thoughts.  Seeing how a seasonal change is upon us, clothes sorting seemed to be a good starting point. In my mind, I'm still 35 and I think some of the clothes I've held onto are geared towards a 35 year old and not a woman nearing 60!  When I opened Biblegateway...

The serenity garden at St Thomas Midtown September 27 A sweet sister loved by God sent me a "word of the day"... Tereo, which means to watch over, to preserve, to keep, to guard, and to attend to carefully.  Understand God is watching over you, He is keeping you, He is perserving you, and He is guarding you. And boy have I ever felt that!  I've got to do my part though and I blew it yesterday. True confessions of s stroke victim.  I choose our son and daughter in law for the personal trainers of the day. I'd been assigned 3 exercises.  They were so encouraging as I worked on standing on one leg at a time for 10 seconds.  Ole lefty is topping out at 3 seconds best.  From there we moved to my upper body band work out.  The bands quickly turned into Ninja Turtle head bands for our TN grandsons and their dad.  The idea of  taking my walker and going to the park, which has a paved path, and working on my stamina really appealed to me. ...

Our daughter ministering to me and many others with her harp. September 26 Yesterday, was a good day. The out patient therapy rehab has big windows and is bright and welcoming.  My new therapist has just the right combination of "push" and "praise."  She thinks they can get me to where I can do everything at home soon, since I am a hard worker!  Pray I don't slack off, but continue to realize the importance of persevering and challenging myself daily. A phrase has been waking me up in the middle of the night lately.  It is "offering a sacrifice."  This morning I read back through Old Testament verses concerning all the different types of sacrifices. Merriam Webster defines sacrifice as:"the act of giving up something that you want to keep especially in order to get or do something else or to help someone." Humbled again, I looked at the bowl of cards people had taken time to send, the emails and Facebook messages, flower...

September 25 Walking into our daughter's beautiful home yesterday was such a comforting feeling.  It's so familiar and that has to be a huge plus in this recovery road to independence.  I'm the one who set up her kitchen when she moved, so I know where everything is.  I messed up though.  From 3-8, I was under constant stimulation (my own fault not understanding my limits) and a severe headache came on and all my functions slowed down.  The killer was me trying to tell my husband which clothes to bring me. Naming location, color, designer, etc. taxed my brain way beyond it's limits right now.  Betty Ashton and my girlfriend got me into bed. This morning with "my girls" beside me I got up I went to the bathroom and brushed my teeth.  The left leg was so slow. Afterwards I just stood and looked in the mirror.  Finally, I looked at her with tears pouring down my face and said, "I don't know what I'm supposed to do next."  We both h...

September 24 Braydon arrived at ICU very quickly coming from Minneapolis.  He sat by my bed and in a sweet soft voice said, "Mom, this is pretty amazing.  You are still alive and getting to hear all the nice things people usually say about someone at their funeral!" I love my kids. While looking at the computer screen is still a struggle it has been a blessing to have my children sit beside me and read the "nice things" so many of you have posted on Facebook. The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, t he extravagant love of God , the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you.    2 Corinthians 13:14 This afternoon I took time to read some emails.  A dear friend, from SC flew in today to be with me and she was sitting with me.  One email was from a young man, whom I love like one of my own children.  As I read the words he had written I began to weep.  All the love and prayers that have been poured out have equ...

September 23 Part 2 Most of you received this email. I passed my cooking test this morning!  Baked brownies without falling over.  I realized a walker is really not going to be my aide of choice (Deke is) since Betty Ashton and the lake house both have gravel driveways and both houses have stairs to maneuver.  I requested this morning that they begin having me use a cane only.  BIG step.  I’m a bit wobbly, so they keep me belted, but as quickly as other things are coming back I really think I can do this. Your prayers have made the difference. Thank you, thank you. The biggest prayer right now is for my balance.  Insurance says I’ve been talking too much about how I love Jesus and too many praise parties in my room, so I have to MOVE OUT tomorrow and begin out patient therapy Friday! Praise the Lord for me, but I feel for the burden that is coming upon Betty Ashton and Aaron.  The Andrews troops are being great about flying in to support her the...

Practicing my BIG smile.  Going to get that left side back! It still works to kiss if your wondering! September 23 Today is our 37th anniversary and we are 8 hours apart, but close at heart.  The first thing I thought about this morning was to reflect on my wedding vows. I, Boo, take thee, Deke, to be my wedded Husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish, obey, and cheer on your beloved Tar Heels till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance. My man has stood by me through "all of the above" and while I was certainly ready to head to heaven  on September 14th, at the onset of the stroke, I"m thankful to have some more time making memories with the man of my dreams, my best friend, my encourager...the one whose kisses make my head spin!  Deke Andrews thank you for loving me as Christ loves us! Today's Biblegateway verse is perfect for the ba...

Hats off to these two caregivers. September 22-Evening thoughts. This morning was a banner day! I made it through the whole night alone and slept great.  This morning I put cereal in a bowl and poured milk over it (ok, yes with my right hand, but I still did it all alone) and they left me totally alone to dress for PT.  The value of your accomplishments is directly related to your circumstances! While the enemy wants my mind to go to...."No way you will ever be able to make breakfast for all 23 members of your family again," I say "Hooray for what happened today!" and look forward to the blessings coming on the other side of this hospital rehab door today. I know who my God is.  A God who loves me and has plans to give me a hope and a future wherever I am! My PT session today, with a new young therapist didn't start off great.  I was standing behind my walker and she said, "So why is your left knee bent? Is there something wrong with it?" I...

The nurses gave the boys popsicles when they came to visit. September 22 (BettyAshton again..helping type this for Mom) I just asked my nurse to put my life verse on the erasable board as a daily reminder. Be joyful alway, pray without ceasing, in all things give thanks."   I Thessalonians 5:16-18 On Biblegateway yesterday was a great verse to memorize for this first full week of therapy. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the  fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.   2 Corinthians 13:14 Sunday our VA Beach grands called to FaceTime.  Our oldest grandson looked at me and said, "Mama Boo, you look younger, I think you've lost a few pounds!" I said, I definitely have. He said, "Well, don't you go eating too much now!" Laughter is good for the soul. Speaking of laughter...Saturday I had visitors and while they were here I needed the nurse to take me to the bathroom.  All the time at the other hospi...

September 21 Please pray right now. I've been nauseous and had intestinal issues all night.  Today I have 6 hours of therapy starting at 7:45 and hardly know how I will lift my head off the pillow. Love, Boo The following is an excerpt from a recent He Reads Truth devotional... Years ago there was a woman who came to the church I served, and every Sunday, without fail, she would have a seizure in the middle of the service and have to be taken home. Before long, a sizable percentage of our congregation began to learn the signs that her seizure was coming on, and they took turns caring for her and driving her home. One day she came to tell me she was thinking about leaving our church because she felt she was a burden on us. I told her she felt that way because she was, and that it was our holy honor to help carry her. It was one of the most tangible expressions of Christ-like love I saw come out of our congregation—people stepping into her world to help her be ...

September 20 I rolled over yesterday morning to hold hands with my sweet husband sleeping on a cot by my hospital bed. How hard it will be to say good-bye to him today. (News Flash, I talked him into one more night. We had a romantic 37th anniversary dinner from PF Changs and the sweet nurses are allowing him on the bed with me and putting a do not disturb sign from 9-5!  How sweet is that. I asked Deke to read me the Biblegateway verse for the day yesterday and it's perfect for a stroke victim! Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.   Ephesians 4:29 Therapy began. My therapist walked in and said, "Hi, I'm Debbie. I see you are from VA. Where exactly?" "Smith Mt Lake," I replied. Smiling she said, "I just got back from there yesterday!" I expressed to Debbie my fear that these uncontrollable emotions which come ...

September 18-19 (Warning! Words don't alway work just right in my brain. Deke says he better proof these entries.) The clock is still ticking slowly and the days and nights seem so long.  Last night was a struggle. I felt like my body was having a difficult time adjusting to all that is happening to it.  My arms and legs are moving, my face, speech, eyes and balance have some catching up to do.  I have to listen to the doctors and therapists and remember this recovery will take time. I will miss my stroke team at St. Thomas Nashville so much as I make the move to rehab. Cheri, my Occupational therapist  and I have exchanged information and are going out to lunch in Nashville some day soon.  To have someone like that one your team, genuinely carrying and encouraging you is a gift. The move to rehab was devastating  (the uncontrollable emotions that accompany post stroke life, make lots of things seem devastating). I had a meltdown after those first few...

September 18 Betty Ashton has told me that outside this hospital, St. Thomas, is a HUGE banner which reads.... Nothing is impossible with God! The head of the stroke department has counseled me it is important to journal daily, so as to not grow weary or become frustrated in this recovery process.  The occupational therapists says typing will be really helpful. Honestly, these three sentences have worn me out, but I will type what has been my repeat verse the past four days... Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight. A quick recall for me of the progress so far and a thanks to all the encouragers.  I'm learning what a key factor this is in this process. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 9/14 - Flat on my back, paralyzed on my left side and slurred speech. By My Side- Amazing ...

September 17 Filling in for Mama Boo today... Boo is obviously desperate to move things along as quickly as possible; who wouldn't? So, the dilemma of the day (so far) was somewhat humorous. Trying to make the best impression on the doctor as to her state of recovery and hopefully moving out of the hospital to the next stage of rehab, should she: A) after showering, put her nice nightgown on, fluff up her hair, even put a smattering of make-up on, which she normally avoids, and risk the doctor thinking this woman is trying to use her "wiles" to get out of here (that was my thought, not hers) or, B) look disheveled and risk the doctor thinking she doesn't even care about getting out and getting better! She went with option A simply because for her, doing anything less than her best is not an option. Mama Boo is sold out for the Lord. In fact, I often refer to her as being a member of the NFL... Nut for the Lord! So, the message for the day is doi...

September 14-16 *written by BettyAshton But maybe a stroke of genius?  As I was trying to think of a stroke pun for the title (Pop has given us a steady line of them)  I kept realizing that, actually..maybe this is a stroke of genius.  We know that situations like this are often about more than the event itself and God is in control.  We are excited to see what things will come out of this that only a genius God could design. Monday afternoon Mama Boo arrived in Nashville to be an extra set of hands while my husband was out of town this week.  She was playing with the boys upstairs while I was downstairs getting dinner ready.  I heard her calmly call to me and say she needed me.  I assumed one of my boys was up to no good ;-0  When I got upstairs she was laying on the ground on her back.  I immediately assumed her back had gone out.  As I asked her what was wrong she had a hard time articulating what the problem was.  She just ...

September 14 Recreate my heart to love You above all else. Awaken me to Your presence. Create in me the desire to love You and glorify you more fully. Receive strength to be different. John Lloyd Olgivie

September 12-13 This little Pippi Longstocking hung out with me for 10 days.  The time just flew by. Our favorite activity was putting a coat hanger on her head and braiding her hair like Pippi. If you've ever watched a Pippi movie you know she does some amazing feats, because she BELIEVES. In line with the believe theme we chose this memory verse for memorization. Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be SAVED!   Acts 16:31 

September 11 The night before a friend went into open heart surgery, I opened Jesus Calling  and read: "Accept each day exactly as it comes to you. By that, I mean not only the circumstances of your day, but also the condition of your body.  Your assignment is to trust Me absolutely, resting in My sovereignty and faithfulness.  On some days, your circumstances and your physical condition feel out of balance...You can turn to Me at any point, and I will help you crawl out of the mire of disappointment. I will infuse My strength into you moment by moment, giving you all that you need for this day.  Trust Me by relying on My empowering presence." "I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint."    Jeremiah 31:25 That same day a younger sister in Christ wrote requesting prayer. She was weary. Here was the prayer I emailed her. May it bring you comfort this day. Father, shower your love on my sister and restore her weary soul. Make your presence...

Love this cute face! September 10 "I just want it to be over!" These are words I've recently heard from four friends in varying battles.  Listening to their stories made me think of various waiting scenarios we face in life. I just want this chemo to be over! I just want this illness to be over! I just want this infertility battle to be over! I just want the hurt of this grief to be over! I just want this child's rebellion to be over! I just want this class to be over! I just want this unemployment to be over! I just want these financial woes to be over! I just want this legal battle to be over! Ugh, for some it might be...I just want this marriage to be over! I thought about David's pleas to the Lord. " How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?  How long will you hide your face from me?" Psalm 13:1 " My soul is in deep anguish. How long, Lord, how long?"   Psalm 6:3 Jesus is our life preserver! He keeps us afloat in th...

 September 9 Having our grandchildren visit us is pure grace!  Thanks for entrusting these little ones to our care!

September 8 Last November, at our grandson's 6th birthday party, he asked my husband if he would baptize him in the lake.  Talk about a joy that makes your heart thrill!  This past Sunday was the big day! Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.     Matthew 28:18-20

September 7 Picnicking on a large quilt, under an enormous oak tree yesterday, with the most delightful breeze blowing though our hair, phrases such as..."This is incredible! What a day! Heaven must be like this!" kept coming from our mouths.  This Labor Day weekend weather has truly been delightful. The grands began swimming at 7:45 AM and finished up with an after dinner swim in the evening. Looking out at the water the thought... peace like a river... came to mind. I'm thinking that is a lyric from a song, but I plugged peace and river into Biblegateway and took to heart these words found in Isaiah 48:17-19 This is what the Lord says-your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river,  your well-being like the waves of the sea. Your descendants would ha...

September 5-6 Start children off on the way they should go,  and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6

September 4 I should have been out the door to the grocery store, but inside I was flat on the floor before God.  (The positioning didn't begin out of reverence, but because I'd been cleaning spiders out from under a book case and was plumb tuckered out from my morning of chores and stretching my sore back.) Anyway, God had my attention. I told the Lord, I knew I had some heart issues and asked him to reveal the source.  He said, "You're ticked by people who have no regard for others." Hmm..like the treatment of the Jews? The Japanese/Americans in the novel Hotel at the Corner of Bitter and Sweet ? Our country's involvement in slavery?  The unborn? Nuts like me with a crazy Christian faith?  Where was this going?  The bigger question (my sin issues) and supposed purpose of this quiet time would be...Who it is I have no regard for? Turning to Biblegateway I found Paul standing on a platform. He is sounding off to us from the grave on how to m...

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful. I know that full well. Psalm 139:13-14 September 3 A cherished sister in Christ, gathered these shells along the seashore and made this beautiful cross for me!  Each shell is such a reminder of how unique each of God's creations is.  Placing these on the cross is a reminder of how precious we creations are to Christ. If you, then though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Matthew 7:11 What better gift is there th an the gift of salvation? But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.                                           ...

September 2 School is back in full swing and we are missing the pitter pat of little feet and the sound of splashes in the water.  The joys of summer time and loving life are such gifts to be treasured.  There is definitely leaf work ahead and storms in our future, but we can take hold of Jesus and look at each day as a gift no matter what it holds. I'm choosing a Daniel in the lion's den attitude today.  I hope he saves me, but if not He is still God! Some days make us long for heaven more than others, but no matter where we are, if we are with Christ it's a good day. "For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, 'Do not fear: I will help you.'" Isaiah 41:13 "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus too hold of me." Philippians 3:12  "Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the...