Browsing Category

Encouragement

Encouragement, Health, Life Is Beautiful

The Sweetness of Doing Nothing

The sweetness of doing nothing…isn’t that phrase in and of itself a sweet sound to the ears? For me, and I’m sure for many, it’s a puzzling concept. Doing nothing? And it’s sweet? But when you unpack the words, they become even more lovely.  I find it nearly impossible to do nothing. Even when I’m semi-relaxing by watching TV or reading a book, I have to feel as though I’m accomplishing something at the same time. I may turn on a movie, but I need to have the dishwasher or washing machine going or I’m folding a load of laundry, sometimes doing all three.

When in Rome, I noticed a marked ease about their lifestyle. There wasn’t the hurried pace we often feel here in our lives. Many people could be seen relaxing with friends over a meal…in the middle of the day. Some stores closed down entirely for the lunch hour, not something I’ve often seen happen here. The casual feeling, I’ll admit, was quite appealing.  The lovely Romans seem to savor more:  Food. Drink. The present company. Time. Continue Reading

March 10, 2015
Encouragement, Life Is Beautiful

When in Rome…Go Shopping!

I’ve been on vacation in Rome and Paris and I’ve not blogged in two solid weeks. It felt strange but necessary. My daughter and I were blessed to be able to go on a European adventure. I’m finally a legitimate Flying Blonde! I have lots to tell about our journey, but since I’m dipping my feet back into the blogging pond for the first time in two weeks and I’m still recovering from miles (and miles and miles) of rigorous walking and a million steps (I’m barely exaggerating!), I thought my first piece post vacation should be a fun one.

I like shopping. I’m not afraid to admit it. It’s always fun and refreshing to buy something new, even if it’s an inexpensive lip gloss. But when you are literally shopping in a new world, it’s downright exhilarating.  We discovered that shopping in Rome is amazing. We were like children running around from one adorable shop to another. Continue Reading

February 23, 2015
Encouragement, Health, Life Is Beautiful

The Miracle of Premature Birth

God is good. It’s a simple phrase of three words that we hear often. It’s usually followed by “all the time.” Right now, for me, the phrase reminds me of a raw fear I felt 13 years ago at this time. Thirteen years ago on this day, I was a few days post-op from having my first Crohn’s-related surgery.

It had been a painful time leading up to this emergent surgery. I had months earlier happily discovered I was expecting my second child, something I had been hoping for. I knew almost as soon as the early pregnancy test showed a faint positive that Fourth of July, that this pregnancy was very different from my first.

I was sick…morning, noon, and night sickness for three months that ended when the real pain began. I had such severe abdominal pain that by the time evening arrived each day, I was literally crawling to bed because I was in too much pain to stand upright.

Doctor visits and ultrasounds revealed an intestinal narrowing–an unfortunate but common occurrence in Crohn’s patients. The plan? Wait it out and see what came first–delivery or bowel perforation. I prayed for a healthy delivery. Continue Reading

February 8, 2015