Our Family is Dysfunctional??????

 I found out last night that my cousin died last November.  To be fair, I guess he died when I was in the hospital with pancreatitis.  It would not have been good for me to learn such sad news when I was so very ill.  

I don't understand why he's being buried two months later and probably none of my family understands this.  Still it seems odd that no mention of my cousin's death has been made in the past two months by anyone who knew about it.  Are we all sooooo busy that a man's death is irrelevant and forgettable?

The deepness of the dysfunction in my childhood family, and that extended family, has reached out and slapped me in the face once again.  I'm going along just fine, totally in love with the life that Robert and I have built, and then BAM there it is again.  What a sick bunch I was born into!

Well, if you've read here long, you know that I want to present answers to life's problems so that this blog lives up to it's name.  Even a tiny ray of hope is better than none at all!  So I went in search of some good advice for those of you who also are amazed by how a family can be either Heaven on Earth or hell on Earth. 

 For those of you who weren't fortunate enough to have had Heaven on Earth families, while you were growing up, this video is for you.  I just watched it and it is soooo good.  Even though half of my family of origin is dead, the other half is still walking around with me.  We have the memories of all of the crap that went down in our incestuous household.  Here's to us and to you if you need this information.

  Here's to being in charge of our own feelings and knowing that we don't have to act like we like something a family member does just for the sake of "Keeping the peace."  If it's harmful to me, then I must stop it!!  There are several very helpful tools mentioned in this video to do just that!

  Hugs everyone,

  Dawn

HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!

 HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!!!

We made it through 2023.  God has sustained all of us yet living ones!!!  He took everyone home to Heaven to live with Him forever IF
they gave their lives to Him when their home was on the Earth.  I can only hope that was all of the ones who died.  Why not hope for that?

We had a marvelous New Year's Eve party here.  We had 21 guests and not a one of them complained about us not serving alcohol!!  Robert and I both had alcoholic dads who nigh unto ruined our lives and our marriage so why would we want alcohol in our home EVER?

I digress. It's going to be a hot political year in my country.  With the stolen 2020 election not yet resolved, how can we trust that they won't cheat again in this Presidential election?  We can't so that is why every single conservative MUST get out and vote for President Trump to be restored to his office that was stolen from him!

I am ashamed to say that I learned recently that conservatives and born-again Christians are the LEAST likely to go out and vote.  I guess "We'll pray about it," is their excuse for neglecting their civic duty to pick people who will represent their wishes!  That's probably why our country is falling apart so I'm starting early.  GO OUT AND VOTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  

I found a poem that blessed me as I ponder the responsibilities of the new year ahead of us.  I pray that it will bless you too!!!

Dawn

A New Year's Plan

I tried to think of a clever new phrase—
A slogan to inspire the next 365 days,
A motto to live by this coming New Year,
But the catchy words fell flat to my ear.

And then I heard His still small voice
Saying, "Consider this simple, daily choice:
With each new dawn and close of day
Make new your resolve to trust and obey."

"Don't look back, caught in regret
Or dwell on the sorrow of dreams unmet;
Don't stare forward anchored by fear,
No, live in this moment, for I Am here."

"I am all you need. Everything. I Am.
You are held secure by my strong hand.
Give me this one thing—your all in all;
Into my grace, let yourself fall."

So, at last, I'm ready; I see the way.
It's to daily follow, trust, and obey.
I enter the New Year armed with a plan,
To give Him my everything—all that I am.

--Mary Fairchild

BEST possible news

 I'm sorry that it's taken me so long to share my good report from the doctor.  It's taken me a while to recover my strength from the pancreatitis that put me in the hospital for a week in September.

Last Monday Robert and I went to Fargo and I had a procedure called an EUS.  That stands for Esophageal UntraSound.   If you are interested in what I had done, you can look at my preceding post.

This could be a long story but our neighborhood ladies are having our monthly Bible study tea today.  I need to get ready to go so I'll give you the sweetened condensed version.

I DO NOT HAVE PANCREATIC CANCER!!!!

The doctor saw nothing that indicated cancer so he didn't need to do a biopsy at all.  This is terrific news and we are all soooo happy.

The doctor said that the pancreas is a "Wimpy organ" and isn't much interested in healing itself.  He said that a case of pancreatitis like I suffered can take a YEAR for the pancreas to recover from.  A YEAR!!!

He did say that there is a small group of cysts that could be putting pressure on the pancreas.  He said that the largest one is about half the size of when he usually drains them.  The surgeon also said that, to drain them at this size, could REALLY irritate my pancreas.

They need to be watched, though, so he is recommending another MRI in 3 to 4 months.  That's what I'll do then because any one of those tiny to small cysts could turn cancerous in the future.

The best news of all is that Doc M said the color of my pancreas is much healthier than it was in September.  IT IS HEALING!!!  YAY but it is going to take a long time to fully recover.  

This means that the ultra low fat diet the hospital dietician put me on is still a priority and will be for months yet.  My primary doctor encouraged me to explore regions of fat consumption above 30 grams a day.  I tried 38 grams the other day and almost regretted it.  I was able to get the attack stopped with charcoal capsules BUT I learned that it's best to stay as low fat as possible--so I will

In our farm news, the guys finished harvest a couple of weeks ago.  YAY.  We had snow earlier and that stopped things.  I kept praying for warmer weather and IT CAME!  The snow all melted and there was no snow on the ground for over a month so harvesting went easy except for the many combine breakdowns.  sigh.

Well, last week our second Winter started.  See.  This all came in one night.  

Here's a poem I just found about Winter.  I like the part where it says the dead flowers of Summer are seeds hidden under the snow.  YAY

Lots of love,

Dawn

TIMELESS TREASURES

A Winter's portrait, so bountiful,

Nature's gift indeed...

Though lurking are the lifeless flowers

Returned to earth as seed.

All sacred gifts sent unto us

Are made by God's own hands -

And always, they are precious ones

To love just as He plans!

While lilies in the valley rest,

And clad are crystal trees...

A lifeless day revives the soul

Through snowflakes on a breeze.

These heavenly troves to come our way,

So beautiful, big or small...

Will touch our lives through each new day -

God's gifts... they're best of all!

Dianne Cogar

ANSWERS NEEDED!

 I got a call yesterday from the nurse in Fargo who works at the endoscopy center.  I had an EUS scheduled for December 18th but now it got moved up to next Monday.  

  My pancreas still freaks out if I got much over 30 grams of fat a day.  It feels like the worst days of flue; the first day of one's cycle; or a terrible gas attack.  SOMETHING IS WRONG. 

  Please pray for me to be safe through the procedure and for us to get some answers as to what is going on.  Why did I get pancreatitis that put me in the hospital for a week in September.  Why am I unable to eat even a small amount of fat without suffering terribly?

  The things they will be looking for are tumors or a gall stone blocking the pancreatic duct.  I'm sure hoping for the gall stone.  They will be able to do a biopsy at that time of whatever they see is causing all of this misery.

  I found a couple of  EUS videos to share with my readers for information purposes.  Also PLEASE keep me covered with your prayers.  Please pray for Robert, too, as he needs to know that I'm going to be ok SOON!!

  God bless all of you prayer warriors out there!

  Dawn  

Here's to being THAKFUL every Day!!

Hi everyone,

  We had a marvelous Thanksgiving complete with an organic turkey from my daughter's farm in MN.  Cora and her family came over early so we feasted the weekend before Thanksgiving.  Robert's Mom came then, too, so we had everybody here and it was WONDERFUL.  We even took family pictures which are still on Andrew's camera.  I will share them here as soon as he sends them to me.

  This past Friday night our guys finished combining the corn so we are DONE with harvesting for the year!!!! It was the best corn crop EVER but we had break down after break down on the equipment.  Still, the weather held until we were finished and got everything moved home and in the shop or in the bin.  YAY

  I follow SEUKLOW for one of my news sources.  They are doing amazing things all over the world for freedom including representing numerous of the hostage families in Gaza and negotiating for their release. Let's all pray that everyone is returned home to their families soon!!

  With all of the heaviness in the world, I was pleased to see that Sekulow produced a new movie for Christmas.  I haven't seen it yet but the Sekulows shared on their weekly news program that this movie exposes the Woke agenda for all the evil it is hoping to foist on the world.  Here's the link to purchase the movie to be streamed and you can watch it over and over.  Order at jinglesmells.movie.

  I continue to covet your prayers in regards to my health.  On December 18th, or sooner if there's an opening, I will be traveling with Robert to the largest medical facility in the state.  Because my pancreas continues to cause misery if I eat more than 30 to 40 grams of fat per day, an EUS has been ordered by my gastroenterologist.  

  They will put me under and then insert a scope down my throat.  This is the best way to get a picture of my pancreas which showed considerable stranding when I was in the hospital in September.  This can be a sign of pancreatic cancer or something else.  I was told that they will do a biopsy if there is a need at that time.  It all makes one a bit nervous to ponder what they may learn.

  So I bought an air fryer as that is a way to get food crispy like fried but without the fat.  I'm still learning how to use it.  I have incentive because I've had 4 extremely painful episodes since I got home from the hospital.  

  Well, I've said enough about pancreatitis and will add that I'm glad to be alive.  I learned since my return home from my week long stay in the hospital that it can be deadly if left untreated!!  

  I guess I'll close before this gets really long.  May God bless all of you families out there.  You parents are doing the most important job there is in raising your children to love Jesus.

  Dawn

How Old are You?

 From the author of FAST LIKE A GIRL, we have this wealth of information.

Although I had been following EAT STOP EAT for over 2 years, my weight did not budge. My health improved in many ways, as I tried to recover from shingles on the brain, but my weight did not budge.

Now I have lost over 10 pounds and it's the first time in probably 3 decades that I am loosing weight!!

If you're over 40; having trouble sleeping; and your weight is frozen PLEASE take the time to watch this video. You'll want to take notes as it is loaded with information.

Here's to abundant health now that somebody has taken the time to look at women's health as we age. Further, there's something that can be done about being "STUCK!"

Lots of love,

Dawn

Are you Grieving too?

 Hi everyone,

  It's been a much better week with my pancreas.  I'm learning to choose no pain over even ice cream!!  No pain is better although I'm hoping that I won't always have to be THIS low-fat all my life!!

  We had a wonderful Sabbath yesterday.  I rode with Andrew and his family over to church.  Then a dear friend had invited all of the women to her house for a potluck meal and fellowship!  

  The hours flew by as the ladies and wee ones ate together; played games; shared our faith; and did show and tell.  I took along the pin that my mother always wore on her good coat this time of year.  How can she be gone 14 years already?

  We are rejoicing because the early snow is melting in these mid-30 temperatures.  Hopefully the corn will dry out now and the guys can get back to combining.  PLEASE pray for dry weather here in the Mid-west as MANY crops remain in the fields.  

  Today we are celebrating our youngest son's 28th birthday.  We're having the birthday party on Saturday with Andrew and some friends who share birthdays with our guys. 

 It's a tradition to have a joint party with their family even though this year won't be the same.  Their dad, Paul, started the tradition about 5 years ago.  Recently Paul passed away in his sleep.  Being the kids mom passed away a couple of years ago, they are orphans now.  At ages 19, 21, and 23 they're rather lost so we're hosting the join party again.  

  I pray often for anyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one! Once again I went in search of a poem to express my sentiments. I found this one about the loss of a friend who I KNOW is in Heaven with Jesus right now!!  May God comfort all of the grieving ones with these thoughts!

  Love and prayers sent around the world,

  Dawn

PS.  This encouraged me today.  God IS in charge of this world!!

Kim Potter: "God Signs Are Ahead!"

Kim Potter

Nov 5, 2023

Recently, I was reminded of a trip my daughter Breanne and I once took out of town. It was a bright, sunny day, and we were driving to a nearby city to pick something up for a birthday party.

I was the passenger that day. I was quietly riding along, looking out the window and simply enjoying the ride. I began to see road signs; the first one read, "Work Ahead." (At the time, we were traveling about 60 mph.) I didn't think a lot about this first sign, and we continued driving. After another mile or so, there was another sign; it read, "Road Work Ahead." We continued on – at the same rate of speed, I might add.

A few miles later, another sign appeared. "Flagman Ahead," it read. About a half-mile later, another sign caught my eye. It was the final sign I saw that day. It said, "Prepare to Stop"!

As we went into the next curve, we encountered the road work and flagman. Breanne quickly hit the brakes. Frustrated, she said, "Well, that's nice! No warning at all!"

I said, "Are you kidding me? There were several signs for the past few miles. There were warnings all along the way."

"I didn't see them," she responded. "I had something else on my mind."

Immediately, the Lord spoke to me and clearly said, "Many will NOT see the signs."

That day, God began to give me insight about signs.

What Are Signs and Why Do We Receive Them?

Psalm 74:9 says, "We do not see our signs; there is no longer any prophet; nor is there any among us who knows how long."

I was surprised at how many times throughout Scripture God used signs. He is the same God; He still uses signs today. It is up to us to recognize the signs and heed their warnings. (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)

The Hebrew word for sign in Psalm 74:9 is defined as a "banner," "miracle," "memorial," "omen," "token," or "pledge." It comes from a root word that means "to give consent" or "agree" (see Strong's Concordance).

You see, we must watch for signs from God. Then, we must come into agreement with them. They may be signs of direction for us or signs of warning for us. Either way, our agreement is required, just as it was that day with Breanne. She didn't see the signs. If she had, she would have come into agreement with them and slowed down.

God began to show me some key factors concerning signs that day.

Three Ways to Recognize the Signs and What to Do with Them

1. Slow Down! Don't Miss the Good Portion

I am reminded of the story of Mary and Martha.

"Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to His teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to Him and said, 'Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.' But the Lord answered her, 'Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.'" (Luke 10:38-42)

Martha was so busy trying to make sure everything was just right, she missed the most important thing that day – the one thing that was necessary: the good portion. She missed the precious time of sitting at the feet of Jesus, the time of learning from Him.

If we are going to hear God clearly, we must spend time with Him. We cannot allow ourselves to become busy with so many other things that we miss the signs. Daily work, family and even ministry demand our time, so much so that we miss the moments when Jesus wants us to sit at His feet and learn from Him. Yet, these moments are vital if we are going to walk with God in His peace and wisdom.

Jesus said, "Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30). Make it a priority each day to spend time with God – to rest in Him and to learn from Him. It is there alone that you will find rest for your soul.

2. Keep Your Eyes and Mind on God

Remember, Breanne didn't see the signs because she had her mind elsewhere. It is vital in the days we live in to keep our minds on God, to keep our eyes on God and to look to Him in all things.

"I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken." (Psalm 16:8)

"He will not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD." (Psalm 112:7)

"'If you'll hold on to Me for dear life,' says GOD, 'I'll get you out of any trouble. I'll give you the best of care if you'll only get to know and trust Me. Call Me and I'll answer, be at your side in bad times; I'll rescue you, then throw you a party. I'll give you a long life, give you a long drink of salvation!'" (Psalm 91:14-16) (Photo via Unsplash)

"You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." (Isaiah 26:3)

As we see from the Word of God, keeping our eyes and our minds on Him is most of the battle. Don't meditate or focus on the problems. Keep your mind on the solution. Don't think on the bad report. Meditate on the Word of God. Meditate on His faithfulness. There you will find peace.

3. When You See the Signs, Heed Them

God uses signs; our part is to see them and obey them. The blessing doesn't come just by us reading His Word. The blessing comes after we begin to obey His Word.

"You shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess." (Deuteronomy 5:33)

"He who keeps instruction is in the way of life, but he who refuses correction goes astray." (Proverbs 10:17)

"If you love Me, keep My commandments." (John 14:15)

"But He said, 'More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!'" (Luke 11:28)

Friends, I encourage you today, watch for your God signs. They are there! God is speaking. Listen closely for His voice. Watch diligently for His signs. The more you heed His signs, the more signs there will be. Watch for them and agree with God's plan to bless you!

I will leave you with this final Scripture: "How great are His signs, and how mighty His wonders! His Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom, and His dominion is from generation to generation" (Daniel 4:3).

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Kim Potter
A New Thing Ministries
Email: Kim@anewthingministries.com
Website: www.anewthingministries.com

Kim Potter is the founder of A New Thing Ministries, which sends a daily teaching to over 10,000 people all around the world. Her articles have appeared on The Elijah List, Charisma, Spirit Fuel and iBelieve.com. Kim's message is one of hope. She speaks to the heart of those who have grown discouraged and disappointed by the circumstances of life and imparts the desire and ability to stand against all odds; to stand for victory. She encourages people to press into God and discover that He is who He says He is.

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