With Thanks

Well, usually on Thursdays some of us participate in the "Thankful Thursday" meme.
I am on a computer tho that doesn't have the image of the button for that meme so decided to use the above quote to talk about why I am thankful today.

I was diagnosed with a staph infection earlier this week. In a most uncomfortable place. 'nouf said.

The antibiotic should start kicking in to rid my body of the bacteria. The pain from the cyst has been horrid. I have a very high tolerance for pain....I gave birth TWICE with no medical intervention, meaning all natural....no drugs or anything!! I used the Bradley Method for both births and loved the experience. The "pain" which I didn't even think of as pain because let's face it: the word "labor" means "work" not pain, did not phase me in the least. I just breathed through it, rocked, etc. etc.

And some of you know the pain I had with the lyme disease...that was pretty bad.

But this was far worse. So bad that I was in tears. And I do not cry from physical pain. Ever.

So....to summarize: I was miserable last nite. Couldn't eat, couldn't sleep. Feeling alone because my dear hubby had to fly to another state for work for 2 days. Have LOTS to do before this musical Claire is in and before leaving on Thanksgiving vacation. I couldn't walk, drive, sit. Had to call in sick today from the classroom. You get the idea: miserable.

However: through it all, I had the words from Psalm 91 running through my mind. I turned to that Psalm before lying down to sleep for the 3rd time late last nite. I will post it below.

• I am so thankful for the Word of God. What comfort it brings when we are in pain or feeling dejected.
• I am thankful for my good friend and neighbor who told me today that she will go out and buy the black socks my youngest daughter needs for this musical she is in....the final dress rehearsals are this weekend and I just found out she needs socks for one of the dances. Talk about last minute! So....thank you Melissa!!!! You are wonderful.....her husband is even picking up some stuff at the elementary school that I need.....what great neighbors and friends. Thank you, Paul.
• And 2 friends emailed me today to see how they could pray. How I love that! It shows me that they are taking time out of their busy days to lift up burdens. This made me so thankful for them. Thank you Cathy, Rhonda and Ann!!
• Even my mom said she'd pray....we had a good conversation on the phone.
• My sister in law is praying and I am praying for her. She has had some physical issues lately and it is so awesome that we can turn to prayer to encourage each other. So...thank you Kathy!!
• Thank you to my blogging and Facebook friend for sending me an awesome note...she is a long-distance friend from the west coast whom I have never met in person. But...that doesn't matter, does it, when we are one in Christ? Her words of comfort and her prayer she typed really ministered to me. It got me thinking that it really only takes a minute to lift someone up....we all need to be doing this more!! The Bible says to bear one another's burdens. So.....a huge thank you to E-mom!!
• And a super huge thank you to my hubby who texted me that he is praying....to my oldest daughter for making that school bus and for helping around the house....and to my youngest daughter for her awesome hugs, her praying and her sweet spirit.

If I left someone out I am sorry!! But those are the people who came to my mind........you are appreciated and loved!!

I have lots to be thankful for........Praise God from Whom all blessings flow.....

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.".......
You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.......
For He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands......Psalm 91, 1&2; 3b, 11

and....miracle of miracles!! Just when I was lying on my bed, hotpacking the cyst and crying out to God to help me get the darn thing drained......it did!! I was able to get some of that "gunk" out and feel some relief. Yes I have some pain still. It was not an instant miraculous cure....but...the timing was not coincidental. I was at a low point. Couldn't take that pain anymore!! And just as I cried out to God for what seemed like the 100th time.....He intervened.....THANK YOU JESUS!! And although I still have the cyst, there is some relief.....and the miracle of modern medicine in the form of antibiotics...and a caring staff, friends and family.

God is good. He is faithful and His promises are true.

What are you thankful for today??