March Fave Five #1

Yeah.....it's March..the month that has the first day of Spring on its calender....and boy am I ready for Spring, greenery, warmer winds, lighter jackets, different clothes, and power walking outdoors!

It's been a tough week.  Another bout of low back pain brought on by shoveling heavy, wet snow last Friday afternoon so my husband would be able to get in the driveway.  Next year I am not shoveling. I'll hire out.  My back can no longer take it. (I'm 6 years older than my hubby...I think he often forgets that!) It was also made worse by an insane Wii Fit workout I did to try to beat my teenager's score...that's what I get for being proud...lol....!! Never again am I going to attempt the Hula Hoop workout...I think this exacerbated the lower back pain as it went into full pain mode an hour after my work-out.  But...with all these complaints, I still have some favorites from the last week.  God is good all the time!!  Even in trying times......let's celebrate His Goodness by taking time to reflect back on the week and find five things that He blessed us with.....along with our lovely host, Susanne, from Living to Tell the Story.  If you don't have a blog, or don't do your own FFF post, simply leave me a comment sharing what a fave of yours was this past week!  It is good to give thanks to the Lord!

My FIVE FAVES:

• A FAMILY MOVIE NITE!  We enjoyed another family movie night on Saturday evening as my oldest daughter needed to watch one for Film Criticism class (they are supposed to view movies and critique various aspects on ones they've never seen).  We allowed our 12 year old to view it with us, after pausing to explain a few "adult" scenes and implications.  Because I have been open about my teaching job, both daughters have good handle on what Mental Retardation is and isn't.  This will always be a fave of mine.....even the third viewing! :)

• CHURCH AT HOME!  Our church offers an online service (live!) at 11 a.m. which is typically the service we attend.  All four of us were getting over headcolds this past weekend, so we slept in, had breakfast together and watched the service together snuggled on the family room couch via my husband's laptop.  So thankful we have this option for people! If you ever want to check it out, simply go to this link and look for the phrase in the middle "watch us online"

• THE BLESSING OF GOOD FRIENDS!  Wednesday evening and all morning Thursday, I was in excruciating pain from the lower back injury.  A dear friend of mine (Erin!) could relate as she's had similar situations.  We texted back and forth and she said she'd pray for me.  Then on Thursday morning, when I had a doctor's appointment and was home from work for the day, my friend Monica, from my small group, volunteered to contact everyone in the group to report that group was cancelled due to my back being out....then, she offered to drive me to my dr's appt!!  How awesome is that??!  The dr told me it is indeed swelling of the fissures due from twisting, shoveling, and that this pain could last for a week.  She prescribed a steroid, muscle relaxant and told me to stay home and rest!! Meanwhile, I had friends texting me or calling me to say they were praying for a full recovery.....I love how the Lord uses our friends to bless us...AND a couple of the women said this was a start to something new:  we are going to start "being there, doing life" for situations such as this.  We don't want to just get together for Bible Study twice a week...we desire to be involved in each other's lives for those trying times.  God is good!!

Courtney and Claire
Lake Luzerne State Park, August 2010

• HELPFUL DAUGHTERS!  These two have been so helpful this week...it's hard for me to allow others to help out but the Lord showed me that this is what families do:  everyone has to pitch in when the main household manager is not able to do everything.  This is the first time I've ever had severe lower back problems and I think it kinda scared my children to not see me jumping up out of bed to organize everything for the day, etc.  They've been helping out after homework is done, and it has really blessed me.

• GOD'S WORD:  since I've had to be home for the last 2 days, I've had some good Bible reading times...what comfort we can glean from the Word of God.  I know "this too shall pass" but while waiting for the meds to help loosen my tight, swollen back muscles, the peace of God has been permeating my mind....I don't need to worry and fret....praise God for his truths and promises!

Do you have a favorite thing from this past week??  Please share by adding a comment!!  

Have a restful and happy weekend!!