So Very Thankful

I'm so very thankful.

Last year at this time, this was my view.

Pain had pretty much taken over my life and this chair I was sitting in was pretty much where I lived. It had gotten to the point where it hurt to stand, it hurt to lie down, it hurt to walk, and it hurt to sit. Riding in a car was out of the question.... something about that position was excruciating. 

I even had to crawl a few times because it hurt too bad to stand.

I could no longer put on my own pants,  pick up my grandchildren or bend over to change their diapers.

Tomorrow it will be one year since I had surgery on my back.

I had begun to have nerve damage, so it was inevitable.

So I got my toes did...by my sweet husband no less :)

And got er done! 

This pic was taken a year ago tomorrow...

me a little scared, a little depressed, a little worried.

Being brave for my girls sake.

And this is me now, a year later...

I have to be careful of course but I'm backing to doing stuff  I love..

Like painting.

Riding in the car ...

with my feet on the dashboard.

Driving!

ALL Day Wedding Shopping!!

And most of all this....

I can't pick up all three at the same time.
but I CAN hold them. I can change diapers.  I can give them baths and pick them up one at a time!

Rosalyn always asks about my "bo bo" and this last visit she and Jules tried to kiss my bo bo (scar) away. 

I realize the physical pain I endured for a season, doesn't compare to the pain that some must endure permanently due to diseases, injuries or whatever affliction the Lord is allowing in your lives.  But through mine, He has given me a greater compassion and heart for others.

I love this quote from Streams in the Desert..

"He doesn't comfort us to make us comfortable but to make us comforters"
(2 Corinthians 1:3-11)

"Oh , bless our God, you peoples!

and make the voice of His praise to be heard,

who keeps our soul among the living,

and does not allow our feet to be moved.

For You, O God, have tested us;

You have refined us as silver is refined.

You brought us into the net,

You laid affliction on our backs.

You have caused men to ride over our heads;

We went through fire and through water;

But You brought us out to rich fulfillment."

Psalm 66:8-12

Praise God!

A year ago, I had no idea about blogging.

I had no idea of all of the wonderful ladies and friends glorifying God through sharing their talents, sharing their stories and sharing their pain...

And through having extra time while I couldn't move much during my time of affliction,  I discovered y'all.

And I began to create "pretties" to do something with my time.

Started a blog of my own.

Eventually opened my own Etsy shop.

 So, part of my rich fulfillment is this blog which has turned out to be a wonderful vessel to glorify God through the things He is teaching me.......and for the opportunity to meet so many of you..... and for allowing me to "re-connect" with so many of my friends and family that  I don't get to see or talk to often enough.

Yes,  I'm so very thankful.

Stephanie :)