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Thursday, January 26, 2012

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 :)


14 comments:

  1. oh, dear friend! i am rejoicing with you in this miracle and for the many blessings you are reaping after the trouble and pain!

    praise the Lord!

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  2. I'm visiting for the first time from Hannah's blog (which was also my first visit). I came over because your story sounded a lot like mine. And to see you were a "Honey" made me happy. I'm a "Nona" to a granddaughter, mama to a daughter and two sons and married to my high school sweetheart for 31 years and counting. (We were babies when we married. ;)) Anyway this post was so uplifting. Listing the gratitude and praises for what you can do. Nice to meet you.

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  3. well, Bless your heart! Congrats on being able to live and enjoy living again! What an amazing inspiration!

    I am stopping by from the Embrace the Camera meme, would love to have you stop by when you get the chance :) http://mamasgonnashoot.blogspot.com/2012/01/embrace-camera.html

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  4. Wow, I can't imagine that kind of ongoing pain and discomfort. I'm so glad you are much better and back to doing many of the things you love. What a beautiful family you have. I love the scripture you shared.it reminds me of how much I've grown in the compassion area, all from struggling with anxiety. I have learned to be less judgmental and more empathetic towards others. I guess that's a blessing. :)

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  5. praise God for the changes a year has brought you!~

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  6. beautiful post ... and so thankful you are doing well ... praise God!

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  7. amen! this is such a beautiful testimony!
    such an encouraging girl, you are. LOVE you and praising Jesus for your progress! xo

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  8. So happy for you!!! :D God is so good!

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  9. I'm so glad the surgery was successful and you are back to you. I am thankful to have met you in the blog world. You ARE a COMFORT. And the verses...be still my heart...they are so good.
    xxO

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  10. Aww, that is so sweet. What a blessing, and you look awesome. God is good!

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  11. What a difference a year makes! Praise Him for your health! I can't imagine being in that kind of pain. I am so happy that you are doing so well now!!

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  12. You look WAY too young to be a grandma! Glad you're doing well. This is my first time visiting your blog. (I'm #41 for ETC this week.) Have a fab weekend!

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  13. praising God with you for your healing! this post really encouraged me today, stephanie. thank you for being such a wonderful vessel for Jesus to shine through! and thank you so much for all of your prayers and words of encouragement for me over the past couple weeks. they have meant so much!! lora

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  14. AMEN!

    so, i have back pain. have degenerative/compressed discs in my lower back l-4 & l-5. does that meaning anything to you? i did p.t. for 6 months, then bought a table that stretches my lower back. it helps. i can walk again, but i can't lift. i'm 38 and g-kids are a ways off, but i think about that. think about how i won't be able to hold them. sad. i'm thinking surgery is in my future. do you have any surgery/recovery insight you could share?

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