March Musings - Day 14

What do you do when the night is bitterly cold?

You go to bed and sleep as soundly as gold.

Mono: Seven Things I Have Learned!

As we near the 9th month since I came down with mono last winter, I was thinking back about all that happened, and all that I learned. How am I doing now? Well, I'm still getting migraines. I'm slowly regaining my stamina and strength. Its taking a while, but as Ive told several people, God will heal me completely in His timing! So now, Id like to discuss seven things Ive learned while having, and recovering from, mono!

1. Mono is very depressing to have. You cant go anywhere. You have no energy. You watch everything you love to do fall by the wayside. I got very depressed during the mono. I remember I would just cry some days in my bed because I didn't feel up to doing anything else. Sometimes even getting dressed made me cry! Praise God for the day He came to me, held my hand, and got me out of the depression! Isaiah 41:13 was an incredible encouragement! As I read through my journal during this time, I wasn't very depressed on the outside...and it wasn't until God pulled me out that I realized just how much I was! God is so very good! 
2. Sleep. Constantly. Tired. Exhaustion. You actually grow to dislike being in your bed because you're in it so much. And the couch for that matter. And sleep....golly when I first had the pneumonia (got that first during all this illness) I remember one day I slept 9 hours, got up for 3 or 4, went to bed for another 5 and was up for another 3 or 4 before I went back to bed for the night. You actually count down hours until you get to take a nap. I also recall a day in which I was thinking about the future and planning naps, 3-5 YEARS in advance! (Not normal for me, in case you want to know. lol!)
3. I said this a little in the first thing, but, you miss out on a lot. I missed dance, and Church! I couldn't do St. Patrick's Day, and ended up not doing my ballet recital either. I went to Irish Step once during all this, and my teacher told me I looked dreadful...which I did! It was very hard for me to give up dance! I missed Church for 7 (or so!) weeks in a row! And when I first started going to Church again, sometimes I had to go home early because I felt so bad. 
4. I missed seeing people during this. I had one friend who would come and visit a couple times a week, and I was so thankful for that! I didn't have a lot of energy, but its always nice to have someone to chat with for a little while. Some friends came from out of time during this, but I couldn't spend much time with them because I just felt so dreadful. I did spend a couple hours with them one afternoon, but when I got home I went to bed for the same amount of time! I was so thankful when my birthday came! I started planning it in early March so I had something to look forward to! I got to dress up and spend the evening out with my friends! I was wiped out the next day but it was worth it!
   
5. God changed me during this! My faith is much stronger than it was when it started! As I read through my journal, preparing for my post, I was amazed to see how much I praised God through it all! God was faithful through every bump and trial! (2 Thessalonians 3:3) He helped me through all the tests I had! I was scared when I had all the various tests scheduled for various things, but God gave me a boldness! Psalm 138:3! As my one friend told me, during this, I went from being a scared chicken to a bold bunny!
6. Prayer! Prayer is so important! It kept me together as it was one of the few things I could do! I was able to pray for others as well! I also (and still am) was so thankful for the people at Church who prayed hard for me while I was sick. Some of them still are praying for me since I'm still battling the migraines. Prayer is powerful. Never doubt the power of prayer! Prayer has gotten me this far through this chapter of my life, and it got me through all the battles. Ephesians 6:12 comes to mind. I am so thankful for prayer!
7. Encouragement kept me going! Notes, birthday cards, get well cards, emails, messages, hugs, small gifts, time to nap from Mom, pictures from the kids, and so much more was such a blessing! God was so good throughout it all! 

God was so good, is so good, and continues to do so much for me! Psalm 116:12 comes to mind. So many things to be thankful for about the mono! I grew spiritually, it happened during my junior year of high school instead of my senior, and just the fact God is always with me...will never leave me or forsake me! So I can say with confidence, the Lord is my helper! (Hebrews 13:5-6 if you want to look up the exact verses!) Through the trials you're going through right now, remember God is with you! Turn to Him and ask Him to help you! As I end this, I shall leave you with 2 Corinthians 12:8-10. It was one of my favorite passages throughout this!

2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (ESV)

Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 

Other posts about my mono and pneumonia:

Pneumonia, and Why I'm Thankful For It

A Mono-logue!

People of Jordan: Gary

Gary, or as I call him, Mr. Gary is our next door neighbor. I ran into him at the post office today. He's lived here for 20 years now. He likes that the town is quiet, but yet still has excitement. For example the Fall Festival and other fun community events, like the Memorial Day Parade. He loves history, and especially the history of the Erie Canal. He is part of the Jordan Historical Association. He often volunteers in the Museum at the library and the old Lock 51 house, that has been moved to our little fair grounds. I have to say, Mr. Gary is one of the nicest people on our street. He's helped us out in a pinch, several times. Once he gave my Mom and sister a ride, when we had a flat tire. He's even accepted our kitties. Ansel, as you know, is the cat burglar. Ansel has broken into his house several times, has been found sleeping on Mr. Gary's boat (he's been a lifetime member of the Onondaga Yacht club), and his kitchen table. Ansel also likes to sleep in his yard in the summer. Mr. Gary is a wonderful part of our community.

Twas the night before Thanksgiving!

"Twas the night before Thanksgiving when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a cat,

The fall leaves were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that the Turkey soon would be there;

The kitties were nestled all snug in their beds;

While visions of drumsticks danced in their heads;

And Gillie in her 'kerchief, and Sully in his cap,

Had just settled with Ansel for a long winter's nap."

A letter to my dear, ANNOYING CAT!

Dear Ansel,

Nothing like waking up at 5 something to hear a cat's LOUD purr in your ear!

It sounded like a motor boat!

Purrooom-Purrooom

Good grief Ansel, SOME people like sleeping without a boat in their bed.

 Please refrain from bouncing the bed so hard you jolt me awake for an hour.

And PLEASE refrain from purring so loud!

I need ear plugs!

I love you my goofy, sometimes grouchy cat, but waking me up at 5 something for an hour is NOT an option.

I had every right to toss you out of the room. 

And you deserved.

When you get this letter, please don't growl like a bear. (Which I am sure you will, because you like to growl at EVERYTHING!)

I love you, furry Ansel.

Love your Human, Moriah

P.S. DON"T WAKE ME UP TONIGHT!!!!


*No sermon Sunday, but I was able to help out a friend.

*No munchie Monday, but I was able to help out my sisters. (Unless I think of something.....)