KEEPING THE FOCUS

A Poem About My Memal

ackparker@gmail.com (Andrea C. Parker) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 18:16:00 +0000

Her name was Mildred, but Memal to me
I had given her that name when I was three

My memories are of a generous Grandma
Giving pennies and presents and loving it all

She took care of herself in a house of "things" thick
But all of that changed, when she became sick

She walked with a limp, I didn't much mind
They called it a stroke but I thought she was fine

When Memal moved in we had so much fun
We'd do jigsaw puzzles, and watch old reruns

Another stroke affected her right arm and leg
She was pretty sick, and stayed in her bed

After that she didn't walk without a cane
She wasn't very happy, she was always in pain

But despite all the differences she still liked to talk
and she'd ride in her wheelchair, instead of walk

As time went on things started going downhill
And mom wasn't able to take care of her still

So Memal went to a nursing home
She wasn't with our family, but she wasn't alone

We saw her often bringing pictures and gifts
She loved chocolate covered cherries, and Butterfinger sticks

We had to move, just a days drive
but we didn't see her as often, that made me cry

How I missed our talks, our laughs and games
Puzzles, teases, watching "Happy Days".

We moved again, now further away
Time was passing, years went by like days

Then the doctor called, this time it was bad
Cancer was attacking, we were all very sad

We brought her home to spend her last days
All we could do was hope and pray

Those last few months were precious times
we talked and shared, we laughed and we cried

We watched Jerry Lewis, and sang "Precious Lord"
Spent hours and hours, only wishing for more

Three months was all we were blessed with at the end
I cherish each moment we sung "What A Friend"

I miss her laughter, her singing off key
I miss hearing her voice talking to me

I cannot wait to see her again
to hold her hand, and sing "What A Friend"

I know she is running on those streets of Gold
Singing to Jesus, as His hand she now holds.

(This poem was written in March of 1994 When Mildred Otome Asato Doidge passed away of cancer she was 75 years old)

Stolen Moments With God (Poem)

ackparker@gmail.com (Andrea C. Parker) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 17:43:00 +0000

Stolen Moments With God
by Andrea C Parker
July 2009

There’s a gentle breeze that’s blowing, it’s not a mighty wind
and yet it reaches out and touches, knows just where I’ve been
this gentle breeze is blowing – sweetly whispering me
I AM always with you, even though you do not see

There’s a bluebird singing, it’s singing a melody
And though there are no words, it begins to speak to me
This bird’s tantalizing tune is resonates from the tree
It says: I hear your heart today, I know your suffering

There’s a fragrance flowing, it’s flowing just this way
The sweetness of the flowers, knows just what to say
The aroma permeates my senses, filling up the space
Rest here in my presence, I hear Savior say

There’s a quiet stillness that wraps me up so tight
The silence sweeps in over me, and I give up the fight
Motionless I listen as a hush is all that’s heard
Then God begins to speak according to His Word.

A few stolen moments, outside and all alone
Spoke volumes to my spirit, and refreshed my soul
The Lord is always speaking; you too can hear His Voice
He is waiting for you; it’s up to you to make that choice.

The Little Things That Bug Me - by Ruth Bell Graham

ackparker@gmail.com (Andrea C. Parker) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:52:00 +0000

The little things that bug me,
Resentments deep within;
The things I ought to do, undone.
The irritations one by one
Till nerves stretch screaming-thin
And bare for all the world to see-
Which needs His touch to make it whole
The most, my body or my soul?

I pray-but nothing comes out right,
My thoughts go flying everywhere;
My attitudes are all confused.
I hate myself-I am not used
To hands all clenched, not clasped, in prayer,
And heart too leaden to take flight;
Which, oh, which, needs to be whole
the most, my body or my soul?

I cannot read. I cannot pray.
I cannot even think.
Where to from here?
And how get there with only darkness everywhere?
I ought to rise and only sink...
And feel His arms, and hear Him say,
"I love you."...It was all my soul
or body needed to be whole.

This was written by Ruth Bell Graham
taken from the book "Sitting By My Laughing Fire"

12 mins worth your sacrifice!

ackparker@gmail.com (Andrea C. Parker) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 04:50:00 +0000

I never met SSG John Beale or his family, but that shouldn't stop us from honoring a man who gave the ultimate sacrifice!

Check out this link to learn more about SSG John Beale

A Lot Of Hurt, A Lot of Pain, A BIG GOD!

ackparker@gmail.com (Andrea C. Parker) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 03:00:00 +0000

Lately (it seems) like many friends and family around me have been hit pretty hard with some pretty big issues - health, financial, trauma, uncertainty, and loss. It's been so hard to read an email, or get a phone call and hear about the tragedy they are facing and not be able to fix it, or do something about it, right at that moment. I have grieved with them, been frustrated, cried tears of shock, and then did the only thing I could do - PRAY.

I am learning more and more that prayer is so incredibly powerful, especially when you feel powerless. I can't be there with my friends, or family to put my arms around them, or to fix the problem for them - but I KNOW someone who can! Sometimes I don't even know WHAT to say - but God does. God doesn't forget a name, a place, or a face! He keeps working on the problem, way after I have gone to sleep - or am dealing with another one.

The bible says if anyone is in trouble - they should PRAY! (James 5:13). When there is a fire, or someone is dying, or something awful has happened - the first thing most people say to do is CALL 911! Well... praying is our "911" too! We can turn to God and KNOW that He knows EXACTLY what to do, and how to do it!

Prayer is powerful, because we have a POWERFUL GOD!

So whatever you are facing right now, whatever is overwhelming your thoughts and robing you of sleep and peace, PRAY! If you don't know what to say, just call out his name and PRAY!

Happy Anniversary!

ackparker@gmail.com (Andrea C. Parker) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 01:11:00 +0000

July 6, 1996 at around 3pm - Edwin and I were married - 13 years ago. Marriage changes things, changes your life - and those around you. Marriage is rough, fun, exhausting, exhilarating, a TON of work - and worth it all. Through all the ups and downs, the good and bad, the tears and cheers - it has been worth it. 13 years, two kids later, and 7 moves - we are still here.

I know that I am not an easy person to live with. In fact when I say I can't believe we're still married - I say that because I can't believe someone would CHOOSE to spend 13 years of their life with me and STILL WANT TO. Thanks Edwin for loving me when I am unlovable, and for putting up with me when I am no fun to put up with!

We both are very aware that without God as the center of our marriage, we wouldn't be able to make it 13 days, let alone 13 years. It is God who sees us through the good and the bad times, it is God who gives us the strength to love, forgive, and apologize, it is GOD ALONE that teaches us how to love not only each other, but our children too. The Bible says: Though one may be overpowered,two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. - Ecclesiastes 4:12

Thank you Edwin for trusting God, for leading our family in His ways - and listening to His voice! Happy Anniversary Honey!

To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, 'till death do us part. And hereto I pledge you my faithfulness.

Quotes On Freedom

ackparker@gmail.com (Andrea C. Parker) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:03:00 +0000

Did some digging - thoughts these were worth reading and thinking over:

Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being. With freedom comes responsibility. For the person who is unwilling to grow up, the person who does not want to carry is own weight, this is a frightening prospect. - Eleanor Roosevelt

You can't put democracy and freedom back into a box.
George W. Bush

The wisest use of American strength is to advance freedom.
George W. Bush

The man who trades freedom for security does not deserve nor will he ever receive either.
Benjamin Franklin

Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.
Abraham Lincoln

All the great things are simple, and many can be expressed in a single word: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope.
Winston Churchill

Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.
Ronald Reagan

The Power Of Vacation Bible School

ackparker@gmail.com (Andrea C. Parker) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:02:00 +0000

Last week we had VBS at our church, it was the Crocodile Dock - and it was AMAZING! I lead the worship music time. I jumped, sang, spun around, - pretty much did an aerobics workout all week long - and had a great time! I've had worked VBS many times before, usually doing the worship time - which is the opening and the closing. This was the first time that all I have had to do was JUST the music part - we actually had OTHER PEOPLE to do the OTHER parts - which was pretty incredible. AND I had dancers, middle school and high school students that were up on stage with me dancing and moving too. That was great - because I didn't look like the only CRAZY person up there. HAHAHA

In past VBS's that I have worked at, I think the biggest one I had been apart of was like 80 kids, and that was a few year ago. The one we did last year had maybe 40 kids tops. This VBS at Colonial Heights Baptist... had FOUR HUNDRED KIDS and TWO HUNDRED WORKERS! That just blew my mind! It was incredible to see that many kids singing, praising God, and eager to learn about the truths and promises God has for them. I also heard that several of the adult volunteers actually use THEIR VACATION time to work VBS (ours was in the daytime). For someone to use a precious week of their vacation time to come work with a bunch of KIDS - well it brings me to tears to even think about it.

Our VBS ROCKED! Seriously, from the stage - that was decorated with a REAL shed they built, and a REAL dock - to the boat (yes a BOAT!) on stage, to the hours and hours of decorated classrooms, and details. We had maps, and adults who were directing people here and there - delicious snacks, and even a a whole PRESCHOOL SECTION! Our staff, even the senior pastor, was there everyday dancing in the aisle - doing all the silly motions, and most of all LOVING those kids! There was JESUS everywhere, I LOVED IT!

Everyday we had to be there around 8am to practice for that morning. We had invited our neighbor's daughter to go with us, but I really thought that she wouldn't go because we had to pick her up around 7:45am every morning, but she came - EVERYDAY! Her parents are going through a divorce, and it has been very rough for my neighbor and her daughter during this time - God has allowed us to all become friends - and opened the door for us to minister to them. This little girl loved everyday of VBS, new every word to every song - listened to every bible story, and on Thursday when the invitation was given to ask Jesus in your heart - SHE DID! I was rejoicing and so excited that I was able to talk with her afterward, and pray with her. She said she wishes VBS was every day of the YEAR! LOL

Vacation Bible School is powerful - it doesn't matter if there are 40 kids or 400 kids, if there are big decorations, or none at all. What matters is that kids see JESUS - and they see His LOVE and His COMPASSION for them!

Been Tooooooooo long

ackparker@gmail.com (Andrea C. Parker) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:41:00 +0000

I've started a blog a thousand times and each time I've had to stop for one reason or another. This is the first week that the kids are in Summer School so the mornings here are quiet, very quiet. Quiet enough to write, with interruption.

Where do I even begin?

Well... let's see school is out, we got to go on our first family vacation ever. We went to Gatlinburg, TN - it was beautiful. We had a wonderful time! We rented a car that had XM radio, so that was a real treat. The kids got to swim at the resort we stayed at, and we got to relax. We saw a magic show, that the kids got to be apart of - and even walked a trail in the POURING rain. It was an adventure - one I hope we don't forget!

We celebrated birthdays too. Edwin turned 40 - that was a quite a milestone. His mother and brother came for a surprise birthday visit - it was a wonderful treat! It was so good to see them, and visit with them for a few days. Of course we ran around looking at every historical thing we could while they were here. They even got to stay for a church service, and loved our new church and friends. I turned 34, which was interesting - no matter how old I turn, I will always be younger than Edwin - so that is reassuring! Hahaha Sebastian turned the BIG 5 - a few weeks ago. He is thrilled to be have a birthday for the presents and not so thrilled to have to add the responsibilities of getting older (who is?). He also lost his first tooth on his birthday - his only concern was getting the tooth under the pillow and getting that money.

As I said in the beginning the kids are in Summer School. It is SOO not like what we use to consider summer school like. Camille is going to learn to sew, knit, and crochet - and Sebastian is going to get an idea of what kindergarten is going to be like. Camille is enjoying her class and all she is learning, Sebastian is having to learn, as his teacher says - to put on his "listening ears" (imagine that!). It is just from 8am till noon, Mon - Thur. so that is good. I am enjoying the time alone, but really torn between getting things in the house done, or just spending time doing things (like blogging) and songwriting done.

well... hopefully that catches my life back up. I will be blogging seperatly about VBS - that we just had - it was AMAZING!

Busy Weekend... and Now I'm Tired

ackparker@gmail.com (Andrea C. Parker) — Mon, 18 May 2009 16:03:00 +0000

This weekend was packed with things going on. Edwin and I were in a concert at the church for a member that is leaving for the Army Band. It was a lot of fun to be a part of. I sang backup with another girl from church, Angela - who can SING! Everyone seem to really enjoy it. That kept us busy Thursday night and Friday night.

Saturday morning we had a sound check for wedding I was singing at Saturday evening. that went well too. Beautiful wedding, at a beautiful church. It was fun to sing an old song that Edwin and wrote years ago for his brother's wedding.

Sunday, of course was church - which was incredible, as always. I am so blown away by our minister and his messages - So thankful for our church.

I did make it through it all, just very tired after a busy weekend. The pain is still in my head (from the shingles) - just so annoying at this point. The exhaustion is too. I'm just having to learn to pace myself - which is not easy to do.

I'm singing at Chick-fil-A tonight, so I've been resting most of the morning, so I can have strength for tonight. The week isn't too packed- but the weekend will be.

One of THOSE days...

ackparker@gmail.com (Andrea C. Parker) — Wed, 13 May 2009 18:01:00 +0000

I am just exhausted and can't shake it. The right side of my head where I had shingles has hurt all day, despite the medicine that usually helps. I can't believe how incredibly tired I have been the last few days. I guess I really pushed myself too hard in North Carolina last week. I hate feeling so wiped out, and have a VERY busy weekend - so I can't do this much longer.

Appreciate your prayers this week, going back to see the doctor.

the Impact of One

ackparker@gmail.com (Andrea C. Parker) — Tue, 12 May 2009 15:13:00 +0000

Last week Edwin and I went to a music conference in Charlotte, NC. It was a great conference, and the area is just beautiful. One of the things we got to do was visit the Billy Graham Library. I knew this would be the highlight of our trip for me. I have enjoyed reading Ruth Bell Graham's books over the years, and admire her as a pastor's wife. She was always so "real" and open in her books, and as a pastor's wife it is really refreshing to find that.

The Library was more than I could imagine. To see what one person could do with the calling that God had placed on his life - was overwhelming. Billy Graham (or Billy Frank as he was called as a child) isn't any better than you and I - he just followed the calling he had on his life. That calling came with much sacrifice to his wife, his children, his life, and his health - and yet he stayed true. To the see the impact that one person can have in his lifetime is incredible. I was moved even more when I saw how much he admired and credited his wife, Ruth Bell Graham. I left that library very different than when I came in.

One thing the library and the Evangelism center was adamant about was pointing all back to JESUS. It was JESUS who used Billy Graham - not Billy Graham who used Jesus. That struck me pretty hard. I never want to be guilty of using JESUS instead of JESUS using me.

Another thing that struck me was the power of ONE person. There was a really cool display showing a time line of different people and how they trickled down to Billy Graham hearing the gospel. One person being obedient to the call God had on their life, sparked another life, and then another. I was really convicted, realizing that my responsibility to share the gospel and how much that can impact others around me.

As a mom, and pastor's wife - I was also moved (again) by Ruth Bell Graham. All their children are in ministry - and that has much to do with Ruth Bell Graham. She was strong in her faith and her devotion to God, and the calling that was on Billy Graham's life. She missed him terribly and struggled with raising 4 kids, many times alone - and yet you don't read about bitterness in her journals, you don't read about self-pity. I know that their marriage, and their life at home was not perfect or always wonderful - but her strength came from a great source, one that got her through those tough times.

One other thing that really spoke to me was that early on in Billy Graham's life he was a pastor at a church. It was the one and only church he was ever pastor of. He realized quickly what his specific calling and direction was - to be an evangelist, and he followed that - never looking back. I can only imagine through the years the many churches that asked him to be their pastor, the many different opportunities that came his way that he passed on. I can also imagine the many times family and friends tried to talk some "sense" into him - about settling down - not traveling so much, finding a more "stable" job. Yet, he stayed true to the calling that God had on his life. When God calls you something - HE takes care of all the details, no matter what others may think or say!

Billy Graham didn't seek fame or notoriety, he never changed the message to suit the person, or the situation. He never became "Politically correct" - the message has ALWAYS stayed the same! He has never worried about stepping on toes, or offending someone for the sake of the gospel. His confidence is in CHRIST alone.

I can tell you with all honesty, I was and still am convicted and moved by that trip to the library. I have spent the last few days checking my heart, my motives, my calling - and asking God to use me - instead of the other way around.

I challenge you to seek your own heart, and ask God to make His calling TRUE and STRONG in your life! Most of all realize that you are influencing the people around you - and the IMPACT you have as ONE.

Update On Life

ackparker@gmail.com (Andrea C. Parker) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 14:23:00 +0000

Things are going pretty well. The shingles have come and gone, leaving a scar and some pain every now and then - but it's manageable. Got through the Easter program, which was incredible to be a part of. What a blessing it was to be involved in the Easter program, and see God's power and His presence in every song, testimony, and message - He is so good.

We have taken some family outings the last few weeks, that has been fun as well. It is nice to finally get outside and do something other than lay in bed being sick. We we went to a Civil War reenactment, that was pretty cool, and yesterday we went to Pocahontas Park and did a 2.5 mile hike around Beaver Lake. I was so proud of the kids for sticking through it, and impressed we all got done without injury or meltdown.

Got back to Chick-fil-A, and singing on Monday nights - it is such a joy to share in song. I love making the kids laugh, watching them sing and dance, and being able to share the hope of Jesus with people who thought they were just coming for a good chicken sandwich. God is good!

Time is moving quickly, hard to believe it. I register Sebastian for kindergarten this week - I am excited, but now getting a little sad. I know he needs to get going and growing and learning in school, but it is hard to see your youngest moving on. I remember when Camille started school and realizing that I would no longer be THE authority on everything for her, that was hard. But I know that God is with my children, and that He already has every step planned and is watching them better than I can.

With all that said, I've gotta get myself in gear - laundry is calling and dishes are piling, life does go on. :)

Camille and the Cow Dancing the Macarana!

ackparker@gmail.com (Andrea C. Parker) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 02:13:00 +0000

I don't know what surprised me more Camille knowing how to do the Macarana or the Cow!

I've Just Seen Jesus!!

ackparker@gmail.com (Andrea C. Parker) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 01:10:00 +0000

My favorite song for Easter!

Camille in the local newspaper

ackparker@gmail.com (Andrea C. Parker) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:13:00 +0000

We went Saturday to a Civil War reenactment, and the local paper took some pictures of Camille in one of the dresses. Edwin is even quoted in the article!

Click HERE to see the story.

A Step in the Wrong Direction

ackparker@gmail.com (Andrea C. Parker) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:22:00 +0000

Boy yesterday was great, until about 4pm and then I had some of the worst pain on my head, since the beginning of this whole crazy (I wanted to write stupid - but I stopped myself) ordeal with shingles. It felt like someone had a hot poker and was pressing in on the top of my head. The extreme pain lasted a few mins and then it went into a burning pain, that than radiated on the whole right side of my head. I felt like I could barely move my head, and noises were making it all worse.

I had to take the kids to church so I did all I could to focus on that task, and took them up there to eat (thank you LORD for dinner on Wednesday nights!). I tried to smile and be kind to people without being rude- it's so hard to be in pain and just function. I'm not real clear headed when I'm in pain either, it's hard to concentrate on anything else, I pray I didn't offend anyone at church last night. I finally got the kids in their classes and drove home as quickly as I could. I turned every light off in the house, crawled into bed and just tried not to move or breath, praying for the pain to subside.

I have to be honest, it's not a pretty place when you are in pain. I'm so frustrated because I really want my life back! I have such good days where, other than a dull headache and being tired, I feel pretty normal - and then without warning I just get hit again. The pain is exhausting physically, but mentally even more. Your mind goes through all kinds of questions wondering how much longer this craziness will go on. Then the anxiety of it happening again creeps up and you push that back, just believing today will be a good day.

Before all of that happened I had recorded a video for the KLove's Got talent contest. Here's the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJM1ZFFnOOQ if you want to see it. It's funny how songs take on new meaning. If the video happens to be picked up for KLove's contest - I'll let you know. If not, at least it is a good reminder to me that those good moments are there. :)

Today, I'm going to work on practicing my part for the Easter program at our church. I'm playing the woman at the well, and singing a song. I'm excited to be apart of the musical drama at Colonial Heights Baptist, just hoping I don't mess it up.

Rest and a Visit From Mom and Grandmom

ackparker@gmail.com (Andrea C. Parker) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:31:00 +0000

Week three from the beginning of the crazy shingles saga, and things are good. Just waiting for the ugly black scab to go away, and to get back to the energy I once had. I've been resting (OK, trying to rest) and even got a visit from my mom and grandmom this past week. We had a good visit, the kids had a blast playing and dragging them around.

My mom and and grandmom came in on Wednesday night, but Wednesday morning Sebastian was asking how much longer it would be until they got here. When Camille got home from school they were both now anticipating the moment. It was so hard for them to wait, the longer it took the more excitement grew. Finally when they got in, the kids were thrilled - loading them up with hugs and kisses. It was quite a reunion. It really blessed my heart to see them enjoying my mom and grandmom. It's been hard these past years being so far away.

We played a few games of scrabble, talked about old times (I love to reminisce), and laughed so hard we cried. It's been a hard few weeks with the shingles, being in the house for almost 2 weeks straight can drive you crazy. But more than that it is the pain, and agony - it really brings you down. It had been awhile since I had laughed that hard, it really was "good medicine". It's hard to see your family getting older, and realizing how much time has gone by. So thankful to God for the moments He gives us to treasure.

My grandfather has prostate cancer, and the last tests they just did said that his levels are up - which is not a good thing. They may have to remove the prostate, and do chemo, he goes to see the specialist this week or next. That breaks my heart to know he is going through this, and my grandmom too. My grandparents have been great pillars in my life, teaching me how to pray, hold onto faith, and trust God knows what He is doing. I have watched them pour out tears for their children and grandchildren, and give their lives to ministry. I know they are trusting God in this situation, and now maybe it our turn (the children and grandchildren) to lift them up in prayer.

It was a sweet time with my mom as well, can't wait until my dad can come and visit too! It is a little strange now being an adult and having that adult/parent relationship - but it's nice knowing I can't be "grounded". :) My mom and I didn't always get along growing up - I think we were too much alike. We use to butt heads often. Despite all of that, we have a good relationship now - God has been faithful. My parents were very young when I was born and we all kind of grew up together, learning and relearning. I try to remember that as I stumble through parenthood, that we are all in this learning together.

God gave us family and friends because He knew that we needed each other. We needed to be able to laugh,and cry together, grow up together, and get old together. Just as He gave Moses friends to hold his arms up in time of battle, He brings special people in our lives to hold us up when we can't do it alone. I have learned through the years of moving and ministry that God always provides for us exactly who we need at the time. Some friends are for seasons and some are for lifetimes, but no matter what the common thread is HIM.

Thank you friends and family for holding me up when I am falling down, can't wait to do the same for you!

My Son's Musical Talent

ackparker@gmail.com (Andrea C. Parker) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 22:41:00 +0000

I just love hearing him sing! Singing "I'm In The Lord's Army".

My Daughter's Musical Talent

ackparker@gmail.com (Andrea C. Parker) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 22:38:00 +0000

I love to hear her sing! She is singing a song she learned at Kids Church.

Better today...

ackparker@gmail.com (Andrea C. Parker) — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 23:27:00 +0000

Well, it's 7pm at night and I've slept a lot of the day away - can't believe the day is almost gone. It's been better today - the pain for sure. I'm just so tired and exhausted. I can't wait to have some energy back, it's so hard to do stuff with the kids for very long.

My mother and grandmother want to come and help, I'm still trying to decide if I really need them. I was so hoping to be better this weekend and feel a little bit like myself by Monday.

I'm not one of these people that does "sick" very well - I can take a few days of laying around and doing nothing but by the third day I just want to get back to life. I've been inside the house (except for seeing the doctor) for ten days - the walls are beginning to cave in a little.

As for my face it's still healing. Still have this black zig-zag over my eyebrow, and a little bit of swelling. My head is still tender, but so much better than the beginning.

Well, the family is watching a movie - and I'm going to go join them!

Pain, pain, go away

ackparker@gmail.com (Andrea C. Parker) — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 00:57:00 +0000

Today was not a good day. I didn't sleep well had pain throughout the night on the top of my head. Had a little relief this morning but just exhausted. This afternoon it started again and just keeps coming. It's a piercing pain on the top of my head, like an ice pick or a needle being stuck randomly on the top of my scalp. I told Edwin today I that I fell like someone's "voodoo doll"!!! LOL

I am so thankful for my doctor, I called him tonight to ask about sleeping tonight and talk about my pain today. He dealt with my physical issues and then prayed with me over the phone. Now that's an AWESOME doctor! What a blessing.

Shingles - and I'm not talking about roofing!!

ackparker@gmail.com (Andrea C. Parker) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 18:33:00 +0000

I now have new sympathy for every person in the world that has had shingles - now that I have it. Good Grief! Pain like this should be reported on the news EVERY NIGHT! What started out as a bump on my head - turned into blisters over my eye, a HORRIBLE headache (like someone is stapling my head), and exhaustion beyond words. Apparently, you can get shingles from being over-stressed. I didn't think I was over-stressed, but then moving twice in one year, ministry, and all that comes with motherhood, marriage, family, and life - I guess that can stress you out. :)

Here's my lovely shingles story:

Sunday afternoon I found a bump on the right side of my scalp, I had Edwin look it - he didn't think it looked that bad - so I left it alone. That evening I went to scratch behind my right ear and found a pretty large lump. I had this "sick" feeling when I touched it and of course did what every person does now-a-days - Googled it. :) I found there was a lymph node behind my ear, and after consulting with my dear friend (who is not a doctor and does not play one on TV) - I reassured myself that it was nothing.

By Tuesday morning my entire right side was aching. I didn't sleep well because I couldn't lay my head on that side. The right side of my face was now swollen and I thought maybe I had an ear infection that was causing all the pain. I went to see the doctor, who immediately asked me if I bumped my head. I forgot all about the bump on my head - but he found it. At that point thought I had an infection that was draining into my lymph nodes - thus causing all the problems. A prescip. for some antibiotics and I was all done. I still felt horrible - but knew it would take a few days for the antibiotics to "kick-in".

Wednesday I felt horrible I was so exhausted and had a headache. I took some Aleve and my antibiotics and thought the exhaustion was from the infection and then just the strong antibiotics.

Thursday I had bible-study at church and was determined to go. I noticed a bump over my right eye, right above my eyebrow. I thought maybe it was acne, and did my best to cover it up with makeup (that didn't help). My headache was now pretty bad - sharp shooting pains - like someone was stabbing my head. I made it through bible-study but wasn't fooling anyone, I was sick and exhausted. I crawled into bed as soon as I got home, and slept until I had to go to the bus stop. It was so hard to even walk that little way to the bus stop, I felt drained. I called the doctor describing my new symptoms (I didn't mention the bump cause it didn't seem important). He prescribed some new meds. thinking maybe I had a staph infection.

Friday wasn't any better - Edwin and Camille had a field trip in Newport News, so I spent the day in bed taking my new meds, and sucking down headache medicine. By Friday night the bump had turned into little clear blisters, I thought maybe a reaction to the new meds I'm taking. (Someday I should stop acting like a doctor and call ONE!)

Saturday I still felt AWFUL - and now those little blisters were looking pretty bad, my head felt like it was on fire and I couldn't brush it or touch it. A friend from church called to check on me, and I was telling her all my aches and pain. She kept telling me to call the doctor and I said I would on Monday. About a 1/2 hour later she called back and said she was talking to her sis-in-law about my craziness and her sis-in-law thought it sounded just like shingles - something her grandmother had just had on her head and face. I always thought shingles was on your back or your stomach, not your face. I finally called the doctor and immediately he wanted to see me. He took one look and said "Yep, it's shingles!" UGH!! He prescribed some good meds and told me to go home.

Sunday - now with new meds and finally the right diagnoses (not his fault - that would be mine for not trying to make a big deal) I was THRILLED to have good pain killers because the pain was now unbearable, miserable, awful, terrible!!! Sunday and Monday were pretty bad days - lots of sleeping, moaning, groaning and sleeping.

Monday - I went back to see the doctor because my right eye was so swollen and red. Apparently you can actually get shingles in your eye and scratch the cornea. My cornea was fine - just going to be swollen and in pain while the shingles run it's course.

Tuesday - was better, got some laundry done around the house. The kids have been really good at helping me with the kitchen, and Edwin has been great at helping with the kids. I was thinking this thing might be under control (pain I mean).

Wednesday - my eye was hurting, swollen, and just hurt with the light. Spent most of the day in bed, till the afternoon. It got better as the day went on, and I even had some ladies visit me last night - that was nice to have adult conversation. :) OH and I did get to wash my hair- my head has been so sore that just water on it was terrible. I even brushed my hair - delicately but I was able to do it.

Thursday - doing better. Hopefully I'll get another prescip. filled today and that will help with the lag time between doses. I guess my body is getting use to the original meds and so they aren't lasting as long as they were, that last hour or so between is not pleasant. My eye is better, not so swollen today. The exhaustion is driving me crazy. Just don't have a lot of energy so I go to do something and realize I just can't. The pain is tolerable - though living with a constant headache on one side of your head gets to you mentally after awhile - it wears you down.

Hoping and praying the weekend is good, the blisters should be falling off by next week (I know gross). I'm praying they don't leave scars.

I am so thankful for our church family - we have been getting meals - which has been a HUGE blessing!!! I got a card last night from the 6th grade girls from our youth group - a BIG card - so sweet! I've had several other cards in the mail and phone calls, and of course emails. I honestly know the prayers are helping so much! God is showing me how blessed I am to be where I am - I am SO thankful!!!

If I was brave I would upload a picture of my face on the worst day to show you - but I'M NOT! A few people who have seen me said it looks like I got beat up, or that I have stitches over my eye. LOL Either way - it's just not something I want to share with the world-wide-web. :)

I'll blog again in a few days - hopefully with even better news of getting better!!

Seasons

ackparker@gmail.com (Andrea C. Parker) — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 16:45:00 +0000

Living in Texas we don't get a lot of seasons - well... at least not in San Antonio. So, now living in Virginia it is such a blessing to have seasons. It was a beautiful fall when we got here, the colors were amazing. We watched as the leaves fell off the trees, and left the trees barren and standing taller than ever. The wind would blow sweet reminders that winter was coming and the green faded. As winter came, it brought cold air, freezing temperatures, and little snow. I was beginning to loose hope on seeing a real snow fall our first winter here- but God loves surprising us! This week we got about 4-5 inches that covered everything in sight. It was such a beautiful thing to see, watching the dull, drab colors be showered in white. Now a few days later the snow is melting as quickly as it came in. The ground now saturated from the melted snow is soaking in all the nutrients it needs to begin the spring.

Some of us ladies were talking the other day about the seasons and how many of them couldn't wait until spring - and how hard winter is on them. This being the first winter I have really had in over 10 years I have no complaints - at least not this year. But I have often complained of if being HOT in San Antonio, or too windy in Corpus Christi, or too much rain. I think we all get tired of too much of anything thing, even the snow after a few days was enough until next year. As I type it's 53 degrees outside, and suppose to be in the 70's tomorrow. Each season is in God's perfect plan, and nature needs the seasons. Some things must die so that others may live, and others must loose everything being bare and exposed during the coldest of months- only to regain it all and MORE during the spring and summer time.

God is so amazing in his creation, constantly showing us our lives in the incredible creation he has made. We all have seasons in our own lives, times where everything around us has been stripped away and we are left bare and exposed to the hardest of elements - and then times where everything around us is growing and prospering. Other times we watch everything fall away - all that defines us die, and be carried away in the wind - only to become something completely different than we could have ever imagined. Though the winters may seem long, THE SON never disappears!! He is always right there behind a cloud or shining through the rain, waiting for just the right time to warm us with his light. Your winter will end, and when it does the freshness of new life will pour in! With spring comes summer and summer comes fall - and the whole cycle lived over again. The seasons of our lives,just like the seasons in creation.

I have been through different seasons in my life, some I would do over again - and others I would NEVER want to go through. The maker of those seasons was with me through each one. As I rejoice in the spring, He does too - and as I weep in deep, darkness of my winters - He does too. He never leaves me, and He will never leave you. No matter what season you are in right now in your own life, hold on to the Creator and Maker of LIFE. Drink in and cherish these moments, in the good and the bad times God speaks - we just need to take the time to hear Him!

"I Am God" is # 1 !!!!

ackparker@gmail.com (Andrea C. Parker) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 14:00:00 +0000

You did it! You voted, and voted, and put up with all my updates, and emails - and DID IT! "I Am God" is now #1 on Fanfaves Radio!! I am AMAZED and in awe. God is amazing. Thank you SO much for your relentless voting!!