Update:
Yesterday I
had an MRI done on my foot to determine what is causing the pain I’ve been
experiencing. I have a doctor’s
appointment this morning to find out the results. This is the second MRI that I’ve
ever had and I am glad that both have been on my lower extremities and my head
stays outside of the tube. I dislike
staying perfectly still for 30-45 minutes during the test and that sucker is
loud enough without my head being stuck inside of it! During my first MRI, I was given ear plugs which
merely reduced the noise level somewhat. Yesterday they gave me the option of
listening to music—it turns out that it was “elevator” versions of real songs. I guess it all worked out because the music
kept me awake during the test. I had a
terrible case of the yawns and at home I often go to sleep with ear buds in and
music playing.
Afterwards,
I had some blood work done. I had to
fast for a minimum of 12 hours, so it worked out okay that I was already at the
hospital and could save an extra trip to the lab. Even though I only live about 12 miles from
the hospital and most of my doctors, I figured out that I drove over 2,000
miles last year for medical appointments.
I really need to find a new hobby!
So combining a trip seemed reasonable.
One of the cool things now is that you can set up to view your records
and lab results on-line or even on your smartphone. I don’t have the doctor’s appointment with my
primary care doctor until next week; but I already know that my Hgb A1c is down
to 5.2. That is a three month average of
your blood glucose level. My last A1c
done in August of last year was 5.7. So
I continue to drop and this new number is considered a normal and non-diabetic
reading. Whoot! Whoot! This is without the use of insulin. Through diet, weight loss, and exercise I’ve
been controlling my diabetes. That is
such good news. I’ve given up many
foods, snacks, beverages, and desserts to do it; but I think it is worth it.
Thought for the Day:
For the last
few days I’ve enjoyed listening to the birds sing in the morning. I have always enjoyed the distinctive sound
of the cardinal (Well hey! I am from St. Louis after all!). It is hard to describe; but hearing the
cardinal’s call really puts me in a state of peace. It does the same thing for me that sitting
out in the woods in the fall does for me.
It is not just restful—it’s spiritual.
A deep, abiding sense of peace and satisfaction washes over me.
This morning
for my devotional time, I read Psalm 84 in the bible. Here are the first few lines of this Psalm.
Psalm
84:1-4 “How lovely is your dwelling
place, O LORD of hosts! My
soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and flesh sing for
joy to the living God. Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest
for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O LORD of hosts, my
King and my God. Blessed are those who
dwell in your house, ever singing your praise!”
Reading this, the thought crossed my mind that the
birds in the morning are singing songs of worship to the Lord. Creation is naturally giving praise to the
Creator. No wonder I enjoy listening to
the birds call! It reminds me of my
mission trips to Mexico. I speak only
enough Spanish to be dangerous! So I would
only catch a few words during a church worship service; but the singing would
lift my heart even if I didn’t know the words.
My heart was joining theirs in praise to God. That is how I feel as I listen to the birds
early in the morning. I may not
understand the words; but I get the message.
While I am writing this, my resident cardinal began
its calling. Cheer, cheer, cheer. Pretty, pretty, pretty. That reminds me that it is time to worship and
praise my Creator.
Here’s a link to hear the call of the cardinal and
see some beautiful photography too. It’s
nothing like hearing it for yourself in person as dawn is breaking; but you get
the idea.
Whatever it is that brings you to a place of
worship and a sense of peace; I hope that you find it and spend some time there
today.
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