My wish for The USA

If I could ask for a better life in the USA what would it require? I believe in freedom of speech. The very fact I can write this Blog is a form of that freedom we as US Citizens have. But more importantly the fact we are free to choose what we do and where we go is also a freedom we have that should not go ignored. So how do we protect the freedoms this country was founded on so they do not become extinct? I suggest we exercise all our freedoms as often as possible. Especially our freedom to communicate electronically, in print and verbally. If you feel that you will be persecuted for sharing your thoughts in this country you are correct. You may be audited by the IRS or profiled by a political party or ridiculed by those who do not agree with your views. Possibly accused of a crime for making an honest error in judgement. 

Whatever the case may be you must be strong and willing to fight to protect these God given freedoms you have or surely in time those freedoms will become memories of the past. This does not mean you should go out and pick a fight physically. This means to voice your concerns publicly and peacefully in a manner that promotes common sense thinking that is supported with reason and facts. So when I ask what would make this country better than it is today the answer is clearly this. We the people must continue to practice our freedoms responsibly and faithfully. This is our culture, our way of life and will provide for our security in a strong future as a free Nation under God! We must not take for granted the blood of Christ that was shed so we may be forgiven of our sins. Nor should we take for granted the blood shed by those who have fought and or died fighting to protect our God given freedoms. Let the blood that has already been shed be more than enough sacrifice to support our continued need to maintain the freedoms we have and let no man or woman stand between us and our God given freedoms. For we are a united people under God, indivisible with Liberty and Justice for all. Be ye of faith or not these values shall forever stand strong!

Progress

Without true surrender there can be no progress. In a healing walk of faith a new life is discovered. One that replaces the physical life we experience. One that can be shared within our physical life and that allows us to carry on into an eternal life.  To try and imagine what that means is bigger than we can comprehend fully. 

In my walk of faith two things must always be constant. 1. That I must faithfully learn to keep my mind on him in all I do.  2.  Know That I must read his word to know him more so I may walk a path that is not tainted with sin and is pleasing to him in a purposeful manner. Do these things and I shall be blessed by the fruits of the spirit with eternal Joy and Love. 

The Diet Continues

It has been nearly two weeks since Doug started his Diet. Oatmeal made with low fat milk and fruit for breakfast. A few crackers for brunch. Salads with Turkey or a little chicken and sunflower seeds for lunch. A small piece of Chocolate or plain cookie for afternoon snack. 8oz's of beef, fish or chicken with brown rice or apple sauce and veggies for dinner. Sugar free jello and just a little pop corn for desert. I drink water all day and an occasional Iced Tea with my lunch. Results of this diet is a total loss of 7lbs in just under 2 weeks. 

I started  to swim 1 Hr a day. Due to my shoulder injury I can not swim with both my arms so I float on my back and kick my legs best I can and do small strokes with my arms and hands by my side to gently glide me around the pool. As I can not run or jog on land I attempt to do it standing in 4 to 5 feet of water. It feels so good to be so light in the water and to jog in place. I don't get much cardio workout from this but I do get a good amount of stretching and its a good low impact work out for all the muscles in my arms, hands, legs and feet. 

Healthy eating

Sometimes we eat too much of the wrong stuff. Eating healthy foods is tasty and energetic. But some how that soda or ice cream or candy often find a way to the plate. By replacing soda with more water and enjoying the treats but reducing the portion size will hopefully improve energy and reduce existing weight. The time for a diet course correction is now. 

7 more weeks of PT

As healing time passes Doug's pain is now managed. Limitations have been accepted reluctantly. An improved quality of life has begun. Our boys are on track to graduate next year. Our Daughter is now able to drive herself to work. Things are looking up for this family's future. 

Patience

In all this time of healing patience has been hard to hold onto. The medicine that relieves most of my pain causes me to be sleepy or exhibit low energy

Faithfully I strive for a stronger body so I may live a life that offers me the opportunity to move forward in my walk of faith. 

A change of seasons

As the weather warms and the spring rains fall we prepare for our seasonal planting of vegetables. Within the next few weeks as soon as we have a cold freeze we will plant. At that time we will share pictures of the 2013 Garden.