Health Update: The Bride of Christ is Beautiful!

Dear Friends,

My health has been flourishing!  I continue with my dietary and exercise changes, and I am seeing much improvement in my clarity of thought, muscular strength, endurance, and complexion...all benefits from a healthy lifestyle!

The only physical difficulty that has resurfaced is an old right lower back and hip issue.  I believe that toning my muscles without proper stretching is the cause.  My wonderful friend, Pure-hearted Prayer, prayed for me and it resolved only to resurface two days ago.  It really hurts as it pinches my sciatic nerve and sends electric pain from my hip to my big toe; It even interferes with my sleeping during the times it is aggravated.

I met with my oncologist yesterday.  I had had a series of hormonal tests completed approximately 3 weeks ago, which according to his point of view, were great.  He commented, "You must be doing something right."  He also said, "I think you've seen enough doctors lately.  I won't need to see you until January."  :)  He admitted it was difficult for him as a doctor not to prescribe medication, but he didn't place any pressure on me.  :)

Surgery in order to replace the expander on the left side and to insert the permanent prosthesis on the right is scheduled for tomorrow.  I am not scared, but I do feel a sense of hesitation in regards to this procedure.  Memories of the left side's infection are most probably the cause. 

Praises

• I have had opportunities to prophetically encourage others!  It's how God made me, and enjoy expressing His love in this way!!!
• I am now running exactly 1/2 of the 5k distance and walk the remainder.  I am planning on actually competing in an official race the end of September.  My goal is to run the entire distance.
• I have added swimming laps to my exercise routine and now am able to swim 400 yards in 12 minutes!  Thank you, Chrispy for encouraging me in my exercise routine.
• I am learning more and more about alternative foods. 
• I found a non-dairy, non-soy, cheese substitute and was excited to be able to eat a toasted cheese sandwich again.  ;) 
• Eating "Beautiful Grace's Frozen Treat" has curbed my summertime craving for ice cream.  ;)
• My family, friends, and co-workers continue to show their support and love.  Can anyone say, "BLESSED"?!?!
• The fear of man thing has attempted to resurface a few times, BUT God immediately intervened before any agitation of soul could commence.  Yay, Jesus!!! :)
• The Lord is reminding me of what I tell my patients.  I cannot change the thoughts, words or behavior of others.  I can only choose my response to them...my thoughts, my words, my behavior.  My choice is to forgive and love, love, love!!!  No evil hook will be lodged in me!!!
• According to the blood test, my cortizol level is within normal limits.  This hormone is released when the body undergoes physical and/or emotional stress.  Man's test confirms the peace I have been experiencing in my soul.  Yay, Jesus!!!
• The blood test also revealed a level of testosterone as low as a post menopausal woman????  I guess you all won't have to worry about me turning into a hulkette any time soon.  :) 

Prayer

• Continued peace...
• No infection or any other adverse reaction from tomorrow's surgery in the name of Jesus!!!
• I am losing more time at work, so please pray for financial provision for our family.  Buying organic food has dramatically impacted the amount of money I spend for groceries each week!
• Complete resolution of my back/hip issue!
• That Strongman, Consecrated, Fire and I each would be drawn by the Holy Spirit, knitting our hearts to Jesus as individuals and as a family unit.
• Peace and strength for Strongman as he once again will care for me during my recovery.  He has much responsibility on his shoulders!

Knowing I am not alone during this season comforts me.  Thank you all for your continued love, support and prayers.  I continue to witness the beauty of the Bride of Christ as she moves as Jesus moves!!!  You all are BEAUTIFUL!!!

With Much Love and Appreciation Always...

Beautiful Grace :)

My Fall Flowers and New Landscaping Scheme

 North Side

West Side

West Side

 West Side

 West Side

New Shrub

 South Side

 Ornamental Grass

We planted numerous bulbs in this section.

It will be gorgeous next spring!

Previously, our landscape scheme consisted of wooden timbers

placed in sharp 45-degree angles serving as boarders.

Now we have curved borders without the timbers. :)



My Beautiful Valley: Autumn

These pictures were taken from a local mountain overlooking the beautiful valley in which I live. It was the peak of the season's brilliant colors last weekend, and I wanted to capture the awesome handiwork of God. Unfortunately, it was overcast and rainy causing the valley below to be rather muted in color.

You can see more mountains in the distance all part of the famous Appalachian Mountains chain. Look closely and you will see the river that runs through my valley.

On clear days the patchwork of farm fields and towns variegate the landscape. I hope to be able to capture my valley in each season.

Thank You, Jesus, for displaying your glory through nature! I am grateful to be a witness to Your awesome magnificence!!!!

Always, Yours
Beautiful Grace

More Blooms: The Beauty of Creation and How We Are Like Flowers

This large, yellow beauty is a zucchini flower.

It only blooms a day or two

before it curls up and whithers away.This flower was opened fully in the morning,

but I didn't take the picture immediately.

When I returned, the petals had already closed.

The flower had completed the task for which it was created.

My rose bush needs trimmed,

but even in its wild state it is still beautiful!

Do you see the sweet basil framing

the lower left hand side of the picture?

Amazing, how God speaks!

As I was typing this post, I felt God say we who have given our lives to Jesus are like flowers. We each were created with a specific and unique purpose.

A flower's primary functions is in the reproduction of a plant.

Once the flower's purpose is fulfilled, it dies, but the seeds it produced insures that the next generation will continue on.

We are to bloom, showing forth the beauty and glory of the awesome God Who created us. The seeds within us will insure that our children, whether physical or spiritual, continue on in the Lord.

The rose bush speaks of those who have not yet submitted their lives to Jesus. These people are beautiful but wild in their ways. They are full of thorns which may injure those who attempt to get close to them.

The sweet basil represents the Holy Spirit,

Who woos and calls and draws with bands of love.

Hosea 11:4 (Amplified Bible)
"I drew them with cords of a man,

with bands of love, and I was to them as one who lifts up and eases the yoke over their cheeks, and I bent down to them and gently laid food before them."

Romans 5:8 (Amplified Bible)
"But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us."

Let us see each other's beauty, and encourage each one in their God-given destinies. Let us not become offended by the thorns!!!

June Beauty

This beauty bloomed over the weekend.

I planted this pink lily to replace an azalea bush that died last year.

Beautiful May Flowers

These vining flowers adorn our deck fence.

These flowers spring from a blub.

The plant stem smells like onions.

These flower smell like spice.

Pretty hot-pink flowers around our deck.

The first tiger lily of the year!


Tiger lilies are my favorites!!!