Celebrating Twitter

I don’t know about you but I celebrate birthdays for a week.  And by my way of thinking we’ve got several days to continue to enjoy a Tweeting birthday party!

Happy Birthday Twitter

Twitter began on March 21st 2006.  Wow how it has grown. I wasn’t particularly an early adopter on March 30th 2007 when I sent out this tweet: “Listening to podcasts, joining twitter, checking it out”.  As of today I’ve tweeted 17,655 times!  That static blows my mind, considering I really just check in and out of twitter via various 3rd party applications during the day.

When I began to tweet my circle of friends had absolutely no idea what it meant.  If I tried to get peeps interested they pretty much blew me off.  Now it seems everyone knows about this micro blogging platform. From celebrities to news organizations. Business’s who don’t utilize the benefits of twitter are loosing out!

The estimated value worth 10 Billion and growing this little 5 year old has blown all other social networks out of the water in its speed of growth. From Twitter’s own blog:  “Twitter users now send more than 140 million Tweets a day which adds up to a billion Tweets every 8 days—by comparison, it took 3 years, 2 months, and 1 day to reach the first billion Tweets. While it took about 18 months to sign up the first 500,000 accounts, we now see close to 500,000 accounts created every day.”

Many facebook friends continue to feel intimated by twitter and have either signed up and left because they weren’t yet “getting” it!  For me fb is fun for keeping in touch with friends family pictures and reuniting with old school buddies. While twitter isexpanding my world from my sofa! With twitter I get real time news worldwide. I get immediate feedback regarding tech questions. And even more importantly to me are the millions of Christian family members who will pray right away for those who are hurting or in need.

I haven’t traveled the world yet I have friends on many continents. When big news events happen I’ve got access to 1st hand reports, pictures and streaming video because of twitter. I’ve even stopped subscribing to our local paper.

One more important aspect of twitter for me has been my connection with the millions of people living with disabilities like myself. We are able to support one another and become aware of medical advances like never before.

 

My world would be so limited without twitter!

 

Tangible Love

 

“But there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.”

Nearing the end of worship at church Tommy left the sanctuary to get Breanna from Sunday school so she could partake of communion with us.

I’ve been dealing with extra fatigue as of recent; thus I was purposely not standing while praising God like I normally do.

One of my precious friends was sitting next to me.  She began to get up for a song and noticed that I wasn’t standing. Instead of getting up she reached her hand over and grasp mine. She and I praised the Lord in song together.

Her gesture was filled with Christ Jesus Himself.

Later today  I began to ponder the depth of the love we share as brothers and sisters in Christ and joint heirs together with Israel together in the inheritance promised by the Messiah Jesus through the gospel.  I’ve experienced this tangible expression of love at other times with friends. And it’s always been with those who are my brothers and sisters!  I began to feel sad for people who don’t share in such a depth of closeness either with friends or their own families.

Are you lonely? Have you a friend who sticks closer than a brother?  Do you know that becoming a part of the body of Christ allows you immediate access to such relationships?  When you receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior you immediately are born into a family of believers.  It’s something I honestly don’t think the world (non-believers) are able to grasp.

Yet my sister expressed that tangible love towards me today and I am simply touched.

 

Twitter Digest, Week of 2011-03-13 and 2011-03-19

Today from tears to praise

Today I woke knowing I was still exceptionally down physically.  And I’d even fallen asleep pretty much when Tommy did that’s unusual as he goes to sleep and I stay in bed watching podcasts, reading facebook or watching Netflix.  Tommy is one of those guys who shuts his eyes and is snoring sweetly within minutes. He has kindly allowed gadgets and laptops in bed with us. As long as I turn down the brightness and use ear buds.  ((there have been occasions when I’ve laughed so hard that it has kept him awake)) but that’s not my story tonight.

After falling asleep earlier than usual I’d hoped to wake feeling well enough to enjoy doing some things around the house with Tommy today.  If you only knew how selflessly good he is to me you might also know why I desire to feel my best to make the time we’re able to spend together blessed.

Yet, when I awoke I was very sore and achy.The lower backache that so often goes along with a urinary tract infection. And if I had a uti that would explain my serious fatigue of recent. Also would be the explanation for the night up with bladder spasms earlier this week. Sadly this morning things were worse. The fatigue, the pain, the lack of ability.  The sun shining outside only caused me more disappointment regarding my inabilities.   Tommy is so kind, he just wants me to be happy. Even propped up on the sofa with my mac or my ipad.  If he knows I’m enjoying myself in any way and content- he’s happy.   He was working in the back yard with a project he’s desired to begin working on since its begun to get warm.  He needs to tear down much of the deck work my Father did maybe 40 years ago so it can be replaced w/ wood that is not rotting and buckling making it very treacherous  for my dragging feet to walk over. Today was the beginning of that project for him and he was taking down the lattice work rails. I wanted to either be out there with him or inside accomplishing some things to help our house seem tidied up.

But I soon found myself laying on my bed crying. I don’t cry! {Seriously it’s just not my normal response} Yet I was and needed to quickly get over it, knowing that Tommy finding me crying would break his heart.  (of course he knows me all to well and would later see that I had been) I prayed, I ask God to please please help me focus on others and gain the strength I needed just to enjoy some home time w/ my wonderful husband.  I took some meds that I am prescribed for MS fatigue- this I apparently don’t do enough.. somehow thinking that taking the drugs is going to turn into something I have to do to get through the day, and THIS I DON’T WANT.  But I knew I needed the help today.

Because of your prayers, my prayers and the meds, things began to come together.  I was able to send a card to a dear sister who has recently lost her Mother.  I was able to reach out to some online who I know are hurting and needed prayer and a kind word.  I was able to make Tommy some nice ice tea and prepare him some food.  Several things got done.  I laid down thinking I would now be exhausted for the afternoon/evening. Right away  our niece and her precious son stopped in. He’s so cute see the pictures below:

Our precious Great Nephew Eli

After they left  I said to Tommy “put your shoes back on.. we’re going to get the groceries we need”  This was something Tommy had wanted me to do last night and I was unable.

While at the store Breanna (Granddaughter) telephoned to see if we wanted her to come over to spend the night before church tomorrow. Initially I told her that Granny was just not feeling so well and that we’d try to pick her up on the way to church tomorrow. Well she then reminded me with the sweetest voice “Remember- before you call the Dr. Call me because I’m your good medicine”

"Remember before you call the Dr. Call me- I'm good medicine"

 

Oh how we love that child. We called and picked her up on the way home from the grocery.  She’s tucked in beside me sound to sleep. And you know what? I’m at the moment feeling better and very thankful that I was able to accomplish some things today.

Many people who deal w/ chronic illness find that even talking on the phone is too much effort. I’ve heard people say that it’s way easier for them to type than to talk, and sometimes that is my situation. I cannot explain the fatigue associated with multiple sclerosis…. Except to say that the air itself is heavy.  Every movement even thought is done through weighted air.  So it’s not that one is tired or sleepy.. but just unable to move through that heavy thick air to do the things I want to do. And when I’m having a particularly rough time due to fever or the heat outside then it is even hard for me to sit upright.  That’s when I’m horizontal or sideways surfing.

That’s my story for today and I know some who will surely relate.

“Remember your word to your servant

in which you have made me hope.

This is my comfort in my affliction,that your promise gives me life.

Before I was afflicted I went astray,

but now I keep your word.

You are good and do good;

teach me your statutes, with my whole heart I keep your precepts;but I delight in your law.

It is good for me that I was afflicted,
that I might learn your statutes.
The law of your mouth is better to me
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

Your hands have made and fashioned me;

give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.

Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,
because I have hoped in your word.
I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous,
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
Let your steadfast love comfort me
according to your promise to your servant.
Let your mercy come to me, that I may live;
for your law is my delight.

Forever, O Lord, your word
is firmly fixed in the heavens.
Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
By your appointment they stand this day,
for all things are your servants.
If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have given me life.
I am yours; save me,
for I have sought your precepts.

I am severely afflicted;
give me life, O Lord, according to your word!
Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O Lord,
and teach me your rules.
I hold my life in my hand continually,
but I do not forget your law.

I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I hope in your words.
My eyes are awake before the watches of the night,
that I may meditate on your promise.
Hear my voice according to your steadfast love;
O Lord, according to your justice give me life.”

Verses Quoted from Psalm 119 ESV

 

 

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View from my sofa

Limited perspective – Hope forever

My sofa

 

Sounds like an oxymoron. Let me assure you it isn’t at all. Because of a progressive disease process (multiple sclerosis), I’ve become more intimately acquainted with my sofa and less involved with the real world outside my house.  In so many ways I’m terribly disappointed because I just love life and being involved with people brings me great joy.

 

Because of the Internet and my interactions with people online my life has remained interesting and full of purpose.  Many of the people I’ve come to know and love I would not have known if I were still actively keeping up with two jobs and my pursuit of personal fitness.

 

No doubt life as I knew it has changed!  My view from my sofa is limited indeed. But the things that really matter, the fruit that is produced for eternity may actually have increased. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.”

 

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“therefore I will hope in him.”

 

Either I will see healing in this flesh or when I am in His presence. Until then my desire is to respond to my circumstance in a way that brings Him glory and encourages others.  So many dear people are alone on their sofas or sickbeds. Many have no hope for a good day that allows them the ability to get out and do some of the things they enjoy. My heart aches for them and my prayers are for their encouragement.

 

It’s true- when we focus on others our own situation becomes less important. Philippians 2:3 “Don’t act out of selfish ambition or be conceited. Instead, humbly think of others as being better than yourselves.”

 

Twitter Digest, Week of 2011-03-06 and 2011-03-12

Giving up on my prayer list


I threw away my prayer list!

I’ll just stick with 1 Thessalonians 5:17 and

Pray without ceasing!

The list of people that I commit to pray for has turned into a never ending book.

My Father knows before I even ask Him:

Matthew 6:8

So, I’ll pray continually and  work towards completing my list of

daily chores along the way.

Now my priorities will be right!

God knew all along:

Matthew 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Delightful evening & Impressive surprise across the Ohio River

 

Saturday night I was privileged to attend The Russian National Ballet Theatre‘s production of “Romeo and Juliet”.  I was given four tickets from my dear friend  Nibby Priest.  The Priest family holds season tickets with the Henderson Area Arts Alliance They were unable to use their tickets for this performance.

Immediately I ask my budding ballerina grand daughter (aka SparklesGlitter)  to join me along with her dance teacher of four years, Kay Richardt and another little girl from Breanna’s dance class.

The ballet was at the Henderson Fine Arts Center, located on the campus of the Henderson Community College. And it is indeed a showplace!

Our seats were amazing.  Right in the 3rd row center stage. The ballet was beautiful! I honestly believe that these young ballerinas were treated to a show they’ll never forget.

And if you like me were not aware of the Henderson Fine Arts Alliance maybe you’ll use this opportunity to check out their website and offerings.

 

Twitter Digest, Week of 2011-02-27 and 2011-03-05

Twitter Digest, Week of 2011-02-20 and 2011-02-26

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