It's been over a month now since I've driven a car.  My December 22nd surgery has been followed by some setbacks and the recovery has turned into quite an ordeal.

Clean pajamas are the wardrobe choice for each new morning.

Purpose has become mangled with self-pity.

I read, I write, I think, and then I think and think and think some more.

What is God teaching me on this journey of pain?

I'm still asking, listening, trusting (most of the time).

Well, yesterday one of my college friends from Ohio and a friend from her church (remember the clowns who visited me this fall?) thought it would be fun for us to play a game of Yahtzee over Skype. How could I pass up a chance to do anything with these two girls???

(HERE'S A PICTURE FROM LAST FALL WHEN THEY CAME TO SURPRISE ME!)

I invited a friend from up the street and thought to myself, "I wonder if they will appear on the screen as clowns???" So, I ventured up to Olivia's dress-up clothes and pulled out some items for me and Donna to wear.

Sure enough, Laurie popped up on the screen with a big, red clown nose.  Christine, unfortunately received a call to sub.  I guess Ohio schools are allowed to be in session when it snows (smile).

I held up a very scary clown mask in front of the screen to scare Laurie, but I knew she would have nightmares if I put that mask on to play Yahtzee. So, I chose to wear something a little more "happy!" 

Now the truth is, I haven't been quite so happy lately.  I am just now venturing to sit up somewhat straight but have resigned myself to the fact that this will only happen with the assistance of an inflatable cushion.  So, as you can see in the picture below, this is how I'm really feeling.

As soon as our game was over, Todd needed things ironed for his senior pictures, so I thought, "Why not iron as a princess?" even though I'm feeling about as far from royal as I  can get.......well, except for some royal pain. (smile again)

Today, I hope you can find a reason to smile in spite of the pain in your life.......

I'm going to try again.

It felt good.

Love you all so much!

Phil. 4:4

Rejoice in the Lord always.  Again, I say, 'Rejoice!'