A Look Back at 2023

It's the end of 2024. As I reflect on this year, I realize that I never posted about 2023. So, here it is. 

Note: I wrote this in December 2023.

I last posted about 2022 (and here's 2021). I may not always share an annual blog post. I don't want to place pressure on myself to write one. I'm allowing space for myself to do so, if it feels right. 

I closed out the year wanting 2023 to be "full of peace, calm, grace, and abundance. I want to flow through the challenges that will inevitably show up. I want to be present in moments of beauty and joy."

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash

My previous year's review offered a few questions to ponder. While they're good questions to ask about any chunk of time (a day, week, month, year, and so forth), the new year offers an opportunity to consider them for 2023.

What did you overcome this year?

I faced a lot of fear this year. I was strong and brave in ways that I haven't always noticed. I took chances and opened myself up in new safe spaces. 

This year, I made huge strides in changing the way I relate to myself and my emotions. 

• I'm learning how to be more aware of and better identify and express my emotions. 
• I'm learning more about what I need and want. 
• I'm learning new ways to use my voice. 
• I'm learning more about neural pathways and the relationship between my thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. 

What brought you joy this year?

So much has brought me joy this year. I feel like I'm seeing things through clearer eyes, in some ways. Depression has loosened its grip on me, and life is brighter. 

I have a support system that has offered me safe presence, encouragement, feedback, and guidance. I love sharing space with these souls, even if it's mostly virtually. 

I have been able to spend time with people I love, in-person and virtually. I have been writing more, exploring new recipes, and taking more pictures of beauty.

What do you want next year to look like?

I want next year to be a time of growth and rest, consistency and change, depth and frivolity. I want there to be meaningful conversations, moments of joy, soulful connections. I want my days to be filled with creativity, love, and laughter. 

Questions for reflection (and sharing, if you'd like to). Feel free to adjust the timing to what feels right for you. Perhaps you want to consider these questions for a month, quarter, etc. 

• What did you overcome this year?
• What brought you joy this year?
• What do you want next year to look like?

"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

A Year in Review (2022)

Note: I wrote this in December 2022.

I don't always do a year in review sort of post, though I did in 2021. I was recently part of a writing group that prompted me to consider some questions about this year.

eberhard 🖐 grossgasteiger on Unsplash

This year has been an intense year. There has been a lot of deep sadness and grief. Depression has taken hold multiple times. Anxiety has spun me around more times than I can count. Pain remains my daily companion.

Through it all, God has remained faithful. I'm grateful for His provision, especially when I don't know what I need.

I have overcome a lot this year. I've made it through every single time that I wasn't sure I would. Every time. Every. Time. I will continue to make it through, even when I'm not sure how.

I did a lot of hard work this year. I tackled depression with TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation), Ketamine, and therapy. I completed a 3-week intensive pain rehabilitation program. I consistently showed up for physical therapy, both in office and at home. I made it through pelvic trigger point injections and acupuncture. A lot of needles. A lot of pain. A lot of work.

I am a warrior. I’m tired of fighting, and I'm doing my best to find balance.

I still have a long way to go to get to where I want to be. Where I thought I would already be. I'm doing my best to accept where I am and continue working to get to where I want to be.

I spent time with family and friends this year, both virtually and in-person. I enjoyed moments of love and laughter.

I want next year to be full of peace, calm, grace, and abundance. I want to flow through the challenges that will inevitably show up. I want to be present in moments of beauty and joy.

Intentionally reflecting allows me to recognize how far I've come.

• Writing about the obstacles that I overcame reminds me of my strength and resilience, and God's faithful provision.
• Remembering the people and moments that brought me joy reminds me of all that I'm so very grateful for.
• Looking forward to the coming year reminds me that there's space to grow and change, and that there's always hope.

Questions for reflection (and sharing, if you'd like to):

• What did you overcome this year?
• What brought you joy this year?
• What do you want next year to look like?

"Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us." - Hal Borland

A Letter to Myself

It's been 15 years since I was in a car accident that altered the trajectory of my life. I've written and posted about it multiple times over the years. Each time differs, as the grieving and healing processes continue. 

Note: links to previous posts about the anniversary of the car accident at the end of this post.

This year feels different. 

The past year has included a Pain Rehabilitation Center (PRC) program, Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET) course, and attending a writing support group, all of which have provided me resources and opportunities to make important changes in my life and within myself. I will share more about these in future posts. 

Today, I want to share a letter I wrote to myself. I've written multiple different letters to myself over time. These letters offer compassion, guidance, and encouragement to myself, reminding me that I can and will make it through whatever hard thing I'm facing. They serve as a gentle guide, map, or light for me to get through the difficult times. Here is one such letter. 

My dear self,

I know you’re struggling and your heart feels heavy. Pause and take a breath. 

Feel the air come in through your nose and out through your mouth. Notice how that feels in the body. 

You are going to get through this, just as you have every hard thing before. 

Breathe. 

Rest. 

Identify and acknowledge the emotions and core beliefs that come up. 

Be gentle with yourself. 

Write. Writing helps to gain clarity and release hurt better than anything else. 

Pray. Ask God to come alongside you and provide what you need in each moment. He is faithful. 

Reach out. Jeremy is your strongest supporter in life. Allow him, and others, to be there for you. 

Use the skills and tools you’ve learned and strengthened over the years: breathing, healthy coping and distraction, and resilience. 

You are so resilient! You persevere through challenges. You are a warrior. 

Listen to music. Look for beauty. Bake a cake. Play a game. Write, write, write. 

Do these to help you feel like you again. 

Breathe and let go of what you’re able to. 

I’m so proud of you! I'm proud of you for never giving up, for doing the hard work, for always holding onto hope as well as you were able. 

Keep going, you’ve got this.

Love, Me

Photo by Jamie Valendy

I wrote this letter during the PRC program in 2022. I wrote it on October 10. That day has a history of pain and redemption, over the years.

• It was the day that I was in a car accident that changed my life. 
• It was the day that I started seeing my amazing headache specialist.
• It was the day that I wrote this letter to myself and graduated from a pain rehabilitation program. 

A lot has changed in the past 15 years. I have picked up the pieces of a shattered life, more than once, and chosen what to keep and what to let go of. I have fought battles within (and out) that few or no one knows about. I have worked hard to become the person I am, and I will continue to keep (re)building and growing. 

I've got this!

If you'd like to listen to me read this letter, you can! I was asked to share on a recent US Pain Foundation Building Your Toolbox talk about the importance of writing. Click here to listen on YouTube (https://youtu.be/AolqG1FvoUw). I read at 24:00.

If you'd like to read more, here are some links: 

• The Battle Begins
• 3-Year Anniversary of Car Accident
• 4-Year Anniversary of Car Accident
• Reflecting 12 Years Post Accident
• 13 Years Later, Now

Allowing What I Need Right Now

I'm grateful for words that show up at the perfect moment and resonate.

Photo by Andreas Wagner on Unsplash

"Allow yourself the things you need right now. Whether that's space, rest, support, or something else, know that you are not a burden for taking care of yourself." - To Write Love On Her Arms

I'll admit that I don't always do the best at identifying or allowing myself what I need in the moment. It's something I've been intentionally working on... and it feels like life is giving me tons of opportunities to practice.

I have read the above quote at different moments over the past few months. It remains something I need reminded of, even though my responses to it have varied. 

• I have no idea what I need right now or how to make it through this pain, this grief, this moment. None of those things will bring relief or reprieve. 
• I am doing all the things I'm able to do for what I need right now, including, acknowledging that various pains (physical, mental, emotional) often team up with one another and have a propensity for telling lies. 

I'm fighting back with truths:

• This moment is hard, and I will make it through.
• The pain and grief are real, and I'm anchored to the One that will see me through each wave of every storm.
• I am doing what I can to take care of myself, and that is always enough.️

I know that there's likely more I want to write and explore on the topic. I'm choosing to focus on getting through the current storm, jotting thoughts down as I'm able, and being ok with revisiting them when I'm better able to. 

Symbol of Hope

Symbol of Hope: What symbol helps give you hope for living with Migraine and Headaches?

There are multiple symbols that help give me hope for living with Migraine and Headaches. But, there is one that stands far beyond all the others.

The cross.

The cross means and reminds me of so many things, including: that I am a cherished child of God, that God loves me so much that He sacrificed His only son (who was raised on the third day), that I have purpose in this life,  that I am never alone, that I have the God of angel armies fighting for me.

The cross points me back to God. My faith in Him is where I find strength, hope, gratitude, and peace.

"I can do all this through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13)

The Migraine and Headache Awareness Month (MHAM) Blog Challenge is organized by the American Headache and Migraine Association.

A Life-Affirming Visit

You know those amazing, life-affirming visits with someone (be it a friend or a stranger), where you leave feeling that your soul has been refreshed / renewed?

I had one of those Sunday night. I had a chance to visit with a long-time friend of the family, who I only get to see every four or five years. She happened to be in town for a few days, and I (thankfully) was feeling well enough to visit a bit with her and some of my family.

She and I chatted with one another for a little while, and I feel that we connected in a special way. She shared with me how she saw me before the chronic migraines (very active and busy, an intellectual, etc), and then recognized and allowed me to talk about the difficulties that have come with learning to live life with so much pain and so many limitations. She said she knows I've always been determined and strong, and that she knows I'll do my best to be and live as well as possible.

She shared bits of wisdom that she's learned over a lifetime of experiences... bits of wisdom that seem so simple and basic, but are truly life-changing:

• Listen carefully to your body.
• Do what feels right to and for you (call it your gut, instinct, or just a feeling).
• Be okay / comfortable with the decisions you make.
• What others say to / about you is about them, not you.
• Don't spend precious time and energy on wasteful things. 

• such as, thinking or worrying about... what others say to/about you, expectations of self and others (what you should be doing), what may or may not happen, and other things that are out of our control.

• There is meaning and purpose in life, even when it doesn't feel like there is.
• The faith that we gain during times of struggle are priceless.

I'm sure there are other things that'll keep coming to mind, as the words shared between us play in my mind further. There were aspects of this journey that I haven't talked about in quite a long time (like identifying myself with my intellect, and the loss of that when I struggled with and then decided not to continue graduate school). It was interesting for me to see what I've dealt and come to terms with, and what is still a little raw to talk about. I know that this is all a journey, and it was nice to share parts of my journey with this friend.

I feel validated and better understood. I also feel a renewed sense of hope and direction that feels great!

I count myself so blessed to have this person in my life, and that she was willing to spend some time sharing with and really listening to me. My heart is filled with gratitude!

Caregivers: My Husband

© 2009 Jamie V.

My husband and I were married a year after my accident. We had been dating for over six years, when he proposed just little under two months before the accident.

While we were going out, Jeremy had taken care of me through seasonal sickness (colds, etc). So, I knew that he could be a good caregiver, at least on a short-term basis.

Once I was in the car accident, I hated to think that he'd be immediately placed into a caregiver role, once we were married. We knew that our married life wouldn't look like many other marriages between people our age. We were okay with that, though, because our entire relationship had "looked different" - our relationship was long-distance for almost 6.5 years, including the two months immediately following our wedding. But, it has worked for us (which isn't to say that it's been easy).

Jeremy has proven to be the perfect person for me in so many ways - my friend, my husband, my caregiver. I am truly BLESSED! He is loving, caring, supportive, perceptive.

He's always taken such good care of me. And, since I've been dealing with my chronic migraines, he's only done more. He allows me the freedom to do what I can and to try doing more / to regain some independence, but he takes care of the things that I cannot do anymore or that I'm struggling with due to the migraines.

He takes care of our Honey Bee (dog), and he takes care of the house chores (I try to help as much as I'm able). He often goes grocery shopping and cooks for us.

He's my biggest cheerleader, when I try doing more (though he helps me to not overdo it) and / or try things that I've struggled with since the accident. He helps remind me to celebrate even the smallest of accomplishments and to be thankful for what I have and what I can do.

© 2012 Jamie V.

Jeremy makes sure I take my medications on schedule. He works from home, if I'm starting a new medication or am dealing with a particularly bad migraine. He goes with me to all of my doctor appointments. He helps me determine when I should use my migraine meds, and when I need to get emergency care.

He knows me so well... the me behind the mask. He's been there for me through the best and the worst times. I feel his love through everything he does. And, I try my hardest to share my love with him in everything I do.

I know that God has placed Jeremy in my life to be my lifelong partner, and I'm so very grateful for him.

This post was written as part of the National Health Blog Posting Month (NHBPM), as well as the November PFAM blog carnival.

Caregivers: My Parents

My parents have always been a huge support to me. When I was in a car accident in October 2008, I needed to move back in to my parents' house. They became my primary caregivers, as my mind and body tried to heal.

There are some things in those first few months that are pretty blurry - I remember the day of the accident very well, but several months after the accident are only accounted for by my incessant note-taking of everything and my parents' notes and memories.

What I do recall, is that my parents were always there for me (as has been the case my entire life).

• My mom went with me to every doctor appointment (and there were A LOT!) and meeting with the attorney, for at least the first year after the accident. She took notes during visits and asked questions that I either forgot or didn't think to ask. She was my caregiver and my advocate, and I feel that we grew even closer under very difficult circumstances. She continues to be a support by asking how things are going, asking for updates on how doctor appointments go, and being understanding of my limitations and needs.

• My dad (and my father-in-law) came down to College Station to pick me and my car up (weekend of the accident). My dad offered care and support in different ways than my mom, but still so very needed. He had a car accident several years before that changed his life, too. He helped me to accept and work within the limitations that my illness placed on me (including breaking tasks down into baby steps), and to be able to ask for help (neither of us has ever been good at). We've always understood and related to one another in a special way, and this was just a different situation that we shared.

I will be forever grateful for my parents love, care, and support! I know that caring for me at some of my darkest points, and seeing me struggle so much with things much deeper than the pain, was extremely difficult for them. But, their presence and unconditional love will never be forgotten. Their unwavering love and support helped me through, as it continues to do.

This post was written as part of the National Health Blog Posting Month (NHBPM), as well as the November PFAM blog carnival.

Inspirational Pinboard

Today's challenge is to share 3 things from my Pinterest board. I have definitely enjoyed using Pinterest. I've been able to find and try new recipes, and I enjoy broadening my creative side by seeing many of the do-it-yourself projects that others are doing.

I'm struggling with my head today (after a bad migraine yesterday), so today's post is going to have to be short. Here are some inspirational words that help me through these difficult times.

This post was written as part of the Health Activist Writer's Awareness Challenge (HAWMC).

Play That Horn

Today's challenge is: "Play that horn. Want to hear a secret? You're awesome. (It's actually not even really a secret). This is going to be hard for you, O Modest One, but you gotta give yourself props today. Write 3 things you love about yourself - things you're great at - or just want to share."

Yikes! I'm not good at complimenting myself, or "tooting my own horn," so this is a quite a challenge.

First, I have to give myself props for successfully completing the National Health Blog Posting Month (NHBPM) - 30 posts, in 30 days. I tried to take things in stride... writing whenever I was feeling well enough to, so that I could try to rest more on the days I didn't feel up to doing it. I'm learning to adjust to living with chronic migraines... I'm still not good at it, but I'm learning.

So, here are 3 things that I love about myself:

• I am determined. Living with chronic illnesses, I'm faced with a lot of obstacles. But, even if they are tiny and slow steps, I continue to put one foot in front of the other. I am determined to remain steadfast in my faith, and to make the most of my life, despite chronic pain. I may falter, but our God is forgiving and merciful.
• I am honest. I try very hard to be an honest person. It was a very difficult, though invigorating, decision to start a blog and share my experience, openly and honestly. I have no reason to be dishonest because I have nothing to hide... not to mention, it takes a lot of energy (that I definitely don't have) to keep up with lies. LOL.
• I am smart. Sometimes, it's difficult for me to remember that I really am smart. I did so well in school, all the way through to earning my Bachelor's degree. But, the cognitive difficulties that I've faced with my chronic migraines has had me questioning myself so much. I've always been my worst critic and had a fear of failure, but I've been given a great gift.

Thank you, WEGO Health, for hosting this inspiring month-long challenge that helped me get back into my writing. I'm looking forward to the next challenge!

This post was written as part of the National Health Blog Posting Month (NHBPM).

My Playlist: Songs of Hope

Patients For A Moment (PFAM) is a patient-centered blog carnival to build connections within the community of people who blog about illness, disease, and disability. Phylor, at Phylor's Blog, is hosting the September edition of the PFAM blog carnival. This month, Phylor is calling for a personal playlist (for songs that inspire, elevate mood, give a shot of energy, etc...).

Music has always played an important role in my life. Sometimes it's the beat of the music that appeals to me... sometimes it's the lyrics that I relate with... and sometimes the combination is incredibly moving. I used to make CDs to listen to, while I warmed up for cross-country and/or track races. They'd get me pumped up, and they gave me something to play in my head during the race. Now, music tends to play more of a comforting role in my life.

I have many different types of music that I like to listen to, depending on my mood and what's going on in my life. Some of the songs that have moved me can be found on my other blog, Unfolding the Rosebud (some of the ones listed on that blog are also found below).

My faith is where I find my strength to keep going, so my most inspiring songs reflect that. I hope the artists and songs below will bless you.

Falling Inside the Black by Skillet
I must say that I enjoy listening to music by Skillet. Sometimes the songs just say what I can't say myself. Whenever I'm fighting feelings of depression and/or feeling separated from God, there's a specific song that helps me express that I'm just trying to hold on.

Falling in the black / Slipping through the cracks / Falling to the depths can I ever go back / Dreaming of the way it used to be / Can you hear me

http://youtu.be/tfY4OfUXiYU

Stronger by Mandisa
This song is such a strong reminder that God loves me unconditionally and will never forsake me. He knows the hurt I feel, and He will help me through even the most difficult of times.

'Cause if He started this work in your life / He will be faithful to complete it / If only you believe it / He knows how much it hurts / And I'm sure that He's gonna help you get through this

http://youtu.be/emgv-VRtMEU

Before the Morning by Josh Wilson
This song fills me with hope. I truly believe that the Lord has something great planned for my life. I cannot see what it is, but I must place my trust in Him and continue to move forward in my life.

Would dare you, would you dare, to believe, / That you still have a reason to sing, / 'Cause the pain you've been feeling, / Can't compare to the joy that's coming / So hold on, you got to wait for the light / Press on, just fight the good fight / Because the pain you've been feeling, / It's just the dark before the morning

http://youtu.be/MniOtRnCO9I

No Matter What by Kerrie Roberts
This is one of the most moving songs I've ever heard. It's difficult to keep your faith in the Lord, especially when you're in pain ALL the time. But, God loves us no matter what. We need to trust and love God unconditionally, as well... no matter what.

No matter what, I’m gonna love You, / No matter what I’m gonna need You, / I know You can find a way to keep me from the pain / But if not, I’ll trust you, / No matter what, no matter what.

http://youtu.be/CQyXltkrzn8

Angel By Your Side by Francesca Battistelli
This song reminds me that I am blessed to have a few people in my life that I know feel the words of this song deep in their heart. I'm so grateful for each of these people.

I can't say that everything's ok, / 'Cause I can see the tears you're crying / And I can't promise to take the pain away / But you can know I won't stop trying.

http://youtu.be/iNac9pfiMwQ

What You Are by Jewel
This song is a reminder that we are enough. What we are is beautiful, good, strong, and bright enough. It's important to try to remember this, in the midst of pain and lowered self-esteem.

We already are what we are / And what we are is beautiful / And good enough / And strong enough / And bright enough

http://youtu.be/XJmwb3uHt5Q

http://youtu.be/xk4LohWUa2s

Blessings by Laura Story

This song is an absolutely beautiful reminder of God's amazing love for us. When times are difficult, it's human nature to wonder "why?" and try to make sense of it. Asking "why?" doesn't mean that I don't trust Him, or that I love Him any less in the difficult times of life. Through my doubt, my faith is seeking understanding - it's not weakening, it's trying to grow stronger.

God knows what we need before we ask Him (Matthew 6:8). Especially in the midst of trials, though, it's difficult to consider that they're "mercies in disguise." But, God places the trials and obstacles that we need in our paths, so that we can grow and become the people He calls us to be. Sometimes He may overwhelm us with trials, so that we realize that we cannot do it all on our own, but must lean into His grace. It may be of some comfort to know that it's in the moments you feel weak and vulnerable that you're most ready to receive God's wisdom, peace, understanding, and strength

(2 Corinthians 12:9).

'Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops / What if Your healing comes through tears / What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near / What if my greatest disappointments / Or the aching of this life / Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy / What if trials of this life / The rain, the storms, the hardest nights / Are your mercies in disguise

http://youtu.be/SGniRk_GcLs

Strong Enough by Matthew West

This song is a reminder that even though I'm not strong enough on my own, that I have a loving God that is strong enough for both of us.

I know I'm not strong enough to be / Everything that I'm supposed to be / I give up / I'm not strong enough / Hands of mercy won't you cover me / Lord right now I'm asking you to be / Strong enough / Strong enough / For the both of us

http://youtu.be/A8JsRxVczmQ

Bring the Rain by Mercy Me
This song expresses my soul's desire to praise my Lord with my life. I try to give God the glory, regardless of the situation I find myself in.

Bring me joy, bring me peace / Bring the chance to be free / Bring me anything that brings You glory / And I know there'll be days / When this life brings me pain / But if that's what it takes to praise You / Jesus, bring the rain

http://youtu.be/e8HgAVenbUU

What Faith Can Do by Kutless
This song has helped me through many difficult times, especially since the car accident. It is such a moving song.

Don’t you give up now / The sun will soon be shining / You gotta face the clouds / To find the silver lining

http://youtu.be/kQp75TsnpSA

There Will Be A Day by Jeremy Camp
Jeremy Camp is my favorite musical artist. His music always speaks to my heart and soothes my soul. This song has really helped me through some of the toughest times. It's a reminder of the promise that our Lord has given us.

There will be a day with no more tears, / No more pain, and no more fears / There will be a day when the burdens of this place, / Will be no more, we’ll see Jesus face to face / But until that day, we’ll hold on to you always

http://youtu.be/k8gkDiTvloc

Praise You In This Storm by Casting Crowns

This song further expresses my soul's desire to praise the Lord with my life. I know that He will never forsake me, so I know that I can handle whatever comes my way... as long as I continue to trust in the Lord.

And I will praise you in this storm / And I will lift my hands / For You are who You are no matter where I am / And every tear I've cried You hold in your hand / You never left my side and though my heart is torn / I will praise You in this storm 

http://youtu.be/xGPS8sa-bRQ

Palladio by Escala

This song doesn't have any words, but I just love Escala's music!

http://youtu.be/bBwa8nqtris

Finding Strength & Preoccupation

Patients For A Moment (PFAM) is a patient-centered blog carnival to build connections within the community of people who blog about illness, disease, and disability. Tonja, at Pink Doberman, is hosting this edition of the PFAM blog carnival. The topic is two-fold:

Part 1: Outside of your disability, illness, condition, or situation, what do you focus on, where do you find the strength to keep going and nourish your soul?

Part 2: What do you occupy your mind, your hands, and your time doing outside of dealing with your disability, illness, condition, or situation?

Part 1: Finding Strength

Since my car accident, I have tried very hard to keep my focus on my health - physical, emotional, spiritual.

"Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will" (Mahatma Gandhi) 

Finding the strength to keep going began as an up and down battle (and it still can be, at times). But, I find my strength in the Lord. I know that He will provide and care for me. 

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13)  

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him" (Psalm 28:7)

I also find strength and nourishment for my soul through writing. I know I haven't been able to journal and/or blog as much as I'd like to, but it still helps. My family has provided a great deal of support and strength through my trials.  And, my online friends have become a much bigger part of my life than I ever expected - they are there for me during the good times and the bad. 

Part 2: Occupying My Mind (Preoccupation)

As far as occupying myself with things other than my chronic pain... I've had trouble with this. I enjoy spending time with my husband - talking, walking, watching movies, playing games, cooking, etc... Also, I really enjoy visiting with my family; which I'll be able to do more now, since we're back in Texas.

I love reading and writing, but I've had difficulty doing a lot of either because of the chronic migraines and cognitive/processing difficulties. I also enjoy scrapbooking, but I haven't really been able to do a whole lot of that (it can be very difficult to concentrate, and the creative side of my mind doesn't always work well).

I've been watching a lot of things on Netflix (well, sometimes it's really only on in the background); which has been a nice distraction, especially when I'm trying to get through a migraine attack. It's nice to be able to watch things that I normally may never have even known about, and extra-great to have it commercial-free.

I'm currently helping my sister plan her wedding. I enjoy being able to help her with such a special start to her married life. It can be stressful, but I love designing her invitations/stationary, helping with flowers, etc... and it's so great being able to spend time with her!

More Scripture ~ Strength

"The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation; He is my God, and I will praise Him; my father's God, and I will exalt Him" (Exodus 15:2)

"God is my strength and power: and He maketh my way perfect" (2 Samuel 22:33)

"If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen" (1 Peter 4:11)

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer" (Psalm 19:14)

"The Lord is my light and my salvation -- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life -- of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1) 

"The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; He is their stronghold in time of trouble" (Psalm 37:39) 

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"God is our refuge and stregth, an ever-present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1)   

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" (Psalm 73:26)