Vanderbilt University - Roaches & Tracts

I waited for about four months to see a dysautonomia neurologist at Vanderbilt University.
There are not a lot of places that have someone so specialized, and I am not covered outside of Tennessee anyway.
I was finally able to go this past week for testing and a doctor appointment.  The only part of the testing I refused was another tilt table test.  The last one was like a nightmare.  I did a part of the test, but tried to stand on my own and felt faint too quickly.  The other testing went fairly well.

The outcome of my appointments was that although I do have a problem with my autonomic system that the doctor didn't believe that was the primary cause of some of my symptoms.  She recommended some medicine adjustment (trying a lower dose of something I tried before that may help low blood volume), but basically she's sending me back to the local doctors to keep searching for the primary cause of my misery.  I may end up seeing a general neurologist again. 

Something very unusual happened to me at Vanderbilt.  
A doctor (probably an internist) asked questions and did some minor testing while I was waiting to see the main specializing neurologist.
Suddenly a family member in with me exclaimed and jumped up.  Why?  There was a large full-sized ROACH in the exam room!
The doctor asked if it was alright if he did away with it.  Of course it was!  He moved a trash can and managed to kill and dispose of the intruder.
I imagine most doctors would not consider that part of their job description, but we appreciated it.
I was hoping that we wouldn't end up bringing some baby roaches home with us!
It's pretty funny thinking about a doctor calmly moving a trash can and killing a roach like that!

The trip was difficult for me and my family with how I am doing and the stress of the drive during the times when it was snowing.  We stayed at some pretty nice hotels and enjoyed some good food, and yes, Gospel tracts did get left by us here and there during the trip.  One was thrown away for sure, but another seemed likely to be read by the lady who did my testing. 
Another family member also had appointments during our time there and had more of a substantial outcome.

I appreciate the prayers of Christians out there for me and my family. 
I realize we aren't the only family suffering with physical issues.  I have wondered how others could endure some of the horrible things going on with them, and I have now had a taste of what it can be like. 
Even as a Christian, it is no picnic.  I have to fight to trust God no matter if I never get cured until Heaven.  When my head is screeching and my body feels awful like I could pass out any moment or I feel nauseated, sometimes my prayer is limited to "God, help me!"  I do get panicked. 
I need God to help me to trust Him more, because He is trustworthy no matter if He doesn't say yes to my prayers for Him to heal me.  It is possible I have something rare. 
Although I go to doctors to try to discover what is the underlying cause I know that God is ultimately in control of my health.  My fibromyalgia pains, my P.O.T.S. and or NCS, & all of the things going on have a purpose.  I want God to be glorified in and through me, and I want to not waste my trials.
I desire to shine for Christ in whatever way I can no matter how awful my body feels.

12 Year Old Girl Dies Leaving Notes To Her Older Self

I don't know these people or the church they are affiliated with, but this news story really stood out to me when I watched it on TV this past week.

Although it is very sad for this family that this girl died at 12 years old unexpectedly, they are focused on God's will and purpose in their loss.

I remember when I was a teenager I wrote something in case I died young (which didn't happen), so in that I found this girl's idea of writing  to her older self quite interesting (although on earth for her that never came to be).

WJHL-TV: News: Weather, and Sports for Johnson City, TN

Talented Young Singers, Gospel For Catholics, David Platt Goes Biblical

I'm starting out the year sharing three distinctly different videos for my viewers.

The first is a new song by a group named "Dave's Highway" published on December 30, 2013, the second is directed to Roman Catholics about the mass, the last is amazing and especially great if you have the time to listen.  I suggest bookmarking it for later if need be! 

 

Here is a lively new song to start out the new year:

 

The Gospel for Catholics:

 

David Platt gave a great message on Missions at the recent Cross Conference (the focus of the conference being unreached peoples).

What made it especially great was that he seemed to be quoting the book of Romans in a way that made things stand out differently bringing the glory of God to the forefront. It may be hard for you to follow...especially more so if you are not familiar with Romans or English is not your primary language.


CROSS 2013: Mobilizing God’s Army for the Great Commission (Session X) from CROSS on Vimeo.