Asthma! So THAT explains it!

Okay, so hind sight is 20/20.
When I was in high school, I ran the 2 mile and hurdles. I knew I wasn't terribly fast, and I never was faster than 2nd place. My lungs would feel like they were burning, but I thought that was normal.

As a young mother, I tried to get into shape by running. My lungs would hurt so I learned that I could quick-walk 4 miles in 45 minutes, and felt like that was good enough.

As a singer, I battled the "winter cough" every year. It would start in the fall and last through winter. It was annoying, but I never really thought much of it.

I could feel a constant drainage down the back of my throat, and thought the phlegm that I was constantly coughing up was because of that... Well, that's partially right.

I went to an ear-nose-throat specialist once, and he said I had scar tissue on my vocal cords (no doubt from all of those years as a cheerleader yelling myself hoarse and being proud of it) and that I also had some nodes in my sinuses. He said that they could surgically remove them, but that they would probably just grow back.

Later, I went to another ear-nose-throat guy who said I didn't have any nodes, and that the urge to swallow was being caused by acid reflux, not true drainage.

So, then I wondered where all of the phlegm I constantly dig up was coming from. It's not that I like the taste!

Finally, one day I was having a coughing fit that was particularly difficult. It felt like someone was sitting on my chest. I've had many years of tightness in my chest, and difficulty breathing, but I thought it was just stress.

Dave suggested that I see our doctor. He said it was asthma.
The rumbling in my chest as I was breathing was not even funny! I had just gotten so used to it (this last cough had been going on for about 9 months) that I thought life was just going to be like this for me from now on.... Silly!

Dr. Fuller said that when the muscles in our lungs spasm and tighten, they create mucus. That's one part of it...

I went to an allergist who tested me to see if an allergy was the catalyst for these flair ups... The skin test showed that I'm only mildly allergic to an outdoor type of mold. They did a blood test to verify it because it is very unusual to be so allergy-free. The blood test (once the lady was finally able to get some blood out of me after a few tries!) confirmed the same results.

Okay, so if it wasn't allergies, what starts this every year?

We still don't know, but the inhaler I've been using has helped a lot! And I take some nose drops to help with the drainage. Long yucky subject, but the result is...

Now I know what has been going on for all of these years! Duh!

Joy and Sorrow

What is sometimes sorrow on one side of the veil is joy on the other. For example, death in mortality, is greeted with joy on the other side of the veil.
So, when we must endure sorrow and misery in this life... is there joy on the other side that we are experiencing that which we shouted for joy about in the pre-existance? Joy that we are learning and growing and thus becoming more like our Father? Or is there sorrow on the other side of the veil as our loved ones empathize with our suffering and stand helpless to relieve our pain? Sorrow in heaven?

I wonder...

I know that I have grown in my capacity to love far more because of family members who have been repeatedly cruel and unkind to me. I owe them a great debt of gratitude.

Now, if I can only keep my eyes from leaking whenever my tender heart is hurt.

Spring to it like Tigger!

I've always admired the cheerful spring of Tigger the Tiger from Winnie the Pooh. I think if we all put a little more spring into our steps, we would giggle hysterically too!

I am always rejuvenated when the early spring bulbs poke their heads up and color the world. Some of my other things are also wrapped up in the splendor of springtime: Easter, Mother's Day, and Father's Day... Oh, and my birthday as well.

I asked Dave what was on his "Bucket List," started to think about my own.
Jerusalem... definately!
Sing the Star Spangled Banner at some event
Write and publish a book
Sell a painting or photograph
Hike Angel's Landing at Zion's
Hike to the top of Timpanogos Mountain
Record and publish a vocal CD

I'd better get started... no one knows how much time they have left.

The Bible...

I have enjoyed the new series on the History Channel: The Bible. It is well done, and truly delightful! The settings are authentic, the casting and acting is magnifiscent, the special effects are dazzling, and a valiant effort to stay true to the text has been made.
The fact that it is a tremendous hit gives me hope that there are many good people in this country; people who hunger and thirst after righteousness.
While political anarchy rages, henous crimes increase, societal moral decay ferments, and economic ruin looms; a bright moment shines, offering the hope of possibility.

I have learned for myself by the Holy Spirit of God and do testify that Jesus is the Christ... He descended below all things that He might be able to reach all people... He lives!
In this truth I exercise my faith and my hope. In this truth I dedicate and consecrate my life.

Note: Make sure tissues are handy when watching this series... especially the final segment.