Monday, May 31, 2010

Memorial Day

The Boy Scouts planted an American flag in our front lawn early this morning. For most of us this is a day filled with many memories of those who have given and are giving their lives for this country. We salute them and thank God for them. And I thank God He gave Margie another restful night. We never take this for granted. I had planned on mowing the lawn today BUT it's raining.

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Sunshine

After days of rain and cloudy weather, the sun is shining. I am not unhappy about this because maybe I can mow the lawn tomorrow if it dries out sufficiently. Margie reported another good night for which we are so thankful. For YEARS she seldom could say that each morning. Lord willing we will be going to church this morning. Margie is still not able to sit through Sunday School and the worship hour, but we pray that in the future that will be possible again.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

A bit of trivia

It's nice to have our son Rawlie and his family for the day. Although they will be very busy with family matters for Gina's parents, we are glad to see them and at least have lunch with them today. Rawlie mentioned last night (here comes the trivia)that it was 38 years to the very day (yesterday) that he graduated from the Fortaleza Academay in Foraleza, Brazil. I was the speaker for the occasion. My, how the years roll by. Now to Margie. She did some walking before midnight down the hall and into the family room several times and then got to sleep around midnight. This is not unusual for her, but we desire her former ability to sleep at a normal time. But she did have a restful night for which we are grateful.

Friday, May 28, 2010

TENS

What's TENS? Here is what the instruction manual says: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. The initial sentence of the booklet states: Empi's Select Pain Control. Margie and I are learning how to use this sophisticated hand held machine which is helping much with pain control. We praise the Lord for the good night's sleep and this machine may be contributing to this. Remember that next Thursday she goes to the Mt. Baker Pain Clinic for another procedure to help combat these pains. Thanks a million for praying.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Something new has been added

Yesterday during Margie's physical therapy session, the therapist introduced her to a new machine which our insurance company has made available to her with the option to purchase. This small hand held (or clipped to ones clothing) machine has four patches that attached to specific parts of ones body in the area where pain is present, and the controlled electrical impulses sort of massage the surrounding muscles and nerves and bring relief. It is quite an innovation. The well known athlete, Dan Marino, uses one and advertises for the company that sells it. We pray this along with next week's procedure for Margie will give her quality help which she longs to have. Margie had a great night of sleep and thank you for praying.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Possums & other wild animals.

I looked outside and saw a possum in our backyard. Unfortunately I think it is living in the crawl space of our house. Then I looked out in front of our house very early this morning and saw a very strangely shaped animal walking over to the neighbors. I will have to do a search on wild animals in northwest Washington and see if I can identify it. Well, how did I get on that subject? By the way, Margie had a good night. Isn't that good news! We are praying that her daytime discomforts will be minimized after the special procedure on the 3rd. Please don't stop praying. It is our lifeline.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

9 more days

We spent a long time at the Mt. Baker Pain Clinic yesterday. A schedule was set for June 3 to do the procedure on Margie with the hopes it will alleviate her pain. We know you are praying about this and we appreciate it. Margie had a good night last night. Today will be plenty busy also and I will be doing my Shepherd's work which I thoroughly enjoy.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Mt Baker Pain Clinic

The title of this tells the story. This morning we will be going to this clinic to see if they can find Margie's pain problem and prescribe a remedy to help her. We are praying they will be able to do this. Margie had another good night for which we are so grateful. Yesterday was a full day with an after church encounter with our family at a Chinese Buffet. I had set the DirecTV to record all our favorite Christian programs so we enjoyed those upon our return home in the afternoon. We appreciate your prayers.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Let's go to church

What a great decision to go to church. Margie and I are so thankful that she is feeling well enough to attend the service this morning. For so many months we were unable to do this. So after a fairly good night we are off to church. For us it is only a two mile trip. In fact there is a shortcut that is only 1.7 miles. Our son wants us to join them at a restaurant after church so if Margie is up to it we will be there. Several of you have checked on Margie's health update for many months and we appreciate this. Thanks for caring and praying.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Preparation for Sunday

Saturday is great. We prepare today for church attendance tomorrow. Margie is doing her hair now. I will be house cleaning. Margie is not able to do these things and I am happy to have the strength and desire to do them. We both rested well last night even though at first it was a little difficult getting to sleep. I see the paper has been delivered early this morning. I will get it, put some letters in the mailbox and start my work. We trust your day goes well and thanks so much for your prayer support.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Daily strength

What a great resource to draw upon HIS strength each day. Yesterday I was so happy I could mow the lawn. What a delightful exercise (no pun intended). After knee surgery in 2003 I had never mowed the lawn due to our travels for Shepherds. Margie had a restful night and we are glad. Today we will try to make an important visit. We are thankful she is up to this. Two days ago she received approval and scheduled a date for her first trip to the Pain Clinic in Bellingham. We are praying this may lead to some more pain relief in her body.Thank you for praying.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Wind storm

The weather man was right, in late afternoon yesterday the high winds started. Some gusts were clocked at 63 miles per hour. Most were in the 40's. We prayed the lights would stay on. They did. Thankfully, even with all this wind, Margie slept through the night. Yesterday was a full day with Margie's therapy (In Lynden, WA) and a quick trip to town (Bellingham, WA)on business then back home to Ferndale. Today, weather permitting, I should get the lawn cut. This along with my regular work for Shepherds keeps me out of mischief. Thanks for your prayers.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Physical therapy day

We leave shortly for another physical therapy session for Margie, after her GOOD night's rest. For the first time today (in several days) she told me she really felt rested.That is a blessing. Today we will be getting the needed information to make a requisition to our insurance company for one of the small electronic machines Marge could benefit from by doing some therapy at home. Please pray about this with us.
Yesterday was profitable for me also as I was able to write quite a few letters to churches regarding the Shepherds ministries.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

A first for us in a longtime.

Because we have been on the road for most of the last 10 years, we have not subscribed to the daily newspaper. But that all has changed. Now home, and Margie's eyes are improved, we started again today. As I look outside, however, I don't see the paper in the driveway, so I will have to call and report a non delivery of the paper. Oh well, that's life. And I'm happy to report Margie's good night of sleep. By the way, we are leaving now for the dentist. There is never a dull moment around here. Thanks for praying.

Monday, May 17, 2010

A good week end

Yesterday (Sunday) Margie was only able to attend Sunday School, but we were so happy to be there. We enjoyed our time there and several came to speak with her who had not seen her for over 4 months. Margie was tired during Sunday School yesterday and all afternoon, but I am happy to report she had a real good night. I set the DirecTV recorder for several messages which we enjoyed when we returned from Sunday School. Gina our daughter-in-law, called saying they had spent the good part of the day getting John & Doris Harder, her parents relocated in an apartment in Stanwood, Washington. Rawlie & Gina live in Stanwood so caring for her folks will hopefully be much easier now that she doesn't have to drive so far.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Each day a new blessing

Yesterday Margie was able to attend a special service at our church for the dedication of the newly refurbished auditorium. What a blessing it was. Today after another good night's rest, she feels up to attending Sunday School for another special service where chaplain Randy Curry will speak. She will only be able to attend that one service then we will come back home. Yesterday was a big day for our son and daughter in law when they moved her parents to Stanwood, WA.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Moving day

It's not moving day for Poulsons, but our son Rawlie and his wife Gina are moving her parents, John and Doris Harder to Stanwood, WA this morning. Both are failing in health and they need to be closer to their home. I plan to help as much as my "bionic knees" will allow. Rawlie rented a 14ft. U-Haul trailer to help transport things. Oh by the way, Margie had a good night and this morning fixed breakfast for Monique. (granddaughter) I made a cup of cappuccino coffee for Rawlie. So in a few moments we will be going to Harders to begin the moving project. I will tell later what we will be doing tonight at our church tonight.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Another beautiful day.

With the lawn freshly cut and trimmed, the sun brightly shining and temperatures today predicted to be in the 70's, WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DAY. And it is more so because Margie had a good night. In just a short time, we leave for her doctor's appointment where she will give an update of her present condition and express new concerns about pains which will require some attention. We'll report,Lord willing, on that tomorrow. Thanks for standing with us in prayer. You are appreciated.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

More medical decisions

Thankfully, Margie slept well last night. It was a little slow to start but the rest of the night went well. Yesterday the specialist (in rheumatology) suggested Margie seek help after consulting with her physician, with a spine clinic in Bellingham, WA. All this to help with some new pains which have developed recently. He thinks they will be able to alleviate some of these serious pains. We appreciate your prayers about this. Tomorrow she will see her doctor and discuss these issues.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Another busy day

We thank God for Margie's good night. Today is a scheduled filled one as Margie sees a specialist in the morning and goes to therapy in the afternoon. At home Margie has been gradually going through some of the closets and cupboards, culling out things no longer needed and doing as much as she can without getting too tired. One of these days I must do likewise, especially in the garage and storage shed outback.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Joy and strength

Nehemiah tells us (8:10) that the "Joy of the Lord is your strength". What a great promise and super formula for daily living. Margie's night was blessed with sleep for which we praise the Lord. A new pain in her arm and into her back and neck brings concern but we will have that checked. Yesterday Margie was well enough to visit Gina's parents, John and Doris Harder. We were happy Margie could go on this our second visit since she is feeling better. We sincerely thank each of you who pray for us. It means so much.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Unexpected consequences

What a Mother's Day Margie had. For the first time in 4 months we actually attended the church service at our church. What a blessing. BUT soon Margie discovered that the church chairs were already making her neck pain. NOT GOOD NEWS. She took some pain medication and I moved her chair against the wall. Fortunately we were in the overflow room at church and could do this maneuvering without a problem. It still did not give relief so our kind friend (Kathy Hughs) next to whom Margie was sitting, got a pillow and she rested her head on that against the wall. That worked and we enjoyed the rest of the service. We later met our son and his family and parents in law at a Greek restaurant and had lunch. All this was a pretty heavy schedule for Margie. At home we tried to watch some pre-recorded messages but sleep overtook us. I guess the strain of a first visit to church plus the restaurant time was physically tiring. At any rate Margie had a wonderful night and we rejoice in that. Thanks for praying. We never take you for granted.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Happy Mother's Day

We all have our memories of Mothers. For us our mothers have gone to glory many years ago. But today our son and daughter in law will treat us and Gina's parents to a Mother's Day meal at a favorite Greek restaurant in Bellingham.
We are so pleased Margie had a good nights rest last night.
We, Lord willing, will leave within the next two hours for church. This will be the first time we have attended since January 3, 2010. We are REALLY looking forward to it.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Oh - what a beautiful morning

Wow - what a day! Bright sunshine and mild weather. Margie awakened this morning after a good night's rest. But she did an awful lot yesterday and is tired today. We made our first visits yesterday to a dear friend. It was special for us to be able to do that, and we are so glad Margie was up to going. Our son and family are here so this is an exciting week end for us. Right now Margie is entertaining Monique (granddaughter) before she and her dad (and I) go to Starbucks. We look forward to tomorrow and Mother's Day

Friday, May 7, 2010

Family joy

What a blessing to have our son Rawlie, his wife Gina and our grandchildren in Ferndale this week end. Some are sleeping at Harders (Gina's parents)and Rawlie is staying with us. We are glad there are beds for all who come. Margie thankfully had a good night. This morning I was able to join Rawlie at Starbucks, the first time in 4 months for some fellowship. It was great. We are praying Margie will be able to attend church Sunday. If so this will be the first time in 4 months.
Thanks for praying.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

An Ironic Milestone

For the first time in 4 months Margie felt strong enough to go to prayer meeting at our home church in Ferndale. We got there and went to the prayer room, but nobody else showed up. I called the church phone (while sitting in the prayer room), pastor answered and explained that it had been cancelled. Isn't that amazing. He invited us down to his office then took us on a brief tour to view the newly remodeled sanctuary. We had a nice time then returned home. What a deal!
Margie had another good night last night for which we are thankful. She had her regular therapy session yesterday which she always enjoys. I continued my work for Shepherds. Today our son, Rawlie and his family arrive to stay over Mothers Day. We look forward to that.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

An early telephone call

This morning at 6:15 I received a call from Wisconsin (Shepherds) and a nurse was asking for my permission as Joy's guardian, for a procedure to be done that she needs. Of course I gave that and we pray it goes well. We are so grateful for the wonderful care our daughter and all who live at Shepherds receive. Margie had another good night to report and we rejoice in that. Today, (in just a short while) I will be driving her to Lynden, WA for another physical therapy session. These always help her. We appreciate your keeping up with us via this blog and your continued prayer support.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Something new for us.

We finally left the old method of accessing the Internet to a new high speed connection. For the first time since we have been using computers, and that's a long time, this is a first for us, using this quick service. What a blessing. I am already "spoiled" with the speed of this new system.
Margie greeted me with the great news that she did very well last night. She even took less medication than normal. We are pleased with that. Yesterday was a busy day, getting an issue resolved with the IRS that THEY overlooked. Then I spent some time getting this new system hooked up. It was all done via the telephone. And I was also getting some files and paper work in order, working with another Shepherd's representative on future meetings for him. Thank you all for your daily intercession for us.

Monday, May 3, 2010

A beautiful Monday in Ferndale

Strong winds blew during the night and are supposed to continue today, but the sun is out and things look pretty bright. And here at our house, things are also bright. Margie slept and we are happy for that. Yesterday was spent listening to several of our favorite TV and radio programs with powerful messages. We have discovered the Old Fashioned Revival Hour and what a blessing to hear that program I tuned in to when I was in my teens. We look forward to a busy week working for Shepherds which is always a lot of fun.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Now she can read

What a blessing yesterday for Margie to receive her corrected glasses. After cataract surgery she has not been able to read very well without glasses. For the first time since this ordeal started, she read a newspaper yesterday. She was enthused about this. I have been printing all email communications in larger type so she can easily read them. Now, she tells me that perhaps we can print them in the normal style. Margie slept well last night, another reason to thank Him for answered prayer. Thank you for being part of this.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

May 1, in Ferndale, Washington

Today it's wet, cloudy and cool. When many are protesting around the country, we are giving thanks to God for His goodness to us (an millions others). Margie had an unusually blessed night of sleep. What music to our ears to hear this. Yesterday was a busy day and sort of "dry run" because when we made the special trip to get her right glass lens installed the technician had an emergency trip to the hospital so was unable to do his work. He called later on but we were already home. Perhaps we will go today. Margie is looking forward to having her reading glasses again. Thanks dear ones for your prayers.