When sinners are called...

Jesus said, "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance".   Today, i have attended the graduation and Lord's day celebration of the handmaids of the Lord Dubai.  The Lord's day is the final week and celebration of the 12-week program called the Christian Life Program (CLP).  The CLP is an integrated course intended to lead the participants into a renewed understanding of God’s call to them.  This is the entry program to be a member of the Couples for Christ community.   I belong in the ministry of the CFC Handmaids of the Lord, one of the family ministries of the Couples for Christ.  This is the ministry for single mature women, single mother, widow and those whose husbands are in prison.  

The mostly misconceived idea of serving in church is that church workers are "holy".  WRONG!  Most of us serve in the church because we are "sick".  We need healing, spiritual that is.  By serving in the church, we try to heed the calling of God to be like Him...holy.  It's hard but we keep on trying anyway.  When sinners are called, it means that the one who is calling is the healer, the doctor and the great God who makes all  things new and possible.  Today only proves that these new graduates of the CLP had heard the call.  It was a day of fun and praises, of sharing and receiving, and of course of supporting each other in this spiritual journey.  When sinners are called, we heed the call!

Turmeric tea and video message

How do I spend recuperation?  turmeric tea and a video message from my niece and my son.

How  to make turmeric tea

It's easy as one, two three.  Just peel about a thumb size of fresh turmeric.  Chop it.  Boil water.  Put the chopped turmeric in a mug.  Pour in hot water.  Instant turmeric tea!

How to survive hemithyroidectomy - Week One

Today marks the first week of my right hemithyroidectomy.  I have been confined to my room the whole week.  I tried to walk a little further away from the entrance door or our building to the nearest grocery store in the same building but i was lightheaded and felt dizzy, so I went back to my flat immediately fearing that i might fall.  I have now less choking with clear fluids but still have some few incidences of choking.  It is hard when i cough or sneeze.  I still have hoarse voice.  But with all of these, I am optimistic that i am on my way to healing.

my patient ID during the surgery and confinement

How to survive the first week of post hemithyroidectomy:

1.  Relax.  All wounds heal in time.

2.  Take the time to totally rest.  Do not force yourself to do certain activities that can cause dizziness.  This is the first week.  Activity is as tolerated only.

3.  Take pain medications as necessary.  I took only take pain medication at night so i can have a good night sleep.

4.  Spray lavender mist, so you can have a good night's sleep.

5.  Sleep as long as you can to get back your lost energy.

6.  Change position slowly.  One time when i was kneeling while praying, i suddenly stood up but my knees and legs won't let me as if i am paralyzed.  Good thing somebody was at my back to support.  So, i knelt back and slowly stood up while holding on to something.

7.  Eat really nutritious foods for healing especially avocado.  Avocado gives extra energy. 

8.  Adult coloring book.  Colors helped me relax and felt the pain less.

9. Drink lots of water to help heal the hoarseness of voice.

10.  Pray.  As you stay confined, do not stop praying but keep on talking and listening to God.

Onwards to healing!  Tomorrow is my first follow-up checkup.  Claiming for negative biopsy result.