If it's okay to covet prayers...

I'm feeling very covetous.

Some of you may or may not have known that my Daddy's in the hospital with heart problems. Here's the latest update my mom sent her friends:

Well, I know for a few of you this is the first e-mail you will have received, so please forgive me for jumping right in.
As of yesterday, Mark had a heart catheterization done and the cardiologist only told him that there were no blockages, and that the heart muscle was very weakened. This morning, Saturday, another dr. from the practice came in to see us and he was more specific. (He was the doctor that treated Mark's dad just 1 1/2 weeks ago. Believe it or not, Mark is in the same room his dad was in. ~smile~ )

We are facing an unknown, which is customary for serious illness. I asked the dr. point blank about Mark's percentage of heart pumping capacity. 50% is the low end of normal, Mark's dad's heart is working at 27-33% function, and Mark is only at 10% heart function. He is basically in congestive heart failure. He is being treated with IV meds for 48 hrs then we will take it from there.

It appears that there are three types of outcomes:
1. If the heart failure is due to an infection of the heart muscle (myocarditis) the heart may improve on its own, though that appears unlikely considering the use of the IV drugs right now. The medications should help with the heart arrythmias until his heart function increases.
2. There is a wait and see approach because there is not another way of determining whether the heart will improve. Mark will be on medications to improve heart function and be monitored. At either 3, 6, or 9 months from now it will be determined if he needs a defibrillator. The poor heart function makes the possiblity of a heart attack very likely.
3. Worst case scenario: If there is no improvement Mark will be a candidate for a heart transplant.

So for now, it is wait and see, and hope in the meantime that his condition doesn't worsen. I know we will be at the hospital until Monday. If there is a change in his condition I will get word out to you. We are thnkful for friends

We covet your prayers. Pray for Me and Mark to rest in God's love and perfect plan, for us to grow closer to Christ, and for our family to witness God's grace and sufficiency,and that we would all be a testimony to those who may not know Him.
love,
Carrie

So. Now you know. It's scary floating around between the possibility that he'll be well on his way to recovery in a few days, or the possibility of something as serious as a heart attack or transplant. And sometimes it's hard to help but think there's always that possibility that something could go very wrong.

As much as my dad and family need prayer right now, I'm also asking that you pray for me. Earlier this year when my family was at the point of falling apart, I was totally okay. God had given me this amazing peace, and I wasn't scared of anything. I felt in my soul that everything really would be okay, because God was with me.

Y'all, there is such a difference in knowing something to be true in your mind, and feeling it within yourself.

I'm definitely not as close to God as I was then, and I can't figure out where I'm going wrong. But when I pray, it's more like "maybe if I repeat it loud enough, God, you can hear me up there!" instead of whispering softly because I know he's right beside me. And I don't want to feel this way, but something has happened to the fellowship, and I'm having a hard time coming back, because I'm having trouble seeing where I'm going wrong!!

So, just please, please, be in prayer for my family, and especially my Daddy. I really do know God is with us, and that "all things work together for good" and all of that stuff. I know it, but it doesn't help as much when you can't feel it in your spirit.

I love you guys. I really am blessed with the awesomest friends. **hugs**
Thank you so much for being there.
♥
Princess Caitlin

Potrait of an Autumn Afternoon

There's nothing quite like an autumn day in the country...

Hay bales don't look so mountainous as they used to, now that you're a big kid. You stand there for a moment, surveying the biggest bale, contemplating the best way to mount it. Running jump? Frantic scramble? Maybe you should hop on from a smaller one? No matter. It's fun however you decide. You hoist yourself up; the bale wobbles a little, but you're not scared. You've had a lot of experience. As a matter of fact, you settle down with a little extra wiggle and bounce, just because you like the feeling of knowing you won't fall.

From up here, you can see the whole field. It's almost like being in the middle of nowhere... too bad you can still see the house. But it's okay. You turn your gaze from the field to the trees behind you at the sound of a ripe persimmon hitting the ground. Looking up, you see the contrast of skeletal branches, still holding their plump, orange fruit, against the clear, blue sky. You hug yourself as the breeze whispers a little more loudly than usual, telling a few more persimmons to let go. Maybe you should hop down and try one? You've never been really fond of their strange, orangey gooeyness, but how can you help not tasting something that looks so pretty? You decide not to. It would be too inconvenient... you're awf'ly comfortable.

Yawning, you lie down on the warm hay. Warm hay smells so nice. It prickles a little, but somehow it's a comforting, friendly type of prickle. Sunshine pours over you, warming your face, and soaking into your jeans. Eyes closed, you sigh contentedly, thinking of nothing, but perfectly happy in the moment.

Until some little six-legged bugger decides you're offensive.

Happy Weekends

Does anyone remember when I used to complain about not having a life? No longer.Don't know how it happened, but life has definitely picked up. Lots of stuff's been going on lately! Yay!

Okay, so how cool is it that I have gotten to see Calvary people 3 weekends in a row?! Awesome!! They're so great. You heard about us going to Janie's, and then last weekend we went to Calvary for a seminar thing, and today we came home from spending the night at the Davises' house. They had a party. **cough**redneck party**cough** (I'm laughing in my head.) It was awesome fun.

You know what else is great? Driving down the interstate at 11 in the morning, with the warm sun shining, the cool fall air rushing in the windows, and Pirates of the Carribean music turned up really loud. I didn't want to go home, but I have to say, the ride was great. And I thought I was going to die when we went past Six Flags. Augh. The Goliath was rolling. It made me feel happy and sad inside at the same time. lol

We got a little mixed up on the way there. It wasn't our fault that the roads had more than one name! "Um... I don't think there's a Brown Rd here, and we've already wasted like 2 miles looking for it. You should call." "I don't WANT to call! It's gotta be here somewhere. Just turn around again." "If it was there, I would've seen it. Maybe it has a different name. Please call." "Dear Lord, please help us find the right road, without me having to call Grayson again." I made her call again. lol. And it wasn't Brown Rd. It was Senator Rd. Crazy roads. But we made it, all in once peice. Yay! We had hot dogs, and played volleyball, and just sat around and talked about stuff like Star Wars and guitars... and we didn't talk about people. heehee... And we had some fireworks... and some insane people doing insane stuff... So... Anyways, it was great.

I don't think there's really a point to this post - I'm just super happy.
AND
When I got home, my 50 dollar check was in the mail! WOO!! YAY!!

And I'm hungry. I'm gonna go have lunch now.
Love to all my Nice Peoples friends.
Have a beautiful day.

:)Princess Caitlin

P.S. I forgot to tell everyone how Sarah spewed water all over me when we were at Janie's house. I forgot how it happened now. Hmph. But she did, and it was funny. And yesterday, I accidentally splashed her with my water bottle.

NaNoWriMo

That's right, folks.
National Novel Writing Month.

And guess who's decided to participate?
Yours Truly!

Any novel ideas, anyone? I have what I think is a good one, but I'll tell you in the next post. I'm still keeping my eye out for storylines and such.

So. I doubt my capabilities, especially in writing 50,000 words in one month, but if you dear people would grill me, interrogate me, and otherwise pester me to death, asking how it's coming along and such, then I will probably make some progress. Hopefully, anyhow.

It should be very satisfying to write a novel!

Goodbye!

Randomness Because I Feel Like Posting

**disclaimer: I strive for God, His will, and His good pleasure to always take first place in every aspect of my life. The answers given to these questions reflect my personal wishes and preferences, which will be (and have been) forfeited for the carrying out of The Master's plan as He wills.**

Where do you want to be in 5 years?
Hm... I shall be 23. I should like to be married, and have a nice little home, and to have accomplished something "big"... like maybe publishing a book? Or learning a foreign language? But, anyways. Married. lol

How do you handle a rainy day?
Read a book, sip some tea... cozy things like that.
Or lie around and watch TV and wish for some sunshine... it depends.

What is the truest thing that you know?
God is who He says, His Word is true, and a deep relationship with Him is vital for a meaningful and joyful life.

What is the most physically painful thing that has ever happened to you?
um... Maybe my costochondritis... felt like being stabbed with a knife. yay.

Who have you hugged today?
Would you like a list, or the most recent person? A list would be more funner.

Who has done something today to show they care about you?
Mrs. Lunsford was really sweet. She told me that if I ever wanted to come to Calvary without driving all the way, I could go to her house and ride with them.

If you could learn how to do three things just by wishing and not by working what would they be?
1. Play the guitar
2. Learn French and Spanish (I guess that was cheating)
3. Get a car. (or that truck I told y'all about)

Which do you remember the longest: what other people say, what other people do or how other people make you feel?
How they make me feel.

What 5 things do you want to do before you die?
1. Learn another language
2. Travel lots
3. Have my own family
4. Be an author
5. LIVE!


What book are you currently reading?
Nothing, actually... Weird, I know.

Is there a movie that you love so much you could watch it everyday?
Uh, no. But there are a lot of movies that I could watch pretty frequently. The Lion King, for instance.

List five random things about yourself.
1. I love my socks.
2. I like to say "mefinks" and "probly" and "dreffly" and other shortened versions of stuffs.
3. I don't really like my braces.
4. I like mustard. It's my favorite condiment.
5. I purposely use bad grammar. It's more funner.

Have you ever dreamt a dream that came true?
Not that I'm aware of.

What is your idea of paradise?
Besides for heaven?
I'm not sure...

What one thing have you done that most people haven't?
Apparently, most people haven't danced with a broom... I have.

What is the kindest thing you have ever done?
Um... I don't know. (Great, now I feel bad...)

Are you a patient person?
Not really, but I'm working on it.

Where is the most fun place you have EVER been?
The most fun place... the WILDS summer camp. But it would have been so much more fun if my friends had been there.

What is under your bed right now?
That is a very good question... I think boxes of letters, and ... I'm not sure. But I know have 2 or 3 shoeboxes of letters.

Would you consider yourself to be romantic?
Yes. But not hopelessly so.

What is the one thing that you love to do so much that you would make sacrifices to be able to do it?
See my friends! I shelled out 20 dollars for this weekend. And I need new shoes. lol.

Would you rather give up listening to music or watching television?
TV.

List five people you love. (No particular order)
Laura
Sarah
Katey
Anne
Janie

I don't think that's fair!

Have you ever lost someone close to you?
No.

Have you ever won a contest or competition?
Um... yes? lol - best Sr High soloist at a camp one year.

Is there anything really interesting in your family history?
Nothing. **yawn** I wish there were.

Is there anyone you trust completely?
Yes.

Your favorite place in the world?
Wherever the people I love are.

What could a member of the opposite sex do to impress you?
Play a mean guitar. Or sing really well. Or BOTH! (I'm actually more impressed by gentlemanliness, though. A friend of mine held the door open for me and my sister today as we walked around church, and I was impressed.)

Do you ever have moments where you feel like everything is all right in the world?
Yes. I call those my "I just want to hug the whole world and everyone in it" moments.

Favorite verse(s):
You know, I'm not very good with favorites.

Person you admire?
Paul the apostle.

When you see a stranger on the street does your first reaction lean towards thinking of this person as a potential friend or as a potential threat?
I'm really not sure. When I see a stranger on the street, I simply think "Oh look! A stranger on the street!"

Vanilla or Chocolate?
vanilla, in most instances. Well... at least for coffee beverages. I like chocolate pudding and chocolate cake better.

Is it natural for human beings to fear and distrust each other, or is it cultural?
I would say natural... Not like I go around distrusting everyone for no reason...

You have to choose. Would you be happier marrying someone rich for their money or living in the streets and subway tunnels with someone you love?
I love how it says "you have to choose." Who's going to make me? but I will choose anyways. (don't hold me to this, y'all.)
I will say marrying someone rich for their money. And I say this because if you marry someone poor and live in subway tunnels, it's bound to stretch you, cause stress and tension, and damage your relationship. If you marry someone rich, even if you're not in love, you can learn to love a person. Especially if conditions are favorable, I would assume.


What do you feel unworthy of?
Everything I have been blessed with. I deserve nothing, and have so much more than I could ever say thank you for.

What makes you want to be someones friend?
that's a good question. I'm not really sure. But genuinness is a key.

Is fifty dollars a lot of money?
Yep. Most of the time.

Least favorite chore?
Washing dishes. Then peeling potatoes.

When are you planning to move to a new home?
In 3.5 years, 7 hours, and 9.6 minutes.
**shrugs** Whenever I get married, I suppose.

What instrument would you like to be famous for playing?
Guitar.

Which is more romantic: an expensive, glittering bouquet OR flowers that were hand picked as they grew beside the parkway?
It depends on what kind of flowers they are.

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So, there you have it.
Feel free to copy it and do it yourself. I love reading these.