“What would you do if you had X amount of discretionary funds?” With all eyes on me, I replied, “Use it for air conditioning.” Their recycled conversations about cooling costs weren’t on my radar. The group of ten interviewers burst into laughter (including the superintendent, members of the school board, a parent, and several teachers).

Cool changes were in the air.

Fast forward nearly two decades and reflective insulation cooled my hot R.V. Primitive living requires preparation without promises. Now I’m spoiled. Technology has provided instant relief. Up or down. On or off. Little effort on my part is required. I’m living in luxury with regulated temperatures. But OUT THERE, how do I create a cool change? How can the humidity of hurriedness be handled? Will I allow sweltering symptoms to suffocate? Which conditioning can cool the blaze of blame? Or the perspiring positions, clammy climates, and soggy spirits?

From the outside I look fine–I’m as sweaty as the next SW MO human. Inside, heat builds at time. A new situation, symptom, or circumstance. Pressure building from expectations, a tidal wave of texts, or excessive heat of emails. Different seasons require new adjustments.

I can only adjust me.

Change is inevitable. Being TOO comfortable causes complacency. Rather than question God I’ll use season changes to adjust my attitude. Prayer will be persistent–the indwelling of the Spirit is my stable solace. Christ makes all changes …cool. When seasons change, so must I.

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Have you heard of NET, yet?🦓

There are many friends suffering (my prayer list is long). There are many who are enjoying life to its fullest despite pain, and some with pure joy and great blessings! Often I’m asked how I’m doing. There are things I choose not to share because the physical side effects are personal. You are all so precious to ask! Here is my update: most days I have some pain in my neck, back, and sometimes, hip. But don’t we all? My surgery gave me relief from the severe pain of the growing largest tumors. Surgery gives me more time for life and experiences! Yet, it has issues. Recently I had a virus (perhaps Covid? I never tested, but I did cancel a treatment due to fever and achiness–I think it’s going around!). Sleep is difficult. But I try hard to stay as active as possible. Digestion is always an issue. I never know how my stomach will settle after I eat. My teeth and jaw hurt so I MUST find a dentist. My dear friend Judy told me two years ago, “Don’t let your teeth go!” She experienced firsthand the effects of chemo and radiation. My calves swell, my heart palpitates at times, and my mouth burns. I wasn’t prepared for a marathon in THIS way. Sugar issues, continued injections, conversations between different doctors about varying opinions continue. I’ll go back to Maryland at the end of October or beginning of November. The cancer NOT spreading back to the liver from the lymph nodes is one concern–but the other issues create layers that go beyond just this. What doesn’t change right now? MY JOY and GRATITUDE. The reason I’m able to go and do is because of Christ. He’s given me an attitude of “do it now” and do it…ANYWAY. I can become heated by bills, just like all of you. When I feel my temps rise HE helps me QUICKLY adjust my temperature. I refuse to stay heated! When I looked up at my ceiling fan in December thinking that I would rather die, HE met me there. When I didn’t think I could live another day and I cried out to him in my bathroom, HE was there. The longing deep in my soul for a love that will never fade or disappear? Guess what? HE IS THERE. Because HE lives in me and I’ve experienced the darkest places in my life, I will ALWAYS give him the GLORY, no matter what!

I’ll allow Christ to control my thermostat. Adjustments happen with season changes. I won’t be texting much. I’m putting my phone on FOCUS because the life I’ve been given can’t be spent on my cell phone. It’s right in front of me. My computer and keyboard allow me to share it here—-Flannel with Faith. To create new stories, renew old ones with a “fresh” coat of paint (thank you, John Malone for this writing tip), and be fully immersed, I’ll adjust how I respond to constant temperature and technology changes. To be fully PRESENT requires more effort. I want a quiet and intentional life focused on faith, family, and friends (and experiences!). How are you changing in a cool way? Thank you for being my friend through all the changes. Do you know how much I’ve grown to love you?

Christ has made the coolest change I’ve ever had in my life.

Do you know how loved you are? Have faith. 🤍

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