Aging, Diabetes, and Multiple Sclerosis - what they are not when they are combine

Connie Douty

[HOST_Carolann] I think we will get started now. Welcome everyone! Our guest for today is Connie Douty.
[HOST_Carolann] Connie may have retired from teaching, however she has never retired from serving the Lord and helping others to know Him better. She is active in Bible teaching, women's ministries, and adult Christian education.
[HOST_Carolann] There is a handout prepared and you can get your copy at www.restministries.org/CHAT/handout_douty.pdf
[HOST_Carolann] Welcome Connie and I am glad you are here. I will turn our time over to you.
GUEST_CONNIE> I am having a cup of Earl Grey tea. Depending on where you are, it may be tea time.
GUEST_CONNIE> Thank you Carolann. It is tea time in Texas
GUEST_CONNIE> As I have looked forward to this time with you, my heart is feeling excitement as I can share a bit of my life with each of you. I have friends that have your names.
GUEST_CONNIE> Hope you don't mind that. Each of you are dear to me because of your interest in this wonderful site. My life is filled each day.
GUEST_CONNIE> I have a busy schedule but I allow God to fill in the blanks and he certainly does, more than I imagine. Each one of you are filling a blank we share. Each day my first prayer and first thought is that I am thankful for the breath of life. The source is the Creator. For several years I am more
GUEST_CONNIE> grateful for the breath of life. I seek to use that breath to edify others, bless others, exalt the Crealtor and to encourage each person I meet.
GUEST_CONNIE> That is what is desiring today, to answer your inquiries or share your thoughts.
Mary_LouC> You sound like you're on fire for the Lord, Connie! I have a feeling you're going to fire us up, too!
GUEST_CONNIE> God does the firing but he hands me the wood. The breath of the Creator fans the fire in each of you, I trust.
sher_sherrie_> that neat
Ron> like that
Sheri> Wow, i love your words, connie
GUEST_CONNIE> In my myriad of duties as staff member at my church, across my threshold comes women, men, and precious children who have no food, no diapers.
sher_sherrie_> do you do with a lot of pain ?
GUEST_CONNIE> No place to stay, no gasoline. So....I started a diaper ministry at our church 4 years ago. My heart told me that if a single mom living in her car had no food, she certainly could not buy diapers. Yes, that was confirmed one day and off to Wal Mart we went. Members donate diapers and I get to share them.
sher_sherrie_> sounds wonderful , wonderful ministry
sher_sherrie_> there's too much homelessness
GUEST_CONNIE> The pain has been diminished with my MS therapy. I take a shot a night for the MS, a shot a night for the Diabetes and of course sticking my finger numerous times a day.
sher_sherrie_> a lot to deal with
GUEST_CONNIE> The MS stiffness and pain is still with me and to allieve that I go to water therapy twice a week. That helps.
sher_sherrie_> so is this a full-time paid job , or is this volunteer
GUEST_CONNIE> The local fitness center, cools the water for MS patients twice a week as heat really bothers me.
GUEST_CONNIE> Sherri, okay the pain. My strength is from the Lord. I look to the hills from whence my help comes. Always look up.
GUEST_CONNIE> The job is a full-time paid position for now. I volunteered at this church for 30 years. After I retired from LeTourneau University, they called me and now pay me for what I always did voluntarily.
sher_sherrie_> wonderful
GUEST_CONNIE> I have had a strong calling on my life since childhood. As far as the Aging, I am 69 in June, Diabetes, and MS called on my life, the Creator has measured my footsteps and is blessing me with opportunities to serve in the very areas I have been trained for all these years of breath.
Alice> Connie, do they understand if there are days when you just can't make it in because of your health issues -- and are they compassionate? Or do they not understand, as some of us with invisible illnesses find to be true?
GUEST_CONNIE> Aging is not a crutch for me but a wonderful challenge to depend on the Lord and exalt Him in my life.
Sheri> amen!
GUEST_CONNIE> They understand. I am very up front about it with them and educated them
GUEST_CONNIE> about MS and Diabetes. They are compassionate and caring.
GUEST_CONNIE> In fact I am understanding that how I handle my frailties encourages them.
GUEST_CONNIE> All are younger than I.
Alice> That's my prayer - to be able to age that way -- depending on the Lord for strength, and all He is and does. How neat that they are understanding. I find even in our church, people don't really understand -- even after i tell them my limitations.
GUEST_CONNIE> The last few months I hear them complaining less about minor pains.
sher_sherrie_> how true
GUEST_CONNIE> Alice, I too, as I suspect others do, listen longer to their feelings than they listen to mine but that is okay. I know they are watching.
Alice> Yes, we are a sermon constantly to those around us. But, it is hard sometimes.
GUEST_CONNIE> Alice, you have no limitations in your heart feelings. In Revelation, the last book in the Bible, The words, I will be their father and they will be my son, mean so much to me for I always have Elohim.
GUEST_CONNIE> Alice, you will be on my heart. It is hard, if not impossible at times.
Alice> Amen! and Amen!
Alice> Thank you Connie. I am almost your age (64) and also worked at a church before all the problems began. I loved working there -- it was so fulfilling.
Mary_LouC> Were you always so positive, Connie? Or did you go through a period of adjustment?
GUEST_CONNIE> When the impossible days come, perhaps daily some weeks, return to our conversations today and recall that as you breathe the breath of life, others are rowing for you. We are in the same boat.
Alice> So comforting to know we don't have to do anything alone
GUEST_CONNIE> Always is a long time Mary Lou. With any circumstance the period of adjustment is there, no matter what others say. I call those periods challenges so as I write this, I hear myself saying, yes I have a positive attitude.
GUEST_CONNIE> My faith is stronger than I knew when the MS grabbed me. If you read the story about the rose, I may walk differently, process information differently and have to rest more often but I am still Connie. The rose was still a rose.
GUEST_CONNIE> My MS is not progressing. My doctor was dancing around when he saw me last. He is very sedate and very professional but he was so happy.
Mary_LouC> Yes, I read the rose story, Connie. It's a powerful one.
GUEST_CONNIE> He reported I had no new lesions since my last visit. We rejoiced.
Sheri> PTL
Alice> Praise the Lord!
GUEST_CONNIE> Thank you. The rose story I am sharing with you and will share again soon as I speak to a women's group about patterns of life. You are affirming and confirming. Thank you.
GUEST_CONNIE> Old age is a special time I am discovering. I receive much respect. They call me "The Wise One" at church. It is a term of endearment I know.
GUEST_CONNIE> The three, aging, diabetes and MS are allowing me to write more. I have an idea book by my bed and in my purse. As God fills in the blanks He gives me words to weave.
Alice> Connie, you sound like my husband -- always positive - everything is a "challenge" Please don't take this wrong, but sometimes that tends to make some of us feel guilty. Does anyone else ever feel that way?
Louise> Yes!
GUEST_CONNIE> Yes, they do and I cannot change that. I am just myself and as I said, seek to be an example, not a judge. My husband is positive. Husbands are our protector and I receive my husband's comments as often said as a positive.
GUEST_CONNIE> I suspect our husbands, yours and mine, control their feelings good. They are not uncaring but doing the role God gave them, to protect us and hold us up. I do appreciate words of caring just like you do.
GUEST_CONNIE> Husbands sometime, at least mine, says the right thing at the wrong time when all I want is a bit of "I agree, dear."
GUEST_CONNIE> Each morning I wake up on time. I always have had a clock ticking inside.
GUEST_CONNIE> \Sometime to my detriment as I am very organized, others say. However to make him feel good, I wait until he wakes me up. He used to bring me coffee but I am only a tea drinker now and he has not mastered that, yet.
Ron> my wife drinks hot water, so I can handle that!
GUEST_CONNIE> I try not to camp on my feeling bad, hurting, taking medication all day and in the evening, but seek to think about his feelings as I deal with my frailties. Takes my mind off the rut I get in.
GUEST_CONNIE> Ron, just slip a raspberry herb tea bag in it. A little splenda or a slice of lemon does wonders. You sound great
Ron> thx
Alice> Wow! You really do sound like my husband! he wakes up at exactly the same time every morning and always in a good mood.
GUEST_CONNIE> I even have the rest of the staff coming for tea in my office. One of the secretaries dropped her jaw recently when she heard our big, macho man pastor say, " Connie may I come to tea with you. I like those little cookies you have, also." GUEST_CONNIE> I wake up in a good mood Alice. I don't talk much until I have eaten. He also reports which funnies I should reach. He reviews them for me as he is an early, 4:00 a.m. riser. He is a disabled veteran and his pain does not permit more than 4-5 hours sleep in a bed. He sleeps in a recliner for his best rest.
Alice> My husband is a 4:40 riser -- but so far, praise the Lord, he is in good health.
jilly> sorry to interrupt....could you please tell me if there is a transcript or place I could get a copy of todays chat. I know I must have missed some good stuff and would like to read it later. thanks, Jill
GUEST_CONNIE> Looks like we have room full on the User list. I would like your comments. I am sure we all would benefit. Alice, you are blessed. You use your breath I know to be thankful.
Louise> Connie, what would you like to say to those of us who cannot work, perhaps homebound or even bed bound.
GUEST_CONNIE> Jill I understand the transcripts are available. Carol Ann, any further instructions on that request.
Alice> Yes, i praise the lord as much as i can -- and i am a singer!
[HOST_Carolann] yes, I'm just arranging that with her
GUEST_CONNIE> For you who are homebound or even bed bound, your circumstance is a challenge, challenge. Is there something you have always wanted to do, like write, send cards of encouragement to other homebound, senior adults you know, or parents etc. of your friends. I have had a tremor which was not good. My MS therapy has helped and I write better.
GUEST_CONNIE> Phone calls can be made the same ones I mentioned. Do you knit, crochet, quilt. I quilt. I love it. I make quilts for new borns. The hospitals love them. St. Jude Hospital in Houston takes. So many of the children have cancer but they have home made quilts to snuggle in. \
Dana> Yes, I write notes. They help me to "get out of myself" and focus on others. This is a ministry I can do several times a week, and it lifts my spirits immensely.
sueraec> Connie, I have started sending cards to some of our Church Members and it helps me feel useful. I am unable to work and in lots of pain, so must rest a lot. God has blessed me with an appreciation of "the simple things"--watching the birds feed/sing and playing with my cat!
GUEST_CONNIE> Again, if you are homebound, that can become an opportunity to encourage those who are running outside and wishing they could stay home.
GUEST_CONNIE> Sueraec last summer as I watching the humming birds feed on my patio, I noticed I needed to fill the feeders. Heat bothers me so later in the afternoon, I went out to fill the feeder.
jilly> i have enjoyed calling recent widows from our church. they are some of the most wonderful women i have ever met. one of my dearest is in her 80s and had to flee the Ukraine years ago. so many interesting stories and so much wisdom. I think I am more blessed than she
GUEST_CONNIE> A miracle occurred. I held out both my hands, yes with the tremor, and a humming bird settled on one hand and a beautiful, big butterfly like none I had ever seen, landed on the other hand at the same time. Yes, watching birds, butterflies, squirrels frolic, mean Blue Jays speak to our hurting hearts and bodies. God did not create us for pain. Our fallen nature permits it. Healing of the heart is available to all.
Alice> Jilly - that is such an important ministry, and one that is overlooked far too much.
sueraec> Yes that was a miracle! Didn't it fill your heart with joy?
GUEST_CONNIE> Widows are my source of encouragement. I teach a Bible Study on Revelation. The ladies are in their 70's and 80's and are so excited about learning. Teaching and studying the Bible is my passion, yes more than quilting. I wish I could study with each of you.
GUEST_CONNIE> My heart still reacts with joy, sueraec. It is a memory I can share. If I could paint, I would put it on canvas.
sueraec> But even if you can't paint, you can put "it on paper"--write a poem or short story.
GUEST_CONNIE> I just started insulin for my diabetes. Any of you have diabetes 12 or 2
GUEST_CONNIE> That is 1 or 2. I just invented a new malady. Are we okay CarolAnn?
[HOST_Carolann] no problem, we have only 8 minutes more to go
[HOST_Carolann] time goes so fast
GUEST_CONNIE> This time is going too fast. Does any one have MS.
Dana> My mother was diagnosed last year. I have watched her change her lifestyle to adapt. She is doing a wonderful job of taking care of herself, and I tell her how proud I am of her. I wonder if I will get this disease too. It seems to run in our family.
GUEST_CONNIE> As for aging, I am comfortable with that for the other two cards dealt me seem more greater, as my grand son would say.
Sheri> a couple of friends of mine do
[HOST_Carolann] all of us are aging anyways and so we share that in common!
GUEST_CONNIE> I understand diabetes can be genetic. MS, they do not know yet.
Dana> My mother has diabetes, type 2, not the MS--my typing is slow.
GUEST_CONNIE> One thing I can do as I age is to wear purple, wear a red hat, and sit on the curb and spit. I hope you have read that poem.
Sheri> LOL!
Dawn> I have MS and they say it's not genetic but yet they asked me if anyone in my family had it. They don't by the way.
GUEST_CONNIE> Dana, I have type 2. My mother had it as did my grandmother.
[HOST_Carolann] the older you get the less you care what others think about you
Mary_LouC> I don't know that poem, Connie, but it sounds wonderful!
Alice> I love the "red hat club!"
Dana> Sounds like my family. I hope yours is under control. LOL
GUEST_CONNIE> You are right Carolann. Free at last. I find if Mrs. Connie wears it, it is okay. The children love my hats.
[HOST_Carolann] it's like being children again!
GUEST_CONNIE> Mary Lou, the poem is entitled When I am old, I will wear purple.
Mary_LouC> Thanks, Connie. I'll look it up.
[HOST_Carolann] Just a couple minutes left Connie, any final words to wrap things up?
[HOST_Carolann] It has been a lovely time of sharing
Alice> So, Connie, what you are telling us, no matter what our health issues -- the thing we need to remember is to always "look to Jesus" - stay in His Word - and to try to "Stay positive!" right? I know that works.
GUEST_CONNIE> CarolAnn, so right. Each of us are children in our heart. Any questions, I feel I have monopolized the conversation. Please let me be an encouragement. Yes, I am positive and it is okay not to be positive. But try. I love you all.
Sheri> thx for sharing and encouraging , Connie
GUEST_CONNIE> Bless you little ones.
[HOST_Carolann] It's been great to have you here today and I am sure we have all been encouraged by what you have shared
Alice> We love you too Connie and will be praying for you and your ministry. Thanks for sharing.
sueraec> Thank you for urging us to "become positive".....it does help our outlook on life--try it, you'll like it!!!
[HOST_Carolann] and we sense your caring
GUEST_CONNIE> Thank you for letting me. Time for tea again.
Mary_LouC> Thanks for a truly uplifting chat, Connie! May you continue to thrive in the joy of the Lord!
[HOST_Carolann] Amen
Dana> You are an inspiration Connie, as are other members here today. Thank you!!
Ron> Thanks from downunder Connie
GUEST_CONNIE> I have always wanted to go down under. Maybe I will.
Mary_LouC> Good-bye and God bless all!
[HOST_Carolann] Thanks everyone for coming, hope you will join us again next Wednesday same time (11 a.m. Pacific) and same place
GUEST_CONNIE> Bye