DAY 43 OF 100 DAYS IN PARADISE - SO TIRED

David has been in what we call the FLOOD ZONE 
for three full days and two full nights.
Heading in to the third night.

(Praying the flood will end soon.)

Every time I check his diaper it's wet.  
That's every other hour all night long and 
every 30 to 45 minutes all day long. 

He goes through this "ZONE" about once a month.
I have no idea why.
I don't give him any more or any less to drink.
The Doctor can't tell us why it happens.

Trammell and I are taking him to a new doctor
Monday.  
Hoping to get some help and some answers.

Please keep us in your Prayers.

Romans 5:4
Endurance develops strength of Character in us.

                                                      www.bycefamily.weebly.com

DAY 42 OF 100 DAYS IN PARADISE - Storms

Storms are covering our state today.

The wind is picking up here on the coast.
There's already a Gale Warning.

We will be hit with severe storms around
9:00pm that are predicted to last for 
several hours.

BUT by the morning the sun will be shining
and the storms will be all but a bad memory.

Life is the very same way.

Our Storms roll in and sometimes
we think they will never end.

We become so weary as we are tossed 
around like a tiny boat battling the huge waves of life.

We MUST remember 
not to give up
and not to stop looking up.

CHRIST is there.
Grab hold of His Hand and don't ever let go.

He won't let you sink.

He will carry you through the roughest of storms.

And then
when the morning comes,
There will be The "Son"
Shining brighter than you ever imagined.

And the storm will be nothing but a bad
Memory.

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be Strong and courageous.  Do not fear or
be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your
God who goes with you.  
He will not leave you or forsake you.

DAY 41 OF 100 DAYS IN PARADISE - 329 Days until CHRISTmas

I start working on CHRISTmas in January.
It literally takes me that long, but I don't
mind because that keeps the CHRISTmas
Spirit in my heart All Year Long.

We don't do much for CHRISTmas 
these days compared to what we used
to do.
We used to go ALL OUT.  
*7 different trees with 7 different themes. 
*Every room in the house was magical.  
*All the Wonderful things we had going on a Church.
*Personalized CHRISTmas cards.  
*The 12 Days of CHRISTmas for Trammell.  
*The 12 Days of CHRISTmas for our Mail Lady.
*CHRISTmas parties. 
*Baking like there's no tomorrow.
*Riding around many nights looking at the lights.
*Going to the Peace Center and Bilo Center to catch a Holiday show.
*Going to what ever CHRISTmas movie was playing that year.
*Going to the Festival of Trees.
*Taking Chocolate (The Cat) to have her Santa picture made.
*Having a Birthday Party for Jesus for the neighborhood kids.
*I could go on and on.

Yes - I miss all that and I know Trammell does too.
Now each year we say, 
Next Year will be better.
Next year we will Celebrate.

Of course this year was the saddest CHRISTmas
we have ever had.  Losing both my parents in
the same year. My Mom in January and Daddy
the week before CHRISTmas.
Our family didn't even get together for CHRISTmas.

Maybe next year. 
  
CHRISTmas was ALWAYS my favorite Holiday.
Not just CHRISTmas Day but the entire Season.
And It has nothing to do with getting gifts.
I LOVE giving them.  
I can't describe the JOY it brings to me.  
That's why it breaks my heart so that I can't give to Trammell like we used to.  
He knows why and he never complains.
Each year I tell him I'll make up for it next year.
He always says the same thing. 
"I'm not worried about me, I just worry about you Mom."

He's the most Wonderful Gift God has ever given to me.

I always started preparing for CHRISTmas right after the New Year.  
I wanted to have all the gift making and shopping done by the time 
Thanksgiving rolled around so I could really enjoy
doing for others and doing fun things with Family
and Friends when the Season arrived.

Things have really changed during the past six years.

We only put up one tree now, with a few ornaments Trammell
and I made and picked up at Goodwill.

I do still like to put together a group of gifts for each family member.

1. Something I have made.
(This year it was handmade CHRISTmas Stockings)

2. Something that helps our environment.
(This year it was BRITA Water Filter System Bottles)

3. Something corky.
(This year it was a bamboo Back Scratchers)

4. Something sweet to eat.
(This year candy bars and candy canes)

5. Something Spiritual.
(This year it was a small calendar with Bible Verses)

I didn't spend much at all.
The stocking I made from scraps of cloth I already had.

The BRITA Bottles, Trammell found on Amazon.com 
3 for $25 with free shipping. They even came with an extra filter.

The back scratchers and calendars I found on orientaltrading.com
by the dozen. Less than $1 each.

And the candy came from Sam's Club
 One box took care of everyone. 

 I have learned to knit and I'm making really cool
winter caps for everyone for next CHRISTmas.
Hoping to get them done by spring, maybe mid summer.
I only get to work on them late at night or in the 
early morning SO time will tell.

In the mean time I'll keep that CHRISTmas Spirit burning
in my heart as I create each one.

Luke 1:14 
You will have great JOY and GLADNESS, and many
will REJOICE at HIS BIRTH.

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DAY 40 OF 100 DAYS IN PARADISE - 3 Hours of Freedom

Trammell and I got 3 hours of Freedom today!

For three hours we were able to leave our home
and go to 
1. The Magic Shop at Barefoot Landing.
(Trammell is an Awesome Magician) 
We spent a few minutes there while Trammell 
and the guy who runs the shop talked Magic. 
Trammell bought a cool new trick.

2.Then it was off to Michaels Craft store where
I had gotten an email telling me they were having
a 60 to 70 % off  "HUGE CLEARANCE SALE".
That's when I buy my yarn.

(I'm knitting hats for 2013 CHRISTmas Gifts) 
(I always start getting ready for CHRISTmas in January.)

Since we only had three hours, I of course
called ahead to make SURE that the "winter yard"
was on sale before we made the 50 minute round
trip.  
The young lady I spoke with assured me that they did 
indeed have their yarn on clearance.
BUT  after driving all the way over there we found that
NONE of the yarn was on sale.   :(

3. The GOOD NEWS was the great little pizza place we 
found not far from there where Trammell and I shared
the most delicious Margherita Pizza, which happens
to be our FAVORITE Pizza!  
It's SO hard to find a place that make it.  
(The toppings are olive oil, garlic, fresh basil, 
fresh sliced tomatoes, mozzarella &
Parmesan cheese.) YUM!

4. With only 40 minutes left we took off back to 
North Myrtle Beach to our near by Wal-Mart to pick up
David's Rx, milk, sour cream and dry cat food.

As we raced back to the car checking the time, I
was heart broken because I knew we did not have
enough time to stop by the Antique Shop Trammell
 loves to explore.  
I had promised him This Time for sure we would be able to 
stop by but again we ran out of time.
(NEXT Week - We will go there first!)

As a matter of fact, we had just enough time to make
it back home before our three hours were up.

Next Monday we have four hours, 10 til 2. Then we will
run back home to pick David up and take him to the Dr.
for his check-up.  And then to "Sonic Drive In" for a treat for
being good for the Dr. :)   He's always good at the Dr.'s
office.  He always takes his favorite sock monkey.  I get 
him focused on showing it to the nurses, he doesn't seem
to be as scared then. 

There is never a dull moment in our lives.  
Never a time when I let my guard down.  
Never a time when "I'm done" day or night.  
But Also NEVER a time when God is not there 
to strengthen me and to carry me through every moment.

Proverbs 31:17
She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms.

DAY 39 OF 100 DAYS IN PARADISE - My Passions

My number one passion, of course, is Serving The Lord.

Next - Caring for my family.  My bedridden husband,
our cripple son and our very spoiled CAT.

BUT my next passion is Helping Those Who Cannot
Help Themselves.  Animals, Children and 
The Elderly. 

Tonight I want to talk about the Elderly.

My heart breaks for those in Nursing Homes.  
I want to start a movement to where every person
in a nursing home, retirement center or Home
Bound has two advocates.  
Two people who will take turns checking on them.  
Making sure they have what they need.  
Making sure they are being treated
not good but GREAT. 
That they are NOT being abused in any way.

    (This is something all Churches can do.)
      And so many other clubs and groups.

 Also making sure that people know that the elderly
are PEOPLE too!
Set up a wall or Bulletin Board in each person's room
with pictures of them and their family through out 
their life.  
Awards, accomplishments, newspaper articles and more. 

Also with cards sent by friends and loved ones.  

Also, find out what their hobbies where.  Find out 
what they loved to do but never had time to do 
during their busy life and bring them what ever
it was. 
Help them get started doing it.  
You just may enjoy it too.

 Very important - There are now cameras that can
be set up in their rooms which can be monitored even
on your cellphone.  Make sure that a reliable family
 member or person in charge has one set up to watch
out for abuse or neglect.  It happens TOO OFTEN.

Remember, We are on this earth for two reasons.
        To Serve God And To Help Others.
                      It's That Simple.

Galatians 6:9
And let us not grow weary of doing good for
in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

DAY 38 OF 100 DAYS IN PARADISE - Ahhh SLEEP

Trammell and I are so Grateful for Sandra

for coming over and staying the night last

night.  She took care of David ALL NIGHT.

We both slept  sooooo good.

Praising God For That Night Of REST!

He knew I would need it because it looks

like David has come down with that virus.

Thank goodness it's nothing as bad as I had.  

Praying Trammell doesn't come down with

it.  He's having enough trouble with his foot.

Please keep us in your Prayers.

STILL handing it ALL over to GOD.

STILL PRAISING HIM in the storm

Just as we PRAISE HIM in the SUNSHINE.

1 Corinthians 10:13

No test or temptation that comes your way

is beyond the course of what others have

had to face.

All you need to remember is that God will never

let you down;

He'll never let you be pushed past your limit;

He'll always be there to help you come through it.

DAY 37 OF 100 DAYS IN PARADISE - TIRED

It's 10:20pm.
TIRED does not begin to describe how I feel.

Trammell had an awesome day!
He and Mike went skeet shooting.
Went to see the new 007 movie.
Then went to eat at Jersey Mike's!
Thank You Mike for being such a
WONDERFUL friend!
Trammell is so Blessed!

Sandra is here taking care of David tonight
so that Trammell and I can SLEEP all night long!
Thank You Sandra! For Everything!

God Is Truly Blessing Us!

Galatians 6:9
And let us not grow weary of doing good for
in due season we will reap, if we do not
give up.

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DAY 36 OF 100 DAYS IN PARADISE - The To Do List

A few posts ago I began a NEW 14 week ORGANIZING trial.
It was working fine UNTIL I got sick THEN all bets were off.
We are going to pick up Monday morning where we left off
prior to my unexpected mandatory mini (dare I say) vacation.

I am and have always been one of those people who has to have
everything ORGANIZED.  
And LISTS.  I've been a list maker for as long as I can remember.  
I love statements like
IF YOU FAIL TO PLAN - YOU PLAN TO FAIL
or my very own which I came up with in my early 20's when
I opened my first modeling school, (it hung on the wall)
THE LACK OF PROCRASTINATE LEADS TO SUCCESS!

I do so miss that young, energetic, ready to conquer the world,
hitting the gym EVERY MORNING, getting up at 4:00am just
to get a game of tennis in, not afraid to try anything or travel
anywhere "ME". 
What happened to her?
Where has she gone?
Oh would I love to sit her down and have a long talk with her.
LOL 
Wouldn't we ALL like to do that.

Older now and a bit wiser.
Life has and still is teaching me a lot of hard lessons.
And no, I'm not the best student.
But, you know, I don't worry as much these days.
I hand EVERYTHING over to God and let HIM handle it ALL.

If only I had allowed HIM to control every day
of every year of my 54 years on this earth.
If only I had realized so many years ago that
I was placed here, that we are all placed here,
for a mission.  

That we are here for GOD'S purpose and NOT our own.

I would have not wasted so many years in the "ME" zone,
But In GOD'S zone.

Going By GOD'S Plan

GOD'S TO DO LIST

Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud
of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and
the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with 
perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix
our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith,
who for the joy set before him endured the cross, 
scorning it's shame, and sat down at the right hand of
the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such
opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow
weary and lose heart.

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DAY 35 OF 100 DAYS IN PARADISE - The CALM after the storm

Well, it seems that the worst is over.
This is the CALM after the storm.
We are Praising God!!!!!

We received great news today!
A dear friend of ours is coming
over Friday and cooking for us.
Then she is going to spend the night
and take care of David so Trammell and
I both can relax and SLEEP all night!!!
THEN she's going to cook us breakfast 
the next morning!!!!
Sandra, YOU are an ANGEL!

Trammell also got a call from his friend
Mike who is going to pick him up Friday
morning and take him skeet shooting!
How Awesome! 
I know they will have a BLAST!

Nothing makes me happier than to see
Trammell get out and have some fun.  
It's so rare.  
But he never complains.

He has literally grown up
"Living Under House Arrest".
(That happens to be the name of
the book we are writing.)

Mark 4:35 - 41
On that day, when evening had come,
he said to them, "Let us go across to
the other side."  And leaving the crowd,
they took him with them in the boat, just
as he was.  And other boats were with him.
And a great windstorm arose, and the waves
were breaking into the boat, so that the boat
was already filling.  But he was in the stern,
asleep on the cushion.  And they woke him
and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care
that we are perishing?"  And he awoke
and rebuked the wind and said to the sea,
"PEACE! BE STILL!"  And the wind ceased,
and there was a great CALM. ...

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DAY 34 OF 100 DAYS IN PARADISE? - Sick! And I Mean Sick

For the past two days
I could hardly hold my head up
much less write my blog.

It hit me like a Mack Truck
Sunday Morning around 10:00.

The last time I was THAT sick
was when I lived in Mexico and
suffered from
"Montezuma's Revenge"!

The one person who is even 
more excited than I am
about my recovery  
is Trammell.

He was working 24/7
taking care of David and me.

As he hobbled around as fast 
as he could both day and night
caring for us I felt so bad.

It broke my heart to feel so helpless.
And to watch him have to go through
that.
His open wound on the bottom
of his right foot that's been 
there for over a month, that had
started to heal, is now worse
because of him being on his 
feet that much. 
He still has no feeling in his legs
or feet.  
As he walks it's like dragging 
dead weight around.
Just walking across the room is 
a workout for him.

Not one complaint did I hear from
him during these, beyond nightmare,
days and nights.
Just ever so often his sweet voice saying
"Mom, PLEASE, get well fast.  I don't
know how much more I can take."

We are both Praising God that I am almost
back to my old "workaholic" self.

Now on to our next mountain to climb.
We found out SATURDAY
that I have to re-apply
for David's disability BY FEB. 1ST!

David, who is Bedridden.
Who suffers from Severe
Irreversible Brain Damage 
after being dead for over an
hour on CHRISTmas Morning
2006. 
David, who went from being my 
husband to being my infant son.

It took me 7 months of us living 
with no income to get his disability
check started.  
(This happened CHRISTmas Morning 2006.
We got our first monthly check 
on the 3rd Wed. of July 2007. 
Which was about the amount 
what we were living on per week
before this happened.
By the way - we did not
get any back pay.

And Now to think about going
through all that AGAIN.

Please Remember our family
in your Prayers.
We are all so tired.

Psalm 37:24
Though they stumble, 
they will never fall,
for the Lord holds them by the hand.

DAY 31 OF 100 DAYS IN PARADISE - Be Still

RUNNING So much I can't even think of anything to say today.

Psalm 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God;  
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.

Day 30 Of 100 Days In Paradise - Quiet Mornings

I am very grateful to be the only one in our
family awake at sunrise each morning.
That is my peaceful time.
My time to marvel over God's awesome
beauty.  
Each sunrise is a masterpiece.
I will never cease to be amazed as I stare, with
childlike wonder, across the ocean as the sun
appears each morning.

Hosea 6:3
Let us acknowledge the Lord;  let us
press on to acknowledge him.  As 
surely as the sun rises,  he will appear;
he will come to us like the winter rains,
like the spring rains that water the earth.

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Day 29 Of 100 Days In Paradise - The Rain Sets In

The rain began to fall tonight.
It hit all at once.
Sideways rain.
The kind you don't even want to be out in.
This is one of those times I really don't mind
          "Living Under House Arrest".

My son Trammell gave me the gift of sleep
last night.
He took care of his Dad so I could get my
44th night of sleep in over six years.
I was out like a light.
He said he heard me talking in my sleep.
Something about a red headed person
standing over me. LOL I have NO idea
WHAT I was dreaming.  BUT the awesome
thing is that I WAS DREAMING!
I never fall in to deep sleep so I never
dream.  At lease not that I ever remember.
And let's face it, with the memory I have
now (or the lack there of) who knows.

I just checked our weather forecast!  It was
up to 79 today BUT it looks like tomorrow
the high is only 48 and the low is 28.
Winter has indeed returned.

Isaiah 45:8
You heavens above, rain down righteousness;
let the clouds shower it down. Let the earth open wide,
let salvation spring up,
let righteousness grow with it;
I, the Lord,
have created it.

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Day 28 Of 100 Days In Paradise - "Weather" Or Not

This has been the most awesome week of weather
we have had since we've been here.

The last seven days has felt like spring.  
Pulling out shorts and flip flops.  
Walking barefoot on the sandy shore.  
Awwww don't you just love these Southern winters.

But it seems, according to the National Weather 
Forecast, that this is just a teaser.  
The cold damp winter will be creeping in come 
Friday morning.

I have so enjoyed my daily walks on the beach. 
It has not been hard to talk myself into getting out
there for my hour of  ESCAPE  FROM REALITY.

Now we will see just how dedicated I am.

I must come up with an exercise program that I can do
when the weather does not permit me to walk outside.

The wii game is great exercise.  
Trammell and I have played base ball or tennis on it 
and the next day our arms were as sore as if we had 
been to the gym. SO that's a fun work-out for both of us!

There's an indoor pool here in the next 
tower were I could swim laps.

We are on the 12th floor.  Nothing like
a good "stair climber"!  
I think my heart rate just went up thinking about that one.

We don't have our scales down here so I
have NO idea what I weigh.  But I did
take my measurements and will continue
to check them at the end of each month
to see my progress.  

I so desperately want to become that fitness
nut I had always been before our lives were
turned upside down six years ago.

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

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Day 27 Of 100 Days In Paradise - Exhausted

Some days I absolutely feel like my body and my 
brain are shutting down.  
Today has been one of those days.  
BUT that does not keep me from running full force
all day and into the night caring for my two boys and
let's not forget our "Baby Girl" aka  Chocolate
the CAT.

David has continued to be in what we call the
"psycho zone" now for 4 nights.  
I get even less sleep during those times.

Normally each night I am up every other hour 
checking on him.  
Checking his diaper. (He goes through 2 to 4 of them each night), 
Making sure he's not too cold or too warm. 
(He does not know to cover up when he's cold 
or to uncover when he's hot.)

He has no idea he can even get up out of the bed.
BUT when he's in the "psycho zone" he gets up
and wonders around in a very confused state of
mind.  
Usually thinking he is a child and is searching
for his late brother.
It is those nights that I dare not fall asleep.  
We have a Rx to give him during those nights but
it only works some of the time.
Even if he does fall asleep I then try to check
on him every hour.

I dream of a day when I will be able to take an
entire week off.   
A time when Trammell and I can escape this reality. 
A Glorious week of  SLEEP.  
One Wonderful week of sitting down and eating a meal 
without getting up every ten minutes to check on David. 
Seven Awesome days with NO Diapers to change. 

BUT we know that's only a dream.

The sad reality is for us to have Home Care, 
round the clock for David for ONE WEEK 
$1,750.
Even putting him in a nursing home for a week
is a little over $1,000.

The level of care that he needs is that of an infant.

BUT it is still so wrong that these places charge 
SO MUCH!

So, we keep on going.
For This Is God's Plan For Us
And
God's Plan Is Always Best.

There Is A Purpose For What We Must Endure.

2 Timothy 2:3
You therefore must endure hardship, as a good
soldier of Christ Jesus.

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Day 26 Of 100 Days In Paradise - OUR NEXT MOVE?

Only 74 days before we have to be out of this 
Awesome place.  
During the spring and summer we would never
be able to afford even a week in this place, 
so there's no dreaming of a longer stay.

We still don't have a closing date on our house.
Therefore we don't know if we need to look
for something to buy or something to lease.
If we lease, should we go for a 6 month in the 
hopes that we will be able to purchase something
within that time?
OR
Should we not even consider buying and 
commit to a year's lease?

Where should we live?  

Back to the Upstate so if anything happens
to me Trammell and David will be near
family?

Trammell, on the other hand, wants to move up north.  
Maryland or Maine.
Brrrrr is all I can say about that.  
Even South Carolina winters are too cold for me.

I still have the dream of moving back to South Padre
Island, Texas for a year maybe longer. 
(By far the best place I've ever lived.)

Bless his heart, David has no idea where we are.  The
only time he even knows we are at the beach is when we
set him on the Balcony or at a windows.

We really want to find and buy a cheap place.
A "Home Base" so we will be able to travel
and explore.

There is One Who knows where we should live.  
He will lead us to where He wants us to be.
He will show us the path He has laid out for us. 
He will take us by the hand and gently lead us
down that path.
All we have to do is TRUST IN HIM.

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, 
declares the Lord, plans to prosper
you and not to harm you, 
plans to give you hope and a future.

Day 25 Of 100 Days In Paradise - Organization

I strive daily, as do so many others, to keep my family and my home

organized.  

It's an on going challenge.

Through the years I have tried many different ideas and brainstorms.

This is what I am trying for the next 15 weeks.  I'll let you know how

it goes.  

A friend of our who accidentally bought color paper instead of white 

paper gave it to us instead of returning it.  

I've been using some for David's "Arts and Craft Time" each day.   

But the other day I had a "Brainstorm".  

I have printed out a list of what needs to be done each day. 

               (IT'S THREE PAGES LONG!)

I printed each day on a different color paper.  

Beside each chore I have a line.

Who ever does that particular chore will put his or her initials on that line.

Who ever has the most initials at the end of the week will not have to do

ANY DISHES the following week. 

(Trammell and I both HATE doing dishes.)  

If you try this with your family you may pick other prizes.  

You may also want to pick a nightly winner.  

ANYTHING to get the kids excited about doing chores. RIGHT?

I have also put a place for each day's Menu at the bottom of page 3

of our list.   

I have always been a "Menu" kind of person.
I have found that life runs a lot smoother that way.
I love not having to think about what I'm going to fix for each meal
during the week.
I make out the week's menu on Sunday by going through the cabinets,
refrigerator and freezer to see what we have.
Putting together ideas and recipes for ingredients we already have on hand.
That way when I do my early morning run to the grocery store
on Mondays I don't need to get a lot of unnecessary items.
 
Back before all this happened to our family, I use to also take
that menu and pull coupons from my "Coupon File". (We used to
joke about the store owing me money when I walked out.)  And
that was before "Couponing" was popular.
I REALLY need to find the time to do that NOW!

1 Corinthians 14:40
But all things should be done decently and in order.

Habakkuk 2:2
And the Lord answered me: Write it plain on tablets,
so he may run who reads it.

Day 24 Of 100 Days In Paradise

Night Of Sleep "# 43" out of 2,202 nights.
Trammell again stepped up to take care
of David last night allowing me to get a
wonderful night of sleep.
I get tickled at him after the nights 
he cares for David because he is so wiped
out.  
I asked him today, what he would do if he 
had to hit the floor every morning, like I do, 
and work non-stop all day long whether he 
got sleep or not.  
He said there's no way he could do it.  
I guess it must be a built-in "Mom Thing" 
we women have that allows us to keep
going 24 - 7.

Well, I have kept my promise to walk on
the beach every day.  
Today was my 3rd days.  
I'm taking an hour walk after lunch
each afternoon.  
Today it was so warm I was able to go 
barefoot and feel the sand between my toes 
and even walk in the water.
I can't begin to tell you how much good 
this is doing for me.  
That precious hour of  "escape from reality" 
is such a Blessing.  
Everything disappears.  
I haven't a care in the world.  
It's just me, God, the ocean,
the sand and the crashing of the waves.
Awwwwww  THE OCEAN
Awwwwww  RENEWAL

Psalm 104:25
Here is the ocean, vast and wide, teeming
with life of every kind, both great and small.

Day 23 Of 100 Days In Paradise

I know without a doubt That God Has Everything
Under Control.

I know that I need not worry about a thing.

Ephesians 3:20
Now all Glory to God, who is able, through
His mighty power at work within us, to
accomplish more than we might ask or think.

Day 22 Of 100 Days In Paradise

I walked on the BEACH!
What a Glorious walk it was.

It was indeed the best hour of the day.

I spent half the day on the phone still
desperately trying to get help for my family.
Which is something I have spent hundreds of
hours doing during this six year ordeal.  And 
twice as much time filling out forms.  

It's so heartbreaking putting all that time
and effort in over and over again only to be 
turned down or placed on a waiting list.
And it's only getting worse.

I thought I had all I could possibly take today with, phone
calls, paper work and caring for my two boys BUT the worse
was yet to come.  

Some of you may recall the six year nightmare we have
had with our home since all this happened.  
Our Dream Home - which has become our nightmare.
Because it's three stories I could no longer get David 
or Trammell up the stairs to the full baths or the bed
rooms.   SO I had to lease it to a man who had just come
out of the Army with the understanding that he would
purchase the home during the next few months.
He then moved his brother and a friend into the house.
They practically destroyed the house. Even breaking
the garage door into.  Then they abandoned the house.
Leaving us with thousands in damage.
We were devastated.  
We had no choice but to move out of our handicap apartment 
and back into the house.  We had to stay in the first floor 
living room while I did repairs little by little myself and
with the help of volunteers whom I will forever be GRATEFUL.

Months later when the house was ready
I put it back on the market.  It was impossible to
sale with us all three living in the living room.  
The Realtor suggested we move out BUT we could 
not afford to pay for a place to live unless we rented
the house.  Which we did, to a lady who bought
it in 2009 but could not get a loan so I had to finance
it for her with the rent she had paid being her down 
payment.
When the owner of the condo we had moved into with
a lease purchase agreement found out I had gotten no cash
for our house and could not buy her condo she kicked
us out.  
We received a letter from her attorney.
We had 24 hours to get out.  That, by the way, was the
same day our car had broken down on Hwy I-85 and had
to be towed in. 
The lady who bought our house ended up having to lease 
the house to another couple who in Aug. of this year 
accidentally flooded the second and first floors of the 
house causing tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage.  
That's when we found out there was no insurance to cover 
the damages and then the house was signed back over to me.

We have NO MONEY to do repairs.  We don't even have
money to pay the taxes which were due yesterday.
The couple who were living in the house at the time of
the flood has moved back in with the hopes of buying 
and repairing the house.  
(I'm now having to sale it for around $60,000 LESS 
 than what it would have been worth. 
Offering it to them for what we paid for it in the year 2000).
Not counting what we spent to have the 3rd floor added, a
new larger deck on the back and numerous upgrades.
   
We have been waiting since October for a closing date so
we can finally buy a permanent home and be done with
this part of our nightmare.
I was once again devastated to learn this afternoon that
the couple does not even know if they will be able to get
a loan.
This is one of those times when I feel like falling to
pieces BUT I just don't have the time.

I'm handing this ALL over to Our LORD JESUS CHRIST
and believing HE has it ALL worked out.  
I Pray that the couple will have no more problems and that they
will be able to get a loan and that this will become their
dream home for many years to come.  AMEN
Please join me in this Prayer.
His Will Be Done.
To HIM be ALL the GLORY.

Psalm 55:17
Evening and morning and noon I will pray,
and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice.

Proverbs 16:1
People may make plans in their minds,
but only the Lord can make them come true.

Day 21 Of 100 Days In Paradise

I want to workout.
I want to walk on the Beach.
The Beach that I look at every day.
The Beach that is only 12 floors away.
SO
What is stopping me from stepping out
of my whirlwind and going down stairs 
to enjoy a glorious escape from reality?

I know Trammell is very capable of looking
after David.
I know it would relieve STRESS.
I know it would help me lose weight.
I know it would be good for my heart.
I Know I Should just DO IT!
SO
Why am I NOT?

I spent my life in the gym.
I absolutely loved working out.
I never had a weight problem.
Even after gaining 61 pounds while
pregnant with Trammell I lost right
back down to a size 4 (at Age 35)!

SO 
Why can't I get motivated?

Sure, I'm 54 now.
Sure, I haven't had but 41 nights of sleep in the
past 2,199 days.
Sure, I could come up with any number of excuses.
BUT
Truth be told 
THERE ARE NO EXCUSES!!!!!!!

SO - Tomorrow, by the time I sit down to write
this blog I had better be able to tell you all that
I did indeed go for a LONG walk on the Beach.
                
1 Corinthians 6:19
What? Know ye not that your body is the temple
of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have
in God, and ye are not your own? 

Day 20 of 100 Days In Paradise

As Trammell and I stood at the huge window over
looking the beach today watching as dolphins jumped and
swam it was clear to both of us that our hearts are here.
The Coast.
The Sea.
The Salty Air.
The Sandy Shore.
The Palm Trees.
The Sound of The Waves as They Crash To The Shore.

As we make our list of what we are searching
for in our permanent home, those things are 
at the top.

We place this list securely in the hands of our Lord
and humbly ask that HIS WILL be done.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,  And He
will make your path straight.   

Day 19 Of 100 Days In Paradise

It's SO AWESOME when we hand everything

over to GOD, stand back and watch Him work

EVERYTHING out.  

Why should we ever waste a moment of our

lives here on this earth worrying about 

ANYTHING.  

We still have no idea where we will 

be living come April.  

What I do know is God already has 

it worked out.    

We are hoping to remain on the coast.

           BUT 

          Does GOD have other plans?

A dear friend of mine has been Praying 

about what to do with her home in 
Pickens, SC while she attends school in Florida. 
She said as she Prayed God brought my name 
to her mind.

Over the past two days we have been talking

about what this means.   

Am I to move my family into her home for the

10 months she and her family will be

away?

Will we trade the coast for the mountains

and she the mountains for the 

coast?

Please Pray for our two families. 

She and her two boys and my two boys and me 

as we ask God to lead us.

We are excited to see what God has in store

for each of us.

Philippians 4:6-7

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray

about everything.   Tell God what you need,

and thank Him for all He has done.  Then

you will experience God's peace, which

exceeds anything we can understand.  His

peace will guard your hearts and minds as

you live in Christ Jesus.

Matthew 6:27-29

Can all your worries add a single moment

to your life?  And why worry about your

clothing? Look at the lilies of the field

and how they grow.  They don't work

or make their clothing, yet Solomon in

all his glory was not dressed as beautifully

as they are.

Day 18 Of 100 Days In Paradise

I know in my heart I should never worry about a thing.
God has it ALL under control.  

My Prayer each and every day is for Him to take full
control over ALL aspects of my life.

No Worries
HE GOT THIS
No Matter What It Is
He ALWAYS works it out 
To HIM Be The Glory

Philippians 4:19
And my God will meet ALL your needs according to His
glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

1 Peter 5:7
Casting the whole of your care {all your anxieties,
all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all}
on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and 
cares about you watchfully.

Day 17 of 100 Days In Paradise

When Trammell was growing up he used to ask me,
"Mom, what's it like to only see out of one eye?"
To which I always replied, "What's it like to see
out of two?"
We couldn't answer each other's question.  
I have never been able to see out of my right eye 
and I'm nearsighted and farsighted in my good eye.
He, on the other hand, is Blessed with perfect vision 
in both eyes.

In my life I have known people who were caregivers.
I baked cookies, fixed up gift baskets or some other
small gesture but never really knew what to do to
help.  
I never really knew what they were living
through - Until I became a Caregiver.

In my life I have seen disabled people. 
I drove a handicap bus in High School 
(It took me a year and my eye specialist's 
signature to convince the school board to even 
let me try for my bus licenses.  Of course that
was the 70's and they would never allow me
to try now days.)
Years later I volunteered at Shriner's Hospital for 
a few years and got to know so many precious children
with disabilities.  
But I did not realize what they really lived 
through - Until my son became paralyzed.

We never REALLY know what a person
is living through until we actually live 
through it ourselves.
But we must try to empathize and help
in any way we possibly can.  
I know from our experience that even the 
smallest of jesters mean SO MUCH.

1 Corinthians 9:22
To the weak I became weak, to win the 
weak.  I have become all things to all
people so that by all possible means
I might save some. 

Day 16 Of 100 Days In Paradise

WHY did I name this blog
100 Days In PARADISE?
I have been asked.

We are being given the chance
to live, for a few months, in this
Awesome place while we wait for
the closing on our house. ( We could
no longer live in our dream home
after David became bedridden and
Trammell was paralyzed because it
is three stories.  It's been a six year
nightmare in itself just trying to get
it sold.)  
After that we may begin our search 
for a permanent home.

We now have 85 days left in this
beach front Resort to which I
refer to as PARADISE.

The outside view is PARADISE.  
Inside we are still living our nightmare
day after day & night after night 
BUT 
 Oh
  that
 MAGNIFICENT VIEW!

One that I shall surely miss.
BUT
One that can never compare 
with the AWESOME views
HEAVEN has in store.

Revelation 21:21 - 23
The twelve gates were twelve
pearls, each gate made of a 
single pearl.  The great street of
the city was of gold, as pure as
transparent glass.
I did not see a temple in the city,
because the Lord God Almighty
and the Lamb are it's temple.
The city does not need the sun or the
moon to shine on it, for the glory of
God gives it light, and the Lamb is
it's lamp.

Day 15 Of 100 Days In Paradise

A dear friend of mine lost her Mom today.
I know that pain all too well.
It's something that we all know will eventually
happen but that does not take the shock nor the
pain away when it actually does.

Life is so very fragile.
Every single breath we take has the potential
of being our last.
We dare not waste even one.

We must also remember that every breath is an
undeserved Blessing.  
A gift that is given to us by our Heavenly Father
to be used for His Glory 
For His Plan. 
For the sole purpose He placed us here to begin with.

Oh how wonderful it is when we realize that we are
here for a reason.  
As a matter of fact, two reasons.
To Serve God and To Help Others.

Let's Make Every Breath Count.

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,
declares the LORD, plans to prosper
you and not to harm you,  plans to give
you hope and a future.

Matthew 5:16
...Let your light shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds
and glorify your Father in Heaven.

Galatians 6:9
And let us not grow weary of doing
good for in due season we will reap,
if we do not give up.

Day 14 Of 100 Days In Paradise

I have never shied away from adventure.  Never been
afraid of big changes in my life.  
I have traveled to so many wonderful places 
and had so many adventures.
In the 80's I even took two years off from my modeling
career and traveled all over Mexico by airplane, train, 
bus, car and even on foot. 
Then after the rape and murder of a dear friend 
I moved back to the states 
but not before contracting malaria.

After that I discovered an Island off the coast of Texas 
called South Padre Island, where I lived for a year until my
family urged me to move back to South Carolina.

I did and a year later, in 1990, on a blind date, met David.  
We were married on Oct. 6, 1991. My Mom and Dad's 
Anniversary.   
Trammell was born July 19th 1993.  
That's when my best adventure began.

Trammell too has an adventurous heart.  He yearns
to travel,  to explore. But here he is, trapped.  
Living under house arrest.  
Helping me take care of his Dad.
I Pray that some day he too gets the chance to go
to all the places he dreams of going.

Psalm 40:5
Many,  Oh Lord my God, are the wonders
you have done.  The things you planned
for us no one can recount to you;  were
I to speak and tell of them,  they would 
be too many to declare.

www.bycefamily.weebly.com

Day "13" Of 100 Days In Paradise 1/1/"13"

We have now entered into our 7th year of
this nightmare. 
7 years of a life we could have never imagined
in our wildest dream. 
Even after all this time I still look at our 
life as being in a Holding Pattern.  
Waiting on God to lift us up out of this sometimes
unbearable situation.
                              BUT
Then I remember 
what about all those who have suffered their entire lives.  
What about those who have lost their lives.  
What about those who are sleeping in the streets tonight 
and every night.

I know God has us in this situation for a reason.  
I have said it many times.  
I Know He Has A Plan and 
His Plan Is Always Best.

We are in Training For A Mission.  
We are in God's  Boot Camp.
Oooh-Rah!

Hebrews 12:12
For the moment all discipline seems 
painful rather than pleasant, but later
it yields the peaceful fruit of 
righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous.  Do no fear
or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord
your God who goes with you.  He will
not leave you or forsake you.