Medical ID and Marshall Protocol

The doctor overseeing my Marshall Protocol to deal with my chronic illness warned us of the danger of stopping the Benicar and of being given antibiotics that will result in dramatic reactions in those on the Marshall Protocol.

Purchasing Medical ID became important for me, in case of an emergency. However, I am very picky about jewelry: I like it to go with whatever I already have (white gold and gold tones), delicate, classy and something I am not particularly aware I am wearing. Oh, it also needs to fit my budget for extras, which means I am not going to purchase a $200 medical id bracelet.

A friend (thanks Debby) did some internet research into possibilities when I was in brain fog and felt overwhelmed. Through the process I discovered a nurse who has a sideline business of making jewelry and also thought that medical alert could look attractive. She was great to work with and met my requests, adapting things as needed, tackling complicated instructions for the medical ID plate and she even researched the particulars with other medical staff so the information would be clear.
hillcountrysilver.etsy.com or HillcountryIDeology.etsy.com

I loved working with her and she did a great job of communicating during a busy season. I am very pleased with the final product and WHEN I am done with this medical protocol, I may send the bracelet back to her to remove the Medical ID plate so I can keep wearing this delicate, classical bracelet.

For Marshall Protocol Patients--You are allergic to ALL antibiotics EXCEPT Fluoroquinolones and Cephalosporins.

Which "I" will win?

It was one of those times that I do not care to repeat: My husband experienced a very harsh reaction to an antibiotic which laid him out for 48 hours; Being overcharged at the doctor's office and facing the billing department soon; the dog was diagnosed with a double ligament tear in her knee requiring 3 or more months of rest; the internet went down just before I had to go to appointments and leave my son to do his internet based schoolwork; the carpet cleaners promised me they would arrive by 9am. I had to cancel that service when they still had not showed and I had to leave for an appointment; I had four errands I needed to complete on top of the additional, unexpected needs; My hope for the day was to spend the afternoon quietly completing some paperwork/cyberwork. That did not happen and will need attention another day.

Can you relate? In the midst of this day God reminded me of a simple statement that has helped me through those times. I play it in a cadence in my head to help sort out my feelings:

Is this _______(circumstance)_____________

an Inconvenience

an Interruption

an Irritation

or really IMPORTANT

I admit that I still struggle and certainly want to be " I " focused. When I had little ones around our home, this cadence was essential! Today has been filled with doubt, but if I truly evaluate the stuff of life, I realize that the really IMPORTANT needs to set my tempo/attitude--NOT the inconvenient, interruptions, or the irritations.

Transformation is Beyond Us

God reminded me that He does the work of transformation.

During a 36 hour pass to visit with one of our sons-- between 9 weeks of Basic Training (Army Boot Camp) and 5 weeks of AIT (Advanced Infantry Tactics/Training)-- God gave me a glimpse that He continues to fill in the foundation of our parenting with His special direction unique to each child.

This was a very sweet time of interacting and watching our son's behavior, speech, and spirit reflect more of the kingdom purposes and some of those lessons we wanted instilled in him refined, developed, and solidified.

As much as we would like all of these things done before they leave home, that is not necessarily God's plan. Though we have a responsibility to shape, encourage, exhort, discipline and teach our children, the transformation of our children's hearts and lives is beyond our capabilities. 

So, I am encouraging you younger parents to set your expectations to the higher calling but remember that God does the transforming and will often use situations beyond you to refine your children. It is not all up to you! God is amazing. Be in awe of what He can do with a lump of clay.

MP: an alien in my own body

There is another struggle in chronic illness and the Marshall Protocol that I am discovering: wondering what activity will help lessen bad feelings or symptoms. Will eating a bit more help or hinder; did I get too much sunlight; will I feel more rested from a nap or is it exercise I really need? I used to be able to tell. Now, I am rarely sure. I try to rest and become more restless. I try changing activities and nothing changes. Distraction can be a good thing. Sometimes I just have to wait until the symptoms go away (or not go away).

It is strange not to know what will happen. I thought this was odd til I talked with others at our Marshall Protocol Support Group and found out that many had the same questions when they encounter "aliens in their bodies". This is also a challenge for those who live with us.

It is also VERY weird to discover that feeling normal, physically, emotionally, and mentally is actually an alien feeling!

I do know that having someone else stop and pray aloud for me always helps and brings peace whatever circumstances I am in, physically, emotionally or mental. Thanks God, for answering those prayers. And thanks, Friends, for taking the time to pray out loud for me.

Mommy Tool: Giving to transients

We often see people who have been caught in transitions; not sure if they can get out or maybe they want to remain stuck right in their present state. We call these people "transients".

Knowing that Christ loves the least of these and demonstrates His lovingkindness to all who are in need, I wanted to follow His example. Mostly these people ask for money but my husband and I agreed that was not being a good steward usually. Another person makes a bunch of sandwiches and carries them to the streets. But I wanted something I where I could respond as I walked along the way and in which my children could see that we reach out to everyone.

So, we keep bottles of water and granola bars in our car for the purpose of giving them away with some kind words. Now, instead of replying "no" to a request for money, I can hand them something that might benefit them in this time of transition.

Simple, easy, and infinitely better than what I used to do which was walking by them with my eyes avoiding theirs. God is reminding me that we are all in some sort of transition in this life.