Prayer Needs

Hey folks,

I am in major need of prayer for how to handle my current situation. I am trying to find ways to get to the bottom of/manage this chronic illness issue. I am so unreliable at work, and knowing me, that just isn't my character, however, my body just does not allow me to work some days. The pain keeps me up many nights and clearly the surgery was not successful. My doctors have run out of options and I just really need healing. Here is where I am and what decisions need to be made:

1. I found a world class endometriosis specialist in Bend, Oregon. He can and would like to see me. I spoke with Kaiser (my current insurance) and they told me that if I write a letter to my doctor requesting her to write me a referral specifically to see him, it will cost only $10.00 rather than hundreds!! Please pray that if I should go this direction, the Lord provides the funds or the referral.

2. I am seriously contemplating short term disability. This is a difficult decision for me for various reasons:
     a- I have seen some people take major advantage of disability services and it really put a bad taste in my mouth (so to speak) about using that option.
     b- the truth is, I can work some, and I am doing so, but although I am covered with intermittent FMLA at work, it is unfair to my employers and the rest of my team to have me out so often when no one else is trained to cover my position. This has been going on for nearly 7 or 8 months now, and I know it is putting a serious strain on my department. I do not want to burn any bridges here.
     c- I do not want to take short-term disability to do nothing. I need to have a treatment plan. There has to be some direction and plan to get better. I don't think taking the time off (I am thinking 4-6 weeks), if it is not productive. As mentioned above, I do not want to take advantage of the system, I want to give my body the rest it needs and work with professionals to improve my health.
    d- I really need to hear from the Lord, first and foremost, for how to handle this situation. I want to do His will above all else. I need His direction. I am willing to continue to push through these painful days if that's what He wants. But honestly, I am feeling in my heart that I need a break. I just need confirmation of this.

Thank you, friends, for praying!! Please let me know if you want to stay in touch with my blog... I am thinking of making it private, so email me if you want to be on the list. :)

Much love!!!

May integrity and honesty protect me, because my hope is in you.

Psalm 20:20-22

Grieving

I'm really missing "the good days," when

I made plans with friends and kept my word, when I went to work over 40 hours a week and still had the energy to run and keep my body in perfect shape, having extra money to spend on cute shoes and clothes or taking a friend to lunch instead of medical bills, regular fellowship and being involved in ministry, not having to worry about how many pain meds I took yesterday, not being on a constant emotional roller coaster, thus keeping my loved ones on one too, as they walk on eggshells not knowing what's going to bring me to tears... and the list goes on and on and on... chronic illness is not fun. I try to remain hopeful, but today I just don't have it. I miss the good days.

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New Place!!!

So, as mentioned below, I got blessed with a condo and it is RAD!! I finished the majority of the move last night... here are some photos. I will add more soon! :)

(click here to see how I got this)

Bedroom/living space. this is a Murphy's bed (folds up into the wall)!

Kitchen Space

More kitchen... look at the beautiful tile behind the sink!!

More living space- a couch will go here soon. :)

When the morning light shines through it's so much easier to get out of bed!!

Living space view from bed.

Bathroom

*** by the way, there is a laundry area, it just isn't shown since there are heaps of laundry all over!! But it's so nice to have my whole place smelling of fresh laundry. :)

Kahneeta!!

This past weekend Gary took me to Kahneeta! It was so much fun! The pool was SUPER WARM and it really reminded me of my childhood being in the pool all summer long! I miss swimming! :)

He's not done with me yet!! :)

SO this morning I learned that God definitely has a purpose for my life and (EEEK), it has not been fulfilled yet! I know this because I am pretty sure I used up one of my "many lives." After what I've been through in the past 5 or 6 years sometimes I think I am like a cat. Nine lives. Seriously. So anyway, I knocked another one off last night when I decided to put some rice in a pot and cover it on low for my lunch at work today. I got back in bed afterwards expecting that I would take it off the burner while I was up all night with my typical insomnia. I didn't expect that at 7:30 AM when I entered my kitchen it would STILL BE COOKING!!! I actually fell asleep last night (Praise the LORD!!!), and LEFT THE STOVE ON for at least 8 hours!!! Yikes!! So, once again, the Lord lets me know that He's not done with me yet! Haha... or maybe that's just my way of explaining my wacky flakiness. :) Either way, thank you, Jesus, for saving me from the could-have-been-apartment-up-in-flames-thus-no-more-Krystle!!

P.S. If you were wondering, the pot isn't ruined and NOTHING is damaged! Darn, I am so blessed!!

No Matter What, I am BLESSED!!

In the wake of a family tradgedy (the death of my uncle) and chronic illness, I remain full of hope. I know the Lord has some great plans, and I know He is still providing for me!

With working less and lots of medical bills pouring in, the past few months have been financially straining to say the least. But God had a plan for that. He has sent some special guardian angels my way who have helped and of course, my amazing parents. I must highlight the living situation though! I moved just 11 months ago into the place that I saw myself living in long-term (unless of course, I moved to China). It is charming and has a perfect location for me. I adore it. But as I have been trying to navigate finances I have been praying for how I would continue to support myself and live on my own. Well, a family we are close to had bought a condo downtown near PSU for their daughter last winter. She has been lonely living there, so she moved a couple weeks ago. They really didn't want to sell it, but they also were not interested in renting to a stranger. They told my dad that they were looking for someone and he called me, and we all got together so I could view it. Oh my gosh, it is beautiful!! They have put brand new hardwood floors, new granite countertops and all new appliances inside. I absolutely love it! On top of that, I am saving money by living there!! They just want to break even. They are also allowing me to move in gradually throughout August for FREE!!! Yay!! So, as much as I seriously despise moving, it is such a blessing that I am really going to try not to complain in the process.

Oh, Jesus loves me!! :)