Down But Not Out (Pt. II)

Situations or circumstances can lead you into a positive or negative direction. The Choice is up to you. You can choose to suck on lemons (doubt) or add some sweetener (faith) to make lemonade.

From the last Blog, I forgot to mention that our dog Pugsley stayed by my side when I fell. He licked me and whined until Van got to me. And speaking about Van – God has enabled Van to be off from work when need be. God is giving him exceptional strength to fill in where I left off plus taking on extra duties for home, church and the rest of the family. God has blessed me with a ‘super-dooper’ help mate. I love my husband.

It was two weeks after the accident and compared to the pain of childbirth, I’d rather have the broken bone. I was scheduled for Day Surgery (and I was in the hospital the whole day) on April 8, 2010. Two metal plates and some screws later, I moved on to another semi hard cast and a little leg exercises. I try not to depend on pain meds, but after the surgery some relief was needed, but not to dependence.

On April 22, 2010 I went to get the ‘staples’ removed from both sides of my ankle and now I have to get my ROM (range of motion) exercises done three times a day or more. The best news is that I won’t have to have a ‘hard cast’ put on. Praise God for modern science. I’m still not able to bare any weight on my right leg so the ‘walker’ is still my companion. In two more weeks I will get a “walking brace” and I’m looking forward to driving, exercising, helping out, going out, doing my household duties and getting back to my active life once again. Praise God for He is good and faithful.

So I will continue to do as the Doctor says now so that I will heal properly and not have any problems in the future. This injury is just temporary. There are other people who must make permanent life changes to maneuver around (those in wheelchairs or missing limbs) and I have a renewed respect for them.

Thanking God thoughts while off my feet:
1. Narcotics and crutches don’t mix – Just Say NO!!!
2. Prayer gives up the “perks” to the justified. Prov. 15:29, James 5:16
3. I had gotten a little “melancholy”. I cried when I saw my child & grandbaby leave for Easter Sunday service. I welled-up during a Publix (grocery store chain) commercial [a brother told his sister that he was going to miss his sister when she was about to leave for college], so sad ;(
4. Women should not break their leg and expect to go to a ‘public restroom’. One cannot “squat” over an open hole on one foot. Try it if you dare.
5. I’m so glad that I wasn’t on a cruise ship somewhere at sea when I broke my ankle. Can you imagine? People having fun and now you have to sit on the deck & take in the sea air and wonderful foods; well, then again, that’s changing lemons to lemonade.
6. Thank God that my “Bone Density” test results are in good standing.
7. Nail salon still won’t touch my feet. Thank God I have the stuff to ‘do-it-myself’.
8. NO PAIN – thank you for all the prayers that you said on my behalf.
9. Depression wants to come and visit often, but I refuse to open the door and let it in. I’ve got my research, my writing, praying and other positive things to focus my mind upon (Phil. 4:8).
10. I’m so thankful that we’ve got Military insurance and retirement benefits. Thank you Jesus.
11. Thank God we weren’t still living in the RV when the accident happened. There were 3 steps outside and 2 steps inside to climb.

Yesterday (May 6, 2010) was my Doctor’s appointment. Praise God that the x-rays (see Examiner article) are excellent. I am now able to bear weight on my right leg with the assistance of a “Rocket Sock” (support used by some athletes). It’s also time to massage each incision site to loosen the skin around the area and get better ROM.

If you like Ms. “V”s Blog, come read her weekly column on The Examiner.com
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Down, But Not Out

This may be April the first, but this is not a joke.

It was Friday March 26, 2010, just four days after my sixtieth birthday. So good to have seen 3 score years go by and to proclaim the victories that have occurred within a little more than a half-a-century. God has been, and still is good.

On that Fri, I had gotten up, cleaned our home, changed the bed linen, did all the laundry, ironed some clothes and was prepared for an evening out with my Hubby. We were going to a formal sit-down dinner at an exclusive golf resort. Tickets were purchased months ago: Fun, fun and more fun. Little did I know what was to be in store for us during the rest of the evening.

As I dressed, time was ticking away, but finally I was ready. Van was trying to finish a late scheduled assignment from work and we had it all planned out. I then left the house to do a couple of errands; and returned home to do one more thing. Van had gotten home and got ‘decked out’ and then went to the car awaiting my arrival. Well, here I go running through the house like Cinderella going to the ball (remember your Mama saying, “Don’t run through the house!” – well, it’s true; don’t do it!!!). I get to my dining room (parkay floors/3 inch heels), slide, fall into the marble kitchen floor, little “pop” – “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up”.

Thank God there was no carpet (it was a blessing in disguise). I looked down and ‘no blood’, no pain; what’s up? I lifted my gown from off my foot and my right foot was turned at a 90 degree angle to the right. Not good – Don’t want to think about how it will feel once the nerves communicate with my brain.

Now Van was being patient and didn’t want to rush me so he sat in the car, windows down with music playing softly. I don’t know exactly whose name I called more: “Jesus” or “Van”. I was feeling a little needy by now, so I pulled myself across the kitchen floor, reached up to open the door, pulled myself across the laundry room, opened the door to the garage and screamed Van’s name again. He heard me and remained calm as always, yet caring. He saw what was going on under the gown and immediately we went to the nearby ER.

All we needed was “the red carpet”. Van was dressed in a white suit, white shoes and tie that matched my lavender gown. We did get noticed & after my assessment, I received a little anesthesia and my ankle was pulled back into place and a soft cast was applied. I have to stay off my feet (which is hard for me), but I will be obedient. I don’t do “Twitter” because you don’t need to know how I got to the bathroom or what I did an hour ago, but I will keep you posted here.

Today is Thursday April 1, 2010 and I’ll receive my hard cast next Thursday when the swelling goes down. So until then (and my next Blog) ask any questions, read my articles on Examiner and feel free to keep me posted you YOU and yours.

Thoughts: Walking with crutches may have a person thinking that they have an ailment under the armpit and chest areas. “Narcotics & crutches don’t mix” – just say NO! “Prayer gives up perks to the justified” James 5:16
Thanking God……That I’m alive.
…This didn’t happen in the winter.
…For people who love me (family, friends and acquaintances).
…I lost some weight earlier & was more flexible through exercise (it could have been worst ;)
…For a good pedicure.

Plants, Shrubs & Recycling

It’s been a little over a month since I blogged with you and I want to stay in touch. Since I added “reporter/writer’” to my resume; allow me to digress a little like I do in my book, “Where Did That Come From?”; and give you a few thoughts to ponder.

Plants & Shrubs
Even though we’re living in a so-called “recession”, if you’re dealing with the stock market, you may want to invest in anything dealing with gardening. Shrubs, flowers, plants, trees, herbicides & pesticides have been destroyed from this winter’s recent frost; yet homeowners and businesses want to keep their outdoor surroundings beautiful and eye appealing. Spring will be here before you know it. Get ready ;)

Recycling: cardboard, aluminum, glass & plastic
Have you ever noticed what you put into your recycle binds? People can tell a lot about you and your household through your discarded trash. “The Jones’ had a cold with a cough last week”, “Mrs. Drake likes mineral water and uses fine cosmetics”, “The Shubert’s infant has advanced to the next level of baby food”, “There was a party at the Murphy’s last night”, “Soup and crackers probable helped the sanders’ cold & flu – look at all those tissue boxes” “No wonder Claire’s laundry is clean and bright. She uses that bleach & detergent”. Recycling is a good thing to enhance our quality of life. Are you doing your part to help our universe?

Have a great month and I’ll see you again real soon. Don’t forget to visit me on “The Examiner.com”

Ms. “V”
www.victoriapoller.com

“Extra. Extra. Read all about it!!!”

To those of you who have subscribed to my Examiners page, I hope that you’re enjoying the articles. I try to be a good reporter and give you details, keep you informed and give you something to think about.

For those of you who have not signed up – please take a little time to “Subscribe” to my weekly posts. I try to post on Tuesdays. This will help me get paid, and also help to get the Word of God out to His people. Also if you know of someone who want to write, please have them submit my name and number (http://www.examiner.com/x-25082-Jacksonville-Christian-Living-Examiner ) to Examiner. Thank you in advance and keep reading ;) www.victoriapoller.com/

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Victoria Thomas Poller (Ms. "V")
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Ms. “V”
www.victoriapoller.com

Communication (Why bother?)

When I first came onto this social network, you befriended me. You use to send notes, cute pictures and always checked back in sometimes. Has our lives gotten so busy and hectic that we don’t have time to drop a line or two? Even if it’s a message to a group, at least I would know that you took the time to think about me and see how I’m doing.

On one of my sites, a lady had ‘passed away’. How many people (your “friends”) would know, realize or care if you didn’t respond anymore?

I envision that some people just want to get their “friend numbers up” (3,984 friends [don’t try to play that as a number]). Others just want (and sometimes need) to hear what the Lord would have for me to say through me; and that’s alright. Rick Warren stated in “The Purpose Driven Life’, “When you give someone your time, you are giving them a portion of your life that you’ll never get back. Your time is your life. That is why the greatest gift you can give someone is your time”.

What I’m saying is – take a little time once a month to communicate (do a group note). Also drop a note to those you are prompted to type one-on-one to. Get off the farm, stop the wars & don’t spend your money on pictures when you don’t know who’s benefiting from your cash. There are so many applications out there that the written word has a “gift” instead of a meaning. Take time, make time. Get your communication enthusiasm back.

God loves you. I love you with the love of Christ and I’m praying for you. You never know who you have made an impression upon when they met you in Cyber Space. Don’t sever your communion with people. Have a blessed week and I look forward to seeing a message from you in print.

Ms. “V”
Official Website

Go Tell It

Did you know that there are so many testimonies out there, not just in your local church body, but everywhere; yet people are just sitting on them? I don't know why they won't 'tell it', give God the glory and encourage someone else.

Don't they know that it doesn't matter how insignificant (little) they may think their story is, but it lets your Pastor know that God is blessing His people? It may be that they found $10 on the ground when they needed some milk (and it didn't fall out of the 'Offering Bucket'), or that they're getting a home built, or that they had a negative (good) report on their mammogram, or they received a credit on their electric bill (now that's really a miracle ;). It's all praise worthy.

Don't they know that the devil doesn't want us to 'tell it'? he doesn't want us to show someone else that all they have to do is to 'Wait on the Lord'. God is there (Jehovah Shammah) and He will comfort us and keep us until we can experience the victory.

Other peoples' testimonies and encouragement kept our family together when we were going through, and were hurting. It's always good to hear about others being blessed and know that we serve a God Who is no respecter of persons.

How do we get people to "Go Tell It"?

Ms. "V"
victoriapoller.com

Still a “HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!”

♥♪♪♫•*•*¨*•♫*.♥Happy New Year♥♪♪♫•*•*¨*•♫*.♥ 2010

As you have previously read, we were in a state of Limbo from Oct. 2007 till Oct. 2009. That was 2 years of ‘going through’ times that we were not accustomed to. Since then we have moved into a lovely home. We seen our daughter through a divorce and our Granddaughter has the opportunity to interact with other children four times a week in day care (she’s so smart for her age). We expect, and thank God for the blessings that are still coming.

Van is in a work related position that he thoroughly enjoys, and he’s back to basketball referring which gives him his exercise. He plays a mean lead guitar (that would make Jimi Hendrix cry) and serves on the sound team at church. This is not a task, but is welcomed on the weeks that he is scheduled. His ‘honey-do’ list is minor around the home.

God has blessed us above our expectations and all we had to do was to wait on Him and apply ourselves to do our part.

Ms. “V” is selling her books and is getting the next one ready. She has received over one-hundred dollars from the Examiner.com for her articles and referrals. You may say that that’s not all that much in a three month period, but it’s more than she had before she started writing for them. She’s working on the ‘communication’ side of the house in church as she continues to encourage others. Ms. “V” has gotten back to taking care of herself (exercising) so she can be healthy while praying for others.

The devil will tell you, “That ain’t no testimony. Anybody could have done that, gotten that, said that, received that or accomplished that” (he can’t use English well either a double negative yield a positive, so you’re blessed anyway.). But the truth is, only YOU could have received what was meant for YOU and now it’s time to tell it. No matter how insignificant you think your “blessing” may be. It’s yours. God gave it to you, and it will inspire someone else to “Hold on” until they receive theirs. Don’t forget that your blessing will also let your Pastor know that his messages have not been in vain. You were listening and you did what you had to do. Now, “Go Tell It” (that song is stuck in your head now isn’t it? ;)

♥♪♪♫•*•*¨*•♫*.♥Happy New Year♥♪♪♫•*•*¨*•♫*.♥ 2010

Ms. “V”
Victoriapoller.com

"We're Back"

NubianGraphics.com


Since putting most of my time into seeing after my Granddaughter, writing articles for "The Examiner", my next book, moving, being a housewife, and working some in our church, I neglected my Blogs; but "we're back".

Things are beginning to settle down and time is being stretched to accomplish many things. God continues to be faithful and we are testiments to TBR (Trust - Believe - Receive).

You will continually be updated and informed from my website of new articles, updates and information. Your questions will still be answered and your comments are always uplifting and continue to help others. Have a very Happy Blessed Christmas, enjoy your life and continue to Be Blessed in Order to Be a Bigger Blessing,


Ms. "V"

A Poller Christmas 2009

We wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a much better New Year in 2010. Our motto, which has been proven, is TBR!!! (Trust – Believe – Receive). God has proven Himself time and time again, that He is our Provider.

We have moved into a lovely home (please read the last few Blogs to see where we’ve come from). We love our church Faith Christian Center and we’re continually growing in God’s Word & serving where needed. Please sign up for email notification with "The Exaimer" (see button on the website) and leave your comments. There is no cost & your words are important.

Robert is growing at his profession and he loves his niece. He has been blessed with many God-given talents.

Tonya is a Poller once again and her daughter, Serenity, is a joy in our lives. Both our children are ‘Blessed to Be a Blessing’.

Serenity turned one-year-old a couple of days after Thanksgiving. She’s walking, has eight teeth and is a little ‘tape recorder. She’s so smart.

Pugsley is the “Garfield Cat” that I always wanted. We rescued him from the pound a few years ago and he’s been a comfort.

Please stay in touch (I know how hard it is sometimes to get a moment, but we press our way through to “git ‘er done”) and remember to keep God first in you life and everything else will fall into place.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (King James Version)) 5Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Yours in Christ with love,

Van, Ms. “V”, Robert, Tonya, Serenity & Pugsley

Poller Update Oct. /Nov., 2009

Since my recent blessing of being a reporter on “The Examiner.com (I’m not suppose to use the “first person”), I still can let you know how God is continuing to bless the Poller family through a Blog.

It has been rough over the past 25 months, but we had to depend solely upon God and His faithfulness to bring us out from under and over some steep mountains.
Let’s begin with going to church. No, I did not always want to raise my hands during “Praise & Worship” services (see ‘Lifting Holy Hands’, “Where Did Thant Come From? – Revised”). No, I did not have a “pity-party” (well, I tried not to because God took my invitation list), but I had to confess God’s Word daily, and continue to fellowship with the saints.

Since Oct. 2007, we have lived in a 27 ft. RV; that’s 3 adults, one little bitty baby and a dog. We had our daughter’s dog also, but she found another home for her dog & it was a sacrifice.

During this time of confinement, we had to live on limited supplies of clothes, food and storage for the items that we did have was interesting. Some of our stuff was in our stored moving van (thank you ABF transport co.), some was in a rented shed and some was kept over my in-laws home and their shed. Our possessions were all over the place and costing us more money and inconvenience; yet God gave us favor during that time.

When you allow God to help you get your joy back you don’t fall into “depression” which could have been very easily done. We met new people through our church family, and our internet friends, family & associates. It’s always good to remain social and not continually think about yourself and your dilemma.

When we first arrived in Florida, my skin broke out in burn areas. My lips were dry, cracked and the legions on my face, neck and arms itched and peeled. I went to the dermatologist and they could not give me a diagnosis, but only potions & lotions and tests that did not help.

One Sunday we had an alter call towards the end of service. Our Bishop’s message was concerning “The Woman with the Issue of Blood”. So many people were going to the front for prayer and I hesitated. How was I going to get my ‘touch’ (no, I did not have to go up to the altar, but my faith in God & His Word made me make my way). All I needed to do was to touch the sleeve of our Bishop’s Wife’s blouse (just like the Biblical woman did. I didn’t have to reach the hem of her skirt. She may have called an usher for me). Well to make a long story short, after that Sunday, my skin began to clear up and I didn’t have to walk around with a “sun umbrella” everywhere I went (that’s bondage).

Enough about me – God continued to be with Van, Tonya & Serenity while we were trying to sell our house back in New Mexico. Our house had fallen into “Pre-Foreclosure” and our credit went south for awhile. We were like Joseph down in the pit of despair. No one will know what all we lived through in two years, but we are traveling back uphill.

We thank God that we are able to move on and do His will more comfortably in a new home. We have gone through a divorce (Tonya’s), lost a pet, illness and relocation, yet we are thankful that we have our sanity, jobs, long & short term health, love of family & friends, a great church home, and continued blessings from our Father above.

God is not a respecter of any person who puts their trust in Him. He did it for us and He’ll do it for you too. But you’ve got to allow God to be God and TBR. Trust – Believe – Receive! Continue to gather strength to endure until your prayers are answered. I don’t have a magic wand, but such as I do have I will give it to you and that is – Jesus ;)

Scriptures:• Num. 23:19 “God is not a man that He should lie…”
• Phil. 4:19 “But my God shall supply all your need…”
• Luke 17:6 “And the Lord said, If ye had faith…”
• Mark 11:23 “For verily unto you, That whosoever shall say…”
• Phil. 4:13 “But my God shall supply…”
• I John 5:4 “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh…”
• I Cor. 15:57-58 “But thanks be to God which giveth us…”
• Rom. 8:26 “Likewise the Spirit also helpth our infirmities…”
• Ps. 24:7-10 “Lift up you heads, O ye gates…”
• Gal. 2:20 “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live…”
• Phil. 4:8 “Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true…”

“Great faith is the product of great fights. Great testimonies are the outcome of great tests. Great triumphs can only come out of great trials.” Smith Wigglesworth.

Continue to Be Blessed in Order to Be a Bigger Blessing.

Ms. “V”
www.victoriapoller.com