Hi Everyone--
Geez sorry for the long delay in getting my blog back in shape. As many of you know I have dealt with some pretty tough physical issues over the last year that have kind of made things like blogging seem unimportant. I mean it was , ok.. so do I cook supper or blog? Hmm, I think Joel would prefer the food!

I want to thank all of you for your prayers, support and understanding during this time. It has been a kind of tough thing to go through but I am confident that God has His hand on me, and on the things I go through. After much searching, lots of office visits- I feel we have found an answer. Seems that most of my so called " emotional issues" have been originating from a hormone/low thyroid/ adrenal issue that was finally discovered after a Dr's appt. in Baton Rouge. I want to especially thank my "pastors wife/spiritual mom" who not only listened with compassion to me cry, but also made me take charge of what was going on and to continue to seek out qualified help.

Within 1 week of taking the medicine, I feel like I've been given a new lease on life. God does uses doctors to help bring healing to our lives.

Astoundingly I had asked over and over about having my thyroid checked, but had always been told it was in the low to normal range. Listen to your heart ladies, and take charge of your health. I believe that God gives us wisdom and insight into what is right/wrong with our bodies.

Here are some symptoms of low thyroid:
Hypothyroidism is the medical term for a sluggish thyroid. It can lead to a wide range of hypothyroidism symptoms: I've placed red stars by the symptoms I've have been dealing with-some since I was just a teen.

1 .severe fatigue, loss of energy*

2.weight gain, difficulty losing weight *

3.depression and depressed mood *

4.joint and muscle pain, headaches *

5.dry skin, brittle nails

6.brittle hair, itchy scalp, hair loss

7.irregular periods, PMS symptoms/fertility problems *

8.calcium metabolism difficulties

9.difficulty tolerating cold and lower body temperature *

10.constipation *

11.sleeping more than average -I did this for years, always saying I needed at least 10 hrs. per night-- then in the last 16 months I had horrible insomnia *

12.diminished sex drive *

13.puffiness in face and extremities

14.hoarseness

15.bruising/clotting problems *

16.elevated levels of LDL (the “bad” cholesterol) and heightened risk of heart disease

17.allergies that suddenly appear or get worse

18.persistent cold sores, boils, or breakouts

19.tingling sensation in wrists and hands that mimics carpal tunnel syndrome *

20.memory loss, fuzzy thinking, difficulty following conversation or train of thought* i thought I was going nuts

21. slowness or slurring of speech * this one drove me crazy

Subclinical hypothyroidism may present itself with mild versions of these hypothyroid symptoms, or often just fatigue or depression. Hypothyroidism often occurs along with insulin resistance, and these two conditions share some similar symptoms. Click here for more information about the signs and symptoms of insulin resistance.
In some cases, hypothyroidism leads to a goiter, an enlargement of the thyroid sufficient to be externally visible. The gland enlarges to try to compensate for its sluggish production. Goiters can also result from an overactive thyroid, called hyperthyroidism. In this case, the gland enlarges in response to attacks by antibodies, which are triggered by the thyroid's overproduction.

I want to encourage you to keep being open and honest and seeking help for all the issues you face in your life. I love each and everyone of you. We are looking ahead to a great year in 2007--

don't miss our It's a wonderful life series in December!