Blood Pressure

Recently, I have not been blogging. I really don't know why...I haven't had the time, I haven't made the time...hummm. Anyway, its not like things haven't been happening. So, let's get caught up on one of the major events, shall we?

About a month ago, I went to the dentist for a regular teeth cleaning. While I was there, they took my blood pressure. The hygienist said it was a new policy and asked if I was nervous. "No, why would I be nervous," I said. "Your pressure seems a little high, but this is a new machine. Let's take it again later just to check."

I really didn't give it a second thought. After the cleaning, no cavities, we took my pressure again. "Its still a little high," she informed me. "Let's try the other machine." After a quick change of equipment, a similar result was produced. I made a mental note that I was going to call the doctor and schedule a physical.

On my way out of the dentist, as I was scheduling my next cleaning, I get a note from the dentist. "I want to encourage you to call the doctor when you get home." Since I was already planning to do it I thought to myself that maybe there was a little bit of urgency, but I never had any issues with blood pressure before. So it was probably nothing.

I got home and called for the physical appointment. The nurse informed me that the first available appointment was about two months away. I scheduled it and casually mentioned the blood pressure incident at the dentist office. "What are you doing right now," she asked. "Nothing," came my reply. "Can you come in, right now?"

I headed over to the doctor's office. Indeed, my pressure was high. The doctor informed me I would have to come into the office each day for three days and have my pressure measured. On the fourth day, we would discuss the results. "Oh, by the way, stop taking any medication," came the parting orders.

I did all that and my pressure dropped to acceptable levels. Then I returned for the appointment. I though all was well, then they took my pressure, it was high again. Not good. So, now I have a prescription that I have to take each day. I also have to measure my pressure and log it each day. We scheduled another appointment about a month out. I guess we will be evaluating the effectiveness of the medication. The physical is still about a month away.

I have never had any kind of medical condition, so this is a new experience. I can't say that it has been a pleasant one. But, I'm glad it wasn't something else. The pressure has been staying below the "high" mark for the most part. That is good news. Hopefully, we will get a good handle on the causes and a clear outline for control. We'll see...

What Does the Lord Require?

To do justly, to love mercy, to walk humbly with Him... It sounds so easy, but sometimes I feel like life gets in the way. The never ending struggle of my mind to comprehend things and to sort out all of the thoughts and desires of my heart tend to keep me from the peace of Micah 6:8. Thoughts like, "Am I raising my boys right, am I loving my wife correctly, do I do too many things for my self, do I work too much, do I work too far, should I give more, does my life really glorify God, should I teach a Sunday School class, am I too worldly, etc., etc. These are the types of things I wrestle with. I pray that God will increase my faith and that I will learn to simply do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with Him.

Opening Day

Opening Day means different things to different people. To some it is a Baseball thing. To others, it is a Football thing. But to me, it is the start of hunting season. This year, Nathan and I had the privilege of participating in the opening of Dove season in a beautiful setting. Nathan and I spent Labor Day weekend at the Freels Ranch outside Forestburg, TX. I could not have asked for more hospitality, or a more comfortable cabin.

Nathan had the chance to sharpen his wingshooting skills with some clays, however, there was little opportunity to test those skills on live birds. It seems that the opener was a little too early for the birds. Nathan is really coming into his own with the .410. It takes some time to gain confidence, to figure out that you can hit a bird. Once that confidence is established, though, it is tough to break. I think that type of confidence is starting to form in him.

We'll have the chance to try the live birds again in October. I can hardly wait!