Windex and Aquaphor

 

I've spent the entire summer, so far, doing a head to toe workout in the pool five mornings a week.  Along with my fellow swimmers, we've seen the weather and pool temp go from chilly, to just right, to HOT.  The pool is hotter than the air.  

Consequently, I have had rash problems.  I slather myself with suntan lotion before swimming and slather myself with other lotion after my swim and shower.

I also wear a long sleeve swim jacket, and a big billed hat so the only part of my body that's exposed are my legs.  

But I still have to tend to the rash.  However, I've found the best lotion to apply.

Aquaphor has been recommended by my dermatologist and my smart, good friend, Christie.  On Saturday when I had my weekly breakfast with Christie (not my dermatologist) she reminded me of the movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding."  

Remember how the dad used Windex as a miracle drug?  He used it for any illness from psoriasis to poison ivy.  He said it cured his swollen big toe overnight AND he recommended it for rashes.   

I'm not using Windex but Aquaphor makes a big difference on my skin issues.  However, it isn't perfect.  I think it's half secret magic healing ingredients and half Gorilla Glue.  It smooths my skin but takes hours to get absorbed. 

But it's probably better than Windex. 

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You Gotta Know the Territory

 

The Upper Room used to publish these journals full of wisdom and Bible quotes, along with lavish pictures and plenty of space for my own journaling. 

I found this one a few days ago and it's been fun and meaningful to read through all of the above. 

I had a lot going on in 2001!  Along with care giving, I was leading groups, writing and doing all sorts of super human things. 

And I was in therapy because, some days, I wasn't sure I could make it.  

In May of 2001, I wrote a prayer asking God to "enlarge my territory," 

 What?

This prayer also involved my asking God to keep me from evil.  Both experiencing it or doing it!  And, last week, as  I continued to read, I realized I would repeat this prayer only with a little different language.  Sometimes I wrote, "Increase my area of influence."

A couple of days ago I realized I had appropriating the prayer of Jabez.

I no longer pray to have my territory enlarged, even though my world has become much smaller in the last 22 years.  Most days, my territory is right in front of me if I just pay attention. 

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