Another glorious day!

I know, I know...where have I been!?  Doing pretty well overall, and just finished another round of surgery this past Wednesday. But, as I have told many, this was all forward-motion! My mediport came out - REALLY means no more chemo!  Had a hernia repaired and some reconstruction work done.  I am uncomfortable and tender and tired, but okay. And so very thankful for the doctors and nurses at Paoli...

The Lord does some amazing things in the midst of difficulties. While being prepped for surgery on Wednesday, I had the nicest nurses.  One was familiar, and I am pretty sure both of them have cared for me before.  To make a long story short, as we were talking, one of them named Jo asked about our kids, schools, where we live, etc. (Weird...I never make friends with strangers! Ha!). Turns out she lives about 2 miles from us, is a believer, her brother-in-law (a missionary to Japan) just bought a house from someone in our small group and her 2 daughters have just begun attending our church! What a blessing! Immediate connection that went way deeper than IVs and bedside manner. And such an encouragement to me.  No doubt God's hand was in the placement of that nurse with me that day. 

From Jesus Calling this morning...
Wait quietly in My presence while My thoughts form silently in the depths of your being. Do not try to rush this process, because hurry keep your heart earthbound. 

Psalm 5:3
In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you
    and wait expectantly.

So much truth in that simple sentence and verse. There have been a lot of quiet moments for me...not just in the morning, but often at night. Sharing with someone about that, I commented that while I wouldn't ask to go through this past year again, there was a very sweet learning of quiet time with the Lord. An urgency I don't always have when spending time with Him. I felt Him more intimately in the midst of some dark days...now, to hold on to that sweet closeness during brighter days!
I think it is human nature to not run to Him as quickly when things are 'good'. We are so dependent on our circumstances and shouldn't be! I need Him just as much when things are fine as I do when things seem dark. 

So, here I sit...healing yet again. But it's okay. Sore, tired, very tender but here are my thankful thoughts:

• The doctors who care for me. I genuinely enjoy them. Especially, Dr. Attebery.
• Gorgeous weather to buoy my spirts and allow me to get fresh air in my room with windows somewhat open most of the time.
• Opened windows also mean that I hear my wind chimes better. Just love them
• My servant husband and kids...such a gift. I'm really trying to behave, and they make that easier!
• Calming music...I have needed more peace and quiet ever since last year, and love instrumental praise, or light classical...just so soothing when I don't want it silent.
• Friends and family who help with meals. Such a blessing. I've always enjoyed doing it for others, and am so thankful to be on the receiving end. 
• A clearer head with this surgery to enjoy the time of healing with reading, etc. Chemo made my head so foggy, I just had a hard time focusing.
• The beauty of coming fall colors mixed with the remaining beauty of summer flowers...just lovely.

I pray you are all having a wonderful day. There seem to be so many that are hurting in such a variety of ways. Our God can handle them all, and has gone before you, preparing the way - wanting nothing more than for you to lean on Him and see His hand at work. May you draw close to Him, closer each day.

Andi