Prayer Request: Post-op Night Pain Episodes

I had minor (laparoscopic) abdominal surgery Wednesday. Since surgery, I have been wakened at least once every night in severe pain even though not due for more pain medication for hours yet. The pain is relatively severe when it comes. I have had worse before, but this is still pretty intense. It is puzzling. It is not due to the incisions. Those actually do not hurt. One of them has bothered some off and on, but not even what I would call pain. Instead, this is all internal. It may be related to one of the findings during surgery that helped explain some of the more recent abdominal pain I had been having prior to surgery. So far, the physicians do not know what is causing this to happen or what to do for relief. I am already at maximal amount of pain medications that can be taken orally. The surgeon increased the narcotic dose on Thursday and yesterday an on-call physician told me to take the prescription dose of the naproxen. I tried this and still had a bad night last night. I am doing everything suggested and then some. (Lots of ice packs, soothing music, hot tea, prayer.) God is the Great Physician and He knows what is causing this pain and what the solution is. I must trust and rest in Him. I would greatly appreciate prayer for tonight. I am becoming fearful of nights.

Busy Week

It has been another long, tiring day. Between short nights and long days I am completely exhausted. But, I think I have things pretty much in order both at home and work for me to be down a few days for a minor surgery and then recovery time. Praying that everything goes smoothly with the surgery in the morning and that recovery goes well. God has given grace and strength for each day. He will continue to provide.

True Security

The following is taken from my quiet time readings this morning.

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
“Do not search for security in the world you inhabit. You tend to make mental checklists of things you need to do in order to gain control of your life. If only you could check everything off your list, you could relax and be at peace. But the more you work to accomplish that goal, the more things crop up on your list. The harder you try, the more frustrated you become. There is a better way to find security in your life. Instead of scrutinizing your checklist, focus your attention on My Presence with you. This continual contact with Me will keep you in My Peace. Moreover, I will help you sort out what is important and what is not, what needs to be done now and what does not. Fix your eyes not on what is seen (your circumstances), but on what is unseen (My Presence).”
Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV) “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.”
2 Corinthians 4:18 (KJV) “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

My thoughts: Oh wow… This seems as if written just for me-exactly where I am right now and currently struggling. This was both convicting and encouraging. There is nothing wrong with lists, but the focus must be God and His agenda-not mine. I must allow Him to direct.

A New Niece!!!

Daddy and new little girl

Lucy Mae, 7 lb, 14 oz, 20.5 in. 9:56am, 5/1/11

Ava, the new big sister!

The whole family!!

Me with my new niece!

Lucy Mae Kratzer arrived this morning! All are healthy and doing well. Lucy is a precious new blessing.

Rest

From my quiet time this morning:
From Jesus Calling by Sarah Young:
“Rest in the stillness of My presence while I prepare you for this day. Let the radiance of My Glory shine upon you, as you wait on Me in confident trust. Be still and know that I am God. There is both a passive and an active side to trusting Me. As you rest in My Presence, focusing on Me, I quietly build bonds of trust between us. When you respond to the circumstances of your life with affirmations of trust, you actively participate in the process.
I am always with you, so you have no reason to be afraid. Your fear often manifests itself in excessive planning. Your mind is so accustomed to this pattern of thinking that you are only now becoming aware of how pervasive it is and how much it hinders your intimacy with Me. Repent of this tendency and resist it, whenever you realize you are wandering down this well-worn path. Return to My Presence, which always awaits you in the present moment. I accept you back with no condemnation.”
Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."
Romans 8:1 "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."

Just what I needed to be reminded of! This so clearly states some of the things I have been learning. God is loving and faithful-always! He is good-beyond comprehension!

Resurrection Day!

The Strife is O'er

"Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

The strife is o’er, the battle done;
The victory of life is won;
The song of triumph has begun: Alleluia!

The powers of death have done their worst;
But Christ their legions hath dispersed;
Let shouts of holy joy outburst: Alleluia!

The three sad days are quickly sped;
He rises glorious from the dead;
All glory to our risen Head! Alleluia!

He closed the yawning gates of hell;
The bars from heaven’s high portals fell;
Let hymns of praise His triumphs tell! Alleluia!

Lord, by the stripes which wounded Thee,
From death’s dread sting Thy servants free,
That we may live, and sing to Thee: Alleluia!"

This hymn has been going through my mind all day!

1 Corinthians 15:57
"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Victory in the Lord Jesus Christ!

Update on Mom

Here is an update on my mom written by my sister Lori.

Oh, how great is Your goodness, Which You have laid up for those who fear You, Which You have prepared for those who trust in You In the presence of the sons of men! – Psalm 31:19

My parents enjoyed taking advantage of Mom’s break from chemo to travel together to San Diego to visit family and then to Phoenix for a business trip with Dad’s work. The break has truly been a blessing for Mom in every way and we thank the Lord for this time of physical and mental rest for her.

On Monday, she had a new set of scans taken and the results were a blend of good news and not-so-good news. Her organs continue to be clear of spots, but the spots on her bones have shown enough signs of change to be labeled “progressive disease” and she started a new round of chemo on Wednesday. She will have three rounds of the chemo (about three months) and then another set of scans to determine the next step.

Thank you for your faithful prayers for Mom and for our family. We continue to rest in the tender care of the Great Physician and look forward to the goodness that He has stored up for us.