Flowers!

This is the beautiful arrangement that was delivered yesterday! It is from everyone at Lake Country. These brightened my day when they came. It was a pleasant surprise in an otherwise quiet and uninteresting weekend. They are so cheerful looking. I am so grateful for all the prayers and thoughtfulness!

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.