I titled this "End of Trial" because in one sense it would seem that we have just experienced that "End" with the visit with the cardiologist a couple of days ago to hear the results of recent tests. With a big smile on his face, Dr. Kerns delightedly informed us of the good news that Monty has recovered exceptionally well.
The medical terms are: 1)his ejection fraction of the heart is at 45% (which was at 30% after his second heart attack)!!! That is really a lot better than he thought it would be and to put it in perspective, normal is not 100%, as one would expect, but rather 55%!! The Dr was pleasantly surprised with that. He said that it was because of prayer that Monty's is so good!! AMEN to that!!
2) Having gained as much as that 10-15% means that he won't need a defibrillator, which is good news.
3)He also is not at risk for major fatal heart rhythm problems.
4)The echo cardiogram and PET Scan did show that 20% of the heart muscle is dead and that he has about 70% usage of his heart.
5)His kidney levels (creatinine) have come down from the high point and seem to have leveled off...........still a bit high, but not requiring more serious treatment. He has 30% function of his kidneys. The left kidney does have some stones and the right one has cysts. They are still a "wait and see" thing.
6)He is now able to have some reductions in the medications made, hoping to continue that down to a minimal amount.
So, you, too, may offer your praises and thanksgiving to the LORD for His amazing power and how He encourages with such amazing answers to prayers.... going beyond what we could ask or think. (Eph 3:20)
So thus, life begins to move along with more normalcy as this immediate trial has seemingly come to an end. We just now live life with a little bit better perspective and different lifestyle (heart-healthy eating ALL the time)!!
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Trusting God
Last night I was privileged to sit in on an interesting discussion about "Trusting God". Truly, conversations like that are "holy" moments, times of sanctuary = "set apart" times for reflection and soul-searching. So often our conversations are so frivolous and shallow, really without much thought or eternal value, even, dare I say, sinful???!!! By that I mean, not "holy", nor edifying, nor glorifying to God and His character.
As I thought about all of this, in the wee hours of the morning when the thunder jolted me from my dead sleep, a reminder of a lesson I learned years ago through a near-death car wreck. Shortly after we had arrived home from CA.......which is where we were headed when we had the wreck in AZ, having been left for dead by a "hit-and-run" 18-wheeler....I found myself, sitting with my journal in hand, asking the LORD to teach me about trusting Him more fully and how will I know what is important and what is not!!! In a non-audible voice, He spoke to me. (Now please, don't freak out....I am not talking about latter day revelations or visions, but just that still small voice of my Shepherd lovingly guiding me into His way of the green pastures!!)
Anyway, two questions came to my mind that would help me to know whether what i was doing was of Him (and thus important) or of self (and not so important). 1)Does this glorify God? and 2) Will this last forever? If the answer to one or both is "No"... then why do it?
So, I began to ask myself those questions about almost everything I was doing. "What about cleaning toilets?" "What about doing laundry?" "How about exercising?" and on and on it went for me. How do I answer those questions with the mundane? Well, in this whole "trusting God" issue the topic of obedience came up and how it relates to trusting God, glorifying Him, etc. And it was suggested that it is a matter of the heart. So, yes, cleaning toilets, doing laundry, exercising, witnessing or even journaling can glorify Him and thus last forever!! His glory is forever and we get to participate in that as we trust and obey!! What a privilege!!
As I thought about all of this, in the wee hours of the morning when the thunder jolted me from my dead sleep, a reminder of a lesson I learned years ago through a near-death car wreck. Shortly after we had arrived home from CA.......which is where we were headed when we had the wreck in AZ, having been left for dead by a "hit-and-run" 18-wheeler....I found myself, sitting with my journal in hand, asking the LORD to teach me about trusting Him more fully and how will I know what is important and what is not!!! In a non-audible voice, He spoke to me. (Now please, don't freak out....I am not talking about latter day revelations or visions, but just that still small voice of my Shepherd lovingly guiding me into His way of the green pastures!!)
Anyway, two questions came to my mind that would help me to know whether what i was doing was of Him (and thus important) or of self (and not so important). 1)Does this glorify God? and 2) Will this last forever? If the answer to one or both is "No"... then why do it?
So, I began to ask myself those questions about almost everything I was doing. "What about cleaning toilets?" "What about doing laundry?" "How about exercising?" and on and on it went for me. How do I answer those questions with the mundane? Well, in this whole "trusting God" issue the topic of obedience came up and how it relates to trusting God, glorifying Him, etc. And it was suggested that it is a matter of the heart. So, yes, cleaning toilets, doing laundry, exercising, witnessing or even journaling can glorify Him and thus last forever!! His glory is forever and we get to participate in that as we trust and obey!! What a privilege!!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Expelled
THE MOVIE EXPELLED
Evolution is a FACT, there is not a shred of evidence for intelligent design, a total incompatibility between God and science, It could be that life (by Darwinian means) could have “designed” a form of life that was “seeded”…you might find a sign of some “design . . .” Richard Dawkins
Some assorted quotes from the movie “EXPELLED” follow (as best as remembered): Creation of the earth= Lighting and the energy “managed to arrange” molecules for the primordial soup. Molecules “piggybacked” onto crystals and opened the way for natural selection from simple to complex….and a chance for life to arise on its own. Religion is the cause of all terrorism. The teaching of Intelligent Design would stunt educational growth. Why should we eliminate a possible Creator? What about academic freedom? If you want a piece of the pie you must be a good comrade. Core view (Evolution) doesn’t tolerate or allow dissent. You can’t question the paradigm (Darwinism evolution). Open mindedness is not allowed. There is a fear of unraveling Darwinism. There is incredible complexity, but this can’t be discussed openly. Is Darwinian evolution adequate for what we see? Darwin didn’t have the microscopic element to SEE the vast complexity. There is a full frontal attack on religion….religion gets the wrong answer (God), one of them has to win, and it has to be science. Freedom is the essence of America. Freedom is what makes America great. Why do we not have the freedom to follow the evidence where ever it leads? There is more academic freedom in Poland than the U. S. A. Keep science in the box where God is NOT allowed. Truth will rise again….No lie can last forever.
Hopefully many of you will take advantage of the opportunity to see this documentary about the incredible controversy about even the possibility that Intelligent Design exists in our universe, and that you will realize the incredible fight that is going on for basically TRUTH. We are so “politically correct” that we are losing (have lost) our basic freedoms. Universities and colleges are NOT the marketplaces for free exchange of ideas, but rather the indoctrination factories of our children for one view only, the Atheistic Marxist view. Pilot asked in John 18:38 “What is Truth?” We still, in our enlightened 21st century cannot seem to figure that out. We are seeing a fulfillment of I Timothy 4 and II Timothy 3, and II Peter 3. Perhaps the greatest encouragement to Christians at this particular time in history is the confidence of knowing that God will get His job done, with or without us, He is pleased to use us as we are available, but HE is the ONE who overcomes the power of sin and death: These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33 (Comments from Dr. Jobe Martin...Biblical Discipleship Ministries)
Evolution is a FACT, there is not a shred of evidence for intelligent design, a total incompatibility between God and science, It could be that life (by Darwinian means) could have “designed” a form of life that was “seeded”…you might find a sign of some “design . . .” Richard Dawkins
Some assorted quotes from the movie “EXPELLED” follow (as best as remembered): Creation of the earth= Lighting and the energy “managed to arrange” molecules for the primordial soup. Molecules “piggybacked” onto crystals and opened the way for natural selection from simple to complex….and a chance for life to arise on its own. Religion is the cause of all terrorism. The teaching of Intelligent Design would stunt educational growth. Why should we eliminate a possible Creator? What about academic freedom? If you want a piece of the pie you must be a good comrade. Core view (Evolution) doesn’t tolerate or allow dissent. You can’t question the paradigm (Darwinism evolution). Open mindedness is not allowed. There is a fear of unraveling Darwinism. There is incredible complexity, but this can’t be discussed openly. Is Darwinian evolution adequate for what we see? Darwin didn’t have the microscopic element to SEE the vast complexity. There is a full frontal attack on religion….religion gets the wrong answer (God), one of them has to win, and it has to be science. Freedom is the essence of America. Freedom is what makes America great. Why do we not have the freedom to follow the evidence where ever it leads? There is more academic freedom in Poland than the U. S. A. Keep science in the box where God is NOT allowed. Truth will rise again….No lie can last forever.
Hopefully many of you will take advantage of the opportunity to see this documentary about the incredible controversy about even the possibility that Intelligent Design exists in our universe, and that you will realize the incredible fight that is going on for basically TRUTH. We are so “politically correct” that we are losing (have lost) our basic freedoms. Universities and colleges are NOT the marketplaces for free exchange of ideas, but rather the indoctrination factories of our children for one view only, the Atheistic Marxist view. Pilot asked in John 18:38 “What is Truth?” We still, in our enlightened 21st century cannot seem to figure that out. We are seeing a fulfillment of I Timothy 4 and II Timothy 3, and II Peter 3. Perhaps the greatest encouragement to Christians at this particular time in history is the confidence of knowing that God will get His job done, with or without us, He is pleased to use us as we are available, but HE is the ONE who overcomes the power of sin and death: These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33 (Comments from Dr. Jobe Martin...Biblical Discipleship Ministries)
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
The Least of These
Matt 25:37-40
37 "Then the righteous will answer Him, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? 38'And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? 39'When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' 40 " The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.'
Recently, God has led me into a totally new ministry which is very exciting to me.... ministering to the VERY LEAST OF THESE ~ the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked!! Is there anyone LESS than a newborn, an infant or a toddler with no home?
I am humbled to serve on the Board of Directors for The Anna's House Foundation.
If you will click on that title you can peruse the website for more information.
Several months ago, Greg and Beth Harkins, the founders, were sitting in front of me in church, holding precious, little Anna. Of course, being the Mimi that I am, I had to hold her!! THAT DID IT!!! It was a God moment (hour) for me! My heart was so drawn to her heart. I already had prayed for Anna for months......ever since she had come into the Harkins' home as a foster baby with severe health problems.
Since God usually gently leads us into His plans and purposes, I was not surprised when shortly after that time in church, at a women's conference with optional local ministry workshops, I was drawn to the one for newborns in crisis and then the one for foster parenting/mentoring. That was the second "God-tapping" on my heart. And then the very next day, Beth called to ask if I would pray about serving on the Board. Needless to say, God was speaking to me loudly and clearly by now!!
So, I wanted to share this with you, just to let you know that we would love to have you pray with us about this new venture/vision in caring for the "Least of These in OKC". If, in your praying, God should lead you in a desire to become involved in any capacity with us, there is contact information on the website.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Thinking Back
Since Monty and I have had these past (almost) six weeks with many hours of being together alone,(refer back to Older Posts "Through the Valley of the Shadow"Mar 11-26) I have reflected back to our courtship and marriage before children, which was from 1964-1969. We met on a blind date (blind to me, not him) the first Sunday of my freshman year at college. Within two months we were committed to each other in a dating relationship and then married in 1966. And in those years and the first two of our married life (the third year he was flying helicopters in SE Asia) we spent a lot of time alone, talking, praying, playing......... just enjoying each other immensely.
And just today,when we were going to our second grocery store, we were talking about how much we have enjoyed spending all of this time together in his recovery from his recent heart attacks. He is getting closer to being able to drive alone and be on his own again, and I asked him if he will be glad to have that freedom from me. His reply, "Not at all!! I will miss you. I like to be with you!!"
My encouragement to those of you who are marred is to take time to be alone with each other ~ doing things you enjoy ~ even while you are busy with your "family things". Monty and I made it a habit to get away for a week-end every six months........just to keep our friendship vibrant and alive. We couldn't afford to go anywhere nice and that was not the point. It was just to connect in a relaxing setting without being interrupted. We usually swapped baby-sitting week-ends with other families. (Some got jipped because we had four children and they only had two or three!!!)
Several times we have commented on how thankful we are that we love each other so much and how hard this whole trial would have been if we did not enjoy each other's company. It is a great thing to be married to my best friend!!!
And just today,when we were going to our second grocery store, we were talking about how much we have enjoyed spending all of this time together in his recovery from his recent heart attacks. He is getting closer to being able to drive alone and be on his own again, and I asked him if he will be glad to have that freedom from me. His reply, "Not at all!! I will miss you. I like to be with you!!"
My encouragement to those of you who are marred is to take time to be alone with each other ~ doing things you enjoy ~ even while you are busy with your "family things". Monty and I made it a habit to get away for a week-end every six months........just to keep our friendship vibrant and alive. We couldn't afford to go anywhere nice and that was not the point. It was just to connect in a relaxing setting without being interrupted. We usually swapped baby-sitting week-ends with other families. (Some got jipped because we had four children and they only had two or three!!!)
Several times we have commented on how thankful we are that we love each other so much and how hard this whole trial would have been if we did not enjoy each other's company. It is a great thing to be married to my best friend!!!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Good News
Just wanted to give a brief report from our visit to the doctor today for Monty's one-week-from- dismissal-check-up!!! And it was good news on several counts. One is that he can eat protein now. Previously, I mentioned that he could only have 7 grams of protein/day. Well, on Monday I called that dietitian back to tell her that was impossible....... and she said that she meant 7 oz/day!! Poor Monty!! That was a difficult 4-5 days for him. But, Dr. Kerns said today that he did not have to limit his protein...........just the salt!! However, his creatinine has gotten higher, not lower, so the kidney function is still a concern. He did reduce some of his meds..... which we pray will change that!!
The second good news was that the doctor felt like we "have finally turned a very slow corner, but that Monty had turned it"!!! Dr. Kerns really feels like he is ready for cardiac rehab to get him strong and healthy again. He is very encouraged with the progress he is making, heart and lung wise!!! So, he gave Monty permission to start driving again...........first with me, you know, learner's permit sort of thing!!!
Later the same evening...........
Well, Monty just passed his first driving test!! We cheated death again and made it safely into the garage!!
So, we thank you all so much for your prayers for his continued recovery over the next month or so. Our next appointment for the PET scan and echo cardiogram of his heart will be May 2. We will know then how damaged his heart (that front wall) is. His on-going needs are sleeping at night and kidney function improvement.
The second good news was that the doctor felt like we "have finally turned a very slow corner, but that Monty had turned it"!!! Dr. Kerns really feels like he is ready for cardiac rehab to get him strong and healthy again. He is very encouraged with the progress he is making, heart and lung wise!!! So, he gave Monty permission to start driving again...........first with me, you know, learner's permit sort of thing!!!
Later the same evening...........
Well, Monty just passed his first driving test!! We cheated death again and made it safely into the garage!!
So, we thank you all so much for your prayers for his continued recovery over the next month or so. Our next appointment for the PET scan and echo cardiogram of his heart will be May 2. We will know then how damaged his heart (that front wall) is. His on-going needs are sleeping at night and kidney function improvement.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Encouraging Words
Sometimes it seems a strange thing how unexpectedly encouraging words can change us. With that most recent stay in the hospital (Mar 14-19), God provided us with some "Barnabas" experiences. One happened on Monday morning when I was walking the halls of the Heart Hospital while going over what was happening with one of my daughters who is in CO. Long story short, I ran into the doctor (Dr. Ghanni) who had done the procedure on Monty when he was having his second massive heart attack.
He seemed surprised to see me. When I told him that we were back because of the fluid on Monty's lung and that this had been our second trip to the ER since we had left on the 6th, he said he was sorry to hear that. But then he went on to say that with all of the events that had happened to him (7 in 7 days), it is no wonder. He explained that it is a balancing act for doctors to find the right combination of medications for each individual and sometimes dehydration occurs (the first trip back) and congestive heart failure, = fluid on the lungs, occurs. And then came the encouraging words!!! "But in a couple of months, he will be fine......back to his activities and strong again!"
I asked him if he really believed that.......to which he replied, "I have NO DOUBT!!! His heart has made it through these two things just fine and with the adjustment to his meds and some time to recover from the two blows to his heart, he will be fine!!" Now I tell you, friends, those were encouraging words!!
The second source of encouragement came from the home health nurse today when she saw him, listened to his heart and lungs and said "You sound great! Your heartbeat is strong and regular and your lungs are completely clear!"
If you have been on this journey with us the past few weeks, I hope you are encouraged by this blog and are praising the LORD with us!!
(P.S.) One prayer request: his kidney function is still in jeopardy. He can only have 7 grams of protein a day and only 1 gram of salt. Pray that either his kidney heals, or I learn soon how to make tasty food without much protein options!!!
He seemed surprised to see me. When I told him that we were back because of the fluid on Monty's lung and that this had been our second trip to the ER since we had left on the 6th, he said he was sorry to hear that. But then he went on to say that with all of the events that had happened to him (7 in 7 days), it is no wonder. He explained that it is a balancing act for doctors to find the right combination of medications for each individual and sometimes dehydration occurs (the first trip back) and congestive heart failure, = fluid on the lungs, occurs. And then came the encouraging words!!! "But in a couple of months, he will be fine......back to his activities and strong again!"
I asked him if he really believed that.......to which he replied, "I have NO DOUBT!!! His heart has made it through these two things just fine and with the adjustment to his meds and some time to recover from the two blows to his heart, he will be fine!!" Now I tell you, friends, those were encouraging words!!
The second source of encouragement came from the home health nurse today when she saw him, listened to his heart and lungs and said "You sound great! Your heartbeat is strong and regular and your lungs are completely clear!"
If you have been on this journey with us the past few weeks, I hope you are encouraged by this blog and are praising the LORD with us!!
(P.S.) One prayer request: his kidney function is still in jeopardy. He can only have 7 grams of protein a day and only 1 gram of salt. Pray that either his kidney heals, or I learn soon how to make tasty food without much protein options!!!
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