This day did not go as planned!

Written Day 6 in the hospital. OCT 23, 2012

Friday, Bruce and I were up early, getting ready for the day’s procedure – and endoscopy and colonoscopy. I had plenty of time to sit and read the Bible and read the devotional for today. “Be real in God’s Presence” so that we can be real with those around us. Our primary focus is to be communing with the Lord, worshiping Him, glorifying Him. Then we can share His Joy and His Love with others.

Bible Verses:

Exodus 33:14 –

The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you and I will give you rest!”

Phil 4:8-9 (my eyes rested on verses 4 on down.)

To rejoice in the Lord always

Let your gentleness be evident to all

The Lord is NEAR

 Do not be anxious for anything

But in everything by prayer and petition

With thanksgiving

Present you requests to God

 And the PEACE of God

Will GUARD you HEARTS and MINDS

IN CHRIST JESUS

(the correct focus of our thoughts in v 8-9)

We did not know just how important these words were at the time of our reading them that morning. But the Lord used these words to comfort and give His peace and rest just a few short hours later.

All went according to plan. As usual, one minute I was wheeled into the procedure area and the next I was trying to open my eyes in recovery. Only this time something was wrong. It hurt to breath, I felt like our dog Wendy was sitting on my chest and I felt nauseous. An EKG was done and cleared our fears of heart issues and the pain subsided so I was discharged home with Bruce so sweetly caring for me.

On the way home the symptoms began slowly and by the time we got home and I climbed onto the bed the pain returned with a vengeance. Breathing became extremely difficult and pain radiated up both sides of my jaw, out my back as well as feeling like my chest would explode. Fortunately, and by God’s grace (another answer to His provision) I was still under some of the effects of the anesthesia from that morning.

On the way back to the ER “My Presence will go with you and I will give you rest”, “I will never leave your forsake you”, “I am with you always” pulsed in my head with each beat of my heart.

I wondered if I might see my Lord and King. It was not a frightening thought!

Excellent care was given in the ER and after it was again established my heart was not the issue they worked diligently to find the cause of the pain. Pneumomediastinum was the diagnosis after several CT scans and x-rays, an air leak into my chest cavity causing irritation and pleurisy to the chest wall and surrounding tissues. Apparently, a tear in scar tissue from past surgeries was the culprit. Praise God, (again His hand and touch of protection) there was not fluid just air!

You don’t want to go there!

So I sit here Tuesday morning with the NG tube removed, IV still doing its’ thing with the electrolytes and antibiotics infusing, caressing a container full of ice water (first drop of liquid on my tongue since Thursday) and hand on the phone to call in my first breakfast since last Wednesday. Clear liquids – ambrosia from Heaven!!!!

Another nugget learned from all of this! I share it joyfully with you . . .

GOD IS WITH ME IN ALL THINGS!

He sees all circumstances before they occur

And His arms are always around me!

His Word is my lifeline

His promises are my anchor to His heart!