Another good report

Another good report

I had my quarterly MRI this week and my follow-up consultation with the dr. I was privileged to see Michelle, Dr. Dang's physician's assistant. She has been such a blessing to me. I have not been able to see her much because our insurance will only pay for a "certified doctor." So, when I get to see her it is a real privilege--not to diminish Dr. Dang's role in my health at all. He is a wonderful doctor, and has been very concerned about my welfare. I got a "good report" from my MRI, meaning there is no indication of change in the size of the tumor. I will receive that as a GOOD REPORT, although I would prefer them to tell me it is gone. I have a friend at church that told me that God spoke to her that my tumor was going to be "as if it never was there." The whole time I was laying on the table for the MRI, I prayed that prayer. Not yet, but that does not change who God is or what he can do in my life.

In my last blog, I shared what another lady at church said about the elderly (and lame). That God still has things for us to do, and we should be trying to discover what it is He wants us to do. I very much want to do that, SO I am going to quit complaining and making excuses, and grow where I am planted, in an effort to allow God to accomplish what He will in my life.

In his book, Psalm 23, the song of a passionate heart, David Roper says this: "God knows our pace. He knows when grief, pain, and loneliness overwhelm us; when the full realization of our limitations comes home to us; when we're shamed and broken and unable to go on. God does not drive His sheep; He gently leads them. He allows for hesitation and trepidation. He gives credit for decisions and resolutions that are strenuously tested. He understands courage that falters in the face of terrible odds; He can accommodate a faith that flames out under stress. He takes into account the hidden reasons for failure; He feels the full weight of our disasters. He knows our pain as no one else knows it. Our bleating reaches His ears; He hears even our inarticulate cries.

When we lag behind He does not scold us. Rather He gathers us up, encircles us with His strong arm, and carries us next to His heart. The essence, the central core of God's character, lies here: He has the heart of a tender shepherd. "Great is the gentleness of our Lord," says German scholar Johann Bengel."

As human beings, we have such a tendency to pass judgment or give up on others that don't somehow measure up. I am afraid I have been guilty of this more times than I care to think about. Thank God that He does not measure us with the same measure we measure others. I am thankful that the pressure is off. That is not part of my job description!

PATIENT UPDATES: Gordon started physical therapy this week. He is still in more pain than he would like, and has also been plagued with bouts of nausea and dizziness. He has become best friends with his recliner. My heart goes out to him because of the pain he continues to endure. My daughter-in-law is healing nicely from her gall bladder surgery. Her Mom is recovering at home finally. We are so fortunate to have her. She is truly a miracle from God! Even her doctors are amazed that she pulled through. If God performs one miracle, He can do another!! Thank you all for your continued prayers.