What heart surgery has taught me...

I am so happy to report that as of Saturday, things have taken an up swing! Every day seems to be a bit better. My heart rate still drops low, but not as often, and the few other issues (migraines, dizziness, loss of vision) are most likely temporary. So here's what I've learned (so far)!

1. There is a sign along the highway on the way to the hospital that says, "Prepare to meet Thy God!" So I have spent a lot of time pondering this. There were many times over the past couple of months where I wasn't sure my heart would withstand another beat. Thought I might have to pull out my famous Fred Sanford imitation! So I've seriously considered: was I ready to meet my Creator? Do I truly believe what I've read in the Bible? Am I certain of my salvation?

2 Corinthians 13:5 says, "Examine yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine. Test yourselves. If you cannot tell that Jesus Christ is among you, it means you have failed the test."

John 3:3 "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

Has my walk matched my talk? Would God be pleased with my life? My thoughts? My service? Do I show genuine fruit and evidence of God working in my life?

2. Always be ready for a trial. There was one week from the time we knew I would have to have surgery to the time the surgery was scheduled. I was so thankful for Jeff and his leadership and protection. He has encouraged and allowed me to be a keeper at home so I could be with our children. I didn't feel panicked that I had to quickly teach or prepare our children for this time. I didn't feel as though I had to make up for lost time. I've been allowed to spend time and invest in their lives all along and have no regrets in doing so! This was also a huge blessing to the older kids as well, as things seemed to fall in place and prepared for such a trial. Not that things have been easy, but they certainly could have been a lot worse, a lot more chaotic and uncertain!

1 Peter 3:15 "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always [be] ready to [give] a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

3. Prayer works. I really didn't think I could handle staying awake through the surgery, but after Jeff prayed with me I had such a peace, such a comfort, that I knew it was evidence of God. Deuteronomy 31:8 "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." And whenever Ben is asked to pray he prays for "Mommy to get better!" God is answering!

4. Allow others to be a blessing. It took me four kids before I could do this with out any guilt. I had to swallow all pride and give up the fake front that I could handle it all myself. So at that point I purposed that if anyone wanted to help or offered to help I would gladly and gratefully accept. It is always better to give than receive, but by God's design He wants us on both ends of the spectrum. It has blessed my heart to feel the out pour of love from the cards, gifts, visits, and meals. It has been a wonderful example to my children for them to see such blessings and serving hearts as well! And most of my kids know that making a meal for our crew is like feeding the 5,000, so we have all been blessed indeed!

5. I have a deeper compassion for those who are chronically sick, in wheel chairs, in hospitals, and in dire situations. I also have a renewed appreciation that I can walk, be with my family, see and touch, and all the blessings that God has bestowed on us!

2 Corinthians 12:9, 10 "And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

6. I have learned to love big! No one is promised tomorrow, tell those you love that you love them! Show them! We have always hugged and kissed every morning, every nap time, every evening and anytime someone leaves to go somewhere. You can tell them on the phone, in a letter or even a fax! Love them like there is no tomorrow! Hebrews 9:27 "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" For none of us truly know just when that appointment will be! We all will eventually leave - leave them loved!

7. And lastly, I've learned to count my blessings! I am SO incredibly blessed! Jeff and the kids, friends and family have labored in love and have taken such good care of me! My cup runneth over and over! God has protected, provided, and proven, in so many ways!

Isaiah 63:7 "I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which He is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us-- yes, the many good things He has done for the house of Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses."