WHAT ARE YOU GRATEFUL FOR?

I wanted to write a brief enewsletter catching you up to date and sharing my gratitude with you.

Three weeks post-op I have a “Thank You, God” list that seems endless.

1.Thank you for all your prayers. They have been abundantly answered. My surgery was a success. My body tolerated the heart/lung bypass machine, all my vital signs were good, and my recovery was fast. I didn’t need pain medications after three days, was able to walk unaided after four days and came home on day five.

I want to thank the white-haired, eighty-plus lady pictured below who shared her experience with me. I met her at Salem Heights Retreat in April and she told me she had the same procedure six months before and was up and on her feet after two weeks. What an encouragement. She gave me a whole different perspective than the one I got from watching too many episodes of ER!

2. Thank you to my friend and assistant, Karen Robbins, for posting updates on my blog.

3. Thank you to the many friends who sent cards, provided meals, blessed me with flowers, wrote emails, and called.

4. I’m thankful for my husband who has stepped in to take care of me. He makes sure I take my medications, check my blood sugar, and get my twice daily walks. He has taken me on trips and even took me out for a wonderful lunch on our anniversary. I had only been home for three days, but it was so good to do something special that day—to celebrate not only our marriage, but also my survival and all that God has ahead for His glory.

5. I’m thankful I haven’t suffered any mental affects (at least I’m not aware of any, but maybe my friends would differ :) ), nor have I felt any depression. I’m told these are possible side-effects, so once again I thank you for your prayers.

My hopes for July and the rest of the summer?

To complete cardio rehab and get my stamina back (and to rest, of course!).

To be able to drive myself after six weeks of being dependent.

To start writing my next book: Why Can’t He, Be More Like Me?

To begin meeting with women once again, for spiritual direction and support.

To have good times of prayer and quiet in the Lord’s presence.

Lots of other things are in the works for this Fall and next Spring, but they will come in God’s timing.

May you experience His love and power in fresh and real ways,

Welcome from Poppy

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