seek first the kingdom of God in all things and acknowledge Him in all things

Ok, so it’s been like forever since I wrote a “blog” article…but there’s a lot going on in my life, so I guess I really should share (hoping that someone somewhere will be encouraged by my experiences).

I started considering gastric by-pass over three years ago, but didn’t decide for sure till January ’07. As I went through the qualifying, I’d have a day of “do I really want to do this?” or “am I really ready for this?” then a week or two of confidence in my decision. Not sure if that’s “normal”, but it’s been my experience.

In November I got my date set for January 18, 2008. I started telling the activities people at all the nursing homes where I sing that I’d be off for two or three weeks after surgery. Most of my friends and family have been very supportive and excited for me…that’s a real blessing! Not sure I could have stayed resolute without support.

Then in December, I fell and broke my upper arm and tore my rotator cuff. Oh my gosh has this thing messed with my life and my mind! Had surgery to repair it (three screws in the bone and a huge scar later, I’m starting to regain use of my arm). This has really been hard for me, because in addition to the plans for my gastric surgery, I had to stop singing because I couldn’t drive for three weeks and still can’t really manage my sound system by myself. So, all total, I’m looking at two MONTHS away from the work I love.

Anyway, so now it’s January, and time is drawing near. My emotions are like a roller coaster! One minute I’m looking forward to basically starting life over again, then the next minute thoughts of fear and doubt come racing at me. If not for my faith in Christ, this would surely have derailed me and I’d have cancelled the procedure. But I know that when I made the decision a year ago, it was the right one, and I’m not going back on it! I’m determined to get healthy, so I can be here to keep singing and encouraging people, and so I can be here for my kids (who aren’t really kids anymore, but might occasionally need me, right?).

It’s Tuesday night and surgery is this Friday morning…I’m nervous about all the changes, but really not too concerned about the surgery itself. Guess that’s because I know that my Heavenly Father has already worked out the details…I know that He loves me and has GOOD plans for my future!

I hope that you’re somehow been blessed by my sharing this with you. I’ll try to write a little more before surgery and then an update when I get home from the hospital.

Have a great day and Be Blessed!

Jenn