One of my hardest lessons to learn was to let people with the gifts of giving and helps minister to me.  Ironically, I have the gift of helps and mercy, so I am always trying to do for others.  Ask for help.  My church has a ministry called "House Busters" for people who get sick and can't do things around their house.  These are women who will come in and clean the place.  Let your church know of your need.  Whether it is meals for the kids, or some light housework, or just taking the kids shopping for school.  

Scripture says something about pride going before the fall. 

Hugs,
Trish

My sister is on here . She is Rabbitfancy. Anyway she has had her lap band for almost 2 yrs I think. Now let me say I just had surgery the 17th. ( I am going somewhere with that tad but of info) I talked to her today and she has to have her lap band removed since it is erroding to her stomach. Well as if that isnt bad enough she just found out she has MRSA in it. So here is the bad part since it is erroding she has an ope gut in which she has to pack 2x's daily. I love her emmensly and I have realized what a stong woman she is. I have a divit  in my gut with a medioker opening not big at all. Her on the other hand has an opening that she has to pack and her wonderful loving dr giver her 120ml of Loratab for pain and at first told her to use advil. My doctor is great I call and get refills for pain without a hastle of 300 mls and dont have to pack my gut and here she is and has to endure this pain. She needs MUCH strength and I would so much appreciate ur help.

Thank you so much
Donna

Hey everyone.  Let me begin by praising God for each of you and your comforting words.  You have blessed me.

To update.....I saw the surgeon today.  He didn't like the speed with which the incision/infection is healing so he upped the private duty nursing to twice a day to care for it and put me on an antibiotic.  (I am so glad!)  Otherwise he said I need to hydrate more and get more protein and recheck the incision in a week.  The Lord has blessed me so much in that my nurse is my friend and is taking such good care of me.....I didn't have to use a visiting nurse service or fight with the insurance about it. 

I am trying to be more conscious of the nutrition intake and started soft foods today too.  My sweet little daughter, (she's 10), made me a soft scrambled egg this afternoon.  How weird but wonderful to taste real food after all the liquids!

My children are away this weekend with my ex husband and I am alone.  I plan to relax, watch my nutrition, and PRAY.  My life verse is Jeremiah 29:11-13...." For I know the plans I have for you....Plans to prosper you and not to harm you....".  That verse was my touchstone as I got through an unwanted divorce.  I am refocusing on that verse now because I know He still has a plan for me indeed.  I need to be still and listen....and trust.


This forum and the Changed for Life group are such blessings.  No one's way is easy, but I believe that often it is the prayer and support of other members of the Body of Christ which enable each of us to find our way.  Thank you again.

In Christ,
Monica

PS - As of today's appt, I am down 22 lbs since my pre op visit!  I am 11 days out. 

Hi, Teri.
I'd forgotten I'd asked that question, but then I remembered how the Lord nudged me with that very question, when I prepared today's devotion for my OH friends the very first time. I just love how awesomely current God is, no matter the time frame. :)
Yes, "the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace." :)
Thanks for reading and replying, Teri. It blesses me.
Blessings,
Mary

IT'S IN THE VALLEYS I GROW
                                             by Jane Eggleston


Sometimes life seems hard to bear,
Full of sorrow, trouble and woe
It's then we have to remember
That it's in the valleys we grow.

If we always stayed on the mountain top
And never experienced pain,
We would never appreciate God's love
And would be living in vain.

We have so much to learn
And our growth is very slow,
Sometimes we need the mountain tops,
But it's in the valleys we grow.

We do not always understand
Why things happen as they do,
But I am very sure of one thing.
My Lord will see me through.

Thought this might lift your spirit...   I am praying for you!

In Christ-
Teri