Thank You Lord... The Last Surgery is Over!!

Dear Ones,

I'm sitting looking out at the most beautiful picture I've ever seen! Every branch and shrub is wrapped in about 3- 4 inches of snow. There must be over 30 inches of snow on the ground. How can one not believe in God when you see His hand on this beautiful picture?

Thankfully we made it back to Michele's yesterday afternoon after a BUMPY drive!! I awoke to huge pain after surgery. I saw shocked because I was told the nipple reconstruction was a "piece of cake"...mainly because there isn't much feeling in that area. However....he did major change in the right breast to reposition it with a huge incision from around the bottom of the breast up to the top.....and another incision in the left breast to lower it a bit. ....thus the PAIN!
Some day I'll be glad Dr. Baker is a perfectionist....today...it's hard to appreciate!! I'm back on the BIG pain pills and will not hesitate to take them because I know I'm not hooked and can stop when I don't have pain. Thank You Lord!!

I've never been one to cry.....it gives me a horrible headache....so I just don't cry!! However this surgery and yesterday made them flow before I could stop them. It's amazing....God sent me a message today in my devotional that makes my heart soar!! It's written by Joni Eareckson Tada:

Every Tear

Revelation 21:1-5

"(God) will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or PAIN, for the old order of things has passed away."

It's not merely that heaven will be wonderful in spite of our anguish: it will be wonderful because of it! Suffering serves us. A faithful response to affliction accrues a weight of glory. A bounteous reward. God has every intention of rewarding your endurance. Why else would he meticulously chronicle every one of your tears? "record my lament; list my tears on your scroll---are they not on your record?" (Psalm 56:8)

Every tear you've cried will be redeemed. God will give you indescribable glory for your grief. Not with a general wave of the hand, but in a considered and specific way. Each tear has been listed: each will be recompensed. The worth of our weeping is underscored again in today's verse, "he will wipe every tear from their eyes." It won't be the duty of angles or others. It'll be God's!!! Thank you Joni for these wonderful words of encouragement....when I needed them most.

More tears were shed as I read this precious love letter to me and YOU!! Isn't God's timing perfect!!! I know many of you reading this are in pain...for various reasons and your tears are being recorded by God also! I pray this thought will give you strength to reach for another day and know you are not alone!

Thank you dear ones for your continued prayers for me and my family! I know as days go past the pain will lessen and be gone....but I never want to forget 2006 and the over powering love God has had for me and you! His promises made to me are fulfilled and it's very humbling!

We go back to see Dr. Baker at 8:30 Tues. (Jan. 2) for a follow-up. If everything is OK...we will hit the road again for Tx. Looking forward to spend a week with my twin sister Linda and her husband Wayne, in Galveston starting Jan. 5th. I probably won't post again until we return from that trip!

Happy New Year to all. Praying God will be pouring blessings on each of you and your families through out this New Year! Be sure to watch for those "everyday" blessings He's sending you each day!

Loving Him and you,

Donna

She's Out of Surgery!

Mom just got out of surgery. She was scheduled for 2pm this afternoon, but she didn't go in until 4:15. She is now in recovery. Dr. Baker said everything went well! It will be another 45 minutes before Dad will be able to see her. However, she is already awake and talking. She will be able to spend tonight at the hospital. This is a praise since we are having another major snowstorm right now. They will head back up to Longmont either tomorrow am or afternoon....depending on the weather. The worst of the storm is suppose to be tomorrow. We all appreciate your prayers and support! Love, Michele

Wishing You All A Special Christmas

Hello Everyone,

It's Christmas eve and we just finished making cookies for Santa and baking Jesus birthday cake for tomorrow's lunch. Haley 8 and Kallie 5 are so excited I don't think they will sleep tonight!

Missing my surgery Fri. because of the blizzard has a great silver lining!! I'm feeling good and enjoyed services today at church and time with the grandkids. Only thing better would be to have our daughter Teresa and her family with us too! Maybe next year.

Surgery is now rescheduled for Dec. 28th at 2:00 p.m. Third time must be a charm! I SURE HOPE SO! We will stay here in Co. until we see Dr. Baker for a follow -up on Jan. 2nd. and then head back to Tx. that day.

Your continued prayers are such a blessing to me and my family! I wish I had better words and ways to thank you for all you have done for us. My heart is over flowing with awe and joy to see your love for us. This has been a year of seeing God's hand on our lives and lots of daily blessings! It has been a long year of pain....yet I never felt alone. I knew there has been a plan for this journey from the start and God would walk with me each step of the way. The support of Lloyd, my family and each of you has been incredible.

We pray Christmas will hold special memories for you and your families this year. For some reading this, I know you are missing loved one for the first time this year. Hold fast to the happy memories. For others perhaps you have family problems. There will not be family dinners. I pray you will find the One who knows your heart and your pain. God wants us all to reach for His hand...he knows our hurts, sorrows, pain and suffering. Reach out to others...and seek to know God and his love!

Need to get to bed....2 little girls will be waking us early! Hug each other for us!!

Merry Christmas......Easter is coming!

Joyfully His,
Donna`

Be Still and Know........

that I am God. Psalm 46:10

All I can think and say it is not my will.....we are in God's hands in the blizzard of 2006. Surgery tomorrow in Denver at 6 a.m. will not happen AGAIN.

We are snug and warm in the Comfort Inn in Colby, Ks. Yesterday at 11:30 a.m. the State Police were making everyone get off I 70 west to Denver because of the storm!! We thought we would be able to get back on the road today.....but at 3 p.m. as I write... I 70 is still closed and we hear it probably won't open until tomorrow morning.....250 miles from Denver!! I've had 2 calls into my Dr. ...haven't heard back....called the hospital....they were in meetings about scheduling surgery tomorrow and I'm to call back.....just wanted to let them know I was going to be a 'no show'!!

Thanks for all the calls I'm getting from many of you about our location and safety on the road.
Anxious to see when we can reschedule. The journey continues....will keep you posted.

Trusting Our Faithful God,
Donna

Path to Prayer:
Lord of Hope, I place my trust in you and I praise you for making all things well with my soul. Please receive glory as I magnify and adore your name, lifting my soul before you. With you, there is no reason to be downhearted.

This is the scene we're stuck in!