July 30, 2004

I wanted to let you know that surgery will definitely be on August 5th. I feel okay about it since we all prayed for an earlier date and it didn't happen – it's just not supposed to happen earlier! In preparation for surgery, here are a few specific things to pray:

1. Lymph node status – continue to pray that they are negative.
2. Kurt – he is obviously not looking forward to the agonizing wait during surgery. He'll have family/friends there to support him, but pray that he will feel peaceful while awaiting the news from the doctors.
3. My recovery – pray that my pain level would be manageable and the effects from anesthesia would quickly disappear.

This site is such a blessing to me. I'm getting messages from people I haven't been in contact with for many years. I probably won't have anything more to share until after surgery, so I'll try to get an update to you as soon as possible.

I was reminded this week of the importance of staying in God's Word every day (in addition to my regular quiet time). Every night, I have a period of time when my mind 'thinks' too much. I've combatted that with going straight to my Bible and looking up verses about fear, sleep, etc. I was up late a couple of nights and didn't take the time to do that and I didn't sleep well and had bad dreams. It just makes such a difference in 'mind control' when my thoughts are focused on God's promises.

I had the opportunity last Sunday to share at church about what is happening in my life. I was able to tell everyone about the peace and joy I have experienced. It seems impossible to have peace at a time like this, and I know that if I were relying on myself, I would not be peaceful. It is clearly from God. We are in the middle of a sermon series on Psalm 23 (perfect timing!) and Sunday was verse 4: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. I also sang a song called "Hidden Valleys". Here is the chorus:

Hidden valleys produce a life song
Hidden valleys will make a heart strong
Desperation can cause you to sing
Hidden valleys turn shepherds to kings

The song is about David, who knew quite a bit about fear and trusting God. I'm looking forward to what God is going to do with my life as I come out of this valley as a stronger woman for Him.

Thank you again for your prayers and messages of encouragement. I will cherish them forever.