8.12.2012

By the grace of God....

Hello friends.

Thank you so much for your prayers in recent days.  God hears them, and I feel them.  Yesterday was the sickest I have ever felt.  Definitely worse than food poisoning or pneumonia.  Having 3 infusions in 10 days was a little too much for my body, perhaps.

But if it works and my platelets go up, it will all be worth it.  Nausea, fever, and headache.  Imagine a large, heavy cast iron skillet being knocked on your head repeatedly.  That's the nature of these IVIG-side effect headaches.  I've never experienced anything quite like this, and I hope I never have to again.   Thankfully, I was still able to get some pastor work/visits done yesterday - and I had the encouragement of my dear and wonderful mother, who even stayed over with me last night!  Thanks Mom!

The good news: My fever broke around 3am this morning, so I was able to preach, teach, and be a joyful presence at church today.  I am still feeling ill, but I know the Holy Spirit gave me an extra dose of grace and strength between the hours of 8am and 11am today.  And now I can crawl back into bed for the rest of the day.

We started a new 4-week sermon series on the theme of discipleship today.  I'm so excited for this series.  And I am so thankful for the people of Zion.   Here's the bulletin cover image for the next  4 weeks:


And then something neat happened on the way to church!  I sometimes listen to 106.9 on the way to church in the morning, and they play Christian music on Sunday mornings.  I don't 100% agree with the theology of the song I'm about to share, but it sure meant a lot to me at 7:45 this morning!
 
The lyrics of the verses really spoke to my heart.  If you have a moment, I encourage you to listen.  
One lyric that really meant a lot to me was: "Who you are ain't what you're going through, so don't let it get the best of you."  Amen to that.  



 

10 comments:

  1. I'm glad that you're feeling a bit better. I'm a United Methodist Pastor in Massachusetts. I hope I can communicate with you via email. Is there any possibility for this.

    Blessings,
    Oyie

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    1. Thank you very much for the encouragement! :) I'm doing much better - and you can certainly send an email! Or connect through Facebook. Either way! :)

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  2. Prayers for your continued healing. And thank you for sharing that wonderful graphic for your sermon series.

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  3. Life just isn't a free ride, is it? I am so sorry for all you have gone through and continue to struggle. And I am so inspired by your response. I cannot imagine "fever breaking at 3 and being a joyful presence" and yet, I can imagine your faith and the power of the Spirit shining through you. The timing of this post for my own life is quite amazing. I thank you and I thank God for you and I pray for health and healing.

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    1. Hi there, Sally! :) Thank you so much for your encouraging words! And for taking time to post a comment. I pray that your week goes well, and you have the courage and strength you need for whatever you are facing. Peace to you, my friend.

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  4. so sorry you have to go through this...
    glad you're feeling better and had a good Sunday.
    Love, prayers and hugs to you!

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  5. Pr. Emily, I am so sorry that you have not been feeling well. The song was very uplifting and I have gained strength from similar songs in the down times in my life. You are a wonderful example by your strength and faithfulness during adversity. We will continue to keep you in our prayers. How lucky you are to have your mom close by...we will hold her in prayer as well, watching a child hurting is one of the hardest things for a parent to do. God's blessings to both of you.

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    1. Hi there, Jo! Thank you so much for the comment. I'm doing much better today and the side effects are wearing off. Thank you for all the encouragement and prayers. See you soon!

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