Moments Like These

Photo credit- sandralanegalloway.blogspot.com

Yesterday, I spent the most wonderful day with my mother. We do this about every three weeks. It has become our official Mother/Daughter routine with lunch, “mani-pedi”, errands, ‘Hardback’ coffee, and then free time shopping and browsing—and pretty much in that order. 

Every time is the same—but different. . .

Those Embarrassing Moments!

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:16)

As I headed out the door that bitter cold Sunday morning, I grabbed my long wool coat for added warmth over my favorite denim skirt and knee boots. I loved this skirt because it was fun to walk in—long, full, and "free" feeling--nothing tight or creepy-crawly, and no worries while crossing my legs. The only thing I had to watch for were windy days, or what is known as a "skirt alert" day. And there were to be no skirt alerts issued for this day.   

Or so I thought. 

Celebration of the Newness of Life

I remember the first time I felt new life stir within me when expecting our first child over thirty-five years ago. I likened it to the fluttering feeling of holding a guppy in my hand as a child. The womb once empty now stirred with new life. It’s hard to explain, and something only those who have experienced it can know. 

My daughter and me

I remember as well the moment I sat up in my I.C.U. bed two days after my liver transplant. The heavy meds had worn off, all the tubes and lines removed. New life now pulsed within me as doctors removed my dying liver, giving me a new one, a soft one. I couldn’t believe how “alive” I felt…how “together” I felt…how “whole” I felt. It is hard to explain, and something only those who have experienced it can know. (Click here to read My Transplant Story) 

(Left: This picture is one taken after one of my rejections. I did not have any pics taken after transplant, but looked very similar to this one...YELLOW! ) 

I remember the morning when the earth stood still, the mountains bowed down, and the trees clapped their hands--at least in the realm of my heart. The morning I sat at my kitchen table with the Bible I had owned for years, but never ventured to read. The moment the words of Christ leaped from the page of my Bible and into my heart. (Matt. 16:15) 

New life formed within me as God removed my heart of stone and gave me a new heart of flesh. (Ezek. 11:19) I couldn’t believe how “alive” I felt...how “together” I felt…how “whole” I felt. It is hard to explain, and something only those who have experienced it can know.

Prayer for My Husband

For the past few months, my husband has mentioned frequent moments of tiredness. As usual, we tend to rationalize symptoms, blaming them on the stress of jobs or other things life brings--even our age. Last Wednesday, we learned it had nothing to do with his job or his age, but rather his heart. The final diagnosis of the cardiologist regarding my husband was that he had major blockage in nearly every artery around the heart. He needs 3 to 5 bypasses in order to function normally again. Please be in prayer with me. His surgery is May 17th.

Father in Heaven, thank you for our lives and for our health. I love You, Father and I love my husband. I am so grateful for him in my life and thankful for all You’ve done.

Thank you Father, that we may draw near to the throne of grace to find help in our time of need. Lord, we need You now, as my husband prepares for bypass surgery, as well as the long recovery in the days and weeks ahead. May he feel Your love and also feel the love of family and friends. Comfort him, Holy Spirit, and free him from worry and stress at this time.