What Do You See Outside YOUR Open Window Today?

What Do You See Outside YOUR Open Window Today?
Remember: "When God closes a door, He always opens a window!" You never know what might be out there waiting for you!

Friday, March 6, 2020

This Adventure Called "Life"

First of all, I want to thank all of my friends here who have been praying for me since my last post and during my recent surgery.  I am here to say that your prayers have been answered, and yes, God certainly did have His angels watching over me throughout this whole "adventure".  I like the sound of the word "adventure" better than "ordeal", don't you? If we can view our events in life more as an "adventure" rather than as an "ordeal" to be endured, we can look for all the ways that God has been with us and blessed us throughout the "adventure".  And that is what I want to share with you today. During my hospital stay, God demonstrated His Presence with me over and over again. But here are a few examples that really blessed me.

During the night following surgery, I woke up and noticed this picture on the wall of my room.
The sunrise seemed to just glow, beckoning me to look deeper. If you notice the two people standing on the shore, you will probably just think of them as a couple of lovers standing on the shore enjoying the sunrise together. But when I looked at this picture I saw Jesus standing there beside me, reassuring me that He was indeed with me through all of life's journeys, and especially right now, so I was able to settle down and rest peacefully knowing He was there with me.

When I awoke the next morning, I looked out the window next to my bed, and this was what I saw:
 Do you see the cross in this picture?  Here again was the Lord's message to me..."I am with you always"....

That evening our pastor came by for a visit, and he remarked about the beautiful picture of the butterfly on the wall above my head.  I had not been able to see it as it was above and behind me, and it was actually the next day before I could get a view of it to take its picture while they had me sitting up in a chair for a while.  Here again was a gift from God, a picture of "new life" as the butterfly escapes his cocoon and develops into this beautiful creature and flies off into his new adventure....
This reminds me of our hope in Christ Jesus found here:
2 Corinthians 5:17
 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Going back in time for a few minutes, here are a few picture my hubby took as I was being prepped for surgery:

When we entered the pre-op area, we both noticed this lovely purple and lavender outfit laid out for me to wear to the grand event:

We also noticed the table with the many items and labels and things that would begin this journey:

Here I am all dressed up in my lovely new outfit, ready for the "ball"...


 I think this picture is showing that I am wrapped up in those lovely warm blankets that come directly out of a warming unit and cover you with the most lovely feeling of warmth and comfort you can imagine just prior to surgery...

In this photo the anesthesiology team is preparing for my epidural (nerve block). I did not know I was going to have this procedure until I got there, and once it was explained to me I agreed it sounded wonderful and was all too happy to comply. This epidural stayed in until a couple of days after surgery, giving me the ability to control my pain relief as needed...and it was a wonderful advantage.  I woke up less groggy and much more comfortable than what I've experienced in previous surgeries.

 Thankfully there are no pictures of me in recovery.  I don't think I looked quite this chipper.
This picture was taken as I was waiting for the doctor to come and release me for discharge...ready to go home!


Thankfully, I am now writing to you once again from the safe and comfortable confines of my home. And just as Judy Garland (Dorothy) repeated over and over again in the "Wizard of Oz", "There's no place like home...There's no place like home..." I totally agree.  Although I must admit I had not thought about some things that I would experience when I got home, like my inability to get up and down into low chairs, our bed and other important places.  When you've had any kind of abdominal surgery, which I have, you discover just how hard those tummy muscles work in moving you up and down and all around.  Last night when trying to get into bed it was quite an interesting  and painful "work out"...and I totally now understand why the mechanics of a hospital bed are so important and necessary.

It also became apparent to me how important those support grab bars in bathrooms and showers are. I believe that all homes should be equipped with them regardless of whether or not you think you will ever need them. Trust me, you will need them at some point in your life. 

For now, I am once again relying on "My Father's Cane" to assist me as I get up and down in difficult places. (Please click on that link above for a very special story about this cane).

So now my job is to continue this journey of recovery and healing, one step at a time.  I am so thankful for my sweet hubby, who is nearly worn out with all of my "demands"....Here he is after filling the bird feeder for me so I can watch my birdies come and go.


We have also been blessed by dear folks from our church who have brought by meals for us, even this past week while I was in the hospital they made sure my hubby and son living here at home did not go hungry, which was very thoughtful and kind of them. Yes, they are capable of feeding themselves, but it was the fact that it showed that people care and are willing to help out in time of need. I am so very thankful for how God provides even more than we think we need. He knows how to bless us.

So, thank you, again, dear friends, for your prayers, messages of healing and encouragement...and for just being there. You are a great joy and blessing to me.

In thinking about Dorothy and "The Wizard of Oz" quote, "There's no place like home..." I was reminded of this little ruby slipper pin that I have,
And I thought about the "Adventure" of our lives again, and this journey we are on toward "home"....

We are all on our way "home" to our eternal home with Jesus...and I love that He comes alongside and walks with us, reminds us of His great sacrifice for us, and gives us glimpses of the new life we will one day be enjoying with Him forever.   Yes, Dorothy was right, "There's no place like home...", and our home is heaven...but until Jesus calls me "home", I want to serve Him any way I can right here at this temporary "home" in this "adventure" called life!  How about you?  I hope you are on this journey with me. If not, why not ask Jesus to lead you home with Him today? 

20 comments:

  1. This was wonderful to read, Pamela! It is so good to hear the good.

    "we both noticed this lovely purple and lavender outfit laid out for me to wear to the grand event"

    I am picturing those little blue birds that helped Cinderella get ready for the Ball. :)

    Welcome back! 🌸

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  2. Beautiful post Pamela. I'm so glad you could experience the love and care of God through each and every step of your adventure. Now that you are home I do agree that it is important to have higher chairs, grab bars, adjustable bed and so on for recoveries at home. Before I go for my surgery (getting closer each day) I will be investigating getting some things in place (as well as cleaning out some things as I've mentioned before). It's great that your church family is demonstrating love in action. I'm sure your husband and son appreciate it too. It's all so different for them when mom/wife/you is not able to do what you normally do. I pray a full and speedy recovery for you. Take care and rest too each day. Hugs.xx

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  3. Such a wonderful post and I'm so glad that you're home again. God is so good and faithful in his promises to always be with us!

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  4. Oh how I can relate...after my abdominal hysterectomy (a lot more involved than what was originally thought), it was very difficult and I slept upright in a chair for nearly 4 weeks, no lie (dr. orders). Getting in and out of the shower was difficult, getting up and down with using the bathroom, difficult...my poor husband and dare say son were great, not one complaint. ANYWAYS---Off on a tangent, sorry about that, sweet friend.

    I am keeping you in prayer and I am so happy to know you are home, please do not overdue it.

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    1. Bless your heart, you really had a difficult time of it. You are blessed to have such wonderful helpers that love you so much. That is half the battle right there...having people who care about us to give us the assistance we need in all the difficult places. You and I are both very fortunate and blessed to have those kinds of loved ones nearby. Thank you for the prayers. I am trying to be good. My body lets me know when I've stepped over the line.

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  5. Wonderful post. You certainly had an adventure ☺️ You had lots of prayers, which will continue. You also have lots of love going your way ❤️

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  6. Oh Pamela, I can almost feel that pain after abdominal surgery, when you need to get up from lower places. i have had several abdominal cuts and those muscles are needed so much. Just take it easy and let the healing happen. I have recently come across a song by Legacy Five, called Only Passing Through. This world isn’t home, we're only passing through. What a comfort. Praying for continued healing.

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  7. I am so glad you are home where you are much more comfortable!! My prayers continue for you to have speedy and complete healing! xoxox

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  8. I love how you are so upbeat and cheerful, even when in the hospital. You saw yourself and Jesus in that photo in your room, that would bring smiles and comfort. That ruby slippers pin is so cute and appropriate for all of us believers.

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  9. There really is no place like home and I am so glad you are there and all went well. Prayers for recovery.

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  10. It is so good to read your surgery is over and it went well. Now that you're in your comfortable home, my prayer will be for your continued recovery,plus your husband's well being.
    Blessings, Linda

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  11. I am so happy that all went well and you are safely home, Pamela, I have been and will continue to pray for a quick recovery.
    OH! aren't those warm blankets the best thing ever, I sometimes sit in wonder of how God is always reaffirming His love and care for us, whether it is in the heavens, through paintings or red shoes, by the wonderful friends providing us with nourishment and encouraging words. What a wonderful and great God we serve.
    I leave smiling as I know all is well!
    warm hugs,
    Sue

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  12. I am very happy that it is behind you now and you are on the road to recovery. I know you will be glad to have it done and benefit from it. You do indeed look quite chipper! I hope you'll take it easy and give yourself plenty of time for healing. What a beautiful example you are for all of us! We'll be hiking together before you know it! Sweet hugs....gentle hugs....Diane

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  13. I love all the 'signs' that were given to you along the way. I think they are always there if we only look for them. What a blessing to have had a successful surgery and be on the road to recovery. You look GREAT!!!
    Have a wonderful, healing weekend-xo Diana

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  14. Most definitely, Pamela, God was walking with you through this entire time. So glad everything turned out well and that you are on the road to recovery! I can identify, too, with the stomach muscles being out of whack as I had two C-sections when I delivered my kids. Ouch! It does take some time to heal, so be patient with yourself.
    Blessings!

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  15. Dear Pamela: I am so happy you're back home and have the surgery behind you! I love it when He gives us signs that He is with us! I can identify with you in so many ways.
    I have had a total of ten surgeries, three being C-sections when I was cut vertically three times and my abdomen is a mess because of it. But I have three handsome sons who love me and the scars are worth it all!
    Then three years ago, I had two surgeries, a month apart. I was a bit anxious because of my medical condition. I have a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy which affects all the voluntary muscles in my body as well as my lungs. So, I had a spinal for the first one and for the second surgery, I had a general. I can testify to having a peace when I was in that hospital bed. {And yes, I love those warm heated blankets too.} All the prayer that went up for me, both in my church and here in Blogland saw me through it all wonderfully well with no complications. Of course there were some adjustments afterwards when I got back home but I got through it all and am thankful to the Lord for being with me. He is with us in our "ordinary" every day lives and He is with us in our times of uncertainty. Where, oh where would we be without Him by our side? Praise His name because we don't have to be fearful of His leaving us alone. I pray you heal quickly and are back to yourself in no time. You look wonderful! Hugs and blessings...Sandi

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    1. Oh Sandi, you certainly have been through it and yes, you identify perfectly. My issues were a little different in that I had my three BIG boys the natural way, but carrying/delivering those three BIG babies (that I am eternally grateful for) helped to create the major repair issues that I have had to go through since. I am hoping and praying this is the last major surgery I will need to have to complete these repairs. I am so thankful to the Lord for His grace and mercy and healing. I pray for you to continue to stay strong and to be able to enjoy the beautiful life God has given you. We all find our ways of making the most of and doing the best with what we have been given. Our God is awesome. Thank you for sharing your story with us. You are amazing.

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  16. Oh my! Your hospital pictures bring back memories for me from when I've been in for surgeries (thankfully the last one was 11 years ago!!). It is a blessing to see how the Lord has brought you through all of this. You are looking well. Got color in your cheeks, your hair is cooperating, and you've got family and your cane to help with the tough stuff. Thanks for bringing us up-to-date!

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  17. God has been good to you, dear lady.

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  18. Hi Pam! So glad your surgery is over and you are home recuperating. Love the red shoes and that they represent us being covered by the blood of Jesus. Such a great reminder of what Jesus was willing to do for us. Totally love this post of yours! Take care my friend.

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