All,
This will probably be my last post on this blog. I am going to shift to our church blog space. You have thrilled me with your posts. You have lifted my spirits. You have made me laugh with knock-knock jokes. You have expressed love and concern for my family and me. For all these and so many more, we are grateful. Thank you for all you love.
Millie Tharle brought us a printed form of the entire blog. There were many posts that we had not read. I have now read them all and have been touched over and over again. Thank you.
I need to clear something up before leaving this blog. You already know it, but i need to remind you; i am a man with feet of clay. I am going to have to forgive some of you for what you wrote. I will have to ask you to forgive me for liking it! Thank you for all your words of affirmation. But remember; I am just a guy, a weak, wounded, human being susceptible to anything any of you are subject to. I don't have a cape, can't jump a building, and i am burdened with the full mantle of humanity.
As you have prayed for me in my illness; i ask you to do all the more for me in ministry. My heart's desire is to be a good husband, father, and pastor. And in each of these ministries I want to finish well. I exist only by God's grace. Please partner with me in the future. Partner with me as a prayer warrior for ministry.
Summit is facing wonderful opportunities in our future. We need more square feet with no new debt. We need to get out of debt and stay that way. We need to explore God's plan for starting new works. We need to strengthen our resolve in following God's plan for our lives and the ministry at Summit. Pray, pray, pray. We must not be behind in following God. The only thing worse is to be ahead of God's will. Pray that I have the wisdom to lead us in God's path of righteousness.
I hope you will follow me to the new blog on the Summit web site. I hope to hear from you there.
We will not be able to be with you tomorrow. I am just too weak to handle. We will be back as soon as possible. Love you all.
PA
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Saturday August 16
Hey all,
It has been a while since i posted - kinda let Aaron take over. Thought "he" was the one you wanted any way!! Not that i blame you . . .
Thanks again for all your kinds words and funny post they continue to make difficult days bearable.
I have gotten so many cards with rainbows on them that i will be able to enjoy rainbows any time i want in the future. But man just can't manufacture what God creates!! His timing is always perfect also.
A word of warning should you come to the blog and find no new post for a while- you might check out Summit's blog. Aaron is going to begin posting on our churches site. We have had a little difficulty with this blog the last couple of days and think i understand the difficulty some have had posting. Technology is fantastic - when it works!!!
The churches web site is TheSummitBaptistChurch.org.
Thanks again for everything . . .
nise
It has been a while since i posted - kinda let Aaron take over. Thought "he" was the one you wanted any way!! Not that i blame you . . .
Thanks again for all your kinds words and funny post they continue to make difficult days bearable.
I have gotten so many cards with rainbows on them that i will be able to enjoy rainbows any time i want in the future. But man just can't manufacture what God creates!! His timing is always perfect also.
A word of warning should you come to the blog and find no new post for a while- you might check out Summit's blog. Aaron is going to begin posting on our churches site. We have had a little difficulty with this blog the last couple of days and think i understand the difficulty some have had posting. Technology is fantastic - when it works!!!
The churches web site is TheSummitBaptistChurch.org.
Thanks again for everything . . .
nise
Friday, August 15, 2008
Friday evening
All,
The sick guy again.
Sorry, no post today. Too weak, too sick. I am doing the best I can, but, well, i am just not up to a post. Tune in tomorrow.
pa
The sick guy again.
Sorry, no post today. Too weak, too sick. I am doing the best I can, but, well, i am just not up to a post. Tune in tomorrow.
pa
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Thursday afternoon
All,
Sick, lame, and abused guy here.
Today I thought I would just will myself well. As soon as possible we left the house. We went to get drugs.............interpret it any way you wish! We had breakfast. We went to Discovery Mills mall so i could walk around and do so in the environs of the Bass Pro Shop. That is when the twin brothers fatigue and exhaustion showed up. The attitude was right; the physical support system was just not willing.
Denise served as my beautiful crutch to get back to the car. I slumped into the passenger's seat and found the little lever that makes the seat a recliner. I reclined, she drove and strength is now returning. I can't believe that I am no longer able to do what i did when i was 20! That was a mere 8 years ago. I am fading fast.
My prayer life has gone and is going through a metamorphosis. Prior to about 30 days ago, most of my prayers were for the hurting, walking wounded, the angry, lost, and ignorant. These past few days have been consumed with a child talking to his Father, who happens to be the Great Physician. He hasn't been forthcoming on His rational; it is strictly a need to know basis. I have the needs and He has the know. That will have to do for now.
Through this adventure I have settled on a new name for myself. I need a new name that more accurately reflects my close relationship with the All Mighty. I need a name that beautifully articulates my walk with the King of Kings. I need a name such that, when people speak it, they immediately know that i am an heir in waiting. I need a weighty name that is worthy of one like me. No common name will ever do now. I have been introduced to my true spiritual self and my new name must be in stride with my new found walk and position in Christ!
From now on I can no longer be merely "Aaron." To convey all the above, I must now be "Aaron, the beggar." I think that sums it up nicely. I am completely dependant on His grace. Grace, Amazing Grace, for a beggar like me...............
Blessings,
The Beggar
Sick, lame, and abused guy here.
Today I thought I would just will myself well. As soon as possible we left the house. We went to get drugs.............interpret it any way you wish! We had breakfast. We went to Discovery Mills mall so i could walk around and do so in the environs of the Bass Pro Shop. That is when the twin brothers fatigue and exhaustion showed up. The attitude was right; the physical support system was just not willing.
Denise served as my beautiful crutch to get back to the car. I slumped into the passenger's seat and found the little lever that makes the seat a recliner. I reclined, she drove and strength is now returning. I can't believe that I am no longer able to do what i did when i was 20! That was a mere 8 years ago. I am fading fast.
My prayer life has gone and is going through a metamorphosis. Prior to about 30 days ago, most of my prayers were for the hurting, walking wounded, the angry, lost, and ignorant. These past few days have been consumed with a child talking to his Father, who happens to be the Great Physician. He hasn't been forthcoming on His rational; it is strictly a need to know basis. I have the needs and He has the know. That will have to do for now.
Through this adventure I have settled on a new name for myself. I need a new name that more accurately reflects my close relationship with the All Mighty. I need a name that beautifully articulates my walk with the King of Kings. I need a name such that, when people speak it, they immediately know that i am an heir in waiting. I need a weighty name that is worthy of one like me. No common name will ever do now. I have been introduced to my true spiritual self and my new name must be in stride with my new found walk and position in Christ!
From now on I can no longer be merely "Aaron." To convey all the above, I must now be "Aaron, the beggar." I think that sums it up nicely. I am completely dependant on His grace. Grace, Amazing Grace, for a beggar like me...............
Blessings,
The Beggar
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Wednesday evening
All,
Sick guy here.
Well, i am over my emotion from earlier. Here is the rundown for today:
The dr. appointment was at 10:15. By 10:30 i was again free from any connection to an appliance. By 10:45 it was obvious that i was once again failing my test. All the prep from the week gone by, well, went by. The doctor wanted to do a cystoscopic exam later in the day and wanted to replace Mr. Foley! I asked for a little time off to see if the system would somehow jump-start. He agreed, but gave me a 1:00 deadline. If the flow was not on by then, I had to phone him to schedule the cysto exam.
You are ahead of my aren't you? One came and I called. There was a series of miscommunications before the receptionist from the surgery center phoned and asked if I were coming or not. I told her I was just waiting on the call. She said be here in 15 minutes. At 3:45
we ran from the house headed for the surgery center at Kennestone.
As soon as we arrived the took me back for the prep and procedure. I asked for Valium. They laughed. I was dead serious. Hey, if I have to go through all this poking and prodding I thought it wouldn't be too much to ask to be comfortable; or at least drugged to the point I didn't care that i was about to be humiliated (with an audience) and prodded in a most unpleasant way. Still no Valium.
The scope resembled a black industrial strength hose you might see at a service station or fire truck. There was a little light on the tip. I guess the doc might not have good night vision. I asked him if he needed a map. He did not.
Once the truck pulled the scope from me the doc was all smiles.
"No need for the laser! You have an infected and inflamed prostate." Well, normally that would not be good news. Anything short of a death sentence sounds good these days! "So what are we going to do?" I asked. I am going to change your antibiotic and you will come back in two weeks. Any smart person would have just let that be enough. Nobody has ever accused me of being smart. "What about my current inability to void?" I asked naively. "We will replace the Foley for the next two weeks." He said that as he motioned to Bubba who stood in the corner with the Foley and was all smiles. Bubba learned to perform this delicate maneuver while running barbed wire on a ranch somewhere in the desert southwest where they have no gloves and no hand lotion.
Once the appliance was sufficiently imp ailed, he shook my hand and congratulated me. In a moment of complete pain and weakness I actually said, "Thank you." Did I say that i have never been accused of being smart?
I requested a wheel chair to make my exit. They laughed. I guess it is with my Valium.
When i checked out I told the young lady that I had lost something since i saw her. She asked what it was. I said, "my dignity. If you see it will you please call?" She checked her paper work to make sure she had my number. Now I know what happened to my Valium.
After we left I took a few moments to lament my situation. Lamentation is one thing that requires no movement at all below the belt.
After a well applied internal poultice of hamburger my spirits were lifted. Next time i take the hamburger before the doc visit.
i am well. i am in a holding pattern for the next two weeks. As far as i am concerned, The Lord missed a good chance to return a few weeks ago.
I do so hope this post is taken well. If not, let me suggest a cystoscopic exam. I just had one and it has changed me!
Blessings,
PA
Sick guy here.
Well, i am over my emotion from earlier. Here is the rundown for today:
The dr. appointment was at 10:15. By 10:30 i was again free from any connection to an appliance. By 10:45 it was obvious that i was once again failing my test. All the prep from the week gone by, well, went by. The doctor wanted to do a cystoscopic exam later in the day and wanted to replace Mr. Foley! I asked for a little time off to see if the system would somehow jump-start. He agreed, but gave me a 1:00 deadline. If the flow was not on by then, I had to phone him to schedule the cysto exam.
You are ahead of my aren't you? One came and I called. There was a series of miscommunications before the receptionist from the surgery center phoned and asked if I were coming or not. I told her I was just waiting on the call. She said be here in 15 minutes. At 3:45
we ran from the house headed for the surgery center at Kennestone.
As soon as we arrived the took me back for the prep and procedure. I asked for Valium. They laughed. I was dead serious. Hey, if I have to go through all this poking and prodding I thought it wouldn't be too much to ask to be comfortable; or at least drugged to the point I didn't care that i was about to be humiliated (with an audience) and prodded in a most unpleasant way. Still no Valium.
The scope resembled a black industrial strength hose you might see at a service station or fire truck. There was a little light on the tip. I guess the doc might not have good night vision. I asked him if he needed a map. He did not.
Once the truck pulled the scope from me the doc was all smiles.
"No need for the laser! You have an infected and inflamed prostate." Well, normally that would not be good news. Anything short of a death sentence sounds good these days! "So what are we going to do?" I asked. I am going to change your antibiotic and you will come back in two weeks. Any smart person would have just let that be enough. Nobody has ever accused me of being smart. "What about my current inability to void?" I asked naively. "We will replace the Foley for the next two weeks." He said that as he motioned to Bubba who stood in the corner with the Foley and was all smiles. Bubba learned to perform this delicate maneuver while running barbed wire on a ranch somewhere in the desert southwest where they have no gloves and no hand lotion.
Once the appliance was sufficiently imp ailed, he shook my hand and congratulated me. In a moment of complete pain and weakness I actually said, "Thank you." Did I say that i have never been accused of being smart?
I requested a wheel chair to make my exit. They laughed. I guess it is with my Valium.
When i checked out I told the young lady that I had lost something since i saw her. She asked what it was. I said, "my dignity. If you see it will you please call?" She checked her paper work to make sure she had my number. Now I know what happened to my Valium.
After we left I took a few moments to lament my situation. Lamentation is one thing that requires no movement at all below the belt.
After a well applied internal poultice of hamburger my spirits were lifted. Next time i take the hamburger before the doc visit.
i am well. i am in a holding pattern for the next two weeks. As far as i am concerned, The Lord missed a good chance to return a few weeks ago.
I do so hope this post is taken well. If not, let me suggest a cystoscopic exam. I just had one and it has changed me!
Blessings,
PA
Wednesday afternoon.
All,
Houston; we have a problem..................
Well, try as i might, the system just will not work. As i type, i am waiting for a phone call to tell me when to report to Kennestone. The doctor plans to do some type of procedure which should correct the problem. All i know is that he mentioned scope, camera, and laser. All of which are far to big to go where he intends to put them. Right now i have no other option. The bladder function is unchanged over the past week. Something has to be done, and I am just the guy to have it done!
When I get through this I should have a working experiential understanding of most invasive procedures which are done without the aid of anesthesia. So, in the future, when you wonder how something feels, just give me call.
I did learn today that the nurse who has done such a great job is not a Christian. Maybe that is why I need to go through this! Just wish i had known that a week ago. But then i guess it is my fault for not finding out then for myself.
Please keep the prayers going. Looks like i am still in the need.
Blessings,
PA
Houston; we have a problem..................
Well, try as i might, the system just will not work. As i type, i am waiting for a phone call to tell me when to report to Kennestone. The doctor plans to do some type of procedure which should correct the problem. All i know is that he mentioned scope, camera, and laser. All of which are far to big to go where he intends to put them. Right now i have no other option. The bladder function is unchanged over the past week. Something has to be done, and I am just the guy to have it done!
When I get through this I should have a working experiential understanding of most invasive procedures which are done without the aid of anesthesia. So, in the future, when you wonder how something feels, just give me call.
I did learn today that the nurse who has done such a great job is not a Christian. Maybe that is why I need to go through this! Just wish i had known that a week ago. But then i guess it is my fault for not finding out then for myself.
Please keep the prayers going. Looks like i am still in the need.
Blessings,
PA
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Tuesday evening, at hom
All,
Today has been by far the best day post surgery. Again, that isn't saying much; however, it is relative. I am feeling better and stronger each passing day. I am tempted to say that i am 5% better each day. That might actually be an accurate approximation.
Tonight we have had a glitch in the system. It appears that both the bladder and my new pouch are having some complications. A phone call back to St. Pete provided an prescription and a bit of much needed assurance that "things" are normal. Tomorrow i will share my new developments with the bladder with the doc. We are simply believing that tomorrow will bring a simple answer and a fully functioning bladder. Right new we are watching Olympic diving; preparing for tomorrow!
Can't wait to post tomorrow afternoon.
Blessings,
PA
Today has been by far the best day post surgery. Again, that isn't saying much; however, it is relative. I am feeling better and stronger each passing day. I am tempted to say that i am 5% better each day. That might actually be an accurate approximation.
Tonight we have had a glitch in the system. It appears that both the bladder and my new pouch are having some complications. A phone call back to St. Pete provided an prescription and a bit of much needed assurance that "things" are normal. Tomorrow i will share my new developments with the bladder with the doc. We are simply believing that tomorrow will bring a simple answer and a fully functioning bladder. Right new we are watching Olympic diving; preparing for tomorrow!
Can't wait to post tomorrow afternoon.
Blessings,
PA
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