I also had a bit of a breakthru in this whole waiting for surgery drama. I felt the Lord telling me this week that He already had a date prepared for the surgery to take place and I didn't need to worry about it or try to make it happen. So what did I do? Of course I humbly submitted to the Lord the whole matter....NOT. Nope, instead I called surgery scheduling and my doctor trying to pull strings to get this done - and as understanding as they were of my desire, they made it clear that cancer patients needing surgery had priority in their scheduling and there was nothing they could do to speed the process up. And it was egg on my face - mostly just between the Lord and I - and it was one of those "Oh I get it!" moments.

So I think I'm more at peace now with just waiting and if it takes 4 weeks or 4 months I'm OK with it. In the meantime I can work on continuing to build up my strength and focus my mind and study on what's next.

Pray you all have a very blessed weekend!

In His Arm's,

Pat

As we all are stepping out into new territory may we continue to be fruitful and multiply and reach and impact our community with the Gospel Of Jesus Christ like never before! Serve the Lord with all your might and continue to lift up the arms of those God has called to lead our flock.

Over the next few months, I plan on visiting other ministries and seeking guidance, counsel and wisdom from friends in ministry around the country on how to best use my gifts to further the Kingdom of God. I'll need your prayer for sure along the way! As opportunities unfold I'll keep you all posted here.

In His Arm's,

Pat

The rest of my week was somewhat bitter sweet. Change - even good change can still be emotionally draining. With the transition of leadership in the church to Miles it was time to move my office stuff to my home. Since I have this next surgery coming up and then the recovery, we felt it best to make a little more room for the staff. So Miles gets my old office and Josh gets Miles. When I'm healed up and ready to move back into the flow of ministry that God has for me it will be just as easy to operate out of my home for a season.

To make room for my office furniture, I had to pack up Joyce's craft room. That was gut wrenching at times. I'd been avoiding spending much time in there the past year. So many of her projects were in different states of development. It was her craft room and she was always working on something for the kids, the grandkids, her friends, the house, the women's ministry. Bits and pieces of materials from past women's retreats we had worked on were everywhere. Scrapbook stuff, pictures, sea shells - she loved the ocean - were also scattered in many places. And her sewing stuff, material and patterns and pieces of cloth from things she made when we were just married - 35 years ago. It was harder than I expected and I had to work thru several meltdowns.

But it's done and later today some of the men from the church will be bringing the office stuff over to the house.

I've been feeling OK. I've gained back most of the weight I lost during the last surgery and hospital stay. My doc said that right about the time I'm feeling half way normal it will be time to do the next and hopefully last surgery. I'm still waiting for surgery scheduling to give me a date. I know God already know the date - I'm just asking him for mercy not to have to wrestle any more with the anxiety of waiting...but I've written enough on that subject already.

Well, it's about 5am. I woke up about three just wide awake - thus today's blog :-) Gonna try to get a couple more hours of sleep before the day begins. Hope your weekend is blessed, fruitful and overflowing with the Joy of the Lord. Share that joy with someone who needs lifting up today!

In His Arm's,

Pat

I needed to be with my daughter on that day.

Treasure your moments with those you love!

In His Arm's,

Pat

Blessings!

Pat

Love Ya!

Pat

10 months ago my sweet Joyce was taken home to heaven. I still ache for her and tears well up out of the blue. Each time I weep I treasure the moment. It's the only connection I have left with her. I'm grateful for the emotion. I'm not depressed and I'm not stuck in my grief - I just realize how blessed I was to be loved by her - God loved me thru her. My tears are a mixture of sorrow and thanksgiving.

Perhaps as I think about all that she and I and our family and our friends went thru, particularly a year ago this time, the intensity of those days rushes back. I can't avoid looking at the calendar and remembering. I still catch myself thinking from time to time, "did this really happen? How was that possible?" And then God gives His peace and comfort and my desire yearns to know the what not the why. I know God is faithful - even in the storms - and I know He continues to work in all our lives as we face and deal with our loss. I think I'm almost over asking the "why?" questions. Life indeed goes on and I want to know what God desires to do in my life as a result, or more accurately, as a fruit, of all that He allowed to happen.

Life now is a new chapter being written day by day. I am looking forward to what the Author and Finisher of my life unfolds!

In His Arm's,

Pat

I'm frankly tired of talking about all my medical drama. When someone asks, "How are you?" I'd sure like to say, "Really well, thank you!" "God has been faithful to hold me and guide me thru some rough waters and now the seas are calm!"

I truly am looking forward to the new things God has already planned for me - tho I know things won't always be calm. The turn over of the church to Pastor Miles has gone well and we're all moving ahead by His grace.

Stay hungry for His Word!

Pat