This morning I endured 10 + minutes of throbbing laser surgery on my right eye. I'm very sore, but my spirits our high. I wanted to go into the office at noon, but my doctor, wife, and sister (who was with me) were much against it. I guess it wouldn't have been good since I was also sedated.
The only bad news I received was that my doctor is now going forward with laser surgery in my left eye. Yes, I was bummed, but it could be worse...
Sometimes you view these challenges in either two ways: 1. You question God's wisdom and timing and wonder, "Why me?" OR 2. You see opportunity and remind yourself that you are here to serve a great God.
I may be down, but not out. I may be on the jagged edge, but I'm in God's hands, and life doesn't get any better.
More laser treatments to go...hope never dies.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Life...
A lot of things have been going on in my, and my family's, life lately. We are in the process of selling our house in West Marietta, and moving to a house in North Marietta. All this to be done within the next 3 weeks. But that's not the entire reason I'm writing this entry.
On Friday, September 7th, I was diagnosed with severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy. In English, there is bleeding in my right eye causing me not to see clearly. I can see objects, but nothing clear.
Thankfully, I saw a top-notch retinal specialist (by God's doing, not mine) who will take excellent care of me. We began laser treatments that will run weekly for the next 3-4 weeks. Sadly, I am now unable to exercise or cause my head to even move too much. I can't cause a rise in my blood pressure nor bend over. And yes, there is trouble in my left eye, too. From what I understand, and I could be wrong, blindness may happen over time even after treatment.
I'm trying to stay positive about all this news. The specialist said there was nothing I could've done to prevent this, since I've been a diabetic for over 30 years. Can't seem to accept that as a reasonable answer.
The answer I do know is that I am not going to give up. Every waking moment is now spent burning wonderful images of my family and friends into memory. Smiles, laughter, colors, all the little things we take for granted are being photographed in my mind. My bloodsugar levels are being watched more closely. My eating is much better too.
I have my other senses, my hands and feet. I am very blessed for all this and wonderful family and friends. I have a God and his Son, who are watching over me and comforts me during this trying time. I can't imagine ever going at this alone.
Please keep me, my family, and others who are going through this disorder, in your prayers. Our God is a loving Father who loves us deeply and feels our pain and struggle.
On Friday, September 7th, I was diagnosed with severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy. In English, there is bleeding in my right eye causing me not to see clearly. I can see objects, but nothing clear.
Thankfully, I saw a top-notch retinal specialist (by God's doing, not mine) who will take excellent care of me. We began laser treatments that will run weekly for the next 3-4 weeks. Sadly, I am now unable to exercise or cause my head to even move too much. I can't cause a rise in my blood pressure nor bend over. And yes, there is trouble in my left eye, too. From what I understand, and I could be wrong, blindness may happen over time even after treatment.
I'm trying to stay positive about all this news. The specialist said there was nothing I could've done to prevent this, since I've been a diabetic for over 30 years. Can't seem to accept that as a reasonable answer.
The answer I do know is that I am not going to give up. Every waking moment is now spent burning wonderful images of my family and friends into memory. Smiles, laughter, colors, all the little things we take for granted are being photographed in my mind. My bloodsugar levels are being watched more closely. My eating is much better too.
I have my other senses, my hands and feet. I am very blessed for all this and wonderful family and friends. I have a God and his Son, who are watching over me and comforts me during this trying time. I can't imagine ever going at this alone.
Please keep me, my family, and others who are going through this disorder, in your prayers. Our God is a loving Father who loves us deeply and feels our pain and struggle.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Baptists Bundle Burglar
Try saying that 3 times...
From the AJC: Trail of bills tips church members to bank robber
First, the moral of the story: If you rob a bank and make your getaway by trying to blend in among church-going folks, you best be ready for some divine intervention.
First, the moral of the story: If you rob a bank and make your getaway by trying to blend in among church-going folks, you best be ready for some divine intervention.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Blessings Through Hard Times
As I am writing this, my family (and I) are going through some difficult times. For the past 4 months, we've been trying to sell our home in West Marietta, Georgia. In addition, we've hit a spiritual slumber. It's so difficult to give God any glory at all through trying times. Our lives have been on a roller coaster of turmoil for the last 2 + years.
I sometimes wonder what God really has planned for my life. For now, I simply don't know.
And yet, there are blessings through this fog. Blessings that I praise God for.
* My wife is blessed with her job, as a Kindergarten teacher, at a wonderful Christian school. We couldn't have asked for a better school, and I mean this with all my heart.
* I am blessed with my job, even though it is still in technology, at an awesome ministry. It's not the job that matters; it is the people.
* We are healthy! Through all our trials and tribulations, I am amazed at how well my diabetes is doing. I am inspired every day by my wife and boys to do my best.
* We have been blessed with God's provisions: loving friends and family, a home, food, and much more.
God has given us time to contemplate who we are in him. There is hope in Him and through Him.
Last night, we all watched the movie, "Facing the Giants", for the third or fourth time. [we love it!] In it, the character Grant Taylor tells his football team that they will glorify God no matter what the outcome of the game. Thanks to the movie, I am reminded to glorify God through good times or bad.
This morning, I witnessed the sun rise above a mist covered field and river. The light shown through so beautifully, all I could do was give thanks and praise to God.
I know there are more trials ahead. But God will never leave me nor foresake me. I will praise Him with all my being.
I sometimes wonder what God really has planned for my life. For now, I simply don't know.
And yet, there are blessings through this fog. Blessings that I praise God for.
* My wife is blessed with her job, as a Kindergarten teacher, at a wonderful Christian school. We couldn't have asked for a better school, and I mean this with all my heart.
* I am blessed with my job, even though it is still in technology, at an awesome ministry. It's not the job that matters; it is the people.
* We are healthy! Through all our trials and tribulations, I am amazed at how well my diabetes is doing. I am inspired every day by my wife and boys to do my best.
* We have been blessed with God's provisions: loving friends and family, a home, food, and much more.
God has given us time to contemplate who we are in him. There is hope in Him and through Him.
Last night, we all watched the movie, "Facing the Giants", for the third or fourth time. [we love it!] In it, the character Grant Taylor tells his football team that they will glorify God no matter what the outcome of the game. Thanks to the movie, I am reminded to glorify God through good times or bad.
This morning, I witnessed the sun rise above a mist covered field and river. The light shown through so beautifully, all I could do was give thanks and praise to God.
I know there are more trials ahead. But God will never leave me nor foresake me. I will praise Him with all my being.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Book Review: The Road to Unafraid
The Road to Unafraid tells the gripping story of U.S. Army Captain Jeff Struecker, who took part in numerous military operations including the battle of Mogadishu aka, Black Hawk Down. From his early life in Iowa to Fort Benning, Georgia, Struecker provides details on his life and how God has deeply blessed him.
Although a quick read, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and wished for more. I remember when the battle of Mogadishu happened and seeing our soldiers being dragged through the streets. I can also recall when then Chief Warrant Officer Michael Durant was freed. Struecker gives his account of that horrendous battle and the impact it had on his faith.
"The difference between being a coward and a hero is not whether you're scared or not. It's what you do while you're scared." [Ch. 1]
Although a quick read, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and wished for more. I remember when the battle of Mogadishu happened and seeing our soldiers being dragged through the streets. I can also recall when then Chief Warrant Officer Michael Durant was freed. Struecker gives his account of that horrendous battle and the impact it had on his faith.
"The difference between being a coward and a hero is not whether you're scared or not. It's what you do while you're scared." [Ch. 1]
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