some more or less random stuff

[Dave in Tenn]

I'm scheduled Tuesday for what I think is called an "angioplasty".  It's that thing where they poke around through your arteries and see if there's any improvements they can make.  The cardiologist said I had a very big heart.  Unfortunately, the "heart" he is referring to is the one I'm less interested in.  But it's the one they are going to see if renovations are warranted.

I came back to the States in mid July mostly because my visa expired, but also because I figured it would be a good time to get some medical stuff done now that I have medicare.  So far--except for the heart thing--my checkups have been at least acceptable.  If I'd known I was going to live this long, I'd have taken better care of myself, but I can live with what news I've heard.  I did quit Nicotine in January and as long as I was in Costa Rica, exercise and eating well were pretty much natural without any hard concerted effort.  I can't return soon enough to suit me.

I thought I would be staying with my younger sister and brother-in-law as I was before, but when I got back they were just experiencing health issues of their own and I did not need to be there while that is going on.  His news in particular is not very good and he faces a real struggle upcoming that I would appreciate your prayers for.  So instead I've been staying south of Nashville with my older sister.  We've had some good conversations and I've learned that she is also on a path towards moving on from the harmful doctrines of the greater church and gaining a renewed faith in and love for the Lord.  We may not see eye to eye on every doctrinal point, but that's ok because I really don't like discussing Theology anyway.  But clearly the Lord is working with her and I at last have a member of the family with whom I can "fellowship" in this optimistic faith.

I guess that's all the catching up I'm prepared to do at the moment.  I'm hoping the renovations are not too extensive and are worth it.   

[Rene]

Thank you Dave for taking the time to catch us up.  Hope all is well with your heart and you can head back to Costa Rica very soon.

Keeping you and your family in my prayers. 

Rene

[Musterseed]

I pray for you and your family Dave.
May God be with you.💕

[Dennis Vogel]

I have to remind myself all the time that everything comes from God.

[Wendy]

   

Dave

  I'll be praying for you and your family God bless 😇




God bless
Wendy

[Musterseed]

Yes Dennis everything. All is of God.

I also think about this concerning our health,

The Scripture says in ECC.3 that everything is appointed. I believe it.
If everything is appointed then there is nothing that is not appointed .Nothing.
Including what's happening to my body.

Ray taught, " it's true, our days are numbered and only God knows the number.
He also knows the when , where and how we will die and definitely the why.
I am not saying that we shouldn't exercise or try to eat right, what I am saying is that eating right ,exercising and taking care of your body will not change the
time that God has appointed us for death. Many children and healthy young people
die and people say, Oh they died prematurely" . Did they really? No.
Even your exercises, eating right and lifting weights etc is all appointed of God.
I love that God is in total control of everything. It gives me great confidence
because of mine own self I can do nothing( but God does it all) even though we
all have to go through pain and misery and suffering in this experience of evil.

I actually am falling apart . Getting a cat- scan this month.
Anyway with that said, my husband who has been through so much
physical trauma all his life and after all the surgeries is getting stronger
and stronger. He walks daily with a walker, swam all summer, and just got
an exercise bicycle for winter . He has lost 20 pounds so far and is now able to
do the things I can't anymore. Thank God. I believe God is giving strength to
my husband to eventually care for me as I break down physically.
God works in such mysterious and wonderful ways. My neighbour called me
today to tell me about a program that I can apply for. It is an organization that
sends people like carpenters, plumbers, cleaners etc to people who are aging so
that they can age in their homes. And it's all free. I think I will be using this
free program. God is always in our life affairs even though sometimes they are
painful.

From Who is the Beast.
The very elect are all companions and brothers in our quest for the Kingdom
of Jesus Christ, where Jesus walked, we will walk, where John walked , we will walk
etc.

I John, who ALSO am your brother and companion in TRIBULATION (persecution)
And in the Kingdom and PATIENCE ( endurance) of Jesus Christ .( Rev. 1:9)

Caps Rays.


May God give us wisdom and endurance to overcome this world.I believe He will.
Praise and Glory to Him who works all things to the purpose of His own will.

[Porter]

Praying for you and yours, Dave. That fellowship you speak of is so, so precious, isn't it? I think so.

[Dave in Tenn]

Thanks, all.  And yes. Dennis.  It doesn't come naturally to any of us, I don't think   But it's peaceful eventually.

Do good.

[Dennis Vogel]

Trust God but wear your seatbelt.

[arion]

I have to remind myself all the time that everything comes from God.

And if there was a better way for God to accomplish his will in his creation he would do it that way.  And that is for us as individuals as well.

[Dave in Tenn]

The aforementioned procedure did not turn into a "treatment" and was ultimately simply diagnostic.  The only firm date I have for another procedure is also only diagnostic.  Between the two, perhaps there is some procedure they can do that is "treatment".  At present, I am on the medical assembly line waiting for all the stars and planets to align.  Apparently.  Nobody has told me anything different and no firm decisions and dates have been made.  I'm likely here till the end of the year, or close to it anyway.  I hope to take my life back about then and spend what's left of it somewhere besides a bedroom in my sister's house.  Somewhere with pineapple and an ocean breeze would be nice.  Somewhere I could actually begin to use all the Spanish I've been learning.  I know just the place.  It's not paradise, but it ain't bad.   

[Rhys 🕊]

Prayers it all works out for you Dave. For me after losing my wife it continues to be a struggle with moments of depression and missing her a lot. I hope one day I can be with her again. My faith in God has taken a bit of a hit but still there but sure do question a lot of things. I feel like you gotta keep fighting to keep going but sometimes I don't have much fight left in me. I live near the ocean and it's a nice place to be.

Rhys

[Dave in Tenn]

A stent procedure today.  They tell me I may feel better immediately.  We'll see.  I did the last time.

[Musterseed]

I'm praying all goes well for you Dave.

God Bless You.
In Christ, Pamela 💕

[Rene]

Keeping you in my prayers Dave and hope you have a speedy recovery.

Rene

[Dennis Vogel]

I pray everything goes well Dave.

Dennis

[Wendy]

Dave



I'm praying everything goes well for you 😇hope you feel better soon



God bless
Wendy

[Dave in Tenn]

Thanks all.  Everything did indeed seem to go well.  She said that the part of my heart this was supposed to help was in better shape than she thought it might be, which means the increased blood-flow will be of even more benefit.  I'm still a little worn out from it, but I can say already that I "feel" different, and that this difference is not negative.  I think in another day or two I'll be able to identify it as "better".     She and I are both encouraged.  I have one more diagnostic thing scheduled for mid November that should bring more clarity about any treatment options I have left.  I'm at peace with all possible news, says the clay to the potter.  I'm even at peace with losing peace.  Jesus is Lord.   

[Rene]

Thank you for the update, Dave.  So happy to hear your procedure went well.   

Rene

[Dave in Tenn]

Thanks Rene.  AND!  AND!  I got another pair of bright yellow no-slip socks!  Free!