Tag: brain surgery

  • Master Sculptor

    A little boy watched a sculptor begin chiseling a large block of marble. The sculptor worked meticulously until the slab looked like the face of Abraham Lincoln. “How did you do that?” the little boy asked. The sculptor said with a smile, “All I have to do is chip away everything that doesn’t look like Lincoln.”

    Writing is a bit like sculpting. I chisel a little bit here; chip away some more over there. The hope being that the written message originally intended is left behind.

    As I nurture my “sculpture,” one of the key ingredients being is how to seek and achieve balance in a too-crazy-busy life. So many people and things cry out for our attention these days. Where do you turn? And when do you cry out for help? You’ve probably heard, “Love your neighbor as yourself” before. But have you considered first loving yourself properly in order to love others in your life? My hope is that through my perspective of a brain surgery survivor you, too, will regain control of your mind, body, and soul. One clue is to practice the art of being still.

    For now, back to my edits to make my sculpture (i.e. book) excellent and appealing to you the reader! More tips to follow.

    *****

  • Joy-filled Birthday

    This year was a big milestone. A really big one, the big 60! Oh my. To say it seems BIG, but to write it. Well, just seems bigger. But, you know, I’m okay with it now. A big birthday bash was thrown in my honor. Not just for reaching 60, but I wanted it to be a celebration of life and living. Living seven years past brain tumor surgery. I want all to know that I am MOST GRATEFUL that God chose to spare me to live more days, more years beyond major surgery.  

    My Family Libs chalk birthday artMy son and family drove from Minnesota just to be with me. A HUGE thank you goes out to family members and dear friends who were present or wished me birthday greetings. I am indeed blessed.

    My grandchildren drew pictures with pink hearts and wrote words on the sidewalk with chalk. I’m feeling loved. And I’m feeling very blessed. I pray this little Light of mine will shine brightly in the days, years to follow.

    Here’s what my granddaughter wrote on the sidewalk:

    Family with me:

    Me (Liberty)
    Mom (Bethany)
    Dad (Andrew)
    Elijah
    Zeek
    Ean
    Nana (Teresa)
    Grandpa (Steve)
    Amanda

    The End

    *****

     

  • Too much to do?

    “In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion” – Psalm 71:1.

    I’ll have to admit, I seem to run in the state of confusion a good share of every week. Today is Monday and as I look at my to-do list thoughts of confusion run rampant. When and where will I fit all of this in? My desire is to be present in all the meetings, gatherings and tasks, but I sincerely doubt this goal will happen. 

    November — the month I celebrate three years beyond major brain surgery. During and after the recovery time, I talked and wrote about living in the present — wherever you are, be all there. But I confess in the course of those three years, I have slacked off and not been as diligent at this practice.

    Daily (and sometimes hourly) I need to place my trust in God — the one and only one who can make order come from chaos and confusion. The days I do lean on him and ask him to order my steps, things somehow miraculously get accomplished. And the things I wanted to do that maybe weren’t as important, well those items can wait until another day.

    Thank you, God, for allowing me to wake up this morning. I give this entire day over to you as I release my hands from the scheduling. You know and want what’s best for me and my life. This much I do know.

    Ever find yourself just going through the motions with a just-get-it-done mentality? I sure do, and I don’t like being in that mode. Can you offer your calendar up to the God of the universe and ask him to guide and bless your endeavors?

    ***  

  • Search my heart

    “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive [wicked] way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24). 

    This type of probing is similar to exploratory surgery. Over two years ago, a neurosurgeon analyzed an MRI revealing a tumor resting alongside my brain. I could have ignored the surgeon’s recommendation for removal of the tumor, but he was the expert and I was not.

    There’s no point in pretending with God. He knows my every selfish, evil, and wayward thought before I even do. I might be able to fool my family or friends, but no thought or deed gets past the all-knowing Creator of the universe. I understand that God “created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb” (Psalm 139:13). How much more involved in my existence could anyone be?

    Prayer:  Through you and you alone, God, I can receive healing and direction. Point out the error of my ways so I can confess and experience forgiveness. With this degree of involvement, I know I can trust you with my every concern.

    Ask:   Is there some area in your life being scrutinized and watched by God? Are there thoughts that need to be dealt with by the merciful, loving Physician?

    *** 

  • Believe

    Today I wear this purple t-shirt with the words “Believe” inscribed in silver across the front.  This afternoon is my second MRI post brain surgery. I chose to believe that the tumor found 2 ½ years ago (and removed as best the doctors were able) is not growing and I will receive a clean report.

    Even if a clean report is not my outcome, I believe that God is still in control of the results and my life. Thank you for praying with me along this journey.

    p.s. thank you, Bethany and Sue for this special shirt!

    “But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds” (Psalms 73:28).

     ***

     

  • Becoming Whole

    I just read today’s posting of “Our Daily Bread,” by Julie Ackerman Link:

    https://www.rbc.org/odb/odb.shtml

    She refers to a “friend who fell off her bike and suffered a severe brain injury.” Her doctors were not sure if she would live or die. She lived–Praise God–and now “Sandy’s back!” Physically, emotionally, psychologically, and mentally.

    Amazing, that I too survived a brain tumor. Our hospital stays nearly overlapped. While she was in rehab, I was having brain surgery.

    We can praise God together–we are both whole again! “Sandy’s back, and so am I!” 

    Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

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