Friday, July 11, 2008

F.R.O.G.

Hello!
I am writing a post today just to let you all know how I am doing.

But before I talk about me, I want to take a moment to thank each and everyone of you for your thoughts and your prayers. I am blown away at the way blogging friends rally together to lift someone up in prayer to the Lord. I feel like I am a member of the most amazing Christian Blogging Group in the world; what an honor!

My surgery went very well. Long story short (and in layman's terms) a piece of one of my discs about the size of your thumbnail had broken off and fallen down inside my spinal cavity, and it had landed on some nerves. And those nerves led down to my right foot, hence all of the pain.

My foot is much better now, but needless to say my back is hurting now from the incision.
I cannot sit up for very long, and just walking to the bathroom and brushing my teeth is very exhausting.

I ended up having to spend two nights in the hospital, because I was not at all ready to go home that first night. I was so sick at my stomach from all of the drugs, and trying to get up out of bed to use the bathroom was very painful.

On a lighter note, I got several compliments on my hair! Of course, I was heavily medicated when I received them, but I enjoyed them all the same, amen? :) I was glad to know that while I was wanting to throw up and begging for more pain medication, my hair was looking great! (Thanks, Melissa!) :)

You know the old saying, "When it rains, it pours"?
Well, it has been pouring for a while now at our home.
I don't say this to complain, or throw a pity party, but right now, we are really struggling.

The last year and half has been just one thing after another. We have been challenged emotionally, financially, physically, and spiritually.
When we returned home from the hospital Saturday, Shannon discovered that our living room television had died (for good), as well as our cordless phone, and right before bed that evening, he noticed that our basement floor was covered with water. Apparently the air conditioner was blocked up. (I don't know these terms, but you get the idea.) Shannon and Matthew sucked 10 gallons of water off of the basement floor. He finally got that fixed for the time being and was able to get some rest.

Monday Shannon took the day off of work again, because I still needed so much help. And he had to take our favorite baby girl, Allie, to the vet. She had been limping around, and we knew something was wrong. Well long story short, she needs surgery. But the vet will have to do an EKG to make sure that her heart is strong enough for surgery, because if it is not, he will not be able to operate on her. She has torn her ACL(I think is what Shannon said), similar to a common injury for football players.

Shannon will probably be taking her next week to have this procedure done, God willing.
Right now, I am physically still very weak, but emotionally, my heart is broken. I so badly want to curl up with her on her rest pad and love on her like I've always done, but because of my back, I can't. And she wants to get in bed and sleep with me like she's always done, but because of her knee she can't.

I feel so helpless right now, and my heart is broken. She is so special to our family, and here she is hurting, and I can't even help her.

I've cried out to God so much these last few days; and yesterday, He gave me a couple of verses.

Psalm 4:4-5
Be angry and do not sin;
on your bed, reflect in your heart and be still.
Selah
Offer sacrifices in righteousness
and trust in the LORD.


I thought that it was so interesting that verse 4 says, "on your bed."
God speaks to us right where we are at, amen?
He also told me to, "be still." Orders from the Great Physician Himself.
Staying in bed and being still are not things that come naturally to me. But I am trying to follow God's and the doctor's orders. I know these orders are for my physical health, as well as my spiritual health.

And I am supposed to do these things while I trust in the LORD.
I do trust Him, however, I am just so overwhelmed right now, that sometimes I lose my focus.

Last year, while we were going through so many difficult situations, I became so frustrated and angry at God, that one day, I just cried out in anger at Him. I then opened my Bible, and this is what He said to me:

Exodus 14:14
The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent.


Or as it says in the NIV:
The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.

I've noticed a pattern: God tells me to be quiet and to be still. He is fighting for me and my family; He does not need my help.

Thank you all again for you thoughts and prayers on my behalf. I have received many e-mails and cards in the mail. One card in particular, from Jenny, really touched me.

Jenny loves frogs. And, as most of you know, I do not. In Jenny's letter, she had drawn a picture of a frog, and over the frog were these words: "Fully Rely On God."

I guess now I will never look at frogs the same way again. Instead of being scared when I see one, I will now be reminded to rely on God, fully!

I'm sorry I have been unable to read any of your posts lately. I am still unable to sit up for very long. But, as soon as I am able, I will be catching up with all of you. Until then, thank you for your prayers and thoughtfulness.

Psalm 46:10a
Be still, and know that I am God.


God bless,
Amy. :)

P.S. I want to thank Matthew for typing most of this for me, because I am not able to sit up long enough to type it all.

36 comments:

Gina said...

Glad you posted Amy. You have been on my mind and in my prayers. I'm sorry to hear about all the difficulties, but happy to hear what God is saying to you during this time. I love your sense of humor too!

sa061545@bellsouth.net said...

Baby girl, that was awesome!!! I know you have felt the prayers of these lovely ladies! I love you and hope you will be your old self soon!!! We are praying for you.
Love you,
Mom :)

Tricia said...

So glad to hear from you....I have worrying about you!! I am sorry all of those things are happening all at once! It's seems like that happens a lot. Glad you have some verses to cling too...thanks for sharing them with us. Get some rest....
Lots of Love!!

Laura said...

My friend,
You have been so much in my thoughts and prayers! I am glad to hear a word from you that you are on the road to recovery. But, bless your heart! Poor Shannon. You are being attacked! I will tell you what I tell all my friends who go through difficult seasons like this: I can't wait to see what is waiting on the other side, because Satan is trying to keep you down!
I will definitely be praying for Allie. Our furry babies are so much a part of the family.
Hang in there, ladybug...

Karma said...

Hello! Happy Friday! I am so happy to hear from you! I am grateful for you that everything is alright. I hope you have a great day!

Paula V said...

Ames,
What a precious surprise to read your post. Your mom has kept me up to date on you, your surgery, and all your woahs at the house. Ugg. She's a doll.

When I saw your title, I thought, "wow Amy's had time to read my blog." Two posts ago, called Dependence Day, my piece spoke about F.R.O.G. AND D.O.G. (Depending on God). I even signed the post "FROGin and DOGin".

Well maybe you can make a mental note to read Dependence Day from July 5th when you are able. Yes, I made a play on the word Dependence opposite of Independence Day.

Thanks Matthew for being a doll and typing for your mom. By the time the months over, you'll be an expert typist, huh? haha

So, glad you are FROGin and were able to post. Can't wait until you are back full force.

Keep leaning on the Lord. Oh, and Amen, Amen, and Amen to each of yours. It's so awesome when God speaks to us, huh? Even when it's met with our reply of "what? You want me to what? Be still? Be quiet? Wait?" But when the message hits several times (like Ex. 3:4) we feel relief to know the Holy of Holy's has spoken to us.

You are in my prayers and thoughts.
Love,
Paula

Mia said...

Oh Amy, I was just THRILLED to see that you had posted something today. I checked in everyday. I bet I read your "Today is Surgery Day" post about 9 times!! LOL!! I have not called cause I just don't want to bother you. Lame excuse I know. But if thoughts and prayers count then you can rest assured MANY of those have come your way. We are going through a big deal at our house and I might get brave enough to post about it soon.
Just hang on friend! this season will pass.....

Mia said...

Poor Allie! That sweet girl knows you are hurting now she is too! You two are a fine pair! I am in much prayer for both of you and the whole family
Take care and heal

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Stay right where you are and rest. These days will pass quickly, and you will look back to remember the faithfulness of God during this season.

Who can understand or fully fathom such seasons? I can't, but God does. Rest in that truth this day.

peace~elaine

Jamie said...

So good to hear from you! I'm still praying, friend!

Kelly said...

You are so brave, truly you are. And this too, shall pass. I have to keep reminding myself of these wise words often when I'm in a predicament that tests my faith and will.
Rest and be well, Amy and know that all the "saints have been roused" in prayer for a speedy recovery for you! And we're praising God in advance for answering this prayer already.
Blog when you can.....we'll be waiting to hear from you!

My Blessings From Above said...

Amy, my friend. I have been thinking and praying for you! Please rest, rest, rest! Rely on the Lord. I am sorry for all you and your family are going through right now. It WILL get better! Hugs & love,
Michele

valerie said...

It's so good to hear from you.
I will continue to keep you and your family (and Allie) in my prayers.
These are all great Scripture promises. God is faithful!
Get well soon!
Love,
Valerie

Tracey said...

I'm glad you checked in. This too will pass. God is there. He hears you and is holding you. God will take care of Allie too. He loves all things that He created. I will pray for your quick healing: physically, emotionally, caninely (not sure this is a word), airconditionally and all. Rest....dream...relax.....read a good book! We are all here for you! Love to your family.

Pamela (His maidservant) said...

Amy-it was good to read your post but I am sadden by all that is going on. I will pray for you friend. Take care of yourself and heal quickly!! Continue to walk in trust God in all this!

In His Graces~Pamela

Gina said...

Amy-I'm glad your surgery went well. I will continue to pray for you and your speddy recovery.

God bless,
Gina

Nicole said...

Hi Amy,

I have visited your blog frequently. I don't believe I have left a comment before. I have read about your surgery. I am so sorry that you are having to go through this not so fun time. I just said a prayer for you. May the Lord heal you quickly! I really enjoy reading your blog. You have a great sense of humor!

Hugs,
Nicole

Anonymous said...

Hey Amy! I'm so glad you were able to post (with the help of Matthew). You've been on my mind a lot! Your mom has been keeping updated on how you've been doing. I'm so sorry that you're having such a hard time of it right now - when it rains it pours! I have you and your family in my thoughts and prayers - this includes Allie. I hope she's able to have the surgery that she needs. Listen to the F.R.O.G. and take care of yourself. :))

((BIG HUGS))
Yvette

Mrs.Naz@BecomingMe said...

I am sorry you are going through this pain and am praying for a speedy recovery.

Kellan said...

Glad to hear that your surgery went well and that you are home recovering! So sorry about your sweet pet and I hope all goes well there too! Take care of yourself and get better soon! Kellan

The Laundress said...

Glad you are well.

Hugs.

Laura said...

My friend, you have just cause for whining! But I am glad you are seeing the big picture and holding God's hand through all of this. I'd be likely to slap it away the way I've been trusting lately!
Hang in there...
Keep healing...
I'll keep praying...

Hula Girl at Heart said...

It's so good to know you're alive and kickin'. I'm sorry things are so difficult for you now, but I know they'll get better. Hang in there!

Unknown said...

Praise God, girl! I'm so thankful that surgery went well! Praying and praising God for the healing that is taking place in your body as we speak!

Thanks for taking some time out to post...you've been missed!

Prayers and blessings,
Rebecca

Aleisha said...

I'm glad to hear the surgery went well. Although, I am sorry to hear about your dog. They truley are a part of the family. I hope and pray everything goes well for you and your family.

Sharon said...

Amy,
awww honey I am so sorry you have not been feeling good, and even your baby allie. wow when it rains it does pour doesn't. I had the same thing happen to me the first of the year, first my baby girl liberty, then my brother dieing. So I can relate I couldn't be there for liberty, but she was on a road to recovery, so I just asked the lord to take care of her while I was with my brother till the end.
You will be up and around soon, you sound like a very strong lady.
take care God Bless u and the family, I will be praying for you all.
Sharon

Nicole said...

Amy,

Thank you for your prayers and for adding me to your blogroll! I appreciate both so much. Take care, Amy. I pray that you get better quickly! I look forward to reading your posts when you are able to post them.

Love and prayers,
Nicole

Kristen said...

The words to this song that is on a Travis Cottrell CD went through my mind while reading your post:


Blessed be your name
In the land that is plentiful
Where the streams of abundance flow
Blessed be your name

Blessed be your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be your name

Every blessing you pour out,
I turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say...
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your glorious name

Blessed be your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's all as it should be
Blessed be your name

Blessed be your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be your name

Every blessing you pour out,
I turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say...
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your glorious name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, Blessed be your name

Bless you sweet sister as you recover... I am thanking God for your witness of faith during the times in life that Satan would wish to trip us up!
K

Anonymous said...

I love the song someone posted. Amy, I was so glad to read your comment on my blog today. I knew you were home. I know how it is when the rain comes but when the enemy comes in like a floor, God raises a standard against him. Be encouraged! Love you, bloggy bud. (((((big hug)))

stacey said...

I Love Exodus 14:14 such a POWERFUL verse . . . it is so short but means soo much!

I hope you feel better soon:) I will pray for your fast recovery!!!

G said...

Amy,
You do not know me, I found your story from someone named Tracey who commented on my blog. Weird connection - I also had back surgery on July 3rd, but that was in the year 2000. I had ruptured my L4-5 disc by sitting up in bed (it had been bulging for a while). Had no feeling in my lower limbs and still have residual nerve damage in the left leg and foot. But, it does get better, and I can look back at my recovery time with fondness....so many well wishes and outpouring of love from everyone around me. And that was before I owned a laptop!!! I can't imagine not being able to get on the computer now!!
Well, God Bless you and I wish you much rest and healing.
G

valerie said...

Hi Amy,
Thanks for the comments on my blog even though you're not feeling well.
I do hope and pray you are better each day.
And, in my last comment I forgot to say "thank you" to Matthew for helping you with your post.
Keeping you in thought and prayer.
Love,
Valerie

Liz Harrell said...

Amy, this post really touched me. Thank you so much for your thoughts and scripture quotes, I really needed to read this today.

I'm happy that your surgery went well, but will say a prayer today for all the complications that are arising in your life right now.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my right hand." Isaiah 41:10

Denise said...

Hi Amy. I've been away from blogging for a few days and am just catching up. It's good to hear from you. I'm so sorry for all your troubles and will continue to pray for you as you recover, and for your family as you all deal with other troubles. I certainly hope Allie gets to have her surgery and is better soon! Take care, and you already know that God has your back!
Love,
Denise

sa061545@bellsouth.net said...

My precious girl--my heart just aches for what ya'll are going through! Dad and I wish so much that we were closer and could do more for you. You know I'm not the dog lover that you are, but Allie has made me love her!!! She's just precious and is so loyal and loving to you and your little family. I would hate to see someone try to harm any of you when I can't even get a goodbye kiss from ya'll without her fussing at me!!! ;)
I love you baby girl and I love your little Allie girl too! I pray that she will improve with the medication that she's going to have to take.
Love forever,
MOM :)

amy said...

It's good to see you in blog land again! You are in my prayers.
Love,
Amy