Back Surgery Number 12

Brief report on Surgery Day. This was my 12th back surgery. Today, my doctor removed my broken spinal stimulator.

My surgery outfit! Max, my parakeet, got to go with me... at least his picture did! The words above Max are "Create a Positive Day!"

You can't seem them in this picture, but my socks say "I am blessed"! A friend gave them to me for my birthday, and I thought they'd be great to wear on Surgery day. 

God used 8 "sticks" trying to get the IV started to introduce me to MORE people, who of course each received some "Create a Positive Day! treats. It took 4 nurses (including IV therapy specialist), the anesthesiologist, and my Dr to get the IV started. 

One really cool thing that happened in the midst of trying to get the IV started...One of the nurses said that we need to call on the IV Angels.. Perfect opportunity to share my Ponder Morsel for the day, On Guard Duty! I was able to share how God's Angels were on guard duty watching over me. What a wonderful opportunity that was. There are always reasons for what we may think are 'bad things'. If I didn't have trouble with getting the IV going...I wouldn't have had the opportunity to share about God and His angels. 

Surgery went well. Spent time in Recovery, moved to Day Surgery and back to recovery (no room in day surgery), then back to day surgery.. meeting more people along the way. 

Gave out MANY CPD treats and then my Dr took the treat bag and put it in the Drs/anesthesiologists lounge, so ALL the treats have been/or will be enjoyed. 

When I arrived home and checked my email... and I won ANOTHER contest! I won aLarry Dixon Al-Anabi 2010 Champ 1:24 Autographed Top Fuel Dragster NHRA Die cast from Plan B Sales! It will look great next to my #48 NASCAR die cast I won from Lionel a few weeks ago.

It was a blessed day!  I'm very sore, as to be expected. Now just have to "do nothing" and heal.

I have to say that I had a "fun day" creating a positive surgery day!

Taken Notice of Me!

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 33. Here is what I learned.

The Lord looks down from heaven; He observes everyone. Psalm 33:13 (HCSB)

The Lord looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race. Psalm 33:13 (NLT)

"The Lord looketh from heaven." The Lord is represented as dwelling above and looking down below; seeing all things, but peculiarly observing and caring for those who trust in him. It is one of our choicest privileges to be always under our Father's eye, to be never out of sight of our best Friend. The Treasury of David

“Look at me! Look at me!” Remember as kids we wanted the attention of our parents, teachers, etc. We’d do what we could to get their attention, and then we felt so cool, and awesome that they noticed us... or we “made them notice us”. Now as adults, we often think it awesome, when a celebrity, or sport’s star looks our way or gives us an autograph. Guess we really all like to be noticed sometimes. 

Psalm 33:13 tells us that God notices us, and we don’t have to jump up and down or wave our arms or shout... He simply looks and sees us. 

Lord willing tomorrow, I’ll have my broken spinal stimulator removed. I’ll be the ‘center of attention’ tomorrow. The Nurses, Doctors, and staff will be focused on me! The sad part is most of the time, I won’t be aware of their attention as I’ll be asleep. But I’m thankful that they will be “looking down and seeing me”. 

Yet, better than being seen my the Medical staff, I’m being seen by God! He is carefully watching over me and is aware of all the details happening around me. He is “peculiarly observing and caring for me... and I’m never out of sight of my Best Friend!”  Even when I am unaware of what is happening, I can enjoy peace because God is watching!

To create a positive day, I only need to take a moment to remember, God has taken notice of me!

Step by Step—Not Leap Frog!

Throughout this year, each day of the month, I'm "Treasure Hunting" in a Psalm. I've created a "Ponder Every Morsel of Truth" Book to record the truths as I learn them. The twenty-third of each month, I'm studying Psalm 57. Here's what Treasure I found today.

I will cry to God Most High, Who performs on my behalf and rewards me [Who brings to pass His purposes for me and surely completes them]! Psalm 57:2 (AMP)

I’m thankful that it is God who “performs on my behalf”. God is the one who will work to complete His purpose and plan in my life. 

Complete. Full. Nothing missing. 

As I’ve mentioned before I’m a planner. I like to research and “know what’s coming”. Yet, life isn’t really like that. We have no way of knowing what will happen today. But God does. 

The past few months, I’ve been working with my pain management doctor regarding a new spinal stimulator to help lessen my pain. Everything I researched about this new stimulator, seemed like “just thing thing I needed”. However, after the trial, we all knew that at this time, it’s not the right direction to go. 

What I didn’t know is that God had something “waiting in the wings” for me to try. He timed it perfectly so that I could try an acupuncture device. God had a plan in place. Wether or not the acupuncture device will work, I don’t know... but God does. And if it doesn’t work, He will continue showing me His plan.. ONE STEP AT A TIME! 

One step at a time.... but I like to jump ahead! But the way God works is step by step—not leap frog.  When I try to jump ahead of God’s plan or decide to “go out on my own”, I end up in a mess or having to back track and things just take so much longer. And those detours that I create are not much fun. And when I play leap frog, I miss the amazing blessing God has for me along His journey. 

God is the one who will work to complete His purpose and plan in my life. It’s God’s job to do the work! My responsibility is to make sure I’m following Him.... step by step ... and stop playing leap frog! 

To create a positive day, I need to let God work and follow Him step by step—not play leap frog.

My Powerhouse...In Action!

Yesterday my Ponder Morsel was on God's strength and help. And Feb 21, I saw some examples of God's strength and help as He worked out amazing details. 

Back on Feb 5, 2013 I had a spinal stimulator trial wire removed from my back. Since that time, my pain level has been extreme, and now included an area higher in the back. My pain management Dr was out of the office, but I was able to get some stronger medication and make an appointment to see her on Feb 21. 

Feb. 21: My appointment was scheduled for 4:10 pm. That would mean I'd be coming home during the rush hour traffic. That would make my trip longer and require additional stops, since I can't sit very long without standing/lying down.  

However, my Pain Management Dr's office called, there had been a cancelation, would I like to come in earlier? YES!! So, my appointment was changed from 4:10 pm to 2 pm. Little did I realize that God had something even better planned than me avoiding rush hour traffic. 

My Pain Management Dr. decided that my pain is due the the nerves being irritated by the wire and the stimulator. The nerves were also causing muscle spasms. We discussed some options and decided on trying a different medication. And she wanted me to see my Chiropractor for non-force adjustment and ultra-sound treatment. 

Then we discussed the spinal implant stimulator. From the trial, we learned that the paddle or wire has to be exactly mid-line in the back for me to get any stim in the leg. That can be difficult to achieve. And each time surgery is done on the back, I grow more scar tissue and that creates more nerve irritation, and can cause additional pain. Therefore, at this time, I am not going to try another spinal implant stimulator. I'll have surgery in the next month or so, to remove the old broken stimulator battery (IPG) and wiring. The paddle will remain since there is scar tissue in that area and it is secured in place. 

As we were discussing where we go from here to help with pain, I mentioned how acupuncture has helped some. That's when my Dr mentioned a trial taking place on Tuesday, 2/26. A company is coming to her office to demonstrate a stim which uses acupuncture points on the ear, to reduce pain. The device is worn for 3 days stimulating specific points on the ear throughout the 3 days. Then the device is removed. Would I be interested in trying it? Knowing that I usually respond well to acupuncture, I definitely want to learn more about it. I’ll be meeting with my Dr and the company on Tuesday, Feb 26. Excited about a new possible treatment. God’s timing is perfect. My Dr could only have 2 patients for the trial, and so God made sure my Dr saw me at just the right time, so that we could discuss this option. Talk about God being my Powerhouse! 

As I left my Pain Management Dr’s office, I realized that I wan’t too far from my Chiropractor's office. I called to see if there was an available appointment. They were able to fit me. That saved me a trip out in the snow expected on Friday. God had that planned perfectly. I would have not been able to see my Chiropractor if my Pain Management appointment time had stayed at 4:10 pm.  

After leaving my Chiropractor’s office, I made my way home, stopping at Walgreens to get my medications. This is the first time a long time that the “wait time” at Walgreens was short! God knew that although the Chiropractic treatment helped, I was still in pain, and if I had to wait too long, it would “undo” all the good the treatment had done. God made sure I arrived at Walgreens during a “slow time”. 

And to top it all off....as I walked into my apartment, I was greeted with the delicious smell of Turkey Chili which I had cooking in the crock pot. Was nice to have dinner all prepared. Sure tasted good too. 

Looking back over the day, it's nice to see how God rearranged schedules so that I'd be able to see my Pain Management Dr and Chiropractor. And seeing my Pain Management Dr. on Thursday, was also God-designed so that I could be part of Tuesday's appointment acupuncture stim trial. 

"My Powerhouse". No matter how you say it—the truth remains. God is my strength. God is my shield. God is trustworthy. God is my help. God is praiseworthy. I saw many examples of God’s strength and help throughout the day. The day was a very positive day because I recognized God’s attention to details, and saw that He truly is “My Powerhouse”.

Update on Spinal Stimulator Trial

On Jan 31, 2013 I had a Spinal Implant Stimulator wire inserted in the epidural space to see if we could get a new spinal stimulator to help reduce my leg pain. The Dr had a difficult time inserting the wire due to the old stimulator paddle and scar tissue.

We were able to get the wire placed with some stim in the leg. I was able to "play" with the stim settings for several days to evaluate if it helped or caused more pain. The wire was removed on Feb 5th. 

We learned a few things from the trial:

1. There is scar tissue near the paddle (how much, we don't know)
2. The wire has to be EXACTLY mid-line in the back and at a higher level (T6 area)
3. If the wire is even slightly left or right, the stim moves to the front & creates pain. 

Since the removal of the wire on Feb 5, my pain level has been much higher. Not sure if the scar tissue is now pressing nerves, or if the nerves were just irritated by the wire/stim. My Pain Management Dr has been out of the office this week, but one of her Associates was able to get stronger pain med. I plan on talking with my Dr this next week (Feb 18-22) as to what, if anything we can do to lower the pain level at least back to "normal". 

What have I learned during this time?

• That God doesn't change depending on my pain level. 
• That even though I cannot do anything (moving hurts!), I can still pray for people. 
• That music with the right message is important to my "soul health" which is vital in tolerating the physical pain. (My Ponder Morsel for Feb 14, 2013)
• That it's okay to say "ouch" once and awhile. I usually try to be very strong and don't want to be a "complainer". But saying "ouch" is just stating a fact. I'm not complaining.

Where do I go from here? The first step is to see if we can get the pain level back to my "normal" level (which is plenty high enough). Then I have a few options as to what to do regarding the Spinal Stimulator.

• One option is to have another trial, which would be a "partial permanent implant" trial. That means the Dr would implant the wire/paddle and secure it in place. Part of the wire would be worn externally for a week or two to see if I'd get any relief. If the placement is correct and it works, the Dr. would disconnect the external wiring and connect new wires implanting the wires and new battery pack (IPG). If it did not work, the Dr. would remove the implant and wiring. 
• Another option is to have the old stimulator wiring and battery pack (IPG) removed. And 'give up' on using a Spinal Stimulator Implant for pain relief. 
• The last option is to see if the old stimulator wiring, battery pack (IPG) and paddle can be removed. Removing the paddle may not be easy due to the placement on the spinal cord and the scar tissue in that area. This would also be 'giving up' on using a Spinal Stimulator Implant for pain relief. 

How do I "feel" about all this?

• I'm thankful for some answers regarding the Spinal Stimulator Implant. We know that for me to get any relief the wire/paddle has to be exactly mid-line and higher. 
• I don't like the increased pain. And I have to take that into consideration as I make my decision on another implant trial. Each time I have surgery I will grow more scar tissue and that can irritate more nerves. 
• I'm thankful for the stronger pain medications, but don't like the side-effects. 

Right now I'm in the "waiting room". And as many of you know, I'm not a very good "waiter". But I'm trying to learn that waiting is not a bad thing. As I wait, I can continue to pray about my decision and continue to research my options. 

Thank you for your prayers as I "wait". God is good all the time! And all the time God is good! 

Creating a positive day isn't easy when the pain level is extreme. But I'm learning that the day can be very positive if I keep my focus on what God is doing, and allow God to teach me and use me to help others. 

Smile just waiting—Grab it!

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 43. Here is what I learned.

Why am I discouraged. Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God! Psalm 43:5 (NLT)

Why ·am I so sad [are you downcast, my soul]? Why ·am I so upset [are you groaning/in an uproar]? I ·should [or will] ·put my hope in [wait for] God and ·keep praising [or will again praise] him, my ·Savior [Victor] and my God. Psalm 43:5 (EXB)

Why art thou cast down O my soul and why art thou disquieted within me hope in God for I shall yet praise him who is the health of my countenance and my God. Psalm 43:5 (KJV w/Strongs) 

Why: interrogative what? (including how? Why? When?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!).

Discouraged: be cast down, despairing, to sink or be depressed, be (bring) low.

Sad: to be in great commotion or tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor, be disquieted, tumultuous, be in an uproar.

Soul: living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion.

Hope: to wait; by implication, to be patient, hope -- (cause to, have, make to) hope, stay, tarry, trust, wait. 

God: Eelohim- very great, mighty.

For: assuredly, but, certainly, doubtless.

Again: a going around, continuance, still, yet, again, beside, repeatedly, still, more -- again all life long, repeat.

Praise: yield yourselves, acknowledge, give thanks, to revere or worship (with extended hands).

God: the supreme God

As his hope, his never-failing hope, v. 5. Here, as before, David quarrels with himself for his dejections and despondencies, and owns he did ill to yield to them, and that he had no reason to do so: Why art thou cast down, O my soul? He then quiets himself in the believing expectation he had of giving glory to God (Hope in God, for I shall yet praise him) and of enjoying glory with God: He is the health of my countenance and my God. That is what we cannot too much insist upon, for it is what we must live and die by. Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible

It’s so easy to be discouraged and depressed. But there is a solution—praise, worship God the very source of HOPE! There’s an old saying, “Turn that frown upside down.” This verse isn’t about putting on a fake smile, but rather there is a true REASON to smile—HOPE from God.

To be honest, I don’t feel much like smiling today. I’m recovering from the spinal implant stimulator trial, my back hurts, my headache is severe, and I have more questions than answers on how to move forward. But I have a choice to make—I can wallow in my situation and have  a pity-party, or I can change my focus to God and the Hope and Joy He provides. 

Today seems like a very hard day to create a positive day, but actually, it’s easy if I change my focus to God and the hope He provides. He has a SMILE just waiting for me—and I choose to GRAB it!

Abundantly Congratulates!

Throughout this year, each day of the month, I'm "Treasure Hunting" in a Psalm. I've created a "Ponder Every Morsel of Truth" Book to record the truths as I learn them. The fifth of each month, I'm studying Psalm 29. Here's what Treasure I found today.

The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. Psalm 29:11 (EXB)

Gives: apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, cause.

Strength: boldness, loud, might, power, strength, strong, to be stout.

His people: specifically, a tribe, group of people.

Blesses: abundantly, altogether, congratulate, to kneel.

Peace: completeness, soundness, welfare, well, favor, friend, rest, safety.

"Peace." There is a threefold "peace," externa, interna, aeterna; temporal, spiritual, celestial peace. There is outward peace, the blessing; inward peace, the grace; and everlasting peace, of glory. And as in a stately palace there is a lodge or court that leads into the inmost goodly rooms, so external peace is the entrance or introduction to the inward lodgings of the sweet peace of conscience and of that eternal rest in which our peace in heaven shall be happy, inasmuch as external peace affords us many accommodations and helps to the gaining and obtaining both the one and the other. - Ephraim Udall. 1642.

The Lord will bless his people with peace - They have nothing to fear in the tempest and storm; nothing to fear from anything. He will bless them with peace in the tempest; He will bless them with peace through that power by which He controls the tempest. Let them, therefore, not fear in the storm, however fiercely it may rage; let them not be afraid in any of the troubles and trials of life. in the storm, and in those troubles and trials, he can make the mind calm; beyond those storms and those troubles he can give them eternal peace in a world where no "angry tempest blows." Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Why do we fight so hard to find peace, contentment, that sence of safety and calmness? God says that He will bless us with peace. It’s there, if we simply want to accept it. Nothing magical. Just accept the peace and completeness God abundantly pours out upon His people. 

Read though Psalm 29 again. The same God who shows His strength and power in the mighty storms, is very able to provide peace. Nothing is too hard for God! Today, I am to have my temporary spinal stimulator wire removed. And I’ll be making a decision on if I should make it permanent, or simply “give up” on the spinal stimulator as a way to reduce my pain. I’ve noticed the last few weeks, as I’ve discussed this with God, He has given me great peace about each step. It’s so great to know that God is listening to me as I talk with Him, and He is giving me guidance and I move forward. 

My Ponder Morsels lately have been “just what I need’. But God knew that too! Blesses His people with peace. God creates a positive day for me as He abundantly congratulates me with His peace.

Total Package

Throughout this year, each day of the month, I'm "Treasure Hunting" in a Psalm. I've created a "Ponder Every Morsel of Truth" Book to record the truths as I learn them. The third of each month, I'm studying Psalm 16. Here's what Treasure I found today.

I ·praise [bless] the Lord because he advises me. Even at night, ·I feel his leading [my innards instruct me]. Psalm 16:7 (EXB)

Bless: bless God, adore with bended knees, abundantly, altogether, congratulate.

Lord: of deity Yahweh.

Who: forasmuch, from where.

Counsel (advises): to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve -- advertise, advise (well), consult, determine, guide, purpose. 

Indeed (even): furthermore, how much more.

Instruct: chastise, correct, reform, reprove, teach, let oneself be corrected, imparting of wisdom.

Mind: literally the kidneys; meaning “the interior self” , the vessel, thoughts, inter-most being, the seat of the affections.

Night: midnight season, figuratively adversity.

The occupying of the gold. The believer seeking instruction from the counsels of the Lord by night, and realizing his promise by day. The Treasury of David

"My reins also instruct me in the night seasons." We have a saying among ourselves that "the pillow is the best counsellor;" and there is much truth in the saying, especially if we have first committed ourselves in prayer to God, and taken a prayerful spirit with us to our bed. In the quiet of its silent hours, undisturbed by the passions, and unharassed by the conflicts of the world, we can commune with our own heart, and be instructed and guarded as to our future course even "in the night season." David especially seems to have made these seasons sources of great profit as well as delight. Sometimes he loved to meditate upon God as he lay upon his bed; and it was no doubt as he meditated on the Lord's goodness and on the way by which he had led him, that he was, as it were, constrained, even at midnight, to arise and pray. While, therefore, we acknowledge the pillow to be a good counsellor, let us with David here acknowledge also that it is the Lord who gives the counsel, and sends the instruction in the night season. - Barton Bouchier

God gives us advise and guidance in all aspects of our lives. I am very thankful that as I make a decision on  the new spinal implant stimulator, that God will guide me—if I ask Him and then listen to Him. Yesterday, the Ponder Morsel was the “gift of peace”. When I rely on God’s wisdom and knowledge of the circumstances, then I know He will not only give me the answers I seek, but the peace to go along with those decisions. It’s a “total package”! 

I need to accept, not only God’s gift of peace, but His wisdom and guidance as I seek His purpose in and for my life. To create a positive day, it’s all about accepting the “total package” from God—wisdom and peace.

Hit a Brick Wall

There is a kid's action song, "Going on a Bear Hunt". As you hunt for the bear you face obstacles, such as a tree and a river. "You can't go around it. You can't go under it. You have to climb up/down it or swim across it." It's a cute song, and each obstacle you face on the hunt, is easily overcome.

But what happens in real life when we are faced with an obstacle. We come to the end of our ropes or hit a brick wall. We can't climb over it, we can't go around it. We are stuck. Perhaps you are at that point in your life. You have reached your pain threshold, and you injury something else. Or your finances are stretched so thin you can't possible afford one more item, and there is an emergency, like the car dies. 

When we find ourselves facing a brick wall it can be overwhelming. The wall is impenetrable. It looms in front of us and as we stand looking up at the wall, it seems to grow in size. As you stand there, you think it will come crashing down around you, then maybe at least you'd be able to see past the wall as you stand in the midst of chaos.

This week I hit a brick wall. On Thanksgiving Day, I received a "low battery" message on my spinal stimulator IPG (battery pack). And no, you just can't insert a new Duracell battery. It takes surgery to replace the unit. 

Yesterday, I saw my pain management doctor to have the IPG (battery) checked. After running a few tests and talking with tech support, we learned some information. I have a broken link on the paddle that sits on my spinal cord. Right now, it's not a big concern, we'll just watch it. 

As for the IPG (battery) there seemed to be more questions than answers. The plan for now is to "override" the low battery message and see if it will keep working. I left the office with a plan. Later last night, I had additional trouble with the IPG and received new error codes—my wall was growing brick by brick.

The uncertainty of what is happening with the IPG is my brick wall.  Why am I getting the error messages? Am I looking at surgery #9? Does the stimulator provide enough relief to warrant the risk and cost of additional surgeries? The unknowns continue to add layers of bricks to my wall. 

This week in my Bible Study, I was to study Psalm 8 and rewrite it in my words. Here is what I wrote: 

Jehovah, the Lord, You are powerful—excellent, famous, gallant, glorious, goodly, mighty, noble, and worthy. Everything in nature knows your majesty, even the tiniest baby displays your glory.
As I look upward to the vastness of the universe I am humbled and so thankful that You, God, are very aware of each and every detail in my life. It’s comforting to know that You are not surprised by anything happening in my life. You are fully alert—watching, and overseeing each detail.
Everything You’ve made gives You praise and honor, and You chose man to care for it all. As I look upon all that is around me, I too must praise You for You are truly great and worthy of more praise than I can rightly give.

Did you catch the few sentences in the middle?

You, God, are very aware

of each and every detail in my life.

It’s comforting to know that You

are not surprised by anything

happening in my life.

You are fully alert—watching,

and overseeing each detail.

God knew about my "wall" long before I saw it. He hasn't left me without a way to overcome the obstacle. He may help me climb over it, or dig under it, or He may simply take it down brick by brick.  The latter may take some time—my brick wall seems VERY LARGE! However, I can't look at the brick wall as an obstacle or hindrance, it has been allowed by God for a purpose.  God is FULLY ALERT—watching and overseeing EACH detail. 

If I'm standing at a wall,

then it's God who designed

it to be in my life.

And as the Architect,

He knows exactly how to move it. 

I'm standing at a wall. What do I do? I have a choice. I can continue staring at the wall and continue to feel overwhelmed and frustrated. OR I can rest in the assurance that God has a plan and when it's time to move forward He will either remove the wall, or help me overcome it. 

Maybe it's time to sit down

in the shadow of the wall and

let God do His work. 

Some circumstances make creating a positive day harder than others. However, no matter what circumstances I find myself, God is the constant Who does not change. His love is unconditional. He provides peace. He does care.

Even as I face my brick wall, it's possible to create a positive day, if I make that choice. Today, I choose to accept the FACT that God is FULLY ALERT—watching and overseeing EACH detail of my life. And there is comfort in letting God work and design the plan for my life (even if He builds a few walls).

Trusting God in the midst of overwhelming obstacles

is the only way to create a positive day.

Spinal Stim Programing Day!

Today, I'll get my spinal stim programed. Programming is an ongoing thing.

Many have asked how my spinal stimulator works. Our brains have "pain gates". Pain sensations travel slower than other sensations. For example, if you stub your toe, it hurts. But when you rub your toe, it feels better. Rubbing your toe didn't "heal" it, rather the rubbing messages travel faster than the pain messages. The rubbing messages fill up the "gates" allowing fewer pain messages to get through...so your brain thinks your toe is better.

The same concept works with my spinal stim. The stimulator sends signals along the nerves to the brain. those tingling signals fill up the gates allowing fewer pain messages to get through. My brain is tricked to thinking I'm in less pain. However, if I use the same signals too long.....the brain starts to ignore the tingling signals and giving more attention to the pain. Therefore, having several programs allows me to switch back and forth or use different signals for different activities.

That is a very basic explanation of how the spinal stimulator works.

God created our bodies to do amazing things! When I think of how my body works, I can't help but praise God. Even how God created the brain, so that I can "trick it" into being in less pain!

Now, you ask, why doesn't God just remove your pain? That's an easy one! God believes that I'll have more opportunities to share His love with others, if I'm in pain. I meet people, whom I've never would have contact with, if it weren't for my pain.

Now, don't get me wrong....I'd LOVE to be free from my pain. However, since God hasn't chosen that for me at this time, I need to do what I can to glorify God and continue to share His love. God has many reasons for what He does. And I don't always understand those reasons. But, since God loves me, He will continue to care for me and give me what I need to live with chronic pain.

Creating a positive day isn't always about me or what I'm enduring. Often it's about sharing God's love with others or encouraging someone else. God's love is unconditional. Many people today don't understand that concept. Sharing God's love is the best way to create a positive day! Each time I share God's love with someone else, I get a hug from God! Can't beat that for a positive day!

Thank You for Your Prayers

Wanted to thank you all for your prayers as I recover from surgery. On Sunday, 11.15, I turned on my spinal stimulator (a pacemaker for pain). It worked! On Tuesday, 11.17, I'll receive additional programs, to use with various activities. To make this battery last as long as possible, I'll need to get use to differences in the new programs compared to the old. But the longer this battery lasts, the longer between surgeries.

I do appreciate all the prayers on my behalf. It's very comforting to know that people are talking to God on my behalf. That is a very cool thought! The Creator of All is listening to people talk about me! WOW!!

Although we each need to create our own positive day, others can help us! When people are praying, and let you know they are praying, it sure makes the day more positive. Have you prayed for someone today? Did you let them know? God might use you to encourage someone and help make their day a positive one!