JUNE 2011
Dear Partners and Friends,
My last newsletter regarding TROUBLE created a “reaction” from several dear friends. At least now I know that many of you read the newsletters! Thanks for your prayers and concerns. I cannot adequately express how deeply I appreciate your prayers, friendship, encouragement, support and love!
Many of you know that I developed a macular hole in my left eye a couple of years ago. Surgery was required and I had to lie “face down” for several weeks, followed by limited activity for up to three months. Now, the left eye is great -- almost 20/20. Thank God.
You might also be aware that I began a serious health/weight loss program more than a year ago. The result was approximately 75 pounds! That was partially brought about by the beginnings of a problem in my right eye. I came very close to developing another macular hole. There doesn’t seem to “be a reason” for these conditions happening. My personal theory is simply “old age” -- hard to believe as good as I feel!
In recent weeks, I have been struggling with an almost weekly occurrence. It is called a “vitrous hemorrhage” in the right eye. Blood vessels in the eye begin to leak causing vitrous gel/blood to hemorrhage thus becoming more and more cloudy. A complete “cloudiness” causes a temporary blindness in the eye … it is literally like trying to see through a cloud or dense fog. This effect will last for a couple of days and, then, it gradually goes back to normal. The Retina Specialist has given me some drops (two different kinds) that “dilate” and help heal the eye. One tiny bottle costs $140 and insurance will not cover it.
The only thing that gives a clue to why is stress! When I went to the doctor three weeks ago, my blood pressure was unusually high. He wanted me to go immediately to the Emergency Room. Instead, I was able to reach my primary care physician who has changed/increased my blood pressure medicine … it seems to be helping.
However, both doctors are insisting that I “decrease stress” in my life and eat lots of fruit, vegetables, and fiber -- which is how I lost weight to begin with. Also, they “require” more exercise, which I know I need to do. It is “recommended” that I slow down for a season! Of course I am trying to listen and take all this counsel very seriously -- especially since my dad suffered a terrible stroke followed by a fatal heart attack.
Really, I do not want you dear friends to worry! That will not create peace, only more stress, which they explained is the root of the problem to begin with. In all honesty, God has been giving to me a miraculously sense of His presence in these last few days. I have been meditating in the Psalms and Proverbs every single day! Billy Graham said that every Christian should try and read “five Psalms and one Proverb everyday”. You know, it really works in my life! Psalms is a great “prayer language” teaching me how to walk with God, and Proverbs teaches me how to walk with other humans.
Meditation in God’s Word and the practice of God’s presence is the key! I discover over and over that the Christian life is infinitely more than a human effort, a philosophical position, a system of ethical behavior or a
Theological conviction. Christianity is Christ!! It is a personal relationship between him and me.
I received this encouraging word from Psalms 57:7-9, “Oh God, my heart is quiet and confident. No wonder I can sing your praises. Let us greet the dawn with a song. I will thank you publicly throughout the land. I will sing your praises among the nations.”(Living Bible).
Please continue to keep me in your prayers as I endeavor to find the balance between striving and resting … between going and coming. Thanks for being a faithful PARTNER, with your financial support and faithful prayers.
God Bless You,
Jim
