This Week – Starting: 08/05/2024

My Request:

I’ve mentioned the struggle I’ve had recently. Last Tuesday I found out I need another Brain surgery. Back in December 2020 I was diagnosed with an Epidermoid Brain tumor. I had two surgeries in 2021 for this. Due to complications I had after the second surgery I did not have the third planned surgery. My surgeon has been watching it with annual MRIs. This past Tuesday was my year three checkup (hard to believe it’s been three years). It was found the tumor has grown in the past year and my surgeon suggested operation again. There’s no concern with this type of tumor being cancerous but the Epidermoid tumor is like skin cells in the brain which grow like skin and has caused some trouble. I’m not experiencing any kind of negative effects of this right now as I was in 2020. The doctor is hopeful this surgery will be more ahead of the tumor than behind it like we were in 2021.

Here’s my request:

PRAY please. I have three specific prayer requests right now:

• Pray I stay in a positive head space leading up to this surgery which is sheduled for October 9.
• Pray for my family as we go through this.
• Pray specifically for the surgery on October 9 and that I do not have the same type problems I had before. Please pray I get back to life fairly quickly like I did in my first surgery.

Thanks!

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This Week’s Posts:

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Word Of Encouragement This Week:

This week’s word of encouragement is from Psalm 91. I mentioned last week an encouragement I received from a friend from Psalm 138. This was before getting the news I mentioned above in my prayer request. The enemy’s voice was strong in my head after hearing I need surgery again. I kept thinking about my struggle after surgery 2. I believe this was coming straight from the Devil. I kept hearing and thinking this was going to be a repeat of my 2nd surgery. Nevermind what I experienced with my first surgery. After about three weeks of recovery I was back at life. I forget about that fact way too quickly but my mind focuses on the struggle I had with the second surgery.

Last Thursday morning was tough. I thought I was over the emotions of Tuesday when I was told about a third surgery. I was ok Wednesday but then Thursday morning I was an emotional mess again. I was on my way to work and pulled into my church to pray before going to work. I needed a quiet moment and was driving right by the church so I stopped. I prayed in the still and quiet of the sanctuary. As I finished I thought I heard the door open to the church. I walked out but didn’t see anyone. As I got into my truck my pastor, Rob Leonard, waved me down. We talked and prayed together.

What I believe, Rob was sent to talk and pray with me Thursday morning. We talked about it, he’s not always there that early in the morning BUT God saw I needed the prayer and talk from my friend and pastor Rob. Afterwards Rob suggested Psalm 91 to read. There’s many nuggets of hope there in Psalm 91 and I’d encourage you to read the entire chapter if you need some some encouragement today.

I’m thankful for the word of God and friends who send it as reminders like this!

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.” -Psalm 91:1-2

I believe salvation is as easy as ABC. Admit You’re A Sinner, Believe Jesus Is Lord, Call Upon His Name (Confess).

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:23-24

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

Songs Of Encouragement This Week:

As I’ve mentioned a couple times now I’ve been in an emotional space. The other day while mowing I listened to some music. I typically listen to podcasts while I mow but I needed the worship time sitting on my mower. I mowed late in the day since it’s so hot right now, so I listened to these songs as the sun set. You talk about the moment I needed! So, today I’m going to post below the three songs that hit me the hardest. Let’s worship together!

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My Favorite Photograph This Week: