Count Your Many Blessings

I was hoping the next post from the Brooks' household would be from the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix in November the day before my big surgery to fix the tear in my abdominal wall. Just to ask for your prayers for Steve and me as we head into this surgery. Sometimes

(actually many times) our plans are not God's plans. Saturday I noticed that the feeding formula was draining into my gastric bag from my stomach. Not what i wanted to see. This would mean the surgery at Mayo to clip the feeding tube to the intestinal wall had failed. My connective tissue disease had allowed for the clips to tear through. I've always said i would be transparent in these posts because we all have trials and we can learn from each other if we are honest. My honesty - I cried; no, I sobbed. I just need a break. As i prayed, God put a song on my heart that I haven't heard in ages. "Count Your Blessings". "Count Your Blessings"is a very amazing hymn, with each verse beginning with a challenge and ending with the fact that no matter what happens, if we count our blessings, we'll be "surprised","singing", "rewarded", and "comforted." The chorus also repeats the same phrase twice with a different melody and adds the word "many" before the word "blessings" the second time. The repetition of counting our "many"blessings is a great reminder to always return thanks

unto God for whatsoever things we receive in according to his will for us, his children whom he loves without condition.

We have spent three days meeting with my local GI guru and he has spent equal time with our Mayo team.I had scans today that confirmed the feeding tube had torn loose from the small intestine and was coiled in my stomach which drains directly into my gastric bag and preventing any nutrition to enter my system. Please pray for my local surgeon as he has never done this surgery. Because this tubing provides my nutrition for living we must act expediently. My surgery is tomorrow (Friday) at 10am.I covet your prayers and thank you in advance for standing with us in prayer. We will update when there is news ...until then, I am counting my blessings, naming them one by one.

Being held in His hand,

Lee

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Comments

Barbara Sovde:

You two are an example others need to follow. Prayers for a successful surgery, strength, and healing.

sandra henry:

Oh, Lee, when I saw your beautiful face in the picture, I was sure you were going to have good news. I'm sad that you have to have another surgery. Will start praying now that God guides your surgeon's hands to get everything put back in place. Praying that you and Steve have peace and get a good night's rest. Much love to both of you.

Judy Green:

Bless your heart dear Lee I was like you that the doctors at Mayo would fix your problem. You and Steve are in my prayers each night. I know God answers prayers he did with Lisa and I have faith he will hear our prayers for you. Love you💕

diana moore:

Praying, dear friend!

Margaret McPhee:

I can't even imagine living through all you do with such seeming grace. Yes, crying at the news of the most recent complication qualifies. We have just moved home from four months in Seattle while my husband received treatment at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. I am so grateful to be back in our own home. So, I am thinking of both of you and praying for your surgeon(s), as well as you two, that you might return to your home soon.

Molly Deines:

Praying praying praying

Jill Shelton:

Praying for peace, comfort, healing, and a good surgery. Hugs to you both.

Nina & Kevin Davenport:

Praying for you, Steve and surgeons skilled hands. As well a great recovery. Nina & Kevin

Bruce Ensign:

You are such a light for Christ! Of course we will pray for you, Steve, the surgeon, etc. Thank you for giving us the privilege to pray for you.

Rebecca M Doty:

Praying for you and praying this operation will work Rebecca Doty

Skip Houser:

Praying for you and your surgeon and a positive result.

Adrienne Johnson:

New to your blog. The Parkers sent us your link. I've suffered my whole life with Elhers but never found a doctor that knew what it was or cared. Pain, surgeries and dislocations has been my life. Last year I gave up and went on hospice....but God.