Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit

When we think of life we invision it as the ability to do different things, go different places, and be with various people. But for some of us on this big ball we call home there are limits to what we can do, supernaturally placed trials in our lives. In this post I want to share with you my dear mother's trial and how through it all she has become the strongest woman I know. 

• So what type of activities do you enjoy?

My favorite activities prior to being reshaped were gardening, cooking and kayaking.

• How has your life changed recently?

I had open heart surgery on October 27th, 2011.  Normally I would have been discharged from the hospital 4-5 days after surgery, at least that was the expectation and plan.  Due to many complications I lost my left leg and ended up with an above the knee amputation and was in the hospital for 90 days.  It has been six months since and I am steadily gaining use of my "stump".  I am now able to walk with a walker and prosthetic.  Praise God!  It is not easy, the therapist informed me that it takes 70% more energy to walk with a prosthesis than just normal walking! God is faithful and has provided me with energy and also a very encouraging and supportive family and church.   

• What has helped you through this time? 

This acrostic has been a help to me:

S uffering 

U nderstanding Christ suffered, I must suffer. 

F eelings must go.. 

F aith must increase. 

E ternal Blessings 

R ighteous living 

I nstant in prayer 

N ot wavering 

G lory to Jesus Christ!

• Will you ever be able to do what you love outdoors again?

I am pleased that I am already doing the menu planning and cooking for my family!  I am in the process of planning a small garden for my porch and hope to get it planted in the next week or so.  Kayaking will be also something that I will do again, it is such a wonderful way to observe the beauty of God's creation.  

• What are some final thoughts you would have for the people who read this?

Becoming an amputee does not limit you.  The most difficult part for me, has been the mindset. Overcoming the fear and discouragement comes from understanding that suffering is part of the Christian life... Each day brings blessings and discouragements, however, my goals are to be used by God in the way He would be glorified and praised!