GRATITUDE......

Lately, I have been dealing with quite intense lower back and leg pain, all of which I contribute to the spinal fusion surgery I had in 1999. I had quite a bit of nerve damage to my right leg as a result of a disc rupture, which caused a burning, tingling and numb sensation. After consulting with a pain management specialist, He prescribed a course of treatment for 6 weeks in late 1999, consequently resulting in a positive outcome...with much less pain. This lasted for several years. For that, I am thankful!!!

However, over the past 2-3 years I have noticed an increase of spine and leg pain, therefore, my sweet hubby insisted I see the Dr. to make sure nothing new had happened in the spinal area.

So, yesterday was that appointment. The surgeon asked numerous questions and did a series of x-rays to determine if the fusion was still stable....and it was! That is a big praise God! Then he ordered an MRI...which they performed yesterday. It revealed good news as well....no bulging discs or any new ruptures! That is another Praise God! Therefore, we all believe the pain I am feeling is the residual effects (nerve damage) of the disc rupture that occurred in 1999...which was the reason for the Spinal fusion.

Since the tests were all negative for anything "new" going on.....the Orthopedic Surgeon prescribed an anti inflammatory med as treatment for the inflammation that is most likely triggering the spine and leg pain. I am praying this new medicine will take care of the "new pain" I am dealing with.

I am not a good patient...I do not like to take medicine....but I will certainly give this a try....and if it helps....then I will take it every day, with a smile on my face and be thankful that it is helping!

Now, I wrote all of the above information to share this with you..........

This morning I was spending some quiet time with God. Reflecting on yesterday with a thankful heart, that there was nothing new to deal with....but concerned that this pain would be a part of my life now. AND.... I was reading my "Jesus Calling" devo....and I want you to know that I just love my Lord so much....do you know what He did????

He gave me the nudge that I so desperately needed....His gentle reminder that He has everything under control! My Father put one of my favorite verses right there on today's page...March 1st...for me!!! Oh yes.....for me!!!

I have always LOVED Philippians 4:6! It says: "...."Don't worry about anything, but ask God for what you need and thank Him"! It goes on to say in the next couple of verses that, His perfect peace will guard your heart and mind, and to think on these things....."Whatever is pure, noble , right, true, lovely,admirable,excellent or praiseworthy".....

That verse is powerful for me because I am a worrier...and true Type A person....one that likes to do too much and likes to make sure everything is "just right" ..... and likes to make sure that everyone is taken care of...!!! That is just my personality...I love to "love people"..to fix everything that is wrong....and to help everyone "worry" about the things they are dealing with...etc,etc...(you get the picture) !!!

Well, Philippians 4:6-8 tells me to:

"Stop worrying.....talk to God about the issues....with a Thankful heart.....accept HIS peace and think on the good things!"

So, back to my morning "nudge" from my Savior.......

.....as I opened the Jesus Calling book this morning.....

The first sentence is this:

"When something in your life or thoughts makes you anxious, come to me and talk about it."

I wish you could have seen my smiling, wet face....as I wiped the tears that fell, I thanked my precious Savior for knowing my every need and for providing GRACE for the moment. His grace is enough...it is ALWAYS enough...and I praise my loving Father for always showing up...for never letting me down....and for His brand new mercies each and every morning!

Resting at HIS feet,
Denise