From Freda

I am sorry to be so long in updating this blog. Things have been hectic with doctor’s visits and trying to catch up after being in Arkansas for six weeks. I hope to post regular updates now that I am home.

Two weeks ago I saw my doctor here and began the new chemo protocol. I made it through three days before having to come off. Gary found me passed out on the floor Thursday of that week and took me to my doctor’s visit. I was having atrial fibrillations and was hospitalized. The fibrillations continued so the shocked my heart on that Friday morning to get it back in rhythm. Praise God it only took a small shock. They observed me until Saturday afternoon and then let me go home. I was grateful to be home and to be able to teach my Bible study class on Sunday, attend worship with the Westside family, and lead a home fellowship that evening.

Last week I hoped to get back on the chemo protocol but could not because of extremely low blood pressure and a racing heart. I continued to see the doctor’s and the cardiologist finally put me on a heart monitor on Thursday afternoon. I will wear it for the next month so they can better determine what is happening with the heart. In spite of everything, God has graced me with feeling well when the heart was behaving. I was able to spend a couple of hours with all of our children and grandchildren late Friday afternoon and again on Saturday afternoon. I was also able to teach Bible study and attend worship on Sunday.

Some ask me why I push to teach and attend worship on Sundays instead of staying home and resting. The answer is simple really. I feel better in church than at home and I am able to minister and be ministered to. I walked into my class on Sunday morning and enjoyed a time of laughter and fellowship, followed by a time of prayer and sharing our needs before delving into a great Bible study. As I looked around that room, I saw people who had stayed strong in class ministry during my six weeks away. I was grateful for their support of each other, me, and the church’s ministry. They encourage and uplift me and I hope I do the same for them.

The Message Bible translates Psalms 73:16-17 this way, “Still, when I tried to figure it out, all I got was a splitting headache. . .Until I entered the sanctuary of God. Then I saw the whole picture.” I underlined these words while I was in Arkansas because they expressed part of what it means for me to be in worship. In worship I gain the “whole picture” and don’t get stuck in my situation and the circumstances all around. Worship is encouraging because it focuses me on God and gives me an opportunity to express my gratitude to Him for who He is what He has done, and is doing, in my life and the life of others. I find it impossible to worship and not feel God’s joy and peace. I also get to see the faces of those who are praying for me and I pray and thank God for them. I also know that their commitment to be in worship will produce change and growth in their life and the lives of those they touch.

Thank you for your continued prayers.

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