Bit Of An Adventure

Life has been a bit of an adventure for me this past week to say the least. For a few months I have experienced occasional dizzy spells that I assumed could be related to nutritional imbalance of some kind. Then, a month ago I passed out for just a couple seconds with one of those spells. That got my attention and led me to the doctor. I was sent to a cardiologist who ordered a routine stress test last Tuesday. A few minutes into the test, my heart spiked a few times in what they call V-Tach. The doctor immediately called for EMT's and had me in the hospital within minutes to do a heart catheterization and look for any blockages. There were no blockages. Then I was sent to a specialist in the electrical issues of the heart. Dr. Aryana determined I needed a defibrillator/pacemaker device to keep my heart rhythm safe. So, that was installed on Friday. He also saw in the MRI of my heart a spot that might be causing the irregular rhythm. There is a procedure called ablation that targets that spot and in essence cauterizes it. This should be a permanent solution to the irregular rhythm and this will be done on Thursday. So, I will be going home on Friday as good as new. A few more days of recovery and I am looking forward to getting back in the flow of all that is going on.

I did not know I had a dangerous condition and God has protected me from serious consequences. Thank God for His intervention and the wisdom and skill of great doctors. I have been well cared for.

Cathy has been a strength to me each step of the way. She has been by my side all the way from the stress test to this final procedure. She has been strong and courageous, feeding me healing Scriptures and praying God's favor in my life. I have not had a moment of discouragement or doubt because of her constant love, care, and incredible spiritual strength. God has given me the perfect partner in life. For Valentine's Day, she had my hospital room looking festive. Sunday was Cathy's birthday yet she expressed no disappointment in having to spend it in a hospital. We were fortunate to be given a private room since last Friday and she has slept by my side since then, enduring the many wake-up calls in the night to check my blood pressure, take blood samples, and give me pills. I couldn't hope for more.

All my family has been encouraging and attentive to me and I love them deeply. Our kids have been sneaking in Chili's and Big Spoon Yogurt to keep us going. They've been a great help. Also, my church family has been so gracious and loving along the way. Thank you for your prayers and the many expressions of concern. I am feeling good and looking forward to being 100% healthy and at full strength very soon. God has been good to me.

Don't forget to invite a friend to church this Sunday! Dave Roever is a special friend and he has a way of touching the hearts of those who are searching for faith. We are believing for a wonderful harvest of people accepting Jesus as Savior. It is going to be an awesome day!

I'm looking forward to seeing you soon.

But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him" (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Together . . . Continuing the Dream,

Pastor Rick