Healer of Our Every Ill

It's been a while since I've told a hospital story, so here goes.  My patient was a 16 year old boy I'll call David who had lost 30 pounds in 2 months time.  David described how initially he had sharp pain and flu-like symptoms for a couple of weeks but seemed to improve slightly. Pounds began to fall from him like leaves on a November tree. He was an athlete and no longer had the energy to participate in the many activities he loved or an appetite to eat his mom's good PA Dutch cooking.  The diagnostic tests revealed some sort of mass in his abdomen which the surgeon attempted to aspirate and got nothing--not a good sign.  Could it be that this teenager had a cancerous tumor?  Feeling overwhelmed with the possibilities, the medical staff at the small provincial  hospital at which I was working decided to transfer David to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) for surgery. I rode along in the ambulance to monitor David and keep him company.  We all anxiously awaited news of David's surgery and prognosis. The surgeon himself called with the news; David's appendix had been perforated several months before but had encapsulated preventing a full blown infection.  Why wasn't there pus on the initial aspiration?  No one knows, but the CHOP surgeon said that the surgery was very complicated, and that it was a blessing David was at the Philadelphia hospital with their additional resources.  David returned to us post operatively, and we all rejoiced with God's healing touch.

God provides healing in various ways; the body's own system, medicine, and yes, miraculous healing.  The scripture for Sunday is Mark 1:40-45, a passage in which Jesus heals and cleanses a man with leprosy. http://bible.oremus.org/  Perhaps even more significant for us than the physical healing, is the example Jesus provides us of touching and loving one who was broken and an outcast.  Brother Mick's message is called "Only Skin Deep," and I hope you will be able to join us.

The Upper Room will be open, and I look forward to conversing with you.

On Wednesday night at 6:15 we are having a family Valentine Dinner with Forest Hills Mennonite Church providing entertainment.  Bring a friend or your honey and join us!

My prayer for you today: As the deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. Creator, fill us with your living waters. Today is a new day of possibilities. Your mercy and your grace cover us as You keep watch and care for us.  We commit our plans, our relationships, and our work to You, and seek Your wisdom and guidance in each minute.  Let us be light to those walking in darkness; let us be hope to those in despair; let us be peace to those in conflict; let us be You, Jesus, to each other. Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God, on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus name, AMEN.

Breakfast anyone?
Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too.
Love and Light,
Carol

Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe because it does make a difference! Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend!" JD