Hello Dear Ones,

Health Update: Recovery and endurance is increasing! Walking straight lines is not a problem, unless I need to turn around. Balance could use some improvement. Remaining upright is the goal without looking like a drunk old lady LOL!

On a serious note … Joni Eareckson Tada’s more recent interviews have been very honest as she discloses her battle with depression. I really appreciate her openness.

As a quadriplegic, cancer survivor twice, lung issues, and in severe chronic pain, she continues to shed light on how God hates the bad circumstances we go through, and instead, is committed to making something good from it. As the days move forward I’m seeing God making good out of my few years of challenges.

Being close to death’s door changes some things within. Thank God who continues to give me new perspectives.

I made a list of some good, made from these difficult years. Thought I’d share them with you to remind me of His goodness. So here goes:

1. I was surprised that even in a coma, I could hear and understand conversations around me. I could not move a finger or toe, but my ears and soul were wide awake. Talk to, read to, and pray with those who seem to be unconscious. And be careful what you say in front of them!

2. I’m so much more thankful for and amazed with health professionals. What a blessing they are. They all could use more encouragement and appreciation. 

3. I’ve come to see the varying value of personal property. It is apparent that “stuff” won’t go with me into eternity. The motto, “I’ll use it when …” is being thrown out the window. I’m still working on purging. Anyone want a piano? I’m serious.

4. Family has become more dear and precious than ever before! Our relationships have changed and become sweeter and kinder.

5. The value of friendship and community deepens and strengthens our healing process, both physically and emotionally.

6. I used to be an outgoing person, but now I seem to listen more and talk less. As mentioned previously, I realize how much I DO NOT know and my need to quell my opinion and suggestions.

7. I no longer joke about the commercial: “Help! I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up.” It’s now my reality, baby!

8.  As you’ve heard over and over: Life is fragile and short. So I do really stop to smell the flowers, soak in the beauty of sunsets, celebrate every breath I take, enjoy the fragrance of the sea, pine trees, new recipe dishes … enjoying the simple pleasures … so go ahead and EAT the DARN COOKIE!

9. Your heartfelt smile, cards, gifts, and prayers, or the warmth of your hand on mine have given me so much hope for the future. Thank you.

10. Stillness and quietness help us to reflect more, listen to God more, and to say “I’m sorry” more.

11. No need to live on adrenaline any longer. What doesn’t get done, doesn’t get done. Control is overrated. I’m not the one in charge of everything. 

12. It’s much easier for me to give grace and mercy to others. Extending the same to myself has been a challenge. Glen keeps reminding me to be more gentle with myself.

13. The reality of the eternal becomes more realistic, especially when death stares you in the face! At our age we are more aware that we are finite. We often think about how long will I live and what happens after death?

14. Vanity and modesty go out the window after being incapacitated. Our cultural religion of physical beauty and the fountain of youth are temporary illusions.

15. Cherish the people who make you want to be a better version of yourself.

16. I reflect on how God is truly merciful and kind. He doesn’t mind the questions we grapple with. He’s focused on loving you. 

17. When I was learning to breathe, walk, and eat again, there was a song that fed my spirit. The song,  “If you still have breath in your lungs, you’re not done” by the band, Leeland, sustained me when I wanted to give up.

18. With God’s help, forgiveness, gentleness, and love are possible toward those you hurt, or those who hurt you. Pray for wisdom. If possible, take opportunities to do your due diligence for reconciliation … even if the response may not be what you’d hoped for. That’s ok. Just learn to love.

19. Joni says the natural response to suffering is to put God on trial; to be bitter and angry at Him and our circumstances. But Jesus wrote the book on suffering, being tortured on the way to the cross, and as G.K. Chesterton describes: “hung on the cross like meat on a hook …”  Finding Jesus in the middle of my hell infuses me with courage to show up one day at a time. Joni expresses that, “we may suffer and suffer hard …if we have big needs, you’re going to believe in a big God.”

My list extends so much more than this. This post is already too long so I’ll stop here.

Please let me know how I can pray for you. I have the time and focus now.

I sincerely thank you for your months and years of prayer and love! I’m your walking miracle!

Much, much love to you,

Karen

Texting/calls: 530-848-8607 

Email: karenfnielsen@gmail.com