The Price is Right

John and I rent a couple of booth spaces at Peddler's Mall in Campbellsville. (By the way, if you're ever there, we are Booth #1). Each night, an email is sent out informing you of what you sold for that day. Last night before checking my email, I asked John if he wanted to guess how much we had sold. He said he didn't know. I guessed we had sold $31.50. Some days we sell more; a lot of days we will sell less. So, when I checked my email, we had sold $31.41. Wow, is that a coincidence or what? Or was it? Could it have been a small voice letting me know what figure to guess? Could it have been the Holy Spirit just reminding me that He's concerned about all areas of my life, even a small game like "guessing". I pray as I continue my journey with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, I stay reminded of just how important it is to listen, and just how much God really cares!

What's Next?

Last night at church, Brad and his wife Sandy, and I shared our story about the kidney donation offer. It was good to be able to share it with church family so they may pray and support Brad and his family during this time. I know God has a plan in store. We will continue to trust and believe. I hope it inspired individuals to look beyond themselves to others needs, and sometimes go "up and beyond" the call of duty. I know I don't regret following God's lead to offer. Now, I just have to wonder, "God, what do you have next in mind for me to do?"

Day Three, and I'm Out

I found out I was a match with Brad for the kidney donation. I, as well as Brad and his family, were so excited. Then, I went on Jan. 6th for my third day of testing. They did a chest x-ray, EKG, blood work, and CT scan of my abdomen and kidney. I thought we were home free by this point, and we could look towards the transplant. However, things have not turned out as planned. Brad found out about a couple of weeks ago that he has a heart blockage in one of his arteries. So, the doctors are contemplating putting in a stint. Last week, he found out he has pulmonary hypertension, which means they have become more aggresive in the dialysis procedure. Today, I was notified by Jewish Hospital that I cannot be a donor due to my CT scan results. It showed that I had two tubes leading from my left kidney to the bladder instead of one, which makes it an abnormal kidney. I also have small cysts on both kidneys. The kidneys are functioning fine, but since there are some abnormalities, they cannot transplant a less than perfect kidney in this situation.

I have been heartbroken today, and I have shared my news with Brad and his wife. We all agreed that God is still in control; He still has a miracle awaiting Brad. Please continue to pray for Brad's healing. I have had to remind myself today that God honors obedience more than sacrifice, and in this instance, He didn't require the sacrifice of my kidney.

The New Year

I have been posting on my other blog, so if you want to stay current, you will have to read there. I am in California for the Christmas holidays. The store is closed until Jan. 2. It's been a busy time, and after the first of the year, I am going to regroup and do some things differently, hopefully. The main thing will be to go on a diet. With so much to do, I need to lose weight to have more energy. I will be looking at different things for the store(s). I am in prayer about church projects. And, of course, awaiting lab results on the kidney evaluation. Now, that the celebration of Christmas is behind, we can start to focus on the New Year. And, already I can tell, it's going to be a busy one, but hopefully a good one!

Day Two

I've had my second visit to Jewish Hospital in Louisville. They drew blood, 8 tubes in fact, for more testing. I told the nurse if I start to pass out from lack of blood, just pick me up from the floor. I did just fine. Then, I met with the psychiatrist for about 45 min, and he said he felt I would be a good candidate based upon his evaluation. So, now, I know I'm not crazy, even though there may be those that would think otherwise. The lab results should be available in 2-3 weeks, at which point I should know if I am compatible to be a donor. Thank you for your continued prayer for both Brad (the recipient) and me.

Listen and Read

I listened to the message "A Miracle in the House" that Pastor Eric had preached about a week ago. Since John and I are usually away two Sundays a month, I like to listen to his messages over the internet in order to keep up on what is being taught. I pray that we take what we have, regardless of how small, and just like the widow and the oil, pour it out so that God can bless it mightily. And, may we expect to see a miracle, not only at the house of God, but at our own homes, as well.

Jackie gave me the book, "Extreme God Chasers". I have started reading it, and can already tell it will be one of those books that will challenge the way you think and feel about your relationship with God. She had read it because of hearing Pastor Eric talk about it, and I have heard him talk about it as well. So, now I will know to what they are referring. Wouldn't it be great if the body of Christ, as a whole, could catch the vision, and the miraculous power of the Spirit would become manifested on a regular basis? Would not our world be changed? Pastor, watch out for that "acrylic" podium---you could be blown away!

Day One

Everything went well with my appointment at Jewish Hospital. I had to drink a really, sweet orange drink as part of the glucose testing, and then they drew blood six different times. I felt well and did not become nauseated---yea! I then met with the social worker who asked many questions regarding my decision for kidney donation, as well as many questions regarding recovery. She said I must have thought everything out, and felt I was ready to proceed with my decision.

I talked with the transplant coordinator this morning, and all my lab results looked really good. My cholesterol level was a little high (that's from all the sweets I like to eat), but nothing to be concerned about. So, now I am scheduled for an appointment next Wed. with the psychiatrist. They want to be sure I'm not crazy for wanting to do this--haha! They will also draw blood to confirm my blood type, as well as for the tissue matching.

I feel at peace with all this. I know God is in control, and He has a plan. Thank you for your prayers as I continue on this journey.