Uncategorized | kdmanestreet

Several years ago I discovered a cracked egg in my fridge—plastered in scotch tape. Like the king’s horses and men who tried piecing Humpty back together again, my son tried repairing our cracked egg. 🙂

This picture came to mind as I reflected on a much more serious incident that happened to my husband last winter.

Several of you already know this story. But it’s a good reminder to me of the following: We—like egg shells—are fragile; our time here is short, take advantage of God given opportunities; God is the One who holds us together and gives us our every breath (Acts 17:28; Colossians 1:17); we need each other; and, God works powerfully through the prayers of His people (James 5:16).

After fighting a cold nine days, Eric came down with the stomach flu. This set the stage for the “perfect storm.” I was shocked how quickly his breathing became labored. After driving him to the ER, the doctor confirmed a bad case of pneumonia on his left lung.

“He will need to stay in the hospital on antibiotics for a day or two,” the doctor said.

But our two days turned into 10 long days. (I realize that sounds short compared to what some people have gone through, but with both of us being active and healthy, this completely caught us off guard.)

Although the doctor did everything by the book, the medicine wasn’t reaching the infected areas. In fact, the bacteria spread to the other lung and into his blood.

Not a good sign.

After the fourth day, my hopeful outlook began to dim. “I won’t mince words,” the doctor said, “this is one of the worst cases I’ve seen.”

Watching my once healthy husband struggle to breathe—even with an oxygen mask—unnerved me. “If he doesn’t improve by tomorrow morning,” the doctor said, “we’ll need to move him to a larger hospital and connect him to a ventilator.”

Another bad sign. That would disable him from breathing exercises, which the nurses stressed as extremely important for his lungs to get back in shape.

The next morning, Sunday, I needed a break from the hospital. I went to church with my Mom and my sister’s family. At the end of the service, the pastor opened the altar for prayer. I didn’t want to go down because I knew I’d lose it. I’m pretty private (believe it or not). But when I set my pride aside—and yes, lost it—God met me there. His Holy Spirit comforted me with His peace.

I didn’t know what God had in mind for Eric. Lord, are you really calling him home to heaven now? I prayed. His rapid downhill condition indicated yes. But he’s not even 40! Although I knew we would meet again in heaven, the thought of raising our three kids alone and being without him increased my anxiety.

But the Holy Spirit prompted me to trust and wait upon God (Isaiah 64:4-5). During that time, I daily battled to replace my fear and anxiety with His peace and comfort through reliance on Him. I’m thankful He loves us unconditionally, through all the doubts and fears. In fact, He shines brightest during our darkest moments. I’m also thankful for the support from family and friends.

Although I don’t remember the outcome of my son’s taped egg, I’m grateful to share: God has completely restored Eric back to health. He doesn’t even have signs of scarring, which the doctor had predicted.

June 2013

I credit God’s intervening hand to the many people who prayed for Eric—many who don’t even know him, yet faithfully lifted him to God’s throne room. I can’t predict how or when God moves and works, but I know He hears our prayers (1 Peter 3:12). He chooses to move through our requests that align with His will and purposes.

Whatever difficult circumstance(s) you might be facing, don’t give up. God wants you to come to Him right where you are, even in the middle of your mess. “The Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion. . . . Blessed are all who wait for Him!” (Isaiah 30:18) Nothing is too difficult for Him.

Have a great week!

~ K.D.

*This article is also posted in the Gospel Blog by FEBC at http://bit.ly/1dW0z7p.

Mmm…sparkling red grape juice cocktail. This sweet bubbly, packaged in red with white confetti, reminds me it’s New Year’s. Congrats, we’ve reached 2013! I’m so glad to meet you at this intersection. Life certainly is an adventure―twists, turns, detours and all.

The following sums up my “Out” and “In” list.

Out with: worn socks; stained pillows; spoiled food in the fridge; cluttered drawers; stacks of magazines; VHS tapes; clothes I haven’t worn in a year; my lime green kitchen sink (strange, but I hardly think about it anymore, at least not as often as when my husband and three children moved into our 1968 ranch style home seven years ago—I even have a quaint, little teapot that matches—hmm, not sure if that’s a blessing or a curse); excess sugar and fat (belly fat); gray, frizzy hairs―oops, now you know I’m forty-something; kids who talk back; and flu germs. I promise not to send virtual germs, although they are virtually everywhere.

In with: good health; excellent physical condition; clean, organized home and clothes; lavender scented bedding and pillows; kids who appreciate menial household tasks; delicious low-fat meals; a larger kitchen table (maybe I’ll take that before my new sink); sleek, shiny hair; learning two new art skills: blogging and outdoor photography; and two new husband relational skills: dirt biking and mechanics.

Alright, you have me pegged. I’m an idealist. Maybe that’s why I’m so drawn to God. He’s perfect in every way, unlike me and my current condition. And I wonder, why or how God might use ordinary me?

My seven year-old helped take down Christmas ornaments. They’re strewn across the living room. Our kitchen faucet decided to spring a leak today, probably because I fixed a big breakfast with lots of dishes, which are soaking in the laundry room’s sink. My laundry pile is competing with my dish pile as I struggle to keep up with exterminating my husband’s and kids’ flu germs. And, my head feels full. I still declare: “I will not get sick!”

Yes, I’ve posted two days past my intended date. But it’s okay. I’m learning to loosen my grip on my ideals: me, family, dream home, etc. When I invest my time to read the Bible, God meets me there. His truth and presence bring rest and newness of life. I’m reminded God is not only extraordinary, but He also never grows weary. He has good plans for me (Jeremiah 29:11). I’m reminded the army of angels’ Commander stands in front, behind, and beside me (Psalm 139).

I love 2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he [she] is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”

Okay, drawing near to God through prayer and Bible reading is my number one priority. Thanks for reading and allowing me to sort that out.

As you sort through your “In’s,” “Out’s,” “Up’s,” and “Down’s,” I pray you’ll find time to communicate with our Creator. May you find refreshment and fulfillment this New Year. I hope we can share our journeys together as I plan to post updates weekly.

Blessings,

K.D.