ABOUT MY HEALTH

   In the fall of 2016, I was diagnosed with C.O.P.D. (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).
   Since the beginning of 2017, I have experienced a total of seven compression-fracture ribs, an infectious cat bite, a stroke, and three back surgeries.
   Additionally, I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis in my femurs (leg bones) as well as diagnosed with an enlarged aorta near my heart.
   The past two and a half years of my life have not been easy, especially when my life has been connected to an oxygen tube 24/7 because breathing is difficult.
   Let me tell you, however, that my faith in God and in Christ and in the Bible have never changed even though my condition is getting progressively worse.  Even though I have often prayed to God for a miracle, that He would restore my health to where I was prior to 2016, the Lord has not answered my prayers; instead, He has continuously nudged me to believe:  "My grace is sufficient for thee:  for my strength is made perfect in weakness." (Second Corinthians 12: 9)
   Neither do I have fear of dying:  "to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord."         (Second Corinthians 5: 8)
   In this time since 2016, I have drawn closer to the Lord and Him to me, and He has revealed things to me that quite possibly I would have never known had I not been stricken with this disease.  For that, I am thankful.

"For I know that my redeemer liveth,

and that he shall stand at the latter day

upon the earth:

And though after my skin 

worms destroy this body,

yet in my flesh shall I see God:

Whom I shall see for myself,

and mine eyes shall behold, 

and not another;

though my reins be consumed within me."

(Job 19: 25-27)