Miracles

Last night I was up for a few hours (lately I have developed insomnia). As I was laying there, I began thinking of all the times that God has watched over my physical health.

I was born in the blizzard of 78. When I came into the world, I caught some kind of gastrointestinal disease. I went down to under 3 pounds. The doctors told my parents that I was taking up room in the hospital for babies that had more hope than me. They told my parents that even if I made it, I wouldn't live longer than a few years and I would be severely retarded. Thanks to the love and faith of my parents, they moved me to another hospital. Seven months later, I went home a healthy happy baby. I can't imagine what those seven months were like for my parents, but I am so proud of their love and faith. God gave us a miracle.

A few months after we found out about the heart failure, I started throwing up constantly and got the restless legs. When I went to the hospital, they had no real reason to run an echocardiagram, but the doctor thought it would be a good idea (I am sure at God's leading). The test found a blood clot in my heart. God is so good and was definitely watching over me.

A few weeks later I had a stroke. This was an extremely scary time for Ray and my parents. But because God had watched over me in finding the clot, the blood thinners they put me on kept me from having any residual damage from the stroke.

God is watching over every facet of our lives and I believe He has me right in the place He wants me. His word says that He has plans for me, plans to prosper me and not to harm me. And I am fully expecting him to touch my body and heal me completely... after all, He has already watched over me in so many instances.

Still Goin Strong

"Life is hard, but God is good." That was the topic of the sermon on Sunday, and it is so true. Things have been going pretty well lately. My legs are still doing okay, my stomach is only upset every now and then, and I am able to get out of the house a little each day. Tomorrow I go to the Heart Failure Clinic and I am hoping that they will up the dosage of my heart medicine since I seem to be doing so well (haven't been in the hospital for almost 3 weeks). :-)

Another story God has been using to touch my life lately is Peter walking on water. He saw Jesus walking on water and God told him to step out of the boat. On faith, Peter began walking on water. But, the second Peter took his eyes off of Jesus, he began to sink. This has been exactly how my faith is lately as well. When I take one day at a time and stay focused on God and His love for me and His ability and promise to heal, I can walk on water. But the minute I take my focus off of him and begin thinking about all the complications, possible side effects, possible outcomes, etc., I begin to sink. It is helping me to trust God one day at a time and to be thankful for each second I have with those I love.

Thanks Be To God

It has been a wonderful week in the Justice household. Each day I am feeling just a little better. On Monday I was able to go get my hair cut and to lunch with my family. Tuesday we went to the zoo for a few hours (see pic). Yesterday my cousin came to visit and today my friend Annie and her beautiful little guy came for a while. It has been such a blessing to finally feel a little better. I am sleeping pretty well at night and am able to function most of the day.

Yesterday I went to the Heart Failure Clinic because I still have quite a bit of swelling. They gave me some IV Lasix and I took some in pill form as well. I lost 2 pounds of fluid yesterday and feel much better today. I am still swollen, but hopefully if I keep my feet up, I'll be able to shed a little more. :-)

Many of you have been asking how Ray is doing. He would appreciate hearing your thoughts and talking to you personally, but he is doing much better as well. He is also now sleeping through the night and relaxing a little more. His new job has been a true blessing from God.

Every day I have been thanking God for allowing us to have a better week. Please keep praying, I believe God answers all prayers!