Pastor's Blog

Closing the back door

2009-08-31T08:26:00.002-05:00

One of the greatest gifts of our new building is how it has truly opened the front door to so many more people in our community. We are so blessed that God is bringing new faces and new personalities to be a part of our church!

For me, the biggest challenge in our new reality is understanding how to welcome these new folks effectively and help them connect to our congregation. I've recently signed up for a coaching network with Nelson Searcy, lead pastor at Journey Church. Nelson has a great gift for teaching churches to structure for growth.

This month, our learning is about "assimilation" -- not necessarily my favorite word, but very descriptive. I'm learning that it is hardest to earn that first visit from a guest (also learning that we need to be intentional about welcoming them as we would welcome a guest in our home). The next hardest task is to earn a return visit. Then, you have to help them want to become a regular attender. At this point, they either get connected in a small group and form relationships -- or they don't. If they don't, it is nearly impossible to help them see the benefits of membership.

I'm learning about some specific ways we can welcome our guests and help them feel the love of Christ. What I've already known is that every person or family that visits our church has made a very important choice to be there. They have chosen NOT to do something else so they could join us -- that is just the reality of the world we live in. And -- most of them are seeking a touch from God, deliberately seeking. What a gift! I want to lead us to honor this gift more intentionally and nurture more people into a life-changing faith than ever before.

Fall Small Groups

2009-08-24T14:41:00.002-05:00

I'm looking forward to a very short-term session of small groups this fall.

The mission planning team is working toward a BIG day on Oct. 11, a day of BEING the church instead of just going to church. They felt a four-week session of small groups would be a great way for the whole church to prepare for this great day.

I'm looking HARD for a few more small group leaders. If you would be one of them, please send me an email: pastor@choctawumc.com

Thanks!

Recovery update/small groups update

2009-08-10T11:18:00.002-05:00

I did see my surgeon last Tuesday, Aug. 5, for a 6 week follow-up visit. He looked at my x-rays and said everything looks great. He can even see the beginning of bone growth, which I think is tremendous for 6 weeks after surgery. I talked with him about my pain and he said that my spine moves differently now that L4 & L5 are fused. It changes the way my hips, knees and even ankles move and feel pressure. He wasn't surprised by my pain levels and feels it is likely the pain will continue to decrease over time, but he doesn't know for sure. As he said, "I don't have a crystal ball."

Since the week of VBS, I have had times of breath-catching pain. It is not constant -- and I do get relief fairly quickly after the pain hits...but it can be present most of the day, and surprise me at the oddest times. I do find it difficult to sleep most nights because every time I move, the pain will wake me up. I still find I need pain medication and a muscle relaxer to be comfortable at night, but Tylenol seems to do the trick during the day.

Dr. Robertson prescribed physical therapy for me. I started this morning. They are helping me strengthen my core muscles so I will maintain good posture and protect the healing in my back. I will go three times a week for a while. Dr. Robertson also encouraged me to continue wearing my back brace for at least another six weeks. He showed me how to adjust it so I can sit more comfortably in it. He even asked me to wear it while driving -- so in case I'm in an accident, it will provide some protection. I guess his final word to me was, "You need to slow down some. You're only six weeks out from surgery and you're trying to go full steam. It's just not there yet."

As for the small groups, I had to report to the Ad Council last night that I am just not ready for a fall launch. We discerned together (thanks to Janice C.) that it will be possible for us to reach the point where we can be a church OF small groups, not just a church WITH small groups. This fall, with the help of some great and dedicated leaders, we will be launching ourselves into a full-blown mission project. We intend to work toward a short small group session of four weeks to accompany this project. This will be a good trial run to see how it might work for some of our current small groups to try a new method.

On Wednesday, I'll be giving a more in depth report on our mission emphasis for this fall. :-)

Six week recovery update

2009-07-29T13:06:00.002-05:00

It has been six weeks ago today that I had surgery. In some ways, it feels like yesterday. In others, it feels like the longest six weeks of my life.

Yesterday, I had x-rays done of my back. I will take them to my six-week follow up visit next Tuesday with the neurosurgeon. I've been showing them off to anyone who will stand still long enough. You can see the plate the doctor used to keep the two vertebrae together -- while the bone is growing in between them. You can also see the four SCREWS used to attach it to the bone. OH MY!

As I looked at the x-rays, I was humbled. I understand better why I still hurt -- and why it is important for me to be careful about bending and lifting. The last couple of days have been painful, especially down my right leg. The best relief I've found is to lay down, so I'm learning to rest. After I've taken time to rest, the pain is much improved. That encourages me to do what I'm supposed to and make the time to rest.

I'm still praying about the direction God is leading our congregation in formulating small group opportunities. I welcome feedback and thoughts, either as a comment or send them to my email address: pastor@choctawumc.com. Peace!

Still IMAGINING how this will work!

2009-07-25T17:32:00.002-05:00

I appreciate Julie's comment. Sorry Afton's comment didn't quite make it -- and sorry to everyone who is trying to comment. I assumed this would be an easy process. AARGH -- technology! We can't live without it, but it sure is frustrating when it doesn't work.

I wanted to post more thoughts after several conversations I've heard this week, and in response to Julie's comment.

First, I am still IMAGINING how this will work. I haven't decided that we will or won't adopt the small group format for all of our ministries -- and already formed groups. The truth is, I can't decide that anyway. The fear I've felt this past week in the conversations I've had is that I will impose this on already formed groups with schedules and routines that fit them. I say that to say -- I haven't perceived fear about the concept itself. I find that quite amazing! There is an excitement and buzz for those who've commented and talked to me about what might be possible with a new way of organizing our small groups and inviting new people to join us.

Second, I really honestly don't know if this is the right decision. A long time ago, a friend of mine from college heard me trying to persuade everyone that my idea was best and she asked me, "Charla, are you sure that's the Spirit, or is it just gas?" I've never forgotten the humbling lesson she taught me -- sometimes I think an idea is SO GREAT, only to find out later that it had nothing to do with God. It was just a wild hair I couldn't get rid of.

Those two things being said, I really do think there is a lot of potential to streamlining and organizing how we invite people -- especially our new friends and guests -- into the life of our congregation. If we truly do adopt a "semester system" for our small groups -- and include the groups that are already formed (choir, handbells, Tuesday Morning, Sunday School classes), it will force us to adopt a "church calendar" -- it will be easier for us to all be on the same schedule. It will help us build momentum toward two of the biggest holidays we celebrate in the church --> Christmas and Easter. It will give natural openings to invite, invite, invite people to participate in the deeper life of our congregation. It will encourage us to get to know new people every four months -- kind of like expanding some of the advantages that we discuss after Lenten Studies.

So, give me your thoughts and feedback about what kind of group you might like to participate in -- a special interest group. Jen Watson has suggested: cooking, young families & faith, foreign language, fishing, carpentry, gardening, educators, and even a motorcycle riding group. If it works, we could offer all kinds of groups that might draw our new friends closer into our fellowship and encourage them to grow deeper in their faith with us. Wouldn't that be great!?

Ideas from Executive Committee

2009-07-20T09:44:00.002-05:00

I am working to refine a new small groups emphasis for Fall 09. Yesterday, the executive committee gave me feedback on the ideas I've been sharing with the blog. (The executive committee is composed of the following committee chairs: SPR, Finance, Trustees, Ad Council and the Lay Leader + Pastor. Yesterday, Kurt Gwartney met with us as the head of the Discipleship Task Force.)

The feedback I received from this group is that we don't want to ask the current Sunday School classes to adopt the semester/break schedule. So, we are proceeding with the main idea I've shared in previous blogs...but NOT including current Sunday School classes as small groups.

Thoughts shared yesterday included concerns that asking SS classes to take 4-6 weeks off in between semesters would interfere with their rhythm and even break up the classes. I agreed with this because the whole idea is to start a new group every semester, encouraging our guests (new attenders) to join. It is harder for our guests to join a group that has already been in existence for decades.

I do think it will be easier for the Sunday School classes NOT to participate in this semester time schedule and maintain their integrity as a class. I also think it will be harder to recruit those already attending a SS class to participate in another small group -- therefore, we miss the benefit of having our wisest disciples participating in small groups with our newest attenders. I think the final result will be that small groups will be for our guests and newest members -- and Sunday School classes will be for our established members.

I don't have a sense about whether this is positive or negative at this point. I would love your feedback. (I hope we've solved some of the problems that were making it hard for people to comment.)

I have asked Janice Callaway, Casey Warren, and Kurt Gwartney to serve with me in recruiting small group leaders, establishing our course catalog, and looking toward group leader training. We will be getting together soon to map out this agenda.

Loved Jen Watson's comment about how we might be able to provide some "special interest" groups -- in the very BEST sense of that phrase -- to encourage our guests to join in.

Just FYI -- I met with Mike Wiley, last week. Mike works for the OK United Methodist Foundation. They created a new staff position for Mike so he can work with churches like ours, in a position to grow -- considering our stewardship needs, both ongoing and capital. Mike said the giving curve definitely follows small group involvement -- NOT worship attendance. Regardless of how we do it, we MUST find a way to help all our new friends connect and identify with our congregation.

Give me your thoughts!

Thanks for the comments

2009-07-14T11:07:00.002-05:00

Recovery report:

Wanted to give everyone a brief update -- recovery is going well! Each weekend since the surgery, I've tried to spend A LOT of time resting...seems to give me a jump start on the week. By Thursday, I wear down pretty quickly. But, each week is getting better.

My family returned from vacation on Saturday morning. Strangely, the pain I'd been having in my right leg disappeared. I feel like a piece of me is missing when they are gone. Seems my body thinks so too. Sunday evening, Kurt made a wonderful meal and I finally found myself hungry. I really can't remember the last time I actually WANTED to eat -- several weeks before surgery, for sure.

I am doing better, I feel like. I've learned more about my limits. I am staying within them better than I did at first -- and it is helping. I am REALLY looking forward to church on Sunday. Please understand if I can't receive all the greetings you have to give. It will come...

Now, on to the blog. I wanted to say thanks to Afton and Julie for posting their comments. I hope more people will tell me what they think. As I pray about this -- I know it will be a HUGE shift for our church. I think it holds much potential. Realizing the potential will take the buy-in of many in the congregation. So, I'd love to hear what you're thinking.

I have two of the books that outline the process still waiting to be read in my office. I'd be glad to get them to anyone interested in reading up. We'll be discussing the calendar in more detail at the executive committee meeting after church on Sunday. Then, I'll be posting some dates for us to consider.

Wonder how the Holy Spirit might work through us in this process?

The Church as a Rocket Ship

2009-07-10T12:08:00.002-05:00

Today I'm going to wrap up my discussion about this new system of small groups. The executive committee will certainly be discussing this further on July 19. At that meeting, I'll be presenting a calendar with all the necessary dates for a fall launch. So far, the initial reception at Ad Council in June was positive -- and the comments I've heard since that time have been positive as well.

In the book, Activate, they offered an image of the church as a rocket ship. They talked about how important it is for a rocket ship to eliminate drag. Even the smallest item that impedes that nose cone shape can cause tremendous problems when the rocket reaches extreme speeds. In church, drag is anything that asks people in our church to divert their attention from what will help them grow in Christ most effectively. This is one of the activate principles, "If you give people too many options, their involvement will be so spread out that you won't have their full participation or momentum in any one area."

Their Rocket Ship looks like a pyramid turned on its side. One half of it is the weekend worship services and the other half is small groups. The observation the authors have made at Journey Church is that NOTHING is more effective in leading people to a deeper relationship with Christ than these two ministries. In their opinion, everything else creates drag -- especially when it diverts attention away from the two halves of the rocket ship. Listen to this quote, "When you focus your energy on your two most effective avenues helping move people toward a fully developing relationship with Jesus -- your weekend service and small groups -- you will be able to create an atmosphere that God will pour his blessing on -- an atmosphere you can move through without resistance."

Reading about this has made a tremendous difference for me. It has affected how I see my job. I've even made a note for myself that 75% of my time needs to be spent on weekend services and small groups. That means 25% of my time for staff supervision, pastoral counseling, building management, hospital visits, etc. I don't know if that is possible or not -- but thinking about the church as a rocket ship has really made me think about the cost to our church if I don't.

Tell me your thoughts. Looking forward to your feedback.

Ideas for Signing Up

2009-07-09T10:08:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Linda Hill -- she mentioned to me yesterday that you have to be a follower of the blog to comment. I was able to change that in the settings. Now, anyone should be able to post a comment to the blog. I hope this will increase the amount of discussion we can have.

Sorry for missing yesterday. I was distracted. Working on a better focus today!

I've mentioned the advantage of a time-bound group in encouraging new people to sign up for a group. It is easier to ask our guests to commit to a specific period of time (10-12 weeks) than to join a group that continues ad infinitum. In addition, the group will all be starting together at the beginning of this time period -- rather than asking our guests to join a group that is already in progress.

Let me discuss the ideas the book, Activate, shares about signing up. The book is very clear that you should have a one-step sign up, with three different options. One, the groups catalog will be in the bulletin during the entire inviting month. It will have a response card attached. Participants can sign up for the group they want in worship and place the response card in the offering plate. Two, we'll have a sign-up option on our website so people can go home, look at all the offerings more closely, and sign-up simply by submitting their group choice, name, and email/phone. Three, the last two weeks, we'll have a sign-up table in the foyer, staffed by small group leaders. This is a place where people can get questions answered and sign up.

This is a quote from the book, "One of the keys to creating a strong full-participation small groups system is to make groups easy to get into and get out of. You make them easy to get into by establishing a one-step sign-up process, and easy to get out of by setting solid end times and end dates."

I do hope that this will encourage stronger participation than Sunday School currently allows. My goal for our first semester of sign-ups in the fall is 200 people. If we achieve that goal, we can expect between 15-20% of people that signed up NOT to show up -- so that puts us around 170-160 participating. Our current SS avg attendance is around 75-80. If we reach our goal, it would automatically double the number of people involved in a small group. I realize that we have other small groups besides Sunday School -- I am generalizing based on the groups we keep attendance for.

The book encourages us to allow 15-20 people to sign up for each group -- and encourages us to combine groups that have less than 8 signed up. This is from Big Idea #2, "Groups with 7 members or fewer are difficult to lead and more likely to fail, which means they have little to no chance of fostering healthy relationships or spiritual growth, while groups of 12-15 do both more effectively." I can tell you that I have observed this to be true for our Lenten group studies, generally speaking. Practically, this means we need to have 2-3 more groups than we think we will need, and be prepared to combine groups to keep the numbers in the 12-15 range.

Finally, once someone signs up, my commitment is to follow up with them within 36 hours. If they sign up on Sunday, I will contact them by Tuesday to let them know their sign up has been received. Also, the group leaders will get a contact within 24 hours so they can follow-up and give appropriate information about time, date, and location of the group. That is key to success of getting people to show up, once they've signed up.

I hope this gives everyone a better idea of what the month of inviting will look like. Love to have your feedback.

Possibility for Leadership Development

2009-07-07T10:03:00.001-05:00

Thanks so much for Afton's comment to yesterday's blog. I'm sure Afton would never confess what a role he has played in my development as your pastor, because humility has always been one of his spiritual gifts. Suffice it to say that Afton is a spiritual giant in my life. His advice and reflection has steered me in Holy Spirit's direction more than once. Afton, I look forward to continued conversation about this paradigm shift with you -- as I look forward to conversation with everyone in our congregation.

I have been in awe of how God has brought the blessing of new faces to our congregation since our move in January. The truth is -- many times, I've been overwhelmed. I so want the people God directs to our church to find God's presence made real in their lives. Our guests have reflected to me that this is truly happening for them during worship. Praise God! They've also reflected that they feel welcomed in an authentic and genuine way...not ignored and not overrun...just right.

However, I've noticed that about 5-7 of the families that began visiting around the first of the year have already dropped out of attendance. The study I've done says this is unavoidable unless those folks begin to make friends in the congregation. And eventually, they have to find a place to serve. Nothing builds ownership like serving.

I believe the small group system that I'm proposing has great possibility to first, create a natural way to include our guests and help them form those all important friendships with our congregation. Second, it provides a great way to invite people to serve. One suggestion of the book, Activate, is that each group take on a service project during the semester -- whether that be a service project around the church or in the community. In fact, their suggestion is that each group have a play date once a semester, too. Wow! What a powerful way to help our guests connect to our congregation. I'm always bragging about what a wonderful church we have -- and I want each one of our guests to experience that as well.

Finally, the book, Activate, suggests that every group leader be on the lookout for an apprentice -- someone who could help with the tasks of leading the group (contacting group members with prayer requests of the week, following up with pastoral concerns, and leading the group in the leader's absence.) So, for 10-12 weeks, each leader will be raising up new leaders. These leaders will be trained in the best way possible -- by watching another leader DO it! Then, when it comes time for the next semester to begin, we have another leader in the pipeline to start another group. This is ALL important if the number of groups is to increase with the growth of our worship attendance.

As your pastor, one of my priorities is to spot and groom new leaders -- and to find the place of leadership that most closely matches their spiritual gifts. It is exciting for me to imagine what might come of the small group system in this arena. I would have as many eyes & ears on the lookout for new leaders as we have groups. And, it is an easy motivation for a group leader to WANT to be on the lookout, because they are looking for their own replacement.

Right now, I look for new leaders to come to the surface at three specific times during the year. The first is in the spring and fall when we fill out the surveys asking people where they want to serve. RARELY, a new leader will pop up when they fill out this survey because they will offer to take a leadership role as identified on the survey. Again, this is very RARE. I watch at VBS. I will always find new leaders during that week. And, I watch at PumpkinFest -- because leaders rise to the surface during the preparation and execution of that event. Now, I've given away all my secrets!

But, those three times miss MANY leaders, I feel sure. I do believe that small groups could really help me find leaders and therefore, strengthen our church for a future of growth.

So, give me your thoughts and feedback on how else we might develop leaders within our church.

Structure for Small Groups focus

2009-07-06T09:28:00.002-05:00

If we embrace this new idea, it will mean that worship will be our primary evangelism tool and small groups will be our primary assimilation tool. The small groups piece is going to take the most work, because it will require us to re-work all of our current ministries -- to streamline them into a small groups structure. So today, I want to lay out an overview of this structure.

We would plan for three semesters a year (10-12 weeks in length), with a month off in between each semester for recruiting and filling the groups of the upcoming semester. The schedule would look like this:

Recruiting: Aug to Mid Sept

Semester #1: Mid-Sept to Mid-Dec

Recruiting: Mid-Dec to Jan

Semester #2: February to April

Recruiting: May

Semester #3: June to Mid-Aug

This schedule then repeats creating a year-long calendar of ministry and discipleship.

All groups would operate on this schedule. Groups could decide to continue, or not, at the end of each semester. During the recruiting month, we'll really push for EVERYONE to join a group. They can join the group they are already participating in, or join a different group each semester. Some groups will probably continue from semester to semester -- and some will intentionally be for just one semester.

For example, Sunday School classes will probably continue from semester to semester. I'd even like for the music ministry groups to consider participating -- because it gives three times a year for them to recruit for chancel choir and handbells. Brittany and I are talking about how children's ministry would work in this system. Hopefully, by the time we hire our new youth director, we'll have things ironed out enough that he/she will start with this system already in place.

I'm looking for thoughts and suggestions from various established groups about how this might work:

Sunday School classes

Tuesday Morning Group

UMW

UMM

Young at Heart

Chancel Choir

Handbells

Here are some of the pros & cons, as I see them:

Three times a year, we'd have an opportunity to specifically recruit for these on-going groups.

It would help give focus to the groups, particularly Sunday School -- they meet for 10-12 weeks, and then take a break. So, it might also help in choosing curriculum.

I could offer membership class during the SS hour three times a year. Currently, we don't have an available space to do this. I've not had any success in asking prospective members to come at a different time -- either Sunday afternoon or weekday.

This could really help our discipleship/education opportunities -- there is a lot of really good curriculum that fits in that 10-12 week timeframe, like Beginnings and Companions in Christ.

The biggest advantage is that we could help our guests find a group and connection within that three month window, before they quit coming.

This system naturally helps expand the groups we can offer and raise up new leaders.

On the other side, it might hurt on-going groups to take a month off three times a year.

It will be a challenge to figure out programming for children and youth during the recruiting months.

Finally, I think it will be a challenge to embrace a completely new system.

So, tell me what you think...

New Focus for Blog

2009-07-05T12:08:00.002-05:00

In the early church, they celebrated each Sunday as a mini-Easter. It was important to them to recognize the gift and grace of the resurrection every week. That's why the tradition of Lent is to allow ourselves a reprieve from our sacrifice on Sundays -- even in the midst of hardship, we celebrate the gift of hope. Since I couldn't be at church (which is a HUGE sacrifice for me), I had to find a new way to celebrate hope on this day of a mini-Easter.

So, I'm starting a new focus for my blog. Today, I share my excitement about the new focus for our church -- small groups. Each day, I will discuss an aspect of this focus and invite your thoughts and suggestions. Please post your comments so I can get your feedback.

Back in May, a clergy colleague of mine, Rev. Ron Perceful, introduced me to a book called, Activate: An Entirely New Approach to Small Groups. I've heard from a few of our leaders that we need to more fully incorporate small groups into our ministries -- we've discussed this for a LONG time. And, with our move and the many new faces I knew we have to give them a way to connect to our congregation -- help them find a way to belong. But, all the reading I did about small groups made it feel overwhelming...like it was just one more thing added on to the top of an already busy schedule.

Activate was my breath of fresh air. It showed me how we can truly offer small groups and achieve these five objectives:

1. Discipleship -- help people grow in their faith

2. Friendship -- help people find new friendships in the church

3. Membership -- help our newcomers on the path to membership

4. Pastoral Care -- provide a system for pastoral care and follow-up

5. Communication -- provide a way for us to communicate to many at one time

It will require us to shift our thinking quite dramatically. Today, I want to talk about a fundamental shift. It is listed as Big Idea #6 in the book: Think Church of small groups, not with small groups. The reality is -- small groups are exponentially more effective when they stand alone, rather than having to compete with other church programs. "A church of small groups focuses on and runs all ministry through the small groups system."

This reality addresses the main obstacle I've felt about implementing small groups -- even our most dedicated members have only a finite amount of time to devote to church activities. Our newcomers or guests will have even less. If small groups are just one more thing we expect people to come to, they will not succeed.

I believe that the two most effective ways to grow our faith is through corporate worship and small group discipleship. So, I'm proposing that as a church we impose a tough standard on ourselves. Everything we do has to fit at least one of these two criteria: it expands/improves our corporate worship and/or it advances/grows our small groups.

I've shared some initial information about this paradigm shift with the Administrative Council -- the group that will ultimately decide whether we can embrace this or not. They were very excited about the possibilities. In tomorrow's blog, I will sketch out how I think this could work. Today (and for the rest of the week), I'd love to have your feedback about shifting our paradigm. Right now, I see us adding activities to equal our growth. I feel strongly that we need to focus ourselves and our energy/resources on activities that will help us sustain our growth and help us specifically connect and include our guests.

Tell me what you think!

Happy 4th!

2009-07-04T10:50:00.002-05:00

I've enjoyed the cooler weather today. Spent some time in the back yard this morning. Got to visit with my next door neighbor, Rhonda. I've seen her across the fence several times this spring, but never felt like visiting. Just another sign of the miraculous healing God has brought to my life!

Thanks to Jim and Linda Hill (Kami & Nate, too) for coming by to water our garden. Kurt and Elizabeth asked me to do that while they were gone, but I just couldn't manage pulling the hose through the back yard. It was good to see the Hills. They told me Gerry is home to help Fern in her recovery. Hope you'll keep Fern in your prayers as this is a difficult time for her.

Yesterday I realized that I could sit up from a prone position without pain. That is a BIG improvement. Since surgery, I've had to roll on my side to get up -- the incision hurts too much to sit straight up. I've also noticed that it is much easier to adjust my position in bed and I have less pain when walking now. All are good signs, I believe. I've been better about resting and I can tell that it helps my pain -- even more than the medicine. I didn't take any pain pills yesterday and so far today, have been without. I really haven't needed them.

Kurt and Elizabeth enjoyed their trip to Mt. Vernon yesterday! Said it is a very beautiful and serene place. They had a picnic lunch on the Potomoc. Today, they are going to enjoy a pool party and a neighborhood fireworks show. Sounded like they were having a great time. I'm looking forward to a cookout with Ron & Sharon Lessley's family. Thanks to Mike & Kathy Green for inviting me. I expect I'll just dream about fireworks tonight though -- I don't know if I'll have the stamina to stay up late for that.

In my assessment, I'm doing very well. I'm being more intentional about resting. My pain level is so much better than it was after surgery. If I hurt, it will be in my back and the lower part of my right leg. However, the pain is so much better than it was before the surgery. I know I'm not "fixed," but I feel grateful for the improvement. It is a gift of grace.

Good Report from the Doctor

2009-07-03T10:17:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Christina Barnes for taking me back to the doctor's office yesterday for my 2 week check-up visit. I received a good report! My doctor is still on vacation, so I saw his nurse, Haley -- we've become quite familiar with each other. :-) She took out my staples and said my incision looked better than any she's seen 2 weeks post-op. She said I must be a fast healer. Getting the staples out was easy -- thought it might be uncomfortable, but not at all.

I also talked with Haley about my medications. She recommended that I continue to take the muscle relaxer at night before bed. I did that last night and it REALLY helped with my middle of the night pain. I slept GREAT! She said I'm on less pain medications than most people at this stage in the game, but still no driving for me. She said I need to pay more attention to my body when it tells me to slow down.

Thanks to my conversation with Haley yesterday -- and a nudge from the Holy Spirit (via Casey Warren -- thanks, Casey!) -- I'm going to be more intentional about the rest my body needs right now. The healing is too important to forfeit. I guess I've been feeling like I had to prove to myself that I could heal quickly and be back in the saddle faster than anyone else. Many of my conversations with my church family have reminded me that it will be better for everyone if I honor this healing time fully...so, I'm going to do better with that.

One more thanks to Shirley Watts. She lives two houses down from our family and walked over some of the most scrumptious popsicles yesterday -- many are fruit flavored, but a few are COCONUT! They are so yummy, and I appreciate her thoughtfulness.

I heard from Kurt and Elizabeth yesterday evening. They made it to Washington DC in good order, and enjoyed the train trip immensely. They are staying with Kurt's cousin, Bucky, and Bucky's family. Bucky's wife's name is Elizabeth -- so the two Elizabeth Gwartney's are enjoying each other's company for a few days.

Today, they were planning a trip to Mt. Vernon -- George Washington's home. They are looking forward to several days of sightseeing. Bucky and Liz live in the city center -- so it is easy to get to many DC locations from their home. What a gift they've given our family by inviting Kurt and Elizabeth to stay with them.

Also, a BIG thanks to my mom and dad. They came yesterday afternoon and helped me with all kinds of tasks around the house. Dad cleaned up a limb that fell off our backyard maple tree in the storm on Tuesday night. He also mowed our lawn. Mom helped me with laundry, vacuuming -- and even cleaned ceiling fans. I appreciate them so much, and enjoyed their company yesterday.

I feel certain that God has lots to share with me during this time of healing -- and being here by myself. This morning, my commitment is to LISTEN. Peace and grace to each of you.

Going back to the doctor

2009-07-02T07:52:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was a great day in the office! I enjoyed the visits from everyone who stopped in -- and all the hugs you shared. It sure was great to be back at church. Felt like coming home. A special thanks to Carolyn Garner, our secretary, who was willing to do whatever needed to be done while I was gone -- and who made it so easy to come back.

Carolyn and I took care of the details at the post office and arrived at church around 9:00 am. I was able to stay until noon. Thanks to Sharon Lessley for giving me a ride home. I spent most of the afternoon and evening resting. The nausea returned for a short while. I was surprised at how tired I was after just a short morning in the office. I did have to take pain medication yesterday evening because the incision was quite sore. All in all, though, it was a good day. I was able to rest yesterday. Our dog, Sox, was a great companion. He kept a great eye on me.

I talked with Kurt and Elizabeth yesterday afternoon. They'd made it to Chicago. During a few hour layover, they were planning a trip to the Sears Tower. I didn't get to talk with them yesterday evening, but assume they were on their way to Washington, DC. They are supposed to arrive this afternoon.

Thanks for the continued prayers -- and all the wonderful ways you are supporting me. This journey has new twists and turns each day. Today, I go back to the doctor. Thanks to Christina Barnes for taking me. I'll probably get my staples out, and have a chance to ask questions about the nausea, daily routines, and medications. Talk to you tomorrow.

First Day in the Office

2009-07-01T08:20:00.002-05:00

I'm looking forward to my first day back in the office. Today has started well, especially compared to yesterday. For some reason, I was sick at my stomach most of the day. I am taking some pain medicine that is time-released. I was told that the pain medicine can suppress appetites. I was not hungry at all yesterday, especially after the nausea started. The only thing I can figure out is that I will have to keep something on my stomach as long as I am on this medication. So, I ate first thing when I awoke this morning and it seems to be fine.

Yesterday was a difficult day because I just felt so awful, but overall, each day is better. My pain is decreasing. I'm sleeping better. I have more strength. Tomorrow, I go back to the doctor and will hopefully get my staples out. I have figured out all kinds of strategies for not bending and not lifting.

Kurt and Elizabeth are on their way to Chicago this morning. I talked to them early and they made it on the train just fine. Elizabeth is really enjoying this new experience of riding the train. She told me they'd already made new friends with the people who sat in their booth for breakfast.

Even though my heart is sad that I can't experience this special trip with my family, I'm excited about my own adventure of slowly returning to the vocation that I love. Thank you so much for your continued prayers. I am blessed to share this adventure with you.

Kurt and Elizabeth off to Washington, DC

2009-06-30T08:58:00.002-05:00

Today, Kurt and Elizabeth take off for Washington, DC. I am so excited for them, and pleased that my health situation did not prevent them from taking the trip. I know they both have hesitation about leaving me, but I feel peace about them going. I've hoped for this trip for Elizabeth for a long time -- always wanted to show her many different places. Even though I can't go, I'm so glad that she and Kurt have the opportunity to make the trip. They'll leave late tonight, arriving in Chicago via Amtrak tomorrow afternoon. Kurt says they are having a big food festival in Grant Park tomorrow -- wouldn't that be a blast!

Yesterday was a very good day for my back -- at least through the afternoon. I was able to rest well through the morning. My mom and dad brought Elizabeth back late yesterday afternoon -- and I was glad I also got to see my nephew, Josh, who came with them. Yesterday evening, I experienced pain in my right lower leg, in my shin, much like the pain I had before surgery. And, I had some pain in my lower back. I'm beginning to back off my pain medicines -- and I was on my feet a lot yesterday afternoon. I'm sure both of those factors had a lot to do with it.

I slept well last night -- first night that I didn't have to get up and "walk it off" since I've been home from the hospital. My pain was much better this morning -- no pain at all in my right leg. Hurt some in my incision, but that is typical in the mornings.

I'm planning to be in the office for a while tomorrow morning. Carolyn said she would come by the house and pick me up on her way in. We have to make a stop at the post office to close our post office box. Those of you reading this from Choctaw UMC -- please note, we are closing P.O. Box 100. All mail will be forwarded to our new mailing address: 1200 N. Choctaw Rd. Forwarding lasts for a year.

I'll be in the office tomorrow and Thursday. How long? I'm planning to see how I do. When I feel good, I really do feel good -- but it doesn't last long yet. I'm sure it will take a while for me to build my stamina back to normal levels. I've had nothing but encouragement to take it easy, and take the time I need to heal. I deeply appreciate the understanding and support.

Our family certainly appreciated the wonderful meal that April DeQuasie and her girls brought over last night -- brisket, YUM! Thanks to everyone who has offered words of encouragement -- and certainly, thanks for the prayers. Peace and grace!

This Holy Mystery

2009-06-29T09:42:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, Joel brought me Communion -- the remaining bread and juice from the 8:30 service. He prayed for me and offered me the elements with the words of blessing, "Christ's body broken for you and Christ's blood shed for your salvation."

At the 2000 General Conference, the United Methodist Church approved a study stating our understanding of Communion. It was called, "This Holy Mystery." That title reflects my belief of what happens when we receive Communion. It is a mystery. Joel and I share a belief that through a mystery we can't understand or explain, Communion represents the body of Christ (the Church) to those who can't physically be present. When I've taken Communion to our members who couldn't be present in church, I've said, "This is how the church comes to you when you can't come to church."

I hadn't thought to ask for Communion. I really hadn't even thought about missing Communion -- even though I look forward to that at the 8:30 service every week. Joel, as one of the leaders of our church, followed a prompting of the Holy Spirit. As Joel prayed for me and I received the elements, my spirit was filled and nourished. Thank you to Joel -- and thank you to Choctaw United Methodist Church for continuing to be the church, even when I cannot be physically present in leadership.

Today is a good day. Kurt is trying to finish tasks at work so he can be gone on vacation. Elizabeth is with my mom and dad in Talala -- because her cousin, Josh, is there for a few days. So they are enjoying each other's company for a day. Elizabeth returns this evening. I am helping as much as I can so they can be ready to leave. They will take off Tuesday evening -- around 10 or 11 pm -- driving to Newton, KS. The train is scheduled to pick them up at 3:01 am in Newton. They will ride the train to Chicago, arriving Wednesday afternoon. They will change trains and head to Washington, DC Wednesday evening.

Kurt and Elizabeth are very hesitant about leaving me, but I feel okay about it. Surely I will miss them, but I think this is going to be a wonderful trip for them -- and I want them to enjoy it. I know I can take care of my basic needs, and I know I have a whole host of folks I can call if I need help with something.

Peace and grace!

Following My Dream

2009-06-28T10:14:00.002-05:00

This morning, I watched St. Luke's on KOCO, Channel 5. I miss church so much. I just needed to connect with worship this morning. I am grateful to St. Luke's for making that possible.

Bob Long's sermon (from last week -- sermons are tape-delayed a week for TV) was appropriate for Father's Day. He reminded me that our Heavenly Father wants to encourage our dreams -- just like our earthly fathers should do. Dr. Long reminded me that God wants me to dream BIG dreams and God wants to open the doors for those dreams. God wants to be an encourager in my life.

There have been times when I've connected with my dream -- and other times when I've run away from it...but the dream has been consistent. I dream of being a pastor, shepherding the flock that God has entrusted to my care. I dream of being an intercessor, helping God's people find God and hear God speaking to them. I dream of being a vision caster, sharing the vision God has for God's people and planning for the realizing of that vision.

Thank you, Bob Long. You helped me connect with my dream again. Since the day my back started hurting, the dream in my life has been fuzzy. (Ironic, that my pain began the day after Easter.) Thank you, Dr. Scott Robertson. Because you connected with your dream of healing people, I was given another chance. I truly feel like Dr. Robertson gave me my life back! Thank you, Choctaw United Methodist Church. You've assured me again and again that you will do what needs to be done at church so I can have this time to heal. Thank you.

I miss being at church this morning -- I miss it desperately. I hope and pray that God will be present to you this morning through the gathering of the faithful. Even though I can't gather with you, God is certainly present with me this morning. Hallelujah!

Health wise, it has been a hard morning. I've had more pain than usual. Most days, mornings are my best time. I'm grateful for pain medicines -- and I'm grateful for small victories. Things are "moving" again, if you know what I mean.

I hope to return to the office for a few days later this week. I've not been cleared to drive yet, so I'll be calling the list of folks who said they could drive for me.

May God's grace and peace be with you all today!

Slowly, but surely

2009-06-27T10:33:00.002-05:00

I feel like the pace of my recovery has slowed a bit in the last several days -- but it is still definitely going in the right direction. I may not be getting better by leaps and bounds -- as I did in the first few days -- but each day does bring improvement.

I am learning what things I can do -- and learning to be okay with the things that I definitely cannot do. Last night, a realization sunk in for me. My back is still very much in the healing process. Yesterday, while at the doctor's office, I asked the nurse to show Kurt the piece of equipment that hooks my L4 and L5 vertebrae together. It is small and looks quite insignificant once I realized that is the ONLY thing holding those two vertebrae together. There is pretty much an empty space where the disc used to be. It will be several months before bone will be there to provide stability. I took a big dose of humility pills yesterday as that reality sunk in for me.

While at the doctor's office, they gave me a new piece of equipment called a bone stimulator. It is basically two rectangles that fit over my stomach and back -- held together by two straps along the sides. It emits an electrical field that is supposed to help stimulate the bone growth and promote the fusion of L4 & L5. I have to wear it for 2 hours every day for nine months. I was reading over the information provided. Studies have shown that without the bone stimulator -- fusion happens for 2 out of 3 people. In people who use it as directed, the fusion possibility goes up to 9 out of 10 people. I will find a way to fit 2 hours of wearing that silly looking thing into my schedule!

Yesterday, I was reporting to Dr. Robertson's nurse how the last eight days had been. I got another big dose of pills, but this time it was gratitude pills. I realized that the pain in my feet, legs -- and even my back -- is SOOOO much better. I can walk without limping. I can sleep at night. I told her that the pain of surgery is minor compared to the pain I felt before surgery. So, even though I feel discouraged sometimes that I can't just snap my fingers and be back to my old self and routine -- I am still deeply blessed.

It is going to take time to recover and heal from this surgery -- probably several months, if not a year. And even then, I will still have to be careful. But, now I have so many more possibilities than I had before surgery. My heart overflows with thanksgiving and praise to God! Tomorrow, even though I won't be with you in person at church, know that I will be worshipping and raising my hands in joyful surrender to an amazing God! For those of you who have the privilege of belonging to a community of faith, worshipping with your brothers and sisters in Christ, don't take that privilege for granted. Soak it up!

I am looking forward to the day when I can worship with my church family and offer my prayers of gratitude with my brothers and sisters in Christ. Until then...peace.

Good News

2009-06-26T13:48:00.003-05:00

Returned from my follow-up visit to the surgeon. The word is -- my incision is healing nicely and the rest of my recovery is coming along as expected. The staples will come out next week -- it is still too early to risk re-opening the incision. The surgeon's nurse was very encouraged when I told her how much relief from pain the surgery had provided. She said I might expect even more improvement, considering that nerves heal at the rate of about an inch a month. The nerves that were and have been damaged by the bulging disc might still heal over the next several months. My pain is so much less than it was before surgery -- and the limp I had is gone. She felt very encouraged by that news.

We discussed a not so wise decision on my part to stop taking my pain medicine as of last night. I was sure that was causing the slow return of "movement" -- if you know what I mean. About 3:30 this morning, I discovered that the pain medicine is serving a definite purpose. Dr. Robertson's nurse assured me there are other ways to deal with slow movement, but the pain medicines will probably be necessary for another few weeks, at least.

So, it looks like it will be a while before I can drive. I have to be off the pain meds -- which I'm sure everyone on the road will appreciate. But, after that car ride, I don't want to get out much. Riding in the car is just difficult.

I did feel good enough to stop at Panera for a salad with Kurt and Elizabeth after the appointment. Now, it is time to rest. Peace and grace!

Patience Prayer

2009-06-25T11:54:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I said that I normally try to avoid praying for patience. Today, I know why. God is giving me plenty of opportunities to learn. There really is a spiritual discipline in waiting.

Today, my pain comes and goes. It was worse during the night last night and not so good this morning. But, as I've moved around, it is improving. I've been working on some household tasks long neglected -- taking breaks as I need them. I've been able to go without pain medicine all morning, so I count that as a victory.

I still have not ventured out. The heat is as much a deterrent as the pain. Around the house, I know what I can and cannot do -- and it is easy to rest when I need to. Tomorrow will be my first trip. I go to the doctor for my first follow-up visit.

A special thanks to Angie and Jake Howard for bringing us a wonderful Mexican calzone last night for supper. It was yummy! Elizabeth finished the last piece for her breakfast this morning. And, thanks to all who are praying -- what a gift to feel my church family lifting me up. I also received several cards in the mail -- thanks so much for thinking of me. Some mentioned in their cards that they wanted a chance to sign up to help, but the sheets were full before they could put their name(s) down.

I truly hope that no one feels upset or let down because they didn't get a chance to help me. For the past five years, I've been amazed at this congregation's willingness to do whatever needed to be done. I know that I could call several not on the list -- and at a moment's notice, you would do whatever I need. Right now, I need time to heal, more than anything. The best gift you can give me is to continue to support our church -- be there on Sunday mornings when I can't, call on Fern Hefley, Judy Rollins, Amy & Forrest Johnson, Gladys Sinclair (and others I don't even know about) -- let them know we are praying for them, welcome a first-time visitor over the next three Sundays, call Carolyn in the office and see if there is anything she needs assistance with. As you support and care for our church -- you are supporting and caring for me.

I'll check in again tomorrow after my doctor's visit.

One Week After Surgery

2009-06-24T11:09:00.002-05:00

Today, I'm one week out from surgery. I'm amazed with my progress when I think about the fact that it has only been a week. I'm also impatient, wanting it to go more quickly.

My first follow-up doctor's appointment is Friday morning, June 26. Thanks to Sharon Lessley for taking Elizabeth and me. I MIGHT get my staples out. The doctor told me after surgery that he often leaves them in for two weeks because abdominal incisions have a lot of pressure on them as we move. We'll see. I'm also supposed to get a bone stimulator -- to help the bone in between the vertebrae grow more quickly. I have no idea what kind of device that is. I'll be curious to know what that is like.

Yesterday and today have been a bit more frustrating. I'm still having pain at my incision site and in my lower back. I'm sure this is normal and to be expected, but I'm ready for it to go away! The pain medications do really help -- I just don't like the way they make me feel.

I also have a particular function that has not returned -- don't want to be too graphic. In the hospital, Dr. Robertson told me to expect this. He said the abdominal surgery means that all your insides get moved and disturbed -- and it is often hard to get things back on the right track. So, I wait.

Elizabeth has been at my mom and dad's for the day. She is glad for every step toward normal we take. She has been a wonderful help and has shown tremendous patience for a nine year old. Like me, though, she is ready for this to be over and for our world return to "normal." She and Kurt are getting excited about their trip to Washington, DC. They will leave next Wednesday -- catching the Amtrak train in Newton, KS. Kurt's cousin lives in DC and has invited our family to come stay with them and enjoy the sites. Kurt and Elizabeth arrive in DC on July 2 and leave on July 9, taking the train back to Newton. They should be back in Choctaw late on July 11.

I'm planning to make a gradual return to the office during their vacation. Thanks to everyone who has volunteered to help me while they are gone with household tasks. I'll be calling on you, I'm sure!

Once again, I appreciate all the prayers and thoughts. Today, I'm praying a prayer I normally try to avoid -- I'm praying for patience. I've found that when I pray this prayer, there are plenty of opportunities to learn it. Please -- pray with me.

Ups and Downs Each Day

2009-06-23T10:29:00.002-05:00

Sorry for missing yesterday. It was an up and down day. Overall, I'm much improved. I can manage many more tasks for myself -- probably too many. Kurt reminds me often that I shouldn't be cleaning the dishes off the table or reaching for something in the cabinet.

Kurt sure has been a gift in my recovery. He moved a tall table in by the bed so I can keep the things I need easily accessible. He keeps a clear path on the floor so I don't trip over anything. He helps me change the dressing on my incision site twice a day. He helped me develop a schedule for all my medications so I don't miss any. It's all the little things -- and he thinks of them all.

Thanks to Vickie Hankins. She brought over a wonderful chicken & rice dish and a carrot cake so we could celebrate Kurt's birthday last night! I do have my appetite back now. I'm grateful for this sign of recovery, but am fearful of the consequences. Everything tastes so good now. Before the surgery, I had pretty much stopped eating.

The signs of recovery are good. I'm still having pain at the incision site, and an ache in my lower back -- but overall, the pain is much better. I'm finally able to sleep the whole night. That feels wonderful. I do still have some of the pain in my right foot -- and my left thigh is still numb, but it is SOOO much better than it was before the surgery.

In the mornings, I feel good enough to run a race -- but a few hours into the day, I'm slowing noticeably. I have been very faithful about using my back brace -- it actually feels better with it on, but sitting is uncomfortable. I haven't left the house yet, and don't feel in a hurry to get in the car. The trip home from the hospital was misery enough for a while.

Kurt and I agreed last night that the surgery really was a good decision for me. Even now, I am better than I was before surgery. The days do have ups and downs, but we are looking forward to more ups. Today, I'll be calling the doctor to schedule my first follow-up visit. He said I'll see him around 2 weeks post-op. If everything is coming along, he'll take the staples out. I have 26. Elizabeth counted them for me!

Slower on Sunday

2009-06-21T19:50:00.002-05:00

Today felt "slower" than yesterday. Since my surgery, I've had noticeable improvement each day -- sometimes I'll even measure improvement by hours, instead of days. My mom reminded me yesterday that most people experience a plateau after surgery -- a slowing down. That has been my day today.

I'm experiencing more pain today at the incision site and some soreness in my back. I've had to be faithful about taking my pain medications to stay ahead of it. My doctor told me to expect this before we left the hospital. His said we need to do what is necessary to keep the pain under control, so I can heal better. I knew the medication would make me sleepy and groggy -- that has been the case today.

I'm holding on though. Dr. Robertson said I could expect two weeks of full-time recovery. I'm trying to see recovery as my "job" right now. My mom is coming tomorrow. She'll spend the night and take Elizabeth back to Talala with her on Tuesday. I'm so glad she is willing and able to spend this time supporting our family.

Kurt goes back to work tomorrow also. Little by slowly, we are returning to "normal."

Sure did miss church this morning!

Missing Sunday on Saturday night

2009-06-20T21:29:00.002-05:00

I already miss seeing everyone -- even on Saturday night. I have much to praise God for and I wish so much to be in worship and sing my heart out. Today has been a good day. I've been up and around a good portion of the day. I can make my "laps" around the house and feel good at the end of it. Just three days post-op, and I feel like I'm stronger than I was before the surgery. Yea!

The surgery really has been a miracle in my life. I feel like I have my life back. I'm looking forward to each day now, just to see what God will do next. Before the surgery, I dreaded each day because I never knew what to expect.

Thanks to everyone who has supported, cared and prayed. I will miss you tomorrow. I LOVE church. I look forward to that beginning of my week. I'm excited to know what word from the Lord Joel Clay will bring tomorrow. Even though I can't be with you in presence, know that I am with you in Spirit. Peace be with you all.

A New Day

2009-06-20T07:37:00.002-05:00

Every day, I feel better. This morning is no exception. I am able to be on my feet and make my way through the house -- for longer stretches each day. Hopefully soon, I'll be able to take walks outside.

I still have a slight bit of pain in my lower legs, and persistent numbness in my left thigh. But, the pain has improved SOOOO much. Last night, my family and I agreed that my limp is gone. I still look a little funny when I walk, but my gait is much more natural now. And, I don't have the weakness I had before the surgery.

I'm on my best behavior right now -- taking medications as directed. They leave me feeling very fuzzy, which I hate. But, they really make a huge difference as far as pain goes.

Looking forward to seeing everyone soon.

Drowsy But Better

2009-06-19T11:49:00.004-05:00

Charla continues to improve. Her nausea is totally gone, and her back-associated pain is significantly reduced. Her surgery site is causing some discomfort, but her surgeon seems to have figured out a combination of medication that keeps that pain at bay. The medicine has put her in a fog, but we'll take that over pain. We are still amazed at how she is feeling, just two days after major surgery. Charla felt like she was stable enough for Elizabeth and Kurt to take a brief break today to pick blackberries (see photo).–Kurt

2009-06-18T17:31:00.003-05:00

I'm feeling good enough to be at the computer this evening. Praise God! We did get to come home this afternoon. I'm so grateful. No more tubes and machines to be hooked up to. The nurses at Bone & Joint were so wonderful. When I said I wanted to come home, they did everything they could to make that possible.

My own bed feels really good. That is the most comfortable place for me right now. When I am on my feet, I have to wear a hard back brace, so sitting is not great. Plus, it seems to make the pain in my abdomen worse. But, the pain overall is SOOOOO much better than it has been. I can walk normally now. I have one area of numbness on my left thigh, and a few occasional twinges in my feet and calves, but I am so much improved.

Kurt has been a blessing beyond words -- through everything -- but especially during my stay in the hospital. He even slept there with me last night with couch cushions on the floor. I am humbled to see how gracious he is.

Well, time to lay back down. I'll keep everyone posted as often as I can.

Peace and grace!

Heading to Choctaw

2009-06-18T11:29:00.004-05:00

IF (and it's in upper case for a reason), Charla's x-ray on her back looks OK (she is in radiology right now), she is being discharged. The nausea and vomiting has passed. She had a colorful, yet liquid, breakfast this morning that stayed down. Her pain is also under control, and she has walked a good distance. All those things mean she can leave the hospital. We are looking forward to being home, and we will continue to update the blog couple of times a day as the recovery continues.–Kurt

Nausea Lingers, Otherwise OK Night

2009-06-18T06:50:00.004-05:00

Charla is still fighting with the nausea and vomiting (N/V), but it does seem a bit better. She was able to get up early this morning and take care of one of the three "musts" before discharge. The only one we have left is eating. She is still on the IV, and she is likely to have it until the N/V abates. She did get some sleep last night between the bouts of nausea. We are grateful for the improvement in her leg and back pain, and we are confident the tummy issues will resolve soon. We're assuming we have at least one more night in the hospital.

We're thankful for all the people who are keeping us in prayer. Kurt is also grateful for the folks at KGOU covering his duties this week. The next post will probably come around noon time.–Kurt

Nausea Improving, Walking Better

2009-06-17T22:32:00.002-05:00

I'm a bit late with this post, but the news is generally good. Charla took a walk down the hall this evening. To quote her, "I'm walking better now than when I came to the hospital this morning." She is still having nausea, but the episodes seem to be less severe. The hospital is full, but the nursing staff has been on top of things. Elizabeth is spending tonight with Charla's parents and brother at our condo. It looks like we may be spending at least one more night in the hospital, but that is yet to be determined.–Kurt

Nausea, But Better

2009-06-17T17:49:00.004-05:00

Charla continues to experience periods of nausea and vomiting (N/V). She reports the pain she has been experiencing in her legs and feet since Easter is gone. She has some soreness in her lower back, but she says it is somewhat different from the pain she had prior to her surgery. The surgeon says the pain she is experiencing there is likely due to the surgery and the "stiffening" of that area of her spine. We think the (N/V) may be coming in part from the IV pain medicine she is receiving. This afternoon the doctor told us he was very pleased with the surgery, and he will discharge Charla when she can "walk, eat and pee."

We've been blessed to have Charla's parents here today, along with her brother, Chuck, who drove up from McKinney, Texas. Also, we appreciate the care the Lessleys and Emily Green gave to Elizabeth last night and today. I'll post another update around 10 p.m. Thanks for the continued thoughts and prayers.–Kurt

Charla Has Walked

2009-06-17T14:54:00.003-05:00

While it wasn't on water, Charla got out of bed (with a bit of help) and walked to the door of her room. She reports the pain in her legs is much better. She is still hurting from the surgery and has been given a hefty dose of medication to help with that. She is resting now. I have to leave the room to post to the blog. I should have another posting up before 6 p.m.–Kurt

Charla is In Her Room

2009-06-17T11:59:00.001-05:00

Charla is in her room and doing well. She reports her back, leg and foot pain is better, but she is still somewhat sedated. She is having pain at the incision site in her abdomen. We'll try to have another update in a couple of hours.–Kurt

Surgery Over; Charla in Recovery

2009-06-17T10:04:00.005-05:00

Dr. Robertson just reported the surgery went as expected. He said the disc was very loose, and he expects the procedure will "tighten" that area. He said there were no surprises, and Charla will be in recovery for about another hour before going to a room.–Kurt

Surgery Started

2009-06-17T09:07:00.002-05:00

I just received a call from the surgery nurse and the operation has started. It is expected to last 60–90 minutes.—Kurt

Surgery Should Start Soon

2009-06-17T08:42:00.002-05:00

Charla has been taken to the staging area for her surgery. The surgeon, Dr. Robertson, just came to tell us the surgery should start in about 30 minutes, and then last for about 90 minutes. Our good friends, Revs. Paul and Jeni stopped by. Rev. Dan Pulver is here along with Jim Houk, care minister at Epworth United Methodist Church. We know lots of you are praying for Charla and the medical team caring for her. We'll keep you updated.

At Hospital

2009-06-17T07:19:00.000-05:00

We made it to the hospital just fine. Charla's parents are with us. The nurse just took Charla to prep her and get her checked in for surgery. Thanks to everyone for the thoughts and prayers.

2009-06-17T06:00:00.001-05:00

Up early this morning. Not much sleep for pain. Looking forward to the possibility of improvement. God has brought me a deep sense of peace this morning. To Him be the glory, great things he has done...

2009-06-16T15:59:00.001-05:00

I finished all the pre-op procedures this afternoon. Thanks to Linda Hill. She was my chauffeur today, driving me all over the metro area. The technician told me my EKG was completely normal -- good to know. The X-ray tech told me I would not have to lay down on the hard metal table -- after he saw the look of absolute horror on my face when I saw the table! Really, it wasn't so bad -- just the trip and waiting and sitting -- not my favorite activities right now.

Tonight, my family and I will share a meal and pray for God's abundance in the next few days. I check in at 7:00 am in the morning. No food or drink for me after midnight. :-( The surgery will be in the morning sometime. Kurt will be posting as soon as we know anything from the surgeon.

We are expecting 1-2 nights in the hospital before they let me out! You can tell how I feel about hospital stays. Hopefully, I'll feel like I can check in on the blog while in the hospital and let you know how I'm doing. But, Kurt will be making regular posts.

Thank you -- thank you -- thank you to everyone who has been so supportive. I covet each prayer that is offered. I have peace about the surgery. After my pain today, I know this is the right decision. There is hope of a brighter tomorrow. I look forward to preaching without pain!

One day soon...

2009-06-15T06:02:00.001-05:00

Thanks to everyone who is praying! The sign-up sheets were over-filled yesterday. I am overwhelmed by the generosity and support of our church.

I am amazed that the pain continues to worsen. I keep thinking it cannot get any worse, and then it does. Last week, surgery seemed too close. Today, I'm glad it is just a few days away.

Monday (today) will be my last day in the office. I'll be taking care of last minute details.

Tomorrow, I'll be visiting the doctor and hospital for all the pre-op arrangements.

Again, I'm so grateful for our lay leadership stepping up to fill responsibilities while I'm gone. I also appreciate our staff's willingness to step in and fill the gaps. And, I'm thankful for everyone who signed up to support our family during the time of my recovery. I'll be working on a way to make sure you get notified, in case you can't remember when you signed up.

2009-06-13T19:55:00.000-05:00

I've never blogged before, but I'm hoping this will be a good time to start. I appreciate the kindness, concern and grace shown to me and my family during the weeks my back has hurt. Everyone has been more than wonderful!

I'm glad I can start my week with worship. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow and praising God together. I'm sure I'll need the encouragement and taste of the Holy Spirit in the coming week.

Plans are for surgery at Bone & Joint Hospital -- downtown -- on Wednesday morning, June 17. We don't know what time yet, just that I am the second person on Dr. Scott Robertson's schedule. He has prepared us for the surgery by telling us it is a fusion of the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebrae. It involves removing the disc and putting in a bone graft -- then connecting the two vertebrae with a metal plate. Over the course of 12 months, the bone graft will grow, eventually completely fusing those two vertebrae together. The surgeon will go from the front, making a small incision in my lower abdomen. He has a vascular surgeon do this part of the surgery, making sure everything is safely out of the way. Once the spine is exposed, he'll remove the disc and insert the bone graft. Then, they close me up and I'm good to go!

He's said I'll probably spend one night in the hospital, going home on Thursday. If I could make one request -- please, no visitors in the hospital. I'm sure that will not be my best moment, and I'd rather just focus on recovery and pain control while there.

Dr. Robertson said I'll be recovering full-time for two weeks -- probably on pain medicine, while everything heals. I'm hoping to return to work for short periods around July 1. The doctor said once I'm off the pain meds, I can go back to work. He said my pain will tell me when I've done too much. He also said I will have to wear a back brace for three months to keep me from bending and putting the healing at risk.

I'm certainly not looking forward to surgery, but I so want to feel better. As I've experienced the debilitating nature of this pain -- and seen my function and mobility deteriorate by the week -- it has been humbling. As I hope, I'm looking forward to being able to enjoy a dinner out with my family, being present for worship services, and even unloading the dishwasher.

Hope with me. Pray with me. God is good. I'm sure that God will make it possible for me to keep Kingdom Building!

Peace and grace, Charla