Specific Prayer List

• Energy and joy – On a limited diet, I am feeling a little unfocused, light-headed and tired and want to complete everything I need to for work before my surgery.
• Health leading up to the surgery - I was given protein shakes from my doctor and told to eat 700-900 calories a day.  I have been having trouble eating (drinking) more than 500 a day and want to go into the surgery as healthy as possible.
• Surgery – just that all goes well and that I am at peace (I am confident this is God’s plan for me, I just get anxious/nervous energy about the actual surgery).
• My parents – My mom and dad started their drive from Oregon to Houston today with their travel trailer and plan to be here for 3-6 weeks while I recover.  Just prayers for safety as they travel. My mom’s a nurse and my dad used to be a pastor – and my husband and I are very close to them and excited they will be here!
• My recovery – I am taking Feb. off from work as I was told that it takes 2-4 weeks to recover from the actual surgery.  Beyond that, they have warned me that you must push yourself to eat and stay hydrated everyday, which they have said will be a huge challenge.  I will continue to be on a liquid/pureed diet for at least 6-weeks,
• My precious husband Glenn – I couldn’t have asked for a more understanding or loving husband, and I appreciate him making sacrifices to help me succeed in this journey.  Just prayers that I don’t overlook him in anyway with all this focus on “me” right now.
• Prayers that I can just continue every day to find my joy and strength in the Lord.  I have been warned that this first year after surgery can be really tough, physically and emotionally, but I am determined to overcome that!  
• Long-term – The doctors are confident this surgery will heal me of several of the side-effects from my Ovary issues, but are unsure as to whether or not this will help some of the more serious issues.  Prayers for God’s continued healing touch.  I have been prayed for to be healed from this for the past 15+ years and have seen God at work in powerful ways the entire time.  While I have not been completely healed from my condition, I know that God has used this trial in my life to help me be more sensitive to others who suffer and it has been something that has increased my trust and faith in the Lord.  I am grateful!

Thanks again your friendship, encouragement and prayers!  I know there are people in each of our lives struggling with far greater health conditions than mine, so I send this email respectfully and pray the Lord continues to bless and encourage you as you also minister to others in great need!

Joyfully,

~ Steph