Scripture:  “I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart”—Ezekiel 36:26 NLT.

All of us face a “someday” death. Sometimes the sentence slaps us in the face. Someone has said, “Nothing concentrates the mind of a man more than to know in the morning he will be hanged.” When told I had advanced, inoperable stenosis of my heart’s mitral valve, I got mighty concentrated!

A few years ago, there would have been nothing to do but get my affairs in order and prepare for the end. But thank God for modern medicine and for His grace to send me to a medical expert who performed a procedure to give me a new lease on life!  On July 27^th, Dr. Richard Smalling of Memorial Hermann Hospital performed a technique he invented and was able to greatly increase the flow of blood between the chambers of my damaged heart.

I am still regaining the strength I had lost, but the new sense of freedom is exhilarating. I can run and not be weary!  I can walk and not faint! I feel like King Hezekiah must have when given fifteen additional years in answer to his prayer.  May I use them wisely!

Many, many people prayed for me during this critical period. How can I express the gratitude I feel?  You have taken me before the throne of Almighty God, and your intercession helped save my life! Thank you, and may He richly bless you all.

Prayer: Father, You have opened a door I thought closed. Please give direction, that I may use these extra days to bless others and bring You honor.  In Jesus’ name, amen.