What now?

These last few days since my appointment with the surgeon I have been reeling really struggling with what to do next. And as I have been seeking the Lord he has been sending my friends to encourage and support me in this path. As a nurse I have always felt led to love on and encourage people who are hurting. Now as I feel that that part of my life has changed I have struggled with what to do next. But my friends this week have shared with me many times in scripture where God used hurting people to change the world.

So right now although I don’t know what’s next I know that God does. This journey is so incredibly difficult and so much different than I expected. But as so many people have reminded me my story will be used for His glory. My testimony will be able to show people how God can use any situation to change lives and lead people to him and then that sense my struggle is worth it. If my journey causes people to trust in God then it all is worth it. Yes I am sad and I am heartbroken over the chance that I may not have to go back to the hospital and take care of patients there. But I also realize that His plan is way bigger than my mind can comprehend and if I can lead people to Christ then all of it is worth it. We need to take our struggles and our pain and use it to bless others and help them in their own journey.

If you are walking your own difficult journey and feeling like you don’t know what’s next and where you’re going know that my God does. He has every step, every person, every blessing, every situation, every moment in His grasp. He doesn’t want you to hurt, He doesn’t want you to struggle, He wants to see you thrive and although He won’t control every situation during your journey here He can use every situation to bless you, to grow you, to prepare you for what’s next. Take heart! He has overcome the world and He knows exactly where you are headed.

Even though I don’t know what is next for me and how our finances will make up the difference for me not working in the hospital I know that my God is bigger than finances, is bigger than pain, is bigger than any situation we face and I know that He’s got me and my family in the palm of His hand and we don’t need to worry about tomorrow and the same is true for you, you don’t need to worry about tomorrow.

“You’re a threat”

Today I had a follow up with my surgeon and we reviewed all the things that have occurred since my last visit with him. Today seemed to be the very first time that he wasn’t hopeful in terms of a full recovery for me. When I asked him what his thoughts were about me returning to work at the hospital like I had been, his response was incredibly discouraging. He said “ I’m not going to say never, but it is very unlikely, and if it does happen it won’t be for a long time.

I left the appointment in a daze. Sure there had been many people in this journey of healing that said they questioned whether I would get better enough to go back to bedside nursing, but the surgeon never made me feel like I wouldn’t eventually get back to the hospital. Today really was hard.

I called a sweet friend and shared my news. I shared with her my feelings of how I believe that God had called and created me to be a nurse. That He has called me to love and care for others, that I am supposed to physically show people His love. I told her that I felt as though I had lost my purpose.

She gently loved and encouraged me. She told me that I was a threat to the devils plan, so the devil has put this roadblock in my path. But that God always wins and that my steps may have changed, but His plan hadn’t.

I don’t know where your at in your life, but I just wanted to say, that no matter what the world has to say to or about you in your journey, God’s plans won’t fail. He will create something beautiful out of your situation. You, are a threat to the devil, so he puts up roadblocks in your path, but it doesn’t change Who is the victor!!!! You keep walking the path that the Lord has for you, it may be hard, you may not understand but it doesn’t change who He is, and what His plan is for you.

Danay Sierra

The news article about our sweet Danay

https://www.wral.com/family-and-friends-gather-to-mourn-10-year-old-killed-by-suspected-drunk-driver/19632953/?fbclid=IwAR0LHY9DmDP__M3Rm3XkLExrPFhnGCAnMPW_mhiV8zgbAoY1cw8L5D3Dofc#.YHufkexFHDU.facebook

I still can’t wrap my brain around this horrible nightmare. Our precious girl taken from us far too soon. Even though our hearts are absolutely shattered it is amazing to see how God is with us right now. The love we have been receiving has been overwhelming, the support from our church, other believers, friends, family, our community and even strangers has been awe inspiring. Please be praying. These days, weeks, months and years ahead are going to have a massive hole in them…. Our precious Danay was such an incredible ray of sunshine. Oh to hear her again and and have all the cousins giggling and playing together 💔

TWO WEEKS….

Today marks TWO FULL WEEKS….. two weeks since I walked, slept in my own bed, took care of my family. Two weeks of not being able to walk, feed myself, or use the bathroom. My “day surgery “ with three month recovery felt like this massive undertaking but I thought that I would be back to home and recovery so quickly.

When you are a busy person it is easy to “plan” and schedule your life….when you are stopped from “being “ you, you learn a lot about who and what you are. I am so thankful that God is carrying me through. There is absolutely no way that I could do this without Him…

Guys two weeks ago (the DAY OF MY SURGERY) this was my daily devotional that day. I read it before surgery and then I hadn’t really thought about it until a couple of days ago. When I reread it I was blown away….. God was reminding me BEFORE this craziness happened where I needed to focus. Guys don’t for ONE SECOND ever think that your circumstances are a surprise to Him or that the path you are on won’t be used for His glory. I know He has big plans for me and that this is only the beginning of the rest of my story.

Proof that He is a WayMaker

Proof that He is a WayMaker, miracle worker, promise keeper. That my God never fails. That He is so good. That His ways are greater. The weapon may be formed but it won’t prosper.

When the darkness falls it won’t prevail, cause the God I serve knows only how to triumph, my my God will never fail, I’m going to see a victory, I’m going to see a victory for the battle belongs to you Lord.

There’s power in the mighty name of Jesus. Every war He wages, He will win. Oh I’m not backing down from any giant cause I know how this story ends.

I’m moving my hand!!!!! I can bend my fingers! TID is on the move in this story!!!

Friendship

Today on Easter I am reminded of how amazing our God is! When I think of the cross and what He did for me there is nothing I can do but rejoice! No matter our situations, no matter our trials, the trials we are in today mean nothing. There is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING in the entire world that can change WHO He is and WHAT He has done! Stay focused and keep taking steps towards Him so He can take your life wherever He wants to.

I am still so surprised at the path that I am on. But as we celebrate the incredible gift of eternity that Jesus blessed us with,I am again reminded of His love for us. He loves us so big, and we don’t need to look hard to find the ways. This beauty is one of my dearest friends. I am so blessed and so thankful to have such amazing women in my life. My plan was to be home this week…. But my timing is not His timing so I will enjoy the moments of joy and sunshine in this valley. Thank you for being willing to spend Easter with my family instead of yours, for being willing to juggle all the things this week and for loving us so big.

The Blessing of music

One of my faves. Just got meds and vitals. Awakened to this… what a blessing. This is one of my absolute favorite songs… I am so thankful that I can continue to listen to worship music continuously.

So often when we are in a struggle we focus on the struggle and take our eyes off of Him. I feel like God tries so hard to get our attention and sometimes we miss all of His nudges…. My best friend told me when this all started (realizing that I was going to need surgery) that God was trying to tell me to slow down. That I was needing to get my priorities back in line with His will.

THIS IS SO HARD! I have basically been stopped in my tracks, I can’t care for myself or anyone else for that matter. I can’t work too much or do too much. I can’t do anything for or by myself. But what I can do is get my focus back on Him, and allow Him to get all of my priorities back on Him. So here I am trying so desperately to refocus my life. Please don’t be too busy for Him , to hear His still small voice. He has so much for us….. HE wants to give us so much

Bathroom

Took some steps on my own with walker and two PT/OT people. My goal was the bathroom..,, so close but yet SO FAR AWAY 🤪 I almost made it. Sadly they said still not safe or strong enough to do it but progress is progress. Here’s where I want to go tomorrow….. the bathroom…. it’s so close…… referral sent for rehab. They said usually 7-14 days….. feels like an eternity still before I can go home….. please keep praying. I need them and so does my family.

My day surgery with potential one overnight has turned into such a nightmare. I am so tired and so desperately want to be home. I know that He is here with me but I just want to go home. Just want to take a shower…. Just want to hug and love in my family.

I don’t own this song or the lyrics…. But they speak so deeply to me.

Yes I will, lift You high in the lowest valley
Yes I will, bless Your name
Oh, yes I will, sing for joy when my heart is heavy
All my days, oh yes I willI count on one thing
The same God that never fails
Will not fail me now
You won’t fail me now
In the waiting
The same God who’s never late
Is working all things out
Is working all things out

But GOD

Guys yesterday I couldn’t move! Left side pointer finger and left side big toe was all I could move if I concentrated super hard and worked hard. BUT GOD!!!! Look at this!!!! I am claiming for a miracle healing overnight! I NEED to be home with my family! My God is able! He can do exceedingly abundantly about all that we ask. And tonight I am watching it happen with my own eyes! I will eventually share more of this week as I wrap my brain around the trauma and emotion and loss of control. Since I couldn’t move I was listening to elevation worship almost continuously except when sick and headache. The song about seeing a victory And God Never failing was basically on repeat …… this guys! This is what My God did this evening! Agree with me pray with me, God can do this!!!!

When we get into these hard places it is so incredibly important to continue to focus on Him, He has already won the battle that we are in. He already knows the outcome, He already has each breath planned out. I know that right now I am hurting, and overwhelmed and a little bit scared. I don’t know how this all plays out. But you know Who does? My God! I know that I know that I know that we will be ok. God will take care of us regardless of how this plays out.

Moving my hand!!!! God is so so good!

My husband….

This update won’t be all inclusive as I am only able to use my right hand but I just have to share a little about this week. Sadly after my “day” surgery I have developed left sided weakness and am unable to use my left side. I can’t begin to tell you what a humbling experience it is to not be able to rollover sit up, go to a toilet, brush my hair,etc by yourself. But guys my husband was truly my night in shining armor this week. I don’t think I have wrapped my brain around this being the way things are right now…. but the first night? Was the worst night of my life. Terrifying to say the least. And Matthew was amazing. Constantly caring and supporting me. I am sure I wasn’t nice or appreciative as I should have been. I still can’t believe that he had to wash my face for me or move my pillows or help me move my hips….. but this guy? Totally showed up and showed me that God is still in control of my body and extremities even if it is through others. Thank you will never be enough for what and how you have loved me during this scary week. I know that God has big plans and that the waiting is hard but we will get there. #Godisbigger #Godsgotthis
https://youtu.be/Cd6J6Wgnv4M