2014 has been an incredibly hard year. Depressing way to start a post I know, but it is true. Over the past several years my health has been steadily declining, but for a long time I was not sure why. However, in October, I received some answers. Because of my Cerebral Palsy, I have always had something called Neurogenic Bowel Syndrome, but found out recently that my colon and intestines have completely shut down which is why I am staying so sick. My situation is not the norm due to previous surgeries I’ve had which make things a bit more complicated, and it took a while to find a specialist qualified to treat my case. God finally provided a surgeon and after many appointments and tests, I am now awaiting a surgery date which I hope will be sometime at the beginning of January. There are lots of other issues alongside this that I will not go into here, but God knows all of the details.
This year has been rough but in the midst of it I have grown closer to the Lord and I better understand the passage in Philippians 4 that says He will give you peace beyond your understanding. I know that peace now. Before we found this surgeon several of my doctors told us nothing else could be done and left my family thinking that this was it. Also, I’ve had to move in with my parents until I am better, take a leave of absence from my job, and basically become completely dependent; which if you know me at all you know that has not been easy. Throughout the years I have had many health challenges but I would say this has been the hardest. It’s emptied me of everything I have but God is daily giving me the strength I need to make it and that has been freeing. I am completely out of control and there is nothing I can do to change my circumstances but I know the One who can. There are so many unknowns as to what is ahead and questions such as, “Will the surgery be successful? Will healing come soon? How is all this going to turn out?” I do not have the answers but God does and that is all that matters. After all, my life is not mine and there is nothing more freeing than turning my life and everything I have over to Jesus. That is the definition of true freedom. One of my goals for 2015 is to live in this freedom and be joyful no matter what the circumstances. I am thankful daily for the hope of Christ, and as one of my favorite songs states, I will “dance a little, laugh a little, and hope a little more.”
I would like to give a special thanks to my mom and dad. They have been amazing through this and take such good care of me. I couldn’t do this without them. Also, to all my friends thanks for being so gracious and encouraging. I know many of you have prayed for me over the past few months, and I greatly appreciate all the prayers you have sent my way. Please continue to pray as I move forward and that I get a surgery date soon. Thanks so much and please let me know how I can be praying for you. I hope you all have a blessed new year and a wonderful 2015!
Praying for you friend!
Thanks Renee, Love you!
Amelia we love you and pray for your healing. You are such an inspiration to all who know and love you. We thank God for the life you live for all the world to see. You are surely a Godly Woman.
Thanks Donna, Love you!
Amazing lady,you are!!
Thanks Lena!
I am so touched by your faith!! May the Lord continue to keep you and protect you. You are in my prayers.
You are the strongest woman I know! You show others Christ by your attitude and faith. Still praying!
Thanks Amber! Love you and so thankful for your friendship. Praying for you too!
Don’t know if my other post went through but you have touched me so much. God bless and protect you.
Thanks, Christine! Love you so much!
Amelia- What an encouragement and inspiration you are to me! Praising God for giving you the peace to rest fully in Him. Praying for you always. Love you!
Thanks, Sarah! So grateful for your prayers and friendship. Love you!
Oh, Amelia. I know this is so hard….praying for you and trusting God’s healing in your life! Love to you and your family!
Thanks so much, Gayle! Hope you are doing well! <3
You are a true trooper for Jesus Christ . Love reading anytg posted from you cause I know you are sincere with everything you post . Bless you lady , praying for you daily that through it all ahead , God holds on tight and gives you freedom from all your pain . Love you
Thanks Shoney! Love you!
Amelia, you and JAmie started out together in kindergarten. I still have a picture of you and her at kindergarten graduation. Jamie kinda took you under her wing then and who knew that someday you too would find each other again and become Family by marriage. GOD started you and her on this path so many years ago and I am proud that she is now part of your family. May God bless and keep you. I will be praying for you in 2015.
Thanks so much, Della. I love Jamie like a sister and so thankful that she is a part of our family. Thanks for your prayers and encouragement. Love you!
Amelia, it’s such an encouragement to read the things you post. You are an inspiration. To me as well as others. God is in control of everything and I can’t wait to see what He’s going to do in all of this. My Thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Amelia, Praying for you! Your strength in the Lord and growth in your faith in Him is inspiring! Love you lots!
Love and prayers for you and your mom and dad. You are all the sweetest most loving people. Blessed to know you all. Hoping all goes well.
Thanks so much, Tina! Love you!
You are amazing. Praying for you Ameila.
Thanks, Kim!
Amelia, I am so sorry that you have had a difficult 2014. I did not know of these current health problems that you mentioned. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Let us know when the surgery is scheduled.
You are a wonderful young lady……just as you were a little girl. I always enjoyed talking with you at Casar Elementary. And, Katie looked forward to going to Casar School to play with ” Amelia ” on some of the teacher work days……remember?
Take care of yourself and know how much you are loved and respected by others.
Peace and Love, Martha Kelly
Thanks so much, Mrs. Kelly! Yes I remember those times well and treasure them. Those are some good memories. Thanks for your sweet words and your prayers! I just found out yesterday that my surgery is scheduled for January 23. So thankful for that!
I ask Ellen about you so many times. I trust God will wrap his arms around you and whisper words of encouragement and hope. I am praying and keeping you in my thoughts. I will ask Ellen to keep me posted as to your surgery so we can send prayers up before and during the day of your surgery. You are an exceptionably talented and gifted person. I know God has blessed you with the will to get better and to continue with your life of love and hope for all of us. You have been very patient and trusting in God’s will. I pray for your family especially your Mom and Dad to be there and keep you strong. God does answer our prayers and he is always there.
Hey Delores! Thanks so much for your sweet words of encouragement and your continued prayers. I greatly appreciate them!
Love you Amelia♡ Praying for you and your healing. You have always been a special girl to me. Think of you often.
Thanks so much Donna! Thankful for you. Love you!
I will be praying for you sweet girl . . .
Thanks so much for the prayers, Brenda!
Hi Amelia, We could be relatives, I do not know but, I do know we are friends, Its been great getting to know you and to pray for you! You for sure are a Godly woman and its been such a delight to read everything you write and post. You have encouraged me in my daily walk with faith. Amelia keep growing in faith with God everything is possible! amen? amen! Keep praying for me as well. I am wondering what your Dads Dads name is? could you tell me this? Your parents seem like wonderful people, but, so are you Amelia. Fill me in as to what date you go to the surgeon, will you. Praying for healing for you and much happiness and love and an abundance of blessings, May 2015 give you the desires of your heart Amelia:))) love and hugs Millie
Thank you so much, Millie! I’ve enjoyed getting to know you and appreciate all of your prayers and encouragement. Oh, and my dad’s father’s name is Donald McNeilly! 🙂
My sweet friend Amelia….. God has great things in store for you girlfriend:) I have prayed many prayers for you during your lifetime, and I won’t stop now:) I Love You my precious sister in Christ!
Thanks so much Sharon! Love you!
Amelia,
I am praying for you. I love you and admire you in many ways. Continue to trust in God.
Thanks so much, Daphne! Love you too! Hope you are doing well.
Amelia, over the years I have been amazed to watch the strength that you have. Not outward strength but a strength that comes from the inside that can’t be explained in any other way than complete reliance on your Heavenly Father. You are so amazing. You meet each of life’s challenges head on with God pushing you through. I know this latest challenge has bee exceptionally hard but you have put your faith in the only one that can really help you. He will be with you in what ever is ahead. Harrill and I will continue to pray for yor you. You keep up the good fight. Love you bunches.
Thanks so much for your sweet words Sharon. So thankful for your prayers. Love you!
Amelia, this message hits deep with me and just what I needed this morning. You are such a beautiful young lady and I will definitely be praying for you. Thank you for being such an inspiration of faith!!!
Thank you so much, Sherry! I always enjoyed the times we had together and I still have the journal that you gave me when I graduated high school! Hope you are doing well and thanks for your continued prayers and encouragement.
Prayers for you, Amelia. As I run with your mom these days, we share our prayers and hopes for our kids. You are amazing and I lift your health in my prayers.
Thank you so much Terry!