Pat Robertson Recovering from Successful Heart Surgery

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (AUGUST 31, 2009) – The Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) announced today that its founder and Chairman, Pat Robertson, has returned home after extensive heart surgery at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, NC. Mr. Robertson has suffered a condition known as atrial fibrillation, an often-debilitating heart disorder involving shortness of breath and weakness affecting an estimated five million Americans.

In the recent procedure, which required ten hours of surgery, cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Andy C. Kiser and electrophysiologist Dr. Mark Landers performed a state of the art technique they pioneered called Convergent Procedure. The groundbreaking procedure, which Drs. Kiser and Landers performed for the first time in the United States earlier this year, uses a device to cauterize the continually beating heart’s muscle with heat generated by radio frequency. The resulting scar tissue controls the heart’s electrical impulses more effectively. The procedure uses four small openings rather than full chest incisions, allowing for much faster recovery time, minimal scarring, and short hospital stay.

“The Convergent Procedure integrates the expertise of the cardiac surgeon and the electrophysiologist into a single procedure,” said Dr. Kiser, chief of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital. “The co-disciplinary approach provides a successful treatment for patients, like Mr. Robertson, who have difficult-to-treat, chronic atrial fibrillation.”

During the surgery, the doctors also discovered an abnormally enlarged left appendage on Robertson’s heart, which is now believed to have been the cause of his atrial fibrillation. The 6cm appendage was successfully removed during the surgery.

Robertson said, “Only the prayers of thousands of believing people kept me on this earth. As it is, I anticipate many more years of creative service in the ministry I founded (CBN), as well as Regent University and other endeavors devoted to the service of mankind. I cannot praise enough the dedication and professionalism of Dr. Andy Kiser and his staff who removed this growth from my continuously beating heart.”

Pat Robertson celebrated his 79th birthday on March 22nd of this year. At that time, the Board of Directors of CBN appointed his son, Gordon Robertson, a former Norfolk attorney, to lead The Christian Broadcasting Network as its Chief Executive Officer.

Robertson expects to return to a full schedule, including hosting The 700 Club, in several weeks.

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Lorraine here: Don't shoot me, I'm just the messenger!! I have great admiration for the work of Operation Blessing--and The 700 Club. "Faith-based" organizations receive so little positive publicity.
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When Others Fail Us

The TV message, "When Others Fail Us," by Dr. Charles Stanley (First Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA) was very encouraging for me. He addressed the pain we experience when we have been dropped from the lives of family and friends. "Being a discard" [my words] is the reason I experience deep depression.

I've often said "I need to be needed; I want to be wanted." I had so many valuable talents to give to Hallelujah Acres--but was unceremoniously relieved of my many responsibilities (along with eight others that day). Likewise I had computer skills and a head full of knowledge about genealogy and Brethren families. My "volunteer" services were rejected by the Brethren Heritage Center. (Just two examples in very recent years.) I almost never hear from my children!! I send greeting cards, gifts, and e-mail, but it's a one-way street. Where did I go wrong?? It has been my desire to live "A Purpose Driven Life" -- not a life without purpose!!

It's a sad set of circumstances when we come to the sunset years of our life and we haven't a friend, or family, to call on in case of emergency. I'm not alone, I hear the same story from many Seniors. Our Country is disintegrating!! (I'll not comment on the bailouts of banks, auto industry, etc., but was saddened to see a sign in a furniture store: "Going out of business after 65 years." The once-thriving furniture industry is suffering; the textile industry is gone from North Carolina. Unemployment is high in the Carolinas.)


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I Have All in God

God of your goodness, give me yourself,
for you are sufficient for me...
If I were to ask anything less I should always be in want,
for in you alone do I have all.

- Julian of Norwich (Prayer copied from BeliefNet.)
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Square Peg in a Round Hole

In my humble opinion, I have always been upbeat in my messages. (What do you think?) Today I am feeling depressed and plan to explain why I feel like a "square peg in a round hole."

I've put a lot of time into preparing these blogs!! I want them to sound good, look good, error-free, etc. Hopefully the reader has a sense of who I am and what my values are. But family, friends and acquaintances never access my blog!! (At the bottom of my site, there is a feature called StatCounter. That program documents [elsewhere] my visitors.) ~~ My family, friends and acquaintances profusely forward messages; I read them before I delete them. I hate forwarded messages!! (I read theirs, why don't they read mine?)

I'm prompt replying to the e-mail messages of family, friends and acquaintances. They have a health problem..., I offer suggestions and tell them I will pray for them. My blog address is a live link in every message but they don't use it. ~~ Via the U.S. Post Office, I mail greeting cards and gifts but rarely receive acknowledgement.

I beg your indulgence because the following comment is not my usual vocabulary: Life "sucks" when we get old!! I bring so many talents to a job!! I'm a hard worker; I'm loyal; I'm honest!! But two employers rejected me in the last sixteen months. I wasn't working for the paycheck; I was at the location to serve!! Square peg??

I'm generous with my time, money and my possessions. How quickly a friend forgets who supplied the computer, printer, office supplies--and many hours of physical labor to open a health business. Love abused!! ~~ I "house sit" and "pet sit" (free).

Was I born on another planet?? Why am I a square peg in a round hole world??

"Square peg in a round hole
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"A square peg in a round hole is an idiomatic expression which describes the unusual individualist who could not fit into a niche of his society."


A Prayer for Resting in God's Love
Father God, I come into your presence so aware of my human frailty and yet overwhelmed by your love for me. I thank you that there is no human experience that I might walk through where your love cannot reach me. If I climb the highest mountain you are there and yet if I find myself in the darkest valley of my life, you are there. Teach me today to love you more. Help me to rest in that love that asks nothing more than the simple trusting heart of a child. In Jesus name, Amen

Source: Written by Sheila Walsh author of "Let Go"

Weathering the Storm
Father God, Today I am afraid. I look around me at this world that is changing so fast and I feel lost like a small boat in the midst of a storm. I am not built to weather the battering waves or the howling wind. So I wait now in your presence. You spoke the oceans and the four winds into being. You threw the stars in the sky and separated the sea from dry land. You took the hand of Peter who was sinking into the depths of the water and walked him to safety. I choose now to fix my eyes on you and not on the storm. I settle my heart on your love and not on the current that threatens to pull me under. Thank you that you are my firm anchor even through the darkest night, Amen

Source: Written by Sheila Walsh author of "Let Go"


God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Being well is a journey...

"Being well is a journey---of the body, mind, and soul. Each step takes us to new places of discovery about ourselves. As we exercise our freedom to make healthy choices in how we use our body, tend our soul, and enrich our mind, we draw closer to the Creator." ~~ Acquired by Lorraine, source unknown.

Prayer of the Day

Think on These Things

Whatsoever things are true,
Whatsoever things are honorable,
Whatsoever things are just,
Whatsoever things are pure,
Whatsoever things are lovely,
Whatsoever things are of good report;
If there be any virtue,
And if there be any praise,
Think on these things.

- Philippians 4

Source: The Bible (King James Version)

Four Month Anniversary

"God works in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform." God could have called me Home during the winter. Apparently my "work" on earth is not done (at least until I conquer the clutter??)!! I was so sick; I am now healthy!!

Thanks to a Google search on February 9th, I found the clue to my recovery from acute ozone poisoning. I now extol the value of Google searches!! My inquiring mind wants to know.... Most recent case in point: Organizations that assist individuals struggling with Chronic Disorganization.

If you have been following my "blog," you know that I have been very busy. If you are new... take time to review my messages since May 9th. This message is brief because I prefer to direct you to yesterday's topic about Conquering Clutter.

Doxology

I am physically and emotionally exhausted!! I've spent the entire day preparing and editing the next messages regarding "clutter." Without benefit of the professional suggestions offered, I have successfully accomplished some of the "steps." I want to give the praise to The Great Physician, the Counselor, Alpha and Omega, the One Who Loves me!! If it were not for Him,
I might be mired in boxes and memorabilia. "Rain or shine" I knew I was making some progress. Painfully slow, perhaps, but none-the-less I have made great strides this last month. I have a greater appreciation for what other Seniors are experiencing. Now I am adding those who struggle with this problem to my prayer list.

Christians ~~ by Maya Angelou

'A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ
That a man should have to seek Him first to find her.'

When I say...
'I am a Christian' I'm not shouting 'I'm clean livin'.'
I'm whispering 'I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven.'

When I say...
'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say...
'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say...
'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say...
'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.

When I say...
'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain....
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say...
'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow!

Pretty is as Pretty does... But beautiful is just plain beautiful!

This arrived as an e-mail message, in attractive calligraphy. The features available to me--when I prepare my blog--do not support calligraphy so you have to enjoy this in a traditional font. ~~~ More....