"Pristine"

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.

Thornton Wilder

Dear, Dear Friends,

I am full of joy and yet feel so broken. My heart is overwhelmed with thankfulness for God's mercy and love that is so undeserved. What peace there is in God's unmerited favor! He is so good!

I am able to give a glowing praise report! I have felt without words today! I don't seem to have adequate phrases to praise God and thank you for your love, support, and prayers.

To the wonder of all, the heart cath was completely normal! The doctor said all was "pristine!"

We stand amazed at the work of our heavenly Father and Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Weeks ago doctors thought my dear husband likely had a blockage. Just one week ago, Jeff sat in a pulmonologist's office, the leading and most respected one in our city, and was told after extensive tests he had congestive heart failure. His heart was enlarged, and all tests pointed to the diagnosis, which was expected to be confirmed by the heart cath.

But yesterday was a new day! The cardiologist declared everything totally normal!

I am so relieved, contented, thankful, joyful, and appreciative. I write with tears and peace.

To God be the glory! His name is to be praised forever! I don't understand everything, but I am full of thanksgiving, knowing God prepared this season for our lives for His purpose.

It has been a challenging time, but one not without hope. And I hope you will hear the sincerity in my heart and voice as I tell you how I am so appreciative of you all! I THANK GOD FOR YOU! My dear husband and I have both been enriched and encircled by your prayers and thoughts. And, that dear ones, is invaluable! May God bless you a hundredfold!!!

I have felt your strength and support as I stood in waiting. God's presence was so near yesterday as we anticipated word from the doctor.

In expressing these thanks, I can only hope I would have remained as faithful and true had we received a different word. They were prepared to transport Jeff to surgery for a stent or by-pass. Had such bad news awaited us, God's love and faithfulness would have remained, for He never changes!

And though it is an easy thing to speak so in hindsight, I know God is on the throne of our lives and will never fail us regardless of life's hardships.

On a closing note, I must dwell a moment on the word used by the doctor yesterday. "Pristine."

It is defined by the dictionary as something pure, uncorrupted, free from contamination, such as pure gold.

Oh, that my faith would be pristine! To receive a glowing report from God on that divine day when I see Jesus face to face! To hear the Holy Spirit whisper in earthly labor, "Andrea, your faith was pristine in this moment, like pure gold. Go, and remain so. "

Yet, for the accomplishing and remaining of pristine I am powerless without Christ. Pristine is His work, not my work! My work is to hear, to obey, to praise, to be faithful. Yet, it is solely the excellency of Jesus that refines my faith. Makes me pure. Keeps me still. Causes me comfort. Cleans my heart. Creates contentment. Makes all new.

Praise God! And thank you, thank you, again, for your part in this praise report! I love you all so very much!

In the Grace of Jesus,