I’m having a major heart procedure, a pvc ablation, two weeks from now.* It’s a search-and-destroy mission to locate cells that are producing extra heartbeats (tachycardia). In fact, I have more heartbeats than anyone else my cardiologist has ever encountered. Which makes for a charming metaphor, but a risky heart condition. The procedure should help correct that, and the odds of my surviving are excellent.
But there is a slight chance I’ll die on the operating table.
Then again, I might die while I’m typing this. Or I might live another decade or two. Nevertheless, I am dying. And so are you. And that’s why I’m building my house on a rock. “Everyone who hears these words of mine and acts upon them,” said Jesus, “is like a wise man who built his house upon a rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the wind blew and beat against that house. But it stands because it is founded upon rock.”
So what is this “house” he’s speaking of?
It’s the thing I call me, who I am and who I’m becoming. People tend to build their lives out of haphazard materials: wants, likes, hobbies, things they stumble upon, things that fill their time and then pass away. But when no time is left, these mortal things (money, career, sex, fame, pride, etc.) disintegrate. If we hold them in proper perspective as “just things,” fine. But if we allow them to become the foundation of our lives, who we are, our “house” will crumble. Why? Because it’s founded upon the shifting fragments of reality, rather than upon Reality itself.
In other words, if your god is mortal, it will die with you. But if your God is immortal, you will live forever with him. Just to clarify, it’s not the “forever” part that matters to me, it’s the “with him” part. Because being with my Creator isn’t just the best thing about building my house on a rock…
*Note: After I wrote this, the procedure was rescheduled for late July.
Pray your surgery goes well.
So am I!
Thank you, Rob and Joy.
Great post, great reminders, I pray all goes well with your procedure 🙏🙏
Thanks, L.G.!
Wow, I will pray for you
Thank you, Joseph.
You’ll be on my prayer list.
and watch out for meteors — one could hit the hospital while they’re doing the procedure.
Sounds like you’ve thought of these things before, Andrew!
;>) Thanks, Andrew.
Amen and I pray your surgery goes well.
Thank you, Sue.
Great post, Mitch. Keeping you and all who have a part in your surgery and after care in my prayers.
Thank you, Mags.
Sending you strength and wishes for a successful operation and recovery, Mitch!
Thank you, Ab!
Abouth 10 years ago, I retired from my profession as a university teacher (I concentrated on teaching and let others concentrate on research. Teaching was something that I was good at). It took me a while to stop clinging to that definition of me until I refocused on my major role as a child of God, a Jesus follower. Then life became so much better.
Prayers for your procedure will be flowing.🙏🙏
Love your testimony, and thank you for your prayers, Gail!
God bless, comfort, and heal, Mitch!
Thanks and blessing, dear Nancy!
Scary, but I’m glad the doctors were able to diagnose this and can now stop all those extra heartbeats before they caused an unexpected end to your weekly Real Memoirs posts. Not sure what I’d do without them! 🙂 Good luck, Mitch! I’m sure the surgery and recovery will go well.
Thank you so much, dear friend.
Praying for a perfect surgical outcome for you. If this helps, I have a good friend who has had two ablation procedures over the past few years to address her tachy atrial fibrillation. Each time has been successful and each time, she has felt like a million bucks for a long time (years) afterwards. This friend has multiple serious health issues, inclusive of chronic COPD, so my point is to reassure you that you’ll do fine, Mitch.
Thank you so much for the prayers and reassurance, Terry.
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I hope everything goes well with your operation.
Thank you, David.
Hope it goes well and you recover quickly!
Thanks, Dawn!
Good luck on your surgery
Thank you, Maja.
Mitch, it’s been a while since I’ve been here and it’s no coincidence that I read this today, dear friend. I’m praying for you, the surgery, Trudy, and the family. Of course you have more heartbeats than anyone! Your heart is as big as a…HUGE HOUSE.
Eternal perspective is everything isn’t it? As for me and my house–it’s founded on the rock, too, my friend. None of this world matters like eternity with him!
God bless you and your heart, Mitch. I’m praying NOW! 💗🙏🏼
So good to hear from you, dear Karla. Thank you, and, yes, I know your house is founded firmly on that rock! <3
It’s my blessing, Mitch! I stand with you!♥️🙏🏻
Lord Jesus I ask that You put your hand on Mitch. Bring calm to his heart, both physically and spiritually and grant him healing grace. Bless and calm his family also and lead them through this time. In your precious name we ask.
And I say, Amen, with Pastor Pete!
Bless you, Pete.
Beautifully said Mitch… and I agree with you. I wish you a successful procedure and many more years of life and reflection!
Thank you, Karima!
I know the Rock too
Triple by-pass 2006, valve replacement 2022, et al. “The Solid Rock (My Hope is Built” ) | Reawaken Hymns | Official Lyric Video
You and your heart are in my prayers! Blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.
Mitch, Great post with so much wisdom and truth!
Praying for the ablation to do its job. I actually had a friend who had this recently and it worked well and he felt better.
Thank you so much, Mary, and great to hear from you. Praying you and your family are flourishing.
This reminds me of people who put their all into their careers. They reluctantly retire, find themselves lost and die with a few months of leaving their life (the job). I just sent up a little prayer for you, with confidence that the procedure will be successful.
Thank you so much. (P.S. I’m afraid I don’t know your name.)
My newest book, Meadowlark Songs: A Motherline Legacy, came out just as I’m dealing with challenging health issues (enlarged aorta and a digestive system that throws a hissy fit when I eat solids). Yes, house on the rock! Praying for you, dear Mitch! Thank God for modern medical procedures, huh!
Thank God indeed, Joy! <3
🙏🏻♥️
Prayers for your surgery.
Thank you, Venus.
This is a beautiful post, my brother. I am praying for you now and will continue praying. I actually saw this procedure done, many years ago when I was in nursing school. The surgery in that case was a success. It was a beautiful thing to see! I have also had tachycardia, which in my case was due to iron overload disorder, ie Hereditary Hemochromatosis. I was in my late 30s then and had an amazing near-death experience. But it wasn’t my time, so I was sent back. Now, my iron level is kept well under control and my heart is strong and healthy. I am praying the same will happen with your heart.
I’m so glad you’re still with us, and that your condition was brought under control, dear sister. And thank you for your prayers.
It will be okay for the others if you have to go Home soon; as you know, He knows what each of them needs the most, and loves them even more than you do. That being said, don’t you dare die on that table, Mitch.
🙏<—I'll be doing that for sure. Wishing you the grace of His peace all the way through.🩷
Aw, thank you, Carol.
Praying for you!
Thank you, Pauline!
Fingers crossed 🤞
Thanks, Sheree.
AMEN, Mitch. Will be praying for a successful procedure and a swift recovery!
Thank you, Caroll!
Thank you so much, Caroll!
Thanks for the encouraging word, Mitch. The gift of eternal life is already ours.
I’ll be praying for your surgery. My wife had this same procedure two years ago and it went flawlessly with very little recovery time. All is well. And, I’ll pray your surgery goes just as well.
The timeliness of his post for me personally is interesting. Had my triennial colonoscopy and upper endoscopy this week. No one’s favorite experience, but familiar to me since family history dictated that I begin them three decades ago (at 40). Both my parents had colostomies and my mom later died from esophageal cancer.
During the procedure, the former looked great, but they took a number of tissue samples for biopsy from the latter. By the grace of God, I’m experiencing absolutely no anxiety while I await the results.
It is a joy, isn’t it brother, to have such peace as a gift from our Heavenly Father?
It is a joy, Rob. Praying for perfect biopsy results, my friend.
Sending love…oodles of love. 💕
Aw, bless you, Vicki.
I like your line of thinking here, Mitch. It’s our relationship and fellowship with God that is paramount, not just the forever part.
I’ll be praying for you—for a successful surgery and quick recovery.
Thank you so much, David.
Mitch –
Excellent reminder to us all.
You’ve got a good head there, Mitch – whatever the outcome – you win
Thank you.
Praying for you, Mitch. 🙏 But you’re right, any of us could go at any time. Whenever that is, I’ll see you there. 👍
P. S. Do post something soon and let us know you came out of it OK.
I will, and thank you, dear friend.
Best wishes for a smooth and successful procedure, Mitch. I’m not surprised to learn you’ve got a busy heart!
Thank you, Annie!
No good luck wishes nor crossed fingers, but I will be praying for you until you let us know how the ablation goes.
As for building on a rock, I think I’d prefer a wider base than THAT guy built on! Maybe the whole Bible instead of the snippet he used.😂
❤️&🙏, c.a.
;>) Thanks, C.A.
With you, brother. Would appreciate having you around longer but trust the Great Physician and lover of our souls (& bodies & spirits.) He does all things well, and we will meet again. It’s guaranteed! Blessings & hugs, Anne A.
Thank you, and blessings and hugs back, dear Anne.
As the Quakers say, I will hold you in the Light.
I’ll take all the Light I can get! Thanks, Lynn.
Praying for you.
Thank you, I.V.
You’re welcome.
Extra cells, huh? This, I had not heard of. What’s the condition called? Also, what’s your rate? Mine will go to 180 unmedicated, and hovers above 100 even fully so….
It’s called tachycardia, Ana. It’s not about blood pressure, but about extra heartbeats. I’m told up to 10% extra heartbeats are no big deal, and 20% to 40% can usually be treated with medication alone. However, I’m on medication, and still have 60% additional heartbeats, hence the need for the procedure.
I was talking about heartbeats ~ know about tachycardia since I have it ~ those numbers were accurate heart rates, believe it or not. I know of a number of potential causes for tachycardia, just so far none which involve extra cells ~ it was that particular condition for which I was seeking a name, if you know it.
Yes. And Jesus is its name o!
Dios está conmigo
The part “with Him ” is the best part.
Sure
Mitch, be well! You may be interested to know I had RFA (radio frequency ablation) of my heart for tachycardia with syncope in 1999. I was not scared; I knew it had to be done. That was 26 years ago. I survived and I have never had another episode of tachycardia! You will be in my thoughts and prayers. 🙏🏼
Thank you for the encouraging report, Nancy. And I’m so glad your procedure was a success! Blessings, dear friend.
It was one of the best things I ever did, Mitch. God will be with you, I’m sure of that! May I add your name to our Bible group’s prayer chain? 🕊️
Yes, please. And thanks again, Nancy!
Mi piacere, caro amico. You’re most welcome! 🙏🏼
Good thinking there
Thank you for sharing. So poignantly said. Praying for a good report, friend.
Thank you, my Anonymous friend.
Beautifully said Mitch. You never know. You are going in with a great mindset. I hope to hear the good news of your recovery.
Thank you, Kate!
Your faith and pearls of genuine wisdom are always appreciated. Praying for a successful outcome.
Thank you so much, Pam.
Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way, Mitch. And those extra heartbeats . . . perhaps they are because you’re a big-hearted person. 😉💖💐
Thank you, Sandy. <3
Wishing you all the best.
Neil S.
Thank you, Neil.
I lovelovelove this post. Yes! With Him… I livelivelive this. Thanks. I’ll be praying for the surgeon’s steady hands and success and for your speedy recovery. Go with my blessings.
Thank you so much, Selma.
My prayers are with you. God bless.
Thank you, Nancy!
Un abbraccio a te, ✨✨✨
Grazie, Paola!
I’ll be praying for you, Mitch!
Thank you, Abe!
Sending my best!
Thank you! (You know, after all this time I’m not sure what you prefer to be called.)
You’re very welcome 😊 you can call me da-AL
Ah, good to know, da-AL.
cora
Nice one Mitch! Hope all goes well xo
Thank you, Catherin.
Sending lots of positivity, and I demand a full recovery. God speed.
Thanks, Colin!
Yes, it’s everything. By being Him with me, everything is possible. Praying for your healing.
Thank you, Hazel.
You’re most welcome, Mitch. Have a lovely week ahead.
You too!
Wishing you all the best!
Thank you, Christine!
I will pray for you! I was diagnosed with the same condition at age 23 but told the doctors that I was lucky to have extra heart beats. God gave me a stronger heart to love all. Here I am at age 82 still kicking up a storm. I pray your surgury goes well.
Wow, that’s quite an outcome. And thank you, Russell.
Praying for God’s healing touch for you and peace for your loved ones during this time.
Thank you so much, MJ.
I wish/pray you well! I’m facing some medical stuff also, so your words came just at the right time. Thank you, Mitch. God is in charge.
He is indeed, Lois. Praying for you as well.
You have my prayers and my blessings and I know the Lord will stand by you.
Thank you, Rasma.
You will be fine no matter what happens! But best wishes for the surgery to run smoothly and a quick recovery!
Thanks, Martha!
Lifting you in prayer!
Thank you, Terri!
wishing you well on your procedure! happy healing. <3
Thank you, Ren!
All the best for your heart procedure.
Thank you so much, Liz.
You’re welcome, Mitch.
I wish all the best during the procedure and a quick recovery, Mitch. God bless you. 👏👏
Thank you so much, Aline.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Jesus said, take no thought for your life in Luke 12.
Your life is in Gods hands and you are in the best hands you can be in.
Right you are, Cora.
Godspeed through your procedure.
Thank you, SP.
I just prayed that the Lord will guide the surgeon’s hands. Regardless of the outcome, I’m so thankful that you know the Lord and are ready to go home whenever He takes you.
Thank you, brother.
I hope and pray all goes well, Mitch. My foster daughter had the same procedure many years ago.
Thank you, Anna.
All the best to you for your upcoming surgery, Mitch. Praise God for gifted surgeons (and robots!) who are able to perform these procedures. Hopefully, after your ablation, you will no longer be number one in the heartbeat race. 🙂
;>) Thanks, Nancy!
Wishing you all the best, Mitch.
Thank you, Stacey.
God bless you through surgery💕🙏🏻.
Thank you so much, MLM.
Praying for your successful operation. 🙏
Thank you, Sweta.
Wouah!
May you know peace and God’s presence with you.
Thank you, Candia.
Wishing you all the best!
Thank you!
We will be including you in our prayers, Mitch. You have your center and your foundation exactly where they need to be for these days. Bless you so!
Thank you so much, Karen!
God is with you!
Thank you, Dana!
Praying for a smooth and successful outcome on your procedure, Mitch.
Thank you, my Anonymous friend.
Praying for you, Mitch, for a successful procedure and a speedy recovery. You have the right attitude, my friend! God will be beside you.
Thank you, dear Peggy.
Praying for your health, a successful procedure, and swift recovery! Your attitude is inspiring!
–Scott
Thank you so much, Scott.
I will be thinking of you. Lots of prayers I anticipate a similar procedure for myself coming up, going through the motions now..so I know the nerves of it all. I was blessed with a fib and svt. Ain’t it all great? Just think, new heart when it is all done and better than ever! Prayers 🙏
Amen to that, Emily! Praying for you too.
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Good advice! It makes one think! 🙋♀️
Very nice post, Mitch. I am sorry to hear about your heart troubles and will keep you in my prayers for your surgery. I’m VERY interested in your outcome. I am becoming more and more weary of my afib and know that an ablation is an option for me. I greatly dislike the idea of burning heart tissue, but I’m considering this more and more. My best to you!
Thank you for your prayers, Maddie. You’ll be in mine as well. The idea of burning heart does sound scary, but apparently it’s a well-established procedure.
Amen to that, Mitch. I will pray that everything will go well for you. Know that your words also help us find and remember rock when we need it.
Thank you, and glad to hear that, Chris.
Will be keeping you in my prayers. Believing for you that all things will be well and your outcome will be a success. Know that my prayers are with you my friend. Blessings and Peace!
Thank you so much, Claudia. And the same to you, my friend.
I wish you all the best, Mitch. I hope the procedure will go perfectly and that you have a speedy recovery. In my prayers 🙏.
Thank you so much, Michael.
You’re most welcome, Mitch.
È comprensibile la tua apprensione, forse paura, ma la tua saldezza interiore ti sosterrà. Quando siamo tristi tutte le nostre cellule sono tristi. La gioia di vivere, la pace con sé stessi, la consapevolezza che l’universo intelligente e benevolo vive con noi, sorregge tutte le nostre fibre. Caro amico sconosciuto sei nei miei pensieri. Sono sicuro che andrà tutto per il meglio. Non temere. La mia mano sulla tua spalla. A risentici. Reno.
Your apprehension—perhaps even fear—is understandable, but your inner strength will support you. When we are sad, every cell in our body feels it. The joy of life, peace with oneself, and the awareness that the intelligent and benevolent universe lives with us, sustain every fiber of our being. Dear unknown friend, you are in my thoughts. I’m sure everything will turn out for the best. Don’t be afraid. My hand is on your shoulder. Talk to you soon. Reno
Grazie, Reno.
i think you’ll be fine, Mitch. my hubby has been back and forth a bit with his own, now wearing a loop which was inserted above his heart just under the skin. the technology these days is amazing.
Thank you for the encouragement (I’m afraid I don’t know your name).
Blessings on your procedure, that all goes well for you. May God gift you with peace and presence while you wait.
Thank you, Shirley.
That is very profound Mitch, the best part of eternity is being with Him. And being with Him won’t seem like an eternity. ✝️🕊
Far from it, BJ. The longer we live, the faster times seems to pass. And so, to live eternally is, I believe, to live in an everlasting now. And an everlasting now with God is the very definition of joy.
Beautiful thoughts, Mitch, about the house on the rock and your faith- sending prayers for your health.
Thank you, Lori.
May the Holy Spirit guide the hands of those who work to heal you.
Thank you for follow!
Praying for you this evening.
Thank you so much, Marty. Update: My ablation procedure has been postponed until late July.
I will continue to pray.
Thank you, my friend.
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Be well Dear
Thank you, Xen.
Mitch
Just to encourage you; the oblation should result in a significant reduction in your heartbeats. I presume that as we are nearly at the end of July that you have had the ablation. I have a number of friends who have had ablations for similar conditions; they all speak of how successful the procedure has been for them.
I have a heart condition called WPW, that could have required an ablation, but is instead controlled by medication.
We are fortunate to live at in time when these issues can be detected and appropriate treatments offered. There is a line in a Leonard Cohen song that goes: I’m living on pills, for which I thank God!
Regards in Christ
Brian
Thank you for the encouragement, Brian. Yes, I had the treatment two days ago. So far so good. And I agree with you (and Leonard)!
That’s good news! Blessings!
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How did the major heart procedure go. Saying a prayer for you now.
Good initial report. Should have a clearer picture in a month or so. Thank you!
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