Hut Fires

We, had a lot of hut fires in our lives, and one may be smoldering now, but before I go there read (or reread) this very cool piece about a hot situation. It was sent by a friend today and is so appropriate for so many...
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One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had happened, and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. He cried out, 'God! How could you do this to me?'

Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island! It had come to rescue him! 'How did you know I was here?' asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied.

The Moral of This Story:

It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of our pain and suffering. Remember that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground. It just may be a smoke signal that summons the Grace of God.

P.S. You may want to consider passing this on, because you never know who feels as if their hut is on fire today!
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My Little Hut Fire

In late August, after noticing some increasing pain in my lower abdomen toward the back, I donned gloves did a self digital exam. Okay, so that's gross, but smart. I found a growth on some sort and called for a doctor's appointment. My doctor is very good about staying on top of things and got me in quickly.

As they all seem to do these days, my doctor referred me to a specialist in a nearby town who fit me into their schedule just three business day hence.

Richard went with me on September 9 to the appointment and the specialist did an exam, found the mass, said it was located behind, rather than in the colon. Good. He said I would want to do some tests, including a colonoscopy as well as a CT scan. He writes the orders on a prescription pad. His office people set dates and say they will call in a few days with my CT scan appointment. So far, all is well.

When I had not heard from the doctor's by the end of the week, I called them. They said my test orders had been sent and they would call as soon as they insurance company authorization. I called again several days later and they said there was no notation on the chart! Did I hear that right?

Finally, on September 17, Richard came with me to the specialist Davenport office where he would perform and exam and colonoscopy. When I checked in, I asked the receptionists to look up the status of the CT scan order. she did that but then said you'll have to ask the doctor about that.

When the doctor came in after I was all prepped gowned and hooked to the IV, I asked about the CT scan order. He shook his head and said there was none. I reminded him he had found a growth and looking through my chart, he denied knowledge of it.

Then I was put to sleep. After I came out of the recovery area, Richard and I met with the doctor. Richard asked about how the tests went and we were told the colonoscopy was clean. No other tests were performed. OK, now what?

I pressed saying, "I have a growth behind my colon. You found it on exam and ordered a CT scan, etc. I know you see a lot of people, but this needs addressed." He ordered a CT scan again and told me to call his office if I had not heard by Monday. This was a Wednesday.

I called his office the following Tuesday and was told they were awaiting authorization and they would call me when they had it. Where had I heard that before? I then called Well Care, my insurance carrier. I was shuffled from one to another customer service people and finally told patients did not get involved with authorizations.

So I called again and this time chose the option for professionals to obtain authorizations. I was told they absolutely could not speak with me. I said, "Please listen for one minute, you don't have to say a thing."

I told them the doctor's name and contact info and that I had a growth and that I need authorization for a CT scan today. God was there because they gave it to me! Then they told me call my doctor and tell them to verify with them.

I called the doctor's office and they were doubtful, but finally said, "Give us a day!"

I have not heard from them since.

My hut is smoldering... God is sniffing the smoke. He's already got a plan. It will be interesting to see what it is. You see, I am not walking in fear, nor am I sitting on my hands doing nothing, waiting for God to do everything because He wants me to do what I can. I will keep pushing until I get my scan. As for any other tests or treatment, I'll wait on the scan results.