Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Happy Birthday, Hun~

Today is my sweet guy's birthday! We celebrated over steaks at Ryan and Stacee's tonight along with Aaron.

Last year, we celebrated Ron's 50th by everyone eating only the things he could eat at the time...broth, jello, juice; and for dessert....pudding!

So happy to say, you've come a long way, baby!!!

Love you more than yesterday, less than tomorrow!

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Where do we go from here?

As we look towards the future knowing Ron will never be able to return to his former career, our thoughts turn to "what now"? We know Ron's a long way from being able to work full time, but "where do we go from here?"

Everyone needs a reason to get up in the morning; something that makes you feel you are a productive part of society and Ron feels he's been lacking that for quite a while. Now that we are past the "life and death" stage of our journey, he's had a difficult time imagining what the future holds.

We have been praying fervently that God would grant us wisdom as we seek His guidance for the next step in our journey. And as you have joined us in praying (not knowing specifically what the prayer was about), He has answered!

Recently, God really spoke to us through both Pastor Tommy's message, and the worship music. The message was on our spiritual temperature. While his sermon focused on anger, God used it to speak to us about self-focus; something that happens all too easily when you have been living in the midst of a very trying situation. Two songs seemed to be tailored just to our situation.

You can read the words and listen along but you must first copy and paste. For some reason I couldn't get it to link! RATS!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCvyXzV5kAk

and here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSbJtqYow3Q

A great reminder that as we seek to hear God, He does speak AND He does have a plan, a purpose and a future for us; even when we can't see it. Something Ron really needed to hear.

After much prayer and consideration, Ron has decided to go back to school. We feel God is leading him towards something in the medical field. There are several options available in this field that will only require an associates degree. Right now, the one that looks most interesting to him is in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ultrasound). Having been on the "other" side of the medical spectrum has given him a unique outlook, along with great empathy and compassion, which we believe will be very helpful for his success. Obviously, he will have to take it slowly, the physical stamina issue is huge, coupled with the mental fatigue. However, a good portion of the classes he will need are available online and also through our local community college, located less than a mile from us.

As we spent many months in hospitals, rehab facilities and doctor's offices after Aaron's accident (8 years ago!), Ron commented often on how he wished he was able to do something in the medical field. Obviously, he could not quit his job and go back to school since we relied on both our incomes to survive!

It's incredible how God has provided this way for him now. No other time would he be able to draw an "income" while going to school; but now that he is receiving disability benefits, he can use his time and energy to concentrate on classes, while our financial needs are being met. Isn't God good???

The last couple of weeks have been filled with admissions, college entrance exam and yes, he even had to attend new student orientation! I won't lie, it's a very daunting endeavor. As you can imagine, our budget is already so tight it squeaks! But, we are choosing to trust and obey as we take this huge step of faith.

And God remains faithful!!! This morning, as we completed registration and held our breath as we clicked on that first tuition payment to be sent, Ron commented "I don't know how we're going to do this but I know God will take care of things!" This afternoon, we received a totally random, very sweet card in the mail. In response to a recent update, this couple was writing to encourage us to "hang in there". Enclosed was a check in the amount of what will basically take care of this semester's tuition and books! We've been keeping these thoughts pretty quiet as we've sought to know this was truly God's plan, so they had NO IDEA we were considering anything like this! AMAZING!!! Thank you so much (you know who your are!) for your generosity, but most of all for your willing obedience to His prompting to send that particular amount at this particular time!

We don't know how this is going to play out, but are choosing to trust Him as He faithfully reveals His plan each step of the way.

He isn't finished with us yet!!! We have a HOPE!
Christie

"As you go step by step, the way shall open up before you."
Proverbs 4:12 (Hebrew version)

"The Lord will guide you continually..." Isaiah 58:11 NLT

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Enough for Today

I had decided this last week of summer vacation was going to be spent relaxing, resting, playing! That is until I noticed the condition of my rose bed; at which point I realized, I had much to do to prepare for life back in the real (working) world as of Monday. UGH!

With great annoyance, this morning I found myself digging trenches, weeding, and doing various other types of yard work. As I sweated (yes, I know most women tend to glisten, but I can assure you this girl SWEATED) and grumbled to the Lord "didn't I just weed this bed two weeks ago?" I swear (actually, I really don't) He laughed and said, "that's exactly how I feel!"

Now, I typically don't mind a little yardwork, in fact I've found that I quite enjoyed it when I would help Ron out, of course it was on my terms then. Whenever I got tired of "helping", I could retreat to the house to other (cooler) more enjoyable things, leaving my strong husband to do the "man's" work. And I still don't mind most things about yardwork (although I hate edging!), I'm perfectly capable and the exercise is good for me; but it's not quite as fun now that the responsibility is mine and I can't just decide I don't want to do it any more! But, I digress...

As He so often does, God began to remind me that my heart is like my rose bed. He tills and sows, waters, provides nutrients and protective ground cover in order to keep out weeds; yet, they always seem to creep back in. As I was working (and did I mention SWEATING!), my mind was multitasking; going in a hundred different directions. Just like those persistent, annoying weeds; uncertainty, doubt, anxiety, and worry began to creep in, causing me to fret...How am I going to keep on top of everything? How will we handle Ron's TPN regimen? Where will I fit in time to spend in the Word? Do we really have to go back to just "surviving" each week instead of joyful anticipation of each new day?

Once again, God spoke. He reminded me of my devotional from a couple of days ago out of, you guessed it, Streams in the Desert 2. L.B. Cowman said
"God does not grant the necessary grace before the trial. He builds the bridge when we reach the river."

She also referenced one of our very favorite promises in Matthew 6; I especially like the way The Message says it:

"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes."

and the New Living Translation says:

"So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today."

And with that reminder comes the even greater promise that as we wait and trust in the Lord, He will provide enough for today...whether that be peace, comfort, patience, strength, perseverance..whatever we need. And when tomorrow is today, He will again provide!

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Summer update

Hey guys,

It's been a while since I've given an update on Ron, so here ya go!

The last couple of weeks have been a little rough. He's back to yakking every other day or so. Not sure what's up with that; he hasn't been eating more or differently. We're now tweaking some meds; hoping to get things back on an even keel, including adding another med that will battle bacteria buildup in intestines which should lead to decreased yakking.

It was also time to try another decrease in the steroid he takes for adrenal insufficiency, he's now down to 5mg both morning and evening. He's been on steroids since November 2007 when he had adrenal failure as a result of the pancreatitis, sepsis, etc. It's a very slow process of weaning, and hopefully his adrenal glands will eventually kick in.

We thought the decrease was going pretty well, but found out yesterday's blood sugar level was 39 --- YIKES!!!! First step in correcting this issue is to discontinue the small amount of insulin he's on through TPN. Unfortunately, he can't tell when his glucose level drops so low...not a good thing....so I'm on a little higher alert.

He's not doing horribly but it's a bummer to have this little setback. We're very thankful there have been NO HOSPITAL STAYS since April! In fact, he's only had one doctor appointment this summer (in June) and doesn't have to go back until September.

Please pray things will settle down quickly; I would be especially thankful if this were to happen before I return to work next week.

Enjoy these "dog days" of summer! Much love,

Christie

Thursday, August 6, 2009

God Goes Before Us

A recurring theme for us throughout the last (almost) 2 years has been "God goes before us and prepares the way". And He is always true to His word!

Though many times our steps falter as we struggle to make our way up hills of uncertainty and through valleys of grief and disappointment, we always KNOW God sees the entire journey. When we have difficulty seeing around the next bend of our winding path, He is there to gently guide us each step of the way. In truth, were we to see these twists and turns, hills and valleys in advance, we would become overhwlemed and discouraged. But, as we trust in Him, we can rest in knowing He knows what is to come.

Our limited vision on this journey of faith, causes us to continually seek His guidance. It teaches us faith and patience to follow Him step by step.

"By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light..." Exodus 13:21

"the Lord your God, who goes before you..." Deuteronomy 1:30

"the Lord your God...went ahead of you on your journey...to search out places for you...to show you the way you should go." Deuteronomy 1:33

"But be assured today that the Lord your God is the one who goes across ahead of you..." Deuteronomy 9:3

"The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
Deuteronomy 31:8

"...you shall go out for the Lord will go before you..." 2 Samuel 5:24

"You both precede and follow me..." Psalm 139:5 NLT

"For the Lord will go ahead of you, and the God of Israel will protect you from behind." Isaiah 52:12 NLT

"...He is going ahead of you...You will see Him" Matthew 28:7 NLT

"...He walks on ahead of them, and they follow Him because they recognize His voice." John 10:4 NLT

And the ultimate...

"I go to prepare a place for you" John 14:2

....for all eternity!

Yes, God reminds us time and time again that wherever this road takes us – He goes before us and prepares the way. So many experiences have taught us this...circumstances surrounding Ron's transfer to Presby; provision of my room; financial support from family members, friends and complete strangers; the list goes on and on. But, why does He do this? Because He loves us that much!

"And what does the Lord require of you? But to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God" Micah 6:2

Christie

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Seeking Wisdom

As our family seeks God's direction in several areas of our life we are, once again, asking for some much-needed prayer.

Please pray that as we hear God's voice, we will be obedient to step out in faith and follow; even if (or espcially when) it's out of our comfort zone.

"If the Lord delights in a man's way He makes his steps firm" Psalm 37:23 NIV

"Never move in uncertainty...if uncertain, get quiet and still before God and wait for Him to speak...when at a loss as to know which way to turn, don't turn at all. " Streams in the Desert 2

"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears wil hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it'." Isaiah 30:21


"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." I Peter 1:5 NIV

"If you need wisdom--if you want to know what God wants you to do--ask Him, and He will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask Him, be sure that you really expect Him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. They can't make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do." James 1:5-8 NLT

"...if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." Proverbs 2:3-6 NIV

Thank you, dear prayer warriors!
Christie

It's here!!! Ron tells his story

Love it when my hubby shares!. Though a very condensed version, Ron eloquently shared with our youth group a few weeks ago. Below are his th...