I talked to Mom this afternoon around 1 EST.  She said that she will not be going home today, but it could be tomorrow or on Sunday.  They are still watching her blood and keeping an eye on the levels. 
She said the nurses get her up to walk several times a day now to build strength.  There is still a road of recovery ahead, but she is making progress!  I praise the Lord because she has come so far in just one week.   There are times where things still overcome her.  Sharon and I were on the phone and she had to leave suddenly because Mom was crying.  So, we still need to pray for her strength and that the Lord will continue to build her up.

Another matter of prayer is the events of Sharon leaving and me going to relieve her.   We are juggling everyone's work schedules, school schedules, 9 kids, vehicle situations...etc.  I have a specific time available when I can go and come back.  Sharon also has a definite time she needs to be back at home. It's now a matter of coordinating everything appropriately and in the best time frame.

Back to Mom - she sounds stronger today and she even got out of bed while we were on the phone to watch some ducks that were out her window.  We were laughing because one of ducklings was going off on it's own and the Mom was constantly having to get after it.  I told her she could name that one Levi because my Levi has always marched to the beat of a different drummer!

The final thought for prayer today is the fact that Mom and Dad are going to be needing help beyond the immediate need.   We are praying for God's wisdom and direction.  Only He can come up with a solution that would answer all the "ifs", "when", and "hows".   Help us pray about this!  We need agreement in this area.






 I would like to wish everyone a "HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY".    I know some of you only use your computers at work, so I didn't want to miss the opportunity before your weekend started!

Take time to remember all the mothers in your life and tell them how much you love and appreciate them!   You know I'm preaching to the choir here!   You never know how much time you will have with them here on earth. 

Blessings!

Mom continues to improve and I was able to talk to her yesterday afternoon.  When I called she was out of bed and up flossing her teeth!  She sounds stronger with each passing day and I know that she is a living, walking, breathing testimony of the power of God!    There is power in prayer and I hope we are all being built up in our faith because of what God has done!

 

This morning, my friend Michelle sent me a forward of a story that was a good reminder of why we should pray when God lays a burden on our heart.  The author is unknown, but I thank him/her for sharing this story!

 

 

GOD'S 26 MEN

Have you ever felt the urge to pray for someone and
Then just put it on a list and said,
'I'll pray for them later'?
Or has anyone ever called you and said,
'I need you to pray for me, I have this need'?

Read the following story that was sent to me and
May it change the way that you may think about prayer and also
The way you pray.
You will be blessed by this....

A missionary on furlough told this true story while
Visiting his home church in Michigan.

'While serving at a small field hospital in Africa,
Every two weeks I traveled by bicycle
Through the jungle to a nearby city for supplies.
This was a journey of two days and
Required camping overnight at the halfway point.

On one of these journeys, I arrived in the city
Where I planned to collect money from a bank,
Purchase medicine, and supplies, and then begin
My two-day journey back to the field hospital.

Upon arrival in the city, I observed two men fighting,
One of whom had been seriously injured.
I treated him for his injuries and at the same time
Talked to him about the Lord.

I then traveled two days, camping overnight, and
Arrived home without incident...

Two weeks later I repeated my journey.
Upon arriving in the city,
I was approached by the young man I had treated.
He told me that he had known I carried
Money and medicines.
He said, 'Some friends and I followed you in to the jungle,
Knowing you would camp overnight.
We planned to kill you and take your money and drugs.
But just as we were about to move into your camp,
We saw that you were surrounded by 26 armed guards.
At this, I laughed and said that I was
Certainly all alone in that jungle campsite.
The young man pressed the point, however, and said,
'No, sir, I was not the only person to see the guards,
My friends also saw them, and we all counted them.
It was because of those guards that
We were afraid and left you alone.''

At this point in the sermon,
One of the men in the congregation jumped to his feet and
Interrupted the missionary and asked if he could tell him the
Exact day this happened.
The missionary told the congregation the date, and
The man who interrupted told him this story:

''On the night of your incident in Africa ,
It was morning here and I was preparing to go play golf.
I was about to putt when I felt the urge to pray for you.
In fact, the urging of the Lord was so strong,
I called men in this church to meet with me here
In the sanctuary to pray for you.

Would all of those men who met with me on that day stand up?''
The men who had met together to pray that day stood up.
The missionary wasn't concerned with who they were,
He was too busy counting how many men he saw.

There were 26

This story is an incredible example of how
The Spirit of the Lord moves in behalf of those who love Him.
If you ever hear such prodding, go along with it.

 

 

Blessings friends!

 

Sharon sent more pictures of Mom to me last night along with an email.  Yesterday was the first day since this happened that I wasn't on the phone with her several time a day.  They are all exhausted and trying to recoup now that Mom is stable enough for them to not be there round the clock.

Mom sounds like she's feeling a bit better.  She gets weak and winded, so I try not to talk to her that long.  I know she needs her rest.   She also has that nagging cough that she's had for over a month now.  I can't understand why it is still there!  Hopefully the doctors can do something about it before sending her home.

Mom is already starting to worry about the cost of being in the hospital for over a week now...going on two.  I assured her that the main issue was that she is getting taken care of and not to even think about the bill.  God has a way and He will provide, no matter if the final numbers are a little or a lot.   Health care costs are so unbelievable!  I have known friends (that I've prayed for through terminal illness).  It's like a slap in the face; you're sick and can't help it, you need professional care, your loved one possibly dies, and then you're presented a huge medical bill.   Talk about adding insult to injury.  I know the hospitals can write off a bunch of stuff and Mom and Dad do have coverage.  We are praying at this point that Mom and Dad won't be bothered by the money side of being sick and that God will orchestrate the events where they won't even have cause to fear about it!   Is He Jehovah Jireh????



Another special thanks to all who helped! It's important to me, since you were all so faithful to join with us in this trail, that we express proper gratitude.  My heart is full!   Aunt Becky (AKA Florence Nightingale) stepped in and ministered to Sharon and Dad.  God sent her  and we are so extremely thankful.  Aunt Phyllis - thanks for being "central operator". Ivah (for being there for me and Mom's best friend at church) Lisa, John, Aunt Margie, Aunt Joyce (I know you're praying), Jean and Dick for praying, Uncle Russ for caring so much,   Jan for being so sensitive to the Spirit in knowing when to pray and how to pray.  Our blogging friend, Aaron has been more than faithful to leave encouraging comments.  You've been more than a blessing!  Storm, Sheri, Joan,  Pastor Chuck, our home churches,  my brother-in-law and all the kids for allowing Sharon to go and be with Mom and Dad - even though they are without a wife and mommy right now, friends Bill and Michelle, Sheila and for posting prayer requests on her blog, Pastor Dennis, Pastor James, Pastor Charles, Pastor P., Pastor S, Helen for manning our prayer chain calls, Sister G - prayer chain and praying with me on the phone, Vickie and Cheryl - for intercession,  Diane for her gift of "mercy/compassion", all of you who sent notes to Mom,  all the churches who prayed for Mom (especially Michigan, Springfield,MO, Indiana, FLORIDA - yes - My sister's good Pastor's wife friend down that way)  Our friends and family in  California, Canada, Mexico, Kansas, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Washington, ALABAMA (Tom & Vickie... Rhonda), North Carolina (Laura), Missouri, Ohio, New York, anyone else..... 
I know I am missing some - and probably important ones - but please know to all we thank you so very much!!!   God is good!  You are greatly appreciated and loved.

***BTW- I forgot a few and edited this at 11:15CST! 

Mom got moved into her private room this morning around 11pm.  She didn't get a whole lot of sleep last night because she kept thinking that they were going to move her bed!  Thankfully, the room she is in now is nice and comfy - so we think Mom will get some rest.

My brother-in-law said that Mom received my cards, etc.  and that she was kinda weepy today.  She kept looking at the cards.  I am so glad that they are there for her!  Several were funny - some were serious.  I know Moses wrote some very nice things in her card- he's always thoughtful and compassionate.  I guess God makes all of us different and we're all used differently in the body of Christ. 

***** (I'm going to try to call Mom here)*****

Well, I just talked with Mom a little bit.  She sounds a little stronger in her voice, but she says she is still very weak.  Her room is nice and she is getting a lot of sleep there.  Mom said she was glad that Sharon and Dad were able to go home and get some rest.
She still has that cough that started almost a month ago now and I wouldn't let her talk too long because it started up and she sounded a bit "winded".  I can't figure out why she still has that cough!  That's something we need to pray about.
 She enjoyed the cards and stuff and said that they brought her a hamburger today for lunch, but it didn't look or taste good.  Sharon went and got her some V-8 Splash instead.  She's working on that now.  I talked to her for about 10 minutes and then her doctors came in so she asked me to call her back in a little while. 

Well, that's all the updates for now.  I am surrounded by sermon notes as we speak and I am making progress, although I have changed directions more times than a lost student driver!

Keep praying for Mom's full recovery.  Thanks, and blessings to you....

Oops!  I spoke too soon (and I should have known better than to doubt my high-tech-talented sister).  I just got a picture of Mom via e-mail and I would have to say that she didn't look too bad!  It was good to get a look at her.  I hope she is doing even better today.  I would love to share, but I think I would be in trouble if I did!      Most of us women would not like to have a photo of us at our worst!

Sharon's email was quick at was sent at 6am EST, but it did sound like Mom was moved because she made reference that she'd be calling me later with Mom's phone number.

More later...I think the quiche is ready in the oven, so I'll see you in a bit...

I am anxious to hear how Mom did last night and to see if she was moved into a private room or not!  Sharon said that the visiting hours started at 8am, so hopefully we will be hearing from them soon.

Evidently, Sharon took a picture of Mom yesterday before they moved her out of the ICU.  She thought I would feel better if I could "see" Mom.  I agreed!  She just had to figure out a way to get the picture off of her memory stick and to me!  They were going to try CVS to see what services they had.    I don' t
think they had much luck because there wasn't any mail from them this morning.

They will be taking my package to Mom this morning and I am excited about her getting our cards and other things.  It's been hard to express/convey our thoughts to her and sending her a package was one of the only things we could do to "represent"  our thoughts and feelings.  I'm sure some of the cards will bring a smile to her face and hopefully deposit some much needed joy!  Being in the hospital can be very depressing and discouraging!   For those of you who sent messages yesterday - they will also be delivered today.  She read the others we've passed along and I know they meant a lot to her.  They've been very uplifting and encouraging.

In the meantime, I am trying to get my message notes ready for this weekend as well as my songs prepared  ( I have a banquet I'm speaking at on Saturday).  It's been hard to get anything done with the situation at hand.  I need prayer that I will be able to get organized and finished !   I don't anticipate that getting in the way of me keeping you all updated...hopefully!  

I'll post again when I hear something....

They just got Mom moved into a semi-private room and they are planning on getting her into a private room as soon as one opens up.  There will be one available around midnight (possibly earlier).      I was able to talk to Mom for a few minutes because Sharon was talking to the nurse and someone about their insurance to make sure the private room was covered.  Mom said she was moved into the semi-private because they needed the room in the ICU for someone who came in critical this morning.    However she got there- at least they thought she was stable enough to go to a different room.  We are counting it as a praise!

The doctors came and left before Sharon and Dad got there.   Mom told me that the doctors told her this morning that she may even get to go home on Thursday!   Mom said she feels alright, just very weak.   That was good to hear because for several days she said "I just don't feel right."  I could hardly believe "THURSDAY", but Sharon and Aunt Becky said that sounded right with what they were told.

Mom was supposed to have an appointment with Dr. T today, but Sharon had to call and cancel it.   I hope when Mom has to go to her first appointment that Sharon will be going with her.
She is also supposed to see Dr. Seess in the office on Friday if she is out...but let's not get the carriage before the horse!  We're just glad to see very positive and quick answers to prayer.

There are still 3 bags of stuff on her- the liquid fats and proteins as well as some potassium.   They are planning on trying to get her on a soft diet tonight, but Sharon says Mom still isn't very hungry.

In another turn of events, my package I sent to Mom actually arrived today!  To me, that's the Lord intervening because nothing I send ever gets there that quick.   We were praying it would get there fast. It means a lot to me since I haven't been able to do anything physically- like be there!  At least the things we sent are representative of us.  I am hoping that the cards and items will continue to lift Mom's spirit and encourage her.

According to Sharon, the next hurdle is to get Mom switched over from the heparin back to the coumadin.  It takes 2-3 days to do that, so it would seem consistent that if they started "switching" she could be out on Thursday!

Again, we can't thank you enough for praying, sending notes of encouragement, and simply being used in whatever way you could to minister to us at this time!   God is so good.  It's great to be part of not only a Christian family, but also in the family of God!!!    Love and blessings....

Here is a passage that my daughter, Celeste, had to quote in school today.  I told her that there are several things about it that ministered to me today, so I am sharing it with you...

 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;

not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;

rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer,

 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.

 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind,

but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own
estimation."  

Romans 12:9-16 (NAS)

I just heard from Tim and he said that they are planning on moving Mom into her own room sometime today.  I will talk to Sharon later after they have her moved and settled.  That is good news because Mom needs rest in order to recover and she will get better rest out of the ICU.  After a brush with death and a week in the ICU... it's amazing to see what God has done.    It's miraculous.   This is the good sign that we prayed for!  God has been faithful to hear our cries and answer.

I am anxious to know what the doctors are saying today.  I will know later when I talk with Sharon.  I'll keep you posted.    For now... I am praising God for this wonderful news!!! 

I got an e-mail from Sharon earlier this morning and she said some of the doctors would start coming in around 7:15am (EST).   We are awaiting word on several things, the possibility of surgery being forefront in our minds.

We're still praising God today!    Here's another song...

Mom had a scary time this morning when her blood pressure dropped dangerously low again.  Sharon saw it at 48/30 when she looked.  They had her up to use the potty chair when she started to pass out.  They had to pick her up and put her back into bed.  The nurse began to ask her questions, but Mom didn't respond at first.  When she finally "came to", she complained that her chest was hurting pretty bad (described by Mom as a 7 on a scale of 10) and she had a cold sweat.     Of course, that concerns us because of the heart issues.

According to the nurse, the passing out was more than likely related to her blood pressure medicine.  Sharon thinks they need to adjust it or something.  She takes it and when it "hits her" it drops her blood pressure...kaboom!
Mom made mention to the nurse that it had happened before, so Sharon said that she had never told any of us that.  Mom said that's because she never told her!  Apparently she has "passed out" at home on a few occasions.  Once, she went over to the chair to catch herself (Dad was in bed) and when she came to, the chair was on top of her!   We just can't believe the things we are finding out that they never told us previously.  We talk to them several times a week!   Mom has told me that her medicine really "takes it out of her", but to me that meant it really made her "drag"; tired and lack of energy.   We are both beginning to get the picture that Mom and Dad need more than help in the short term!  That's something to pray about.

Here's more of what we're seeing today:

-Mom is not eating and isn't hungry.  She's had some Ensure today, but no real appetite.  They are still giving her fats and proteins in her IV.

-Most would agree that her color is coming back and she looks a lot better than she did earlier in the week.

-She was finally able to get her hair done and Sharon had to get off the phone with me because Mom was wanting her to come in and wash it with the dry soap today

-We've reached 4 days without hemorrhaging and now 24 hours where there hasn't been ANY blood
THIS IS A TRUE ANSWER TO PRAYER

-Her blood numbers are up today.  She reached a 9.7, which is the best they have seen it since they arrived a week ago  ANOTHER ANSWER TO PRAYER

-Dad went home early yesterday and got some much needed sleep.  Sharon even got to sleep in a bit, which was such a blessing  AN ANSWER TO PRAYER

- Tomorrow (MONDAY) will be a pivotal day for her care when all the doctors come in and see her.  We are sure the surgery issue is going to come up (one way or the other).  Mom has been wanting to have the surgery because she is so fearful that she will bleed again.  We feel it is too dangerous and she is too weak to have it done now... so that would mean even more time to "build up" to surgery - plus the danger.  We want the Lord's will in this area and wisdom for the doctors.

-She is still listed as Critical, but stable.   The nurses have really limited the visitors as they have said it is a crucial healing time for Mom.  She needs her rest.  So, if you want to go visit, please hold off at least for awhile until we get the go-ahead from the doctors/nurses.  The ICU is limited to the number of visitors (only 2 at a time) that can visit.  They continue to kick Dad and Sharon out, too.  They want everyone to know how much your support means to them and they don't want to hurt any one's feelings, but I'm sure you all understand.  Mom needs quiet, still, rest- as much as you can get in a bright, noise filled ICU with a door that "knocks"!  Believe me, I understand the desire to go and see her!   

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY!!!

- that the mental battle of fear, discouragement, depression, negativity, doubt, tiredness would be swallowed up in perfect peace, encouragement, joy, positive "faith" building evidences of God's hands at work, confidence that God is in control, and refreshing

- that Mom, Dad, and Sharon would get some solid, sound sleep.  I've been praying that God would miraculously multiply the hours they are asleep to feel much longer than what they've actually slept!

-that the doctors will have wisdom in how to proceed with Mom's care and convey their prognosis to Sharon and Dad

-strength for Mom - that God would lift up the hands that hang down, take off her spirit of heaviness, give her a garment of praise


We continue to thank God for all of you who are ministering to us as Aaron and Hur did for Moses - lifting up his hands when he became weary so that the battle could be won!  Your support through prayer, notes, offers for help, and other kind gestures has meant so much to us. 

With blessings and love......

---

Leave messages for Mom at:  expectantprayers@kc.rr.com

Family:  Direct your mail to Aunt Becky's address