Prayer Requests: Today I want to start out with thanks. Chuck goes to physical and occupational therapy and last week the strength of the grip of both hands had increased in strength since when he had started a couple of months ago. Whether it is due to therapy or God sovereignly touching Chuck we are very thankful both to God and for people who pray. Chuck and I are driving to San Diego leaving May 1st and returning home around the 11th. Please pray for our protection and safety on the road and also guidance and refreshing.
Catching up:
Nearly three weeks ago we left for Penticton, Canada for my brother Albert's memorial service. The trip ended up having two focuses for me. The first focus was more about "us" than I would have liked. While Chuck was driving the motorized lift for the scooter activated which means the scooter headed towards the tailgate. We are thankful we were not on the freeway but in a little town and able to stop very quickly. The tailgate would no longer open and so I climbed in the middle seat (rear seats of Suburban are removed) and leaned over to see what I could do when I felt a snap and something give and knew I had hurt my rib. After retrieving the controls and backing up the scooter we were able to continue on our way. That night we arrived in Penticton so that we could be rested for a family gathering Fri. night but instead the next day Chuck had one of his worst days physically since the disease started. He was unable to go to the family meeting and I fought pain my whole time in Canada. I was thankful for Tim and Lorin, our brothers-in-law who helped with some of the logistics for Chuck and the scooter. I got to see a number of people I had not seen for over 40 years; 40 years!!!....that is mind-boggling to me.
The second focus was Albert. He has been missing for over a year. For the last year I have been so thankful and in awe of the miracle that Rita was rescued after 49 days I have not grieved for the loss of Albert. It was good to celebrate his life and his legacy but it is also painful time.
Why are we going to Ca.? Shanon is nearly finished with nursing school and we will be attending her "pinning" this Friday! (In the old days this was called "capping"). We are so proud of her and can hardly wait!
Monday, April 30, 2012
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Happy Easter
Prayer Needs: We continue to be so thankful for your prayers. We know that is what gives us the ability to enjoy life as much as we do and not get bogged down in the "what ifs". We continue to need wisdom for many decisions. This season we are learning to walk more patiently as we are unable to "hurry up and get it done". Chuck is having less shoulder pain and TMJ pain. Please continue to pray for our sleep. Chuck's legs contract up at night and our sleep is interrupted. And of course we love it when you pray as you are led by His Spirit.
Musings: Our Good Friday was good and it was hard. Chuck returned the VA loaner scooter and in its place picked up a power wheelchair. As he sat in the scooter waiting for the handicapped van to come for him we shared our feelings of sadness and pain that there is a need for scooters or wheelchairs. When you are waiting to "drive" onto a ramp that lifts you into a van illusions of control in this life are hard to hold onto. And then we reaffirmed that we believe God is good and shared a time of praising God for who He is. We experienced a day of feeling pain and feeling God's peace at the same time. We have so much to be thankful for: receiving a wheelchair free of charge when others find it hard to purchase a used one, wheelchairs and scooters and walkers available when a person needs them, and for door to door service to Seattle via a handicapped van provided by the VA. But, most of all we are thankful for God's presence. We know He is always with us but yesterday our load was lighter when we were able to praise Him and feel Him and experience His joy and peace. Yesterday was good and it was hard. The milestone of receiving a power chair is not easy. I am glad we do not experience such intense emotions constantly. A verse that is becoming more special to us as the years go by is "The kingdom of God is not meat nor drink, but righteous, joy and peace". We are so grateful He is our righteousness and that He gives us the ability to be at peace and have joy even when we feel pain and sadness. So many emotions this weekend! Good Friday night having friends over and our load being lifted with laughter. Sat. feeling loved as a friend gave us each a massage. More fun and laughter as her son sprayed and chased me with his water gun as Chuck watched from inside the car. Today reflecting on all the emotions of the first Easter weekend. Despair, pain, and then can you imagine the joy? He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!
Musings: Our Good Friday was good and it was hard. Chuck returned the VA loaner scooter and in its place picked up a power wheelchair. As he sat in the scooter waiting for the handicapped van to come for him we shared our feelings of sadness and pain that there is a need for scooters or wheelchairs. When you are waiting to "drive" onto a ramp that lifts you into a van illusions of control in this life are hard to hold onto. And then we reaffirmed that we believe God is good and shared a time of praising God for who He is. We experienced a day of feeling pain and feeling God's peace at the same time. We have so much to be thankful for: receiving a wheelchair free of charge when others find it hard to purchase a used one, wheelchairs and scooters and walkers available when a person needs them, and for door to door service to Seattle via a handicapped van provided by the VA. But, most of all we are thankful for God's presence. We know He is always with us but yesterday our load was lighter when we were able to praise Him and feel Him and experience His joy and peace. Yesterday was good and it was hard. The milestone of receiving a power chair is not easy. I am glad we do not experience such intense emotions constantly. A verse that is becoming more special to us as the years go by is "The kingdom of God is not meat nor drink, but righteous, joy and peace". We are so grateful He is our righteousness and that He gives us the ability to be at peace and have joy even when we feel pain and sadness. So many emotions this weekend! Good Friday night having friends over and our load being lifted with laughter. Sat. feeling loved as a friend gave us each a massage. More fun and laughter as her son sprayed and chased me with his water gun as Chuck watched from inside the car. Today reflecting on all the emotions of the first Easter weekend. Despair, pain, and then can you imagine the joy? He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!
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