Month: April 2020

The Lord is my best friend and my shepherd. I always have more than enough. He offers a resting place for me in his luxurious love. His tracks take me to an oasis of peace, the quiet brook of bliss. That’s where he restores and revives my life. He opens before me pathways to God’s pleasure and leads me along in his footsteps of righteousness so that I can bring honor to his name. Lord, even when your path takes me through the valley of deepest darkness, fear will never conquer me, for you already have! You remain close to me and lead me through it all the way. Your authority is my strength and my peace. The comfort of your love takes away my fear. I’ll never be lonely, for you are near .
Psalms 23:1‭-‬4 TPT (The Passion Translation)

It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster lately as I have been grappling with the doctors comments on how it may be a very slow and long process before any significant cognitive changes in Ed’s brain happen – and with no guarantees to what that will look like. It has been 6 months and I feel we need to move from survival mode to recovery mode, but it is challenging with the current virus situation and Ed’s compromised immune system.

Then there are days like today where I am so very aware of the faithfulness of God. Ed has no headaches, no pain, no vision issues, very minor side effects from meds.  He also pointed out to me last night that his bicep muscles are getting bigger. He is using the walker less and less while at home, instead using a cane and sometimes nothing at all for short distances. His visit with speech therapy today was wonderful – he talked and smiled a lot (more than he has in 6 mo!). He even said it was fun and he is looking forward to next week. And our nights are much more rest-filled these days.

We spoke briefly last night about who we are, people who have faith in God who loves us. We believe the Word is true and nothing is impossible with God. We take his Word seriously, we agree with what it/He says in Psalm 23 — He restores Ed’s soul (his mind, will and emotions). We may not understand his timing, but we choose to rest in his care.

Thank you for loving and praying for us as we stand on Psalm 23, Psalm 91, and Isaiah 53, for Ed to be restored to health.

There are plenty of other things to dwell on these days, but I choose gratefulness. For what is good and true… to be thankful for blessings no matter how big or small… Sunshine, a good night’s sleep, the love of family and friends, signs of spring on this very chilly morning in West Michigan. For a God who loves me and you with arms wide open.

So keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always.

Philippians 4:8 TPT

Last week Ed had another brain mri and although there were some new lesions they were significantly less than the one in February. I am grateful! 

Ed is tolerating all of the medications well with no side effects worth mention. Again, I am grateful. 

Ed is a little stronger and we are sleeping better. Again, I am grateful.

Although my salary and hours have been cut, I still have a job and can work at home. With the cut hours the pressure is eased. I have time to care for Ed, cook and clean. Again, I am grateful.

God is with us, God is for us, He is supplying our every need. Again, I am grateful.

As we head toward Ressurection Day and I remember both the cross and the Passover, I am so very grateful.

Wherever you and your families are and however you celebrate the holidays, I pray you will experience in a very personal way the love that God has for you. 

Oh how He loves you and me!

For the Anointed One has sent me on a mission, not to see how many I could baptize, but to proclaim the good news. And I declare this message stripped of all philosophical arguments that empty the cross of its true power. For I trust in the all-sufficient cross of Christ alone.
1 Corinthians 1:17 TPT

To preach the message of the cross seems like sheer nonsense to those who are on their way to destruction, but to us who are on our way to salvation, it is the mighty power of God released within us.
1 Corinthians 1:18 TPT