LIFT CHAIR

The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation; He is my God, and I will praise Him; My father's God, and I will exalt Him.

Exodus 15:2

When we are weak, we need strength and in the humdrum of life a song,

God gives us these things when we are in need, because to Him we belong.

He saved us and is our salvation, our God whom we praise all day long,

Exalt him today as you go in His way; He is our God mighty and strong.(RP)

Margie's lift chair has been her helper a long time. With her compound fracture, however, the reclining and upright movement gave great pain to her. She is using my office chair which has arms on it to aid her in helping to lift herself and into the roller. I am there to steady the roller so it won't "roll". Faithfully yesterday she used ice and hot packs on her injured spine. At night she decided to sleep in the lift chair. In the afternoon she was so exhausted, she tried it and slept for 2 hours. Last night was a test. Praise the Lord she did well, and there was no screaming pain upon getting into the standing position. And this morning she got herself up and into the roller while I was still sleeping. It appears we have a milestone here. We are thankful. Please keep praying. Her back aches plenty this morning but the ice and hot packs are being applied.  Thanks so much for praying. 

NO QUICK CURE

Matthew 6:27 

Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?

Worry is the plague of the day, it wears its victims down,

When it starts, it just keeps on, and leads its captives around.

We know that worrying gets us nowhere; and only sorely hurts,

Give it to God right now; let worry have its just desserts.(RP)

Although it is hard to hear this news, we know we have to accept it. There are no quick cures for compound fractures. The medication Margie is on we know will take weeks until she feels any relief.  This is so hard for her. Today she feels the pain is the most severe it has been. She is trying a new technique of getting out of bed during the night.  It worked a little better this morning but there is still great pain. The Bible class went well yesterday and we even had two new members. They love the book of Revelation. Thanks for praying. We appreciate it. 

COMPOUND FRACTURE

Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another;love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous.

I Peter 3:8

A timely word to believers is given in this verse,

We better pay attention not doing something adverse,

The command is very practical- and something we should do,

So begin today to practice it because it's all very true. The treatment we give each other is clearly outlined here,

What wonderful blessings will come forth as each one is sincere.(RP)

Margie's pain was so severe we made another appointment. Her regular doctor was off duty so another took her. He was the same doctor who was our daughter Joy's when she lived in the facility at Lynden, WA. He ordered another x-ray and before we went to prayer meeting at church, phoned to give the results. She has a compound fracture in the lower spine. Amazingly the newest treatment for this is a nasal spray. She has already taken the first treatment. We know it is going to take TIME to heal. This morning the pain was so excruciating. She said it was the worst yet. Getting out of bed is the most crucial of all movements. Thanks for praying for her. We really appreciate it. 

SETBACK

Romans 8:28 

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

How many times have we fled to this verse for the comfort it gives us today,

Even though the word ALL baffles our minds, we still know it's true all the way.

We want God's will no matter what, so ask for grace to meet every trial,

Then try to react to the problems of life, and never be guilty of denial.

Lord we hurt today, but are clinging to Your word; help us Your will to do,

And through all the aches and pains of life, may we ever to Your cause be true.(RP)

We had hoped the medication to work quicker than it has. Unfortunately, Margie had a very negative day yesterday. Last night the process of getting her settled in bed was a sad event. The pain was so intense, she felt she could hardly take more. Even though her doctor is not on duty today, we are going to contact the medical group she is with, asking if we may see another of her associate doctors. Margie has to have some sort of relief.  Yesterday our dear friend Lonnie Vaughn, invited us to lunch with a couple who are missionaries in Brazil. We had such a good time.Margie got home and the pain started to increase. That's where we are as I write these words. We awakened at 5 and she moved to her lift chair, knowing she could not lie in bed anymore. We call the doctor at 8 and go from there. Thanks SO MUCH for praying.  We are grateful. 

CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC

Joshua 18:3

Then Joshua said to the children of Israel: How long will you neglect to go and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers has given you?

There are so many works we can do for God; He has called us to do these things,

Could it be you have neglected to work for Him; and to your heart sorry brings.

Right now serve the Lord in the way you can; this is what you always should do,

And you will be blessed because you obey, and honor Him in all you pursue.(RP)

Margie saw her doctor yesterday who told her that contusions are painful and have to work themselves out of the system.  This can take a long time. We already knew this but were at least encouraged by her prescription for a medication that will reduce the swelling and hopefully heal sooner.  In one way she did better last night.  She did not awaken as much, but to get out bed is AGONY.  Getting herself to the edge of the bed and in an upright position is the challenge. I have always helped her do this but when I touch her back, she screams with pain.  So she has to do all this on her own.  It is hard to see her in such pain. We are at least a little bit more optimistic that perhaps this pain level will be reduced.  Please pray with us that it will be so.  Thanks so much for praying.

HOPE FOR TODAY

1 John 2:28 

And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.

Jesus is coming and we look forward to this; what a glorious day that will be,

To see Jesus is the dream of all who love him; what a day of joy and glee.

In this life we want to be sure of one thing: that we abide faithfully in Him,

Fellowship is sweet and when he appears, we will not be ashamed or grim.

So keep looking for Jesus who is coming soon, the time cannot be far away,

Be ready for Him with heart ready to go;for it could happen on this very day. (RP)

Yesterday and last night were very tense for us. Margie's pain level has increased. Apparently the therapy suggested by the E.R.doctor has not even begun to help. Bed for her is a misery. We are so thankful Tuesday has arrived and soon we will be on our way to see her doctor. We pray she will have some alternative treatment plan that can help Margie. Margie told me this pain does not compare with the dreadful suffering she had with the shoulder replacement surgery. It must be intense. We thank you for praying. We will let you know tomorrow how things go today.

HOW LONG?

If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him. Matthew 7:11

Prayer is a mighty thing God allows his children to use,

I am sure some rightly use it; others may actually abuse.

Parents are usually trusted to give good gifts to their kids,

God definitely knows how to give them; but some He forbids.

We learn to trust God every day, and let Him give us what is best,

Then we will be content, knowing full well he has answered our request.(RP)

We wonder how long it will take for Margie to get some relief. Thankfully we see her doctor Tuesday and we hope she has some other suggestions on how to give her some pain-free living. It has been terrible, especially at night. To lie in bed is agony until she gets into a certain position. Pain medication is not sufficient to give the relief she needs. We are glad the Lord knows all about it and we are thankful for the prayers of our friends for her well-being. Today Margie sees her cardiologist. It was long  time ago she was in for heart issues.  Just now he is able to see her so hopefully there was nothing urgent with her condition.  We will report on that tomorrow. Thanks so much for praying.  We were not able to go to church yesterday. We missed it too.