Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Tonight, an amazing thing happened!  We were sitting around the table with a family friend, Sonja - and Nathan got up and wound my westminister chiming clock that sits on top of my piano.  For as long as I've had the clock (ten years?)  it's been his job to wind it.  He has been faithful to wind it, and prevent it from stopping.  Needless to say, with all we've been through the past 3 1/2 weeks, it stopped.  When he started to wind it, I did what I seem to do best -- I cried! 

God has been faithful. and indeed has shown us His glory - as he has poured Himself out on our family - and answered our prayers, and healed Nathan!  Not just his head - but his heart!

Thank you again - to all who have prayed.  As God brings Nate to your mind, pray for him.  God has plans for Nathan -- big plans!!  Can't wait to see what's next!


O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1

With all my heart~
Julie

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Hi Everyone!!

Philippians 4:6 says this:  "6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Some would say," I don't need to pray about EVERYTHING"- and yet this verse makes no exception. 

I guess if you don't need the peace of God... then you are right, you don't need to pray about everything!  When I don't know what the future holds,  I desperately need something to hold on to.  His peace -- that guards my heart and mind... in CHRIST JESUS is ALL I need and want!

Please pray for decisions that need to be made for Nathan legally - we want what is best for him.  Nathan needs to stay close to the Holy Spirit at this time, and remain faithful and patient!

Please continue your faithful prayers for our family!

Much love,

Julie

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Hi Everyone~

Everyday seems to be a good day for Nate!  What an answer to prayer!  I believe that Nate is making a FULL and rapid recovery.  It is SO exciting to be on the receiving end of answered prayer.  I wish that I could know more of what is going on, on his "insides".  We know and have been told - the symptoms of a brain injury can take months - sometimes years to return to "normal".  Nathan has a wicked headache due to swelling of the brain - and cannot take narcotics to relieve it.  (narcotics are not recommended for brain injury).  At the same time, I would like to pray that the pain,  however long it lasts, would be a daily reminder of how God has saved him, and finds him of GREAT worth!  Mark and I are astounded how God has rescued Nate, and we are so grateful!

 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.    (1 Peter 1:8-9)

This Christmas, more than ever, I want to scream from the mountain tops -- that I love Him, even though I have not seen him, and I AM filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for the end result of that is salvation of my soul!  God with me! ( as I walk this journey, not alone, but with Him!) God IN me, as I walk along side of, and fellowship with the Holy Spirit.  Oh that I would ponder than in my heart -- as Mary did!

Much love~

Julie
Pray for wisdom and discernment for follow up care and rehabilitation
Pray that Nate's heart would be protected
Pray for headaches to subside

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Hi Everyone~

Yesterday was a great day for Nate.  He went Christmas shopping for a little while.  For some strange reason, yesterday, I battled with discouragement.  I woke in the morning with it.  I can't tell you why (the enemy??)  But I began to feel the normal "Christmas pressure" -- being two weeks behind.  Then I thought of the hymn:


Why should I feel discouraged,
Why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart feel lonely
And long for Heav'n and home,
When Jesus is my portion?
A constant Friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches over me;
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

 
I sing because I'm happy,
I sing because I'm free,
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me 
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know he watches 
 

  
"Let not your heart be troubled,"
His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness,
I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth
But one step I may see:
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

 
Whenever I am tempted,
Whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing,
When hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him,
From care He sets me free:
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He cares for me;
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He cares for me.

He cares for Nate!!  

I ask that you pray:

For the headaches -- today is a particularly hard day.  With a brain injury, he shouldn't take narcotics...  so it is tricky!

Pray that we all stay focused on Him!  When Jesus is my portion - what more do I need?  Pray that we are constant in prayer!!

Much love to all of you prayer warriors!!!

Julie

Sunday, December 19, 2010

We had another great day!  It started out with an argument - interestingly enough.  Nathan woke us up - with a demand to go to church.  We told him that it was not a good idea -- way too much excitement, we explained that we would go next week.  Nathan would not listen to reason!  He actually threatened to take a taxi, if we didn't go with him.  It was a fantastic day - and SO many tears and hugs... and "I've been praying for you!'s"  Even complete strangers had been praying!!  Thank you everyone for all the prayers - and please don't stop!

We still need to research physical therapy, and learn what his needs are, and Nathan needs to be cooperative with that -- as well as being patient as he waits to get back to work.

Pray that Nathan stays fervent in his pursuit of God.  He is convinced that God has allowed this to happen.  He wants desperately to give his life again to God, and to please him.  He is in awe of his family -- it has brought us closer.  Praise Him!

Pray for Nathan to be strong - spiritually and physically, and that he would have a unquenchable thirst for God- and would continue to go after what God has for him!

Pray that this Christmas season would be a blessed time together for this family!

Much love ~

Julie

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Hi everyone!

What a great day we had today!  It was evident, Nate was comfortable at home -- and feels ready to get going with therapy.  Just wanted to let you know.  It was a good day!   Yay!  Another good day!!

Julie

Guess Who's Home?

Hi Everyone!

Nate came home yesterday. It has been SO good to have him ~ I read the following from Max Lucado's book "When God Whispers Your Name".

I choose love . . .
No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.
I choose joy . . .
I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical . . . the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.
I choose peace . . .
I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.
I choose patience . . .
I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I’ll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.
I choose kindness . . .
I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.
I choose goodness . . .
I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.
I choose faithfulness . . .
Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.
I choose gentleness . . .
Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.
I choose self-control . . .
I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek his grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.
From When God Whispers Your Name
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 1994) Max Lucado

I choose to trust God!  He knows our situation, and He loves us!  He's trustworthy!

Please pray:

That Nathan continues to improve.

That we find specialists for him

That we continue to trust


I love you all,

Julie

Thursday, December 16, 2010

God is good!

Psalm 121

 1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
   where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
   the Maker of heaven and earth.
 3 He will not let your foot slip—
   he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
   will neither slumber nor sleep.
 5 The LORD watches over you—
   the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
   nor the moon by night.
 7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
   he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
   both now and forevermore.

Hi friends!  Above is my prayer for Nathan!  Praise God  - that He is in charge of caring for us.  He never sleeps - He watches over Nathan - to protect him from all harm - He will watch over his life -- and watch over his coming and going both now and forevermore!!!

Nathan had a great day!  He slept most of the day, and Mark said he was quite lucid for most of the day.  We still have the immediate future to think about...  but God is watching over all of that, and we trust Him!
I asked the Lord this morning for wisdom and discernment.  Already, we are pleased with what the new doctors are saying.  Mark was suspicious that perhaps narcotics that were given to Nate for pain, were the cause of the agitation.  The nurse at the new hospital explained; "Oh we NEVER give narcotics to people with brain injury!"

I am praising God for those who have shared personal stories about family members who have suffered brain injuries.  I may be contacting you -- for words of wisdom... and comfort!

Prayer requests :

Since Nate had a horrific experience at MarionJoy, he doesn't want to go back there.  Please pray that he would be open to going back - if that is where the Lord would have him go.  Pray that he would be more and more able to reason (I am sure that comes with time -- but we need a miracle!!) - he can't stay in the hospital forever.

Pray that Nathan would trust the Lord -- and desire a closer walk with Him.  Today, before he ate his dinner, Nathan took his Dad's hand - and prayed a very precious prayer -- thanking God for everything!

Pray that Nathan would be open to some changes he will need to face with his new life, and healing.

Our God is SO big!  We need to ask in Jesus name -- and allow Him to work in us and through us.  What a privilege it is, to trust Him with ALL of it!

Much love to all of you!

Julie

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Woah! This was NOT a good day

Hi friends,

Please don't stop praying for Nathan.  Today, he seemed more alert -- yet somewhat obsessive in certain thoughts.  For instance, this morning he called me 7 times... beginning at 5:45am, to find out when I was coming!  He was obsessive about getting out of the hospital.  Finally, Marion Joy came to transport him.  When he got there, he lasted about a half hour, before he was out of control again, and was taken to Central DuPage Hospital Emergency Room.  The E.R. doctor there, wanted him transported back to Edward, but they are saying they don't have a room.  So, it seems we are stuck!  It is obvious that Nate was not ready for rehabilitation, and the fact that he is uninsured complicates things. 

Nothing is too big for our God, and He is in control!!

James 5:10-11
Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

Lord, we need your mercy now.

Please pray for Nate's complete recovery, and for wisdom and discernment for his hospitalization.

Pray for peace in the storm.

Much love to all of you -- as you stand in the gap for us!

Julie

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

It's a new day

Hi Friends!

It is a new day - and God gave me a verse -- as if I never saw it before:


Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12

Rejoice -- as in "to make joyful; gladden: a song to rejoice the heart.  "I will be joyful in hope, patient, and I WILL PRAY!!!

I have no promises for anything other than TODAY!  He will fulfill what I need today.  I can rejoice in what He can give me TODAY!  This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and give thanks -- TODAY!  TODAY is all that matters!


Please pray:


Tomorrow, Nate goes to Marion Joy -- pray that he makes significant strides!!


Pray for Mark, Julie, Jason and Justin, as we juggle our schedule to make things work


PRAY THAT GOD IS GLORIFIED!!!  There are forces at work - that work against us!  God is always the victor!!!


 Today was a great day!  Nate is improving!! 


I love you all!!!


Julie

Monday, December 13, 2010

Not the best day!!!

Hi Everyone!

It was not a great day!  Nathan was disturbed today -- and wanted to go home.  The doctor was quite concerned with his regression.  So were we.  I have to tell you -- today - it all seemed to overwhelm me.  It has been 9 days that we have been on the edge emotionally, and today... you could see it.  Nathan was evaluated by the neuro-surgeon, physical therapy, Marion Joy, and was interviewed by the police. That's enough for anyone to be disturbed.  I just want my boy back!!

What do I know?

I serve a sovereign God - no matter what!
He has never left me - nor will He forsake me!
He loves Nate... more than I do!
I believe - no matter the outcome!

Please pray for:
God to be glorified
Patience
Discernment

I love you all~

Julie

Sunday, December 12, 2010

We graduated out of CCU into a neuro - ortho floor

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Well, it's 13 days until Christmas -- and my Christmas present is already here!  He's in room 3602 at Edward Hospital!!  Thank you Lord for answering our prayers!  Little by little Nate's personality is coming back.  He's done some walking again today, and as the day progressed, he became more and more irritated by needing assistance or "permission" to do certain things.  He does not understand that we have to take things         S-L-O-W-L-Y!!!!  He wants to come home.  Unfortunately the Bible doesn't say much about brain injury, but I think Mark and I and others can take a note from the Bible about patience:

Galatians 5:22
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.

I Thessalonians 5:14
14 And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

James 1:3-4
3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

I believe that God is showing Himself through this transformation...  but we need to be available to be His hands and feet - while Nathan continues to heal.

Prayer Requests
1.  Please pray for rapid recovery, and discernment for the first steps to go forward.
2.  For Mark and I to be patient with Nate -- and show unconditional love
3.  For the process to be quick
4  As in all things, give thanks!!

Show us your glory Lord!!!

Julie 

Saturday, December 11, 2010

What a GREAT day!!!


December 11, 2010

What a day!  Nathan is talking, and making us laugh – literally all day long!  He has always been a “people person” and I am praising God that we are seeing that in his personality still – even after this trauma.  He has started to ask today – what happened.  It blew him away to learn that he has been here (Edward Hospital) for almost a week.  
The doctor was very encouraged with Nathan’s progress.  He walked with the nurse and his dad around the CCU unit.  Probably tomorrow, he will be on a lesser monitored floor.
Thank you all for praying!  It has lifted me up – when I haven’t known what to say, or how to cry out to Him

Psalm 103:17-22
17 But the love of the Lord remains forever
      with those who fear him.
   His salvation extends to the children’s children
    18 of those who are faithful to his covenant,
      of those who obey his commandments!
 19 The Lord has made the heavens his throne;
      from there he rules over everything.
 20 Praise the Lord, you angels,
      you mighty ones who carry out his plans,
      listening for each of his commands.
 21 Yes, praise the Lord, you armies of angels
      who serve him and do his will!
 22 Praise the Lord, everything he has created,
      everything in all his kingdom.
   Let all that I am praise the Lord.

Prayer Requests
Please pray again that Nathan would be patient.  He was insistent that he be allowed to go home.
Pray that Nathan would see again where this incident is God working in his life – wanting all of Nate… total surrender.
Praise God with me for all He has done – for the quick healing, and answered prayer.
Thank you again – for who you are, for standing in the gap, for loving us this much!  I am in awe!
Much love,
Julie

Friday, December 10, 2010

Is it really Friday?


Friday, December 10, 2010

Have you ever surrendered – REALLY surrendered your life to God?  I wonder if I really have.  I watch Nathan as he sleeps.  He is awake about every twenty minutes, but agitated.  I surrender him to you Lord.  I surrender all – to see your glory.   I looked at the “conversation” between Moses and God:

Exodus 33:17-23 (New Living Translation)
 17 The Lord replied to Moses, “I will indeed do what you have asked, for I look favorably on you, and I know you by name.”
 18 Moses responded, “Then show me your glorious presence.”
 19 The Lord replied, “I will make all my goodness pass before you, and I will call out my name, Yahweh,[a] before you. For I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose. 20 But you may not look directly at my face, for no one may see me and live.” 21 The Lord continued, “Look, stand near me on this rock. 22 As my glorious presence passes by, I will hide you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will remove my hand and let you see me from behind. But my face will not be seen.”

I pray that Nathan would receive His mercy and compassion.  I feel as though He has hidden me in the crevice of the rock and felt His hand covering me!  He is amazing!  Why would I NOT surrender all?


Prayer Requests 
The swelling is in the personality area of the brain.  Please strongly pray that his personality would not be altered.  

     Please pray that Nathan would not be agitated, that he would go with the flow (this contradicts prayer request #1!!!) because Nathan is not a go with the flow kind of guy!!!
     
     Pray that healing would be quick, and  discernment for the future

Nathan has said some pretty funny things today, like "Let's go bowling" and, "Mom, please get these (restraints) off me" - to which I replied; "Honey, I can't!"...  His retort "You didn't even try!"

I don’t wish this kind of tragedy on ANYONE – but I wish you could feel the kind of support and love that we are experiencing!  I love you all!!
Julie

Thursday, December 9, 2010

4- News on Nathan

Hi Everyone!

We had a great day!  We had a hard day!  We trust with every thought -- holding it captive!!

Nate had the ventilator tube removed.  He was very restless, and uncertain as to what was going on.  However, When his nurse asked, "Who is holding your hand?"  He slowly looked over at his dad, and answered, "His name is Mark."  We are thrilled that he is improving.  However, his process is delayed.  We have yet to know how much work we have ahead of us.  We continue to trust!  God knows our need, before we cry out to Him!

Please pray:

1.  We trust Him with all that we are!

2.  That we keep our hearts pure before Him -- forgiving - etc!

3.  Pray for the "SPEEDIEST" recovery!!!  For those of you who KNOW Nate, know that he is not the most "patient" "patient" he could be - but, we want to be patient for the IM-patient!!

4.  Again and again and again... pray that God is glorified!!

Love you all!!!!

Julie

(2) News on Nathan

Hi Everyone!

So many of you have written of your promises to pray!  We feel completely uplifted, supported and loved in a way that is actually surprising. But I am so blessed by your love! I am convicted that we MUST love lavishly!  God is love - and they will know we are His by our  love!  We are loved by you all - and I am so blessed!


Today was a hard day.  We thought the ventilator was coming out, but it didn't.  Nathan was trying to open his eyes, but still showed difficulty with following commands.  The doctors are still optimistic that we could extubate  him, but while trying to prepare him for the procedure, he began to vomit.  Luckily, staff was quick to clean him up - and none of that got into his lungs.  As he came into the E.R., he had vomited and aspirated it - into his lungs, resulting in pneumonia.  (Sorry for the graphic content)    Nate's latest CT scans show improvement, and the swelling is reduced-- and basically, the doctor's words for us were; "This is a waiting game...  and it's normal!"  None of this seems normal in any way to us!  But as a dear friend just reminded me:  "The name of the Lord is a strong tower.  The righteous run to it and are safe.  Proverbs 18:10  and "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of sound mind."  2  Timothy 1:7

Our prayer requests:

1.  Nathan would be taken off the ventilator at the appropriate time, and that he would be calm and not aggitated.

2.  I asked the neuro-surgeon  what his #1 concern was.  He answered "his speech".  Please pray that there is no damage to Nathan's speech.

3.  I would ask that there is NO permanent damage at all

4.  We want God to get ALL of the glory through his trial.  He can be glorified in complete healing, or in dealing with a physical deficit.  We ask that we have peaceful hearts no matter what the outcome.

Our God is a mighty God!  No matter what...  He is good!

I love you ALL~
Julie

I posted this last night - still trying to figure out this blog thing!!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

News on Nathan

Hi Everyone!

So many of you have written of your promises to pray!  We feel completely uplifted, supported and loved in a way that is actually surprising. But I am so blessed by your love! I am convicted that we MUST love lavishly!  God is love - and they will know we are His by our  love!  We are loved by you all - and I am so blessed!


Today was a hard day.  We thought the ventilator was coming out, but it didn't.  Nathan was trying to open his eyes, but still showed difficulty with following commands.  The doctors are still optimistic that we could extubate  him, but while trying to prepare him for the procedure, he began to vomit.  Luckily, staff was quick to clean him up - and none of that got into his lungs.  As he came into the E.R., he had vomited and aspirated it - into his lungs, resulting in pneumonia.  (Sorry for the graphic content)    Nate's latest CT scans show improvement, and the swelling is reduced-- and basically, the doctor's words for us were; "This is a waiting game...  and it's normal!"  None of this seems normal in any way to us!  But as a dear friend just reminded me:  "The name of the Lord is a strong tower.  The righteous run to it and are safe.  Proverbs 18:10  and "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of sound mind."  2  Timothy 1:7

Our prayer requests:

1.  Nathan would be taken off the ventilator at the appropriate time, and that he would be calm and not aggitated.

2.  I asked the neuro-surgeon  what his #1 concern was.  He answered "his speech".  Please pray that there is no damage to Nathan's speech. 

3.  I would ask that there is NO permanent damage at all

4.  We want God to get ALL of the glory through his trial.  He can be glorified in complete healing, or in dealing with a physical deficit.  We ask that we have peaceful hearts no matter what the outcome.

Our God is a mighty God!  No matter what...  He is good!

I love you ALL~
Julie




 

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

News on Nathan

Hi everyone!


I thought it might be helpful to let everyone know our updates by blogging.  It's either that - or hiring a publicist.  And since there is no time to interview applicants...  we are blogging.

Sunday, December 5, 2010, we were awakened to one of those dreaded, middle of the night calls -- Nathan (our middle son) was in an altercation  and fell, and hit his head.  The words were, "he's been intubated"  I knew instantly, we were in trouble.  When we finally saw Nate, we were stunned by the tubes, the swollen head... and emotionless expression on our 26 year old's face. He has suffered a fractured skull and several small bleeds on the brain and spinal cord.  There is some swelling in the brain, tomorrow there is a CT scan with contrast to see the extent of that. Over the past two days, numerous CT scans have been performed, medications have been modified, but until Nathan is able to follow simple commands, the tube will not be moved.  Today we saw him open his eyes, and he has responded to my voice. 

Our prayers:

1.  First and foremost,  I want to see God glorified.  Like Moses, I just want His presence, and I desire that others see it too!  Someone once said "Id rather walk with You in a valley, than to dance on the mountain top alone!"  He has not left us!

2.  Pray that our Nathan is completely restored and healed.

3.  Pray that lives are changed from the miracles they witness!

God desires to show us His glory; however, as He passes by, we must believe He is doing all He promised!
Stay tuned!  I love you all!

Julie (for all the Smiths!!)