Saturday, January 29, 2011

This past Thursday, Nathan saw a neurologist, we were given a good report.  He will be able to go to work the beginning of March.  That still seems like a long time away, but Nathan continues to show a lot of patience.  He's been given drugs to help with the pain, and although it doesn't cover all the pain, it seems bearable.  He said to me, "Mom, I don't want all the pain to go away.  I need some of it there - all the time, just to remind me of where I've been...  I'm never going back!" 

Having gone through this trial, I am SO aware of God's hand on us!  In a petrifying event, I have found peace.  I continue to pray, but it is on a different level now.  I know that even if the outcome is not what I have asked for, God is working for my good.  He is a GOOD God - no matter what.

See now that I, I am He, And there is no god besides Me; It is I who put to death and give life I have wounded and it is I who heal, And there is no one who can deliver from My hand. Deut. 32:9

With all my heart~Julie

Friday, January 21, 2011

Just keeping you posted

Hi Everyone!

Nathan completed his first week with therapy at MarianJoy.  Just a side note -- MarionJoy has been wonderful!  Everyone is so helpful, friendly and seem very devoted to Nathan's case!  Mark and I were commenting that we weren't sure that Nathan really needed much help -- he seems very normal, with occasional "search for words".  In one of the testings they offered him however, his therapist told Nate a story -- with the direction that he needed to repeat the story - word for word.  The story was only 4 sentences long.  Nathan was only able to recall the first sentence -- none of the rest.  That was eyeopening to me.  I am thrilled though, that they are able to pinpoint his deficit, and then rehabilitate him where it is needed.  Nathan continues to show patience with the whole situation, though I must admit, he is more than willing to speak to anyone about the journey he's been on.  And, that's good!  It's been a significant journey!  We ALL talk about it -- all the time.

Continue to pray for Nathan -- that he will understand God's plan for his life - clearly - as he continually surrenders his life to God.

 “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9)

Much love to all of you~

Julie

Friday, January 14, 2011

Another Opportunity to Trust

Last night, around 2AM, Nathan suffered a seizure.  In the Emergency Room, we discovered that his anti-seizure medication dosage was to low, and has been adjusted.  Interestingly enough, we needed a follow-up CT scan, and figured that cost was coming out of our pockets, but because it was done on an emergency basis, that has been added to the tab of his medical bills.

Even though the seizure was scary, it was good to learn that there has been significant progress with the healing of the bleeds.  Thank goodness Nathan fell out of bed... and not on the concrete of the front porch... or away from home!

God is good... He watches over all of us!


"What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows" (Luke 12:6-7, NLT)

Thank you Lord!

Julie

Monday, January 10, 2011

Hi Everyone~

Thank you for praying.  I have looked and looked and looked again at your responses to these blogs, and I get SO choked up - hearing of your encouragement and promises to pray.  And I KNOW you have prayed!  There is no denying the power of prayer!  How will I ever thank you all?

Please continue with your praying for Nathan.  We are struggling now- with figuring which medication will work the best to manage his pain.  I never knew how tricky this can be.  But the headaches just kill him, and the medications keep him from clear thinking.   Even non-narcotics make him feel intoxicated.  Pray that the headaches would disappear.  Our Father, the Great Physician CAN do this!

It is hard to believe that we have been dealing with all of this for over a month... it has been a struggle, and yes, a trial, but God's presence has kept us going - even excited!

Thank you again - for standing in the gap for us!
I love you all~

Julie

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. 

Hebrews 4:15-16

Friday, January 7, 2011

Nathan wrote this statement as his status one day on Facebook: 
Keep my full attention on you Lord and guide ALL my relationships.  It reminded me of the following verse:  You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!  Isaiah 26:3

Everyday it seems like Nathan teaches me a new truth.  In the hospital, I prayed that we would not lose any of Nathan's personality.  God has totally answered that prayer...  we have Nathan back fully.  But, as he continues to heal, we are learning that his personality has altered a little bit.  Nathan is so much more patient, kind, loving, compassionate.  I believe that is due to a life whose full attention is on God, and he (Nathan) is taking on the fruit of the Spirit.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Galatians 5:22)

I believe - much like when you spend time with a friend, often times you begin to "act" like them, perhaps laugh like they do - or perhaps you take on other distinctions just from being with them.  When we "hang" with the Lord, we take on His personality - His likeness!   WOW!  To see such  a dramatic change, all I can do is praise God!

Thank you all for standing in the gap for this man of God!  Pray that God would make His plan for Him clear - and that Nathan would walk in it!

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."  (Isaiah 30:21)

With all my heart~

Julie