A New Post!!!

God is so good!  He is good - all the time...  no matter the outcome.  I think of Job saying " ¹⁵Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him." (Job 13:15)  In other words God is trustworthy even in the worst situations... and in the best.

Last night our Church had a prayer meeting.  We were directed to pray in groups, and praise God for who He is, and how he has proved Himself to us in nature etc.  As we began to pray, and praise, we heard a huge roll of thunder.  It was as if He said to us, "Yes, even thunder - in the dead of winter...  I did that!"

We probably miss daily evidence of Him in our lives - because we are so busy.  We're busy working, playing, thinking, worrying, burden bearing...  but even in a simple roll of thunder - He says, "I'm here!"

Nathan is stronger and stronger.  His headaches seem manageable, at least that is what he tells me.  He has an incredible tolerance for pain.  However, what seems to be an issue at this time, is fatigue.  I am told this is a normal response to brain injury.  Patients begin to feel "normal" and they try to maintain their schedule they had before the injury.  It quickly catches up with them.  So, I would ask that you pray for Nate's fatigue, and that he would be mindful that he needs to take it slowly.

Thank you SO much for your prayers.  What they have meant, you may never know...  but God has heard and I am forever grateful.

With all my heart~

Julie
Psalm 33: 18-22
¹⁸ But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
   on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
¹⁹ to deliver them from death
   and keep them alive in famine.
 ²⁰ We wait in hope for the LORD;
   he is our help and our shield.
²¹ In him our hearts rejoice,
   for we trust in his holy name.
²² May your unfailing love be with us, LORD,
   even as we put our hope in you.

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

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

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

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

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 

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