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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 

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

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