Meaningful January

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.  Psalm 150:6

It has been one month since Hu was released from rehab.  We are thankful for his consistent progression in his recovery.  This past week he went up and down five steps, continues to faithfully do his exercises that will restore his muscle mass and practices swallowing techniques to restore that ability.

As he was thinking about the what the Lord means to him he made this acrostic to share with you today.

J esus -- who defeated death and the grave, and offers

A bundant life to us here and now, His

N ever failing and

U nconditional love, even when we fail Him.

A ll of Himself He gave to pay the 

R ansom for our debt that

Y ou and I may have eternal life.

Our God is Powerful

The Lord is my strength and my song; 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

What would God do if I really believed all He says?  An extended family member and I have been emailing and discussing how diligence in prayer is often lacking in our lives.  It was a thought process for me as I considered my own prayer life.  God does do great wonders if I will only believe and trust Him to do what He desires.

This morning I was impacted by the account of Moses leading the Israelites with the Egyptians in pursuit across the sea.  The Israelites crossed on dry land with the waters parted but the Egyptians and their horses and chariots were consumed by the sea.  Moses had a lot of faith to lead his people into that sea.  I need the faith of Moses when I pray.  I need to pray for Hu's recovery and many others who have shared requests, faithfully believing that God will answer in His time.

We had another doctor's appointment today.  Although she was not one of the attending physicians during Hu's hospitalization she followed his case closely.  She commented several times that she was so glad that he was still living.  She feels Hu's prognosis is good and with time he should be much improved.

When is the party?

Cambodia is a long way from Charlotte, especially when you have grandchildren there!  John and Christa have been working in Phnom Phen with Chinese people.  We are thankful to visit with them occasionally via Skype.  John was telling us recently about some of the Chinese men that have recently either accepted the Lord or shown an interest in learning about Him.  One of them asked if they could have a party.  Since it was around Christmas, John and Christa invited them to their home and shared the Christmas story and some of their traditions with them.  Not long afterwards they were asking, "When can we have another party?"  John doesn't feel that his role in Cambodia is "partying" but soon realized that these people are calling a gathering to learn about Jesus "a party", usually known in the U. S. as "church".

I have thought about that since our conversation.  Do I think of church with the same anticipation as I do a party?  Right now Hu is not able to attend church but we are blessed by the technology age and  we can catch the sermon on our church website.  We do miss the personal contact with our fellow believers but are confident that the time will come when we will have that opportunity again.  Today we were encouraged by one of the deacons who called and prayed with us on the phone. 

Today Hu's home health nurse said that everything continues to progress well, for which we are thankful.  We are grateful for your faithful prayers.

For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.  Matthew 18:20

My Gift?

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

"What can I do for them?"  That thought has often gone through my mind when I have thought of people in need.  Sometimes it is like trying to find something to wear on a special occasion -- nothing seems to suit.  One thing that has been impressed on me during Hu's illness is the number of people who have helped us by doing what they do best -- using their gift. 

When it comes to opening the mail in our family I have always done that and put it in Hu's "in box".  Somehow it magically decreased in size until the next load of mail.  I never had further responsibility for it after that.  When Hu was in the hospital, the medical bills and other bills were creating quite a mountain.  A dear friend offered what she does best and has helped me sort out the medical bills in a "dot-to-dot" fashion so I know just how to process them.  Our son, David has been assisting me with the other financial affairs that need to be handled.  I am so thankful for these, like others, who are using their God-given gifts to take the stress out of my life during Hu's recovery.

You'll remember we have asked for prayer for the ability to swallow for Hu and Garren (our 14 year old great nephew).  This week Garren begins a three week, 5-day-a-week intensive swallow therapy.  Please pray for him that this will be an effective treatment for him.  When asked today what our life group could pray for Hu tonight he said, "Endurance -- it is a slow process."

A Lesson From "Piggy"

"Look at this!"  Our nurse was asking me to check one of Hu's wounds and the progress it has made.  What an encouragement after all these weeks to see this improvement.  Hu carries around a little machine 24/7 to stimulate new tissue growth as part of the healing process, which we have affectionately named "Piggy" (because of the noise it makes).

Today, as I was thinking about that noisy little machine I was reminded of my own walk with Christ.  Sometimes the machine gets sluggish or stops working and needs some expert attention.  When that happens, it isn't doing the job effectively that it was made to do.  At times, I find that as a Christian I become lax in my zeal for the Lord and fail to look for ways to reach out for Him.  How thankful I am that He continues to love me in spite of my failures and He's always faithful to encourage and draw me close to Him again.


If we are faithless He remains faithful:  for He cannot deny Himself.  2 Timothy 2:13

God's Timing

Doctors appointments are part of each week's routine for Hu now.  Yesterday, he followed up with his surgeon especially regarding his surgical wound that has been very slow to heal.  Following the appointment, Hu had a bit of strength left and wanted to stop by to see Barbara, his sister, who was diagnosed with melanoma throughout her body two days before Christmas.  She seemed to be quite uncomfortable and was not alert.  Hu had prayer for her and for Don, her husband of 54 years, and we left for home.  Within three hours of our visit she went to be with the Lord.  Thankfully our brother-in-law Gary was able to be with Don at that moment.  He and Judy, my sister, have really reached out to them especially during our absence due to Hu's illness.

How blessed we felt that the Lord had allowed us to spend a few minutes during those last hours with Don and Barbara.  We are encouraged by the fact that her illness was brief, but most of all that we have the confidence that we will see her again in heaven.  Now, she is cancer free and celebrating with Jesus.

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones.  Psalm 116:15

The Three Parts of Recovery?

My sister Cindy said that she heard a doctor say that there are three parts to recovery:  Persistence, Patience and Consistency.  She suggested he should have added Prayer.

In analyzing them I can see how each part is needed.  Hu is persistent even when he doesn't feel like it, patience is one of his virtues so that shouldn't be too hard for him and consistency--his therapists do a good job of reminding him to repeat the exercises throughout the day.  However, we agree with Cindy that prayer is the most important because it is like the glue that holds everything together and all the other three would not be effective without prayer. 

Hu said today that he can see some progress in his recovery.  We appreciate your ongoing prayers for Hu and Garren to pass the swallow test.  One friend consciously swallows as she prays for them to be able to swallow soon.  

We appreciate your encouraging comments and messages to us--one we received recently included some of the words of the song by Chris Tomlin, "Our God".

Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other.
Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our God!
Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other.
Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our God!

Slow steps

I praise you because I am feafully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14

High pulse rate and general exhaustion are the symptoms that Hu has had for the past couple of days.  He attributes them to the antiboitic that he is taking to help fight possible infection in his wounds.  It is hard to maintain any level of exercise with those symptoms and even the therapist was cautious today when she worked with him.  However, the good news is that when the nurse changed his dressings all of them show signs of improvement which is a great encouragement.  Even my "untrained eye" could see the difference in the largest of the three wounds.

Please join with us in thanking the Lord for another small step in his recovery.

The Uphill Climb

This has been a tough day today for Hu since he hasn't felt as good as he has some other days.  We all have those days.  However, when you've been very ill I guess it feels like you are starting up the hill toward health then on the bad days you feel like you are sliding downhill again.

Also we would ask you to continue to pray for Hu's sister Barbara who is extremely weak and continues to have fluid drained from her lungs.

The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.  Deuteronomy 33:27

The Power of a Friend

Never before have I realized the power of friends to be as encouraging as I have since this journey started in early November.  You have brought food, helped with the yard clean up, put out the trash (and returned the empty cans), run errands, sent cards, called, visited, prayed, commented on the blog and e-mailed.  These thoughtful gestures made difficult days easier as we knew that you were coming along side of us each step.

One of the cards reminded me that we have a very special friend though.  It listed Hebrew names for God and the meaning of each one.  Some of the ones that were especially significant to me were: Provider, Battle Fighter, Giver of Peace, Healer, Our Righteousness, Ever Present One and Good Shepherd.   We have wonderful friends but none can compare with Jesus who is all of these and so much more.  How thankful we are to know that one day we will live eternally with Him.

Today, was a "maintenance day" as Hu continued to received therapy to retrain his body toward regaining his normal strength level.  We thank the Lord our Healer for walking with Hu each step. 

Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised.  Psalm 48:1a

It takes time

What better "medicine" for recovery than someone who understands the journey.  This evening we had a visit from a family friend who lives out of town.  A year and a half ago he had surgery and continues to undergo monthly therapy.  His last visit was when Hu was very ill.  It was a great encouragement for Hu to have him say how good he looked today.  However, his words of advice were that recovery takes a long time and to be patient.  For years he has prayed faithfully, especially for our sons following Paul's word in Colossians, "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."  How encouraging to know you are prayed for by a "cheerleader" who has also been on a journey.

The other event today was the first of Hu's many doctor appointments in the coming weeks.  The doctor described his condition as delicate but recovering.  We have much to be thankful for as we see small steps each week.

What's next?

Your word is a lamp on my feet, a light on my path.  Psalm 119:105

I often say, I can't go to bed without a plan for the next day.  It seems that if I get up without a plan the day is lost.  Before James left recently he made a plan for us to follow.  Hu has three therapists all who want their exercises done each day, there is water and nutrition to be given and wounds to be dressed.  That makes for a pretty full day so we are glad to be able to refer to James' schedule.

I was thinking how that relates to my spiritual life and the importance of scheduling time with the Lord. If I am not intent on making that happen it is easy for all these other "important activities" to crowd out the most important.

Hu has been gradually increasing his walking and is now up to 168 feet at a time.  That is something to celebrate since when he was released from rehab his best was 80 feet.

Pray with us that we will be faithful in caring for our spiritual lives just as carefully as we adhere to the medical plan for the day.

Thankfulness

It is ironic that often it takes other people's misfortune to make me realize how thankful I should be for what God has done.  Hu and I were talking about various people we saw in rehab and realized how blessed we are that he can look forward to recovering with all his limbs and walking again.

He continues to follow the exercises the therapists have given him for swallowing, strength and endurance.  His willingness to persue them even when he is very tired is a credit to his persistence.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise give thanks to him and praise his name.  For the Lord is good and His love endures forever;  his faithfulness continues through all generations. 
Psa. 100:4-5

He is Enough

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.  Psalm  23:1

I was struck by a comment that David made in a letter this week that he and his wife Lisa sent out to family and friends.  He was considering  "What the Lord had taught him in 2011" and reflected on Hu's surgeries and recovery.  Among other things he said that he was impacted by God during that time with the thought that "He is enough--there is nothing in life that we can't face if our trust is in Him.  Without Him we are nothing and have nothing".

Hu's stamina is increasing in very small ways.  We continue to be thankful to the Lord for His gift of life to Hu.
 

What makes you most proud?

One of Hu's nurses asked him, "What makes you most proud?"  He thought about that and didn't give her an answer immediately.  When she saw him today, she asked again and he said, "The word proud troubles me -- I'd prefer thankful."  She asked him what he is thankful for, and he said his three sons who are good men and raising good families. I too am thankful for them and the blessing they are to us.

Today Hu walked 1 1/2 laps around the first floor area which is farther than ever. His stamina seems to be improving.

Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done. 1 Chronicles 16:8

Encouragement

You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry.
Psalm 10:17

Today one of Hu's therapists that came for the first time told him, "You look a lot better than I expected you to look after reading your records".  Walking to the kitchen from the  bedroom and back is a huge effort for Hu.  He awakened feeling very weak and disappointed that he wasn't feeling up to doing more.  Can you imagine what that therapist's statement did for his spirits?

The Bible tells us that as Christians we should be encouragers.  What a difference we could make in this world if each of us would encourage just one person each day!

He is Faithful!

The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it.  1 Thess. 5:24

Do you like a challenge?  I have decided that I like challenges at things I feel that I do well but when I get into something beyond my ability that becomes a frustration.  That is where I found myself tonight.
As I sat down to write this my internet wasn't working on my computer. Then I tried another computer but was unable to get into the blog to write.  Finally with some help from Hu as he laid in bed I was able to get started.

Since Hu has been hospitalized and now that we are home I've found myself stretched as I've attempted to do some things that before haven't been in my "job description".  Some have been frustrating when I try to handle things I know little about.  I have been blessed though by those who have come along side and helped with some of these difficult tasks.

Our specific requests today are:

Increased strength for Hu--he felt a little weaker today
That I can remember that the Lord is faithful and He will help me especially in my moments of frustration.

Who will win?

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?  Run in such a way as to get the prize.  Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.  They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.  1 Cor. 9:24, 25

News reports focus on winning these days.  As Christians It is easy to get caught up in the flurry of activity and miss the whole point of being in this world but not of it.  For years my parents had a plaque in their home with the words, "One life will soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last".  How important it is to keep our eyes on Jesus and run the race that He would have us run.

Hu worked with his speech therapist today and is working toward his goal of a successful swallow test in the near future.

Living to please God

Tonight our Bible reading was 1Thessalonians 4 which gives instructions as to how to please God.  Afterwards Emily asked Hu if he feels closer to the Lord as a result of his recent experience in the hospital.  He said he does and apparently has more to share with us down the road when he is feeling better.  I was touched as he prayed and thanked the Lord for the many people who have helped us during these past weeks.

Please continue to remember his sister Barbara who is very ill.

His Grace is Enough

Since singing this song at church this morning I have repeated it over and over in my mind and thought about the meaning.  Then again later this evening I heard it on the radio.  The Lord wanted to remind me that during our darkest days in Hu's illness we saw that "His grace is enough".  Many of you have shared specific prayer requests with us and we know that by God's grace He will undertake for your situation as well.  How important it is that we continue to pray for each other in order to share this good news with others. 

Hu's recovery will be a long one but he continues to rely on God's grace for each new day.

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. 2 Cor. 12:9 a