Wednesday, July 1, 2009

2009 Scripture Memory Challenge #13

Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people. ~ Philemon 1:7 (NLT)

Since most of my readers appear to be women, you can hopefully paraphrase the passage above with the word “sister” or “friend” in place of “brother.” (lol) In either case, I want to thank you for your continuing prayers and kind concern for my family. I wish I could express just what an encouragement they have been! There have been several blessings as of late, no doubt a testament to your prayers:

* Dad received new casts last week. They are still non-weight-bearing. (As the swelling continues to diminish, the original casts were no longer as tight as they needed to be to best support healing.)

* Mom is doing extremely well with overseeing Dad’s care and medications. Her own health seems to be improving in the face of this challenge. Despite the frustrations that undoubtedly come from spending nearly every waking moment together (most of the time confined to their home) they seem to be growing closer.

* My uncle and cousin built a very nice ramp for my Dad so that he can go outdoors when he would like.

* A large local Sunday school class (a friend of my sister) provided meals 3 nights a week for the past three weeks. This has been a HUGE help, not just to Mom, but to my sister and I as well, who along with a few other friends, are providing meals.

* My niece does not need surgery to repair her collar bone!!! She is still having pain and still pretty limited in what she can do, but is improving and healing. Although this is not at all the summer she had planned before her senior year of high school, she (and all of us) are grateful she doesn’t have to factor surgery and recovery into the mix.

* My Dad has not smoked since the day of his injury (May 27th). At first, it was because he was hospitalized. As days went on, however, he had no desire to do so. He indicates he has no cravings whatsoever. My Dad has been smoking cigarettes for years, so this is such an incredible blessing! = )

These are but a few of the many ways we’ve seen God’s hand through you, your kind friendship and your prayers. Once again...thank you. I’m choosing this passage as my current Scripture Memory Challenge verse because of its evidence in my life. I pray it encourages you, as well.

8 comments:

Becky said...

I loved this post, Tracy. A testimony of God's grace and goodness to you and your family...and what a wonderful side effect this has had for your dad to give up smoking! Who would have thought?

Praise the Lord for your niece's recovery without the need for surgery. What a blessing.

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

The sun is beginning to dawn; I pray for more light than darkness in the days to come. Undoubtedly, this "event" has called you all to a greater walk of faith. Keep to it.

peace~elaine

Just a little something from Judy said...

The verse you chose to memorize expresses how I feel about you and your encouragement in my life, sometimes just when I need it most. I loved reading down over your list of blessings and answered prayers. Serving each other is truly what we are here for. Meals delivered are an act of kindness and generosity. Thanks for the update on this difficult situation that you find yourself in.

Happy@Home said...

Hi Tracy,
I was glad to learn that your Dad is showing improvement and also that your niece won't need to have surgery. I will keep them in my prayers for a complete recovery. As a matter of fact, I will keep all of your family in my prayers as you go through this journey together.

Thank you so much for including my family in your prayers and your kind and comforting comments. It is greatly appreciated.

Hugs,
Kim

Jennifer said...

Thank the Lord for answered prayer....and sweet blessings! New to your blog - but I do enjoy your posts!

Leaon Mary said...

Yahooooo for the NO smoking!
THAT'S AWESOME!
And what a blessing for the meals brought to their door.
The ramp built for your Dad...
girl you have had blessings flowing haven't you! I'm so happy.
GOD'S GOOD!
Love Lea

Skoots1moM said...

a slow-healing journey...
a very wise woman once taught me to NOT WASTE my suffering...to write down those hard moments and to cry out to God. Praise God for the blessings that have been coming and are coming...so thankful for the smoking stopping! Prayers for his continuing to leave that behind
He is sometime closest when we are at our weakest...May you KNOW He is right there, walking with you and your family :)

LisaShaw said...

Elaine's words above is exactly how I feel...

Precious sister, my love and prayers remain with you and your family.

God is so faithful and His light is ever present in every situation.

I love you.