I just called to see if Amy wanted to blog anything today, but at the moment she is talking on the phone to her wonderful friend, Deb Rose. Deb and her husband, Brian, used to live in Louisville several years ago. They were our very best friends.
If I were talking to the Roses this evening, I would tell them that Amy is desperately scared. The docs have given her a very stiff dose of antibiotics, but as of this moment, her body temp is climbing once again. Her primary doctor told her he fears that this infection may be fungal in nature. I don’t completely understand all of the implications, except that we are shooting at this infection with our biggest guns, but it just keeps on coming.
In her introspective manner, she shared with me today that if she had known she would lose her sight, she would have invested it more wisely in the things she read and watched: “What if I go completely blind and can’t read the Bible? I have to get more serious about memorizing.” This morning a doctor told her that she was “really unlucky” to have this stroke in one eye, and “doubly unlucky” to have it in both. She said that God helped her to realize that He is not “rolling the dice” with her health. When she was frightened today, she would imagine herself being held in God’s hand, and that her eyes were being held just out of Satan’s reach. “My very small eye is being held securely in the palm of God’s great hand.”
Throughout this ordeal, the people I work with have been so incredibly supportive. I have been blessed by individuals wanting to keep the boys for a few hours, or informing us that they are bringing food, or offering to go to the hospital and sit with Amy or pray with her or just “hold her hand so she knows she isn’t facing this ordeal alone.” This morning Amy was having multiple tests and I couldn’t be in the room with her anyway, so I went to school and taught a couple of classes. The Dean of Students told me at the end of the day to “forget about work” and just spend time with my family. As soon as school was over, I hurried to the hospital to find that my head administrator was already waiting outside Amy’s door so he could pray with her. Interestingly, one doesn’t always recognize and appreciate his friends until he is faced with difficulty.
Last night she asked me what God might be trying to teach her. I don’t know the answer to her question, but of two things I am certain: God never wastes a teaching lesson, and Amy is a wonderful student.
Your comments have meant so much to Amy. Several times during the day I have called to share with her the words of her sisters in Christ. Amy finds great security knowing that her prayers are not “standing alone.” As you pray, please be aware that tomorrow Amy is scheduled for several more diagnostic procedures.
Finally, Amy just called and said that her fever has dropped back to 99 degrees. God has chosen to reduce her temp without even using Tylenol.
Blessings to each of you,
David
If I were talking to the Roses this evening, I would tell them that Amy is desperately scared. The docs have given her a very stiff dose of antibiotics, but as of this moment, her body temp is climbing once again. Her primary doctor told her he fears that this infection may be fungal in nature. I don’t completely understand all of the implications, except that we are shooting at this infection with our biggest guns, but it just keeps on coming.
In her introspective manner, she shared with me today that if she had known she would lose her sight, she would have invested it more wisely in the things she read and watched: “What if I go completely blind and can’t read the Bible? I have to get more serious about memorizing.” This morning a doctor told her that she was “really unlucky” to have this stroke in one eye, and “doubly unlucky” to have it in both. She said that God helped her to realize that He is not “rolling the dice” with her health. When she was frightened today, she would imagine herself being held in God’s hand, and that her eyes were being held just out of Satan’s reach. “My very small eye is being held securely in the palm of God’s great hand.”
Throughout this ordeal, the people I work with have been so incredibly supportive. I have been blessed by individuals wanting to keep the boys for a few hours, or informing us that they are bringing food, or offering to go to the hospital and sit with Amy or pray with her or just “hold her hand so she knows she isn’t facing this ordeal alone.” This morning Amy was having multiple tests and I couldn’t be in the room with her anyway, so I went to school and taught a couple of classes. The Dean of Students told me at the end of the day to “forget about work” and just spend time with my family. As soon as school was over, I hurried to the hospital to find that my head administrator was already waiting outside Amy’s door so he could pray with her. Interestingly, one doesn’t always recognize and appreciate his friends until he is faced with difficulty.
Last night she asked me what God might be trying to teach her. I don’t know the answer to her question, but of two things I am certain: God never wastes a teaching lesson, and Amy is a wonderful student.
Your comments have meant so much to Amy. Several times during the day I have called to share with her the words of her sisters in Christ. Amy finds great security knowing that her prayers are not “standing alone.” As you pray, please be aware that tomorrow Amy is scheduled for several more diagnostic procedures.
Finally, Amy just called and said that her fever has dropped back to 99 degrees. God has chosen to reduce her temp without even using Tylenol.
Blessings to each of you,
David
Comments
We and our church are holding you and your family before the Father tonight. I weep with you; your fears and sorrows are our own.
Yes, we know that God IS in control. We have felt Him close to us in every difficult time.
And whatever path he chooses for us, Jesus feels our pain, even when fellow humans don't. And by His stripes, we ARE healed. Not always physically in this world, but for eternity when we are whole with Him. And even if the path is hard, we know from experience and the Word that he will cause it to work for your good.
These feeble and stumbling thoughts are offered in hopes that the repetition of the well known promises, line upon line, line on line, will bring the Word often to your consciousness, and therein you might feel the everlasting arms holding you securely, for all time and eternity.
Rest in Him, and we pray for a speedy recovery if that is what would bring glory to His Name.
With all our love,
Your AK family
I have so been praying that your community would enwrap you in their arms...I am so thankful they are doing so.
You are continually on my mind and in my prayers.
With you, and In Him... the best and safest place,
Tom McCall
Thank you for the update and a big praise for your reduced fever!
It is at times like these that I remember what "pray without ceasing" is. Even in the busy moments of my day if I am not actually praying, you are in my heart and on my mind. I'm praying for peace that can't be explained and healing for Amy. Even though it's been SO many years since we were in college together, I love you guys
It hurts to read this so I can only imagine how must it must hurt to be living it. But one thing I do know is that God grows us most during difficulty and I am so glad that you are up for the challenge even if it doesn't feel like it. You use some of the same words I do - looking for the lesson. So I know that you will be more than ok - you are blessed. I put you on our church prayer chain and last night even in a committee meeting, we stopped and prayed for you especially. My friend, an awesome prayer warrior, asked not only for your healing and peace but that God would get glory out of all of it. Know that you are held up - in a very real way we are your "rope holders" like that awesome Bible story. Several years ago I had my young adult group rent out a rock climbing gym and we spent the evening scaling what seemed like insurmountable obstacles. When we met the next evening for our Bible study, we reflected on the night. The one thing that was amazing was that everyone was able to do more than they had thought possible. Not because of their own abilities but because of the rope that was holding them and their rope holders. The rope could hold up to 5000 pounds - well beyond what anyone could ever weigh and the holder just had to hold steady. When we read through the Bible story of the friends who brought their friend to Jesus as they lowered him through the roof - probably with ropes - it was a reminder that our "rope" - Jesus Christ - is so much bigger than anything we face and with our "rope holders" - fellow Christians that bring us to the Father - we can make it through anything. You have that rope and we are your rope holders. Hang on - because we are!! You are prayed for and loved!
You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
One thing that stood out to me is when you wondered what God could possibly be trying to teach you.
A thought that immediately popped into my head as I read that was... it may not be you that He is trying to teach anything to, (although I am sure we can all learn something from EVERY situation) but it may be that you are going through this to touch and minister to someone else or many other people.
Although Connors situation has surely taught me SO many things, I know his life, his struggles, his triumphs and the miracles that have happened to him have also touched many, many lives all across the globe, and the same I am certain, will be of you.
You have many people holding you up in their prayers, surrounding you with love and are anxiously waiting to see the next post.
With continued prayers and love,
Charlene
We have been praying, are praying and will continue to pray. May God be especially close to each one of you during this difficult time. Wish so badly we were close enough to help. I love the word picture of God holding you, Amy, in the palm of His hand. Many of your blogs have touched my heart, you are a very special person who is loved by many...
Praying for the best for you and yours.
His hands are big enough!
www.kleincabin.com
I have asked my whole family to be praying for you. Iknow God is with you and your family in these trials and tribulations that you are walking through. Remain strong, trust Him, and He will see you all through this. He will use you and your family to help others because of what you are walking through. I pray God gives you and your husband and your boys Peace, knowing that He is with you.
Judy
(thanks to people on the HSBC blogs alerting me and others to your situation)
May God continue to hold you in the palm of His hand and work his will in your lives.
The Tim Reynolds Family
Hugs,
Hope
Does Jesus care when my heart is pained Too deeply for mirth and song,
As the burdens press, And the cares distress, And the way grows weary and long?
O yes, He cares; I know He cares! His heart is touched with my grief. When the days are weary, The long nights dreary, I know my Savior cares.
Amy, our Savior is touched with all that you and your dear family are going through....and most of all He cares!
Our Love and prayers are with you,
Jane, Randy & the boys
Holding you and your sweet family up in our prayers tonight. Aren't there a million scary questions in the storm?! I've asked a great number of them myself when I was laid up by two dogs that attacked me right after a dear friend died of an undiagnosed disease. It's the random, senseless tragedies in our lives that shake us down to the core of who we are. From reading Mary Ellen's blog, sounds as though you've walked graciously through many hardships~ wow! I've found personal comfort in the truth that there are no lapses in the goodness of God. May His goodness be especially evident to you today.
Love,
Charity (& Nathan Brown)
No matter what you may do.
He knows you, He loves you, He cares.
It matters to HIM about you. Believe it, because it's true. Hold to His hand.
He understands.
Oh yes, it matters to HIM about you!"
This little chorus has been an encouragement to me, and I pass it along in hopes that it will encourage you as well. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you. I'm so glad HE CARES!
Just wanted to let you know that we are praying for you and we will ask the church here to keep you in their prayers.
Here is a song by Greater Vision that has helped me in difficult times.
It's easy to be happy when the sky is bright and fair
From the mountain top it seems I can see for miles
But when the dark clouds gather
And questions fill the air
I trust the One who sees above and beyond
Chorus: He's above my understanding
He's beyond my comprehending
He knows what I'll be needing in the days and weeks to come
My little mind can get so clouded
When earthly cares has me surrounded
But He's the God who sees above and beyond
There has never been a trial that took God by surprise
He sees it all from the beginning to the end
So when I walk a rugged mile
And teardrops dim my eyes
I place my care upon my everlasting friend.
Debbie and Wesley Holden
You are a blessing to so many....I tho't of you Saturday night as we were at a Casting Crowns concert and they sang, "I'll praise you in this storm"....knowing that you are going thru a storm of life right now.
You are loved!
We are praying for you'll and are trusting God will give you the extra strength as you go through this very difficult time. I'm also going to pray that God will give your doctors wisdom as they deal with your case. Amy, you've been such a blessing with your life, just keep hanging onto God's unchanging hand as you go through this latest valley.
I've always heard that He does all things well. I'm really beginning to believe it.
The Lord always seems to use you to minister to my life! I love your openness, your faith, your fears, and most of all your firm foundation.
He knows your inmost being and sees each tear that falls down your cheek, but mostly, hears us when we call upon him. And now I am asking Him for a specific healing of your eyes & body, and for the doctors to have the wisdom and discernment as they evaluate you!!!
Love you, sister!!!!