Monday, October 29, 2012
Watching Miracles Happen
"The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy" Psalm 126:3
I flew into San Antonio on Tuesday night and was able to to slide right into assisting Beth. I am able to stay at the rehabilitation center with Beth helping her when she needs it (which isn't often) and being with her throughout her day. This may sound repetitive, but it is such a privilege to be with Beth during this time and incredibly humbling that God allows me to be of assistance to her.
One of my favorite parts is going to the gym where most of the occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) sessions take place. This is where all the fun happens. Beth has an incredible work ethic that is supported by her strong faith. Just this week she has gone from not bearing weight on her legs to taking four steps with the use of the parallel bars, to completing the whole 20 ft length of the parallel bars, to walking a few steps with the assistance of a walker, and now mastering walking with the use of the parallel bars. I get to watch miracles happen! And I'm not alone, the PT's, OT's, doctors, nurses, and staff are astounded by her progress. It has been so fun meeting and interacting with the staff here and the other patients and their families and witnessing these miracles together. It is as if everyone is rooting each other on and celebrating together when each new step is taken.
I like to imagine that similar scenes play out in our walk with God. Here we are on earth learning to take these steps of faith, stepping into the unknown while trusting in the unfathomable wisdom and love of our Creator. Sometimes the steps seem so hard or very little, sometimes we go 20 ft. other times we take four steps, sometimes we wobble a bit or falter, yet all around us Father and His angels are rooting us on and cheering when each step is taken. And just as Beth's body is working to restore the original function of her legs so too is God working in our hearts restoring the broken and disconnected parts back in relationship with Him. And He is there in each step taken towards that re-connection with tears in His eyes encouraging us forward and allowing us to fall into His arms when we feel that we cannot take one more step.
As Beth often says, "God is so good to me". He is good and He is rooting for us and wants to be with us every step of the way because He loves us more than we can imagine or comprehend.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Heritage
"You have given me the heritage of those who fear, revere, and honor Your name" Psalm 61:5
Heritage-Valued objects and qualities that have been passed down from previous generations.
Shortly before I left for Belgium in June I attended the funeral of Debbie Holbrook, my dear friend Katherine's aunt and family friend. I never knew her personally but I was so encouraged by the words her friends and family shared about her and the selfless lifestyle she lived. Many spoke about what a great listener she always was and I remember returning home pondering how I could become a better listener of people and of God.
In the months leading up to Belgium I was able to spend some time caring for JoAnne Cook, our late pastor Mike Cook's wife before she moved to be with her son in California. I had known her my entire life but was able to know her on a deeper level through those times. Although her body seemed weak and frail, her prayers were strong, and in those times when I thought I was caring for her she was caring for me by installing in me portions of her spiritual strength.
And then I went on to Belgium and spent three months with Rebecca Petrie learning from her daily what it was like to be thankful in all things and to have a joyful spirit in all circumstances. Most of my past blog posts have been about that time and the treasures I received through serving there.
Today I attended the memorial service for Milly Dawson, mother of my "Aunt" Tacee and wife of the late pastor Frank Dawson. Aunt Tacee has a way of adopting every young girl in church, and I am privileged to be included as one of her girls. Aunt Tacee spent the past years caring for her parents. In spending time with her I got to know Milly. I remember sitting on the porch with Katherine Holbrook listening as Milly told stories from her childhood and about raising her family. At her memorial service her friends and family spoke of how grateful she always was and how she chose to be thankful even for the difficult things in life.
When I think about the word heritage I think of the incredible spiritual heritage these women have given and are still giving to each generation. I feel incredibly privileged to have been able to receive in various amounts their spiritual heritage either directly or trickled down through those who knew them better. It is the heritage of their lives spent in service towards others and in gratitude of God's goodness that propels me forward to live out a lifestyle of gratitude and service.
This is why I am so very thankful to have the freedom and opportunity to now serve Thomas and Beth Hernandez in San Antonio, Texas. I met Thomas and Beth at a young adult's conference in 2009 and I was instantly inspired by their contagious love for people and love for God. While I was still in Belgium I received news that Beth had been in what was described as a "freak accident" and had broken her back losing mobility in her legs. You can follow her story at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/bethhernandez/mystory. It is now my privilege to fly down to San Antonio on Tuesday and be of any assistance to Beth during this time. I get to begin this next journey knowing that I have been filled to be emptied with the heritage of those who fear, revere, honor, and love God.
Heritage-Valued objects and qualities that have been passed down from previous generations.
Shortly before I left for Belgium in June I attended the funeral of Debbie Holbrook, my dear friend Katherine's aunt and family friend. I never knew her personally but I was so encouraged by the words her friends and family shared about her and the selfless lifestyle she lived. Many spoke about what a great listener she always was and I remember returning home pondering how I could become a better listener of people and of God.
In the months leading up to Belgium I was able to spend some time caring for JoAnne Cook, our late pastor Mike Cook's wife before she moved to be with her son in California. I had known her my entire life but was able to know her on a deeper level through those times. Although her body seemed weak and frail, her prayers were strong, and in those times when I thought I was caring for her she was caring for me by installing in me portions of her spiritual strength.
And then I went on to Belgium and spent three months with Rebecca Petrie learning from her daily what it was like to be thankful in all things and to have a joyful spirit in all circumstances. Most of my past blog posts have been about that time and the treasures I received through serving there.
Today I attended the memorial service for Milly Dawson, mother of my "Aunt" Tacee and wife of the late pastor Frank Dawson. Aunt Tacee has a way of adopting every young girl in church, and I am privileged to be included as one of her girls. Aunt Tacee spent the past years caring for her parents. In spending time with her I got to know Milly. I remember sitting on the porch with Katherine Holbrook listening as Milly told stories from her childhood and about raising her family. At her memorial service her friends and family spoke of how grateful she always was and how she chose to be thankful even for the difficult things in life.
When I think about the word heritage I think of the incredible spiritual heritage these women have given and are still giving to each generation. I feel incredibly privileged to have been able to receive in various amounts their spiritual heritage either directly or trickled down through those who knew them better. It is the heritage of their lives spent in service towards others and in gratitude of God's goodness that propels me forward to live out a lifestyle of gratitude and service.
This is why I am so very thankful to have the freedom and opportunity to now serve Thomas and Beth Hernandez in San Antonio, Texas. I met Thomas and Beth at a young adult's conference in 2009 and I was instantly inspired by their contagious love for people and love for God. While I was still in Belgium I received news that Beth had been in what was described as a "freak accident" and had broken her back losing mobility in her legs. You can follow her story at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/bethhernandez/mystory. It is now my privilege to fly down to San Antonio on Tuesday and be of any assistance to Beth during this time. I get to begin this next journey knowing that I have been filled to be emptied with the heritage of those who fear, revere, honor, and love God.
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