Devotional – Page 215 – The Prayer Link

Sunday

“I have called upon You, for You will hear me, O God;

incline Your ear to me, and hear my speech.”

~Psalm 17:6~

Chapmans

Deloy faced the night with peace of God and comfort of friends. You may send cards in care of this address.

c/o Amite Baptist Church

7100 Amite Church Road

Denham Springs, LA 70726

Maggie Lee Henson

Saturday, August 1, 2009 7:51 PM, CDT

Hey friends-
Another difficult day for MLH. She continues to struggle with blood pressure stability.

The good news? Her cholesterol accodently got checked last night and that is good news:). Honestly, our precious girl is still in very critical condition and could use your prayers.
God is so good to surround us with so many of your prayers and concerns.
Graciously yours
Jin

Sunday, August 2, 2009 2:35 AM, CDT

Aug. 2
Sun am
Shift change- John is in the hospital chair-bed and I am not, yet my thoughts remain in room #7.
Friday Night instead of the surprise 40th Birthday Party I had planned for John, we were here at Batson Hospital celebrating Maggie Lee’s move to her own room in the pccu.
Life is so bizarre that way.
Like her twin cousin, Madeline, I, too want to think that this has all been some crazy dream. In my dreams, now, are the only time when I hear her booming voice and see her laugh, dance, dream or fly.
For now, we wait. And pray. And trust in God’s very rich love for us and her.
-jin

Dukes

Saturday, August 1, 2009 8:56 PM, EDT

Low on salt

My mom always has been considered encouraging and she has always changed an encounter or relationship with whomever she is connected to. She seasons, she preserves, she protects, she changes (as in melting ice), and she balances all those she has touched.

Today she was low on salt, salt is what keeps the fluid balanced in our body. It allows water to be held or released in our body. I did not do well on renal in med school, more than half the class failed that area, but i do remember that brother.

Today my mom had a day like last wednesday week. This means wednesday before last if you are not from Ms. She appeared to be seizing, to be lethargic, not responding to questions. Her sodium was low and a CT scan showed a fluid shift in her brain, and they have given her a concentrated sodium drip. Much like she gave all she touched. She is as much of a changing force as concentrated salt. May God himself protect her and provide healing for her and balance of her electrolytes.

She has 3 more weeks of antibiotics. Then hopefully we will be able to get the skull cap on and potentially a wound flap for the decubitus.

My awesome writer brother, whose book should be out in september, scanned out some snf’s in the orlando area. One is close to mom and dad’s home and dad’s work and the BIRC gave them a huge recommendation, and jase agreed that it is awesome. I am sure he will write in his post next week about with descriptive terms and flowery words, so i won’t steal his Thunder.

Dad is doing well and is holding out hope and positivity through this horrendous journey of realistic feeling and humanistic thought. Did Jason just channel me? Whoa. Anyway I digress.

Despite mom’s tough day I am glad to spend time with her and bring her sister to see her this weekend. My family came with me as well, which I know dad has enjoyed.

Please keep praying for us. For peace that passes understanding, for patience to wait on our unimaginable heavenly Father, and for positive hope to endure this journey that has been brought upon us by the world of havoc.

I would echo my dad’s words that we have a loving and merciful God who is not surprised by anything and will calm the storm or carry us through this storm and the ones to come. Praise the King!!

Thanks for journeying with us and continuing to lift us up to Him. erik.

Wall, Mrs. Paula Jean Shaw

Graveside service at the Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, at 2 p.m.

David Welch

A resident of Baton Rouge and a native of Mendenhall, Miss., he died Friday, July 31,

2009. Visitation at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd., on Monday, Aug. 3,

from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitation resumes on Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 9 a.m. until religious

services at noon in the funeral home chapel. Services will be conducted by the Rev.

Don Perkins and assisted by the Rev. Don Hoy. Interment in Greenoaks Memorial

Park. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II; worked at Ethyl Corp. for 20 years;

and retired from Carville where he was chief orthotist. He was employed at National

Hansen Disease Center at Oschner Hospital. He is survived by two children, Gwen

Starks and husband Roger Starks, and Kathryn Hatcher; three grandchildren, Janece

Collins and husband Troy Collins, Rachel Hatcher and Jonathan Starks; and a sister,

Patsy Dreher. Preceded in death by a daughter, Barbara Ann Welch; wife, Wincie Mae

Pippin Welch; parents, Ernest Welch and Louvenia Welch; brother, Lonnie Welch;

sisters, Bobbie Sanchez and Johnnie Bennett. Pallbearers will be Troy Collins, Andy

Dreher, Dickie Sanchez, David Jewell, Ronald Pippin, Delmar Gene Pippin, Richard

Sanchez and Scott Rankin. He will be dearly missed by many friends, patients and

loved ones.

Hardship

DIANA ROSS MCCAIN wrote an insightful article entitled, “The Hardships of Worship…”

In it she described what it was like to worship in a Connecticut church meetinghouse some two-hundred plus years ago. She observed:

“There was no fireplace, no stove, no significant heat source of any kind. Half-frozen men, women, and children, bundled up in their heaviest garments, hunched into themselves to conserve precious body heat and peered through clouds of condensation formed by their breath. In the pulpit the minister himself might be preaching clad in a greatcoat and mittens. At times it got so cold the Lord’s Supper froze… Comfort was not a primary consideration of those who constructed early Connecticut meetinghouses. Here one came every Sunday to attend to the serious business of hearing the word of God and how it might be applied to daily life. And that solemn duty was to be carried out no matter what weather it pleased the Almighty to provide.”

Wouldn’t it be interesting to some day note the following add in the local newspaper…, “Come worship with us. Our building is cold in the winter; hot in the summer. We use neither heat nor air conditioning. Our pews are not padded. We meet not for physical comfort, but spiritual worship. You are cordially invited.”

Now, what was it your were saying about the thermostat…? (Mike Benson)

“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:23-24).

Posted by Mike Benson

David and I have worshiped in a Roma (Gypsy) church in Romania where it was so cold there were icicles on the inside of the windows and one man fed the heater pieces of wood all during the two hour service. We kept coats and gloves on the entire time. I can’t say it was the most comfortable service I was ever in, but it taught me a lesson about how much people sometimes endure just to worship each week.

Today, I hope you worship in God’s house, comfortable or not!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“Your true life is not made up of the things you own,

no matter how rich you may be.”

~Luke 12:15 TEV~

Chapman Progress and Prayer Needs

Emma – Ability and desire to eat, lungs, skull fracture

Ann – Waiting for custom brace, sitting up with halo, shoulder

Krisa – Home today using a walker

Quincy – Disoriented

Deloy – Got to sleep in a hospital guest room last night thanks to a friend staying with Emma

Dukes

Another Week

In a couple of days this experience will be four months old. If I had looked at this ahead of time, I would not have thought we could make it four months. However, with the help of a loving, gracious God who has made himself known to us in some unique ways, the love of a family that has been the mainstay of our support, and the support and prayer of thousands of friends, we are here and looking ahead to whatever the future holds.

This week has been, well, a week. I was able to make a visit home to Orlando for some meetings. All went well. When I went through the security at the airport, all the metal in my elbow and legs did not even cause a stir in the machine. It was as quiet as a mouse in both New Orleans and in Orlando. Thanks to all of you for your prayers. It was great to see some good friends I have not seen since the accident and to get some things accomplishe

d that have been pending for a while.

When I left here Tuesday, I felt Retia was making some wonderful improvements. We had gotten her off some of the medicine that seemed to cause her confusion. However, when I got back, I realized that she had not made as much progress as I thought. We will likely have to return her to both the medications because of other problems that hinder her therapy and her recovery.

In addition, I also discovered today that she has two new infections. The doctor (logically) will not operate on her head as long as she has any infection. As you know, we have been battling infections for months. I am not sure what these are or how they will affect her, but I do know that they will hinder the surgery to protect the bedsore and the surgery to replace the skull cap. We are probably looking at least at three more weeks before getting a date for the surgery. That means at least another month or more in New Orleans.

As you might guess, that is a big disappointment. We were looking forward to getting home in a couple of weeks or so.

I do not blame God for this situation. I believe it is the consequence of a broken world in which a person made a wrong choice or maybe several. We have been caught up in those consequences.

I believe God can overcome these infections in an instant. I also believe he can bring Retia back to her full health in every respect in an instant.

But I also realize he may not. And I pray my trust in him will not wax or wane based on the perceptions I have of his choice.

I believe he has given us the wonderful privilege of prayer. Through this wonderful gift we have the right granted by him to ask him anything our heart desires. But while we have the freedom to ask what we will, I do not believe he has given any of us tools to manipulate him into doing what we ask him to do.

Every once in a while I hear someone say, “Prayer is powerful.” I do not believe that. I believe it is God who is powerful. Prayer is communication. We talk to him and express the desires of our heart. He already knows both what we desire and what we need. He acts in power to work out his purpose and bring glory to himself. That is the right thing to do.

He is busy working out his purpose, and as he works it out, he will do what is right for him and what brings him glory. If it is right for him, it must be right for us. We do not always understand his choices or his actions, but we can trust him to take care of us in every way.

I do trust him. I trust Retia to him. I will continue to pray for her healing, and I am grateful that there are many of you who will do the same. Pray for whatever you desire for her. But pray as though it were Jesus praying. If we seek to have the mind of Christ in our praying, we will be closer to praying for the will of the Father to be done. As Kingdom citizens we want his will to be done on earth just like it is done in heaven.

We can make outrageous requests of him knowing that he, in his outrageous love, will give us what is best for him and us.

I told someone in the early weeks of this experience that we do not know how this will come out. I still do not know. But as it was then, it is now. He will walk with us through all of it. We can still trust him whether he chooses to still the storm or take us through the waves.

Join us both in lifting Retia up to him and in trusting him to be God.

blessings
jdukes

Maggie Lee Henson

Friday, July 31, 2009 7:32 PM, CDT

Glad to be in our own room. Dr.s think lung may be source of temperature. Not sure about that.
Blood pressure hanging in there.
Thx or praying.
love

jin

Saturday, August 1, 2009 12:41 AM, CDT

It is about time for me to switch out with Jinny. Maggie Lee is resting comfortably in her new room, not having much acitivity with her BP and having her temperature down with the help of the cooling blanket (I’m thinking of taking one of those home with me, by the way).

It is nice to be in a room(thanks, Dr. Christ–yes, that’s her name), though we are still in PCCU and still needing constant attention and monitoring. Maggie Lee is as frail as before moving in here and still in need of constant prayer.

I’m so thankful for the nursing staff here. Jinny mentioned the way nurses Lindsey and Stacy stepped in to set up the room with cards and pictures, going beyond the call of duty. They also wore Concierge hats when they helped us find a good local restaraunt for dinner tonight. And then tonight, when I stepped out to get a cup of coffee, I returned to find my chair/bed pulled out with covers drawn back and a peppermint on my pillow. Thanks, nurse Kim! What love and care they give not only to patients but to their parents as well.

We are finding more conduits of God’s love each day.

Lord, may You bless Maggie Lee with Your healing touch as she rests tonight. May she know of Your amazing love for her, especially as provided by loving nurses, doctors and through the prayers of Your people. Amen.

I think I missed posting this obituary. Sorry. My life has been very busy this summer!

Cleon Thomas Hutchinson, Jr.
(October 31, 1933 – July 28, 2009)

Died on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 at his residence in Greensburg, LA. He was a native and resident of Greensburg, LA. Age 75 years. He was a U. S. Army Veteran of Korean Conflict and received a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture from Southeastern Louisiana University. Visitation at Greensburg United Methodist Church, Greensburg, from 1 p.m. on Thursday until religious services at 4 p.m. Thursday. Services conducted by Rev. LaMarylis Cotten and Rev. Kevin Smith. Interment Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg. Survived by sister, Doris H. Travis and her husband, Billy, nephew, Terry Travis and his wife, Dell, nieces, Betty T. Day and her husband, Lynn, Marilyn T. Taylor and her husband, Randy, great-nieces and great-nephews, Melissa Day, Travis Day and his wife, Grace, Brantley Taylor and his wife, Brandi, Ryan Travis and his wife, Beth, Anna T. Bullinger and her husband, Trey, Courtney D. Passman and her husband, Michael, Brent Travis and his wife, Holly, Angela Kimball and her husband, Paul, great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews, Blase River Taylor, Emma Day, Bella Taylor, George Taylor Bullinger, Michael Charles Passman II, John Travis Day, Sean Capella, Reagan Kimball. Preceded in death by parents, Cleon T. Hutchinson, Sr. and Mattie Smith Hutchinson. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Greensburg United Methodist Church. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

Please continue to pray for the Welch families.

KneEmail

Conductor

PEOPLE OFTEN PAY high prices because of one man in the concert: the conductor…

He enters to the applause of the audience. A hundred instruments are poised by a hundred tense musicians. Each player is prepared to make a special kind of musical response to his beat; each section will produce melodic lines and rhythmic patterns different from the others. It is the conductor who will weave all the differences together and insure that the orchestra keeps faith with thecomposer’s intentions. He will establish a standard tempo and a standard volume. He will bring out the solo parts, insuring that the orchestra colors the background in just the right musical hues so that the soloist reaches the anticipated excellence. Without the conductor, the finest musicians and the most expensive instruments produce only inartistic chaos.

Like the orchestra, a family needs someone to set the tempo. When the tempo has been set and the soloist steps into the spotlight, the conductor gives him opportunity to perform; so does the father. Without an effective father, a family struggles (Gordon McDonald).

“Every day Mordecai walked in front of the harem

to learn how Esther was and how she fared”

(Esther 2:11).

“Now Esther had not made known her people,

as Mordecai had charged her;

for Esther obeyed Mordecai just as when she was brought up by him”

(Esther 2:20).

Posted by Mike Benson

Have a wonderful Saturday. Take time to pray for the needs listed here today. Thank God for all His blessings in these situations and many others.

Anna Lee

Friday

“In my distress I called upon the Lord,

and cried out to my God;

He heard my voice from His temple,

and my cry came before Him,

even to His ears.”

~Psalm 18:6~

Chapmans

Thank God for each person, friend or stranger, who has ministered to the family at the scene of the wreck or at the hospital. Pray for of the Chapman family as they progress through the hospital stays and recovery time. Please continue to pray for Deloy as he struggles with four family members injured in the wreck Wednesday night. Especially pray for “Miss” Ann and Emma, the ones who had the most serious injuries. Thank God Emma is now awake! Especially pray for one of her lungs that isn’t functioning.

Maggie Lee Henson

Thursday, July 30, 2009 9:11 PM, CDT

Good evening friends-
Today was a day of active waiting for us. Active as every nurse who attends to the myriad of needs ml has and cannot meet herself spends a 12 hour shift in perpetual motion.

Today Lindsey took on the monumental and loving task of washing ml’s hair. I braided it Pippi Longstocking style. She is just so beautiful.
We still wait for the sedative depths to wear off. And we pray to a very faithful God whom we trust with all of our hearts.
We are well aware that time wounds all heels and that none of us are exempt from heartache. As I grasp my precious daughters left hand in mine this night I am awed by gratitude that God thinks enough of me to let me be her Mom.

KOMpray

Kids on Mission Pray

Arts and crafts

Jennifer and Caroline live and work in Portugal. They have been praying about how to meet their neighbors and share Jesus with them. They love art, so decided to use their God-given talents to host a monthly arts and crafts day for children in local parks.

Every art project will teach a Christian story or help the children understand more about how to live like Jesus did—He was kind and joyful and taught others to love God the Father.

Let’s all pray for Jennifer and Caroline that God will help them be very creative and find fun crafts to teach. Jesus says, “Listen! I stand at the door and knock” (Rev. 3:20a, HCSB). Pray that Jesus will knock on the heart’s door of Portuguese children and their parents and that they will ask Jesus to come in.

Prayer Requests from Missionary Kids

My name is Wil. I am 1 and half. Last month I asked prayer for me as my mom and dad started langauge school and were looking for me a babysitter. We did get a new babysitter just in time, and she is great! I like to roll the ball to her. Our whole family is so thankful that God provided a nice lady to watch me and my big sister. Thanks for praying for me last month God is good to give our family what we need. WIL, age 18 months (European peoples)

Please pray for my friend so she can pray to Jesus. LEAH, age 6 (Southeast Asian peoples)

Right now I’m having problems with one of my best friends. He and I have been friends since age 5. Right now we are really not getting along, so I just ask that you pray for me and my friend. PETER, age 13 (East Asian Peoples)

I go to an International School where there are a lot of people of different religions. Please pray that these kids will come to know Jesus like we do. Also pray for my brother. His best friend just recently began to swear and hang out with some really bad kids. JASMINE, age 12 (Sub-Saharan African peoples)

Please pray for the poor. ANDREW, age 6 (Southeast Asian peoples)

Please pray for me that I may learn more Chinese so I can talk more fluently. I also would like for you to pray that I may grow in my faith in God. COLLIN, age 12 (East Asian People)

Please pray for the people who worship another god. They speak Spanish. They are deaf, and very poor. KAYLEE, age 7 (American peoples)

Please pray for my family’s safety. There is much crime. Pray that the computer hackers will lose our information and stay away from us. Pray for the churches we are working with. Let them realize that young people can accept Christ and can take part in the Lord’s Supper. Pray that they will understand that all things are possible. CHRISTA, age 11 (Sub-Saharan African peoples)

Mission Action

This is a new section for KOMpray.

There are many ways to “do missions.” Click here (http://kidsonmission.org/prayer/details.asp?StoryID=7684&LanguageID=1709) for some examples.

Baptist Press

July 30, 2009

WASHINGTON–A low estimate? At least 13 million abortions a year in China. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30984

SOUTH KOREA–Christians arrested, one executed in North Korea, activists claim. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30985

NEW YORK–Nurse sues hospital for coercion in abortion. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30986

NEW YORK–‘City Uprising’ blitzes NYC with service projects. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30987

TENNESSEE–One tomato at a time, church helps change community. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30988

WASHINGTON–FIRST-PERSON (Penna Dexter): Don’t weaken ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30989

KneEmail

Affirming

IN HIS LITTLE book Fully Human, Fully Alive, author John Powell relates an experience which happened to a friend while he was vacationing in the Bahamas…

The friend was sightseeing when he noticed a crowd gathered toward the end of a pier. He walked down to investigate the commotion. Powell says:

“…he discovered that the object of all the attention was a young man making the last making the last-minute preparations for a solo journey around the world in a homemade boat. Without exception everyone on the pier was pessimistic. All were actively volunteering to tell the ambitious sailor all the things that could possibly go wrong. “The sun will BROIL you!” “You won’t have enough food.” “That boat of yours won’t withstand the waves in a storm.” “You’ll never make it.”

When my friend heard all these discouraging warnings to the adverturous young man, he felt an irresistible desire to offer some optimism and encouraragement. As the little craft began drifting away from theh pier towards the horizon, my friend went to the end of the pier, waving both arms wildly like semaphores spelling confidence. He kept shouting: “BON VOYAGE! You’re really something! We’re wtih you! We’re proud of you!”

How much could be accomplished if there were more brave souls on the end of the pier smiling and affirming? (Charles Swindoll)

“But exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,”

lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”

Hebrews 3:13 ESV

Posted by Mike Benson at July 29, 2009

As always, you prayers are greatly appreciated for those mentioned here and for those who have prayer needs, but are not listed here. Thanks for praying!

Anna Lee

Thursday

“I go east, but He is not there.

I go west, but I cannot find Him.

I do not see Him in the north, for He is hidden.

I turn to the south, but I cannot find Him.

But He knows where I am going.”

~Job 23:8-10 NLT~

Chapmans

Mr. and Mrs. Quincy Chapman, daughter-in-law, Krista, and granddaughter, Emma were involved in a wreck. Here’s two updates.

His (Deloy’s) wife, mom, dad, and daughter Emma were in an accident. All are stable but please continue to pray. Emma has gotten the worst of it and does have serious but treatable injuries.

Mr. Quincy Chapman has a broken tailbone, but other than that doing well. Mrs. Ann Chapman has a broken ankle, multiple ribs, collar bone and 3 vertebrae. She is talking but in a lot of pain. Krisa has a small tear on one kidney and an abrasion on her head and Emma has a bruised lung, small tear in her spleen and a skull fracture. Please keep praying for them.

There was another person in the car as well. A little friend named Chelsea. She is doing well. She has a bruised lung and spleen. Just talked and prayed with her a little while ago and she was wide awake and cracking jokes… man, kids are pretty tough. Keep lifting them all up in prayer.

Dukes

< plateau. >
I honestly can’t remember ever seeing one, except on Road Runner cartoons. I bet they’re pretty to see. For a few years now, it’s been the buzz word for statisticia

ns who study church culture and report about the leveling of and decline of “churches.” Not what you want your church or business described as. It’s not pretty when it’s associated with your mom, though, and it’s definitely not what I want her to be described as, either, especially in the context of having a brain injury.

No doctor has said Mom is plateauing. I am not even saying it. This is way too long of a journey with much further to go to be saying that Mom has plateaued. But if I am honest, I will tell you it feels like she has, at least at this time. She may “incline” again, but right now it feels like she is at a leveling off point.

She is not lucid about as much as she is lucid. One minute, she is asking me about my kids, the next minute she is asking me to move one of them so he won’t get hurt there in the room (even though they are 10 hours away). One minute, she is convincing me that she is at Erik’s house. The next minute, she is convinced that she is in Kenner, LA in a hospital.

I am not having a pity party. I am not crying woe is me. I am not in need of a really long hug, even though I never mind hugs (I am definitely a hugger). I am just being transparent – it really is difficult to see Mom like this. I know I haven’t lost Mom literally, but in a sense it feels like I have. Maybe it is just the medicine, and it will be different one day. Maybe this is just a season of plateau, and God will continue to show miracles to us. I am all for that. And I am in this for the long haul. All the while, I am trying to stay focused and positive. But it’s not easy.

I had lunch with my iPhone at McAlister’s Deli two days ago. A grandmother and her granddaughter (about my Katey’s age) walked in and sat at the table next to me. I made the little girl smile, but inside I was not smiling. This is what that bleepin driver took away from my Mom. I am not consumed with my anger, and I am not embittered toward him. He made a mistake. I forgive him, truly. I am just still dealing with the consequence. A plateaued Mom who likely will never enjoy Katey’s company to the grocery store or for ice cream or for hot chocolate the same again. That is hard to swallow.

What continues to amaze me is the nearness of God’s love. This week, I saw it most in Tracey. She is a very sweet and very compassionate woman who cleans the rooms at the hospital where Mom is. She heard about Mom and Dad from her prayer chain with her church family. She had no idea she was cleaning Mom’s room, the woman she was praying for almost everyday, until she made the connection after seeing some pictures on this website. Here’s what most demonstrates that Tracey loves fully and serves wholeheartedly no matter what – she cleans Mom’s room in the same wonderful way as she did before she made the connection. No better or worse. The same, which indicates that Tracey does everything that her hand finds to do as though she serves the Lord and not the praises of men.

Thanks, Tracey, for praying for Mom and Dad before you even knew you were serving them. That means so much. Your heart for love and service inspires me.

And thanks to all of you for your continued prayer and support. It has not plateaued. Please pray for Mom’s infections to clear and her skull cap to be replaced within the next two weeks. We are hopeful.

I love my Mom and Dad. Pray for Dad to have fruitful meetings. He flew to Orlando this week for the first time since the accident for some meetings he needed to be at. I know it wasn’t easy walking back into the house without Mom. Please continue to pray for his “heart” to be steady and perseverant.

Love y’all. We’ll post at you later.
-jason

Maggie Lee Henson

Wednesday, July 29, 2009 3:04 AM, CDT

Maggie Lee’s blood pressure has been up and down all night and this morning. We want it to be at least 70, but not too high either. The doctor and nurses are tweaking for a good balance.

There is quite a storm brewing outside the window at this moment, with thunder rolling and shaking and lightning illuminating and flashing. It seems to come as a reminder that God is still God and full of power and electricity.

God, You are Creator, Sustainer, Provider, Savior and Healer. May Your divine electricity flow through these doctors, nurses, arterial lines and prayers and into Maggie Lee today. Amen.

–John

Wednesday, July 29, 2009 7:01 PM, CDT

Long day at batson.MLs first day being weened off of heavy sedation. No cartwheels yet. Thanks shawna and sharon for diverting jack!

Thursday, July 30, 2009 6:33 AM, CDT

Good morning, friends-
Ml had a decent night last night w one of her terrific nurses, Kim.Jack won 2 stuffed animals for her yesterday, so those are definately keeping her company today.
Pls continue to pray. We definately are carried by The Lord via all of your encourageme

nt.
This indeed has been our worst nightmare yet we are kept in the profound peace of Christ constantly. Thank you, Lord, for your presence.
Love
Jin

One of the members of FBC, Kentwood who was in Mexico on the mission trip said the level of poverty was overwhelming and considered it an honor and privilege to be a small part of good things going on in Toluca, Mexico and is already planning to stay longer next time.

KneEmail

The following devotional seems most appropriate in light of the prayer needs today. Please pray and do your part to “hold a hand” after you read the devotional.

Encouragement

YEARS AGO AN experiment was conducted to measure people’s capacity to endure pain…

How long could a bare-footed person stand in a bucket of ice water? It was discovered that when there was someone else present offering encouragment and support, the person standing in the ice water could tolerate paiin twice as long as when no one else was present. (John C. Maxwell, Encouragement Changes Everything, 25)

Could it also be the case that elders could serve twice as long, preachers could work twice as long, and members could be faithful twice as long, if they had someone holding their hands and encouraging them? I believe that this is the case. As you know, the book of Hebrews was written to those who were discouraged and in danger of falling away. The inspired writer of this book often exhorted brethren to encourage one another (Hebrews 3:13; 10: 24-25). In the twelfth chapter, we read these words, “Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees” (v. 12). (Wade Webster)

“But Moses’ hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.” Exodus 17:12

Posted by Mike Benson

Be that encouragement someone needs today!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Yours, O LORD, is the greatness,

the power and the glory,

the victory and the majesty;

for all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours;

Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and You are exalted as head over all.”

~I Chronicles 29:11~

Mrs. Nadine Council is home and progressing after her hip surgery and rehab in Baton Rouge. Pray for her continued healing and progress in getting around again.

Kathy Jo Thompson has been undergoing tests to determine her recent problem. So far, all the tests have come back with good results. Maybe…it was medication.

Maggie Lee Henson and her family need our continued prayers as she is brought out of the coma,

Tuesday, July 28, 2009 12:45 PM, CDT

Dr.s believe the icp is as stable as it can get, are now beginning to peel off the layers of deep sedation she is under. Predicting it will take a week. Thx for your prayers as always and please continue!

Tuesday, July 28, 2009 5:02 PM, CDT

Maggie Lee has been doing pretty well today. She seems to be adjusting to her body temperature coming up closer to normal and to the decrease in the aggressive treatment of her ICP. We remain confident in the care and minute-by-minute attention she is getting from the extraordinary staff of doctors and nurses. More than that, we remain confident in the One who gives them skill and wisdom for such a time as this.

How to pray right now:

pray for to adjust to the “peeling back” of some of the layers of sedation
pray in thanks for her good blood pressure today
you can continue to pray for her brain pressure to be at a safe level

I’m still praying with Jairus, looking for Jesus to lay hands on our daughter for healing and life.

–John

Baptist Press
July 28, 2009

WASHINGTON–ERLC urges ‘no’ vote, but Senate panel OKs Sotomayor. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30973

TENNESSEE–Families opt for Internet over food, family time? http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30974

ARKANSAS–Great Commission, not ‘old wars’ focus of task force, chairman says. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30975

VIRGINIA–Slain missionary’s widow retires with forgiveness in her heart. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30976

NEW MEXICO–Glorieta camps: ‘undiscovered treasure.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30977

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Steve Lemke): Michael Jackson & Mrs. Burns. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30978

KneEmail

Jacket

IN 1995, OUTSIDE THE Bulgarian Embassy in Washington, D.C., the son of a former embassy employee lost his life…

Walking with his friends, he was confronted by muggers. Apparently, however, his murder could have been avoided. The thieves only wanted his jacket, but he resisted and fought until one of the agitated criminals killed him.

I wonder what was so special about that jacket? What made it worth a human life to its owner–its age, design, brand, or material? Why didn’t he just give it up? It seems to have meant too much to him.

Lots wife gave up her life for a single glance back at Sodom.
Korah gave up his life for a run at power.
Achan gave up his life for a few items of clothing and a little wealth.
Samson gave up his life for relief from the nagging of a wicked woman.
Absalom gave up his life for a seat on a throne.
Abab gave up his life for a grape vineyard.
Haman gave up his life for a bow from Mordecai.
Judas gave us his life for approximately $30.
Ananias and Sapphira gave up their lives for an infinitesimal percent of the world’s riches. (Neal Pollard)

“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world,

and loses his own soul?”

~Mark 8:36~

Posted by Mike Benson

Count your blessings today!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble;

You will prepare their heart;

You will cause Your ear to hear.”

~Psalm 10:17~

Sarabeth Simpson’s Good Report

We went to get her hearing checked out and the doctor told us nothing is wrong. She also thinks that her speach will clear up when she starts school. We will go back in 6 months just for a check up to make sure everything is still good.

Thanks,
Marty & Gretchen Simpson

Mrs. Barbara Erwin said her hip problem is doing better. Pray this continues so another surgery will not be necessary.

Maggie Lee Henson

Monday, July 27, 2009 10:11 PM, CDT

This has been another tough day. Maggie Lee continues to battle the brain pressure. The steps of progress we were seeing with it are not as frequent any more as the current treatment for the pressure is losing its lowering effect. The damage that the current agressive treatment can have on the rest of her body after two weeks is of great concern to the doctors, whom we met with today to assess the situation now that we are in week 3. We are working with them about next steps in the plan of care. Thank you for your continued prayers. We continue to be in awe of the wide-ranging support and love we are made aware of by letter, post, card, phone call, text message, tweets, and personal visits.

–John

From Caring Bridge – after 2 weeks

132,510 VISITS FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Pray for the FBC, Amite mission team that is already in Mexico and the group going today. Pray they are able to touch many hearts and lives this week.

KneEmail

Storm

JESUS TOLD THE twelve to get into a boat on the Sea of Galilee…

As they started across the sea, everything was smooth and calm, and Jesus went to sleep. Suddenly a huge wind blasted on the sea and the boat began to be swamped with water. They awakened Jesus in great fear and said, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” (v. 24). They believed they were going to die right there on the water. Jesus woke up and told the wind and water to be still, and instantly the sea was as smooth as glass. At this point Jesus turned to the disciples and asked, “Where is your faith?” (v. 25). The disciples were now terrified, not of the storm that had stopped, but of the One who stopped the storm.

Why were they suddenly afraid? They had already witnessed so much power from Jesus. What was different on this occasion? The difference was that is was their storm. They were the ones in the boat this time. It was their lives on the line. They knew Jesus could take of the storms in someone else’s life, but it was an entirely different issue when it was personal. People tend to do this all the time. Spiritual lives are destroyed because of the storm of family problems, or the storm of past sin, or the storm of sickness, or the storm of money troubles, ad infinitum. It is easy to tell someone else that they need to trust God to take care of them, but what about when it is my boat that is sinking? What do we do?

If Jesus is with you, outside influences cannot enslave you, nor can they sink your boat (Rom. 8:31-39). Outside influences cannot take away eternity as long as you weather the storm. They may make life more difficult here, but they will not defeat you unless you allow them to do so. Jesus Himself suffered more than any of us, yet He was victorious because His focus was on God’s eternal plan, not the immediate storm of life. The next time you are facing a storm, remember that He needs to be in the boat first, and then you will be successful in weathering whatever storm you are facing. (Terry Frizzell)

“But He said to them, ‘Where is your faith?’

And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another,

‘Who can this be?’

For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!”

~Luke 8:25~

Posted by Mike Benson

Thank-you for praying. You prayers mean so much to so many.

Anna Lee

Sunday

“Sing praises to the Lord, who dwells in Zion!

Declare His deeds among the people.”

~Psalm 9:11~

Pray for Micah and Sarabeth Simpson.

We go take Micah Friday morning for his appointment in New Orleans at Children’s Hospital.

Tomorrow we take Sarabeth to get her hearing checked out and Thursday, we go get her eyes checked out.

Thanks,
Marty & Gretchen

Please continue to pray for Jenny Stegall and her family. Also, please continue to pray for Chuck Pittman and his family.

Maggie Lee Henson

Sunday, July 26, 2009 6:12 AM, CDT

Long night. Ml needed her 3 per cent about every hour-hour and a half last night and her blood pressure wasn’t as strong as the day before, unfortunate

ly.
Thx for the prayers. I know God hears and answers. Please do not be discouraged.
Love u!

Sunday, July 26, 2009 9:15 AM, CDT

I’m back at the bedside this morning, feeling the rollercoast

er again as Maggie Lee is still fighting the pressure (high 30’s). She is currently maxed out on the sodium due to the high amounts needed through the night/early morning. We were making a step forward yesterday and are in that “two steps back” right now. I am confident of another step forward soon. And I’m comforted to know that people will be gathering in churches today, saying Maggie Lee’s name and needs in their prayers. Today at 10:20 am marks two weeks of this fight.

John

Sunday, July 26, 2009 5:32 PM, CDT

Do not be afraid, only believe- mark 5:36
ML’s vent was poked down 2 more points today which means she is that much less dependent upon it.

Please pray as always for that icp to come down from her head. Please keep the prayers coming. MLH

Monday, July 27, 2009 1:41 AM, CDT

I just arrived at the hospital and switched out with Jinny’s mom, aka “Mimi”. Maggie Lee is doing much better than yesterday, with ICP currently at 29 and CPP at 74.

I’m praying that this is that step forward again and that we will gain further ground toward getting past all of this swelling.

God, may Maggie Lee’s swelling break tonight and go the other direction for a while, for good actually. May You touch her brain with your divine healing power and mercy. All of this in name of the one who walked this earth distributing freely such power, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

–John

PS: For those interested in all things lizard, Jack named his gecko “Leo.” As in Maggie Leo.

Monday, July 27, 2009 2:14 AM, CDT

Corrie Cross from KTBS Shreveport did a story on Maggie Lee last night’s 6 and 10 news. You can find it here. (http://www.ktbs.com/news/praying-for-a-miracle1)

James Earlo “Jimmy” Levatino, Sr.

(August 24, 1949 – July 26, 2009)

U.S. Veteran Passed away at 12:30 a.m. on July 26, 2009 peacefully in his sleep at Harvest Manor in Denham Springs, LA at the age of 59 years. He was a native of Amite, LA, a former resident of Baton Rouge, LA and a current resident of Mobile, AL. He was a U.S.A.F. veteran of Vietnam and later retired from Dillard’s Department Store where he worked as a Visual Merchandiser. Jimmy was a kind, considerate, caring, gentle man and will be greatly missed by his family and many, many friends. He is survived by his son, James E. “Jimmy” Levatino, Jr.; parents, Joseph Earlo and Irma Ruth Bennett Levatino; 2 brothers, Jerry L. Levatino and his wife, Lynda, and Kenneth W. “Kenny” Levatino; granddaughter, Kaylee Nicole Levatino Battaglia; 2 nieces, Jenny Marie Levatino and Leanna Grace Levatino; 2 nephews, Steven Paul Levatino and Nathan Joseph Levatino. Preceded in death by his grandparents, Sam and Idell Levatino and E.H. and Mattie Dillon Bennett. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 8 a..m. on Tuesday until religious services at 11 a.m. Tuesday. Interment Pine Hill Cemetery, Arcola, LA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Life Source Hospice, 3049 S. Sherwood Forrest Blvd., Suite 100, Baton Rouge, LA 70816.

KneEmail

Tools

tool belt.jpg THE CARPENTER’S TOOLS had a meeting…

Brother Hammer served as the chairman. The other members of the tool belt inform him that he must leave, because he was too noisy. But brother Hammer said, “If I have to leave this carpenter’s shop, then brother Gimlet must go too. He’s insignificant and makes a very small impression.” (A gimlet is a small tool with a screw point, grooved shank, and a cross handle for boring holes).

Little brother Gimlet arose and said, “All right, but brother Screwdriver must go also. You have to turn him around and around to get anywhere with him.”

Brother Screwdriver turned to the other tools in the belt and said, “If you wish, I will go, but brother Plane must leave too. All of his work is on the surface; there’s no depth to what he does.”

To this brother Plane leveled his terse reply, “Well, then, brother Saw will have to depart too. The changes he proposes always cut too deep.”

Brother Saw complained, saying, “Brother Ruler will have to withdraw if I leave, for he’s always measuring other folks as though he were the only one who is right.”

Brother Ruler then surveyed the group and said, “Brother Sandpaper doesn’t belong here either. He’s rougher than he ought to be, and is always rubbing people the wrong way.”

In the midst of the discussion, the Carpenter of Nazareth walked in. He had come to perform his day’s work. He put on His tool belt and went to the workbench to make a pulpit. He employed the ruler, the saw, the plane, the hammer, the gimlet, the screwdriver, the sandpaper, and all the other tools. When the day’s work was over, the pulpit was finished, and the carpenter went home. All the accusations against each of these tools were absolutely true, yet the carpenter used every one of them. No matter which tool He use, no other tool coul have done the work better.

We are all “tools”” in Jesus’ tool box. Each of us has a purpose, ability, and a task to perform.

“For we are God’s fellow workers…”

( 1 Corinthians 3:9a; cf. 12:12ff).

Posted by Mike Benson at April 6, 2009

Have a great day!

Anna Lee

Sunday

“I remind you to keep ablaze the gift of God that is in you …

for God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness,

but one of power, love, and sound judgment.”

~2 Timothy 1:6-7, HCSB~

Greg Tanner, son of Greg and Susan Tanner, had surgery yesterday on one leg. Pray for the doctors as they determine future needs in Greg’s case. Pray for the family as they assist in caring for Greg. Pray for Greg as he endures the pain.

Maggie Lee Henson

Saturday, July 25, 2009 10:32 AM, CDT

+’, doing this on the blackberry so I can’t get this to scroll down-sorry! the lungs are resolving and they are going down on her vent pressureai not expecting her to breathe on her own bc of all of the sedation, but the co2 numbers at least show that her lungs are better. Good Saturday morning and thanks for still caring…wow it’s crazy!
I’ve seen the number of 109,000 vidits to this site…I think a few friends and family members have each visited 100 times a day, so that # may be a little skewed 🙂 We won’t burst ML’s bubble bc we all know she wanted to be famous one day. Dern it that she continues to sleep thru it!
The pediatric intensivist, Dr.Hallsrom who was here when ml came in almost 2 weeks ago came back on for the weekend. I greeted him and said,”Boy, I guess you’re shocked that we’re still here, huh?”
He smiled and said,”I am THRILLED!”
The doctors, nurses and even respiratory therapists here are so skilled and sensitive to us. They speak to maggie lee and love to see our scads of pictures, cards and hear our ML stories which we are glad to share.
Scripture is read as well as your caring bridge entries which are usually filled with God’s word, as well. His spirit is here, hoveribg around and obviously in all of us.
Her ipcs are still not as low as anyone would like.

Saturday, July 25, 2009 3:40 PM, CDT

Whew…Maggie Lee’s icp down to LOW 20’s and she went the longest she has gone thus far beween 3 per cent infusions: 3 and a half hours which is terrific. Please continue to pray this down to stability and thank you.

Saturday, July 25, 2009 7:46 PM, CDT

Hey friends-
A very good day; they took her completely off of insulin today and continue to turn the pressure down on her vent. Her icps are more stable, for sure.
Her icps have generally been higher during the night. So PLEASE PRAY PROTECTION against that tonight. John is a rock and trying to get me to stop living for every icp point which I hopefully am doing better. Last night I just tried to be in the moment with her; viewing as the gift it is and not worry about tomorrow. I only thought I was good at that…litt

le did I know.
I read the book of matthew to her last night and found a myriad of new meanings in every bit of it. The trauma of watching this unfold has given new meaning to my every breath, faith, surrender and peace. Thank you for partnering with us and please do not weary….I know this has got to be wearing you out!
Love
Jin

Sunday, July 26, 2009 1:17 AM, CDT

As Saturday ends and as the Lord’s Day begins, I want to give thanks for the incredible ways that churches have been the church to us. We have felt the hands, strength and embrace of Jesus through the body of Christ surrounding us during these days. “Where is Jesus?” some observers might ask. He is here, in his body. He has come to us with his touch in a wide variety of ways. We have experienced the presence of Christ through you in the Caringbridge notes, the Get Well cards (my favorite one is the Chihuahua in a hospital gown, with back showing), the baskets of food, the hugs in the hallway, in the giving of flowers, the visits from staff and laity from local congregations, with a roll of quarters, circles of prayer in the waiting room, offers to wash our clothes, offers of lodging and transportation, and even through tweets.

As you churches around the nation and the world gather today, may you know of how thankful we are for you and your ministry to us during this time. Jinny and I can’t imagine going through this without you. We are still in the process of listing all of the many churches who have come by or contacted us. People and staff from churches throughout the city as well as even from those out of town have been here to sit with us in our pain and to provide the comfort of Christian family. It is obvious to me that the churches in Jackson and throughout this state are not just hearers, but doers of the word. I do want to say a special thank you to Northminster Baptist here in Jackson. They have blessed us with a place to sleep each night in these last two weeks and two of their members have allowed us the use of their homes. I am in awe of their depth of their commitment to service and hospitality.

And then there is our home church, First Baptist Church of Shreveport, LA. Words alone can’t express how grateful we are for the innumerable ways you have ministered to us during this time. Even while we are far away, we feel close. You have done everything imaginable to make sure we are taken care of here and at home. While I have not been there to witness it firsthand, I am excited to hear reports of the many ways that you have come together to tend to the hurting and be a witness for Jesus through your love and action.

Thank you all for your prayers and concern. You are such a blessing to us.

John and Jinny

There have been 110,206 Caring Bridge visits from family and friends less than than two weeks! That number represents many prayers for Maggie Lee and her family!

Don Denton

Another week has gone by without posting. Now that I think of it. This is truly a good thing. I was posting every few days because of the ups and downs.

And here is why it is a good thing. Don walked outside with his cane for the first time this last week. He walked about 1/2 mile with the cane. This is a first. He has always used his walker whenever outside of the house. And again today he used his cane outside.

At home here he is not even using his cane. He has to take it slow, yes, that is what I said, he is walking without his cane some during the day.

Well, I think I should share one more good thing that happened this week. He is some less dizzy. I never thought the dizziness was going to change. It has been going on for 10 months now. This is the first time I have been able to say that and it feels really good.

He still has the dizziness but not as much as before. There is a change coming and I think I may see the end in sight. We all have so looked for the day that he would be dizzy/vertigo free. It is the “only” thing that is keeping Don from teaching. The good/bad thing, is that Don’s illness can’t compare to anything anyone has had, so it can’t even be compared to a stroke or some other illness. Meaning there is no expert that can say he is not going to get better.

The doctors all told us this would take time. And for the first time I see real change. It is taking so much longer than we all have wanted this to.

But I believe he is going to get better. It is kinda scarey to be this positive. We have had so many things go downhill, that I have been trained to expect it. So to speak like this does not feel comfortable.

These are steps in the direction of healing and I do Give thanks to God for his goodness and mercy. I continue to ask God to have mercy upon us ,continue to heal Don and and we continue to ask God to make a way for us through the health insurance issues with getting them to pay what they were suppose to pay at Mayo. It will be pretty amazing if that happens.

Joshua too seems to be doing better too and I can see why. Don is doing better than he has been. Don took the dishes out of the dishwasher this week and he has been putting Josh to bed some this week.

Another prayer request I have is that we can get back to Mayo before October. Don has a consultation there for then, but we are hoping to get that appointment before August 17th. I don’t think that I shared with you all that we will be going back to Mayo to see a specialist that Barnes Jewish doctor recommended for Don’s dizziness/vertigo. There are four facilities in the country that specialize in CNS vertigo (Central Nervous System). We thought Barnes Jewish had a doctor specialty in this area but they don’t.

This means we would go to Mayo for about one week. He would see this specialist and have testing as well outside of the hospital. He would not need to go into a hospital. So we are beginning to pray that doors would open for a inexpensive place to stay while in Rochester.

And now two prayer requests that are not about Don. These requests I am about to share just pull at my heart so.

Some of you know about this baby already.

Her name is: Haleigh Ridgway, she is about 5 – 6 weeks old. She was born with a malignet brain tumor Stage 4. She is at St. Judes in Tenn. the caringbridge site is: haleighridgway once you log onto caringbridge. Please pray for this baby and her family. Pray for a miracle.

Then Lynn Fisk my sister in law has three small tumors in her liver, stage 4. Please pray for complete healing for her as well.

We are so grateful to you all more than you can ever know.

Bless you our family and friends.
Diane

Read

DO NOT READ anything into the Good Book, if you wish to get anything out of it — just take it straight…

Instead of trying to alter your Bible to fit you, change yourself to fit it; otherwise you will have religion’s conformity in reverse. What you think of the Bible does not affect it — just you. If it appears too deep, you surely need the exercise it affords to think deeper. If it looks too exacting, you definitely require its influence to keep from straying. And if it seems dry, it might be that you have allowed too much dust to accumulate on it (Leroy Brownlow).

“You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it,

that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God

which I command you.”

~Deut. 4:2~

Posted by Mike Benson

Have a wonderful Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“Everything on earth has its own time and its own season.”

~Ecclesiastes 3:1 CEV~

Maggie Lee Henson

Friday, July 24, 2009 2:56 PM, CDT

MLH’s IcP dipping to low 20’s this afternoon. I feel like a weather man. Thx for prayers and all of the sweet cards, gifts for jack, cute monogrammed pillow case, blankie and gown and special card from my Woodlawn Prayer Warriors.

We appreciate, as always, the fervant nature of your prayers as well as peoples’ homes, snacks,meals and inspirational stories.
All our love
Jin

Friday, July 24, 2009 8:20 PM, CDT

ICPs were in mid twenties today. Please pray for peaceful night

Jinny

Saturday, July 25, 2009 3:01 AM, CDT

Prayers for a peaceful night are evident as I sit here at Maggie Lee’s bedside. Maggie Lee’s ICP is responding well to the treatment (3% saline) that she is getting and it is staying in mid 20’s at this time. Words can’t give full description of our deep gratitude for your commitment to pray. I was moved to see just now that this site has now had 101,587 visits.

Thanks be to God.

John

Saturday, July 25, 2009 5:06 AM, CDT

I went out down to the Café de Sodexo (ok, hospital cafeteria) to get a cup of coffee and a change of scenery. When I came back to the bedside, I looked at Maggie Lee and, just for a moment, thought I would wake her up. I thought of the many times I have walked upon her sleeping and awakened her (she is not a deep sleeper and it has always been fun to come up with crazy ways to shake her out of bed). For just that moment, I had forgotten that she is hooked up to what must be miles of wiring, tubes and drugs. It wasn’t registering in my sleepy head that she is in the hospital, in a Critical Care Unit where someone must tend to her minute by minute. It somehow escaped me that her body is at dis-ease and has been that way for almost two weeks now. I walked up to her and started to wake her like I’ve done so many times before, but that moment ended and I remembered where we were.

That’s enough of a realization to leave a person feeling crushed, depressed and helpless. And I would be dishonest with you if I told you that I have not experienced those feelings many times in these last two weeks. But, as I looked at her again as the fog of my brain was clearing, the words “rise up” came to mind. The gospels show Jesus with such power to look at those who sleep and awaken them with his love and those very words. “Rise up.”

I want the same for Maggie Lee as I look at her. And I know Jesus still says them.

Lord Jesus, speak your words of reveille to her. Call her out of this deep sleep.

–John

*I know it must seem strange that I’m writing at a time like this, but I’m finding that is helpful for me to do so; to find ways of working through all of this that doesn’t make any sense at all. I have enjoyed blogging—and now mostly microblogging in 140 characters—for several years and it has become an outlet for me to articulate what I feel as well as a form of prayer. Thanks for listening.

Dukes

Friday, July 24, 2009 5:24 PM, EDT

The Roller Coaster Is Going Up Today

Because of a trip to the Big O to get a procedure done to check my legs for blood clots and a meeting I had to make at the Seminary, my first opportunity to see the Caring Bridge site was this afternoon. (Fortunately there were no blood clots, although the swelling and pain is still very present.) I can assure you the delay in getting to it was outweighed by the posts that I saw today. They were so on target to address what we have been going through the last few days. Thank you to all of you who take the time to type a few words of encouragement. You really made my day today.

In spite of the fact that the morning brought a surgical procedure for Retia, the day has been better than the last couple. She needed some work done on the bedsore today. We had hoped that things were nearing an end with that, but because of a new infection and the need for debriding, she has taken a step backwards. That infection will delay the skull cap surgery because it will take at least a week of antibiotics to take care of it. We are still hopeful and trusting that the skull cap surgery will come sooner than later.

The surgical procedure she had today will help the healing of the bedsore. In fact, it may lead to quicker healing. Let’s pray for that. We will keep you up on what is happening.

Today Retia has rested following the surgery, but every once in a while she would wake up and talk some. She is not in as much pain as she has suffered the last few days, and she is thinking rather clearly. We are grateful for every good day.

She did have some special visitors today who brought her some of her favorite food. Someone is preparing it now, so she will have baby butter beans and cornbread for supper along with Black Tea from Starbucks.

She will also have some more special company tonight when Erik, Erin, and the four red-headed boys get here. Life could be worse!

Please keep standing with us before the Throne. We are so thankful for old friends and new friends who help us so much through prayer and encouragement. Blessings to you all!

blessings
jdukes

Pray for the group from FBC, Amite as they travel to Mexico for a mission trip.

Baptist Press

July 24, 2009

DALLAS–Texas church reaching world at its doorstep.
http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?id=30952

HONG KONG–China cracks down on human rights lawyers.
http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?id=30955

TENNESSEE–MARRIAGE DIGEST: Clinton only latest big-name Dem. to back ‘gay marriage.’
http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?id=30953

MONTANA–Student missionaries still ‘critical’ after car crash.
http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?id=30958

WASHINGTON–Pro-lifers warn about health care ‘abortion bailout.’
http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?id=30959

WASHINGTON–House effort to defund Planned Parenthood fails.
http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?id=30967

WASHINGTON–Critical time on health care reform, Land says.
http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?id=30966

CHICAGO–CELEBRATION: Reflections on 35 years in ministry — God is always on time.
http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?id=30954

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Kelly Boggs): Sexual anarchy — America’s demise?
http://www.bpnews.net/BPFirstPerson.asp?ID=30957

CALIFORNIA–FIRST-PERSON (David Jeremiah): Living a prayer-filled life.
http://www.bpnews.net/BPFirstPerson.asp?ID=30956

********************
BPNews — Witness the difference! http://www.bpnews.net
BPSports — Sports with a spiritual attitude! http://www.bpsports.net

KneEmail

Encouragement

A HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR was startled to see a patient fleeing down the hall from the operating room…

He stopped the patient and asked, “Do you mind telling me why you ran away from the operating room?” The patient looked at him with startled eyes and said, “It was because of what the nurse said!” The administer inquired, “Oh? What did she say?” “She said, ‘Be brave! An appendectomy is quite simple.'” To which the administrator replied, “Well, so what? It is a simple procedure. I would think her words would comfort you!” The patient said, “I’ll tell you so what! The nurse said it to the doctor!”

In Romans 12 Paul tells us that one of the gifts that exists in the church is exhortation. The word literally means a “calling to one’s side for the purpose of giving comfort.” The word we would probably use is encouragement.

We all need a word of encouragement on occasion. There are times when each of us struggles with what his or her role in the work of the church is. Some feel as though the only functions of profit are the “high visibility” job, such as teaching or leading in some public way. But if we all need to be encouraged, it seems that the one who encourages fills as a useful function as anyone in the church (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:14-26).

The greatest thing about being an encourager is that everyone can do it. It doesn’t take a lot of time or effort, but it does take some. It can be done in person, by mail, email, or phone. You never know how much a word of encouragement is needed or how much good it can do. Solomon said, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver” ( Proverbs 25:11). Mark Twain said he could live a week on a compliment. (Mike Greene)

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us…

if a man’s gift is…encouraging, let him encourage.”

~Romans 12:6, 8 NIV~

Posted by Mike Benson at July 24, 2009

May you live this next week on words of encouragement you receive this weekend!

Anna Lee

Friday

“There is salvation in no one else,

for there is no other name under heaven

given to people by which we must be saved.”

~Acts 4:12, HCSB~

Pray for these from FBC, Amite as they leave tomorrow for their mission trip in Mexico. Pray for those they will come in contact with in Mexico.

Those that will be leaving for the Mexico Mission Trip on Sat, July 25th – Sat, Aug 1st are:

Stewart, Sandy and Bo Cox
Allison Primes
Caitlin Freeman
Carvin Lawless
Mike, Miranda, Loren, Mollie, Lilly and Jadi Foster

The group going for Tuesday, July 28th are:

Mike & Cindy Smith
George & Becky Smith
Brenda Miller

Randall Miller will be going on Tues, July 28th – Sat, Aug 1st.

Mrs. Hellen Morris is doing fine after her fall at church Sunday. Thank God no bones were broken.

From Maggie Lee Henson‘s mom and dad

Hey friends!
Rea

lly quickly, MLH had a more stable day. Still seeing her icp respond to the 3 percent every 2 hours. She did not have the spikes we did yesterday which the doctors feared would spin totally out of control….we firmly believe that God is answering your specific prayer.
Tonight, we pray to turn the corner once and FOR ALL with this inter cranial pressure. PLEASE, Lord, let it be. Let the trend continue to got he other direction.
We promise to bake all of you muffins!
Thankful for another day and begging for yet another,
jin
ps John is so sweet, MLH’s entubation tape around her mouth was changed today and John said, “She looked so beautiful.” 🙂

Most frequent verse quoted in cards, posts, emails to us: Isaiah 43:1-4. If you read it, you’ll know why.

But now, God’s Message,

the God who made you in the first place, Jacob,
the One who got you started, Israel:
“Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you.
I’ve called your name. You’re mine.
When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you.
When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down.
When you’re between a rock and a hard place,
it won’t be a dead end—
Because I am God, your personal God,
The Holy of Israel, your Savior.
I paid a huge price for you:
all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in!
That’s how much you mean to me!
That’s how much I love you!
I’d sell off the whole world to get you back,
trade the creation just for you.

(The Message)

Pray for Kathy Jo Thompson (Amite)

Back again…haha… I came to NIH Monday july 20 expecting to do some tets then go home and maybe come back the next week for surgery…well things havent quite been how I expected. I was supposed to see the doctor Thursday afternoon but after looking at my MRI the doctor wanted to see me Wed. When I went in to see him, he started asking me all these questions about if i had fallen recently and if qanything had chqnged suddenly. I knew he had found something. We spoke for a while and then he told me that the MRI had shown something new but that it was not a tumor, he said thaat the MRI had shown an area of STROKE. He said that they were going to admit me to the hospital and run some more tests to confirm the findings, which were confirmed through other tests later that day. Today, I saw a neurologist and they drew more blood to see if I have a blood disorder that caused it or if it could be from some medication that I am on, most doctors seem to think its the meds. I still dont know what to think. My doctor said this is not related to my NF2 and they don’t understand it at all because I am a healthy 23yr old. I won’t know the results of the blood tests for some time but I’ll let you know when I do.

Mrs. Betty Bethel has had cataract surgery. had teeth pulled in preparation for dentures, and had a brush with pneumonia. Keep her in your prayers.

Tracey Williams is in ICU at Baton Rouge General. Please keep him in your prayers.

KOMpray

Kids on Mission Pray

Let’s play ball!

Do you love football? Brady, Craig and Mike do! They have been coaching football in Portugal. Portugal is a country in Europe. In most European languages, their word “football” is really soccer. But these guys are really coaching a team of Portuguese players and they play American-style football.

Brady, Craig and Mike coach the players about how to live a godly life too. For two years, they have been showing them how to love God and love others. A few team members are going to a home Bible study led by the coaches.

One player said that he needs to let Jesus be his Savior, but he doesn’t want to stop living the way he does. Please pray for this player that he will let go of the sins in his life and that he will say “yes” to Jesus.

Prayer Requests from Missionary Kids

Please pray for me and that I would get better grades. JARED, age 8 (Sub-Saharan African peoples)

Pray for my grandpa because he is not a Christian. CH, age 11 (Southeast Asian peoples)

My name is Jesse. I was a baby when I left America but now I’m four years old and I’m going back to visit my grandparents and cousins and to make new friends this August. My twins brother and sister have never even been to America. I hope that God helps them to not be afraid even when we have to move a lot. We will come back to Europe after 6 months. JESSE, age 4 (European peoples)

Check out the new version of the website at http://kidsonmission.org/prayer/

MAKING EVERYBODY HAPPY

The following is reported to be a true story regarding Berkeley, CA:

In 1990, the Berkeley City Council passed a law changing the name of Columbus Day to Native American Day because Columbus wasn’t nice to the Indians. Of course, no Indians were asked if they wanted the holiday’s name changed or even if they wanted to be called Native Americans.

In 1991, a politically-correct group argued that Indians are not native to America but to Asia, so calling them Native Americans might be insulting to Asians. So the Berkeley City Council changed the name again, to “Indigenous People Day.” Of course, neither the Indian nor the Asian communities were consulted about this.

In 1992, the Italian American Anti-Defamation League gave the City of Berkeley their Insensitivity Award. The Italian-American group said that they agreed that Indians haven’t been treated well, but that the Italians weren’t the ones who did it, so why take away their holiday? Nobody asked the Italian-American community at large how they felt about renaming Columbus Day.

In 1994, the Berkeley City Council finally changed the holiday back to “Columbus Day.”

In 1995, representatives of the Winnamucca Indian Tribe protested at City Council meetings. They argued that Indians had never asked that Columbus Day be renamed to honor Indians, but since it had been, the City Council couldn’t take it back, lest they become “indigenous-people-givers.”

In 1996, the City Council again changed the name to “Indigenous Peoples/Columbus Day.” It was felt that this name was a compromise which would end any and all protests from the diverse, interested parties.

Currently, the Berkeley City Council is besieged by a group lobbying to rename the holiday “Animal Rights Day.”

You can’t please everyone, can you? In fact, trying to do so will only frustrate you. I’m not saying we shouldn’t give consideration to the desires of others, because we should. But, ultimately, in our Christian lives, we should seek to please only one person.

“For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.” (Gal. 1:10)

Take comfort in knowing that even Jesus Christ didn’t please everyone throughout his life. But he always sought to please God. May that be your goal this day and every day!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Thank you for praying.

Have a fantastic Friday!

Anna Lee