The Prayer Link

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

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 Afternoon

Mrs. Annie B. Harrell is continuing to recover from surgery and praying for a good report in a few weeks. She’s “out-and-about” only if necessary. Please keep her in your prayers.

Maggie Lee Henson

Friday, July 24, 2009 9:55 AM, CDT

Maggie Lee had a few challenges last night and early morning. The rising ICP required more frequent doses of the 3% saline. Things are under control right now and we are thankful for a new day and new mercies.

Maggie Lee is wearing a beautiful gown this morning, mostly yellow with lots of flowers. Her name is monogrammed on the front of it as well. The Burgess’ just stopped by on their way through town and dropped off cards from ML’s classmates and a Build A Bear named “Dr. Maggie”, who is wearing scrubs and holding an X-Ray. It’s the envy of everyone on the floor.

Jack is doing well. It has been hard on him to be away from his dogs and, more importantly, his toads–Jake and Elwood. To boost his spirits, we took him to the pet store yesterday and let him get a gecko and gecko habitat. He is busy now taking care of it and trying to think of a name. I’m thinking we will open a zoo when we get back home. He also stays busy with cards, books, iPod, movies and nintendo DS. Thanks for all of your prayers for him. He is very close to his big sis and I know its hard on him to see her this way.

We continue to pray for a breakthrough with pressure, wanting to see a downward trend. –John

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

Two student resort missionaries remain ‘critical’ in Montana after car crash

By Mickey Noah

(L-R) Brothers Dan, Ryan and Jeremy Vangsnes are three of the four NAMB “Innovator” student resort missionaries involved in the Montana car accident on July 21. (family photo)

BILLINGS, Mont. (BP) – Two “Innovator” resort missionaries remain in critical condition in ICU at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Billings three days after their SUV flipped and rolled over several times, injuring them and two companions. A dozen of their fellow student missionaries are already using the tragedy to share Christ with tourists at nearby Yellowstone National Park.

North American Mission Board resort missionary Brad Lartigue – a local, full-time resort missionary for NAMB and the four students’ supervisor – said that 21-year-old Jeremy Vangsnes is the still the most critically injured of the four. Vangsnes underwent a procedure on Thursday to relieve pressure on his brain and reduce swelling, Lartigue said.

Lartigue said the driver of the Jeep Cherokee, 21-year-old Scott Minear of Marietta, Ga., also remains in critical condition but an MRI on Thursday revealed no significant spinal or neck damage. Conscious, Minear, a University of Georgia junior, had a “halo” attached to restrict head movement.

Jeremy Vangsnes’ two brothers – 23-year-old Dan and 19-year-old Ryan – were also in the SUV at the time of the accident. The three brothers, residents of Spartanburg, S.C., were on a 350-mile side trip from Yellowstone Park to Glacier Park for a family reunion. Minear was along for the drive. Prior to moving to Spartanburg, the Vangsnes family lived in North Dakota.

“Dan has had three surgeries since the accident but suffered no significant head injuries,” said Lartigue. “Dan is talkative and lucid – he knows what happened.” Requiring only stitches, Ryan was treated and released from Deaconess Hospital in Bozeman, Mont.

Lartigue said both the Minear and Vangsnes families immediately flew to Montana and are “strong Christian families who are holding up well.”

The Vangsnes brothers were nominated as Innovator missionaries by NAMB, while Minear’s appointment came through the Georgia Baptist Campus Ministries.

Lartigue said the Vangsnes brothers and Minear were four of 17 Innovator missionaries who arrived at Yellowstone Park on Memorial Day Weekend to minister to resort visitors for 10 weeks. They were slated to return home on Aug. 3.

“The other kids are doing fine. . . I’m trying to reassure them,” said Lartigue, who admits his own emotions have been on a rollercoaster ride since the accident. “I’m strong in my faith and I know God’s in control. But at times over the last few days, I have been overwhelmed,” said Lartigue, a NAMB Week of Prayer missionary in 2008.

Lartigue said Southern Baptist Convention CEO Morris Chapman made a surprise visit to the Billings hospital yesterday. Coincidentally vacationing at a summer mountain home nearby, Chapman said he learned of the accident via his Blackberry and the SBC.net website.

Dennis Culbreth, senior assistant to NAMB president Geoff Hammond, immediately flew to Montana after word of the accident.

“The Montana Baptist Convention is doing a great job of making every effort to help these two families,” Culbreth said. “The spirits of the two families are good. They’re praying for a miracle for Jeremy.”

The brothers’ parents, Mark and Kathy Vangsnes, are members of First Baptist Church, Spartanburg, S.C. Minear’s parents, Frank and Tammy Minear, are members of Crosspointe Community Church, a SBC church in Roswell, Ga.

“I told the parents that the entire NAMB family and Southern Baptists everywhere are praying for their sons,” said Culbreth.

Echoing Lartigue, Culbreth said he visited with the other Innovator student missionaries at West Yellowstone Park. “They’re in good spirits and praying for a miracle for Jeremy.”

Culbreth said the dozen remaining Innovator student missionaries crafted posters on Thursday night with photos of Jeremy, Scott and Dan, and displayed them at Yellowstone, asking passersby to pray for their three friends.

“When tourists would come by and ask questions,” Culbreth said, “the students would use the accident to remind people that ‘you don’t know how long you have or what’s coming down the road. Do you know Christ?’”

Innovator missionaries are self funded student missionaries – assigned by NAMB or a state Baptist Campus Ministry – who are involved in resort ministry at various tourist venues throughout the United States.

Willard Lynn Crowe
(August 18, 1952 – July 24, 2009)

Willard Lynn Crowe

Died at 6:29 a.m. on Friday, July 24, 2009 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was a native of Magnolia, MS and a resident of Independence, LA. Age 56 years. Visitation at Wilmer Missionary Baptist Church, Wilmer, from 6:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Sunday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 10 a.m. Monday. Services conducted by Rev. Jason Skipper. Interment Wilmer Cemetery, Wilmer, LA. He is survived by his 2 daughters, Michelle Howes and her husband, Keith, Ponchatoula and Monica Crowe, Hammond; a son, Kevin Lynn Crowe, Sr. and his wife, Michelle, Loranger; 4 grandchildren, Brittany and Katie Howes, and Kevin, Jr. and Megan Crowe; 2 sisters, Paula Crowe, Amite and Cindy Crowe, Amite; 4 brothers, Gordon Crowe, Jr., Hammond, Lanny Crowe, Amite, Darrell Crowe, Loranger and Gayland Crowe, Kentwood; numerous nieces and nephews including a very special nephew, Brayden Lee, Amite. He was preceded in death by parents, Gordon Martin Crowe, Sr. and Joyce Cutrer Crowe.

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

Thursday Midmorning

Maggie Lee Henson

Good morning, friends. Maggie Lee had a decent night last night after a wacky day icp-wise. Maggie Lee seems to be unpredictab

le (no shock there,) in the way she responds to her meds.
Truly it is still hour by hour here with her. Thank you for giving yourself over to her prayer-coverage.
She is truly held in God’s hands and we trust in Him and His love for all of us.
This is not a 10-day vacation I’d neccesarily recommend to anybody, but none the less we are here today, ready for MLH to pop up and say something hysterical. As I read scripture, I see that stranger things, indeed, have happened. Keep the Faith

There is a long update on Mrs. Rita Dukes you may want to read.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jimmyandretiadukes

Thursday Update

Maggie Lee Henson

My “shift” is coming to an end with the floor shift change from 7:00-8:00. Everyone has to leave as a new crew comes in and signs on for the day.

Maggie Lee’s ICP is currently at 22. It crept up to 38 just prior to her getting another dose. This seems to be the new pattern, with a higher ICP average. I’m thankful that the doses are still working and, more importantly

, for the steadfast prayer activity from all of you.
–John

Thursday

“Our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful

as God enters our lives and we become like him.”

~2 Corinthians 3:18b MSG~

Please pray for Mrs. Bill Hughes. The weather surely has made her health issues more difficult.

Pray for Mrs. Nat McKinney. It’s not easy to leave your home to receive daily assistance.

Mrs. Annie Belle Harrell went to the doctor again yesterday. He said it will now be five weeks before they know if the recent surgery was helpful. Pray for her during this time.

Maggie Lee Henson

Jinny and I switched out at 1:30 this morning. ICP is higher than normal but responding to what the doctors are giving her. The upward trend and higher average, though, is of concern to them and so obviously to us as well.

Pray for Jinny to get good rest and for ICP trend to break. Pray also more second winds for us.

–John

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 at July 22, 2009

Wednesday Afternoon

It’s good to hear so many good reports from different Vacation Bible Schools!

Maggie Lee Henson’s pressure is increasing. Her family asks you to pray NOW!

The North American Mission Boared is encouraging all to pray for 4 student missionaries injured in a car accident in Montana. Please remember NAMB missionary Brad Lartigue and other student missionaries as they minister to friends and family members. Read the full story: http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=122040205688&h=9rvjx&u=pcVYJ&ref=nf

Wednesday Addition

Mrs. Nadine Council is doing better. Doc said she should be able to come home next Tuesday.

Greg Tanner, son of Greg and Susan Tanner of Osyka, was in a bad traffic accident in Hammond yesterday. Thankfully,Grege is alive and being treated at North Oaks. He has numerous broken bones, lung damage, collapesed lung, etc. Doctors are planning surgery and other treatment for him. Please keep him in your prayers.

Wednesday

“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them,

I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock:

and the rain descended, the floods came,

and the winds blew and beat on that house;

and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.”

~Matthew 7:24-25, NKVJ~

Maggie Lee Henson

Tuesday, July 21, 2009 2:05 PM, CDT

The trek down to the CT scan went well–thank

s to your prayers and the great nurses and team who accompany her down. I’ll post a picture soon of what it looks like heading down the hallway. The trek in and of itself is risky, but the team watches every detail, juggling monitors, breathing apparati, lines, etc.

We are awaiting results of the scan and will update with what we learn.
–John

Tuesday, July 21, 2009 6:26 PM, CDT

A very good day for MLH. She had an additional CT scan which showed slight improvement in swelling. She tolerated the field trip well-what a vast improvement from monday a week ago.
Her icp is being contained. She got a blood infusion which she loved! They cut back on her epi twice (it boosts blood pressure) her icp hit an all time low of 17 which is terrific.
We further decorated her room, putting the slogan “miracles happen” on her window as a constant reminder.
God is good!
Pleas

e pray for;
-continued improvement in blood pressure
-continued drop in ICP
-more reactive pupils
-a continued unfolding of God’s miracle!
Thank you. Please keep it up!!
Oh- Happy Birthday, Madeline Richardson! Maggie Lee loves her twin cousin!!!

Tuesday, July 21, 2009 11:19 PM, CDT

I was recently digging around in the outer flap of my computer bag. Some say it is my manbag, but I carry no such item. As I was hunting for a cord for my computer, I found something I had not seen since early into this nightmare. It is a small zip lock bag, with “Speciman Bag. BIOHAZARD.” and directions with four steps on how to insert something into it. Inside the bag is something very non-biohazardous, but something that must have been inserted with a few tears, a measure of compassion and perhaps a prayer.

Inside the bag is a ring that Maggie Lee was wearing when they found her. It’s a ring that Jinny bought for her when she was coming back recently from a trip to Knoxville, one to serve as an encircling reminder of how much she believes in Maggie Lee. It was given to her to wear while going off to Camp Crestridge for two weeks of camp, where she didn’t yet know anyone and would be 900 miles from home. Jinny knew she wouldn’t know anyone at camp and wanted her to remember how much she believed in her and her dreams even though they would be apart.”

Jinny is the greatest encourager I know. It’s a gift of hers and she is more than willing to pour it out liberally on anyone she sees. If you know Jinny, you know its generous, loud and completely heartfelt. It is the fuel in my tank and it is dispensed constantly in our house to accomplish anything from taking a math test, preaching a sermon or even to pulling a tooth. I had no idea she gave this ring to Maggie Lee, but it doesn’t surprise me at all to learn of it tonight.

As I read the ring, the words stood out to me, especially as I think of how they are so fitting of the way Maggie Lee lives her life. Engraved on the ring are these words:

Dream. Fly. Dance. Sing.

I am looking at her now, asleep in the bed, knowing that it’s not time for her to go. She is too young, too full of dreams, flight, dance and song. As I look at her beautiful, unusually quiet self resting in this bed, my prayer, O Lord, is for her to . . .

Dream.
Fly.
Dance.
Sing.

May it be so, Lord God. May it be so.

–John

You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

Psalm 30:11

(70,285 – number of times someone has viewed the Caring Bridge site for Maggie Lee in one week! Many prayers have been said for this young lady and her family!!! http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/maggieleehenson)

Keep praying!

Cottage prayer meeting for our country will be held at 6:30tonight in the homes of Mrs. Wanzie Williams and Rev. and Mrs. Joey Miller.

KneEmail

Reap

EVER PLANT A garden…?

Or maybe just a few flowers in a bed or a plant in a pot? Something makes it possible for the gardener to function, or a farmer to produce a crop is a “law” of nature. “Law” really isn’t a very good word, but because it really is just an observation of the consistency of nature. Whatever kind of seed is planted is the kind of plant that will be produced. A farmer can know that when he plants wheat, that wheat is the plant that will grow. It is not random or arbitrary. Wheat seed produces wheat plants and corn seed produces corn plants. Farmers and gardeners can count on it.

What is just as true, though not as readily recognized, is that this same “law” applies in all of life. Whatever a person sows, that is what they will reap. To think otherwise is not only ludicrous, it also mocks God.

We have two choices. We either sow to the flesh or the spirit. This same letter outlines the differences between living according to the flesh and according to the spirit ( Galatians 516-18). Sowing to the flesh is involvement in the “deeds of the flesh” ( Galatians 5:19-21). The consequence os involvement in these is corruption and exclusion from God’s kingdom ( Galatians 5:21; 6:8). This is the harvest resulting from sowing those seeds. Just as surely as planting wheat seeds results in a harvest of wheat. We can count on it. (David Deffenbaugh, Bill McFarland)

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”Galatians 6:7

Posted by Mike Benson at July 21, 2009

Striving to sow the right “seeds”!

Anna Lee

Tuesday Evening

Judy Easley’s son-in-law, Shawn Boddin, did well with surgery. No complications. Pray for his recovery process.

Maggie Lee Henson had a CAT scan today. That process went well. Thank-you for all your prayers for her.

Dukes

Another Day

Retia seems a little better today. She is more alert, but still rather confused. One of her medicines has been discontinue

d, and it seems to help some. She is still able to move her left arm and leg about as well as before.

We still have not gotten a date for the surgery. Everyone is working hard to get the date set. However, she may have gotten another infection, which would likely delay it. We will not know until we hear from the culture tomorrow. Please pray about this.

I am so thankful for the doctors here. It is good to have people who will talk to us and explain what is going on so we can understand as much as we are able to. We have a friend who is an administrator at Ochsner. He has been very helpful to us, and I appreciate it.

Retia’s pulmonary doctor has also been very helpful. I think Retia has become the doctor’s pet. He is always kidding her and trying to get us to do special things for her. He just came in and ordered a wheel-chair ride for her. You know who gets to push. This doctor’s manner is affected by some of his own experiences as a long-term patient. He seems to understand what Retia is going through. I really appreciate his extra effort.

We are patiently (well, maybe not so patiently) waiting for the opportunity to get Retia home. Patience has never been a strong virtue among the Dukes family members, especially the men. We know this is going to be a long process, but we would really like to get home to continue our walk through it. However, as I have learned reluctantly in the last couple of days, impatience does not get many changes made. We just have to wait until the situation is right to get her to Orlando. OK, so I’ll try. Just pray that we will be able to make wise decisions in the midst of our impatience.

Thanks for hanging with us. We will try to let you know what we know when we find it out.

blessings
jdukes