Family Update

I can't believe that it is the end of March! Here I sit at home with over a foot of snow on the ground outside. Our beautiful aspen trees in the front yard snapped during the storm last night.

The time has flown by. Over the last month, we have been helping with our grandchildren as our daughter, Sharon, has been struggling to overcome mrsa staph infection. This is an antibiotic resistent strain of staph that is all around us ever day. They don't know why it suddenly takes hold on someone. Sharon has been either in the hospital or in the doctor's office every day for the last 3 weeks, except for 3 days. She is there again this morning.

Not only have they been fighting this infection by inserting a PICC line and giving her very strong IV antibiotics several times a day, but she has also developed an allergic reaction to these medications. Last Sunday, we had to rush her to the ER. They were afraid her throat and air passageways would swell shut.  They were able to get that under control but yesterday the infection appeared to be rearing its ugly head again since she is off the antibiotics.

Last night the elders of LBC came and prayed over Sharon. She woke up this morning and the infected area looked completely better. She went to the doctor and he said it was not infected anymore. Praise the Lord!

We want to thank all of the ladies at our home church, Littleton Bible Chapel, who have brought over meals, watched the kids or spent time visiting and encouraging Sharon. We also want to thank all of you across the globe who have been praying for her.

An update on Jake: Jake has been working in Dubuque for 4 months. As of April 1st he will have health insurance! He is working for WSLive which provides call center support for major companies. He has transferred from web support for Pro Advisors of Intuit Quickbooks to phone support for Lifelock, the identity protection service. His health has been improving. However, he still struggles with migraines and today, he is struggling with the pain from a kidney stone. We would appreciate your continued prayers for him.

Bob and I got to have a "long weekend" in Mesa, Arizona with my stepmom, Julianne. We had a wonderful time and lovely weather. We were able to fly Jake down for the weekend as well. It was good to see him.

Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

The Healing Hand of God

For the past year I have been suffering with intense joint pain. I thought it was just arthritis and that nothing could be done. But the intensity increased to the point that there were somedays I could not function. I asked my prayer warriors from my Bible Study and family to pray that I would be able to graciously cope with the pain.

When I went in for a yearly checkup, the nurse practitioner was apalled that nothing had been done about these symptoms. She immediately set me up with a Rheumatologist.

Yesterday, I went to see the rheumatologist. I half expected him to say, "Sorry, you don't have something that we can treat." But he turned to me and said, "You belong here. We can help you." I was so thankful for the answer to prayer.

When I came out of the doctor's office and got in the car, I immediately turned on Klove radio. I heard a song that I had never heard before and tears began streaming down my face.

Jeremy Camp - Healing Hand Of God

From the album Speaking Louder Than Before

I have seen the many faces of fear and of pain.

I have watched the tears fall plenty from heartache and strain.

So if life’s journey has you weary and afraid,
there’s rest in the shadow of His wing.

I have walked through the valleys the mountains and plains.
I have held the hand of freedom that washes all my stains.

If you feel weight of many trials and burdens of this world,

there’s freedom in the shelter of the Lord

I have seen the healing hand of God

Reaching out and mending broken hearts

So taste and see the fullness of his peace

And hold on to what’s being held out The healing hand of God

I have touched the scars upon his hands to see if they were real.

He has walked the road before me. He knows just how I feel.

When you feel that there’s not anyone who understands your pain.

Just remember all of Jesus’ suffering

Cast all your cares on Him for He cares for you.

He’s near to the broken and confused.

By his stripes our spirit is renewed.

So enter in the joy prepared for you

It seemed that song was being played just for me. I went to the pharmacy and filled the prescription. Within a few hours, my fingers were no longer swollen and painful. This morning, I woke refreshed and energetic. I went to the gym to work out and was able to do more than I had done in a long time.

When I arrived at work, one of my coworkers said I looked different. The other said I was practically bouncing as I walked!

I will lift up my hands unto the Lord to praise and glorify His name. My help comes from the Lord, Maker of heaven and earth. I am so thankful for those who prayed for me. I am so thankful for my gracious Lord and His love for me.