Saturday, July 7, 2007

I Did It!!

Just wanted you all to know, I figured it out -
ON MY OWN!
I now have links posted and I am exhausted!

This is nothing exciting to most of you but to me it is huge!
I am learning, slowly but surely......

Baby Doug!

What do you think he's thinking?
Just experimenting this evening and ran across this sweet picture of
Christina's new son, now over a month old!

Monday, June 25, 2007

I am SO Blessed!

Wow! One month has passed and I haven't posted a thing. Life is busier than ever.

Joel is doing very well. His wounds are healing but there are still things that we are dealing with in regards to the accident.

He had surgery last Wed. the 20th on his thumb. The doctor didn't feel it was healing as it should and felt he needed a pin in it. There is a 60% chance of full recovery. This of course means that Joel will not be driving as soon as he had hoped. But I keep reminding him that God is working what is best and he is sweetly taking each day as it comes.

I am so blessed in our relationship right now. Joel is no longer the young may you once knew him to be. I would that you could all visit with him and see and hear the difference, it is amazing. There is a real spiritual work going on and Joel is a willing participant. He is asking for baptism but our busy schedule (Ken's out of town camp and vbs work) as well as Joels cast on his wrist, not to mention the things going on with my father have kept us from being able to visit with the elders about it. This too we leave in the Lords hands. I wouldn't want anything other than His timing and purposes.

He does have an appt. to look at his knee on Tue. as it is swelling quite a bit. Not sure what will happen there. The Lord also provided another therapy scholarship so we can have another month of therapy (cognitive) that his therapist said he really needed. She is doing an excellent job. I sit in with them and am fascinated with the work they are doing with him. It helps me know how to help him at home too.

Some of you may have heard that my father was admitted to the hospital last week also. He has some internal bleeding and the doctors are uncertain as to where it is. He has an upper GI scheduled for tomorrow. His colonoscopy was negative as to bleeding. They had to give him 2 units of blood over the weekend. He is stronger since then. He also has congestive heart failure and they are draining fluid from around his heart and lungs via diuretics.

If you read this, will you encourage others to come here for updates? Brandon and Grace have been so busy with - well, life. You know how it is!

I did have my little granddaughter Elisa over the week end. What a joy she was. Indeed, children's children are the crown of old age!

Gods blessings upon you today. Remember, He orders our steps and today especially He is caring for you!

Thursday, May 24, 2007

I have a grandson!

Just thought I would spread the word. Christina delivered a 6# 15 oz. boy this morning at 11:45.

Douglas Edward Jr. Wish I had pictures! Grace is planning on going to Florida to help Christina on June 5th. That seems like a long time away but - that's the way it is.

Joel is doing better every day. We are having Joel's friends in Friday night for a party. Ken plans on "challenging" them with the Word. Pray for wisdom and boldness and results!

Last night we were on the news too! They were doing a story on how dangerous the road is where Joel's accident was. Ken, Joel and I all got our moment of fame! No recruiters have called yet though - hmmmmm.

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

May the God of Hope fill you

It's good to be home. Don't ya just love it?!

We brought Joel home yesterday and got him settled into our bed because it's downstairs. This morning I didn't have to get up at 5:30 to get to the hospital. Everyone is sleeping in. It's quiet. I love it like this!

We are so thankful for the Lord's goodness in sparing Joel's life. He is doing better everyday. I know there will still be some difficult times before us. We don't walk this road alone though. Our Savior goes behind and before us. He lights the path, He leads the way.

I have been encouraged as I have reviewed my studies in Romans. (BSF - wonderful!) In times past I have been so encouraged as I have looked at the "He is able" verses.

Romans 4:21 "what He has promised, He is able also to perform"

Romans 11:23 " God is able to graft them in again" (God's dealings with the Jews)

Romans 14:3 "He is able to make him stand"

Romans 16:25 "to Him who is able to establish you"

These wonderful things about God are only a few of the things that build up my faith and strengthen me to stand.

Romans 15:4 "...that we through the patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope"

Yes, my friends. He is my sure and stedfast hope and always will be.

Romans 15:13 "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus name.

On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.
All other ground is sinking sand.

Thursday, May 3, 2007

I am weak but He is strong...

When I made my last post, who would of thought that I would have such an opportunity to "shine" for the Lord. I have found Him to be the faithful One who gives strength as we face each day. It is not our might or power but His Spirit that upholds us and radiates through us.

I feel very weak and very small, but He is very strong and very big! In this I rejoice. Not in my circumstance for it is difficult, but in My God for He is able. When I am weak, He is strong.

Thank you for your love and prayers. We feel very strongly the prayers of the saints on our behalf. Joel may not be aware yet, but someday he will hear and know how God spared him and loved him through each of you.

He is able,
Marti

Sunday, April 15, 2007

This Little Light of Mine Romans 13:11-14

I have been reminded in Romans 13 this week that "now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed." How near is that? I like to think that it is VERY soon.

Because His coming for us is soon we are encouraged to "cast off the works of darkness and let us put on the armor of light." Rm 13:12 That's a cool visual! Armor of Light! Makes me think of 2 different passages.

Eph 6:10-17 "Put on the whole armor of God..." v.13 "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (firm)"

John 8:12 "I am the light of the world..."

You might say that putting on Christ (Rm 13:14)is putting on the armor of light and He is the power to stand firm against the evil one.

It is a dark world we live in, and there is an evil power that blinds the hearts and minds of many. But, dear ones, we are not bound by it but rather set free and now it is our responsibility to shine!

So, "let us walk properly,(decently) as in the day," - did you get that? (As in the day?) You mean it's not day? No! It is night! You bring the light to the world around you!

Judges 5:31b "But let those who love Him be like the sun when it comes out in full strength."

Shine for our Savior and Lord today! Light exposes sin, brings warmth, causes growth and yes, cheers our hearts.

Daniel 12:3 "Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever."

What a picture!

Remember the song "This Little Light of Mine"... Now it's up to you!