Today I got up and did some light work around the house. Took the garbage to to collection depot and did some light chainsaw work around the yard that had needed to be done for quite some time. Cheryl’s knee replacement surgery ate up a lot of time this summer and I didn’t realize how far behind that I’d gotten in my yard work. Forgive me Lord for not maintaining our home in a good stewardly fashion.
Someone questioned me the other day about how we were doing since Cheryl’s surgery and I replied that Cheryl was still not able to straighten out her leg but we were doing just fine. The comment was then made about how hard we’d had it the last two years. I had a disc collapse in my neck January 2007. Cheryl had her left knee scoped August 8, 2007 and then the right knee scoped December 12, 2007. Then she had the right knee replaced July 3, 2008. My reply was that yes we have both spent considerable time recuperating from surgery but non of us has missed a meal, the bills have been paid, we’re not running around naked, we’ve still joyfully, faithfully, and obediently delivered our tithes, and God has allowed us both a great season to develop our faith, dependence and trust in HIM. So really, it hasn’t been such a bad two years after all.
I shared this with friend of ours who just returned from a three week missions trip in Kenya. He smiled with joy as I recounted this conversation with him. He spoke of visiting a refugee camp where people were sleeping in makeshift shelters, having little to eat or drink. While he was at the camp the government soldiers came in to disband the camp even though the people had no where to go and no money to provide for shelter or food. These people were thanking my friend and his wife for coming and praying for them and bringing God’s Word to them and told them that they were praying for them. My friend thought, I’m going to have a hot meal tonight. I’m going to have a hot shower and a warm bed to sleep in and THEY were going to pray for ME! It puts things in perspective doesn’t it?
I’m issueing a warning to all friends, acquaintences, passersby, and anyone else I can get to stand still long enough to listen. God’s Special Angels IS alive and doing well. I will speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves and for the families who do not know how to speak. For much too long this families and individuals have been forgotten, ignored, or seemingly seemed not to exist. The public is not aware of these families and individuals and what is even worse, the CHURCH is not aware! Less than 2% of families with a special needs or handicapped family member is churched. There is something WRONG with that picture! I may be but one person but has called me to step out and speak for those families. Will you listen? Or, will you simply nod in agreement to shut me up and go about in dazed unawareness?
Newspaper syndication, Magazine articles, Books, Audio CD’s, and DVD’s are nearing completion, are in development, or on the planning board. It my intention to bring awareness, spiritual development, education, training and support to the church, the American public and to the world. Pretty big undertaking huh? I’m not Moses by any means, but I wonder how he felt when he was called to lead the entire nation of Israel out of Egypt?
This past Friday (Sept 26) was our wedding anniversary. Cheryl and I celebrated our union of marriage in God’s eyes by first going out to see the movie “Fireproof” which is, without doubt the best movie that I’ve ever seen. Every couple should see this movie. I’ll even go further than that. Every couple contemplating getting married and every couple contemplating getting divorced should be required to see this movie before commencing any of the “legal” paperwork. Cheryl and I enjoyed it immensely and I have no doubts that it has pulled us closer together than ever.
We then did a little light window shopping. I thought I wanted a new 180’s wool suit from Brooks Brothers for the winter until I realized that we have some medical bills that need to be paid off first. Those are some really nice suits and it’s been a long time since I’ve bought one. I have no doubt that I’ll have one soon enough but for now first things must come first.
We had a very nice light dinner before returning home and just enjoyed the evening cuddling and talking instead of watching TV. I think that is something all couples need to do more of.
God’s Special Angels is moving forward. The new web site is near completion and I believe that it is greatly improved. A much needed improvement. Thanks to Mandi and Bev at One Way Design for their help on the project. Their gifts and talents are most remarkable. At some point very soon I’ll be assembling a prayer team to give thanks and praise to God for what He has given us and allowed us to accomplish thus far.
Things are great. God is greater and He is such a “Good God”. I’m sorry but that’s an inside joke within our church. He’s a Good God!
Peace and Joy to you all,
Lonnie
Well, here’s the skinny on things. Since my last post a lot has happened. I lost a job and my insurance one day and was hired for another job the next day however it will be 90 days before new insurance goes into effect. That means that Cheryl’s physical therapy on her knee replacement came to a grinding halt as we cannot afford the costs of private pay therapy. However, the therapists did offer viable options with which Cheryl can continue her therapy on her own. Isn’t God Great! The knee is still healing and Cheryl still has good days and bad days. The good news is that the bad days are beginning to spread out more and seem to be coming less frequently. Praises to God for allowing us this season to grow in our trust and dependency upon His grace and love. It has been a season of learning and spiritual development for us and we have welcomed it. Although at times it seems to be difficult, we don’t have to look far to see someone else who is living through more difficult situations. During this time we have intensified our prayer and journaling while maintaining our faithful obedience in tithing. We have come to love God’s word more and more and spend a greater deal of time reading and meditating. Which brings me to where we are now.
Work and planning is moving forward with God’s Special Angels Ministries. Faith is a powerful thing as is conviction. Things are moving along in developing materials for awareness, spiritual development, education, and training. These materials will be coming in the format of downloadable materials, audio cd’s, DVD’s, and books. Cheryl and I are taking the materials already developed, materials in deveopment, and the materials in planning stages and putting them all into a timeline for release. Hopefully, the first portions will begin trickling out within the next 3 months. There are also some legal issues that we must get some consulting on as well. I am reminded of the scripture in Zechariah when it is stated, “despise not these days of small beginnings for they rejoice to see the work commence.” We are in the day of small beginnings. The work has begun. I request your prayers as the Holy Spirit guides me through these days and the many days ahead.
Peace and blessings upon you all,
Lonnie
Well folks, it’s been seven weeks since my beloved Cheryl had her total knee replacement. It’s been difficult to say the least. She has had difficulty with the pain medications either making her nauseated or very jittery. It has been even more difficult for her to obtain complete extention of the knee. She can bend the knee just fine but extending the knee is still very painful and, as yet, incomplete. Today the doctor prescribed a new brace that she has to be fitted for as well as some more pain medication. Needless to say, Cheryl is becoming frustrated and somewhat discouraged. It is tiring for both of us. However, we both know that in God’s time He will straighten that knee out. He has allowed Cheryl and I to have a season of suffering that we may become stronger in prayer, faith, and re-dedication. God is giving us time to meditate and reflect on His Word and it is in His Word that we grow stronger. I heard a song the other day by a Southern Gospel Group (yes, I listen to Southern Gospel as well as Contemporary Christian Music) called “The Great I AM!” Two lines of the song go something like this.
“He is not a God that once did, He’s still a God who does. That’s why He’s known as the Great I Am and not the great I was.”
So I know that no matter how painful this experience has been for Cheryl, no matter how tiring it may be to provide for her comfort and care, I know that by the love we have for each other and God’s good grace and mercy, we will go THROUGH this time of testing and come out stronger on the other side for God’s benefit and giving Him praise for bringing us through.
Just a little thought to let you all know how things were going here at the homestead.
God bless and peace to all.
Lonnie