Perseverence

Today John worked on doing his left turns. It is such a mundane thing to do but takes a lot of patience and practice. Today he was able to make a couple of sharp left turns as well as smaller ones before he was too tired. He also was able to maneuver himself out of his room by himself and I have no idea how he managed because it is narrow and very tricky. In the afternoon they had a New Year's Eve Party - Midnight in Scotland! In the evening he had a shower and watched the Canada/USA hockey game. After that family came and we shared some time together. For those visiting I want to let you know on Monday, Jan. 4 John has an afternoon appointment and won't be in until later afternoon.

Day by Day

Today I spent some time on how I might be able to operate my computer and then some practice with driving my wheelchair. Nothing spectacular but it reminded me of the song Day by day, and with each passing moment, Strength I find to meet my trials here; Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment, I've no cause for worry or for fear. It seems to me that the Christian life is made up of many days doing the common everyday things and occasionally having moments that are exceptional and draw attention to our Christian commitment. Let's not forget the importance of day by day living for Christ whether anybody is watching or not.

Left turns

Yahoo! Today I managed to turn a sharp left with my wheelchair. This has eluded me in the past but today I was successful. I know I used the verse a few days ago but Phil 4:13 -I can do all things through Him who gives me strength - seems appropriate. It amazes me how something I was sure I couldn't do I can now do. The next thing to pray for is that I can do well enough to be an independent wheelchair driver. This is harder than getting my drivers licence!

The Time Between

In the story about Lazarus there was a gap of two days - John 11:6 Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick he stayed where he was two more days. In my story at GF Strong the time between Christmas and New Years has a similar gap. Many staff are on holidays and not much programming is done. The care is excellent and I am getting better every day. After New years I will be learning how to do things I used to do but now I will do in a different way. I have to learn how to use my wheelchair, operate my computer and take care of myself (with Laverne's help). In addition I am trying to get stronger so on Feb 4 I can have the surgery for the diaphragmatic pacer. Jesus' delay in coming to Lazarus reminds me that God's timing is to bring him glory and I shouldn't begrudge the rest between Christmas and New Years

God's Faithfulness

This morning the focus at the church I went to was how God has worked in the past year. One of the songs we sang was "Great is thy Faithfulness". It was hard to sing this song as I thought about what has happened over the past few months. Then when I got to GF Strong the nurses were bagging John as something had gone wrong with the ventilator (the tubing had come disconnected but it took some time before they figured out where it was disconnected). It wasn't until I was looking back at the situation that I realized again just how faithful God has been to us, walking every step of the way with us.

Reflections

Yesterday Laverne updated you on the family things that went on for Christmas. For me one of the best things was when I had CBC radio on in the morning I listened to "The Messiah" The phase that struck me was Isa. 40:4 every valley shall be exalted... and the rough places (made) plain. This seems appropriate to me as someone who will have to be in a wheelchair from now on and it also brings into focus the sovereignty of God in our lives. I went much encouraged into the family time and especially enjoyed the carol sing. It was a good day, too as I felt that my rehab is not an impossibility because "I can do everything through him who gives me strength" Phil. 4:13

Party

This afternoon we had a party at GF Strong with John and family and friends. A good time was had by all. The young people brought along their WII, as well there is a games room with pool, ping pong, air hockey and pinball so there was lots to do and food to eat. The games room is by the gym so John went and did some more driving and is starting to get his left turns although it is going to require lots of practice. We finished with a carol sing-a great way to end. We are truly blessed with family and friends.