For those who wondered when I would hit a wall, it happened today. Several people commented that I looked "frazzled." Carol's travails, 20 days of driving, homeschooling, life, homeschooling (!how do you mom's do it!), church, bickering pre-teens, happy huggy pre-teens, bike rides, GCM missions admin, etc, finally got to me.
Then when we saw Carol so discouraged and exhausted today, it took the stuffing out. We were able to encourage Carol in her Physical Therapy this afternoon (see photo). But when I kissed her and told her she was my beautiful wife, the look in her eye said otherwise. So, we continue to pray for encouragement.Heb 3:13 Encourage one another daily.
I am amazed at how rapidly her muscles atrophied. 13 days of no exercise made her muscles like water. There is basically nothing there. Carol is starting over from scratch rebuilding her muscles. Thank Jesus that her mind/body connection is fully functioning (except for the facial issues). This is helping Carol gain great ground daily in physical strength.
Carol did ask to see a book of the blog reports (a book was given to me at church by Laurie Durling last Sunday). I recommended that Carol not see it earlier b/c I don't remember all I blogged but know it is emotional and wasn't sure Carol was ready. She did thank me for withholding it but today she said she is ready to read what she (and we) went through. I still weep in the mornings in my time with the Lord as the deep pain continues to surface. I get a small glimmer of how God the Father endured the pain of His Son Jesus on the Cross for our sins, though He knew the outcome would be life. The pain of the crisis is not erased despite the joy of the outcome.
I've been taking your blog comments to Carol each day and she is so encouraged. Thank you for all who have sent love gifts to help financially. Most of you we do not even know. How truly unified is the Family of God through faith in Jesus Christ and how encouraging to walk together with brothers and sisters, Pastor Craig
Then when we saw Carol so discouraged and exhausted today, it took the stuffing out. We were able to encourage Carol in her Physical Therapy this afternoon (see photo). But when I kissed her and told her she was my beautiful wife, the look in her eye said otherwise. So, we continue to pray for encouragement.Heb 3:13 Encourage one another daily.
I am amazed at how rapidly her muscles atrophied. 13 days of no exercise made her muscles like water. There is basically nothing there. Carol is starting over from scratch rebuilding her muscles. Thank Jesus that her mind/body connection is fully functioning (except for the facial issues). This is helping Carol gain great ground daily in physical strength.
Carol did ask to see a book of the blog reports (a book was given to me at church by Laurie Durling last Sunday). I recommended that Carol not see it earlier b/c I don't remember all I blogged but know it is emotional and wasn't sure Carol was ready. She did thank me for withholding it but today she said she is ready to read what she (and we) went through. I still weep in the mornings in my time with the Lord as the deep pain continues to surface. I get a small glimmer of how God the Father endured the pain of His Son Jesus on the Cross for our sins, though He knew the outcome would be life. The pain of the crisis is not erased despite the joy of the outcome.
I've been taking your blog comments to Carol each day and she is so encouraged. Thank you for all who have sent love gifts to help financially. Most of you we do not even know. How truly unified is the Family of God through faith in Jesus Christ and how encouraging to walk together with brothers and sisters, Pastor Craig
10 comments:
Thought I was done crying until I read this post today. Pastor, my prayers continue to be with you all, and tell your BEAUTIFUL wife how cherished she is by so many. She has a beauty that shines from within her and no illness can dim that. Please tell her I love her. And you, and your girls.
Diana
Craig and Carol, and children, we love you guys and are continually praying with you and for you daily! When you're ready, we have a hotel with a room over looking the water on the coast for something to look forward too...all expenses covered: kayaking, surfing, clam chowder, sea glass collecting...just a great time with Jesus and His beauty. Our church is praying for you and are so encouraged with your updates! With prayerful hearts,
Randy and Tami & Rock Harbor
We are continually praying for you, Carol and the girls. Carol is such a light. She might not be strong in body right now but her determination to get well and get back to herself is so encouraging! Carol you have such a testimony! God has kept you on this earth to reach others in a way that most can't! I don't even know you or your family yet but just following this blog and praying for you daily has given me a whole new look on life, my gifts that God has given to me to serve others. I pray that one day I will be blessed to meet you all soon. I went with the Ohlers to help with the clean up of your beautiful home. Hope your masterbedroom and bath wont be to overwhelming to you when you get home. Jane Michele give me a call and you can direct me in how you want things organized. I love love love doing it. I also would Love to bless you as many days a week you need for strength training at your house. No cost to you just a blessing for me to be a art of your amazing beautiful family. Hang in there all of you. one In this and all things will prevail!
Praising God and glorifying him with his mercies and love never ending. Love your family in Christ,
Ryan, Vanessa, justen, Jordan and Anabella bates
And Carol---you are so beautiful on the outside and inside but it is what it is in your heart that counts and I have heard that I'd really big💓👍💗
Hi Pastor Craig and Carol,
Carol's frustration may have something to do with all the reasons we melt down...she knows how hard it is ~ and she's so amazing at her job I'm sure she wants to be there to help.
I had a long prayer with Dylan when he couldn't sleep night before last and the Lord kept bringing you Carol into our prayers. You have always been self disciplined and determined, assertive and tremendously gracious ~ and still managed to look put together and elegant at the same time. Not to mention a gifted teacher! We thanked God for all those gifts and your character. You are an inspiration to us and we thanked him for your example before this trial and especially watching you fight your way back with the grace of God! Let the Joy of the Lord be your strength. I'm sure you want life to be back on track - but the detour is the path. It sure puts daily obstacles into perspective for me ~ hearts and minds are changed in ways we can't even imagine and it doesn't usually happen in the classroom. We are so grateful for the gift of life that he has blessed you and your family with - Rainbow just would not shine so bright without you! Love all of you and pray for you often. I CAN"T WAIT to give you a hug!
Tanya, Bobby * Dylan, Kaya, Bowen, Ella, Ryder and Tehya
p.s. the kids see me on the computer and instantly ask " So how's Carol doing today?" p.s.s. We have all written you cards (2weeks ago) and still haven't sent them :-)
I went back tonight and started reading the first posts of this blog and am amazed at all that has gone on. Just 20 days ago Carol's life this side of heaven was in question, long term coma care questions were needing to be answered, and hope seemed lost. Today, things like therapy choices, rebuilding muscle, and hours of therapy are the problems we are facing. These are great problems to have and only possible at the hand of The Master. The drive and determination placed by The Master in Carol are evident.
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Phil 4:13
Hang in there, Pastor Craig and Carol. Christ is bringing you to this breaking point, right where He wants you. This is where He shows you that you don't have to be strong enough to do this. If you were, you wouldn't need Him.
Love this song and how it brings this message home:
http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=FFFFEMNU
You're in our prayers, daily.
Ryan & Vanessa Bates and Family
Wow what a might God we serve! I found your story and though we have never met I have been praying and cheering for you all! And wanted to let you know most insurance companies have a "out of pocket" max so even though the bills are growing it does not mean your bills are. Just focus on getting better and that care is priceless!
Praying all the more for you, Carol and the girls. Thank you for your honesty with us. He is able...He will supply according to His great storehouse of mercy and grace. Marilee
Praise be to the God and Father to our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. So just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 We are praying continually for strength for all of you and for the rapid and full restoration of you Carol. God is so glorified through all of this! Love you guys!
God is at work in all of you...and He does His BEST work when we are broken down. So, rest in knowing that He is your strength right now. Keep your hearts open & aware to how He is working on each of you. We love you all & are SO greatful to see Carol on the mend- even though it will be a long way back. You guys have a Church family that delights in holding you up in this trying time. Love, The Bellafaires
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