Lessons We've Learned (And an Update)

**UPDATE** If Mom's stomach has not healed by tomorrow, she will have surgery on Monday. Pray for a miracle!


One week ago today, the G-tube was removed from Linda's stomach. It has been a very difficult 7 days for both of us. THANK YOU AGAIN FOR PRAYING!!

There hasn't much changed since my last update. The doctor is still following the "conservative approach" treatment – body healing vs. surgery. There isn't any way of knowing how long it is going to take. The Lord knows. There is still a lot of drainage from the stomach which isn't necessarily bad, says the wound nurse. Please pray for the stomach to heal itself if this is the Lord's will. I expect her to be in the hospital at least 3-4 more days.

Linda's voice is getting stronger but we can't test her swallowing ability because she is on a "nothing by mouth" order from her doctor. This order is part of the healing process for her stomach. It could be that the paralyzed vocal cord has moved back in place. Treatment for her speech won't be resumed again until this stomach issue is resolved.

There have been many things the Lord has taught us (continues to teach us) during the past month. As I share some of these things with you, I trust the Lord will use some of these lessons in your lives and the lessons we have been taught will be a blessing to you. One thing that has been re-enforced is the power and need for prayer. The following is an incident that took place shortly after Linda had her heart surgery.

TEACH US TO PRAY

"And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples." (Luke 11:1)

There was one of the disciples who saw the need to learn how to pray. Perhaps he saw and heard Jesus praying. It is clear that they knew John taught his disciples to pray. We all need a regular examination of our prayer life and ask ourselves: "Am I praying or just uttering words with my eyes closed."

Late one night while Linda was in the hospital in Raleigh, she called me at home. I had just driven the long hour home to Goldsboro. She was in pain and wanted me to come back to the hospital to be with her. I was so tired. I talked with her and explained that I needed rest and that the Lord would be with her during the night. After praying with her, I talked with her for awhile and the mail I had just picked up caught my eyes. I told Linda that she received some cards and then it clicked with me that the timing of these cards was "for the moment." I didn't open the cards, only read the names on the return addresses. I reminded Linda that these cards were from ladies WHO KNEW HOW TO PRAY.

The first card was from a lady that we had known for years in our little hometown of Starr, SC. This precious lady ministered to her husband for several years as he lay in bed paralyzed and unable to talk due to a stroke. I reminded Linda: "SHE KNOWS HOW TO PRAY" and she is praying for you!

The second card was from another lady we have known for several years. She has been greatly used of the Lord to minister to many people who have undergone sickness. But most precious of all her ministry has been to her own mom and dad. Her mom has been sick for many years and for the last 7 years she has been confined to a nursing home. I reminded Linda: "SHE KNOWS HOW TO PRAY" and she is praying for you!

I looked at the return address on the third card and it was from Linda's dear friend from a former church we attended. For several years her son has been in rebellion to his parents and the Lord. Over the past few years Linda had talked with this friend about this son's rebellion and we know she has a great burden for her son's spiritual condition. I reminded Linda: "SHE KNOWS HOW TO PRAY" and she is praying for you!

The fourth card to Linda that day was from a young, military wife. This young woman has a great load upon her with 2 young children and a husband in the Army serving in Iraq. She and her husband have been separated from each other many months over the past 3 years. I reminded Linda: "SHE KNOWS HOW TO PRAY" and she is praying for you!

I know this is only representative of many, many dear Saints of God who KNOW HOW TO PRAY. Thank you for praying for Linda's health and recovery. Perhaps this is also a reminder to some who have never come to a point in your life like that disciple who came to Jesus: "LORD, TEACH US TO PRAY."

Keep Looking Up,
Joe