Tuesday, (one month ago Bonnie was admitted)

After a very long night comprised of small segments of sleep and many interruptions, Bonnie had a good day today physically. She was able to drink clear liquids after a couple of days of nothing other than chewing ice. It’s amazing how such a small thing like chicken broth becomes a great treat or a hot blanket brings more than just warmth. It’s the releasing of an inner joy that can only be tapped into when you are truly trusting God with the situation at hand and can honestly say He is in control. Bonnie has that joy and it can be seen escaping from her eyes and when she smiles as I wrap her with the hottest blanket I can get from one of the nurses.

Even with the never ending saga of the intestinal issues, Bonnie found enough courage to venture away from her (our) room for 11 laps around the floor and two sitting sessions in her sanctuary by the atrium. Cassandra spent some time with Bonnie today and they played a game of backgammon and then they both took a nap. She had been concerned that she would not have any energy today to do anything as a result of the elimination of the nutrition IV bag last night. The energy level today was an answer to prayer and a time to rejoice.

I (Steve) had a doctor’s appointment this afternoon regarding what I now know is a bulging disc in my lower back and why my left leg is numb throughout the day. My doctor has requested an MRI as well as physical therapy to start immediately. We’ve said it a few times in previous posts, it is so exciting to see God’s hand at work in the midst of the storm. The MRI and physical therapy that I (Steve) need, are being scheduled right here at Sparrow so I don’t even need to leave the campus. We make quite a pair!

We would like to conclude tonight with something I (Steve) read this morning from Dr. Charles Stanley’s Daily Bible reading. The title of the commentary was Trusting God Means Looking Beyond What We Can See to What God Sees. Following is an excerpt of what I think captures in a nutshell how we are suppose to respond to challenges and struggles we face:

In times of extreme pressure, God stretches our faith and deepens our dependence on Him. Without a strong, abiding faith, we can quickly yield to temptation and fear, especially when the trial or difficulty is intense or prolonged. God loves you, and when you place your trust in Him, He will not allow you to suffer defeat. You may go through times of failure. Life may not always turn out the way you planned – but ultimately, God will be glorified, and you will be blessed. Every challenge presents an opportunity for God to display His faithfulness and love. Instead of yielding to thoughts of fear and failure, make a commitment to trust God, even when you do not know what the next day will bring. Train yourself to look beyond what you can see to what God sees.

In essence, we are working through our challenge and looking for opportunities hour to hour, day to day and week to week. We are continually experiencing God’s faithfulness and love and it is only by the hundreds of prayers that are being lifted up on our behalf. We are so humbled by the outpouring of love from the body of Christ. We are continually reminded of this as we see the hundreds of cards and notes that are taped up on the wall of the normally stark plain hospital room. We are truly blessed to be part of this “body” and look forward to that day when we will meet some of you we have never met previously – when our joy has been completed and made full and we stand in the glory of the Lord.