Wednesday, February 4th, 2009

Blessings to Everyone!  

Thank you for all of your kind words and support over the last several weeks of this journey!  We are amazed at how many people read this blog and have continued with us on our "travels."  I LOVE blogging because it has kept us all connected !  It is strange, but we continue through this venue of communication to sense God being lifted up, and we all are getting encouragement.  

DENNIS WILL RETURN TO THE PULPIT THIS WEEK!  This is how HUGE GOD IS!  Dennis told me he felt he would be back to preach on Megan's 18th birthday which is February 8th.  Sorry to say...I laughed!   Well, let me encourage you to NEVER doubt the power of God!  We are so excited to see what God has in store for this Sunday.  Dennis is so fired up and focused and expecting God to do great things this coming Sunday and everyday following.  Please be praying for us as we "return" (don't really think we ever left) to the work God has called us to.  There is an excitement in the air, and I well up with tears when I witness over and over again the greatness of my Father.  God truly is an awesome God, and we should never ever doubt what he can and will do when we keep walking forward and allowing him to move through us.  

With no credit given to us please, many people have said, for the first time ever, they have seen God really work and this "Christian Life" lived out.  Please let me say, WE GIVE ALL GLORY AND CREDIT TO OUR HEAVENLY FATHER who loves us so much.  You see Dennis, Megan, and I are NOTHING outside of Christ.  We recognize that every single breath we take comes from God the Father, that He alone is worthy of all praise, we have chosen, in the good and bad times, to trust Him, and we continue to walk forward in faith believing God holds EVERYTHING and control ALL.  We never have to worry or fret about what is in store next.

I so want to encourage each person to walk this walk with us.  We are on a great adventure, and you can join us!  God has a "journey" of living life to the fullest and most completeness for everyone.  It begins with believing and receiving the precious gift of salvation and then pressing in to build a personal relationship with Jesus.  As we do that, as we remain faithful and obedient to His Word, God will work and move in our lives.  THERE IS NOTHING BETTER!

If you have a home church, get involved so you can walk this road with other believers who desire the same path.  IF YOU DON'T have a home church, come be a part of our path in the city of Highland.  Heed the call on your heart to have purpose and be a part of a family!  Don't waste another day, contemplating and wondering what this life is all about.  GET MOVING!

It is SOOOOO worth it!

Dennis continues to improve, but the road to healing is not over yet.  He tires easily and still gets headaches at times.  He is such an awesome man!  After 25 years (almost 26), I thought I knew Dennis so well.  Let me tell you, until you have witnessed first hand your loved one go through something so difficult....He continues to trust God with each day, and he continues to take the next step forward with JOY, LAUGHTER, and LOVE.  His faith has NEVER waivered and his trust in God has NEVER been stronger.  Continue to pray that God will continue the work he began unto completion.  PTL!  (Praise the Lord!)

We love you all!  Continue to stay with us, and I will continue to communicate with you.  Dennis is coming out to Kidz Club for a visit this evening.  I can't keep him down, so pray his visit won't be too much for him.  The Kidz are so excited to see him and he them!  

Much love,

Mendy

Thursday, January 29,2009

DENNIS CONTINUES TO HEAL!  In the last week, Dennis has been released from the Neurosurgeon at LLMC.  We are now slowly taking him off of his seizure medicine.  Be praying that he won't have any episodes as his system comes off of them.  It will take about three weeks to get him off of it.

We also went to the Eye Doctor at LLMC this week.  He doesn't have to return to see him, and he is off of all medicine related to the eye.  Both eyes are close to near perfect vision!  PTL!  His left eye should be back to normal within the next three to four weeks.

And last, we visited the OMFS Doctor at LLMC this week also.  He has also been released from his care until which time (in about a year) he might possibly want cosmetic surgery on his scars.

The bones, in his head, are about 75% healed and are continuing to get better.  Dennis continues to get headaches, but those are beginning to be reduced slightly.  For the most part, he has come off all prescribed pain medicine, taking only one about every two days.

Dennis continues to feel fatigued and drained, but as his liver enzymes and anemia improves over the weeks to come, he should begin to feel less tired, with his strength returning in a few months to normal.  We are looking forward to his complete recovery!  Wow!  What a day that will be!

I stand absolutely amazed at God's healing power and what he has accomplished in Dennis over the past several weeks!  I couldn't help but cry each time the two of us walked out of a doctor's office, just totally in awe and so thankful for all God has done!  Each time Dennis would stop and hold me as I wept.  You see, he really doesn't have a grasp of how badly injured he really was.  I KNOW what the doctors had been telling me and how dismal the outlook was for several days.  I guess I just can't "believe" that the doctors are all confirming what I see to be true...Dennis is going to be himself again very soon!  His sense of humor has returned, his love for life is back, his passion for Jesus is stronger than ever, the sparkle and glow on his face has been restored, AND his blue eyes have returned!   THANK YOU, JESUS!

Dennis is desiring to return to church in time to celebrate Megan's 18th birthday!  That is only a little over a week away!  His plan is to preach on the 8th... the very day his precious "little girl" turns 18!  What a great day that will be!  Pray that he is able to focus and prepare for that long awaited return to be with his church family.  I just can't believe the day has almost arrived!  

Lots of exciting things are happening at our church!   People are eager to move forward in the plans God has laid before us.  So much to share, but I am very tired.  I will save details for another day.  

God bless you as you seek to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind.  As you trust in him with your tomorrows, believe and expect God to work mightily through you into other's lives!

Good night!

Mendy 

Saturday, January 17, 2008

God's Miracles Continue....We received blood lab results and Dennis' kidneys have returned to NORMAL!  Praise the Lord!  His blood sugar is also normal.  Thank You, Jesus!  His liver enzymes are still abnormal, and he is still anemic, but they both seem to be getting a little better.  Continue to pray for them to return to a normal state.  We went to LLMC late this week for Dennis to take a Neuro Visual Field test.  They cover one eye at a time and have him look at 120 flashes of yellow light.  He had to push a button when he saw the light, while keeping his head still and looking straight ahead.  He saw 120 flashes of light with his right eye (the good eye), and 116 flashes of light with his left eye (the injured eye).  That is amazing!  We were so thrilled.  Is God continuing to work or what?  We return to the eye surgeon in a week for the other results on his eye.  Keep praying!  This Wednesday, Dennis goes back to the Neurosurgeon for a new evaluation of his brain injury, swelling, and bleeding.  Please continue to pray for healing and complete restoration.

We also visit the OMFS doctor for an update on his current condition on his broken bones on the 27th of this month.  Dennis is staying awake a little more each day and only taking about 2 pain pills per day.  I am so proud of him.  He is trying so hard to rest and allow his body time to heal.  His blue eyes are beginning to sparkle again.  That makes me very happy!  :)

Dennis sat for his first complete interview yesterday.  He was the first cover story in the Press Enterprise today.  The article title read, "Assaulted in season of giving, pastor cares only for forgiving."  You can read the article on-line and also see a video of the interview I understand from others who have seen it.  Cindy Rhodes did a great job of passing on the good news!  :)

Tears flowed from Dennis' face as he looked at the headlines and read the story.  He is just beginning to realize the scope and depth of "his story" and how God is using it to get his truth out.  How awesome is our God!

We continue to rest in the peace that surpasses all understanding and trusting in God for each new day.  We will continue to keep you updated as things continue to change and improve.  Pray for our services tomorrow.  Friends have offered to come and sit with Dennis so Megan and I can be with our church family.  Be faithful to your church and go worship the Lord tomorrow.  May all of our worship services please the heart of God and bring glory to Him.

In Him,

Mendy

Monday, January 11,2008

Dennis is staying awake more and more throughout the day.  He is feeling better with each new day.  He still has headaches, but not near as bad as they once were.  We went to our family doctor at Beaver on Saturday, and he continues to be encouraged by Den's progress.  Dennis had to do some more lab work, and  we won't have those results for a few more days.  Dr. Lee has written him off work AT LEAST through March 1st (to be reevaluated by the LL doctors in the weeks to come).  Dennis is looking more like himself, but internally the doctor reminded us that he still has much healing to do.  We need to be patient and allow the miracle progress God has been doing to continue.  Thursday, Dennis goes to LLUMC for a Neuro Visual Field...not sure what that is or what it does, but I know it has to do with checking the vision and damage done to his left eye.

Be praying for that please.  We won't get results on that test until January 20th.  Between now and the end of the month, Dennis has appointments with the Neurosurgeon , the OMFS doctor, and the Eye Surgeon--all at LLUMC.  We should have updates soon from those doctors.

Megan started a new semester at Valley College today.  I think it will be good for her to get back to some normalcy in her life.  Please pray for her.  (Doctors tell me I can leave Dennis long enough to take and pick her up each day from the school.  Thank you, Lord for that!)  

Pray for me too!  I have been growing a bit weary lately and have had difficulty focusing on all of the things I need to get done in a day.  I know I need to take care of myself, but  sometimes that is easier said than done.   Taking care of Dennis, Megan, and Ayaka (our Japanese student) can be a full time job in itself), but then you add in the church and keeping things going, schooling Meg, keeping up with medical appointments and insurance, working to do what the D.A.'s office has requested of us, and the list goes on and on and on.  In trying to stay on top of things, I seem to have ended up on the bottom of things in the last few days!  I am clinging to the promises of "Trusting in the Lord with all of my heart..and He will direct my paths," but as you can probably all relate...we all have our moments of weakness and discouragement.  I have fallen into that over the last couple of days, but continuing to press on and believing God will continue to meet me where I am and carry me in my tough moments.  I seem to have been casting the same cares God's way over and over again waiting for God to take them from me.  I  am beginning to pray about these cares in a different way tonight.  "Lord, am I missing something here?  Is there something I am not getting?  Not learning?  I so desire to learn from these trials and difficult times, but ever so quickly please!"  I so don't want to stay where I am at tonight, and I am trusting God to bring me through in his timing and in his way.  For me, there is no other way!  As difficult as it can be and as much as I wish to move on to higher ground...I will continue to wait and cling to the Lord to sustain, grow, and deliver me!  "God's ways are not my ways and His thoughts are not my thoughts," and  "I will (continue to) rejoice in the Lord always!"   Pray I find that peace and joy in the midst of moving  forward one step at a time.   

Please be praying for us on Wednesday evening.  Our church will be starting up our Kidz Club again (after taking the last four weeks off).  Dennis and I believe it is so important to get back to the kids and continue to shine forth the love of Jesus to them, but I am REALLY trusting the Lord and taking this faith walk.  With Dennis still healing, it will be difficult, but not impossible  ("for all things are possible"), to run Kidz Club.  I am believing God to give me strength and direction and to sustain all of us.  "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few."  Pray that God continues to raise up people with hearts to reach this ripened harvest. I know God will be faithful, and I am anxious to see Him work.  Your prayers will definitely help to this end!

Be looking up, for the time is near....Don't waste a moment!

In Christ,  

Mendy

Friday, January 9, 2009

Hello Everyone!

Sorry I haven't written in a few days, but I enjoyed letting Megan "have the last word" for a while.  What could I possibly add to those words from her heart?  Wow!  What a great "kid", she is!  :)

She has it much more together than her ol' mom.  She must take after her daddy!

I am struggling a bit with words tonight.  (I know, hard to believe!)  Feeling a little more at ease with Den's condition.  He is awake a bit more lately and enjoying a little less pain.  We actually slept more soundly and got up one less time last night.    We have a visit to the doctor tomorrow morning.  I think we are both somewhat nervous about the visit since this is where he had the "seizure type" episode two weeks ago.  I think we would both like to just stay home.  Pray we receive positive results on his blood pressure, low heart rate, kidney functions, and anemia.  He is not looking forward to the lab where they will attempt to draw blood again.  That has not been a positive experience lately.

If you missed it, Den and I were interviewed by CBS 2 News (CBS2.com) yesterday.  The media had attempted to talk to us for quite some time, and we have not wanted to do it.  However, when Stacy Butler contacted me and told me she wished to talk to us about "Forgiveness," I  told her that was one of our favorite subjects and to come on over!  Our prayer is that hearts will be touched and questions raised through the interview.  (Dennis joined us for the last few minutes.  He was so cute on camera!)

This has been a busy week.  I received, in the mail this week, a Subpoena from the District Attorney's Office to appear in court as a witness in the Juvenile Court against the sixteen year old girl arrested in connection with the attack.  I hadn't allowed myself to think much about this (except in prayer) since we met a couple of weeks ago with the Sheriff's Dept. right after the arrests.    God is so good!  In speaking with the D.A.'s Office this am, I was told the young lady had changed her plea to guilty in a felony charge from a "not guilty" plea.  Please pray for the young lady.  My heart breaks for her and her family.  May God reach her with His love and forgiveness.  We have the opportunity to address her at the hearing later this month if we wish.  Pray God will direct our steps.  I was told the D.A.'s Office will be in touch soon concerning the "adult"  male arrested in connection with case.  PLEASE be praying for this to all go according to God's will.  I am soooo not looking forward to where this may all lead, but I will continue to look to my trustworthy and faithful God.  (Did I say I was struggling with words tonight?)

Megan had a great day today!  Many friends came and got her and took her out to her favorite restaurant, Spaghetti Factory, and then shopping at Victoria Gardens.  She returned home many hours later with a BIG smile on her face.  Thank you girls for showing Megan a great time!  You truly showed forth God's love to Megan!  What awesome women of God you are!

Pray as I have been preparing for Sunday Service.  We have yet another man of God committed to joining us this week to worship and share The Word of God with us.  We have been so blessed each week as we wait for Dennis to return to the pulpit.  (He is getting very restless and impatient--good signs I think!)  We received proposals today for our church outdoor lighting and for the wall/fencing around the church.  Ouch!  These items are not cheap!  Please be praying that we make right decisions and God provides for our needs in a great way.  The proposals have been submitted to our District Office for consideration, direction, and support.

Pray that our leaders will have the Godly wisdom to know what we should do.  Continuing praying God will raise up leaders to stand with us in ministering to the neighborhoods near our church.  So many need to hear about this great big God who loves them so much!  Please God, be working in the hearts of believers to reach out and take a step of faith joining us in reaching a lost city for you! Together, we can make a difference!  Don't be fearful, be excited to share your faith and believe God to work through you and your family to shine His light and truth.

Just say, "Yes, Lord!"  Pray, be in The Word, and be available!  Be watching and waiting for opportunities to tell people of God's great love and forgiveness.    As you share the events of the last five weeks, God will open the doors wide for you to share what God is doing and desires to do in their lives.  Don't miss out on this great opportunity to point people to Jesus!    Everywhere I go and everyone I talk to are so open to what this "forgiveness" is all about.  If we don't tell them, how will they hear?  You might be the only or last chance for your doctor, hair stylist, store checker, gas attendant, or next door neighbor to hear.   Seize the moment!  We are out to change our world for Jesus!  Won't you join us?    xo

Mendy  

January 7, 2009 Part 2

Something from Megan.

Hi everyone,

I just thought I would wright something since you haven't heard much of anything from me haha.

Ok, well, hello! 

Where do I start, ok um the night of my dads attack freaked me out completely! I was so worried I couldn't breath I was to the point of almost hyperventilating, and I was also very very angry. I didn't even feel like praying. I was so angry with God. So many Qs going through my mind: why would God let this happen? Why me? Why my Family? Why my daddy? A man that loves God with all his heart, and all he wants to do is serve Him. All I wanted was to see those men pay for what they did to my dad.

God finally got hold of me one night while I was washing my hair. I broke down in tears. He told me that we can't hate the men that did such a horrible act on my dad. We have to pray for them that they will be saved. I began (instead of hating those men) to feel sorry for them. I want to see them in heaven some day. God told me that even though we may go through hell He will be there to bring us and good through it, and to protect us. It is sometimes very hard to trust God but we have to, with out Him we would be who knows where? So many great things of come out of this horrible nightmare! Friends and family of mine have come to Jesus and news reports want to know about this amazing God we are talking about and serve with our whole hearts.

God has changed my heart over all this. I am no longer angry at these men. He has such an amazing plan for my family and everyone that surrounds us. And for the little church on Baseline. I can not tell you how I truly feel it makes me cry thinking about my Jesus and everything He has done for me and everything He has brought me through. This is the first year that I have really attempted to read through the entire bible. Its amazing!! Right now I'm reading Luke. WOW. How cool is it to read this stuff that really happened!! Right!? I mean Jesus healing and blind and the crippled and even raising people from the dead! WOW! I have never been so excited to read my bible and to serve God. It makes my life whole when I'm sad or just sick of life or school I can just stop, put on a little Jeff Deyo worship and pray. O man it makes me feel so happy!! He takes away all my worries. Something God has really taught me is that no matter comes my way, I must endure it. God is with me 100% through it all! He is there to hold me and wipe the tears away. 

Even though I have been through hell the past month He is bringing me through it.

I Encourage you whatever comes your way God is with you always! He will never EVER leave you nor forsake you!!! I am ashamed that I was angry with my heavenly father, but He has forgiven me of that and I tell you I am so happy He is a forgiving God!

Thank you for listening!

May GOD bless you SOOOO highly that you overspill :)

Love you all and thank you so much for everything you have done!!!

LOVE Megan

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Hello,

Dennis continues to rest and is beginning to sit-up a little longer between sleeps.  We actually spent a couple of hours listening to Worship music last night and spending time together praying.  I hope I never take for granted again the special moments I get to converse with Dennis.    I love to hear him pray and hear his heart.  In the past, I have taken for granted our prayer time each night.  Lord, forgive me!  One of my favorite times each day is the time we spend together in God's presence.  If you are married and do not pray with your spouse, do so!  There is nothing like hearing your husband pray and hearing his heart and knowing his passion.  It brings us closer to God and each other, and I learn so much about him when he is praying.  It is so awesome when we agree together in prayer, and then watch what God does!  And boy, is God working or what?  

Dennis goes to the doctor on Saturday for an update on his: low heart rate, high blood pressure, anemia, and kidneys.  I will have more to share Saturday night.  Today, I received approval for his next visits and testing with the Eye Specialist, Neurosurgeon, and OMFS doctor--all at LLMC.  Those appointments with take place over the next two weeks.  In the meantime, we continue to take it one day at a day--trying to rest and allow God to do the healing.  

Megan goes back to our co-op (homeschool enrichment program) tomorrow and back to college classes on Monday.  All of our friends at our homeschool group have been soooo supportive.  I cannot leave Dennis alone, so Megan will be going off tomorrow without me.  We have been so blessed by so many people who have stood with us and supported us in every way.  As we head into the quiet of the evening, I wonder what tomorrow will bring and what God has in store for us.  I am at peace knowing God IS in control.  I am so glad for that!  There is just no other way to live!

In my time with the Lord this am, I read (James 1:2-4) "Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy.  For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything."  This FIRES ME UP!  I want to shout right now..."SO, BRING IT ON!" (That is God in me speaking!) I desire to be strong in character and prepared for anything!  BUT, my "human" side cries out, Lord, do I really need more testing?  I think I am where you need and want me to be already!  Right, Lord? (sigh; smile)  I am reminded of Paul and the trials and difficulties he faced during his ministry,  I am encouraged to know he kept his eyes on the goal and continued with his call!  PTL!  Lord, I have stupidly asked for greater patience, but, endurance, I didn't sign-up for!  I can say that God has been faithful to bring us "through" the circumstances of the last five weeks, BUT, why couldn't He have taken us "AROUND" them?  If He had of, we would not have learned to endure in the mist of our challenging times.  I get excited about the spiritual journey I have been on--just me and Jesus!  As many of you know, my beloved friend was called to another state about eight weeks ago, and I wondered how I would possibly survive without her!  Then, less than a month after that, Dennis was attacked!  Lord, what is going on?  Who can I possibly confide in now? Who will be there to hold me up?  (smile, sigh)  Don't get me wrong, I so miss my confidants, BUT God so revealed himself to me mightily!  I have been reminded what a great listener He is, He never leaves me, and He always points me in the right direction.  Wow!  It is so amazing to have a personal friendship with my Creator and King.  

I do want to add that I have not only been overwhelmed by my God, but also how He has touched me and my family with the love and support from so many people who have come along side to support us.  Tears come quickly when I think back to the many friends and family that have given their love, time, prayers, shoulders to cry on, and a piece of themselves to us over these last weeks.  I AM SO BLESSED and IN AWE of the outpouring!  I love you all so much!  

I guess when God says,"He will never leave us or forsake us," He REALLY means it!  Tonight, I am tired and spent, but I know this...THERE IS NOTHING GOD AND I CAN'T DO!  As I trust and lean in to Him, He directs my steps, He equips me, He never leaves me, and He empowers me to meet the goal.  This journey is so exciting!  I have no idea what tomorrow will bring, but I trust God knows what's best for me and that He WILL work it all out for His Glory and good!  On top of all that, He promises "joy" in the midst!  

So tonight, you are not alone! God loves you, and God created you for a purpose!  I know we are not the only ones facing tough circumstances right now, and I am blessed that you took the time to listen to me.  But, PLEASE know God wants to also carry you and bring you through whatever difficulty you are facing tonight.  All He is waiting for is you to ask Him!  Choose to look to the goal and not to the current circumstances you may find yourself in right now.  God desires to use you to shine His light to a dying world.  Don't miss the opportunity to impact your world with Jesus!  What is our call?   To bring glory to God in all we say and do! 

"To God Be the Glory!  Great things He has done (and continues to do)!"

Mendy