Saturday, January 3, 2008

DENNIS WATCHED SAN DIEGO WIN THEIR PLAYOFF GAME TONIGHT!  He was actually able to stay awake for the game.  A friend came and "husband sat" so I could run a few errands today.  Dennis enjoyed his time with Chris as they worshipped together and played their guitars for a while.  He had a full day.  I believe he stayed awake more than he slept today.  I am not sure if that is a good thing or a bad one, but even though he was exhausted... he was smiling when he went to bed.  I believe it was a good day for him!  He has taken more Tylenol today, but less prescription pain medication.  We are seeing a bit of improvement with each new day.  After his busy day today, I am anxious to see how he is tomorrow.  Thank you Jesus for the continued healing we are witnessing in Dennis' body each day!

Many of you have asked about Megan and how she is doing.  Please pray for her as she has been down some the last three or four days.  She has been so great through all of this, hurting but believing God is in control and excited as she has witnessed God's healing of her daddy.  She is learning, along with us, that although God did not cause this to happen, He is sure using the evil for good in people's lives.  She has been touched by the outpouring of love and concern shown to our family and to her over the last weeks.  It has been 4 weeks tonight when this all began, and I believe God has taught her many things.  She has received letters from young people all over.  It has been amazing to read the letters from youth that have encouraged her and shared some of the pain they have had to put in God's hands during their young, short lives.

Today it was nice to "push" Megan out the door to go with a couple of friends shopping this afternoon.  She returned feeling much better.  She hadn't been out of the house, except for the hospital, in weeks.  It was nice to see her go have fun and spend a little money.  :)

Pray for her as she has been feeling God calling her to Africa this summer.  We have not had the time to pursue this further, but we are praying God will continue to grow that passion in her if it is His will.  She desires still today to be in full-time ministry after attending Bible College.  PTL!  She is in the battle at her young age and has learned to trust God through the good and the bad times.  These are very difficult ways to learn such lessons, but God has been ever faithful to grow her, but also protect her sweet, loving spirit and passion to love people to Himself.

We received letters today from the Tehachapi State Prison!  Men who have gotten saved and living their lives for the Lord in prison wrote to encourage us and lift us up in prayer.  They talked from a far different perspective than any of our other prayers and well wishes, as you might imagine.  We cried through all of them.  After reading all of their thoughts and words, Dennis said he wants to go encourage them as soon as he is able to.  I will be contacting the prison shortly.  (Dennis wouldn't go to sleep this evening until I promised to do so!)

Pray for these young men.  What lights they are in a very dark place!  God truly is amazing.

Pray for our service tomorrow at Church of the Valley.  Megan and I are anxious to be with our church family in the morning.  God is working and moving mightily through His people.  I received a call yesterday from the family I told you about a few days ago (the family that lived with the young people who were arrested for the attack).  The husband is out of prison (arrested the day when the two accused of the crime were arrested), and he wants to be in our service with his family tomorrow!  Pray their hearts are touched, and God brings healing and restoration to their lives.  Continue praying we will have the opportunity to share God's love and forgiveness with all involved!

I enjoyed reading Isaiah 61 today.  Read it when you can.  In Is. 61:8, God tells us He will reward those who suffer because of injustice, and He will settle all accounts!  Thank you, Jesus! By God taking care of all of the injustice in the world today, we can focus on forgiveness and seeing others come to know Jesus. There is no time to waste on harboring hatred or unforgiveness.  Pray for the souls of these young people who need to hear of our God who loves and cares for them.

"For if we forgive men when they sin against us, our heavenly Father will also forgive us.  But if we do not forgive men their sins, our Father will not forgive our sins."  Mt. 6:14-15 

Live it out!  Is there someone in your life that you need to forgive?  Join us in allowing God to handle the injustice, and you will be set free from bondage and free to love others unconditionally with God's help!  

Enjoy your day of worship tomorrow!  

Mendy