December 16

We’ve all been encouraged by the good reports for Barbara, but we should still keep in mind that she remains very sick and in critical condition. I say that to brace us all for the fact that last night, as they were preparing Barbara for an MRI, she stopped breathing and her heart stopped. They bagged her and performed CPR, and brought her back to a relatively stable condition. They don’t know what caused this, and the MRI was not done.

This morning she has a very high heart rate and a low blood pressure. The lung doctor told us the medical name of a condition they now believe her to be in, but the oversimplified version of it is that she’s having a hard time overcoming the carbon dioxide build up in her body. She is very, very sick and in a very tenuous condition right now. They have assured me that they are doing all they can – but the problem is just that – there doesn’t seem to be much else they can do to pull her out of all the things she’s being plagued with at this time. She is laboring to breathe, and looks absolutely miserable.

She is somewhat alert at times, but we’re not sure what she knows. She smiled at us a little this morning, but still seems very confused. This is also a great concern of mine. The doctor’s don’t understand why she hasn’t come around after a week or so off of the sedatives. That is why they were doing the MRI.

On another note, I am thankful to everyone for their expressions of concern and generosity in the wake of the break-in and robbery with Peter’s car as it was parked at our home. It’s tough for me not to feel “responsible” - but I guess that must be a natural response when somebody violates your family under your watch this way. Several of you have suggested what you would like to do to the person who would do something like this – not only at this time of year – but considering the other stresses we’ve gone through. I would just say that I only feel sorry for the parties involved. They obviously don’t have the hope in Christ that we have, and they are working their way through a life that seems destined for hurt and pain at this point. The things they took, though of earthly value, are still just “stuff”. I’m thankful that Peter and Jackie are well, and that they have the hope of Christ in their hearts. No one can ever steal that from them.

Please join us in praying today that Barbara’s vitals will once again grow stronger and healthier,

That her body will be cleared of all infection and disease,

That her mind will clear and she will be able to move,

That her heart will strengthen,

And that God will move more quickly on all of these things!

Many of you remind me that this will take a long time. Frankly, I’m tired of the wait. I am continuing to pray BIG Zechariah type prayers. I’m reminded of this:

Isaiah 38:1-5 (NLT)
About that time Hezekiah became deathly ill, and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to visit him. He gave the king this message: "This is what the Lord says: Set your affairs in order, for you are going to die. You will not recover from this illness." When Hezekiah heard this, he turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, "Remember, O Lord, how I have always tried to be faithful to you and do what is pleasing in your sight." Then he broke down and wept bitterly. Then this message came to Isaiah from the Lord: "Go back to Hezekiah and tell him, 'This is what the Lord, the God of your ancestor David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears. I will add fifteen years to your life.

Enough said!

Greg