January 11

We are back in the step down unit, and things continue to progress. I was excited to come in this morning and find that Barbara's respirator is shut off, and she only has an oxygen mask attached to her trache. She will still receive slight assist at night, but I've been told that even with that in place, she is still breathing all on her own. Wow! That's great!

Without going into all the details of things that can make a long term hospital stay so unpleasant, I will simply say that she is also making good progress in other areas of well being.

I continue to be very concerned about her slow progress in moving her body. She can move her arms and legs to a degree, but she has little strength. Long term physical therapy will be crucial. However, my concerns go deep in several areas pertaining to this factor. There is Jackie and Peter's wedding in May. And, I realize that I am ill equipped to give her the level of care she still requires. Taking care of someone in her present state is practically a full time job. So, I trust you'll be at prayer with us concerning this issue.

I've had a number of you remark about how you've been inspired by some of the things you've read here. Let me tell you what it is, in case you don't know. It's the incredible power of the Holy Spirit of God ministering to your heart and speaking to you as you have need to hear. I can't take credit for any sign of strength or any word of significance you read here. So if anything speaks to your heart, I would encourage you to recognize that you are witnessing the fingerprint of God. He loves us all so much that He uses the feeble words and efforts of man to trigger powerful things in the heart.

The speech therapist was just now in the room, and Barbara is making good progress with her speaking valve for the trache. She is ready to go home today! I hope to find out more details soon on what long term care facility she'll be moved to after she is dismissed. The day is rapidly approaching, I suspect.

Today, pray about Barbara's physical healing so that she can move her hands, make those beautiful afghans she makes, and so that she can walk again,

And pray for the healing of her digestive system.

Don't forget to give praise, too.

This Friday and Saturday, my church is embarking on another 24 Hours of Prayer. We'll have someone at the church praying every hour for 24 hours in a row. If you think you couldn't pray for an hour straight, then you're not alone. However, with a few proper prayer starters, our people have found that not only can they pray for an hour... some even stay and pray for 2 or 3 hours! Even in the middle of the night! If you'd like more details on how we do this for your church, I'd encourage you to get in contact with me. It's very much worth doing. We've actually had a teen accept Jesus during one of these events. And the weeks after always are charged with power. There have always been definable "miracles", if you will, associated with this event. It is also a valuable occasion for fasting should the Spirit lead you in that direction.

May God bless you richly so that many others may be blessed richly.