January 15

I don't believe in "luck", but if I did, I'd feel like a lucky man. I prefer to think of it as blessed, though. I am truly, truly blessed. I'm blessed to know you (a bit presumptuous, of course, but I assume I know most if not all of you). I am blessed to have your prayers. I am blessed to have your friendship. I am blessed to have your encouragement. And, I am blessed to have your expertise. Remember, whenever you do something out of love, whenever you do something right, whenever you do something noble, you are ministering Jesus. Even if you don't ever mention His Name, you are still His hands at work. And that is how the blessing of many blesses one, and in turn blesses many. It's a bit late, and I have a whomping headache, but I hope I am saying all of that in a manner that makes sense. I want you to see the awesome power you have at your fingertips when you bless someone by doing what is right.

After my last entry, many of you rushed to our aid both in prayer and in action. I have learned that the actions taken in dismissing Barbara and moving her to Select care was at the least unethical, and even more so, unlawful. It's a long story, but it has led to two angels that God has sent to help us do what is right. But I'm getting a bit ahead of myself.

Our experience at Select in Hammond has been spotty at best. There have certainly been a few bright spots, but there have been more things going wrong than I can chronicle here. I am so thankful that God has sent two particular angels who are helping us do the right thing for Barbara. I don't want to mention their names because both are practicing in the medical field, and I don't wish to complicate their lives. Suffice it to say they are ministering to our needs with mercy and justice, which means they are being Christ to us.

I will keep you apprised as best I can as to how things progress over the days ahead. Barbara has communicated to me that she definitely wants to be moved, so we will pursue doing so. Please keep us in your prayers.

Barbara has been having increased anxiety attacks, and her digestive system is still a real mess. She has been running a temperature off and on today, and is complaining of numbness throughout her body. On the other hand, her breathing just keeps getting better and better. I think she could breathe well without the extra oxygen. Oh, one other thing to mention. Her hearing has gotten really bad, and the doctors at Select say its not from earwax. They have supposedly called a specialist to look at her ears, but we've been waiting two days and have never seen such a person.

So, please pray for both of us that we will make wise decisions, that we will have the mind of God,

Pray that our "angels" will also have that wisdom as they guide us to rectify this bad situation,

Pray that Barbara's health issues resolve,

And pray again that she will be well enough to be able to handle the arduous trip to Jackie and Peter's wedding in May (something that is a real concern - and at her present rate, I have to admit that I have doubts that she can make the trip - but I have enough faith to believe God is big enough to do the work!).

A final note... Barbara is very determined to walk and to crochet again! She is working hard and has inspired me!

Let's all share the wonderful blessings of God with others. Who can you be Jesus to today?