 Len with four members of our church's pastoral staff: Dr. Ken Alford, Senior Pastor; Pastor Ross Cook, Youth Pastor; Pastor Jamie Warnshuis, Children & Families Pastor; and Pastor Mark Avery, Administration & Outreach Pastor  Len with some of our grandchildren! (We woke them up from their nap!)
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“And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.” (1 Corinthians 12:28)
Healing occurs in many ways. (Doctors are mere instruments of God.) So thankful He knows what is best for everyone. Knowing God has a purpose for joyful times as well as painful ones, we must learn to accept what He allows in our lives. During both times, God is with us. And, He knows and feels our pain. Remember, Jesus wept? (John 11:35). On a side note, who can worship a god who doesn’t know anything about or feel pain? On Friday, 3/24, Len’s stitches were removed. I watched the entire process. It looked painful. Now, 24 hours later, the incision area looks good. Len says his head feels better; it’s not as tight in that area causing additional pain. I am so thankful the Lord knows all about his pain and that some additional relief has come! The journey to healing continues. Verna “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19) (Emphasis on words are mine. Didn’t want you to miss these words!)
Elated and honored. These are just two words to describe how I felt when one of the Bible study leaders at my church asked me to lead a particular study. I received the invitation in mid-December. To be exact, December 15th. Immediately, I started preparing to teach the small designated, but prominence, section of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Never would I have known that what I was learning about Jesus’ teaching on prayer would be what I needed to strengthen me during a difficult time in my life. To be exact, the date was December 29th when we learned of the size of a benign brain tumor that needed to be surgically removed. In the big scheme of things, God was preparing me for Len’s surgery. What God revealed to me about prayer was eye-opening. So much so that this baptist sister had to share the insights with her husband! We both were amazed as we walked through the Old Testament to get to the point in the New Testament where Jesus was teaching His followers how to pray. Since studying this passage, looking intently into the scripture, I have a greater appreciation for the privilege of prayer. What’s more amazing than my specific experience is the fact that God does His part in preparing us for EVERY journey. But sometimes we are not prepared because we don’t FOLLOW His guidance--do what He says…, to TRUST Him. The next time God is nudging you to do something, or NOT to do something, know that He alone knows what is needed to complete the journey, His way. Be a willing participant so that you get what God has for you. For me it is strength for THIS journey. By the way, the sweet folks at Langdale Place will help me teach this same message during their Sunday morning church service on April 30th. God’s Spirit tells me that the Bible scholars at Langdale will enjoy recalling what they already know about prayer in the Old Testament and then to march that knowledge forward to Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount! Perhaps you’ll consider supporting this ministry. If interested, let me know. Verna I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” (Psalm 139:14)
Healing is evident. Len’s pain is decreasing! This is definitely another HUGE praise!!! He is taking less pain medication and has more energy. Physical and occupational therapy are helping, resulting in more energy and improvement in mobility. Len’s vision continues to improve as well. Whatever limitations God provides, His work in us is marvelous! Therefore, we are always above our circumstances. That my friend, is why we praise Him—cause He knows what He is doing and we TRUST Him! Verna “O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him." (Psalm 34:8)
Knowing God is in control is always comforting. Accepting this Truth provides the peace that is needed to surrender even the most unpredictable and unpleasant situations to Him. Granted, the process of His marvelous works are not always painless. In fact, it's often painful! But knowing God desires the best for us should cause us to praise Him even in dark painful situations. Yesterday, Len slept most of the day mainly because his pain level was high, but not high enough to keep him from sleeping. Today is a new day and things are different! Len’s pain level is less, and PRAISE GOD, he only sees one wife, which means he no longer has double vision! Although his vision is foggy, it is not double!!! Whatever God allows in our lives, He knows what He is doing and we accept it. The Lord is good, yesterday, today, FOREVER! Trust Him. Verna “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5)
Len has had great improvement in the area of mobility—without the start of any therapies. (The occupational and physical therapists have ONLY completed intakes; the actual therapy is scheduled to start the week of March 20th.) Len says the pain at the incision site sometimes reaches an eight (8) on the pain scale. (The pain level starts creeping up about an hour before the next dose is due.) His vision is about the same—still double without his homemade patch. He rotates this patch because singularly each eye seems to yield the same result. Yesterday and today, his right eye is red and burning. I’m not sure of the cause. Perhaps the good ole’ South Georgia pollen is the culprit! Behind the scenes, God is working in incredible ways! We hope to share some of those ‘ways’ with you one day. Despite what our circumstances may appear, God is ALWAYS present working things out for our good and His glory! I was reminded again of the comfort and assurance of God’s abiding presence when I needed to call Len’s doctor this morning. Yes. Sunday morning. To my eyes, Len’s incision site looked different. Therefore, I was concerned about all the possibilities of what ‘could’ be happening. Hesitantly, I made the call to speak with one of the doctors on Len’s team. Within minutes, I spoke with a team doctor and he assured me that what I was seeing, although different, is normal. With his assurance, my mind was once again at ease. After the conversation ended, I thought about my access to God. NEVER, do I need to wait for a call back or for God to clear His calendar before He communicates with me. He is ALWAYS available to hear from His children. ALWAYS! I rejoice knowing that He loves me this much—to ALWAYS be present, hence the attribute omnipresent. God is present everywhere at the same time. Do you know this God? If not, YOU are missing The Love of your life! Verna “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)
Thank everyone for your prayers, greetings sent to us, and for inquiring about Len’s progress. All acts of kindness and concern are appreciated! Since my last communication here on this blog, Len’s pain has been more manageable. For the most part, it has lessened and continues to respond nicely to the prescribed medicines. Also, the swelling has decreased and his incision area is healing. Home healthcare? Well, it's a work in progress. The most difficult obstacle for Len is the double vision. Just so that you get a general idea of how huge this problem is, Len is seeing double. Of everything. Including me! (Is this biblical?) He wears a patch to minimize the distortion. Along with the double vision, Len has temporarily loss some independence. Around home is not a big problem. The major problem for him is, well, I get to drive him everywhere. I don’t know--this may not be a bad thing because during this time I will not be providing directions or telling him where to park! (Ladies in the Fervent study will understand this!!!) In the meantime, God is still first in our lives. We’re still worshiping and honoring Him, but in different ways. After reverencing God, I’m following the familiar instructions provided by flight attendants: I put my mask on first. In doing so, I have the strength needed to help my husband with his needs! (If I did not take care of my mandatory needs, the care provided to my husband would be substandard.) Because I desire the best for Len, I must take care of me! This is the hardest lesson for caregivers to learn. One day at a time, Verna “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” (Luke 1:37)
Reflecting. The moment the nurse walked into the room and told me her job title, I knew the conversation would not go well. Not that I wanted it that way. I could just tell her personality type. She was determined to do things one way, hers! The first tell-tell sign was the announcement of her job title, not her name, but her title. (Never once did I hear her greet us.) One of the most common ways to disrespect someone is by not talking to them, but at them. Again, this is easily done by not saying the person’s name – no acknowledgment. When I sensed where the conversation was going, I asked the nurse to leave and come back later, or to send someone else. She told me there was no one else. At that point, it was clear to me that this conversation was going nowhere. Absolutely no where! Ever been there? Although our desires were made difficult, they were not impossible to achieve. We simply asked our daughter to do the leg work for us. The end result? The nurse did not have things her way! I believe God was pointing us in a certain direction, so we were determined to stay on the path He ordained—doing things His way! Just thought I would let you know about a little bump that was! Verna In the meantime, rejoice knowing that we serve an awesome God! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38i9V4ICfDQ “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit.” (I Thessalonians 5:16 - 19)
I love reading operating manuals! I want to maximize the usage of my products so I read, and re-read operating manuals. The Holy Bible is an operating manual. I have heard many people say that it is The Book containing Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. This morning, while recalling some instructions from my favorite book, by heart settled on a specific set of instructions found in Thessalonians 5:16 – 19, specifically verse 17; "Pray without ceasing." I know you have already been praying. THANK YOU so very much, but can I ask you to join me in praying for two specific needs? Right now, prayers for pain reduction and healing are needed. Because Len is no longer attached to the morphine IV pump like he had in the hospital, his pain levels fluctuates continuously between 3 and 8. Movement brings about an increase in pain. I am certain once physical therapy starts this week, his pain will intensify. (If you could see the scar on his head, about 6 inches of stitches, you would understand why.) So, as you pray and/or share an update with others, please be specific in your requests. Pray for pain reduction and healing, in Jesus’ name. Amen? And then after praying for these needs, thank our God who is able to do this and more! Verna  “When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.” (Proverbs 3:24)
A few days after Christmas, we were told to start preparing for another surgery, which you know was done just a few days ago. When we learned of the need for another surgery, we never feared. We have learned to trust God no matter how dark or difficult circumstances may appear. Also, we purposefully waited to use one of our Christmas gifts thinking God had ordained the BEST time for us to enjoy it. Not settling for good, or better, we decided to wait for the BEST time. After the surgery, was the BEST time! When we arrived home and then fixed our eyes on the new comforter, we knew that fresh clean sheets were waiting for us! Yes, we were tired from the long trip, but because we waited to use our gift for the BEST possible moment, we expected our sleep to be so much sweeter! And it was!!! Energized, we both had the get-up-and-go needed to handle today’s requirements. Can’t wait to retire to this same bed tonight, and then to arise refreshed, ready to handy the new day’s requirements. Always desiring God’s BEST, Verna |
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September 2017
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Dr. Verna Foster Harvey
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