Amy, Keegan and Caleb
Building a Gingerbread house
So nice to have both of our boys home for Christmas.
Caleb and Mike decorating.
Our Christmas Elf
Friday, December 28, 2012
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Christmas Miracle
Hello! Time to fill you in on Mike and the past couple of weeks.
After lots of phone calls, I did get a low pressure air flow overlay for our bed so that we did not have to get an entire hospital bed. It was delivered on Dec. 17 and Mike immediately wanted to lie down and actually stayed there for almost 45 minutes - it was wonderful! As soon as I knew when it would be delivered, I called Dr. Schwartz's office to schedule the surgery for Mike's pressure sore and wasn't happy with the date - Jan. 15. I knew there was no way I could keep the outer skin from closing for that long, plus it meant dealing with the wound vac for another month. Ugh. The scheduler and RN checked with the Dr. and he's not worried about it since he'll open it on the 15th anyway. Seems to me if it closed on the outside 2 weeks before the surgery, it could be much worse underneath by the 15th, but none of them are concerned about that. I called back again and asked to be put on a waiting list for an earlier date should one come available. In the meantime, I have continued to ask God to heal the ENTIRE hole inside and out, plus looked up what other foods besides protein are good for wound healing. I've been feeding Mike more dark greens plus orange and yellow fruits. On Dec. 19, when Tara at Wound Care took measurements of the wound, she told me that since he was going to have surgery I could stop using the wound vac and just go back to doing the wet-to-dry dressing, if I wanted to. Of course I wanted to! The wound vac just gets in the way and changing it's dressing is a much bigger ordeal. So her permission was such a blessing. (bright spot!) Christmas night, when I was packing the wound, I was sure it seemed like the underneath hole was smaller. Yesterday morning, I was sure of it, and tonight even more so. PRAISE GOD for this CHRISTMAS MIRACLE, the wound is closing from the inside out and fast in the last 3 days!!!! I am SO EXCITED and THANKFUL to JESUS!!! I can hardly wait to take him back to Tara next week for confirmation. This is such a HUGE Blessing....you just have no idea!
On Friday the 14th, I received the call that we had been approved to receive some government assistance and that Mike was eligible to pursue Gateway Clubhouse. On Tuesday, we again visited Gateway and although Mike was very restless, pacing, and repeating "Give me a job", he wanted to stay there and wanted me to get away. Unfortunately, as government things go, there is more paperwork and other people that have to do their part before Mike could actually go there and stay as a member. Plus, if he is too agitated and not a good fit with the other members, they can deny him. Louis, the director, said we may be able to start him for an hour at a time with a caregiver with him and increase from there. He did say that most of the members are 1 - 2 years post injury so are much more settled than Mike is currently. At any rate, he said it would probably be mid-February before we know if Mike can start there or not.
I have also been seeking more consistent help, but so far that has not happened. Mike has been quite anxious at some point on most days, unless we get him out to walk or work and wear him out. Usually the caregivers are worn out before he is! A couple of weeks ago, Scotty took Mike to his Dad's place in Apex and Mike raked leaves, picked up pine cones, they tromped through the woods and cut down a Christmas tree and finished building his bird house. Scotty was worn out, but Mike came home jubilant and saying "I can work outside!" Scotty said Mike did a great job. I had taken him to a friend's house the week before and we had raked. I enjoy working outside also, but my back was not happy that night, so I know I have to have someone else do these things with Mike. Last week Scotty couldn't come, so Comfort Keepers sent Rod who took Mike and they went to Pastor Berk's house and raked.
We went to the Brain Injury Association of NC (BIANC) support group's Christmas party on the 18th. Mike was excited to go to a party and we could hardly get him dressed and out the door due to his anxiety about getting there. Once in the car and there, he was very quiet and seemed to enjoy being out. I enjoyed meeting others with brain injury who encouraged us that a year from now, Mike would be so much better. I would have never guessed that some of the people even had TBI. There's always hope. We came home with free stuff and a contented Mike.
There is always more I want to tell you and especially some things I'm learning from the Lord, but it is almost 11pm again and time to quit. For some reason, this blog thinks I'm in central time (even tho I live in Raleigh, NC) and I can't figure out how to change it so the time stamp is always wrong. Feel free to leave a comment...hint, hint! I like to know there are folks "listening" on the other side. Then it feels like a two-way conversation.
As always, thank you for your prayers and love. I love you.
Bright Spots
Wound closing from the inside!!!
Less medications
Mike being calmer
Mike smiling as he plays the iPad games
Mike smiling as Draco slobbered and "talked" to him
both boys being home for Christmas
being with Mom and Dad & family
great food
5 straight hours of sleep
After lots of phone calls, I did get a low pressure air flow overlay for our bed so that we did not have to get an entire hospital bed. It was delivered on Dec. 17 and Mike immediately wanted to lie down and actually stayed there for almost 45 minutes - it was wonderful! As soon as I knew when it would be delivered, I called Dr. Schwartz's office to schedule the surgery for Mike's pressure sore and wasn't happy with the date - Jan. 15. I knew there was no way I could keep the outer skin from closing for that long, plus it meant dealing with the wound vac for another month. Ugh. The scheduler and RN checked with the Dr. and he's not worried about it since he'll open it on the 15th anyway. Seems to me if it closed on the outside 2 weeks before the surgery, it could be much worse underneath by the 15th, but none of them are concerned about that. I called back again and asked to be put on a waiting list for an earlier date should one come available. In the meantime, I have continued to ask God to heal the ENTIRE hole inside and out, plus looked up what other foods besides protein are good for wound healing. I've been feeding Mike more dark greens plus orange and yellow fruits. On Dec. 19, when Tara at Wound Care took measurements of the wound, she told me that since he was going to have surgery I could stop using the wound vac and just go back to doing the wet-to-dry dressing, if I wanted to. Of course I wanted to! The wound vac just gets in the way and changing it's dressing is a much bigger ordeal. So her permission was such a blessing. (bright spot!) Christmas night, when I was packing the wound, I was sure it seemed like the underneath hole was smaller. Yesterday morning, I was sure of it, and tonight even more so. PRAISE GOD for this CHRISTMAS MIRACLE, the wound is closing from the inside out and fast in the last 3 days!!!! I am SO EXCITED and THANKFUL to JESUS!!! I can hardly wait to take him back to Tara next week for confirmation. This is such a HUGE Blessing....you just have no idea!
On Friday the 14th, I received the call that we had been approved to receive some government assistance and that Mike was eligible to pursue Gateway Clubhouse. On Tuesday, we again visited Gateway and although Mike was very restless, pacing, and repeating "Give me a job", he wanted to stay there and wanted me to get away. Unfortunately, as government things go, there is more paperwork and other people that have to do their part before Mike could actually go there and stay as a member. Plus, if he is too agitated and not a good fit with the other members, they can deny him. Louis, the director, said we may be able to start him for an hour at a time with a caregiver with him and increase from there. He did say that most of the members are 1 - 2 years post injury so are much more settled than Mike is currently. At any rate, he said it would probably be mid-February before we know if Mike can start there or not.
I have also been seeking more consistent help, but so far that has not happened. Mike has been quite anxious at some point on most days, unless we get him out to walk or work and wear him out. Usually the caregivers are worn out before he is! A couple of weeks ago, Scotty took Mike to his Dad's place in Apex and Mike raked leaves, picked up pine cones, they tromped through the woods and cut down a Christmas tree and finished building his bird house. Scotty was worn out, but Mike came home jubilant and saying "I can work outside!" Scotty said Mike did a great job. I had taken him to a friend's house the week before and we had raked. I enjoy working outside also, but my back was not happy that night, so I know I have to have someone else do these things with Mike. Last week Scotty couldn't come, so Comfort Keepers sent Rod who took Mike and they went to Pastor Berk's house and raked.
We went to the Brain Injury Association of NC (BIANC) support group's Christmas party on the 18th. Mike was excited to go to a party and we could hardly get him dressed and out the door due to his anxiety about getting there. Once in the car and there, he was very quiet and seemed to enjoy being out. I enjoyed meeting others with brain injury who encouraged us that a year from now, Mike would be so much better. I would have never guessed that some of the people even had TBI. There's always hope. We came home with free stuff and a contented Mike.
There is always more I want to tell you and especially some things I'm learning from the Lord, but it is almost 11pm again and time to quit. For some reason, this blog thinks I'm in central time (even tho I live in Raleigh, NC) and I can't figure out how to change it so the time stamp is always wrong. Feel free to leave a comment...hint, hint! I like to know there are folks "listening" on the other side. Then it feels like a two-way conversation.
As always, thank you for your prayers and love. I love you.
Bright Spots
Wound closing from the inside!!!
Less medications
Mike being calmer
Mike smiling as he plays the iPad games
Mike smiling as Draco slobbered and "talked" to him
both boys being home for Christmas
being with Mom and Dad & family
great food
5 straight hours of sleep
Mike enjoying his new iPad.
Mike, who has always been allergic to animals, and hasn't cared to be around them, really enjoyed Draco's boisterous greeting and playful nature.
Draco talking with Mike.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Happy Birthday, Jesus!
Wow…where does time go? Here it is Christmas Day. Happy Birthday, Jesus!
Caleb arrived from Arizona on Saturday morning, we enjoyed
the day by eating, playing games, plus walking and throwing a Frisbee at Bond
Park where Keegan and Amy will be married on June 22, 2013!!! Woo Hoo! Amy was back for the weekend so was able to
join us. She and her mom are busy making lots of wedding plans during the
Christmas break while Amy doesn't have to think about college studies. :-)
Sunday morning Caleb fixed a yummy breakfast while the rest
of us un-decorated the apartment and then we joined Grace Community Church at the
Lake Johnson clubhouse and were greatly blessed by wonderful singing and Berk’s
sermon about real peace that Jesus gives, that the world cannot give or take away. I love being
in a small room with folks singing their hearts out in praise to and joy in The
Lord! After the guys & Amy went shopping and
we all packed, Amy headed to Charlotte and we headed to Virginia to spend Christmas at the farm with my
folks. Yesterday, Mike was super anxious
and hyper. Caleb and Keegan took him to
town to see the large train display at Bevell's hardware, walk, and buy steaks so Daddy could grill his famous steaks for supper. (They were delicious!)
Today I decided to try NOT giving Mike his morning Amantadine to see if it would make a difference and he was so much calmer today! Yay!! Dr. Gualtieri had cut him down to 1 instead of 2 per day, but maybe none is best. We'll see how it goes. Mike and I joined Mom and Dad for devotions, took a walk, and then we all opened our gifts and stockings. Mike's big gift was an iPad. Keegan and I had downloaded a few free games to see if it would be something he would enjoy playing, and he did! He played "Simon Says", "Animal Puzzles", "Match Blitz", "Logo's quiz", "Fruit Ninja", etc. The kids gave him the board game "Blokus" and we played that also. My niece, Erin, prepared a brunch feast for everyone at 11 at Hugh and Tracey's house which was delicious. Their house looks so pretty all decorated for Christmas and it was fun being a part of their tradition. We would usually be in Ohio for Christmas and, of course, miss being with the Rice side of the family, but felt this was best for Mike at this point. Mike spent most of the afternoon watching basketball with Caleb. Caleb took good care of him, feeding him lots of snacks and things to drink. I think Mike ate almost the entire afternoon and started looking for supper about 4pm. He really was so much calmer and relaxed today, I hope this continues.
Have lots more to tell you about what's going on with Mike, but want to get to bed. I'll try to get back on here soon to fill you in.
What a joyous and most blessed remembrance & celebration today is. Jesus Christ, God's son, was born to the virgin, Mary. God's perfect son, our Savior and Lord. Thank you, God. Thank you, Jesus.
Caleb gave himself and Keegan Lego watches.
Still kids at heart. :-)
The boys and Amy gave Mike a new game.
It's been quite a hit with everyone.
Mom and Dad - stocking time!
The Gingerbread House that Mike built.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
A perfect night
Tonight was such a perfect night. Mike and I picked up a little Frazier Fir Christmas tree this afternoon at a lot that boasted they had a tree in the White House this year. Keegan and Amy brought it in and set it up before supper. After supper, we found a spot for the tree, put on the lights and decorations and then celebrated an early Christmas with Keegan and Amy since she'll be headed home in a few days. (She's done with exams for this semester! Yea!) Keegan always likes to guess, so he had figured out one gift we were giving them (a game "Ticket to Ride"), but we also had a sort of engagement/Christmas gift also and that was a surprise. (I love good surprises!) So I have to give you a little background regarding the 2nd gift.
Several years ago when I was the secretary for Christus Victor Lutheran Church, Pastor Cook and his wife gave me a really nice mug from a NC pottery, Nichols Pottery. It quickly became my favorite mug. Well, Keegan liked my mug too and would tease that if it was missing one day, I'd know where to find it...with him at college. Some time later, I found a similar mug at a little shop in Southern Pines that carried Nichols Pottery and bought one for Keegan. Then Amy comes along and she really likes Keegan's mug! So eventually, Keegan gives Amy a mug like his. Remember the day Mike and I made a trip to the zoo? Well, actually the destination was Nichols Pottery and Mike and I bought K&A 2 plates and 2 bowls to match their mugs. So it was fun to see their surprise and joy over their first place setting of dishes. I told them if they wanted, we could build on it - wedding registry, or they just had a set for the 2 of them until they found something they liked better. Both were thrilled with the dishes and excited about starting to build a set. Mike keeps wanting to go back to the zoo and Nichols is only 15 minutes away from there. :-)
Then K&A taught us how to play Ticket to Ride, thankfully a simple game to learn and was fun. Mike won with Amy and I close on his heels and Keegan just a few paces behind us (mostly because he "helped" Mike). I even baked some cookies today - first time in a long time. Now I'm sitting here, enjoying our little lit tree, the manger scene and other bits of Christmas decor scattered around our little apartment. Ed was really the impetus behind getting any of the Christmas stuff out in the first place. Saturday he took Mike shopping for my Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers, and then came back and pulled out the Christmas boxes, and strung lights on the patio. Last night, he helped us finish recovering the dining room chairs. Mike, Catherine, and I had started last week, but ran into a few snags. While they were shopping on Saturday, I enjoyed a ladies luncheon with Keegan's church.
Today we saw Dr. Schwartz, a plastic surgeon. Once again, the wound is quickly closing on the top, but that pocket is stubbornly not closing underneath. So Dr. Schwartz wants to pull the tissue together and insert a drain, but before he would schedule the surgery, he said we must have an airflow pressure relief mattress for Mike to sleep on since Mike does not stay on his side to sleep. He's always been a back sleeper and even tho he'll start on his side, he quickly is on his back. Paperwork and phone calls were started today to get insurance approval and I'm hoping that we can get an overlay instead of having to get an entire bed in here. A representative is supposed to call me tomorrow so we can discuss the options. The results of the culture came back and Mike has MRSA. Both Dr. Sullivan and Dr. Schwartz agreed that it is pointless to treat the MRSA until the wound is closed. I don't understand it completely, but Mike is not having any symptoms of infection - redness, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. and as long as the wound is open there will be bacteria. The priority is to get the wound closed and then they'll treat the MRSA. Mike is more hyper than he was over Thanksgiving, but I am hopeful that when this wound is finally healed and the MRSA treated, maybe then we can work on reducing some of his medications and hopefully he'll settle down a bit. Maybe even be able to get involved in the Gateway Clubhouse or something else specifically for & with other TBI survivors. We have not heard from the eligibility committee yet. I called yesterday but the supervisor wasn't in.
We are reading in 2 Peter now so I'll close with this. 2 Peter 1:3-9 "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins." May we all work at possessing "these qualities in increasing measure" so we will be effective and productive in our "knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ". I think I'm getting a crash course in all of the above on this adventure and hope I'll come through on the other side much more effective and productive and in love with my Lord and my husband.
Well, Mike is up roaming around and agitated, so I better close this and see if I can get him back to bed. Love you and love to hear from you!
Several years ago when I was the secretary for Christus Victor Lutheran Church, Pastor Cook and his wife gave me a really nice mug from a NC pottery, Nichols Pottery. It quickly became my favorite mug. Well, Keegan liked my mug too and would tease that if it was missing one day, I'd know where to find it...with him at college. Some time later, I found a similar mug at a little shop in Southern Pines that carried Nichols Pottery and bought one for Keegan. Then Amy comes along and she really likes Keegan's mug! So eventually, Keegan gives Amy a mug like his. Remember the day Mike and I made a trip to the zoo? Well, actually the destination was Nichols Pottery and Mike and I bought K&A 2 plates and 2 bowls to match their mugs. So it was fun to see their surprise and joy over their first place setting of dishes. I told them if they wanted, we could build on it - wedding registry, or they just had a set for the 2 of them until they found something they liked better. Both were thrilled with the dishes and excited about starting to build a set. Mike keeps wanting to go back to the zoo and Nichols is only 15 minutes away from there. :-)
Then K&A taught us how to play Ticket to Ride, thankfully a simple game to learn and was fun. Mike won with Amy and I close on his heels and Keegan just a few paces behind us (mostly because he "helped" Mike). I even baked some cookies today - first time in a long time. Now I'm sitting here, enjoying our little lit tree, the manger scene and other bits of Christmas decor scattered around our little apartment. Ed was really the impetus behind getting any of the Christmas stuff out in the first place. Saturday he took Mike shopping for my Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers, and then came back and pulled out the Christmas boxes, and strung lights on the patio. Last night, he helped us finish recovering the dining room chairs. Mike, Catherine, and I had started last week, but ran into a few snags. While they were shopping on Saturday, I enjoyed a ladies luncheon with Keegan's church.
Today we saw Dr. Schwartz, a plastic surgeon. Once again, the wound is quickly closing on the top, but that pocket is stubbornly not closing underneath. So Dr. Schwartz wants to pull the tissue together and insert a drain, but before he would schedule the surgery, he said we must have an airflow pressure relief mattress for Mike to sleep on since Mike does not stay on his side to sleep. He's always been a back sleeper and even tho he'll start on his side, he quickly is on his back. Paperwork and phone calls were started today to get insurance approval and I'm hoping that we can get an overlay instead of having to get an entire bed in here. A representative is supposed to call me tomorrow so we can discuss the options. The results of the culture came back and Mike has MRSA. Both Dr. Sullivan and Dr. Schwartz agreed that it is pointless to treat the MRSA until the wound is closed. I don't understand it completely, but Mike is not having any symptoms of infection - redness, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. and as long as the wound is open there will be bacteria. The priority is to get the wound closed and then they'll treat the MRSA. Mike is more hyper than he was over Thanksgiving, but I am hopeful that when this wound is finally healed and the MRSA treated, maybe then we can work on reducing some of his medications and hopefully he'll settle down a bit. Maybe even be able to get involved in the Gateway Clubhouse or something else specifically for & with other TBI survivors. We have not heard from the eligibility committee yet. I called yesterday but the supervisor wasn't in.
We are reading in 2 Peter now so I'll close with this. 2 Peter 1:3-9 "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins." May we all work at possessing "these qualities in increasing measure" so we will be effective and productive in our "knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ". I think I'm getting a crash course in all of the above on this adventure and hope I'll come through on the other side much more effective and productive and in love with my Lord and my husband.
Well, Mike is up roaming around and agitated, so I better close this and see if I can get him back to bed. Love you and love to hear from you!
Our little Christmas tree in Raleigh Apt.
Christmas with Keegan & Amy
Starting their Nichol's pottery set.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Christmas and tuna pie
Almost every day now Mike asks me what I am going to give him for Christmas, over and over and over again. I'm planning to give him a tablet (ipad or android). Mike's sister, Lynn, said the speech therapist at her school knows several programs that would be good for Mike to use, play, memory challenges, etc. So Mike says "What are you giving me for Christmas?" pause "ipad for Christmas." After several repetitions, then it becomes "I paid for Christmas." :-) Have to see the humor in these repetitions in order to stay sane!
Last night, I asked Catherine to make a tuna pie. Something Mike and I both like and haven't had for awhile. Well...he heard me talking with her and he wanted tuna pie NOW! Could hardly get him through his shower and it doesn't do any good to try to rationalize with him that it isn't done yet, has to be cooked, he has to be patient, etc. (but, of course, I try.) Right after his shower, he went and sat at the dining room table, ready to eat that tuna pie. It was 5:20 and it was due to be done at 6:00. We promised him we would tell him right when it was done. I was able to distract him and he watched a little bit of news, but wouldn't really settle down and wait until I sat beside him with a bit of mending to do. After the long awaited pie was ready to eat and we had enjoyed our supper, he said "that's a keeper!" :-) Thank you, Catherine! Was delicious.
Saw Dr. Sullivan yesterday. He said as long as the wound is open, there will likely be bacteria in it, but did take another culture. Have to wait for those results. I asked if there was anything else that could be done, because once again the skin is closing but the undermining remains. He did use a silver nitrate stick up in the wound and said that sometimes that will promote healing. He also had his assistant make an appointment at the wound clinic when a plastic surgeon is there to see if something else can be done from their end. We have that appointment next Tuesday at 9. Please continue to pray that this will close and heal properly. Somehow I just believe this is a huge part of Mike's behavior issues also.
Please pray for me also. I am having more trouble with my back, hips, and down my right leg. Yoga moves and stretches that used to be so easy and fluid for me are not now. I'm taking a little break from yoga, or at least not doing as much to see if I've strained something and it needs some time to heal. Dr. Mike (chiropractor) has been great about giving me tips on how to sit, squat,and bend properly to try to protect my back as much as possible. Yesterday I just became very aware of how often I squat, bend, pull, etc. in helping Mike or just doing daily activities. My Mom recently read an article about caregivers and reminded me about being on airplanes and how they always tell the parent to put on their oxygen mask first so that then they can help their child get theirs on. I'm trying to make time to take care of myself also and even just allow myself to not be productive, just something fun, restful, or frivolous. Last night, Keegan's pastor's wife, Barbara, came over and we just enjoyed talking - I felt more like a "normal" person. At the brain injury caregiver support group meeting, the leader talked about watching out for and the very real possibility of caregivers ending up with Secondary PTSD (Post traumatic stress disorder). I can see how it happens.
I just came across my notes from Sunday's sermon and wanted to share them with you. Dr. Jeff Roberts is the senior pastor at Trinity Baptist and his sermon was "to the point". I like that. Here's some of what I wrote down. The Scripture was Exodus 33:12-23. We want God to show up. Respond. God was not put off by Moses' boldness. When we really seek God, He will meet us there. Am I seeking God or what I want Him to give me? God says trust my character, stand, wait. We must have patience in the dark. Moses was in the dark when God placed His hand over him in order for all of God's goodness to pass by and so that Moses wouldn't see God's face and die. Seems dark, but God is there. What we learn in the light, we need and carries us through the dark. Phil. 4:4-7 "The Lord is near". God gave Moses a glimpse of His glory, Moses couldn't have handled any more. All is not clear now, but ALL of God's goodness can be seen in His wake. We can see where He has been.
As I said in a previous post, this is one of my favorite passages of Scripture. God humored Moses' request to "Now show me your glory." How Bold is that?! This is G-O-D, he's talking to! But God, in His infinite wisdom and love, protected Moses, placed him in the cleft of the rock, covered him there, and let Moses get a glimpse. I also picture God picking up Moses in His hand and putting him in the cleft. Huge hands, gentle touch. We just cannot fully comprehend this amazing God of ours. The point in Dr. Roberts' sermon that when Moses was in the dark he was covered by God's hand is so awesome to me! Even when we feel alone and in the dark, God's hand is there. The Lord is near. Scripture doesn't give us Moses' reaction to seeing the back of God, but I imagine it was breath-takingly awesome and probably left him shaking in his sandals! Just having seen God's back and spoken with Him left his face so radiant that the people were "afraid to come near him." Exodus 34:29-35.
There is NO ONE like our GOD! Go with Him today and be blessed.
Last night, I asked Catherine to make a tuna pie. Something Mike and I both like and haven't had for awhile. Well...he heard me talking with her and he wanted tuna pie NOW! Could hardly get him through his shower and it doesn't do any good to try to rationalize with him that it isn't done yet, has to be cooked, he has to be patient, etc. (but, of course, I try.) Right after his shower, he went and sat at the dining room table, ready to eat that tuna pie. It was 5:20 and it was due to be done at 6:00. We promised him we would tell him right when it was done. I was able to distract him and he watched a little bit of news, but wouldn't really settle down and wait until I sat beside him with a bit of mending to do. After the long awaited pie was ready to eat and we had enjoyed our supper, he said "that's a keeper!" :-) Thank you, Catherine! Was delicious.
Saw Dr. Sullivan yesterday. He said as long as the wound is open, there will likely be bacteria in it, but did take another culture. Have to wait for those results. I asked if there was anything else that could be done, because once again the skin is closing but the undermining remains. He did use a silver nitrate stick up in the wound and said that sometimes that will promote healing. He also had his assistant make an appointment at the wound clinic when a plastic surgeon is there to see if something else can be done from their end. We have that appointment next Tuesday at 9. Please continue to pray that this will close and heal properly. Somehow I just believe this is a huge part of Mike's behavior issues also.
Please pray for me also. I am having more trouble with my back, hips, and down my right leg. Yoga moves and stretches that used to be so easy and fluid for me are not now. I'm taking a little break from yoga, or at least not doing as much to see if I've strained something and it needs some time to heal. Dr. Mike (chiropractor) has been great about giving me tips on how to sit, squat,and bend properly to try to protect my back as much as possible. Yesterday I just became very aware of how often I squat, bend, pull, etc. in helping Mike or just doing daily activities. My Mom recently read an article about caregivers and reminded me about being on airplanes and how they always tell the parent to put on their oxygen mask first so that then they can help their child get theirs on. I'm trying to make time to take care of myself also and even just allow myself to not be productive, just something fun, restful, or frivolous. Last night, Keegan's pastor's wife, Barbara, came over and we just enjoyed talking - I felt more like a "normal" person. At the brain injury caregiver support group meeting, the leader talked about watching out for and the very real possibility of caregivers ending up with Secondary PTSD (Post traumatic stress disorder). I can see how it happens.
I just came across my notes from Sunday's sermon and wanted to share them with you. Dr. Jeff Roberts is the senior pastor at Trinity Baptist and his sermon was "to the point". I like that. Here's some of what I wrote down. The Scripture was Exodus 33:12-23. We want God to show up. Respond. God was not put off by Moses' boldness. When we really seek God, He will meet us there. Am I seeking God or what I want Him to give me? God says trust my character, stand, wait. We must have patience in the dark. Moses was in the dark when God placed His hand over him in order for all of God's goodness to pass by and so that Moses wouldn't see God's face and die. Seems dark, but God is there. What we learn in the light, we need and carries us through the dark. Phil. 4:4-7 "The Lord is near". God gave Moses a glimpse of His glory, Moses couldn't have handled any more. All is not clear now, but ALL of God's goodness can be seen in His wake. We can see where He has been.
As I said in a previous post, this is one of my favorite passages of Scripture. God humored Moses' request to "Now show me your glory." How Bold is that?! This is G-O-D, he's talking to! But God, in His infinite wisdom and love, protected Moses, placed him in the cleft of the rock, covered him there, and let Moses get a glimpse. I also picture God picking up Moses in His hand and putting him in the cleft. Huge hands, gentle touch. We just cannot fully comprehend this amazing God of ours. The point in Dr. Roberts' sermon that when Moses was in the dark he was covered by God's hand is so awesome to me! Even when we feel alone and in the dark, God's hand is there. The Lord is near. Scripture doesn't give us Moses' reaction to seeing the back of God, but I imagine it was breath-takingly awesome and probably left him shaking in his sandals! Just having seen God's back and spoken with Him left his face so radiant that the people were "afraid to come near him." Exodus 34:29-35.
There is NO ONE like our GOD! Go with Him today and be blessed.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
I love hymns!
Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord
Who hath made heaven and earth of naught,
And with His blood mankind hath bought.
I love hymns! Mike and I sang The First Noel during our devotions on Sunday morning and then again at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday night during "The Hanging of the Greens" and the last verse just stood out to me more than it ever has before. How awesome is God? So awesome that he made all of heaven and earth from nothing! I'm usually not very comfortable in large churches and have never been crazy about organ music, but the two services we attended on Sunday were wonderful. I think I was feeling rather depleted and God just poured into me on Sunday til I was splashing over! The organist really knew how to play and the music was powerful and gorgeous. The sermon was from one of my favorite passages Exodus 33 where God places Moses in the cleft of the rock and places his hand over him while God, in all His glory, passes by. Sunday night we sang lots of the favorite Christmas hymns, heard all of the choirs sing, the symbolism of the greens, candles, light, etc. It was so great to be able to belt out the hymns, hear others around singing, and the powerful organ and piano. At the end, all of the children, youth and adult choirs joined together and sang - probably 100 or more voices strong. Just beautiful! :-)
Saturday had been a difficult day and praise God, Keegan and Amy were able to come and take Mike for several hours. They took him to play miniature golf and get a milkshake. Don't know what's going on but he's back to being very frantic and anxious. I put in a call to Dr. Sullivan's office today to see if we can get another culture done. I'm just wondering if the staph infection is still there. Dr. Sullivan won't be in until Wed. so we will see him then. While Mike was out with K&A, I took a long walk and had a nice talk with the Lord. With encouragement and gentle persuasion from family members (thank you, Jenney) and just never feeling like I can get done what I need to, I am looking for more help, called and talked to some people who have offered help and just finally realized I NEED PEOPLE! I have enjoyed talking with more family and friends the past couple of days. Kris and I enjoyed an outing tonight, while Ed entertained a rather frantic Mike. Even little things like while I was at the farm, one night TR sat with Mike and followed him around giving me a few minutes of peace. Mom had Mike help her empty the dishwasher, Dad helped Mike get his jacket on. I'm learning how to let people help me and Mike. People need to know they don't have to be afraid to be around Mike or afraid to call and chat. If it isn't a good time, either I won't answer the phone or I'll tell you I have to go, but I'm going to call more people just to talk, because it is therapeutic for me. I like hearing what others are doing and being able to think about other things.
You may remember that we met with Eugene from Developmental Disability Bridging the Wed. before Thanksgiving to see what government resources might be available to us - like Gateway Clubhouse and finances for additional help, etc. Mike's case went before the review team last week and will go before the eligibility committee this Friday. Please pray that God's will be done and my prayer is that he'll be eligible for and be willing to go to Gateway for a few hours each week.
Well, this is the 3rd night in a row that I'm not getting to bed until midnight or after so better quit. Thank you so much for continuing to pray for us and if you have any ideas of activities or projects for Mike, let me know.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
Bright Spots
Hymns with organ accompaniment
laughing with Kris
Ed
Mike "making me proud" in therapy
sitting in the sun
talking with Mrs. Capps
Keegan & Amy
hot honey vanilla chamomile tea
long hot shower
Caleb coming home for Christmas
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord
Who hath made heaven and earth of naught,
And with His blood mankind hath bought.
I love hymns! Mike and I sang The First Noel during our devotions on Sunday morning and then again at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday night during "The Hanging of the Greens" and the last verse just stood out to me more than it ever has before. How awesome is God? So awesome that he made all of heaven and earth from nothing! I'm usually not very comfortable in large churches and have never been crazy about organ music, but the two services we attended on Sunday were wonderful. I think I was feeling rather depleted and God just poured into me on Sunday til I was splashing over! The organist really knew how to play and the music was powerful and gorgeous. The sermon was from one of my favorite passages Exodus 33 where God places Moses in the cleft of the rock and places his hand over him while God, in all His glory, passes by. Sunday night we sang lots of the favorite Christmas hymns, heard all of the choirs sing, the symbolism of the greens, candles, light, etc. It was so great to be able to belt out the hymns, hear others around singing, and the powerful organ and piano. At the end, all of the children, youth and adult choirs joined together and sang - probably 100 or more voices strong. Just beautiful! :-)
Saturday had been a difficult day and praise God, Keegan and Amy were able to come and take Mike for several hours. They took him to play miniature golf and get a milkshake. Don't know what's going on but he's back to being very frantic and anxious. I put in a call to Dr. Sullivan's office today to see if we can get another culture done. I'm just wondering if the staph infection is still there. Dr. Sullivan won't be in until Wed. so we will see him then. While Mike was out with K&A, I took a long walk and had a nice talk with the Lord. With encouragement and gentle persuasion from family members (thank you, Jenney) and just never feeling like I can get done what I need to, I am looking for more help, called and talked to some people who have offered help and just finally realized I NEED PEOPLE! I have enjoyed talking with more family and friends the past couple of days. Kris and I enjoyed an outing tonight, while Ed entertained a rather frantic Mike. Even little things like while I was at the farm, one night TR sat with Mike and followed him around giving me a few minutes of peace. Mom had Mike help her empty the dishwasher, Dad helped Mike get his jacket on. I'm learning how to let people help me and Mike. People need to know they don't have to be afraid to be around Mike or afraid to call and chat. If it isn't a good time, either I won't answer the phone or I'll tell you I have to go, but I'm going to call more people just to talk, because it is therapeutic for me. I like hearing what others are doing and being able to think about other things.
You may remember that we met with Eugene from Developmental Disability Bridging the Wed. before Thanksgiving to see what government resources might be available to us - like Gateway Clubhouse and finances for additional help, etc. Mike's case went before the review team last week and will go before the eligibility committee this Friday. Please pray that God's will be done and my prayer is that he'll be eligible for and be willing to go to Gateway for a few hours each week.
Well, this is the 3rd night in a row that I'm not getting to bed until midnight or after so better quit. Thank you so much for continuing to pray for us and if you have any ideas of activities or projects for Mike, let me know.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
Bright Spots
Hymns with organ accompaniment
laughing with Kris
Ed
Mike "making me proud" in therapy
sitting in the sun
talking with Mrs. Capps
Keegan & Amy
hot honey vanilla chamomile tea
long hot shower
Caleb coming home for Christmas
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Acceptance & Endurance
Romans 15:2-7
Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me." For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
We had such an amazingly great Thanksgiving time with my family. Mike did fantastic while at the farm and it was such a blessing to be around family. Back at the apartment has been a bit of a challenge, plus Dr. G wanted us to try stopping the Buspar. After a crazy day yesterday, much anxiety today, and 2 calls in to Dr. G with no response, I made an executive decision to give him the Buspar again. The repeating has been really magnified in the last couple of days which can make both of us crazy.
You know how I've been struggling to spend more time with the Lord, well today, although it was brief, the Lord blessed me with the above Scripture which, of course, is just what I needed. Endurance and encouragement come from God and I need to accept Mike right where he is right now just as Christ accepts me. I'm having a hard time with this, but today I started watching a DVD for Alzheimer Caregivers and there are so many similarities to how Mike is behaving and acting and hopefully it finally got through to me...Mike is doing the best he can - Am I?. The best phrase went something like this "Caregivers can change their behavior, the person with dementia cannot." Yesterday, I had to lock myself in the spare bedroom for a while and turn on some music - it didn't drown out Mike's repetitive phrase and he banged on the door, but it gave me some time to regroup and try again. The farm was so good for Mike, because he could get outside and do something - he so wants to provide for us and work and earn a living. I'm so proud of him that he wants to provide for us and keep telling him that he already is, but he is not satisfied and cannot understand. This is so hard for him. Keep praying for his mental clarity.
I'm very excited about a new group that will be working with Mike. It is called Forget Me Not Home Memory Care. The owner and one teacher came out yesterday to do initial testing with Mike and I was quite impressed with them. Through the testing, they could determine Mike's weaknesses, strengths and learning style and will formulate lesson plans to fit him. It is a one hour a week session and I believe will be more personalized than the speech therapy he's receiving at Wake Med. This is a fairly new company and they operate in Virginia and North Carolina.
Last week at the TBI caregivers support group meeting, the mom of a TBI survivor shared that a local church has a free open gym. So this week I told Scotty about it and he took Mike on Tues. and today. Mike loved it and is so enthralled by the church that he can't wait for us to go to church there and he wants to volunteer in the open gym ministry. Tonight he told me he was going to drag me there! I'll go willingly - think we'll have to go play ping pong or something tomorrow! They have basketball court, volleyball, foosball, air hockey, weight machines, pool table, and a suspended walking track, etc.
Just this week, I asked a couple of the ladies from Keegan's church if they knew a young lady who would like to have a little extra income and be willing to help me with laundry, housework and especially supper preparation a few times a week. Kris replied immediately and her daughter, Catherine, started tonight! It is wonderful! Couldn't have started on a better day either. Right after therapy, we had to go to the wound clinic - we have our buddy the wound vac back in place. As we were leaving, I received a phone call from a therapist and was on the phone for 10 minutes, so we were late getting home. Catherine was able to flex with our crazy schedule, came right in and helped with laundry, cleaned the bathroom and fixed a delicious meal. While she was busy with all that, Mike and I took out the recycle, checked the mail, gave him a shower, worked a small puzzle and cleaned him up after an accident. It was so much less stressful for me and I am so thankful that she could start right away! Thank you, Lord, for the help and encouragement!
I've decided that at the end of every blog, I will try to put some "Bright Spots". Positive things and ways the Lord has blessed us or encouraged us.
Bright Spots
Catherine
Romans 15
Caregiver DVD
Sunny day
Scotty
Trinity - open gym
Peace and quiet
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Tears of Beauty
“No one loves me like You.
No one loves me the way You do.
No one loves me like You.
No one loves me the way, the way that You do.”
By Jars of Clay
Mike has done so terrific all day today (Wed. 11/21). He did not get overly anxious as we met with
a representative from Developmental Disability Bridging for almost 2 hours and
then packed to come to the farm to spend Thanksgiving with my parents, my
brother’s family, plus Keegan and Amy.
As we drove, Mike commented on what a beautiful day it was. Later as we traveled on I85, we were listening to songs on my I-POD. At one point, I was
singing along with the above song and looked over to see tears rolling down
Mike’s cheeks. I asked him if something was wrong, but he just looked like he tried
to mouth the above words. I just rubbed his arm and told him I loved him, and
that truly no one loves us like God does.
It was a precious moment.
11/22 Wrote the above last night but couldn't get on the internet so will just add today to it. First, the BIG news around here is that last night Keegan asked Amy to marry him!! We are all super excited! Amy is a precious young lady and we are so thankful the Lord brought her into Keegan's life. No plans yet, just enjoying the moment. :-)
We've had a nice day. Mike and I took a long walk about 7:30 and then he sat with Mom and Dad while they finished their devotions. He wanted a job to do so Daddy had him pull up old marigold plants. He wanted to run, and there was no stopping him, so he did trot around a bit. He is just doing so much better in all aspects.
We just finished and cleaned up after a great Thanksgiving meal and are all thoroughly stuffed.
Thank you, Lord, for all the good gifts that you give us. For Your unsurpassing love, Mike's recovery and huge turn-around in the past week, time away with family, terrific friends, and so much more. We love you, Lord.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Truly Miraculous
Hebrews 10:19-24
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
Sunday we met Carol and Ed at their church, Chapel Hill Bible Church. As we pulled into the parking lot, he was concerned that he was under-dressed for church. As we walked in, the first service was coming out and Mike greeted those who passed by us; plus, when Carol introduced us to people, Mike said "Nice to meet you." He has not been acknowledging others or if someone says "Hi Mike." he says the same thing back to them. We enjoyed the great music and message and then went to Carol and Ed's house and had a delicious meal complete with creme brulee. I told Carol I felt like we had eaten at a 5 star restaurant! Mike read some of the paper and watched a bit of the weather channel. Then we both had wonderful massages by our niece, Aimee. (If you live in the area, I highly recommend you visit Aimee. www.massagecarrboro.com You'll be glad you did.) While I was getting my massage, Ed picked up Mike and put him to work raking leaves. Was great! Mike is always wanting something to do and now that he is more stable and balanced, he is able to do more on his own. He was very tired when we got home and I could barely get him to stay up long enough to eat supper. The one down-side of the past few days was we did not get much sleep Fri-Sun.
Yesterday we saw Dr. Gualtieri and last night tried a former medicine to help with sleep. I think Mike slept well, only getting up twice, but Mike says he "didn't sleep a wink!" Dr. G was very late coming in to see us so we sat in the office for approx. 1 hour. It was warm in there and 2 or 3 times Mike went out in the hall asking if they had forgotten us and to "turn down the heat!" Dr. G was very pleased with Mike being more outspoken and saying what he thought. He kept telling Dr. G he wanted to sleep. (On previous visits, Mike has been very quiet.) Ed came over last night so that I could get out and walk with Kris and he and Mike did a couple of odd jobs. Ed said Mike washed the dishes and did fairly well.
Mike was looking forward to Scotty coming this morning. We shifted summer and winter clothes while we waited and Mike thought we were packing to move south. He really does NOT like cold weather and keeps looking for ways to get us out of here! He still wants to be a pilot and told me the other day that we needed to save money so we could buy a plane. Oh my!
I am just so thrilled and encouraged by the change and pray that it stays. He still worries and gets stuck and needs to be reminded to turn off the water, turn on the light, the steps of how to do things, etc., but the calmness is a balm to my soul and a true gift from my Lord. One of which I am most grateful.
Mike and I are reading through Hebrews. It is so faith-strengthening. Lord, may I never shrink back, but with Your help always persevere.
Hebrews 10:35-39
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. you need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while, "He who is coming will come and will not delay.
But my righteous one will live by faith.
And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him."
But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.
Friday, November 16, 2012
We used to laugh and say "Our family doesn't take trips, we take adventures!" It didn't matter whether it was from Ohio to Virginia or just an outing to a park, a family vacation to the outer banks or a day trip to the beach, somehow we always found a way to make it an adventure OR adventure found us! So the family motto seemed like a good title for our first blog, especially in light of the current adventure that the Lord has brought our way. This adventure started back in April with a sudden change of direction in our lives when Mike was involved in a serious accident that left him with traumatic brain injury. The subsequent months have been chronicled on our Caring Bridge website, but I felt that psychologically I needed to make a shift to a different format. One where I can interact more with our wonderful prayer warriors and supporters and just have a fresh start, removed from the sterile feel of white walls and separation. Green denotes life, growth, newness, and just happens to be Mike's and my favorite color. It gives me a feeling of warmth, hope, and new life. So as we continue on this adventure of recovery and a new normal, I want to turn a corner and embrace the gift of life that God has blessed us with and be thankful.
We have so much to be thankful for: Mike's physical recovery is truly amazing, the great doctors, nurses, therapists, paid and volunteer caregivers, safe apartment with wonderful staff, being close to Keegan & Amy and Carol & Ed, prayer warriors all over the world, cards, notes, calls, gifts, churches in Hope Mills, Fayetteville, Raeford, and Raleigh, NC; Wilsons, VA; Texas, Ohio and more who are praying and supporting us and loving us, family and friends - what would we do without you? And above all, thanks and praise and honor to our Lord Jesus Christ who is carrying us through this adventure.
One of my favorite books is "The Practice of the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence. My copy is starting to fall apart and I'm reading it again for the ? time. I love Brother Lawrence's simplicity and my desire is that I too will practice God's presence every moment of the day with such heartfelt devotion and singleness of mind as he did. "The worst trial he (Brother Lawrence) could imagine was losing his sense of God's presence, which had been with him for so long a time." "He added that he wasn't afraid of dying to self or losing himself in Christ, because complete surrender to God's will is the only secure road to follow. In it, there is always enough light to assure safe travel." "He said that in order to be sure we were doing God's will, we should simply develop an attitude of faith, hope, and love. We need not be concerned about anything else. It simply is not important, and should only be regarded as the means of getting to the final goal of being entirely lost in the love of God."
Although this adventure is often rocky and hard, as Brother Lawrence said, when we continue to trust God and give ourselves completely to Him, it will be the only secure road and God will always provide what is needed to travel on it. I pray that somehow through the sharing of our story, some of you will be strengthened in your faith, or if you don't have Jesus in your life, you will come to know and accept him as your Savior. True joy is only found in Jesus.
I Peter 1:3-7
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
We have so much to be thankful for: Mike's physical recovery is truly amazing, the great doctors, nurses, therapists, paid and volunteer caregivers, safe apartment with wonderful staff, being close to Keegan & Amy and Carol & Ed, prayer warriors all over the world, cards, notes, calls, gifts, churches in Hope Mills, Fayetteville, Raeford, and Raleigh, NC; Wilsons, VA; Texas, Ohio and more who are praying and supporting us and loving us, family and friends - what would we do without you? And above all, thanks and praise and honor to our Lord Jesus Christ who is carrying us through this adventure.
One of my favorite books is "The Practice of the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence. My copy is starting to fall apart and I'm reading it again for the ? time. I love Brother Lawrence's simplicity and my desire is that I too will practice God's presence every moment of the day with such heartfelt devotion and singleness of mind as he did. "The worst trial he (Brother Lawrence) could imagine was losing his sense of God's presence, which had been with him for so long a time." "He added that he wasn't afraid of dying to self or losing himself in Christ, because complete surrender to God's will is the only secure road to follow. In it, there is always enough light to assure safe travel." "He said that in order to be sure we were doing God's will, we should simply develop an attitude of faith, hope, and love. We need not be concerned about anything else. It simply is not important, and should only be regarded as the means of getting to the final goal of being entirely lost in the love of God."
Although this adventure is often rocky and hard, as Brother Lawrence said, when we continue to trust God and give ourselves completely to Him, it will be the only secure road and God will always provide what is needed to travel on it. I pray that somehow through the sharing of our story, some of you will be strengthened in your faith, or if you don't have Jesus in your life, you will come to know and accept him as your Savior. True joy is only found in Jesus.
I Peter 1:3-7
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
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