Monday, October 14, 2002

I did give my testimony at church about a month ago.  Our church has 5 services, so I ended up crying 4 of the 5 times.  Thankfully, I had many friends and family at each of the services to support me.   I would guess that approximately 40 people came up and thanked me for my testimony.  Half of those told me how much they needed to hear my story; many of whom said it made their current problems seem very small.  I am also going to speak at a local high school this week with the same story.  Thanks to those of you who prayed for me.  Please continue to pray that these students will be attentive and open to hear the wonders the Lord can do to help them.  

Jill and I napped most of the day yesterday since we were at the hospital all night.  Jill was having severe abdominal pains and woke me around 3:00 AM.  We ended up being at the hospital from 4:00 AM to 1:00 PM.  After monitoring the baby, hydration, and an ultrasound, we found out that all is well.  We had walked around quite a bit Saturday night and Jill became dehydrated.  We won't do that again.  We did get to see a new ultrasound of the baby.  We saw the baby praying (click here) and scratch his or her nose (that's right, we still do not know the sex), and stick his or her tongue out.  It was great!  

If you remember, Chip and Danelle were married on September 28th.  I was the best man and Jill was a bride's maid.  It was a beautiful ceremony and went off without a hitch (save one :).  Danelle made an absolutely beautiful bride.  I must say, the highlight of my evening was putting Jill in my lap and dancing with her to "Still the One".  [It was our first dance since the accident and Greg is still able to sweep me off my feet :) - Jill]  

We have rented a place in Pearland starting mid-November.  Until then, we are still trying to buy a place.  You can't imagine how hard it is to find a home that meets all wheelchair requirements.  

On a closing note, I want to point out the nature of the Beast.  All of my family was able to attend my testimony.  One thing I acutely highlighted was the riff between my wife and the rest of my family and how that helped drive me to the edge last year.  Unfortunately, the Enemy is very crafty.  You will find this hard to believe, but these strained relationships are actually worse today than they were before my testimony. How my story helped so many people I didn't know and hurt the relationships of those I know best, and me, is incredible.   I have given this situation over to the Lord and am simply praying for a Christian resolution at this point.  I would appreciate your prayers on this matter as well.

James 1: 2-3 "Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials, ³ for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness."