We had just finished singing some songs around her bed and she breathed her last on this side of God's Heaven.
Thank you all for your prayers. We will post the funeral plans sometime to tomorrow.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Sweet Nell, Sweet Rest
Nell Steffes went home to be with the Lord January 14, 2009 at 6:50pm. Suffering has ended, pain is gone, no more tears. Rest, sweet rest.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Cancer, Sin
Tonight, Nell has been quite restless again. Ev and I told Dad to go to bed and we would take the whole night. He is so very tired.
At one point this evening, Ev leaned over and told her mom, "You won't be forgotten. I'm going to tell the grand babies what a wonderful lady you are and how much you love Jesus." Nell smiled.
Though she isn't even taking drinks of water now her body continues to produce bile which has no place to go but up. She cries out in pain and because she is no longer strong enough to help, one of us leans her forward while the other holds the bucket. The smell is atrocious. We lay her back and she cries out because her back hurts. She goes back to shallow breaths followed by an occasional deep one.
Oh the devastating effects of cancer. As I sat watching her tonight my mind turned to another cancer... sin. Rom 5:12 When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam's sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. (NLT)
Nell is in great pain when she is awake. The medicine keeps her asleep most of the time, but without it she became argumentative to the point of being unreasonable. In other words, she did not understand what we were telling her. She couldn't understand why she couldn't get up and walk or why we wouldn't give her food, even though she would throw up water.
Sin does that to us. It dulls our senses. Mat 13:14 This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah that says, 'When you hear what I say, you will not understand. When you see what I do, you will not comprehend.
Mat 13:15 For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes—so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to Me and let Me heal them.' (NLT)
And so I proclaim to us (that includes me)
Rom 13:11 This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.
Rom 13:12 The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living.
Rom 13:13 Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don't participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy.
Rom 13:14 Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don't let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.
Eph 5:12 It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret.
Eph 5:13 But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them,
Eph 5:14 for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, "Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light."
Eph 5:15 So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise.
Eph 5:16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.
Eph 5:17 Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
Eph 5:18 Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,
Eph 5:19 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.
Eph 5:20 And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Eph 5:21 And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Mom Steffes has lived a life before God and man that spoke of the saving grace of Jesus Christ. She was a preacher of righteousness to her children , verbally (Just ask Evelyn) and to others visually. And now as she lay dying and mostly unaware, she continues to proclaim His righteousness.
We mustn't end with Adam's sin spreading to all, for the story doesn't end there.
Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Hallelujah!!!
And soon she will gasp one last time and her life here will cease only to begin without pain, vomiting or weariness in the presence of Jesus Christ.
2Co 5:6 So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord.
2Co 5:8 Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord.
Soon, dear sweet Nell, soon.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Hope
We have been voluntarily imprisoned in our home by this terrible disease called cancer. Four weeks ago my mom & dad moved in & hospice became a household name as we are caring for my 65 year old mother who is living out her final days with us. Because of the type of cancer she has we have to have eyes on her 24 hrs due to frequent vomiting.
So tonight, while watching her I looked out the window and saw a beautiful snowfall. I seized the moment, let Steve watch mom and ran outside with camera in hand. In the cool of the wintry night I snapped a few shots of our herbal garden under a blanket of fresh fallen snow and I was refreshed. Amidst the dead of winter, I breathed in the promise of the hope of spring as the ground received moisture to grow what was to come.
Oh God, my Father, in this winter of my life, give the promise of things to come, the hope of things that will grow from this dark time.
--Evelyn C. Sherwood
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Sunrises, Sunsets
At the time of this entry Nell still holds on to life, barely. Her breathing is extremely shallow. The last few times she communicated anything it was pain and a crying out for her mother. We wait.
The following was written by Evelyn, Nell's wonderful daughter, my marvelous wife on December 28, 2008. Evelyn has been the main caregiver now for these 28 days that Nell has been in our home.
Tonight I watched the sun set. The hues of orange, pink, purple & red were brilliantly splattered across the sky in a breathtaking display.
How interesting that sunrises & sunsets share such brilliant colors, announcing their arrival.
Such is life & death. One is ushered in, another out, yet both are brilliantly controlled by the hand of the master artist - God.
Sometime I fear the dark, but without the dark do we really appreciate the light? In heaven I know we will, but in our feeble earthly frames we must have the struggles to see the blessing of His hand walking us through.
When will the sun set on my mother's earthly life? Only God knows, but with the dark, will come light again... and for that I wait.
The following was written by Evelyn, Nell's wonderful daughter, my marvelous wife on December 28, 2008. Evelyn has been the main caregiver now for these 28 days that Nell has been in our home.
Tonight I watched the sun set. The hues of orange, pink, purple & red were brilliantly splattered across the sky in a breathtaking display.
How interesting that sunrises & sunsets share such brilliant colors, announcing their arrival.
Such is life & death. One is ushered in, another out, yet both are brilliantly controlled by the hand of the master artist - God.
Sometime I fear the dark, but without the dark do we really appreciate the light? In heaven I know we will, but in our feeble earthly frames we must have the struggles to see the blessing of His hand walking us through.
When will the sun set on my mother's earthly life? Only God knows, but with the dark, will come light again... and for that I wait.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Breath
And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. (Genesis 2:7 NKJV)
And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. Then the rib which the LORD God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. And Adam said: "This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man." Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. (Genesis 2:21-24 NKJV)
The room is filled with the sound of breathing. Mom takes slow shallow breaths followed by a deep gasp. The pump meant to draw fluid from her stomach hisses randomly. The oxygen generator whooshes and sighs. The pump at the end of the bed changes the pressure in the ballasts of the mattress on regular intervals. Occasionally the furnace kicks on to add the sound of rushing air through the house.
For 47 ½ years they have been married. They dated for three years before that. He sits and holds her hand.
"Stay with me," she whispers.
"I will stay with you and go as far in this as the Father let's me go with you. I'll be here to your last breath," he assures.
I've watched him rub her feet, sing her songs and read the scriptures. He has cleaned up her vomit, bathed her and sat for hours holding her hand. He has caressed her brow, rubbed cramps out of her legs and put lotion on her back. He has cried. He has prayed. Her suffering has caused his prayers to change from cries for healing to cries for a final breath. "Send Your angels. Take her to Your eternal rest."
And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. Then the rib which the LORD God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. And Adam said: "This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man." Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. (Genesis 2:21-24 NKJV)
The room is filled with the sound of breathing. Mom takes slow shallow breaths followed by a deep gasp. The pump meant to draw fluid from her stomach hisses randomly. The oxygen generator whooshes and sighs. The pump at the end of the bed changes the pressure in the ballasts of the mattress on regular intervals. Occasionally the furnace kicks on to add the sound of rushing air through the house.
For 47 ½ years they have been married. They dated for three years before that. He sits and holds her hand.
"Stay with me," she whispers.
"I will stay with you and go as far in this as the Father let's me go with you. I'll be here to your last breath," he assures.
I've watched him rub her feet, sing her songs and read the scriptures. He has cleaned up her vomit, bathed her and sat for hours holding her hand. He has caressed her brow, rubbed cramps out of her legs and put lotion on her back. He has cried. He has prayed. Her suffering has caused his prayers to change from cries for healing to cries for a final breath. "Send Your angels. Take her to Your eternal rest."
I have watched love in action. I have watched the effect of that first breath breathed into Adam, for God is Love. (1John 4:8)
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Resting
It would appear that Nell's medicines are finally reaching the goal. Tonight she is resting much more peacefully than she has been.
Evelyn was able to get out by herself for awhile earlier in the evening. She went to a place of prayer and returned somewhat refreshed.
Dad Steffes experienced Louies Coney Island for the first time yesterday evening. I'm not sure if that was refreshing or just dangerous. Oh, he didn't eat alone. We all three scarfed down hot dogs slathered in mustard, chili, onions and cheese. Yes, we had fries with that. None of us were moving real quick tonight.
All kinds of encouragement has come in from various sources. Yesterday I received an email from our daughter's mother-in-law. In it she included a couple of quotes:
May today there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let his presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us. (Saint Theresa)
Do not complain about thorns among the roses....Give thanks for roses among the thorns.
We all read this email and we wept a bit. It was just the encouragement we needed at the moment. It made me think of a message I preached not long on Peace. Col 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Two words, well actually the same word in both verses stands out. "Let." The Greek word in verse 15 means to rule and in verse 16 it is Greek for to inhabit.
The idea is that God's peace is available to all of His children and that peace will rule on the throne of our lives if we will "let" it. The word of God will inhabit us if we "let" it.
How is this done? How do we lay down all the heavy load of life? How do we stop the financial pressures and the health issues from invading our every waking thought? Go to the Word. Stop. Take a breath, a deep, slow breath. Now remember this. Ps 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! Ps 46:11 The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
Now, "let" that thought invade your soul and mind. God is God, not you and certainly not me. Be still and know this truth. That God who is God is with us, that is present in whatever situation you find yourself in. He is there and He will be exalted. He will get glory out of your situation. He is your refuge, that is a place to go and hide and "let" His peace rule on the throne of your heart.
And know this: Ro 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Joh 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
My Friend, be at peace. Be at rest.
All Scriptures are from the New King James Translation.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Stumbling Blocks and Blessings
Stumbling Blocks
At Nell's request hospice tried increasing her medications so she would sleep most of the time. It worked for about 12 hours. Now she is awake more than she is asleep and her pain is increasing. She is agitated much of the time and she is hallucinating.
Tonight we dropped one of the medications, increased another and cried more. The crying just happens. The further changes in Medications is in the hopes of reaching the goal of Nell being peaceful.
Blessings
Some of our people have made sure we have food and have had to do very little cooking. Thank you. The food had been delicious... I'm not sure if it's the flavor or the love we are tasting. "Taste and see that the Lord is Good." (Ps 34:8a)
As I shared Nell's condition with the church tonight I saw tears in several eyes. "Weep with those who weep." (Rom 12:15b) Those tears are like hugs even though we are across the room from each other. They show you are listening and hearing our wounded hearts.
Lord willing, a lady will be following the Lord in baptism on this Sunday. Praise God!
At Nell's request hospice tried increasing her medications so she would sleep most of the time. It worked for about 12 hours. Now she is awake more than she is asleep and her pain is increasing. She is agitated much of the time and she is hallucinating.
Tonight we dropped one of the medications, increased another and cried more. The crying just happens. The further changes in Medications is in the hopes of reaching the goal of Nell being peaceful.
Blessings
Some of our people have made sure we have food and have had to do very little cooking. Thank you. The food had been delicious... I'm not sure if it's the flavor or the love we are tasting. "Taste and see that the Lord is Good." (Ps 34:8a)
As I shared Nell's condition with the church tonight I saw tears in several eyes. "Weep with those who weep." (Rom 12:15b) Those tears are like hugs even though we are across the room from each other. They show you are listening and hearing our wounded hearts.
Lord willing, a lady will be following the Lord in baptism on this Sunday. Praise God!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Final Days
I had the early watch this morning. At six am Nell asked me to rub her back. As I did I felt a small knot on one of her back ribs where she said she felt terrible pain. At eight am the hospice nurse came and I shared my finding with her. She believes the cancer has now spread to Nell's bones and what I was feeling was another tumor.
Nell is requesting we all pray she can go on home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She is extremely weak and now when she is awake she is in terrible pain.
Thank you for your prayers.
Nell is requesting we all pray she can go on home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She is extremely weak and now when she is awake she is in terrible pain.
Thank you for your prayers.
Monday, January 5, 2009
A Great Joy Along the Way.
His smile is like seeing the sun after a month of cloudy skies. His giggles are gold coins dropping freely all around. Those bright eyes speak of peace, joy and hope, "There is a tomorrow. There is a God and He loves you with all His heart. You will make it through this. Though weeping endures for the night, Joy comes in the morning."
We thank God for this "Little" Great Big Blessing!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Care Takers
We are taking care of my Mom Steffes, Nell in our home. She has terminal stomach cancer and she is in her final days. It is probably the single most difficult thing I have ever had to watch in my life. Though modern medicine keeps her pain at bay, she is unable to eat or drink anything and keep it down. She has had no nourishment for weeks.
People in our church and community have been wonderful. God has given little blessings all along the way. Those are the things that keep us going.
We rejoice in His goodness and in the fact that she will soon be in His presence. She is ready for that to happen and we all wonder what God's plan is in her tarrying here on this earth.
In a moment when she was anxious yesterday her husband came to her side and started encouraging her with scriptures and talk of heaven. After a few minutes of this she looked up at him and said, "You are wearing me out." Being a preacher, he jokingly asked her, "Do you think that's the way the people in the congregation feel when I'm preaching?" She said, "Yes. That is the lesson you were suppose to learn. That's why I'm still here."
That was a moment of great laughter.
I just got called out to help for a few moments. The hospice nurse just okay ed the increase of her medication to every 3 hours. This is going to be harder on Evelyn. She is doing most of the meds herself. This means less sleep for Evelyn. Mom doesn't want anyone else giving her the meds. She is also wanting Dad at her side most of the time now. We are all tired, longing, waiting, wondering...
We sang Isa 40:31 But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
We hold to the hope of His promises.
People in our church and community have been wonderful. God has given little blessings all along the way. Those are the things that keep us going.
We rejoice in His goodness and in the fact that she will soon be in His presence. She is ready for that to happen and we all wonder what God's plan is in her tarrying here on this earth.
In a moment when she was anxious yesterday her husband came to her side and started encouraging her with scriptures and talk of heaven. After a few minutes of this she looked up at him and said, "You are wearing me out." Being a preacher, he jokingly asked her, "Do you think that's the way the people in the congregation feel when I'm preaching?" She said, "Yes. That is the lesson you were suppose to learn. That's why I'm still here."
That was a moment of great laughter.
I just got called out to help for a few moments. The hospice nurse just okay ed the increase of her medication to every 3 hours. This is going to be harder on Evelyn. She is doing most of the meds herself. This means less sleep for Evelyn. Mom doesn't want anyone else giving her the meds. She is also wanting Dad at her side most of the time now. We are all tired, longing, waiting, wondering...
We sang Isa 40:31 But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
We hold to the hope of His promises.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Thankful
What I'm thankful for.
I am thankful for Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. And for His Word, the Holy Bible He has given to us, which is filled with many wonderful promises. And for His Holy Spirit with which He indwells, empowers and guides us.
I am thankful for my wife and two wonderful children, and of course that marvelous bundle of joy He gave us through our son this year... Josiah, our grandson.
I am thankful for this Thanksgiving time we were able to spend with our daughter and favorite son-in-law. They came to Michigan to spend time with us and Evelyn's parents.
Though Nell is in the hospital she is doing a bit better. Some of the complications have been figured out. She is still in need of exploratory surgery, but she is not vomiting all the time and she is able to rest. We are working on getting her transferred to Indianapolis.
I am thankful that God brought Don & Linda Burris to Fairview Baptist this year. They are precious and have added much to our congregation.
I am thankful for the men who about to be installed as Elders at our church. I look forward to what God our Father will do through them.
God bless and keep you.
In His love,
Brother Steve Sherwood
Thursday, October 9, 2008
One Will Lift Up His Companion
Nell is having a very bad time right now. Up until last night when she would be ill she was able to sing her prayers or old hymns. She cried last night because she didn't have the strength to do that. Perhaps now is the easiest time to understand Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (NKJV)
And this is the time for those who are healthy to carry those who are sick. Eccesiastes 4:9 Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor.
10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up.
11 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. (NKJV)
Ga 6:2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (NKJV)
And with this I encourage you to continually pray for one another. Evelyn and I have prayer thing we do through out the day. If we see someone who reminds us of someone we know, we pray for both of those people. As you think of your family and friends pray. As Paul said to the Thessalonians in 1Th 5:17 pray without ceasing, (NKJV).
As you pray, include me please. I have managed to come down with a nasty sinus infection... not that any of them aren't nasty. Also pray that Evelyn and her father can remain strong and healthy as they minister to Nell.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Finally an Update
Mom is scheduled for Thursday October 2 to have a port put in for her chemo. She met with two of the doctors last Monday and they were quite encouraging. They neither one believe she needs much, if any radiation.
She still has the feeding tube, but is not using it for now. They are leaving it in because they feel she may need it once they start the chemo.
She is feeling stronger each day. Today she even went for a short walk in her neighborhood.
This is my first update since returning home from Michigan. We have been playing catch up with things that needed done upon our return, and in preparation for Evelyn to go back up when Nell starts her chemo. We have both dealt with physical issues we felt were attacks from the kingdom of darkness. Each one has been short lived, and odd, for instance, last Saturday night I walked into the room off my office and just started to pray about the next day. When I breathed in to start my second sentence I inhaled a tiny moth right into my left lung. I coughed and hacked and choked for several minutes. By the time I was able to catch my breath my throat was raw. I managed to get through Sunday morning, but wound up sleeping most of Sunday afternoon and evening. Though I'm better now, I still feel like there's something in my left lung.
I believe God is protecting us, and that Satan is looking for any and all openings to attack. God is bigger. We covet your prayers.
Keeping that in mind. James 5:16 tells us to pray for one another. It is imparative we live godly lives and give Satan no place in our lives. It is also helpful to know that others are praying for us. Over the years I have dealt with depression. This week I spent two and a half days hearing, "What's the use? Why don't you end it now? You're not doing any good. No one is going to follow God." There were a lot of other things said as well. I battled it with praise, songs and scripture all in the name of Christ. Finally in the middle of the third day it ceased.
God's goodness sustains in times of trial. This psalm reminds us of God's goodness.
Psa 86:1-17 A Prayer of David. Bow down Your ear, O LORD, hear me; For I am poor and needy. (2) Preserve my life, for I am holy; You are my God; Save Your servant who trusts in You! (3) Be merciful to me, O Lord, For I cry to You all day long. (4) Rejoice the soul of Your servant, For to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. (5) For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You. (6) Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; And attend to the voice of my supplications. (7) In the day of my trouble I will call upon You, For You will answer me. (8) Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord; Nor are there any works like Your works. (9) All nations whom You have made Shall come and worship before You, O Lord, And shall glorify Your name. (10) For You are great, and do wondrous things; You alone are God. (11) Teach me Your way, O LORD; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name. (12) I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, And I will glorify Your name forevermore. (13) For great is Your mercy toward me, And You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol. (14) O God, the proud have risen against me, And a mob of violent men have sought my life, And have not set You before them. (15) But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, Longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth. (16) Oh, turn to me, and have mercy on me! Give Your strength to Your servant, And save the son of Your maidservant. (17) Show me a sign for good, That those who hate me may see it and be ashamed, Because You, LORD, have helped me and comforted me.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Struggling Together
Mom's therapy started officially today. The therapist had Mom take her on a tour of the house. Then took her outside and had her get in and out of the vehicle a couple of times. She was thoroughly worn out by the time the therapist left.
She is experiencing some itching, we believe it is a reaction to the codeine in her pain reliever, so tonight we are going to try pain reliever without the codeine and see how she does.
I received the following from a dear friend, Wendy Nelson. It spoke to me and with her permission I share it with in hopes that God will use it to bless and encourage you.
I want to share that I am so glad that God gave us friends who will struggle with us in prayer. Since you brought up the “armor of God”, I’d like to share an insight that is a bit Biblical and historical, but which a number of people don’t know.
In the New Testament, Brother Paul certainly understood the power of our words to God in prayer. He wrote: "I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me" (Romans 15:30). "Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should" (Ephesians 6: 18-20).
The New Testament was originally written in Greek and sometimes looking at the original definitions of the words gives us great insight. The Greek word Paul uses for struggle in Romans 15:30 issunagonizomai, which means "to struggle in company of; i.e., to be a partner (assistant), strive together with." The root word means "to endeavor to accomplish something: fight, labor fervently, strive," for example, to compete for a prize or to contend with an adversary.
Much of the soldiers’ ancient armor had brackets attached to the sides. These brackets were a type of latch that soldiers could use to lock armors during battle. When the armors were locked together, the soldiers moved as one force, forming a barricade against the enemy. Alone, the shield was a small defense. Together they formed a human wall. Do you see the significance? When we lock arms in prayer with others, we are locking our shields together and forming a powerfully strong fortress of defense!
Prayer for another person is not simply a pat on the back. When we tell someone that we will pray for them, we are agreeing to put on the armor and head to the front lines of battle on their behalf. To all the Steffes family, thank you for asking me to be part of your prayer army. I can only be with you in spirit, but I promise to be faithful and pray for you, your family, and your medical team.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us friends in God to pray for us and with us.
Thank you that you call Your people to join as mighty prayer warriors with shields linked together, marching into battle as one unified force. Thank you for Your promise in Psalm 32:8 “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” Thank you for answering our prayers and arranging for that particular surgical nurse to encourage our sister, Nell. What a powerful testimony that woman shares with the world. Continue to bless Nell and her family as they openly glorify You and illuminate how You have supported them physically, emotionally and spiritually. Help us to walk in obedience to Your Word. Help us to trust Your plan and Your goodness.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen
WendySIC,
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Getting Ready
Today has been good. Two men from Mom & Dad's church came and built a new set of steps with a railing going up to their side door. What was there before was crumbling and had no rail.
A lady came out and talked to us about therapy. She had Mom get up and do some light exercises and had her move around a bit without the walker. She set some pretty lofty goals for Mom, but we think they are reachable. She hopes to have her moving around without the walker by next week. She also told her to be dressed when the therapist arrives tomorrow so they can practice on the steps out doors.
Mom is eating better each day and doesn't have the nausea right now. The hardest part for her right now is that her back hurts from laying around so much.
Today I read Eph 6:10-18. This is the passage on the armor of God. After placing all the armor on we do battle by praying. We are to stand firm in the armor, but the real battle is fought in prayer.
The therapist hopes to help Mom get ready to go on with life. This includes being strong before the next battle for her which is chemotherapy and radiation. We know that battle is coming. But on a day to day basis most the time we do not know what we will face. God does. Is it possible that He could prepare us in prayer for the rest of the day? I think so. In Luke 6:12-13 the Bible tells us that Jesus spent the night praying before he chose the twelve disciples. Throughout the Gospels we find Jesus rising early and praying. If Jesus, The Word become flesh saw it necessary to spend time daily in prayer how much more do we need to do the same?
Here are some tools to help you get ready to pray so you can get ready for the day.
I like the ACTS acrostic. Start off with Adoration. Just tell God how awesome He is. Then move to Confession. Tell God how much you've blown it. Admit your sins. Then give Thanks. It sure is good that He has forgiven us. Last move into Supplication. Tell Him what's on your heart. What are your needs and desires. What are the needs of others you know.
Adoration
Confession
Thanksgiving
Supplication
When I get to this point it helps to use a list or you can use the Five Finger Prayer. Use your hand to help you keep focused as you pray.
1. Your thumb is the nearest to you. So begin your prayer by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a "sweet duty."
2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct, and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.
3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in industry and business, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.
4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger; as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble, or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.
5. And lastly comes our little finger; the smallest finger of all. Which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "the least shall be the greatest among you." Your pinky should remind you to pray for yourself.
Be Blessed.
Steve
A lady came out and talked to us about therapy. She had Mom get up and do some light exercises and had her move around a bit without the walker. She set some pretty lofty goals for Mom, but we think they are reachable. She hopes to have her moving around without the walker by next week. She also told her to be dressed when the therapist arrives tomorrow so they can practice on the steps out doors.
Mom is eating better each day and doesn't have the nausea right now. The hardest part for her right now is that her back hurts from laying around so much.
Today I read Eph 6:10-18. This is the passage on the armor of God. After placing all the armor on we do battle by praying. We are to stand firm in the armor, but the real battle is fought in prayer.
The therapist hopes to help Mom get ready to go on with life. This includes being strong before the next battle for her which is chemotherapy and radiation. We know that battle is coming. But on a day to day basis most the time we do not know what we will face. God does. Is it possible that He could prepare us in prayer for the rest of the day? I think so. In Luke 6:12-13 the Bible tells us that Jesus spent the night praying before he chose the twelve disciples. Throughout the Gospels we find Jesus rising early and praying. If Jesus, The Word become flesh saw it necessary to spend time daily in prayer how much more do we need to do the same?
Here are some tools to help you get ready to pray so you can get ready for the day.
I like the ACTS acrostic. Start off with Adoration. Just tell God how awesome He is. Then move to Confession. Tell God how much you've blown it. Admit your sins. Then give Thanks. It sure is good that He has forgiven us. Last move into Supplication. Tell Him what's on your heart. What are your needs and desires. What are the needs of others you know.
Adoration
Confession
Thanksgiving
Supplication
When I get to this point it helps to use a list or you can use the Five Finger Prayer. Use your hand to help you keep focused as you pray.
1. Your thumb is the nearest to you. So begin your prayer by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a "sweet duty."
2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct, and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.
3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in industry and business, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.
4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger; as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble, or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.
5. And lastly comes our little finger; the smallest finger of all. Which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "the least shall be the greatest among you." Your pinky should remind you to pray for yourself.
Be Blessed.
Steve
Monday, September 15, 2008
Reward
Yesterday started out well. We had met with a nurse on Saturday night who helped us with the feeding tube. Another came in on Sunday morning to help take the tube off for the day time. Mom was feeling pretty good and went into the kitchen with Evelyn while she made breakfast. In fact, she made several laps around the island in the kitchen with her walker. In the afternoon Ev and I went to town and did some shopping. When we returned Ev helped Mom with a shower and that's when things went south. Mom became dizzy and in a very short time lethargic and near despondant. We grabbed her blood pressure cuff and our first reading was 67/35. We called the in-home nurse and found she was on her way for her nightly rounds.
It took about a half hour, but Mom's blood pressure did come back up. The nurse believes it was a combination of doing too much, the heat in the shower and medications. We adjusted the times of medications and gave Mom instructions to do less today. That is very hard for a woman who has been active from sun up to sun down most of her life.
Today she is doing better. She's moving a bit slower and not near as much. She sleeps most of the time and when she does get up she stands there for two minutes to make sure she isn't going to have another big blood pressure drop.
Today's devotions included Psalm 27.
Psa 27:1-14 A psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? (2) When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. (3) Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident. (4) The one thing I ask of the LORD—the thing I seek most—is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, delighting in the LORD's perfections and meditating in His Temple. (5) For He will conceal me there when troubles come; He will hide me in His sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock. (6) Then I will hold my head high above my enemies who surround me. At His sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy, singing and praising the LORD with music. (7) Hear me as I pray, O LORD. Be merciful and answer me! (8) My heart has heard You say, "Come and talk with Me." And my heart
responds, "LORD, I am coming." (9) Do not turn Your back on me. Do not reject Your servant in anger. You have always been my helper. Don't leave me now; don't abandon me, O God of my salvation! (10) Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will hold me close. (11) Teach me how to live, O LORD. Lead me along the right path, for my enemies are waiting for me. (12) Do not let me fall into their hands. For they accuse me of things I've never done; with every breath they threaten me with violence. (13) Yet I am confident I will see the LORD's goodness while I am here in the land of the living. (14) Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD. (NLT)
I also went to the Lord's prayer today in Matthew 6. It was two of the verses before the actual model prayer that jumped out at me. Mat 6:5-6 "When you pray, don't be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. (6) But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you."
Did you catch the promise in the midst of this scripture? Father promises to reward those who pray in private. God longs to bless you and wants you to spend time with Him with an air of expectancy. Mat 7:11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! (NKJV)
So I challenge me and you today, get alone, pray and then live the day in conversation with your wonderful Heavenly Father expecting to see good things from Him all day, and be thankful. Lastly, join the psalmist.. Yet I am confident I will see the LORD's goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Ps 27:13 (NLT)
That is a living promise. We don't have to wait until Heaven to see the blessing of the Lord. It is ours now.
Be Blessed,
Brother Steve
It took about a half hour, but Mom's blood pressure did come back up. The nurse believes it was a combination of doing too much, the heat in the shower and medications. We adjusted the times of medications and gave Mom instructions to do less today. That is very hard for a woman who has been active from sun up to sun down most of her life.
Today she is doing better. She's moving a bit slower and not near as much. She sleeps most of the time and when she does get up she stands there for two minutes to make sure she isn't going to have another big blood pressure drop.
Today's devotions included Psalm 27.
Psa 27:1-14 A psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? (2) When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. (3) Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident. (4) The one thing I ask of the LORD—the thing I seek most—is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, delighting in the LORD's perfections and meditating in His Temple. (5) For He will conceal me there when troubles come; He will hide me in His sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock. (6) Then I will hold my head high above my enemies who surround me. At His sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy, singing and praising the LORD with music. (7) Hear me as I pray, O LORD. Be merciful and answer me! (8) My heart has heard You say, "Come and talk with Me." And my heart
responds, "LORD, I am coming." (9) Do not turn Your back on me. Do not reject Your servant in anger. You have always been my helper. Don't leave me now; don't abandon me, O God of my salvation! (10) Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will hold me close. (11) Teach me how to live, O LORD. Lead me along the right path, for my enemies are waiting for me. (12) Do not let me fall into their hands. For they accuse me of things I've never done; with every breath they threaten me with violence. (13) Yet I am confident I will see the LORD's goodness while I am here in the land of the living. (14) Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD. (NLT)
I also went to the Lord's prayer today in Matthew 6. It was two of the verses before the actual model prayer that jumped out at me. Mat 6:5-6 "When you pray, don't be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. (6) But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you."
Did you catch the promise in the midst of this scripture? Father promises to reward those who pray in private. God longs to bless you and wants you to spend time with Him with an air of expectancy. Mat 7:11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! (NKJV)
So I challenge me and you today, get alone, pray and then live the day in conversation with your wonderful Heavenly Father expecting to see good things from Him all day, and be thankful. Lastly, join the psalmist.. Yet I am confident I will see the LORD's goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Ps 27:13 (NLT)
That is a living promise. We don't have to wait until Heaven to see the blessing of the Lord. It is ours now.
Be Blessed,
Brother Steve
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Home 1st Evening
Evelyn's brother and family made it through the storm. Their power was back on this evening. The house they rent sustained water damage from the roof leaking, but they did not experience any flooding. A tree was uprooted in their front yard.
Nell is tired. Recovery is going to be slow. A nurse came by tonight and helped us with the feeding tube. She also gave some good suggestions and answered several questions for us. We are all pretty tired.
Evelyn and I are going to stay until Thursday or Friday. We so appreciate everyone who is helping out back home.
This passage comes to mind tonight.
Heb 12:1-3 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. (2) We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. (3) Think of all the hostility He endured from sinful people; then you won't become weary and give up.
Nell is tired. Recovery is going to be slow. A nurse came by tonight and helped us with the feeding tube. She also gave some good suggestions and answered several questions for us. We are all pretty tired.
Evelyn and I are going to stay until Thursday or Friday. We so appreciate everyone who is helping out back home.
This passage comes to mind tonight.
Heb 12:1-3 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. (2) We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. (3) Think of all the hostility He endured from sinful people; then you won't become weary and give up.
Home at Last.
We just got home with Mom Steffes and got her settled in. The nurses aid that brought her to the car told her she would miss her. She said, "I could just come in and sit in your room all day."
I just have to say it again... Having Gordon's van to bring Mom home in was such a blessing. It was very easy for her to get in and out of, even in the rain.
Mom is on a liquid diet along with the feeding tube at night. The feeding tube will give her about half the calories she needs each day. She has to get the rest through various liquids.
Today's devotion was about gentleness. It was such a blessing to watch the nurses and doctors who dealt gently with all of us. And we had opportunities through out Mom's stay to talk with people who were hurting and gently share the love of Christ with them.
We rejoice in the gentlesness of our loving God who has dealt with us and our sin so kindly. Psalm 32:2
Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. (NLT)We are blessed.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Ministry in the midst of trial.
God is amazing. He puts you where you need to be when you need to be there. Today I was sitting in one of the waiting rooms at the hospital and a young lady was on her cell phone. Eaves dropping was not an option. It was a small room and she was not attempting to hide what she was sharing over the phone.
Here it is. Her name is Lauren and tomorrow is her wedding day. Her dad, Jim is in the hospital and has been given about 3 weeks to live. They have already paid for a honeymoon, no refund, to Hawaii. As you can imagine she is torn as to what to do.
When she got off the phone I said, "You have a busy day tomorrow." She replied, "No kidding." I asked, "May I pray for you?" She said, "Sure."
So we prayed. Would you pray for her too?
A praise that has come out of this. We asked her if her dad would be able to attend the wedding, and she teared up and said, "One of the nurses here offered to attend the wedding and sit with Dad in case he needed any special care." Wow! Lord, bless that nurse.
Other than the one doctor everyone here at Flower Hospital in Sylvania, Ohio has been wonderful. Praise God for His goodness. May we be found faithful to pray for others.
Here it is. Her name is Lauren and tomorrow is her wedding day. Her dad, Jim is in the hospital and has been given about 3 weeks to live. They have already paid for a honeymoon, no refund, to Hawaii. As you can imagine she is torn as to what to do.
When she got off the phone I said, "You have a busy day tomorrow." She replied, "No kidding." I asked, "May I pray for you?" She said, "Sure."
So we prayed. Would you pray for her too?
A praise that has come out of this. We asked her if her dad would be able to attend the wedding, and she teared up and said, "One of the nurses here offered to attend the wedding and sit with Dad in case he needed any special care." Wow! Lord, bless that nurse.
Other than the one doctor everyone here at Flower Hospital in Sylvania, Ohio has been wonderful. Praise God for His goodness. May we be found faithful to pray for others.
TGIF
Today has been good. They have taken out the drain tube and half of her staples. She still has the feeding tube, but is not on a steady flow from it right now. She was able to eat some cream of wheat today. They will probably feed her through the feed tube tonight. We will also be going through training for taking care of the feed tube. Lord willing she will be coming home tomorrow morning.
Today's devotions included the reading of Psa 32:7-11 For You are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. Interlude (8) The LORD says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. (9) Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control." (10) Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the LORD. (11) So rejoice in the LORD and be glad, all you who obey Him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!
(NLT)
We truly do rejoice in our wonderful God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
SOME PRAISES
We had put out a plea for a lift chair before coming up here and the O'Donnells graciously loaned us one. The next problem was transportation for it and God worked that out through Gordon Linder who traded me vehicles for the week. The chair fit into his van beautifully. That trade became a double blessing. Dad's car and our car both sit low to the gound and would be difficult for Mom to get in and out of. Gordon's van is the perfect height for her to slide into easily. Also, our gas has been provided for on this trip.
David Ihms filled in for us last week at the Bible study and this week Don Burris did so.
And so many of you are praying and sending cards. We do so appreciate all of you.
We praise God for each of you.
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