He gathers the lambs in his arms...

We have posted before about our friend Sandra, who suffered an aneurysm late November last year.  She miraculously pulled through the delicate brain surgeries and has physically recovered remarkably well.  This truly is a miracle from God, as the doctors didn't give her much chance to survive.  What a huge change from seeing her almost lifeless body a few months ago being kept alive by machines.  Now she can freely move about the room.


A couple of weeks ago she was moved to another hospital a little closer to her family.  And although she recognizes people, there is still a lot of confusion in her memory.  She has difficulty communicating and we have a hard time understanding what she means.  At times the frustration is hard for her and will bring tears to her eyes.  And it is hard to see her go through this.


Yesterday morning (Friday) the apartment building where she resided before her hospitalization was destroyed by fire.  Thankfully no one was hurt in the fire, but the residents are left homeless and may have lost everything.  It is still too early to know if anything Sandra and her daughter had in the apartment survived this devastating fire.    Please pray for Sandra's family as they are now trying to cope with this loss.  Sandra herself is unaware of this recent development due to her brain injury.


Doesn't this story almost seem to parallel the story of Job in the Bible?  His health was taken and everything he owned was gone.  We don't understand why some people have to endure many hardships in life.  Yet God has promised to walk with us in the deep dark valleys.  A few weeks ago when we visited Sandra, we shared the story of Jesus, the Good Shepherd.  She listened intently as we shared that Jesus even now is carrying her like a shepherd carrying an injured lamb.    


We read in Isaiah 40: 10-12
See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.


O Lord, please carry our dear sister Sandra in this very hard time, when things don't seem to make sense.  We know that You are our Good Shepherd who will never let us go.  And no matter how difficult the journey, you have promised to gently guide us home.

A thankful heart

l to r: Emily, Elijah, Jannie, Alexis, Nat

I realize that I haven't blogged for a little while.  And I think I had a valid reason.  I was visiting our brand new grandchild in Omaha.  


What a delight to be able to fly down there and meet Alexis for the first time and spend time with the family.  The flight had a delay in Calgary due to mechanical problems with the plane.  I came in on the tail end of a winter storm that hit the midwest pretty hard.  It was well after midnight before the plane landed in Omaha.  On the way home the streets were pretty deserted except for the snow removal crews that were trying to clean up the snow before morning rush hour.  I was glad to make it to their house, even though my luggage didn't.  Eventually it did arrive on my second day there.  I had a wonderful time with everyone, getting lots of 'oma' (Dutch for grandma) time in with the grandkids.  Playing games all sorts :) reading stories and getting lots of hugs and smiles sure made my stay there very special.  I am so thankful to God that I was able to do this.


I am also thankful that Howard let me go away for these 8 days.  My trip happened to be during a very busy ministry week for him.  And now he had to manage things on his own, which by the way he did very well, including officiating at a wedding.  Good thing though that he still thinks that I am an important part of our team here, and it is good to be back home again.


The day after I came back from the States, I had my check-up appointment at the cancer clinic in Kelowna.  The oncologist was satisfied with the check-up and blood test.  My next check-up is three months from now.  Thanks to God for His healing hand on my life.  Please pray for relief of some of the side effects, like numbness in fingers and toes and joint aches and pains that I experience every day.  In spite of the chronic aches and pains, God continues to be my source of joy, peace and strength.


"I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.  I will be glad and rejoice in you;  I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High." - Psalm 9:1-2