[This post is intentionally incorrectly dated so it stays on top for a bit]
As TJ and our family have begun to discuss all that has happened over the past month, we have realized in a very new and fresh way the need for the prayers of the body of Christ.
We realize that the vast majority of you have prayed for us because of the critical nature of TJ's illness. We are so appreciative of that expression of love and your prayers.
We have heard from several commenters who want to continue to pray for TJ's ministry and our family. If you would like to explore that possibility, will you please send an email to Arthur Ellison, our personal prayer team leader, at arthurellison@aol.com. Arthur will get back to you and further explore with you via email your interest.
For the time being we will continue to post updates a couple times a week through TJ's recovery period. While TJ was in the hospital I found myself checking blog comments first thing in the morning and last thing before I went to bed. Your prayer support and comments gave me what I needed to face the day's challenges and the peace to sleep (at least a little) at night. We are still in awe of how so many around the globe have prayed and are deeply grateful.
Mary Ann
Friday, January 18, 2008
AN INVITATION
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9 comments:
in reality, the joy is ours, and it is one we share with you and your family... Matthew 12:48-50... we are your brothers and sisters. we were in the house with you (not outside calling you in) lifting up our brother and following His will.
blessings,
Thank you, Mary Ann, for your beautiful summary. Thank you, TJ, for "It's My Turn." We are humbled, speechless, and in awe of our Savior's great mercy and grace to you - and to all of us who love you. We visited tonight with our mutual, precious friends - we all count you as "beloved," and agreed that we are rich to share in your lives! We've shared your agony - it became ours also - and joined thousabnds in prayers - and now we are privileged to share in the great rejoicing.
"I stand, I stand in awe of You! Holy God, to Whom all praise is due, I stand in awe of You."
(Thanks for the Life Lesson of "Nothing to prove, nothing to lose.")
Dear TJ, Mary Ann, and family,
Mark Twain said, "If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything." TJ, you have a story to tell. You never will have to embellish it to get other's attention. In itself, it defies imagination. But in the sharing of your testimony, I trust your heart will always sing. Never lose the songs God has placed now in your heart. Two songs come to my mind that remind me of your experience that we all have shared as we have walked beside you in prayer. One is by John Michael Talbot, "Be Not Afraid." The words are strong:
"You shall cross the barren desert, but you shall not die of thirst. You shall wander far in safety though you do not know the way. You shall speak your words in foreign lands and all will understand. You shall see the face
of God and live.
Refrain: Be not afraid. I go before you always. Come follow me, and I will give you rest.
2. If you pass through raging waters in the sea, you shall not drown. If you walk amid the burning flames, you shall not be harmed. If you stand before the pow'r of hell and death is at your side, know that I am with you
through it all. Refrain:
3. Blessed are your poor, for the kingdom shall be theirs. Blest are you that weep and mourn, for one day you shall laugh. And if wicked men insult and hate you all because of Me, blessed, blessed are you!" Refrain.
The second song is "Draw Me Close To You." Michael W. Smith wrote, "
This song is intimate:
"Draw me close to you. Never let me go. I lay it all down again.
To hear you say that I'm your friend. You are my desire.
No one else will do. Cause no one else can take the place. To fill the warmth of your embrace. Help me find a way. To bring me back to you."
Chorus: "You're all I want. You're all I've ever needed, You're all I want. Help me know you are near."
I sing with you, brother as I am stopping now to sing these songs in looking back at God's victory in your life. I love you all,
Pastor Rich Carlson, Supt. IWD
So glad you will keep posting for awhile. Thanks,
Praise God is all I can say. You have been so blessed- as we all have through you. Thank you for still keeping us informed. We love you. Joni
Continuing in prayer for TJ's progression toward complete healing, in Jesus name. Our God is an Awesome God! Bless each one of you.
When we read your note, TJ, it was like we could breathe again. Thank you for writing!! Thank you, Mary Ann, Jon and Stephen for doing the blog. I feel as if I know you all much better. Dear Lord, thank you, thank you thank you!!
"Then Job replied to the Lord: "I know that You can do all things; no plan of Yours can be thwarted, You asked 'Who is this that obscures My counsel without knowledge?' Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. "You said, 'Listen now and I will speak' I will question you and you shall answer me.'
My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes."
Regarding future plans for this blog:
I keep thinking back to Joshua and Israel crossing the Jordan. God had a man from each tribe go to the middle of the river, pick up a stone and bring it to the other side. Joshua then set up the stones as a sign of God's miraculous work on their behalf (Joshua 4).
This blog is like a living set of stones by the Jordan, with contributions from hundreds of God's faithful and read by thousands more. It is a testimony that has been witnessed by more than any could have imagined. May he multiply his church through this witness.
Praise be to our GOD and FATHER !!!!!!!!!! Again He has showered us with His Grace and Mercy undeserving as we are.
I do not know you, but my sister does.
During your illness, I was truly inspired by both the outpouring of faith and love from your brothers and sisters in Christ, and the incredible strength your family displayed ! I pray for your continued improvement! May God continue to Bless you !
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