On Sunday TJ spoke at our home church, Rockpoint. I got a copy of the audio which you can download as an mp3 here. I was extremely proud to watch him get up and speak, welcomed by a standing ovation.
We've had at least one request to share some more details in general on how the family is doing, even "mundane" ones. So here is a brief post on mundane things.
Mary Ann is still getting used to the new way things are, and some days feels like she is, "wading through oatmeal." She is TJ's home nurse for the time being, as he continues to regain strength.
I (Jon) am taking a January course at Bethel that may yet kill me, hence the time of this post. It requires more way reading and writing than I have energy to do.
Chip is taking a January course through another school (I forget which), which is wilderness first response training. I know he has been pumped about the course for awhile, but it is 8:00am-5:00pm everyday, and in Minnesota, these have not been warm days. (It has to have been at least a week since we hit double digits.)
It's hardest for me to speak for Chip as we haven't connected much, but for at least my mom and I the last several weeks are hitting. Through December we were running on borrowed energy, and we are now paying that back plus interest.
We will be trying (for real) to be posting more often, even mundane details, and probably more detailed details, but currently it is a struggle to find the energy wake up and go through the day, much less post at the end of it. But, if you are all willing to be praying for us, we are more than willingly to be posting!
Specifically:
- That TJ continues to recover and gain back his strength and voice
- That Mary Ann, Jon, and Chip find the energy to get through the day, and are able to rest at night
- That the daily and scholastic pressures don't suck us down
- Finally, that God's goodness and the miracles we have seen are not forgotten during these days when we continue to need to lean on God
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14 comments:
Continuing in prayer for you all.
John and Judy (from Prague)
Ps 71:5 For you have been my hope O Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth.
Blessings on you all in this strange new time of adjusting to TJ's post-hospitalization journey.
I would encourage you not to try to resume pre-crisis responsibilities too quickly and fully. See my post from Jan. 17 at 9am. You need physical and soulish replenishment. You are likely more drained even than you feel. Give yourselves space to recover. Processing with friends; time for sleep; laughter and singing; sunshine on the face; daily exercise--I encourage you to build these things into your new rhythms.
I rejoice with you--and feel a tiny bit of your post-crisis downer--in this leg of your journey. "The Lord sustains all who fall, and raises up all you are bowed down" (Psalm 145).
davidlinde@comcast.net
North Central District staff
Dear TJ, Mary Ann, and family,
Missing you, Tim, down in Albuquerque at the Mid-Winter Ministerial. However, to hear that you have already spoken at church, fills my heart with joy. I love you all and I continue to pray for your total healing, TJ.
Pastor Rich Carlson, Supt. IWD
We continue to rejoice with you in your recovery! That means all of you. Having been where you are I know from experience there are many feelings and struggles just in getting "back to normal" whatever that may be. Give yourselves time to rest and recharge every day. God will give you everything you need from HIS great storehouse. God's rest and peace and healing on all of you. K
Thanks for sharing so openly. Praying for each of you during this time.
~ Rhonda Reynard
TJ's speaking last Sunday was like a refreshing spring shower of God's grace. We remain in awe of all that He has done, and that He chooses to use us as we pray.
Jon- God's strength to you in this January course. We'll pray on.
TJ and family,
We're praying for you these days. In some ways it's just as important to pray now as in the critical times. Now you need healing and renewing from all that you've experienced emotionally. God will be there for you and He is the source of healing and renewal.
Jon - when I went to Bethel it was possible to skip one interim during the 4 years of school. I'm praying for you - if this class isn't that important to you is it possible to drop it and take the month off? Just a thought, and I'll pray for wisdom and strength.
From the other side of the world - praying that you are all getting some refreshing sleep!
The staff of Tung Fook Church, students and directors of the bible college rejoice with you and your family for the imprint of God's bountiful grace, and boundless love in and through your life. It's our greatest privlege to partner God, you and your family in this journey of faith.
Thanks for the update. Still haven't changed my habit of checking the blog each day.
May God give you all the strength you need and more!
Blessings.
Thanks for posting the mp3 so that we can hear TJ. My heart speaks with such faith that awesome times are ahead of TJ - God has a destiny for you, TJ! Add oil!
TJ,
Great to hear your voice as you shared at church! I really appreciated your emphasis on God's grace and power. May we all constantly live and minister according to all God has shown Himself to be!
Take care,
Don Reynard
Thankful for answered prayer and your life!
You will continue to be in my prayer... all of you.
I think you were in my Sunday School class
when you were a youngster in the Berkeley Ev Free Church.... ???
Later I was a nurse in ICU... so am appreciattive of what you all have gone through.
So I hope you all take it "One Day at a Time!"
Rest up!! and Thank God! ____Jer. 33:3
"Call unto me and I will answer thee and show thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not."
I am absolutely left mostly speechless and so grateful to God to have heard TJ speak in his own voice to the Glory of His goodness. Praises continue...prayers for strength and healing continue.
Hey Uncle T! It was great to hear your voice! We're praying for your recoverery time as well ast Aunt MA's, Jon's and Stephen's!
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