****Supplemental Update****
Monday, April 29 - 5pm
Dad is currently headed to Heber Springs for some much needed rest and recovery time. He has a bad case of laryngitis and has been placed on an antibiotic, in addition to his other meds. He wanted to let everyone know that he is not snubbing you, he just can't talk on the phone right now, but fully intends to return all of his calls soon!
Prayer point: That his throat would heal to the point where he can speak again. And just to clarify on something in the previous update: If his heart can reach 35-40%, he won't need the pacemaker and can live on the meds. Anything short of that and the pacemaker is one option on the table.
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Update on Dad
Monday, April 29 - 10:30am
"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." -- Ezekiel 36:26
On Wednesday, Dad met with a Dr. Hyde, a local cardiologist here in Baton Rouge. Dr Hyde, being the first one to see Dad's condition in the ER and being so grave in his diagnosis, was absolutely astonished to see Dad alive and recovering so fast!
He agreed with all of Dr. Ventura's decisions and findings, and said that if Dad's heart can reach 35-40 percent strength, then it may be possible to install a pacemaker (and his heart is now 15 percent and climbing, praise God!). Of course, I think 40 percent is a little on the low end for the Ancient of Days -- 110 percent sounds about right to me.
When Dad was in the hospital, the Lord gave my Mom the above verse from Ezekiel and it pretty sums up this whole trial. It's a promise for him on so many levels, physically and spiritually. But I think there's a lesson in there for all of us. I believe a "new heart" means trading your sorrows for joy. God placing His "new spirit in us" signals a renewal and strengthening of our faith. And as we all know, nothing brings you closer to Jesus than losing your health!
Looking back, it's comforting to trace the Maker's fingerprints in every step of this crisis. Dad was THREE HOURS away from death, but God intervened. The Grave petitioned the throne, but Jesus denied the request. Because Jehovah Rapha can see every possible outcome and will choose the scenario which brings Him the most glory. He must, because He is bound by His very nature to do so. And He won't waste a single drop of suffering if it draws us to the One who is high and lifted up!
I've learned that the more hopeless the situation, the more grim the circumstance, it's all just a setup for the Lord's power to take center stage. Because in the end there can be NO DOUBT who the credit goes to.
And your prayers and support have been such an integral part in this process. We've had more love and encouragement than we know what to do with. Our cup is overflowing with gratitude and love for you all!
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