At some point when God is engaging us, we must be willing to engage him. At the time of visitation, we need to respond. He’s after us, not a little bit of us, but all of us. We are his property, purchased by His blood, belonging to Him, and Him alone. Sometimes I believe we are too sophisticated as a church. We miss the simplicity of responding to God. The God talk and his people, and people responded. That simple.

When God talks, we must listen; but just not listen, but respond as well. Not to go into religious works, but to respond out of relationship. His direction, becomes our direction. His thoughts become our priorities. His insight becomes our way. His law is Love. He loves us, and therefore that is why He is investing into us, and in us, and for us. It’s all about the expression of His love towards us.

This church started in 1975 out of revival. We have heard it myself from the founding pastor, “The key to this church is revival.”  We must remain on the original intent of God for this church. That means our leadership, our philosophies, our pursuit, and our approach, must be for a full encounter with God every time.

God is doing it, according to his grace. And for this we will forever be grateful.

Being home means I am taking care of her. With the help of Mandy, our sister-in-law, we have had times when people sit with her and I am able to get stuff done for a couple of hours.

Her pain is still strong and we are patiently progressing together. Our family of five has had our world rocked. We have such a blessing in God.

I’ll keep all of you posted through this weekend.

Both tubes have been removed; one Tuesday and one today She’s had a few rough experiences through the week. Pain pain pain! She may get to go home tomorrow, though, so I’ll keep you posted.

It’s been 4 days and wild ones at that! She’s doing great though. Our church family has been out of this world! Heavenly!

At this point, it is basically a waiting game. It’s time to let her heal and exercise her body. The physical therapist has her get up and sit on a chair. It’s moving from the chair back into bed that is a problem.

It’s just very difficult for me to watch my honey go through this. But God is faithful, and he is good.

I am working through the whole feeling helpless. And also, I am so protective of her as well. Uugghh!

Her doctor said to have two long cuts along the side, this type of surgery, is the most painful known to man. He said it’s even worse than open heart surgery. My wife is tough!

I am praying for my honest. Tonight will be the first time our three kids sleep at home. They’ve been with family since Wednesday night! Thank you Uncle Jason and Aunt Mandi and Grandpa Bud and Grandma Joan!

I can’t wait to kiss and hold my three babies tonight. Then we have arrangements in the evenings. Thank you again, Mandy for all your help

Her grandma and I have been here all day. She just left and now we are watching the World Series. Go Rangers.

Some of the ladies came and saw her. (9 of them) after our Women’s ministry retreat this weekend. Brandi and the women’s board did such a great job. 68 women went on the retreat. Good job ladies! They worked so hard on it, then with this, Brandi not being able to go. But heard it went phenominal.

Tomorrow is day 4. My honey is slowly recovering.

Being in her room yesterday, her pain level began to escalate. Her epidural shifted amidst the transition from ICU to her room a floor higher. Basically, he was not getting any help on the pain.

Within five hours, her pain went up to a “7″ on a scale of 1-10 (which is what nurses use to communicate how badly you’re hurting).

There was a breakdown in communication as well between the doctor and the shift nurses on the epidural removal and transition to a pump of some kind. Brandi hurt badly because of it.

It was a rough transition in the area of pain management. The surgery was huge.

She said to me today, “So this is what it feels like to have the wind knocked out of your sails.”

She’s doing better now; they helped her.

More later.