A Note of Encouragement

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Brilliant sunrise from the Washington USA coast
Fear Not

Volume XVI, Issue 21 

May 23, 2016 
Fear Not!...by Terry L. Coleridge
 
Our daughter Tiffany needed surgery and wanted me there with her. She lives far away and the travel would take almost a day. Before leaving, I contacted Kim, our oldest daughter, who lives in the same city. She was excited about the opportunity for me to also visit with her young sons.
 
However by the time I arrived, Tiffany told me that Kim was just over a bad flu. She had a high fever and was close to having a seizure. So I decided to visit her and her sons later in the week just to be safe. It was difficult being so close and not able to go see them right away.
 
Hospital waiting room
On the day of the surgery, Tiffany waited an extra hour as her doctor ran overtime with an earlier surgery. I tried to relax with a paper my husband had printed out before I left on this care giving trip. It had a number of scripture verses and was titled Fear Not. One verse especially ministered to me.
 
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
 
Tiffany came out of surgery and everything had gone well. Praise the Lord! We were given instructions that she could not lift anything over 5 lbs. or reach for anything. So for the next few days while her husband, Jeremy, was away working, I did the cooking and housekeeping.
 
The coming Sunday, it was time for me to leave for home. But I was concerned and prayed to the Lord about whether I should stay longer as Tiffany would have no help while Jeremy was at work. 

Then I learned that he was in pain. His big toe had swollen three times its normal size, turned purple, and a dark open sore had appeared on the bottom of the toe. Not wanting him to risk a blood infection, I sent him on to the hospital's emergency room.
 
As it turned out, Jeremy did have a bad infection. He would be okay but needed daily antibiotic treatments administered by IV at the hospital. And he would not be able to go to work till the next Wednesday, the same time that Tiffany was required to stay home.
 
Part of the wedding vows came to mind as I thought of them in their dire situation. For better or for worse, in sickness and in health... Then this scripture, And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Thank you Lord. Neither of them would be alone now.

Tiffany was able to go back to work, though still felt very tired. But thankfully it's a desk job.

Jeremy, however, needed surgery on his toe and had to stay home until the following Monday. But that turned out okay because the oil rig he works on was shut down...until Monday.

God is amazing. There's power in His Word and in prayer.  Lean on Him, and He will give you direction and peace.
Terry

Terry L. Coleridge is a Nurse Assistant/Facilitator and has cared for individuals with Down's Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Epilepsy, Bipolar Disorder, Autism, and various behavioral disorders. Terry and her husband, Robert, live in Washington State, USA.
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