A Brother's Down

It's been a tough week. Dave's mobility seems to be getting worse. In our family we call it a slide. Things can be going along good, then you start to notice little things...then something big bring us to our senses. Thursday nite at 4 :30 am Dave had a significant fall. He landed on the back of his head, but with such force, he split his head into a "v" shaped wound. He needed 10 stitches and his head is shaved at the back. Ashlea teases him and tell him he looks like he had brain surgery. So, we are recovering, it's getting past the "what-ifs" and implementing a lot of new safety measures. Dave's is safest when he is in his wheelchair. The "petite" quality of mom and dad's cottage poses a problem but most of all it is transportation we are in great need of. We are so thankful for the up coming Benefit on October 17. The amount of dedicated people to coordinate this is astounding! Thank you all in advance for all you are doing, for Dave and our family ...Blessings, Shani

He Gives Strength...Isaiah 40: 28-31

Surely you know.

Surely you have heard.

The Lord is the God who lives forever, who created all the world.

He does not become tired or need to rest.

No one can understand how great his wisdom is.

He gives strength to those who are tired and more power to those who are weak.

Even children become tired and need to rest, and young people trip and fall.

But the people who trust the Lord will become strong again.

They will rise up as an eagle in the sky;

they will run and not need rest;

they will walk and not become tired.

The last four weeks have been...well...challenging for me. I won't bother you with the details... I have been existing in this "fog like" state, where everything hurts...and I can't quite seem to break through to the light...

On Sunday out of pure desperation, I went to church...the first song that was sung had the words of these four verses in it, the ones that had been my "friends in the fog."

More of a lament than a lamppost...

I have always thought I was more irritating than irresistible to God, yet here He was knitting together this little object lesson just for me...

I am loved by God!

Amazing!...

He gently suggested I re-evaluate what He values...

To understand His wisdom...

To know that God's strength is given where he sees fit.

To understand what I perceive as weakness might not be where God sees it

To trust that I will become strong again...

To know that God will allow me the perspective of an eagle when I am overwhelmed by life.

I need to rest in the promise that it is in God's timing that I will walk and in His timing I will run.

When I wait on God and trust His timing...I will not be weary...Shani

Grateful...Dave speaks from his heart

I would like to express an attitude of gratefulness for the abilities I still have. Although many things that I used to do with out a thought are harder now, I am learning not to take them for granted.

Most of the time my legs allow me to stand up on my own and do not tire easily when walking. I can still walk/shuffle. I have been loaned an electric wheel chair to remain safe and mobile. I still have the freedom to get in and out of bed on my own. I am thankful I have not fallen in over a week!


I am still able to taste, chew and swallow food. I love the taste of food! Did I tell you that I love the taste of food!? In addition to eating, I agreed to a feeding tube. Since June I have regained 15 of the 45lbs I lost and am getting good nurishment and calories through the tube. I have learned not to bite any hand willing to help feed me.

My family and extended family have rallied around me with incredible support. Each one has had their own emotional journey while helping with my emotional and physical challenges. Together we have a new appreciation of the preciousness of this life with a fresh eternal perspective.

Many of YOU have blessed us with encouragement, prayers and gifts that have been a great source of strength. As Mathew 25 39-40 says "When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?" The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus for me in my time of need.

Blessings!