Christmas 2008 Thank you God for all you have done for each and everyone of us!

We have been given a wonderful gift, Your Son . I awoke to so many different feelings this morning! I have so many things to be thankful for! Lord you step down off your throne and became man so that we could know you! So we could have a relationship with you! You gave us the gift of eternal life thought the sacrifice of your life. You gave us the greatest gift of all your Love incarnated Jesus! Our debit has been paid by you, and you alone. Thank you for loving us! Thank you for caring about us!

We are going to celebrate Christmas as a complete family. A family that knows you as our Savior Messiah and Lord! I am going to celebrate all the things you have done for all of us!

God you truly are a awesome God! You have given us the greatness treasure of all your Son! How could I truly comprehend this gift of love. Why would you do this for me? How could you love me enough to give your son for me? I have done nothing to deserve the life of your precious son! I have done nothing to deserve this gift of forgiveness! Yet you gave!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We as a family all went to the Elks Rehabilitation Hospital For our Christmas dinner. Our family was all there except for my girl Melynda and her husband Sammy. Our Mom and Dad has not got to spend Christmas with the hole family in quit a long time. This Christmas celibate together could not be any more special than it is. Christmas is one of Marks favorite holidays Mark loves giving and he loves receiving presents, so being with someone like Mark that truly finds the joy in giving and receiving is allot of fun. Christmas dinner was wonderful, we all were able to enjoy each other, this Christmas defiantly is a very special one!

Mark, Rhonnie and his girls all got to open all of there presents together Christmas morning how wonderful for them to be able to celibate Christmas together. The joy they must be feeling as the rest of us are, knowing that we could of lost Mark. We thank you Lord for the gift you have given all of us. the girls loved their crosses. Everyone is so happy and thankful!

Friday December 12 th.2008 Christmas shopping

Mark got to go Christmas shopping for one of his therapies. We all knew that he was going to go Christmas shopping but we wondered what he would pick out for his girls. Mark pick out three crosses one for each one of his girls. . When Rhonnie showed us the crosses we were so happy to see what he found for each one of them. Each one a had different design and Mark knew which one he wanted to give to each one of his girls.

The Spirit of the Lord is definitely is present with Mark and he is very thankful for what the lord has done for him! Thank you for you goodness!!!!!!!!!!

Thursday December. 11th.2008 Back home

I went to Phoenix AZ. to go see my husband Hank on business. I was gone for six days, this was a very nice vacation for me. I enjoyed my self very much! The weather was beautiful and I was able to visit some family and friends while I was their. Another thing I was able to do was go to a niece of ours baby shower. I was able to meet some people that had been praying for my brother Mark . This was a true blessing for me because I was able to tell then how well Mark was doing, but most important I was able to thank them for all their prays for my brother. Each and everyone person I met was telling me that they were praying for Mark daily. I wish I could express the gratitude I felt. I know I have said this before but I would like to tell everyone thank you again. Thank You! Thank You! Thank you! From the bottom of my heart! Your prays mean so much! I know God here's them all!

When I arrived home my sister Lilly picked me up, I was very happy to see her and the kids! Lilly took me home so I could see my kids. I have missed them deeply . I got lots of good love's when I got home!

Me and the Kids went up to see Mark during are visiting hours. When I walk in the room Mark did not seem to be in the best mood. I ask Mark what was wrong he did not say much so I ask him if he wanted to pray. Mark said, that would be nice. Lilly,my girl Emily and I held Marks hands. Mark started to pray on his own. Mark ask God to watch out for his Family, and then he thank the Lord for all he has done for them. Then Mark said, Thank you God for all the Love You have for us! Marks prayers come from his Heart, he knows that God loves him and everyone! After Mark prayed his hole mood changed. Mark was happier then when I first walked in the room. We talked about what everyone was doing, Mark also got to talk to our brothers Charles and Sunnie on the phone. Mark told Sunnie that they belonged together just like pees and carrots, and then Charles ask what about me. Mark said, Charles could be the broccoli. and Mark Laughed knowing he was teasing Charles. Mark told then that he missed then and the boys told Mark they would be up soon to see him. Mark said, good I can't wait to see you.

Our Dad has been going back and fourth a lot from Boise to California, Dad is coming back today my girl Rena is driving back with him. My Dad is having a hard time staying in California he can not stay a way very long from Mark. Dad told me he can not get his mined on work, all he thinks about is Mark. All the places My Dad works are place My brother and Dad have worked in the past and every where my Dad goes reminds him of Mark. My Dad is going to have to go back to California before Christmas and take care of a few things then come back to Boise for Christmas. This has to be taking a big toll on my Dad just the mental aspect of everything alone would do it!

Nicky Trail and Dewey Trail came into town to see Mark. Uncle Nicky brought Mark that Hat he promised Mark. What a nice looking hat it is a beautiful chocolate brown hat old fashion just like our great uncles and granddads hats, Mark really likes it allot. Mark looks really handsome in it. Mark is really happy to see Uncle Nicky And Dewey. Both of these men are good friends of Mark, not only are they good friends they always have allot of fun when they are around each other. Uncle Nicky always has a big smile on his face he also tells wonderful stories. Uncle Nicky has called Mark sparky from a young age. Mark has so many actions like uncle Nicky you can really tell they are related. They even look a lot like. Mark smile reminds me of Uncle Nicky!

Dewey has always been very good to me and Mark. The first time I ever drove a car was with Dewey It was my birthday and I turned 13 years old Dewey (about eighteen years old) told me it was time for me to drive. Dewey told me to get in Aunt Pollys ( Deweys Moms) car he was going to teach me how to drive. I did, I got in my Aunts car in the drivers seat Dewey got in the Passengers seat as I started to back out in my aunts car, my aunt came running out of the house screaming at Dewey to stop . Dewey told me to keep going, I did not know what to do. Dewey can be pretty persuasive. My aunt Polly kept halloaing stop but Dewey Kept saying GO ON GO ON GO ON!!!!! I listen to Dewey I got to drive for the first time in my life I will never forgot that experience! My aunt was not mad at me like I thought she would be when we got back but Dewey got a earful! My cousin Dewey is still a big kid at heart! Mark I know has many found memories as I do with Dewey!

Friday December 5 th. 2008 From Darkness in to light

I believe the Lord has impressed this on my heart. With out the Lord I know that I am in darkness. My spirit is not as it should be. I have moments in time that I have enjoyed. I also love people a great deal, when we love it brings about great joy. The love we have for our parents, husbands and wife's, and our children and boy friends and girl friends, God wants us to love him above everyone, above everything. When we truly put Christ first in our lives and love him first that's when we see change. I have seen a change in myself. With Christ first I no longer love my self above others. I have began to love others differently I see God has open my eyes to see them as the Lord has seen them all a long. Just as the Lord has seen me all long LOST without him. I have began to see things in a new light. Why would God want's me to put him first? Could it be maybe that I could love like he does? How could that be? How could I love like Christ does? Only if Christ is first can this possibly be. If Christ is first their is change in me! I no longer have a heart that is full of PRIDE, because I see the sin in PRIDE! What does PRIDE do? Pride puts us above others any time we are put above others it is wrong! God say we are all created equally! How can that be? Some are born rich and others are born poor. Some of us are born without handy caps and others are born with handy caps. What then would make us born equally if we are not all born the same? The only thing I can think of is, could it be God the Creator of the heaves, earth and universe, love for us. What else would make us more equal then that! Only the love that God has for us makes us all the same! Why love God with all hearts? So we can love like him! What kind of a impact would that make on other peoples lives! What type of a impact would this make on our own lives! Jesus you said, that the greatest commandment is to Love others as our self. We all know we love our self. But can we really love someone as we love our self. I wonder are we willing to forgive some one like we are so quickly to forget what we our self have done. I think not I think we like to hang on to what others have done to us. We do not like to forget. We have a hard time letting go because we lack the the love that is true love that is a forgiving love a love from the heart. Lord let us Love as you have loved us unconditionally. Teach us from the Heart to be as you are! Take me out of darkness and bring me into the light so that I can be free indeed! Without love we are not free we live in bondage our hearts are chained to darkness. Let your Light free me O God. Let your light overcome the darkness of my heart and break the chains that hold me captive. What is your purpose for me? Is it to love others as myself? Is it so that we can become one as you have said , brothers and sister in Christ as you are one with the Father. Is this love commandment so that we can be unified as a body a body with so many parts every part with its special purpose . Let us love the body as our self. Let us care for a part of the body that might have a wound. Let us tend to the wound and bring about a healing out of the love of Christ Jesus! Let the head of are body be Christ Jesus and let are Lord guide us in Love a true Love so that we can be one!

Jesus Prays for Believers John 17: 20-26 NIV

20" My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me, 22 I have given them the glory that you have given me, that they may be one as we are one: 23 I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

24" Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.

25" Righteous Father, thought the world does not know you, I know you and they know that you have sent me. 26 I have made you known to them and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."

What is Jesus saying when he say, that all of them may be one? Just as the Father and the son are one. Jesus is saying that God the Father and him are one. Jesus is also saying that we are one with him that would also make us one with the Father. This is a gift. We can never attain this on our own. This is only though Jesus and only because Jesus was obedient to the will of the Father out of Love. Their for we should be obedient to the son out of Love if we are not obedient it is because we are lacking Love.

Lord can we change? Lord can our hearts become like yours? Lord can we love as you love? Lord will we ever have the purity of love that you have? Lord change our hearts. Lord change our minds. Lord change our will to your will so that we can be free. Lord change are will that we can love as you do in the purest form, unselfish Love Agape Love!

p.s.

My brother Charles Trail was electrocuted on Friday 6/17/2009 I am asking that everyone please pray for Charles ( nick name Mushy) Charles needs special prayer for his right hand and arm also his right foot. Charles has already had his right pinkie toe removed we are praying that he does not have to removed half his foot do to very bad burns. We are in the university of Alberta in Edmonton Canada and their are allot of other people that need prayer please keep them in mind when you pray for Charles

Thursday December 4 th. 2008 Praying for fish!

 My brother Mark gets to go fishing to day with his recreational therapist Kelly.   I asked if I could come along and watch he said yes. I was so happy to get to see Mark do what he really loves.  Our Dad has always took us fishing with him since we were kids, so Mark developed a love for fishing at a very young age!  I talked to our Dad today and told him what Mark was going to get to do. We talked about Praying that Mark would catch a fish, we knew that this would bless Mark.  Dad and I prayed for Mark to catch a fish.  God blessed Mark today Mark caught a trout right a way,  Mark had three outer bites one bite seemed like it was a really big bite but that was the fish that got away.  My mom seen a fish jump to the left of where Marks line was Mom pointed it out to Mark.  Mark seen the ripples in the water he decide he was going to try and catch that fish.  Mark reeled in his fishing line and cast the pole right where that fish had jump then he said , I am going to wake that fish!   Well this made us all smile because Mark cast the pole perfectly and he new he wanted that fish.  Kelly had a fishing pole in the water to and Kelly got a fish on the line. Kelly went to hand mark his pole and Mark refused, he said,that is your fish you bring it in.  Mark enjoyed watching Kelly bring his fish in I could see it on Marks face.  Mark got to fish about a hour and then Kelly told Mark it was time to go.  My brother had been sitting in his wheelchair the hole time. When Kelly told Mark we had to get back it was getting cold Mark reeled in his pole. Then before we new it mark stood to his feet and grabbed the railing in front of him and he cast the pole again.  Mark had to get his last cast in, very typical of all fisher men!  What a beautiful day!  God you are a God that loves to bless his children, we give you all the glory you deserve!

Wednesday December 3 rd 2008 Swimming theray

What a great day in the pool. Mark has a little more balance and he is not as jerky as the last swimming therapy. Mark walked about four times back and forth in the pool. His balance was throne off when he would reached for the side of the pool. Kelly would have to grab him so that Mark would not go under the water. Mark also did some floating on his stomach with his face in the water, Mark was not able to pull his face out of the water with out being helped up by Kelly. Mark would also need assistance's  to stand from his floating position. Kelly also tried to relax Mark by holding Mark on his back and swaying him back and fourth stretching his legs as he did it Mark looked like he enjoyed this and  look like it would stretch out Marks muscles from laying on his back so much. I see some improvements from his last therapy this makes me very happy! Any little improvement is a step forward and Mark has been moving forward!    

  

Byron went to church with Henry tonight it was the youth group with Calvary  First Assembly. Nathan Is the youth Leader he is a very nice young man and you can tell he really cares alot for the kids, Nathan is also the worship leader at are Church he does a very good job! Byron enjoyed himself and wants to go back!  thank you lord for today! 

Tuesday December 2008 What a blessed day! Byron Heart

Lilly, Henry and I went to go see Mark last night.  Ronnie and the girls were visiting Mark.  When we walk in the room I saw Elaine laying on the bed beside her Dad with this big smile on her face, one can only imagine how happy she must be.  My Nice Nellie came over and greeted me and Lilly with a kiss.  I walk over and kissed Mark.  Mark is always so happy to see us he truly makes you feel special.  I then kiss Ronnie, what a blessing Ronnie is for Mark.  Ronnie really has not left Mark side since the accident my heart goes out to her.  I am their so little of the time and the small things that Mark has a hard time doing is very hard to see.  Seeing my brother struggle is emotionally draining.  God Bless Ronnie today!  Lift her up!  Give her strength to cope with everything she has to do!  Give her peace!  Bless her every day !

Ronnie and the girls went up stairs to have some dinner.  Lilly and I got to stay and visit Mark.   Lilly laid beside Mark and loved on him with big hugs!  Mark laid their with a big smile on his face.  Lilly asked mark as she always does.  Do your remember what we talked about.  Mark said what? Lilly waited for a moment for Mark to think about it.  Lilly said, Jesus loves you!  Then Mark said, Jesus loves me!  And my sister love me to!  Then Lilly said,  " And" Lilly said waiting for Mark to remember.   You are a miracle!  Mark then said I am a miracle!   Mark always gets this look on his face of surprise I am a miracle,  but tonight Mark was not as surprised!  He did not ask why he was a miracle as usual.  Mark knew last night he was a miracle!  He knew God had saved him!  Then Mark called Lilly, his girl Elaine.  Lilly said, what, who am I. Mark said, your Elaine.  Lilly said, no I am not, Mark began to insist that Lilly was Elaine.  Lilly said look at me.  I am your baby sister, Mark look at Lilly your not my baby sister, yes I am, no your not said Mark.  Lilly then said, Ok I am your big (big meaning big in size) baby sister.   What Mark then said, yes you are my big baby sister, emphasizing big with his big lips.  We then laugh together.  Then I said, who am I.   Mark said, You are my biggest, biggest baby sister.  Mark proceed to say this by emphasizing Bi Bi Bi Bi big baby sister with his lips. Well needless to say that we all laugh at what Mark was doing Mark kept laughing and smiling.  Lilly got up and let me lay-down beside Mark.  This is the first time that I have got to lay by Mark and hug on him.  O how this blessed my heart.   God you are good to me!  I loved having my arm up on Marks chest Mark put his hand on mine and he told me.  Melynda you do not know how much I love you!  Wow!!!! I then said, Mark you do not know how much I love you!  I laid their as I hug my big brother a brother that had always watched out for me all through the years.   A brother that I can't tell you of all the found memories that we have shared. Thank you God for a blessing to have brother like Mark!   A brother that to this day will not say who is his favorite sibling.  All Mark says when asked by my other brother and sister whose your favorite, Marks reply is you all are I do not have a favorite!  I love you all the same!  How blessed we all are to have a big brother like Mark!

Mark was getting tired, so we called Ronnie and the girls  back so they could visit their Dad before their Dad wanted to go to sleep.  We told Mark, Ronnie and the girls goodnight and we loved them.

When we left the room my sister Lilly told me that their was a young boy in the room next to our brother Mark that did not get allot of visitor's.  Lilly said I wounder if we could visit him.  I said, it would not hurt to ask, so we ask the nurse if it would be Ok if we said hi.  The nurse said that it would be fine, we just had to wait a few minutes out side the room while they got the young boy situated.   The nurse called us in after she was done.  Lilly, Henry and I went in to meet him.  I introduced myself and said, hi I am Melynda and this is my son Henry I think you have met my sister Lilly.  I then ask him his name he told me his name was Byron. he told me his name I then ask him his age he told me his age was twenty. we talked for a little while.  This young man is very smart.  Byron then ask me who we were visiting.  I told him we were visiting our brother right next to him.  Bryon then ask me what had happen to Mark.  I told Bryon how Mark had died in a tank and how the firefighters had got Mark out of the tank and the per-emetics had taken Mark in the ambulance to the hospital.  I told him I did not know what God had planed for Mark, but I was crying out to God on Marks behalf.  I also told him how the doctors said, their was no hope for Mark.  I then said what Ronnie had told the doctors, that they were wrong about Mark she told them that God was going to heal Mark. I also told him about my brother Sunnie's vision. then Byron told me how when he was three months old that the doctors said to his mom that he would not live because of  spinal-meningitis.  well I was looking a young man that God obviously had a purpose for or he would not be here today.  Byron was in the Elks hospital because of a bad car accident Byron was flung from a car that hit a light pull at about a hundred miles a hour. Bryon is paralyzed from the waist down. Byron has had too near death experience .While my sister Lilly Henry and I were visiting Bryon  Bryon had told me that he had seen Mark in the hall ways and he had wondered what had happen to Mark, he also said that he prays for Mark when he see him.  I asked Bryon if he was a Christian and he replied no.  I ask him why? He said he was not good enough he had done to many bad things. I told Bryon none of us are good enough God has made away for us we do not have to get are act together and be sinless before god will love us he loves just as we are. God also knew that we can not do it on are own, that is why he sent his Son on are behalf. Bryon told me his grandma was praying for him and that she was a believer. I ask Bryon if he wanted me to pray with him he said, yes. Bryon ask the Lord into his heart that night! Thank you Lord for giving your Son so that all can be saved that believe on you! Thank you for renewed hearts and hearing our prays and excepting us just the way we are sinners lost with out you! 

Monday November 30 th. 2008 Marks golfing therapy

I went up to go see Mark at the hospital today.  Marks recreational therapy was today, Mark was going to get to golf in the hall of the hospital with Kelly his recreational therapist.  I said hi to Mark, Mark was happy to see me as always. Mark therapy started with Kelly strapping Mark into a stand that would allow Mark to stand by himself with out any one holding on to him. Just getting Mark in the harness was hard for Mark to do he does alot of jercking with movement. Kelly asked Mark if he would like to put a few balls into a bucket Mark said, yes. Then Kelly ask mark what he would like to use as he showed Mark a full range of golf clubs to chose from. Mark chose the the putting club to putt with, Kelly through about five balls in front of Mark. Mark proceed to pull one ball at a time with his putting club in front of him.  And then he putted each and every one of them in the bucket this made me very happy because Mark was doing what he was supposed to do with out having to be shown what to do and he had enough control to make everyone ball hit it's target. Then Kelly ask if Mark would hit a few balls over about a too foot object.  Mark said yes then Kelly ask Mark what club would he like to use Mark looked them all over and said, I would like the chipping wedge.  Mark had five balls again and he managed to hit too of them over the object that was about the end of Marks therapy that pretty well wiped Mark out.  Mark had to rest after that so he could be ready for his next therapy.  I love seeing that my brother rembered how to swing the clubs and he also  knew which clubs to use I look forwad to the day Mark will be able to go golfing again.  Mark loves to golf! Thank you Lord for helping Mark today!

Sunday November 2008 A walk outside

I took the kids to church I was to late to go to our home church so I went to Calvary Chapel it was good, But I some how I manged to be late there to.  I was definitely off on my timing.   After church we headed over to see Mark.  Emily and I got to go in and see Mark.  Mark wanted to go outside and take a walk.  All of the kids were outside in the lobby Mark always lights up when he see them.  My boy Benjamin had a ball Mark wanted to play catch with him. Benjamin started to throw the ball to Mark Mark caught half the balls that Benjamin had thrown to him. Mark also loved throwing the balls hard at Benjamin's head as hard as he could.  Mark laughed as he hit his target a few times.  After Mark was done trying to get a few hits in on Benjamin's head with the ball Mark was ready to go outside.  It was a beautiful day the sun shone bright and it was warmer than usual for this time of year.  Ronnie pushed Mark in his wheelchair,  as we went around back of the hospital Mark asked Benjamin if he would hold his hand as they walk.  As Mark extended his hand to my boy.  I saw how important it is for our children to have these very important role models in their lives.  I was very blessed to have Uncle John as a Godly role model in my life.  I know my kids have Uncles and Aunts that are searching after Gods heart, and it is very important for them as well.

As we were walking Mom and Dad drove up.  The sun was shining so bright that Dad got a pair of his sun glasses out of his truck for Mark.  Dad put the glasses on Marks face.  Mark look handsome in them.  We then decide to go further in our walk.  Dad got to push Mark for a little while ahead of us I was very glad because  Dad was going to have to leave on Monday.  My Dad has told me that he hates to leave.  I also hate to see my Dad go down to California by himself, He has been leaving our Mom here and he does not normally do this.  My Dad loves Mom normally right by his side.  He will be staying in a hotel all by himself.  I cant imagine having to do this, if this was my son.  My Dad has been a good Dad and I know he loves all of us with all of his heart!  Dad would do anything for us!

Mark's girls Nellie and Elaine caught up with us Mark and Ronnie have very good girls we all walked and talked together.  Then Lilly and Uncle John found us we were sitting in the parking lot across the from the hospital.  What a beautiful day Mark was enjoying the sun and all the company he had.  I love watching My Brother smile and tell his stories even if they are all not reality, he is having fun telling them.  They always  connect to the past in some way or another, or there about what he would like to be doing right now.  Today was a very blessed day.

Saturday November 29 th 2008 A Sweet Song To My Ear

Hank is leaving today to go to Phoenix AZ. to work I am going to miss him deeply.  I do not want him to go.  Hank is my best friend he cares about me as I care about him.  Our love for one another is secure.  He has given me as his wife a great surety.  I know that I can trust him for everything that I need.  But most of all I trust him with my heart!  I know my heart is his and his is mine!  We have become one as God had indented for us when we took our wedding vows.

 I took Uncle John  to go see Mark .  We were the first one  to see Mark today, Mark was very happy to see us.  Our Uncle gave Mark a big hug and then I hugged Mark.  Mark always gives me a kiss!  I am so thankful for all these little things, they really bring such great joy to me! My uncle then ask Mark if he wanted to hear him sing a song to him.  Mark said yes, Uncle John started to sing. as he held my brothers hand.

Jesus, Jesus, 

There just something about that name!

Kings and Kingdoms will all pass away, but there's  something about that name!

Jesus , Jesus Jesus , m

Let all heaven and earth proclaim, that there's something about that name!  

Jesus ,Jesus 

Like the fragrance after a rain. 

Kings and kingdoms will all pass away, but something about that name!

Jesus Jesus, Jesus

This song truly blesses My heart this has always been my favorite song, even from a young child. I was blessed to here it as I know Mark and Ronnie were.  When uncle John was done singing it Mark  said I have been waiting for you to sing me a song Melynda.  I told Mark you must have forgotten how bad of a singer I am I did not inherit the Trail voice.   I love to sing to the lord.  I know my Lord loves to here me sing to him, even thought I am not good I know he loves My praises and he also loves variety.  Why do you think he created so many different things.  I do laugh that he loves my voice because it is not good, but I know to him it is just the way he created it to be.

Uncle John said lets pray Mark said he would like that!   We all prayed that God would continually  bless Mark.  Ronnie said "that her and Mark pray and thank God every night for what God has done for Mark".  How sweet are your blessing O lord!

Friday November28th 2008 Goodbye's and Hello's

I took my sister Nellie to the Airport today I Know Nellie is having a hard time leaving.  Nellie has always been very close with Mark.  Mark is a really good big brother.  Mark would let Nellie tag along with him all the time.  He was always good about bringing home Nellie special treats.  Nellie got to spend the morning with Mark before she left.  I no that she enjoyed her time alone with Mark.

Lilly was visiting Mark on Thursday night and she told Mark that Nellie was going home on Saturday.  Mark did not like to hear that Mark said that he would like her to stay and that she had never left home until she got married and then she moved to Amarillo TX.  Mark is very close to all of us. We have been blessed to have him for a big brother.

 I took my sister Nellie  to the  Airport so she could fly home to be with her family.   Then I went to go see Mark to watch him do his swim therapy at 4:00, Mark was sleeping the therapist Kelly decided that Mark was to tired from Thanksgiving to get in the water today.   Marks door was shut so I did not wake him.   It is not easy seeing Mark day after day.  All the things that are so easy for us are very difficult for him.

Our Uncle John flew in to see Mark today.  My niece Elaine and Nellie pick him up and took him to go see Mark at the Hospital.  My Mom was in the room when my Uncle John walk in to see Mark.  Mom loved seeing Uncle John see Mark.  Uncle John had not seen Mark since he was in the coma at the other Hospital.  Mark was so happy to see Uncle John. Our Uncle has been a great Uncle to us all.  We have all felt the great love he has for us!  I ask Uncle John did you have a great visit with Mark.  Uncle John replied O wonderful!  He then told me that he taught he would come here to see if he could help in any way!  Uncle John then said that he was surprised at how much he was blessed by Mark.  Mark does have a glow about his face the Lord definitely has filled Mark.  I believe this is because Mark is seeing his self as a person that is in need of God.  Mark also is aware of his sin in his life he has stated that to me on more than one occasion.  We have to see the sin in our life to see the need for God!  We are slaves to sin!    Sin brings about pain and suffering, sin also brings about separation from a Holy God!  We have to be free from sin to become free.  This will only happen if we ask the one that paid the ultimate price for all that would believe on him, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior for forgiveness.  We most see the need to do this so that we can see sin for what it.  Sin is separation from a Holy God!  True restoration will only accrue when sin is taken away that can only be done thought the cross.  Payment was made on Calvary.  Let us open are eyes and see what that cost really was!  That cost was pain and suffering.  That cost was separation from a Holy God that could not be in the presence of sin.  Jesus allowed him self to be separated from the father on be half of us purely out of Love.  Thought out all eternity Jesus was never separated from the Father until he took our sin upon him how much must God truly love us.  Could we ever really understand the great love he has for us or are we only capable of Knowing a worldly love.  I don't think I will truly comprehend Gods love for me until I stand before him and I and changed by him on that great and final day when I will be given a new name and a transformed into a new body!

Thursday November 27 Th. 2008 Happy Thanksgiving and Sunnie's Prayer

As I arise this morring the loved ones we have are in your hands.  I know that you have nothing but the very best planned.  O lord teach everyone of them, the love that you have for them, Let them Know you.  Let them see you.  Let them feel your presence !

I woke up today looking forward to prepairing the turkey.  Mark ask if I would make him a turkey, this is very unusual Mark really is not a big fan of turkey, but he always has liked my stuffing and mashed potates and gravy.  I cant wait to bring it up to him!

The Elks Rehabilitation Hospital

Our brother Sunnie said grace over our dinner.

Lord I want to thank you for what you done for Mark.

Thank you for giveing Mark back to us.

Thank you for the miracle you did for Mark.

Thank you for our brother here today. 

I am sorry for not being thankful for all the things you have done for us, before this happened to Mark

I am sorry it took this for me to say I am thankful to you.

I am sorry.

I love you lord.

Bless our food amen.

I am so happy today God has shown himself to me thought his many blessing that he has bestowed upon us all.  

Tuesday November 25 th. 2008 What keeps us from god

Went to go see Mark for a few min. yesterday.  I told him how his nice Sunnie had gotten baptized.  I ask Mark if he remembered getting baptized with Mom and I in Gallop New Mexico years ago.  Mark said" I don't remember but Mom would" I told him I would ask Mom.  Mark then told me that him and Hank had gotten baptized in Mt. Home Idaho.  Mark was right about getting baptized with Hank but he had the wrong town and state.  They were baptized in Phoenix Arizona, about twenty seven years ago. 

 Mark had just told Uncle John that he would like to get re baptized again.  I know from everything that Mark has been saying that he wants to re diticate his life to God.  I am so happy to here this.  Even though God never leaves us, we so often lose sight of him.  I am so glad that we have a forgiving God a God that does not say you forgot me, so I want nothing to do with you anymore.  God just keeps waiting are return!  I know this because your word say it in so many places.  From Adam that you clothed to Samson that you returned his strengh to David 

that had sin against you ,you still loved them all.  From Peter that denied you three times you trusted in leadership of the church.  You O God  has shown yourself to us in so many different ways why are we so blind so many times!  Why can we not see you love us and only want a relationship with us! When will I learn  to trust in you!

Wednesday November. 26 Th. 2008 Thinking of Thankfulness

  Thanksgiving is tomorrow and my younger brother Sunnie has expressed to me a couple of weeks ago that he wanted to say grace over our Thanksgiving dinner.   I have been thinking about what he might want to say.  I have been looking forward to hearing his pray!  Boy don't think that I haven't been thinking allot the last couple of days about how many things we all have to be thankful for!  God has been so good to all of us in so many different ways.

  Well you know my number one thank you would be Mark right.  Mark is looking at a miracle every day!  We are all so happy to have him with us right know.  The improvement's that he is making every day are truly amazing.  Mark has walked up five stairs steps and back down them.  His future son In-law prayed the night before that he would be able to do this and he did.  Mark has also walk yesterday and today with the assistance of physical therapist holding on to his waist. I was very happy to here this Mark is gaining more strength everyday. 

 The hospital has really cracked down on Marks visitor's.  They are only allowing two at a time now this makes it very hard for all of us to see Mark because their is so many of us.  Dad got back yesterday and the boys got in today I stayed home so my Dad and Sister Nellie and brothers Charles and Sunnie could visit Mark.   It sounded like they had areal good time to night.  I called my sister Nellie to see how Mark was doing, Mark wanted to talk to me.  He told me I was a nice one for not coming up to see him.  I told him he could not have allot of visitor's, he said that's nice.  I ask him how was his day, Mark said it was nice ,Not!   then he started to laugh I had to laugh back!   Marks spirit sound really good tonight!  I am very much looking forward to having Thanksgiving with Mark and everyone else! 

 I am going to miss My girl Melynda she will be spending her first Thanksgiving away from home she will be with her husband Sammy.  Melynda will be cooking her very first Thanksgiving dinner.  I hope everything goes well for her.

Even though Melynda is not here with us, I know that she is happy so this makes it easier for me to have her be away.

God I thank you for each and everyone of your blessing you have bestowed upon us.  I would ask you Lord that you would open our eyes to be able to see them all.  God you are a God of many blessing, Blessing beyond all measures.  Thank you Lord God!!! Thank You All Mighty One!!!

Monday November 24 th 2008 Sunnie Slennder Babtism

Hank the kids and I went to church yesterday.  The worship and service was very good I always feel like I have learned something new from Pastor Greg, his heart is so honest with the Lord.  I believe that pastor Greg has been a pastor for a very long time this man has not lost his passion for God or for trying to when people to Christ.  

After church we went to go see Mark.  Mark was sleeping so we did not get to visit him.   Love you Mark I will see you today and I will bring you a scuba mask so you can enjoy going under the water in you swimming therapy.

Last night we went back to church for a very special reason.  We went back to see Our neice Sunnie Slender get baptized.  I always love seeing anyone get baptized because it brings me back to when I was a young girl, and when I got baptized.  I was 12 years old my Mom would have been 34 years old.  Her and I got baptized together in Gallop New Mexico.  I will never forget being baptized.  It is very hard to explain the feeling that you have when you go down in the water, and when you come up.  This overwhelming feeling came over me I felt almost like I was floating when I walk out of the tank that I was baptized in.  I was reborn my sin were wash away!  I was a new child in Christ Jesus!  Lord you have shown us the importance of doing this thought John the Baptize.  John was preparing the way for Christ and for the Holy Spirit.

 I know if I was to accept you in my life today and  were to die sometime after words without being baptized I would still go to be with you in heaven.  But as believers why miss out on something so great?   Why not be obedient?   Why not do what Christ himself done even though he was without sin he done this act to show us what to do.   Jesus himself  showed us the importance of doing this by having John baptized him.

I have written this for my nice Sunnie yesterday before she was baptized I read it for her before she was baptized.

 

 And the word of God says, the penalty for sin is death.   Romans6:23  For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

You Sunnie know that you need Jesus to take away your sin.  That is why you are here today this is why you have chosen to be baptized.  You know that you have to die to yourself so that you can truly live.

 

Romans 10:8-10 But what does it say?  "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming:  9 That if you confess with your mouth,"Jesus is Lord, " and believe in your heart that God raised him from, the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

 

 You Sunnie have chosen this day to be baptized, and I am so very happy  that you have chosen to do this.   

 

  I know you know what this means.  I know that this has been on your heart for a couple of years now, and I am glad that I am here to witness you giving your life over to Christ, our Lord and savior.  I pray Sunnie that you will not forget what you have done today.  That you will know always who you have chosen to serve.  That you will never forget the love of Jesus Christ and the price he paid for our sins on Calvary.  I am thankful that you know the meaning of what you are doing and you know the significance of baptism.  I pray that you will always remember that you have died to yourself and you have been reborn in the Lord.  That you can live a life filled with the holy Spirit for Jesus now lives in you.   Jesus  is now in your life.  I pray that you will live a life that will be pleasing to God.  I pray that you will always know how much God loves you.  I pray the blessing of our Lord and Savior will be with you all the days of your life.  I am so very happy to be here today to see what you have chosen to do.  I was your aunt now I am your sister in Christ.  We will always have a special bond because we will always be sisters. We will always be sister in Christ our Lord.  I love you my girl.  I am very happy for you today!

Sunday November 23 rd. 2008 Lord Guide my steps.

I a woke to you O Lord! I a woke to your presence ! You are teaching me everyday! Lord guide my steps so that I won't get lost! Lord teach me that I might know you! Teach me so that I can under stand you more clearly! Lord speak into my heart so that I can love you the way that you desire to be loved. Lord speak into my heart so that I will love you! Lord speak into my heart so that I am connected to you! Lord speak to my heart so that I will not stray!

Hank and our son Henry and I went to go see Mark yesterday. When we got to the hospital Mark was sleeping so we did not go in we decide to come back later on in the night. The doctor has increased Marks medicine for his Jerks. He is still jerking but not as much. But I have also noticed his drowsiness Mark has been closing his eyes more often when he is talking, he is having a hard time keeping them opened. I do not know if this is all the time or just occasionally when I happen to be their.

My Dad had to go back to California to take care of some business, he does not say good by to Mark because it is to hard for him, and he does not want Mark to know that he is gone!

Hank and I went back up to see Mark around six last night. On our way I called my dad to see if he made it to Reno he was about 20 miles out from getting their. Dad told me that Mom told him that Mark was Miserable. I told Dad that Hank and I were heading up to the hospital to go see Mark. Dad thought that might be good for Mark to see Hank because he loves male companionship. I told Dad to drive careful and I will see you Thanksgiving. I love you Dad.

Thursday November 20th. 2008 Arise to the Lord of my life and Marks swimming therapy and Dads Joy

I feel asleep for a few hours and I awoke to Arise. The church I go to sings this song, Arise take your place be in throned O arise take your place. This song speaks about God on his throne and God taking his place in our life.

Lord I only want to serve you at any cost. I have went over this thought in my mind before. I went over this six years ago when my boy Mark got ran over by a Excercion. Lord I spoke to you about all my fears. You know that I was afraid to allow you to be in control. I was afraid that I might have to lose someone dear to me if I allowed you to be Lord of my life. I did not want to give the things that you had in trusted to me back to You. I thought If I did not give them to you, I would not allow anything to happen to them. I thought I was in control. I thought that I could protect them if I did not hand them over to you. This is definitely a lie . I was afraid that if I handed them over to you that I might lose one of them to You. It has took me along time to see that my family was yours to begin with. That you had created each and everyone of them, and you love them far more then I can imagine. I have no control over what can happen to my family anyway. You say that the earth and every living thing in it is yours. You have created all things . How could I think that I could have control over anything! I am not the creator of the Heavens and the Earth. I have not created one thing. I was only allowed by you to be able to procreate. I was created by you! You for Knew me before time began, you knew me in my mothers womb.

This is why you deserve all my praises. You know the number of my days. You know the number of every ones days you knew this before the beginning of time. This is stated in your word. I know that your word is absolute truth! I know You are the creator of all living things that you are in control of all things. So how could I fear You. How could I fear giving all that I have to You! The only real fear that I should have is not knowing You. I know that I should only fear not having You in my life. We fear because we do not know truth. God is truth and in him there is no fear. In him there is sound mind! In him there is peace! In him there is true Joy! In him there is true rest! In him I am alive! In him I have a life worth living! Thank you O God for showing me that I do not have to fear You! I only have to fear not knowing You! You O God are in control of all things.

I went to go see Marks swim therapy today. Mark has done better even today. Marks therapy began, with a life preserver around his neck and round floaty around his ankles this allowed Mark to float on his back all by himself. Kelly, the therapist, would ask Mark to push his stomach up to the surface of the water and Mark would do it. Then Kelly would ask Mark to push his bottom towards the bottom of the pool, by grabbing his ankles. Mark done this. Mark enjoyed floating on his back after he got use to the water, you could see he was more relaxed than yesterday.

Kelly then took Mark to the deep end of the pool so mark could practice walking. When Kelly started to have Mark walk he told Mark move your right foot forward then your left. Kelly would say right left right left right left Mark began to say right left right left as he took each step. Mark was concentrating so hard on doing exactly what Kelly asked him, he did a great job! Mark was able to walk from one side of the pool to the other three times. Mark had the most difficult time doing the turn around at the end of the pool. Mark then got to wear goggles so he could float on his stomach. Mark enjoys doing this but he does not like the water in his eyes or on his face. Marks session was over. Kelly had to put Mark back on the chair that lowered him in the pool to begin with. When Mark was in his own wheelchair he told me he had tried hard for Dad. I remembered the day before when my Dad was bent over holding my brothers hands on Marks lap. Dad had told Mark you have to keep trying, Mark you can not give up. Dad told my brother that he was very proud of him, for all the hard work he was doing. Dad said ''I love you Mark'' My Dad has not always expressed his emotion in words to all us, but we knew by my Dads actions that he has always loved us! So when Dad told Mark he loved him I could see how much this meant to Mark. My brother then told Dad how much he loved him.

My Mom and Dad were sitting on a bench watching what Mark was doing. I waved my Dad over so my Dad could hear what Mark just told me. I told Mark to tell Dad what you just said. Mark said "I have been working hard for you Dad"Mark had remembered what our Dad had ask him to do the day before. Dad said that's good son I am proud of you son, and I have been working hard for you son too", Mark looked at Dad with a smile and said" that's good we need it'. This warmed my heart. I also seen my Dad eyes well up, I am sure with shear joy, because Mark was trying so hard for Dad. God you never seize to amaze me! Mark is coming back.

Lord I do not choose to know you through knowledge alone, but I chose to Know you through the heart. This is what you intended for us when you step off your throne and walk as a man amongst us. You chose to make yourself known to all mankind. You chose for man to see with their very own eyes the love and compassion you had for all no matter what their sin was you still welcomed them unto You! You change the sinner out of love and compassion. You did not condemn them you welcomed them and then you told them to go and sin no more! You chose to suffer on the cross so that we could see the love that you have for us. You rose from the grave because the grave could not hold you because you did not sin yourself. All this was done out of love for us Lord. I chose to know you from the heart. I know if I know you from the heart I will be changed by your love alone.

May, 20 2009 Andy Slender has went in for surgery for colan caner will everybody please pray for her and her family !

Wednesday November 19 Th. 2008 Ababstance ands Marks swim therapy

I was not woken by a though by God this morning. This was very unusual because, I was talking to my cousin Mary Willaims, last night and we were talking about this very thing. Mary had made mention about how she loves when God would reveal himself to her and that she loves the closeness she feels with the Lord when he speaks to her. I told her I felt the same way. Then we talked about how sometimes we did not here from our Lord, and we said how we did not like when this happens.
I wonder If my Lord did not speak to me this morning because I was really wanting to sleep instead of getting up to see what he had to say. I ask the Lord to let me sleep last night and he did. Boy sleep definitely was not more important then what God had to say to my heart! I have missed my Lord all day. My heart is lonely, I do not feel your presence Lord. I know you are there. God speak to my heart, as you have been doing lately! I do not care what time it is. I just love the fellowship I have been having with You Lord.

I did not wake up until 7:00 A. M. this morning the Lord did not speak to my heart. I am lost with out him to day. I feel I have truly missed out on something great. I miss the fellow ship I have been having with the Lord in the early mornings I would rather not sleep. I know God has given me more energy thought his word, than sleeping. Please O Lord here my cry wake me at anytime in the night or quicken my spirit in the day so that I won't miss out on what you have to say to my spirit. I want to here from you all ways. I want to know what you have to say. I want you to teach me what you want me to know. I want to hear your voice. I want to know your will for my life. I do not want to lose sight of you. Keep me in your presence. I have tasted what you have to offer and I want more of you!

I went to Marks swim therapy to day Mom and Dad were their to. I was so glad I made it. I was able to see how much better Mark was doing than on Monday when I had last seen him. Mark walked across the pool about three times. Then Mark floated on his back this time he did not need the swimming noodles under his knees to make them come in the floating position Mark's knee came up all by there self. Mark still had to keep his head on the therapist shoulder so he could float on his back with out sinking. Then the therapist Kelly helped Mark stand again then he told Mark to hold his breath so he could float on his stomach Mark did float two times as the therapist push him thought the water then the therapist Kelly told Mark to kick his feet Mark had to move his arms like he would if he were to swim and Mark did what the therapist Kelly ask him to do .

This was huge because Monday was so bad for Mark. Mark could not stop shaking, on Monday he could not do what he was trying do! To day was a great day! Mark has definitely in proved. I am very happy for Mark. To see improvement in him is very encouraging Mark is trying very hard to do what is ask of him and it is never easy for him. Mark has not given up and I am very proud of Mark for doing that! I want to thank you God for strengthen Mark for helping him thought everything that he has to do. I know if it were not for You, Mark would not be doing the things that he is! Mark would not be here today! You are the healer, Redeemer, restorer, You make all things new!

I went by to see Mark and just say hi, Marks jerks are doing better the medicine must be at the levels needed to help him. I will be happy for you brother when this is all over for you and you can go home and start getting things back to normal.

Tuesday November 18th 2008 Strugles

First I would like to say the posting times on these post are one hour off it is acutely 12:33 A. M. in the morning.  I woke up in the middle of the night tonight.   I awoke to struggles.  There can be physical struggles.  There can be mental struggles, and there can be struggles of the heart.

I am going to start with the physical struggle.  I went to go see mark yesterday during his swimming therapy.  As I arrived my sister Nellie and my Niece Melynda was leaving. My sister was crying so hard she could not talk she told me not to go in there, it is to hard.  I told her I had seen it and went on in.  Marks body was shaking up and down way more then the first time I had seen him in the water.  Mark was not able to walk across the pool like he did the first time.  Mark was complaining about pain in his toes and his feet were dragging on the bottom of the pool, while trying to walk.  This session was way harder to watch than the first one I had seen Mark do.  It was harder because Mark was not able to do as much as he did the first day, I had seen him in the water.  Mark did float three times on his stomach with a mask on his face and his face in the water. The therapist (Kelly) would have to bring mark back up for air every time Mark needed to breath.  The mask was to keep the water out of Marks eyes.  The water effects Marks eyes like it would effect a infant. When the water gets in his eyes he takes along time to open them.  Mark then stepped off into the deepest part of the pool and he knew it.   He said immediately that "this is deep".  The water was up to Marks neck.  When Mark had done this he was reaching for the side of the pool because he was starting to tip.  Mark pulled him self along side of the pool with his hands where I was sitting.  He then expressed to me he was disappointed in himself for not doing what he wanted to do.  I then told him he would do better next time.   Marks body would not calm down, even when Mark was on his back floating with the swim noddles one under his knees one under his back and one under his arms and neck.  The therapist Kelly walked Mark around for a while. Mark did finally calm down, you could see the change in his face.  Mark's face did start to look a little more relaxed.  Mark did also blow bubbles in the water while his face was under the water.  Mark's session was over and Kelly had to load Mark back on the chair and raise Mark out of the pool.  Mark then had to get into his wheelchair, this is not easy for Mark.  Marks shakes are worse today Marks feet do not stay on the ground they bounce up and down. you have to hold down his knees to keep his feet on the ground.  I would call upon all of you to pray for Mark mentally and physically.  I know all your prays work they help strengthen him.

What do we struggle with mentally?  This could be so many things.  Mentally we could be struggling because we are no longer able to do what we once was able to do.  Or maybe we are in a lot of pain, this very much effects us mentally.   I have been in constant pain before.   Your mind gets cloudy.  Everything that once brought you so much joy seems dark and gray .  When I was in pain I found it hard to be around people.  I just wanted to be left alone.  My own personality had change I was miserable.  I was not very pleasant to be around.  After I started to feel better I thought a lot about the elderly people.  I thought about their aches and pains and why some of them would be miserable and why their personality are not as they once were.  When my pain left me, my joy was restored.  The darkness I was feeling was gone.  This is just a thought so maybe we can be a little more understanding to people that are in pain. 

 This is just another thought about mentally.  What else could we be struggling with?  Maybe why we might think God might reject us.  Could he reject us because of our actions.  As christan's we should know that Gods love is unfailing!    What would interfere with the love of God?    Is this because we have failed at so many things so many times over and over again.  God loves us even when we fail.   Is it because we continuously  make the same mistakes over and over again?  God knows our nature.  What else could interfere with our relationship with God?  So many times we do not forgive someone for what they have done to us.  How does that affect us with our relationship with God?  What did Jesus say when Jesus was asked by Peter.  [Matthew 18:21 ]"Lord, how many times shall I  forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?"  When Peter asked this he thought that seven times was plenty.[ isn't seven times enough] Matthew 18: 22  Jesus answered,  " I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.  Why did Jesus say this ? Jesus said this because he has forgiven us for all that we do and he has shown us endless mercies .  Please read Matthew 18:21-35 and think about what Jesus is saying!  Think about the forgiveness that God has given us and think about the forgiveness we need to have to others.

 Think about the servant that was forgiven so much!  Think about how he failed to have the same mercies to the person that owed him, all he could see is that he was owed and he desired what was owed to him.  How many times do we fail to see Gods love for us because we are focused on ourself.    We can't see past ourself to see Gods love clearly.  Our only focus is what is owed to us or to repay what has been done to us by not forgiving the actions of  another person.  We justify our actions.  God was just when Adam sinned and he had to separate himself from Adam because of sin.  It was mercy that God showed us when he gave his son for our sins.  Jesus did not think of himself when he hung on the cross.  Jesus done what the father had asked him to do out of love for the father and out of love for us!  Jesus said ''Father forgive them they know not what they do''.  This is an unselfish love!  This is Love in its purest form.  We are to be like Jesus loving always and forgiving others always.  How many times have we ourself done something to someone and not known  what we have truly done.  Can we then see another person love if our only thoughts are about our self.  All we can see is our own needs.  We are not capable of seeing things clearly.  We as human beings have to quit looking at ourselves and we have to start focusing on God.  We have to focus on God to see the love he has for us.  If we focus on ourselves we will fail to see the love of God.   God has offered, his pure love for us to receive freely, and when we receive it we are to share it freely.

 I pray that you O god would help me to always focus on you so I can see more clearly.  Keep my mind off myself and on the love you have for me so that I would not lose sight of you!  Keep my heart like yours always showing love to others so that they might see you though me!  I know I have failed in this area of my life but I ask you today to carry me.  Make me like you would want me to be, so that I might honor you. 

 The time is about 1:20P.M. when I got a call from my brother Sunnie.  Sunnie tells me that him and Charles are with Mark right now.  Sunnie also tells me that he was watching Mark in his physical therapy class.  Sunnie told me that Mark was walking with the walker.  Then Sunnie told me that he started to pray for Mark.  Sunnie told me that he prayed that God would give Mark the strenght to walk.  No sooner had my little brother prayed that prayer God answered it for him.  Mark told his physical therapist Ryan Donahue  that he did not want to use the walker anymore.  They then pushed it to the side and Mark proceeded to walk across the room twice without a walker.  Thank you God for answering my brother Sunnie's prayer so fast.  Thank you for revealing yourself to Sunnie.  You truly are an awesome God!!!!

Monday November 17th 2008 Andews Heart . Gods Grace

I woke early this morrning thinking back to the origional Hospital Mark was in (St. Lukes on Eagle rd).  Mark was still in the Crital Care Unit.  Mark was not out of the coma yet.  Andew Slender came by to see Mark.  I had the opertunity to set alone and talk with Andew.  We talked about alot of things.  I told Andrew how God had told Uncle John that God was going to use Mark earlier this summer  (Uncle John had called Mark and told Mark this and Mark said"I sure hpoe so").   I also told Andew about another incident Mark had.  Dad, Mark and I were flying back from Biggy Bunfield's funarel and we could not all set together Dad was more to the front.   Mark was in the middle of the plane and I was in the back.   I then told Andew about the women on the plane that had missed her flight and how she had to cacth the flight we were on.  This women had started talking to Mark about the Lord, she told Mark that she belived God was going to use him, and she believed she missed her flight just because of Mark.   Mark called me up from the back of the plane and interduced me to her.  This lady was wearing a cross on her neck.   She had a beautiful smile I told her right away that you must be a chirstian, she said" yes".  Then mark told me what she had told him.  I did not talk long to her becaues I thought I would give Mark more of a chance to talk with her.  We landed back in Boise and we got off the plane Mark and I had a chance to talk briefly about what had just happened.  Mark told me that he wanted to be closer to the Lord again.  I told Mark that he could be closer to the Lord again.  I was very happy to see Mark was wanting to get back to where he once was Mark had not been very happy the last few years.   

Andew had told me that he was alot like Mark and that he had not been close to the Lord in the Summers.  Andew had said that he was like a fear weather chirstian.  That he went to church more around ceritan people and that at times he would dirft away.   Andew had said" that what I was saying about Mark sounded like him".  I could see the senceitrity in Andews face when he told me these things.  I could see that Anderw longed to be closer to the Lord and he was disapointed that he had let himself drift away.  Anderw and Mark are not the only people that do this we all tend to do this.  I am thankful to God that he draws us back to him.  God does this out of love for us.  God loves us so much even when we forget him he does not forget us!   God loves us too much to forget us!  Could any one of us forget our own child?  No, not even if they forgot us.  We would be just like the father that wecomed back the protical son.  How much more is God waiting for us to come back to him?  What will God do to bring us back to him.  What would we do to find our lost child?  Would we give up?  No we would keep searching for our childern until we found them.  This is what God does for us, he dose not give up on us.   Gods love for us is so great!   How could he forget us just becaues we forget him,  God knows our human nature he knew what we would do before he created us that is why he made a way for us from the very begining.  Once Adam sinned he seperated himself from God he hid himself because he knew what he had done.  God still loved Adam.   God cloathed Adam himself.   God then had to seperated himself from Adam becasue God Is holy and he can not be in the presance of sin.  God provided a way back to him within the frist generation of Adam so that none would be lost threw Able.  God had put in Ables heart the need to provied a sacrifice for sin that was the pure spotless lamb.  A sign  of purety.  The blood that was shed was a price to be piad for sin.  When we sin we can not stand before God, God is holy our sins seperate us from a Holy God.   Able knew that payment had to be made before he could stand before a Holy God.  God had put this in Ables heart.  Ables frist sacifice was done so we would see the need for the aultimate sacrifice done for us out of love (Jesus Chirst).  The Blood of Jesus Chirst are Lord was shed out of love for us so that we might know him.  So we might love him, the way he loves us. 

O Lord open our eyes so we can see your love for us.  Alow us to feel your preceance all the time.  Please help us not to stray from you.  Keep our hearts after yours!   Not of things of this world!  Keep our minds focesed on you!  Not on the things of this world! 

 I was thinking about the name of Able the seconed son of Adam I tought of his name. I thought Able was able to be be obediant to God.  Able also saw what God had intended in the sacrefice of the Lamb.  God had revealed this in Able's heart, what needed to be done.  I would want to be like Able obediant to your will and to know your will so that your perpous can be done in me!

Once you have had a relationship with the Lord and you drift away a lonelyness sets in.  You can not be truley happy because God brings about true Joy ,Peace ,and  sound mind, you no longer trust in worldly things because you see that they are all temperarey.  With God in control you know that he will work all things to the good that love him.  Romans 8: 28 And we know that all things God works for the good of those who love him, how have been called according to his purpose.  N.I.V. Without knowing God is in control we lose sight of the things that God is capable of doing.  Things we once gave him to take care of we now think we have to do ourself.  We worry becaues we think we are in control.  We all know what happens when we are, things are a mess.  When God truly takes over our lives thier is a true peace, a peace that serpaces all under standing.  Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all under standing, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. N.I.V.  We have to allow God to be God in our lives to have what I have been takling about, true peace. 

 I also told Andew about how God had just done a miracle in my own boy Mark's life just about six months before all this had happened to my brother.  My boy Mark was being tested at school because his grades were really bad.  My boy Mark has also had two head engeries.  When I went in for a teachers conference a special meeting to meet with the staff and a specialest Doctor( A Pediatrition Neurololigist Psychiatis Doc. Woody).  I was informed that my boy Mark tested  mentaly retarted on the right hemisphere of his brain.  I was informed by the doctor that Mark had a non verble learning disorder, Mark has a hard time putting things down on paper or doing puzzle or crossword puzzle anything that he had to do with wrighting he was failing at it.  I was devesated when the Doctor looked at me and told me this.  I was handed my rights as a prarent of a handiecap child and I was told that they would retest Mark and I would have another meeting with them in about six to eight weeks.  I was told this because this is the law.  I also was told not to exept any changes when I came again for the next meeting.  You see Mark has a huge Cume they have been testing Mark for along time they had everthing they need to acess Mark properley.   I read this in those papers that they gave me that was the right of every parent that has a child with a handiecap.  The Doctor did not suspect a change that is why he told me this.  I left that meeting crying I called Hank and told him what had happen I ask him If we could meet he said he would be right over I told him everything the Doctor had said   We prayed, for God to take care of our boy we also prayed God would heal our boy.  I called on other people of faith to pray for Mark our son.  I went to church that Sunday and there was a special guest speacker that Sunday he preach on Celibrations and Miracles.  This speacker said we should celibrate what God has done for us.  We have celibrated every year since our boy Mark had gotten ran over April 19 th. 2002  God alowed Mark to live we have been so thankful every since this happened.  You see we celibrate what God has done for Mark every sincie.  Then the speacker said we should exept God for miracles.  When the sevrice was over I went the alter and I ask for healing for our boy.  Mark was below me in the childern church sericevis.  The elder of the church anointed my head with oil and he prayed for God to have his way with Mark.  We prayed God would heal him and we thank God for his goodness. Hank and I went to the secouncd  meeting at school togther and we were told  by the doctor that he did not understand But mark tested perfectly normal in all ares that he did not before.  We understud God had healed our son.  We have seen God miracles before and we know that God is capeble of doing any thing!  God your are a God of Miracles all we have to do is belive in you!///   I told Anderw about what had happen with our boy Mark and I had told him that God can do anything all we have to do is beleive.  I also told him that we believed that God was going to heal my brother Mark, and God has brought Mark back to life.  God has saved my  brother evrything he has been doing is a miracle in its self.  Thank you God for all the miracles you have done in all our lives!  thank you for showing your love for us thought these miracles!  How great are You O god? 

I just found out today that Andew's older sister Samtha  is haveing idencal twins.  Samtha first altasound did not show up as twins the doctor told her she was going to have only one baby.  Today she went in for another aultrasound  and they saw to little girls.  I spoke to her Mom Andy slender and Andy had told me that Samtha was wanting twins from when she was alittle girl.  How good you are O God to bless Samtha with what her hearts desires!

Sunday November 16th 2008 Lost! And a walk outside!

I went to go see Mark yesterday.  I took my three boys with me to see there Uncle.  Mark was a wake Ronnie was asleep.   I cant imagine how hard this most be on Roinne she does not leave very often, and she is there for all Marks therapy's.  Everything thing Mark has to do Mark has  to learn all over again nothing comes easy to Mark every little thing he does is hard. Mark seen me he told me to come in.   I told him the boys were out in the lobby.   He told me to have them come in sow he could say hi.  I went and got the boys they love their Uncle very much and they have been looking forward to see him.    Mark was happy to see them too.  My boy Mark has these big brown eyes and I can see the love right thought them every time he is around his Uncle he lights up.   

 My sisters came in not long after I got there.   Mark was very glad to see Lilly and Nellie.  Mark ask were is Mom.  Lilly told him she was in the car she said" you seen her yesterday don't you remember".   Mark got aggravated at what Lilly said.  He told lilly don't you think I would remember my own Mom.  I love her!  Lilly told him yes I do think you would remember Mom then Mark was ok.

Yesterday was a beautiful day we ask Mark if he wanted to go for a walk outside he said yes.  So we took him outside this was the first time I had gotten to go out side with Mark since his accident.  This felt so nice to see my brother out side of the hospital.  We were all able to see him enjoy the  fall fresh air it was not really warm, but when we step out in to the sun the warmth from the sun warmed are hole body.  The feeling of this day I will never forget.  We got to walk for about a hour with him.  At one point Mark was holding Benjamin's hand as Roinnie was pushing Mark I ask Benjamin later that night about it and he told me he loved holding his Uncle's hand.  Benjamin has seen his Uncle Mark In the hosptal when he was in the coma.   So seeing Mark talk and looking better had to very reasuring to Benjamin.   We stop walking and rested at the park a cross the street from the Hospital.  The kids played in the fall leaves,A few of the kids gave Mark some big old oack leaves that had fallen from the trees.  Mark grab some from Nellies boy Charles and said " I love them"and he put them to his face and smiled big at charles.  We sat and talked with Mark while the kids were playing.

  My Uncle had called my sister Nellie to ask her if she could find a ticket to fly in for Thanksgiving   Nellie told him she would try.  Mark seen Nellie talking on the phone, he ask "who is that Nellie".  Nellie told him it was Uncle John, Mark said "he wanted to talk to him". Nellie gave Mark the phone. Mark said "hi to Uncle John" he then told my Uncle he would like to start reading his bible when he was to himself more.  They talked some more then Mark said "by Uncle I love you".

I woke up early this morning with a thought and a title for today.  But did not get up right away to put it down.  I have lost my thought.  I really wish I would have gotten up and wrote it down it was a good thought I believe the Lord gave it to me.  I have prayed and ask the Lord for it back and I have not gotten it back yet.  I believe the Lord has laid this one my heart.  LOST!

  How many times would the lord have used me if I would have taken the time to be obedient to him.  If my purpose in  this life is Gods purpose, would I not have work that would need to be done.  Would God want me to share him with someone!  Would God want me to help someone in need on his behalf.  Would God may want me to take the time to just stop by and say hi to someone that might be lonely.  Maybe give them a hug and let them know that they are loved by God.  That God had Laid that person on your heart.  That God loves them!   Does God want me to take time out of my day to pray with someone that is needing prayer?  So many times we get so busy we do not take the time to share the Lord when there might be a opportunity to do so.  When that opportunity is lost it is lost we can not take it back, just like that thought the Lord had given me earlyer this morning  it is lost!  Help me see the importance of doing what you ask of me when you ask me to do it.  Help me to do the these things you want me to do.  I know from the past that when I do what you would want me to do I am blessed.  I am blessed by helping that person!   I am blessed by the person that needed the hug because there hug was a blessing back to me.  I am blessed by the person that needed prayer because I also needed to pray!  I am blessed  by sharing the Lord with others that wanted to hear about him because I know the Lord is dealing with them maybe they might come to know the Lord!  Allow me to take the time that you need from me, so that you can use me!  I am truly blessed when I am used by you!

My Dad and brothers flew back to day!  I was so glad because Mark had been asking everyday where they were.  We would tell him that they had work to go do in Caiforinia.  Mark would always say O I understand.  But I seen a sadness in Mark.  Mark was missing them very much.  When ever we call them on the phone Mark loves talking to them.  Every time he talks to them he ask them when are you coming back.  They  tell him soon and Mark would say good I cant wait to see you!  I was not there today when they went into the room to see Mark but I would have love to have been.  I took My sisters little boys home with me so that they could stay and visit Mark.  I was told by my sister's  Mark lit up when he seen Dad, Charles and Sunnie.  I know this has to be good for Mark because his spirits are so good when there around.  Mark has always loved being with his Dad and brothers.   I would have loved to been there last night just see Marks face.  I also felt I missed out on something very special.  Mark seen a book setting on a table and he asked if he could read it my Dad  gave Mark the book.  Mark just opened the book some where in the middle and read apart that said don't get discauged keep looking to God for your strenght.  Mark just happen to open this book at this particular place.  When Mark was done reading my Dad said lets all pray for Mark.  Everyone of them said

a pray for Mark and thank God.   O how I would loved to been there to see my hole family praying to God!  To the God that saved my brother!  To the God that loves each and every one of then.  To the God that has shown himself to them though the miracle he has done in Mark.  How wonderful it is to give God the Glory for the great things he has done!

Saturday November 15 th 2008 Actions mean more than words

I woke up thinking about how I keep saying how thankful I am to God for everything you have done.  I truly am thankful!  But is my thankfulness showing in my actions.  Am I being the way you want me to be.  Am I bringing honor to you when I speak.  Do people see you though me.  Do people see that I have a real relationship with You.  When I allow circumstances of this world to enter into my heart and change me.  When ever my heart is not in the likeness of yours it is because I allow the things of this word to effect me.  When things of this word effect me it changes my heart,"I become as I once was disconnected from you" when this happens my closeness is lost with you.  Lord you are a heart God, you want to be connected to my heart when it isn't pure how close can we be?  How can I feel your love for me?  How can I feel your Joy?  How can I be thankful in words,  my words would hold no meaning if you are not in my heart!  Please teach me, and not to allow things of this world to enter into my heart.  Keep my heart pure!  Keep my heart pure so that I can always feel your presence!  Keep my heart pure so I can always love like you would want me to love!  To love in purity!  To love in honesty!  To love unconditionally!   Teach me to be who you would want me to be.  Teach me to love like you love!  You loved us before we ever loved you!  You showed this on Calvary.  As You hung on the cross You said forgive them they no not what they do!  Please give me that kind of love!  Please give me that kind of love for all people even the ones that hurt me.  Teach me to love unconditionally as you have loved me unconditionally!  I see now that this would be a truer way to show you how grateful I am to you.  This would be a real thank you!  This would not just be in words, it would be a true thank you!  I love you lord and I want to be pleasing to you!

Lord I pray reveal to me all that I have done against you!  Open my eyes to see all that I have done against anyone of you children for when I have wronged one of them I have wronged you!  For you are a God of love!  You are a God that shows no favoritism but you love all equally!

I am to see all man kind as you do! 

Please pray for Eddie Doughtry and Kim Doughtry.  Eddie has been diagnosed with  acute leukemia they just found out on Feb 4- 09.  We all lift him up  to you Lord and his family.  Lord Bless this family!

Thursday November 14th 2008 Elaine's Birthday Mark's progres

It was my nice Elaine's birthday yesterday she turned twenty.  What a beautiful young lady she has grown up to be. I always love being around her.   She has such a sweet way about her.  Elaine is always happy, sometimes very silly, and giggly she is also kind and loving .  We have are very own thing we share together I really don't know when we started this but I love it!  We did it as soon as I seen her last night. I told her Happy Birthday my girl come over here and give your Aunt a kiss.  What we do is, kiss each other really fast alot of times she always giggles and smile really big as she is doing this.  I love this we have so much fun.   I love you Elaine! Happy birthday my girl!  Lord I want to thank you for all my nice and nephews what blessing they all are each and everyone of them in there own different why.  You have made them that way.  That is what makes everyone of them special!

I went up to go see my brother last night my Uncle Dewey Colon was visiting Mark. Mark loves Dewey very much they have always had a very close friendship. I could see Mark was enjoying him self very much. Dewey once said, to Nellie you and Mark are my favorite. My sister Lilly and I over heard him. I can't say we weren't a little jealous. Since Dewey has said this, I have tortured my poor uncle to death. I love Dewey he is a good man and he has a good heart. I am also happy Mark has such a good friend in Dewey.

I made a comment on Dewey shoes last night how nice they were. Mark then said Yes they are. I would like to have Dewey's full outfit. Mark was right Dewey did look handsome last night. I really have never seen Dewey not look nice he has very good taste in clothes. Dewey and Mark talked about things in the past Mark could recall must of the things they talked about. We had a few smiles and laughs. I see improvement in my brother everyday. Lord You are awesome God. You have given Mark back to us so that we can enjoy him. I was so happy for my nice Elaine that she had her Dad last night for her birthday. I told her she had the best gift of all her Dad and she said I sure do.