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March 11, 2010
March 10, 2010
YES! We Have Come Face To Face With Healing...
Today's blog was contributed by Jennifer Rawlinson, FUMCR Staff Member.
The church staff was asked to answer several questions related to Clayton’s “Face to Face” sermon series. One of those questions was “When have you come face to face with healing?” Of all the questions, this was the easiest for me to answer, as my experience is still so fresh and before me.
Last year on May 3, my father suffered a major stroke, a very large area on the right side of his brain. For a time, he was not able to lift his left arm, move his left hand, his left field vision was affected, drooping of most everything on the left side of his body. One of the neurologists who we are now calling “Dr. Doom” said he may never regain that sight, might not walk, and most likely would not drive again.
Dad spent a week in ICU, 6 weeks in inpatient rehab, then came to live with us in mid-June and began outpatient rehab. Then a huge setback, another stroke on July 4th. We were back to square one. But not really. The 2nd stroke happened in Dallas, so new doctors, new medications, more rehab. On October 1st, rehab ended and Dad started working out at the YMCA just up the street. By December 4th he was doing so well, he moved into his own apartment! For 3 months he could be seen walking all over….to church, to the library, the corner convenience store, the dollar store, the Chinese restaurant….all of this a miracle to us. He began attending The Gathering, Friday morning Bible study, playing bridge, and even singing in the choir! Then of all things, he got behind the wheel about a month ago and surprised us all – he did great! Last weekend, he bought a car, and is now proudly driving all over the place, and yesterday celebrated another birthday, about 10 mos. to the day after his stroke in May. We had so much more to celebrate than a birthday!
My dad, being a former athlete and Houston Oiler, is no stranger to hard work. I believe his determination was a huge factor in his recovery, but we all agree that the largest part of it was God and his amazing goodness, mercy, and the prayers of His faithful people here at FUMCR for health and healing, who gave Dad (and us) the strength, hope, peace and courage to persevere through one of the darkest valleys any of us had ever faced. Have we come face to face with healing? Yes, we have!
The church staff was asked to answer several questions related to Clayton’s “Face to Face” sermon series. One of those questions was “When have you come face to face with healing?” Of all the questions, this was the easiest for me to answer, as my experience is still so fresh and before me.
Last year on May 3, my father suffered a major stroke, a very large area on the right side of his brain. For a time, he was not able to lift his left arm, move his left hand, his left field vision was affected, drooping of most everything on the left side of his body. One of the neurologists who we are now calling “Dr. Doom” said he may never regain that sight, might not walk, and most likely would not drive again.
Dad spent a week in ICU, 6 weeks in inpatient rehab, then came to live with us in mid-June and began outpatient rehab. Then a huge setback, another stroke on July 4th. We were back to square one. But not really. The 2nd stroke happened in Dallas, so new doctors, new medications, more rehab. On October 1st, rehab ended and Dad started working out at the YMCA just up the street. By December 4th he was doing so well, he moved into his own apartment! For 3 months he could be seen walking all over….to church, to the library, the corner convenience store, the dollar store, the Chinese restaurant….all of this a miracle to us. He began attending The Gathering, Friday morning Bible study, playing bridge, and even singing in the choir! Then of all things, he got behind the wheel about a month ago and surprised us all – he did great! Last weekend, he bought a car, and is now proudly driving all over the place, and yesterday celebrated another birthday, about 10 mos. to the day after his stroke in May. We had so much more to celebrate than a birthday!
My dad, being a former athlete and Houston Oiler, is no stranger to hard work. I believe his determination was a huge factor in his recovery, but we all agree that the largest part of it was God and his amazing goodness, mercy, and the prayers of His faithful people here at FUMCR for health and healing, who gave Dad (and us) the strength, hope, peace and courage to persevere through one of the darkest valleys any of us had ever faced. Have we come face to face with healing? Yes, we have!
March 9, 2010
March 8, 2010
Healing- From A Daughter's Perspective
Today's blog post was written by Dianne Weideman, FUMCR Staff Member.
As I was heading into high school, I was embarking on a new journey in my life. I soon learned that my mother was embarking on a new journey as well, but not one as exciting. She had been diagnosed with breast cancer. To this day, it never ceases to amaze me the strength my mom showed throughout the process. With two teenagers at home, she was definitely not getting the support she deserved. However, the entire time, she thought of nothing but us and we hardly knew she was ever sick. She even opted for a mastectomy instead of a lumpectomy to make sure they got it all and she would be around to see her kids grow up.
Four years later, I was heading off to college and beginning another new journey in my life. My mother was also given a new journey as well. She was once again diagnosed with breast cancer. This time also resulted in a mastectomy and she had beaten it again. The reconstructive surgery, however, did not go well and required six surgeries to fix the first one. Even though her kids were older, it was the same story. You would have never known she was sick. She attacked the whole ordeal like it was just a bump in life’s road that needed some attention. It was just additional appointments on her busy calendar and nothing that was going to keep her from getting the most out of life that she could.
Life is full of journeys, some you ask for and desire and some that are given to you to endure. The courage and strength you show during hard times mold not only yourself, but those around you as well. My mom’s journey has strengthened me and made a much more confident person. I hope I can live up to my mom’s example and be that same strength for my daughters when my journey is handed to me.
As I was heading into high school, I was embarking on a new journey in my life. I soon learned that my mother was embarking on a new journey as well, but not one as exciting. She had been diagnosed with breast cancer. To this day, it never ceases to amaze me the strength my mom showed throughout the process. With two teenagers at home, she was definitely not getting the support she deserved. However, the entire time, she thought of nothing but us and we hardly knew she was ever sick. She even opted for a mastectomy instead of a lumpectomy to make sure they got it all and she would be around to see her kids grow up.
Four years later, I was heading off to college and beginning another new journey in my life. My mother was also given a new journey as well. She was once again diagnosed with breast cancer. This time also resulted in a mastectomy and she had beaten it again. The reconstructive surgery, however, did not go well and required six surgeries to fix the first one. Even though her kids were older, it was the same story. You would have never known she was sick. She attacked the whole ordeal like it was just a bump in life’s road that needed some attention. It was just additional appointments on her busy calendar and nothing that was going to keep her from getting the most out of life that she could.
Life is full of journeys, some you ask for and desire and some that are given to you to endure. The courage and strength you show during hard times mold not only yourself, but those around you as well. My mom’s journey has strengthened me and made a much more confident person. I hope I can live up to my mom’s example and be that same strength for my daughters when my journey is handed to me.
March 6, 2010
Ark House Faces Real Challenges
Today's blog post was contributed by Connie Cross, Ark House President. Ark House was highlighted in worship last week and will be again tomorrow. Hope you join us!
In 1985 two members of First United Methodist Church Richardson faced the frightening challenge of cancer. Ben Glomb, the patient, was being treated at M.D. Anderson in Houston, and his wife, Joyce, wanted to be by his side. The couple also faced the financial challenge presented by living away from home for an extended period of time.
As a result of their experience, they encouraged the Ark Sunday school class to take on the challenge of providing affordable temporary housing to patients coming to Dallas for medical treatment. Twenty-five years later, born from the challenges faced by the Glombs, Ark House continues to thrive. The project has grown from one apartment in 1985 to 19 fully furnished apartments in 2010. A twentieth apartment will become operational on April 1st of this year. These wonderful “homes away from home” have provided support to countless individuals and families as they face the fear and challenge of serious health issues and the financial hardships this can cause.
Ark House, which is run by an all volunteer staff, has confronted and overcome many challenges of its own throughout the years. Difficulties arise with landlords, maintenance, apartment locations, funding, and other operational issues. The dedicated volunteers accept these challenges; meet them head on, and continue to find solutions to make Ark House better. The challenges have kept the organization vibrant and growing. It is truly fascinating to watch this organization in action and to see the blessings bestowed on so many. This project is a clear example of risk taking service, radical hospitality, and extravagant generosity.
In 1985 two members of First United Methodist Church Richardson faced the frightening challenge of cancer. Ben Glomb, the patient, was being treated at M.D. Anderson in Houston, and his wife, Joyce, wanted to be by his side. The couple also faced the financial challenge presented by living away from home for an extended period of time.
As a result of their experience, they encouraged the Ark Sunday school class to take on the challenge of providing affordable temporary housing to patients coming to Dallas for medical treatment. Twenty-five years later, born from the challenges faced by the Glombs, Ark House continues to thrive. The project has grown from one apartment in 1985 to 19 fully furnished apartments in 2010. A twentieth apartment will become operational on April 1st of this year. These wonderful “homes away from home” have provided support to countless individuals and families as they face the fear and challenge of serious health issues and the financial hardships this can cause.
Ark House, which is run by an all volunteer staff, has confronted and overcome many challenges of its own throughout the years. Difficulties arise with landlords, maintenance, apartment locations, funding, and other operational issues. The dedicated volunteers accept these challenges; meet them head on, and continue to find solutions to make Ark House better. The challenges have kept the organization vibrant and growing. It is truly fascinating to watch this organization in action and to see the blessings bestowed on so many. This project is a clear example of risk taking service, radical hospitality, and extravagant generosity.
March 5, 2010
Everything Was Great
Today's blog was contributed by an FUMCR Staff Member.
As a young adult I had an unexpected death in my family. I was young, newly married and "everything was going great." Death was not yet a common experience in my life. I now recognize that I was moving through the stages of grief but I did not go through it alone. My Christian friends recognized the spiritual challenges I was facing and took that journey with me, letting me ask any and all questions of God. My friends never doubted my faith and never stopped me from even the hardest questions. I often got so wrapped up in my own grief that my friends would rally together and just 'show up' at my house to sit with me, garden with me, or whatever I needed at that moment. I learned I was not alone during a tough time in my life. Between God and my family and friends, I made it through a dark time.
As a young adult I had an unexpected death in my family. I was young, newly married and "everything was going great." Death was not yet a common experience in my life. I now recognize that I was moving through the stages of grief but I did not go through it alone. My Christian friends recognized the spiritual challenges I was facing and took that journey with me, letting me ask any and all questions of God. My friends never doubted my faith and never stopped me from even the hardest questions. I often got so wrapped up in my own grief that my friends would rally together and just 'show up' at my house to sit with me, garden with me, or whatever I needed at that moment. I learned I was not alone during a tough time in my life. Between God and my family and friends, I made it through a dark time.
March 4, 2010
Coming Face to Face with Challenges
Today's blog was contributed by an FUMCR Staff Member.
All of us face challenges in our lives on a fairly regular basis. . . some are so silly in retrospect, but others have played an enormous influence on who we are today. Such is the case with perhaps my biggest challenge in life which happened long ago, but is as fresh in my mind as if it were yesterday. While my husband served in Vietnam I was living in Kansas with 4 of our children.
The challenge I thought was going to be just being totally responsible for the total care of our home and our children – their activities, their needs on a day to day basis. Then on a cold winter morning when three of the children were off to school. . .the door bell rang. . .and there stood a man in a black suit with a telegram in his hand. He asked me my name and if there was someone in the house with me or if I could call a neighbor. There was no one in the house with me except our 18 month old child whom I quickly picked up and said. . .she is here. . . please give me the telegram and I took it from his hand as he said. . .well, he’s not dead yet! I closed the door, nervously opened the envelope and there was my greatest challenge. Friends and family surrounded us in the months that followed as he lay in a hospital in Japan before being transported back to the U.S. They could not be with me 24/7.. . .but it was during this time that I suddenly realized that I was never alone that God was always with me even when I made stupid decisions or when I felt the loneliest. Years have past and God has never left me. . .I still hear his voice saying, you CAN do this. . .I am with you.
All of us face challenges in our lives on a fairly regular basis. . . some are so silly in retrospect, but others have played an enormous influence on who we are today. Such is the case with perhaps my biggest challenge in life which happened long ago, but is as fresh in my mind as if it were yesterday. While my husband served in Vietnam I was living in Kansas with 4 of our children.
The challenge I thought was going to be just being totally responsible for the total care of our home and our children – their activities, their needs on a day to day basis. Then on a cold winter morning when three of the children were off to school. . .the door bell rang. . .and there stood a man in a black suit with a telegram in his hand. He asked me my name and if there was someone in the house with me or if I could call a neighbor. There was no one in the house with me except our 18 month old child whom I quickly picked up and said. . .she is here. . . please give me the telegram and I took it from his hand as he said. . .well, he’s not dead yet! I closed the door, nervously opened the envelope and there was my greatest challenge. Friends and family surrounded us in the months that followed as he lay in a hospital in Japan before being transported back to the U.S. They could not be with me 24/7.. . .but it was during this time that I suddenly realized that I was never alone that God was always with me even when I made stupid decisions or when I felt the loneliest. Years have past and God has never left me. . .I still hear his voice saying, you CAN do this. . .I am with you.
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