Standing

At the Children's Institute, they have what they call a standing board. They put Ian on his stomach on this thing, and it tilts at different angles. The "top" part has a pad for his chin. The "bottom" part has a place for his feet. They strap him into it and tilt it so he's "standing." He does that for an hour a day now as part of his therapy.

The staff reported to Mary today that he was able to respond to their command to "kick" a ball. It's more like a movement of his foot forward to tap a ball. He responded slowly the first time, but he was consistently responding to their command to kick the ball. "Purposeful" is the word they keep using to describe the responses their looking for from Ian. The kicking was definitely purposeful; that's a good thing.

Tomorrow the framing starts on the addition....

Thank you for your support in prayer.

Steve

Big Blue Bubble

This is the view now looking outside our dining room. Our whole dining room is covered in blue light. What you're seeing is the cement floor for the addition covered by a tarp tent. There's a giant heater blowing heat into our tent to dry the cement. The addition is coming along.

Larissa reported today that the wound on Ian's back is finally gone! They've stopped treating it, but they're still going to be careful of the site just to be safe.

Thanks for praying...

Steve

Bittersweet

I brought a home video to the hospital tonight for Ian to watch. The first thing on screen when I turned it on in his room was a banner that said "Happy 6th Birthday Ian." It was bittersweet to watch- it was so cool to see him and all of his little friends who have now become such godly men and are still in his life- and let's be honest, the early 90s hairstyles and clothes were fantastic. But it also reminded me that he could do more at six years old than he can do now. But fortunately we are blessed to serve a God who, if He wills it, can bring Ian back to us exactly how he was five months ago- as that man after God's own heart. I'm praying that he's back to himself by the time he turns 22.

So I'm watching videos and sitting beside Ian's bed while he sleeps, but tonight my heart is here, with this little girl:

http://aliviarachelhaughery32005.blogspot.com

Please pray for baby Livi along with Ian...

Larissa

The Lord is at Hand

"The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." I was thinking about this passage today from Philippians 4:5-6. It captured my thoughts, and I was trying to phrase it in a different way and apply it to our situation with Ian: The Lord is all over this one. He's not far off. He's very much involved. He's on top of it. It hasn't escaped his notice a bit. Because he's at hand, I'm to obey the command, "do not be anxious about anything." "In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving," I need to let my requests be made known to God.

This is the same thing Ian needs to do.

Jesus, help Ian to continue to be in faith. Heal him from head to toe. Bring him back to us. Thank you that we can come to you with our requests. Thank you that you rule over our circumstances. Help us to continue to lay our requests at your feet. Help us not to be anxious about anything.

Thank you for joining us in prayer.

Steve

Ephesians

"For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith--that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."Ephesians 3:14-19

The only time that Ian was really awake today was when I was reading this scripture to him and praying. I was lifting Ian and myself up to God, praying that he would give us just another glimpse of the beadth, length, height and depth of His love. God's word is so good and will never return void. I am so thankful for the opportunity to remind Ian of God's beautiful promises.

I desperately want to hear Ian tell me something, anything, of where he has been for the past four months. I want assurance that my boyfriend is able to feel the nearness of the Lord. I want to know that he is not lonely but can feel God with him at all times. But he can't tell me, and this is just one more area where faith enters the picture. And as Ben said in such a great way, if Ian is conscious and is aware of things, then God is definitely with him, because He promises that He will never leave nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). And even if Ian is just sleeping and won't even remember this time, God is still with him.

Keep praying that Ian comes back. I desperately want him back here with us.

Larissa

The Sweet Anticipation of Heaven

The progress on the addition to our house is stalled, because the inspector, who was supposed to inspect this part of the building project, lost his mother on Thursday. We can't proceed without his approval, so the work that was supposed to happen today and tomorrow was cancelled.

His loss stings me a bit. I don't know him. I didn't know his mother. It still stings, though.

I found myself complaining today about having to pursue guardianship for Ian's affairs. I never wanted to be Ian's legal guardian. I wanted him to be on his own now serving God, to be pursuing a career, to be married, and to be looking toward children of his own some day. I didn't recognize my complaint at first. Who could blame me for complaining, right?

I had to remind myself, though, of how merciful God has been to me and to my family. We've been shown so much mercy. Instead of a certain future in hell, he gave me a sweet anticipation of heaven. On top of that, he provides me earthly blessings as companions for the journey reminding me regularly of what's to come and increasing my anticipation. In view of all that, how can I complain about any difficulty?

That inspector's loss stings, because it highlights the fact that I'd lost sight of mercy. And, as Larissa reminded me, we could have lost Ian as that man lost his mother. I can't imagine what he's going through, but I have a glimpse. Sir, I prayed for you tonight.

Pray for Ian....

Steve

Your Joy Shall Be Full

Ian's speech therapist said she was floored by his response to her this morning. She has been working on getting him to blink once, twice, and close his eyes on command. Usually, he may do it once or twice and there is quite a delay. But she said this morning that he was doing it consistently for about 10 minutes straight. He is also swallowing more than before and doing it in a much more "functional way," meaning he is more often closing his mouth and touching his tongue to the roof of his mouth, like the rest of us swallow.

His right eye still looks really good and he's using it a lot more than before. His mouth looks like it's starting that vicious cycle again of becoming sore. Please pray that his mouth would heal and he would have total comfort.

Ian has looked really great the past two days that I've been with him. It's been really encouraging to see new movements, even if they're small. But, I'm still ready for this affliction to be over. I'm ready for Ian to talk to me again. It's a constant battle with my thoughts to trust that God's timing is perfect. I feel like Ian is missing so much in everyone's lives and I'm not sure if any of us remember what normal life feels like anymore. But today I was thinking of all the times in my life that I've been wrong and all the times that what I thought was right was completely backwards compared to what God had planned for me. I'm so grateful that I serve a God who is never wrong! I can picture what I wish my life were like right now, but obviously that's not what is best for me or for Ian. This is normal life now, and this new normal that God has given us is completely perfect.

"..when you are dry, go to God, ask him to shed abroad His joy in your heart, and then your joy shall be full."
-Spurgeon

Larissa

The ground has been broken

The area for the addition to our house (for Ian) has been cleared, and the footer and the ditch for the sewer line were dug today. So many from the church have been volunteering their time and giving so much. Thanks, Frank, for organizing this and Donna, for the food. Dave and Max, thanks again. Rod was here working, too. A guy I'd never met before, Chris, volunteered his time, too. Thanks, Chris! If I keep thanking everyone here who helps with this, I will definitely bore you to tears.

We learned today that the thrush in Ian's mouth isn't necessarily there anymore. But, they found the same powerful bacteria (it resists many antibiotics) in his mouth that was in his eye and on some of his wounds. The staff treated those other areas, but the same thing emerged in his mouth.

More to come...please pray.

Steve

Standing

Ian was in his standing board for an hour today. Praise God! It's such a great thing for him to be able to stand for a long time.

He was awake for all but half an hour when I was with him today. He had a great session of speech therapy- his therapist said it's the best he's looked in awhile. Ian was following her with his eyes and reacting to the stimuli that she was using. He also swallowed with his mouth closed a few times, which is a good habit for him to start.

A lot of people have commented on how good his color looks and just how filled out his face is now. His eye looked fantastic again today and both of his eyes are regularly "in sync" now.

Every time I see him, he just looks more and more like himself. I'm so glad that he's still with us. Sometimes when I talk to him, I know he's kind-of in la la land and isn't really hearing me. But then other times it is so obvious that he is listening. I can tell when I look in his eyes whether he's with me or not. Today he was with me for a long time. We talked about some things that I know he definitely responded to by blinking. And they were things that I was really glad he was in agreement with, like memories from our past and talking about our future. We talked a lot about being on the beach in warm weather and how great that will be:) I can't wait for the both of us to be tan again....

Two things that I read this morning talked about persistence in prayer. This is another great insight from Charles Spurgeon:

"Prayer is thus connected with the blessing to show us the value of it. If we had the blessings without asking for them, we should think them common things; but prayer makes our mercies more precious than diamonds. The things we ask for are precious, but we do not realize their preciousness until we have sought for them earnestly."

Thank you for your prayers....

Larissa

Bring him back, Jesus

Every time I visit Ian, now, I tell him about the addition we're planning and building onto our house that will be big enough to accomodate him. Each time, trusting that he can hear me, I want him to be reminded of our love for him and of our desire to have him home. Each time I tell him we want him back. Thank you to all who are helping us with it. Thank you to all of you who pray. Jesus, please bring him back to us.

Steve

The Beauty of the Church

It was no warmer than 15 degrees this morning and snow was covering the ground. But still more than ten men from our church showed up at 9:00 to take our first steps toward bringing Ian home. Within two hours, all of the patio slabs in the back of the house were dug up from the frozen ground, patio furniture was moved, one tree was completely cut down and two were trimmed to allow room for the addition.

This morning was such an example to us of the God's amazing design of the church. Only God could move so many people's hearts to become eager to help us, doing manual labor, in the middle of the winter. The church gives a glimpse of the beauty of the Lord- what a blessing to experience this within our own local church. It was so neat to watch because God's presence was so obvious- no one was complaining- these servants' hearts were evident.

This trial is not about us. It's not about Ian. It's not about what we post, who I am or who the Murphys are. While God is using this to grow our own faith and is using this blog to encourage so many people, this is about God's glory alone. His name alone is worthy to be praised.

-Larissa

Two days

I had to go away on business for two days; I just returned today. I didn't get to read the blog during that time, and I'm amazed to discover the things Ian is doing now to show us he's in there. Two days. But, then, our God could heal Ian in a heartbeat. He could wake him up. He could heal his sore and his thrush. He could even heal his knee so that it would bend again, though medically that's impossible. God is powerful.

But, God is wise, too, and mysterious.

I don't say that with a cynical, fatalistic perspective but with worship and genuine affection in my heart. I know that woven through every thread of God's mysterious, infinite power and wisdom are kindness and love that I don't understand. I know my God feels deeply for us and for Ian. I don't understand why God doesn't heal Ian in a heartbeat, but I'm not angry. How could I be when both Ian and I deserve so much worse because of our sin in the face of his kindness?

I don't highlight the wisdom and mystery as a way to excuse a lack of faith for Ian's healing, either. I believe God could heal Ian and will in his time, if that's his good purpose. But, I trust him to do good no matter what the outcome looks like to me. I'm going to let my "requests be made known to God," and I want the peace of God, "which surpasses understanding," to guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:6-7).

Lord, heal Ian. I trust you.

Steve

God is Kind

It was really nice to see a day of therapy with Ian after having missed it for a few days. The roof of his mouth looks great- almost free of sores. His tongue is improving also but there are still patches of thrush. His eye looked great again today, and they have reduced the amounts of eye drops he gets down to just one!

Today they put Ian onto another standing board. This is different from the one they used before though because Ian starts out on his belly and then he is moved vertically from there. They tried it one time before but he didn't tolerate it very well. Today he did great though. His physical therapist had been practicing by putting him on his belly in bed so that he would get used to it. His blood pressure stayed at a really good level and he didn't seem to be annoyed by it at all. If Ian is able to tolerate standing like this, it's a huge step. Being vertical will help his lungs, his digestive system, and everything else in his body. We weren't made to be laying in bed all of the time so it's exciting that he handled it so well.

I noticed that for the majority of the time that I was with Ian today, he had his mouth almost completely closed. This is also good, because the speech therapist and doctor have been perplexed as to why Ian wasn't closing his mouth more often. Him breathing through his mouth so much could have been a role in causing the infections in his mouth, so the more often he closes it, the better.

During occupational therapy yesterday, Ian's right arm was being stretched. He reached over with his left arm (which is really heavy because it's in a cast used to stretch his muscles), grabbed the therapists sleeve, and pulled her arm to get her to stop. She said that's a huge movement because he not only grabbed something, but he knew enough to pull also. He did it again today while I was with him. He's in there.

Please continue to pray for Ian's mouth, that it would completely heal and that he would continue to close it more fully. Also pray that he would tolerate the standing board and become more familiar with standing.

This blog has a tool that shows you where people are geographically that are reading Ian's blog. I've looked at this map several times, but tonight when I looked at it, I was overwhelmed with the fact that there really are people all over the world reading about Ian. Just the last 20 visits had people from California, Canada, Texas, Louisiana and even Sydney, Australia. Why would people care so much about someone they most likely have never met? Only God could move our hearts in this way.

I believe He has our attention for a reason.

Laris

Snow Days

We haven't been able to be with Ian any days this week because of the weather. But I was able to make it down tonight and it's especially good to see him after being snowed in for awhile.

Everything seems to be about the same. His mouth looks a tiny bit better. His right eye looks fantastic- it's not red at all and when he was awake he was using it a lot. His nurse tonight said that he was moving in the shower in ways that he hand't seen him move before. Monday night I noticed that he was moving his torso more also, so hopefully his brain is healing in a way that will start to give him more movement. I'm looking forward to seeing him in therapy tomorrow to see how he's doing with all of that.

"Beloved Christian reader, in matters of grace you need a daily supply. You have no store of strength. Day by day must you seek help from above. It is a very sweet assurance that a daily portion is provided for you. In the word, through the ministry, by meditation, in prayer, and waiting upon God you shall receive renewed strength. In Jesus all needful things are laid up for you. Then enjoy your continual allowance. Never go hungry while the daily bread of grace is on the table of mercy."

Thank you for praying. I'm still believing in great miracles.

Larissa

Because He First Loved Us

This year more than any other, I am reminded that my comfort and satisfaction comes from God alone. And I am reminded that the greatest love was shown to me at the cross. For God so loved me that He sent His son to earth, to die, to bear the wrath for every single one of my sins-even sins that I haven’t committed yet. There is no greater love than this. And only because of His love for us, are we able to love others.

“We love because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19

It is a wonderful thing to celebrate the people in our lives on Valentine’s Day. We are called to love one another. But we must not lose sight of the love that we are mercifully allowed to celebrate every single day- the love that replaces weariness with strength, affliction with joy, and sin with forgiveness.

Whether you are single or married, be encouraged and reminded today of God’s love for you. You are never alone. You won’t ever spend one second being unloved.

“I have loved you with an everlasting love.” Jeremiah 31:3

-Larissa

Is Ian Stubborn?

We spent a few hours with Ian last night and eventually he woke up for us. I hadn't seen him for two days and noticed that his mouth is looking a little bit better- but it is far from being completely healed. He is still moving his left leg and left arm a lot and last night it looked for the first time like he was moving his torso a little bit.

The nurse last night reported this to me: Yesterday morning, Ian's doctor asked him to scratch his chin and he did. Then she asked him to touch his belly and he said "uh uh," (meaning "no"- i'm not actually sure how to spell that sound:)

Ian also squeezes his eyes shut when they come toward him with the eye drops and another nurse told me that when he was getting a shower they asked him to raise his arms but he blatantly held them tight next to his body. We'll take stubornness if that means he is hearing us.

"Are you in the lowest depths of sorrow? Does corruption rise within your spirit, and grace seem like a poor spark trampled underfoot? Does your faith almost fail you? Fear not, for it is neither your graces nor feelings on which you are to live: you must live simply by faith in Christ."

-Charles Spurgeon

Still praying that God completely restores Ian's mind and personality. We'd like him back soon.

-Larissa

Happy Birthday, Lydia

The other day Lydia made a card for Ian. A few of the things she wanted to say to him were, "Ian is a good friend and my brother. We dance together. He has a scratchy face. I miss him. Mama misses him. Daddy misses him. Derissa (larissa) misses him."

Lydia turned 3 years old today. Please pray that her biggest brother comes home soon so that they can get back to dancing and playing together.

A Window into Ian's Faith

Ian was awake today for most of the afternoon. He fell asleep around 5pm, and I never roused him again before I left about an hour later. To see him in that state is draining emotionally. While I have confidence in the kindness, goodness and wisdom of God to do the best thing in his circumstances, I know we're built by God to love and to grieve when the ones we love are taken from us whether by death or departure or, in this case, by a coma. I've discovered first hand that sorrow and grief are draining. But, God lifts me up as the Psalmist says in so many places. "He restores my soul."

I've had a growing sense of satisfaction, lately, about the strength of Ian's faith; it's been consoling. I obviously haven't been able to observe it in Ian, since he can't talk to me. But, as I've had the opportunity to get to know Larissa Whiteley (who has been living with us since the wreck), as I've watched her respond to this very difficult circumstance with faith and as I've read her very meaningful and theologically sound posts on this blog, I'm aware from things she's said to me that Ian had a lot to do with her responses today. Ian had a significant influence on her growth in faith by challenging her attitudes and decisions, teaching her truth, and encouraging her as she pursued God. I know Ian trusts Christ to save him, and I know that he was growing in his faith prior to his wreck. But, observing her faith up close and personal provides me a unique perspective on Ian's faith, a window into his faith that I might not have had. I would have preferred not to peer into that window this way, but it means a lot to me to have the opportunity. Thank you, Larissa. God is good.

We want Ian back. Pray for Ian.

Steve

How Could I Stand

Ian's grandparents visited him last night, and they said at one point they were sure that Ian was going to say something. Even his nurse seemed to be expecting him to say something. I guess he was groaning and moving his mouth in a way that was just so clear that he was trying to talk. We know that it must be very hard for him to even try, because his mouth is still really sore. It was looking better earlier this week but seems to have become really sore again, particularly his tongue.

Please pray that God would heal Ian's mouth. It is clearly uncomfortable for him. And like the rest of us, if one part of your body is hurting, the rest seems debilitated too. Ian's mouth needs to be feeling better before he can fully participate in therapy.

if it wasn't for your mercy
if it wasn't for your love
if it wasn't for your kindness
how could i stand?
if it wasn't for your cleansing
if it wasn't for your blood
if it wasn't for your goodness
how could i stand?
-Matt Redman

We are nothing apart from Christ.

-Larissa

Romans 8:35-39

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I Can't Think of a Title

Ian found his nose today and had a good time scratching it, as he continues to discover his face with his left hand. The botox seems to be helping his arms because they are more relaxed than before. I saw the inside of his left elbow for the first time since he's been to Childrens.

His therapists are now trying to get him to kick a ball with his left leg. He definitely moves his foot, but he hasn't gotten to a full leg movement yet. He'll get there.

Last night when David started praying for Ian, Ian squeezed my hand really hard. He's also been reaching for our hands more when we rest them on his chest or near his side. He's definitely aware of us.

"No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised."

Romans 4:20-21

-Larissa

Hope does not disappoint us

Today, I noticed for the first time that Ian's right eye appears completely normal. Up to this point, it's been a crazy eye. The pupil would wander and wouldn't always be in sync with his left eye, and it would never completely close. I noticed today that none of that is true anymore. He looked at me with both eyes in sync, and when he closed them they were both completely closed. He also uses his left hand fairly consistently to stroke his beard and feel his face and neck. Small things like this show progress and are encouraging.

I've been wrestling with a Scripture passage from Romans 5. It says, "...we...rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us..." I've been wrestling, because, quite honestly, I don't want to rejoice in my sufferings (or difficulties). I don't like them. I don't like what's happened to Ian.

In a message by Dave Harvey that made an impact on me, he said that faith looks up (to God) and faith looks back (to His faithfulness). It occurred to me that hope looks up to God, too (the source of the gift of a bright future), but hope looks forward (to the day when we'll be with Him). It looks forward so that earth's pleasures and difficulties pale, and their hold on me decreases. These difficulties have definitely produced in me a greater focus on the day when I'll be with Christ in heaven, and I trust the same has happened for Ian if he's aware of what's happening to him.

Lord, help us (especially Ian) to rejoice in these difficulties, because they sharpen our focus on the Day that matters most. That hope does not disappoint us.

Steve

The Sweetest Sacrifice

Ian had a great speech therapy session today. He was making big movements with his head and face, pulling away from the "annoying" stimuli. His mouth, while not completely healed, is looking much much better. Every time I asked him to rest his head back in his chair, he did it. And he responded to the speech therapist when she asked him to close his eyes.

"Be encouraged to cheerfully offer intercessory prayer, by remembering that such prayer is the sweetest God ever hears...Thus while petitions for ourselves will be accepted, our pleading for others, having in them more of the fruits of the Spirit- more love, more faith, more brotherly kindness- will be, through the precious merits of Jesus, the sweetest sacrifice that we can offer to God. Remember, again, that intercessory prayer is exceedingly prevalent. What wonders it has accomplished."

-Charles Spurgeon

Thank you, each of you, who has been diligently praying for Ian. Especially now while progress seems to be slower than it was a few months ago, thank you that you continue to plead on his behalf. As quoted above, it is the sweetest sacrifice that we can offer God.

-Larissa

Never Cease to Love

"Think of how His grace has been sufficient for you in all your troubles- how His blood has been a pardon to you in all your sins- how His rod and His staff have comforted you. When you have then reflected upon the love of the Lord, let faith survey His love in the future, for remember that Christ's covenant and blood have something more in them than the past. He who has loved you and pardoned you will never cease to love and pardon."
-Spurgeon

I was trying to remind Ian of these truths today- remind him that God's love for him will never cease. Because this is God's sovereign plan, we know that somehow, in some way, this affliction is better for Ian right now than starting his career, writing scripts for movies or getting married would be. I definitely don't understand how, but I believe that it's true. And I believe that God will never cease to love and pardon Ian, and the Murphys, and myself, and everyone else impacted by this trial.

I'm learning every day what it means to place my hope and trust into God. I can't see into the future, I can't see what the end result of this is, I can't see when Ian will wake. But God can. And in Him is where I want to put my trust.

-Larissa

Hasn't He Been Good

I spent just a few hours with Ian tonight and he was wide awake the whole time. We watched the Super Bowl for a little bit and then watched the fish swim around in the fish tank. Ian was moving his left leg and left arm a lot again tonight. A couple of times while I was touching his chest he found my hand with his own.

His nurse tonight said that Ian usually gets around six hours of solid sleep each night, which is really good. Sleeping at night definitely helps him in therapy the next day.

I was reminded today of the goodness we have seen from God over the past four months. What really struck me is the example of mercy to us that God spared Ian's life on September 30. I can't imagine how much sadder this time would be if we hadn't received this mercy. While it is hard seeing Ian have to go through this, I am so thankful for every day that I get to be with him. I want to continue to remember God's goodness in the past and know that that same goodness will follow us into our futures.

Still praying for more and more miracles. As our pastor said this morning, we must first believe and then we will see miracles.

-Larissa

A Prayer

Hold me up, that I may be safe
and have regard for your statutes continually! (Psalm 119:117)

"Lord, I won't have regard for your word unless you hold me up, unless you make me regard your word. I won't be able to trust you unless you give me the strength to do so. I won't be safe from fear and worry unless you protect me from that. I will doubt your character unless you hold me up. Hold me up, O God! Give me the strength to do want you want me to!

Thank you, Jesus, for living the perfect life I couldn't live. Though I fail, you've died to take the blame for my failures.

Thanks be to God who is able and who loves to answer these prayers! Amen."

Change

Ian is still working his left arm quite a lot. He had a good session of speech therapy today and his therapist was much more encouraged. The sores in his mouth looked much better and he was very awake for their session. His big success of the morning was when he pulled a wet washcloth off of his face. As soon as the therapist put it on his face, he reached his hand up and pulled it off. He did it at least twice. Very exciting because it's a deliberate movement for him.

The first entry I put on this blog was back in October, two weeks after the accident. It was the first time I had left the hospital and I was amazed at how beautiful the drive home was. I hadn't been out of the hospital in two weeks and didn't realize how much the leaves had changed. Everything was red and orange and just beautiful.

Tonight on my drive home, on the same road, I was amazed at how beautiful the snow was, resting on the tree branches and blanketing everyone's yards. I felt like I was driving in a snowglobe, as all that white stuff hopped around.

We've seen the change of two seasons now since Ian's accident. I'm praying that before we see the change of another one, Ian will be back here with us. The God that controls the changing of seasons is tenderly caring for Ian. Through Him, all things are possible.

"You have calmed greater waters, Higher mountains have come down" -Jars of Clay

-Laris

Botox

No, not for his face - for his arms. Apparently, Botox works on relaxing the muscles. Tone in a brain injury patient has to do with how tightly they contract their muscles and keep them contracted, and it shows up primarily in the way that their arms contract to their bodies and in the way that their fingers curl (among other ways). Ian's tone isn't great, so they want to relax those muscles. He was given shots (three, I think) in his left arm (the one most contracted), and it could take a couple weeks to show the effects. They also have him on a medication designed to address the tone throughout his body. The Botox is supposed to be like a jump start for his arm.

He's using his left arm now to feel things on his body. He plays with his shirt between his fingers. He feels and scratches his neck. He strokes the hair on his chin. When I put his hand in mine, it's like a new sensation for him, and he feels my hand with the tips of his fingers. It's as though he's trying figure things out through touch.

Please continue to pray for the thrush in his mouth. It continues to be an issue, though the staff are treating it and though it's getting better little by little.

Paul said in Philippians 4:12 that he had "learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need." It occurred to me today that I had always wrongly put the emphasis in the next verse (13) on being able to do all things. The secret Paul had for facing everything, including hunger and need, was looking beyond his difficult circumstances to the God who ruled all his circumstances. "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." He rules Ian's circumstances and ours no matter what those look like, and He is good. I can do all things (though I don't always feel that I can), because I know He's in control and because His Spirit is in me kindly confirming to me that God is in control and because He supernaturally strengthens me by His Spirit. I can do all things through him.

Pray for Ian.

Steve