This is a day we have been praying for. A day that was not expected to come so soon. Today Pastor Al goes home! We have seen the power of prayer in action, and there is no denying God's intervention and healing for Al. All the prayers have been much appreciated by everyone.
Now comes the adjustment for everyone. Al is used to being independent. We need to assist him in whatever way possible. The good news is that he will only need people to check in on him a couple of times a day. When I visited with him on Tuesday, he was wearing his typical garb; jean, t-shirt, and boots! He looked normal. (well as normal as Al ever looked??) He continues to joke around saying, "If I am not the strangest person in the room, something is wrong." This is Al.
When he is released today (by the Warden, as I put it) Kristen is taking him for a treat. A steak dinner! This is a far cry from the food he was eating a few weeks ago, remebre the "I think this used to be potato salad." He is exceeding everyones' expectations, and is truly a walking miracle.
Keep praying for Al, as he will be going to therapy (something he will kid about with you, and I will let him explain this one personally). remember, God is AMAZING! Don't let anyone tell you anything different.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
The Journey Isn't Over
This is just a turning of the page, into another chapter, not the end of the book. Let's not forget that. With Al coming home, the next chapter begins. Now, he has come a long way, however, now is the time he needs all of us more than ever.
While visiting with him last night, he was talking about coming home. I told him, "well you know Al, there will be rules." He wrinkled up his face and said, "well I guess that is the biker in me, no liking rules." He seems to be good about wearing his helmet, but I have afeeling he will still need to be reminded of the boundries. The boundries are for his benefit, and we need to remember that when we spend time with him.
His spirits are very high right now, and is back to joking around. Last night he explained that the piece of his skull that was removed is in a freezer. So, when they put it back in, he would really have "brain freeze." There is the Al we all remember. He also wants to make sure the piece gets put back in time so he can heal and ride next year. Yes, he does want to ride again! I would have expected nothing less from him.
For the record, I asked him what he remebers about the accident. He remembers nothin about what happened. We need to understand this is a common thing. I beleive it is our body's way of protecting us from "re-living" the accident. It is a good thing.
I gave Al the notes from my Friday night sermon at Kingdom Roadhouse. He read the first two lines and laughed. His recovery has amazed so many. This is a very uncommon timeline for this type of head injury. Usually, it could be months, and even years before events we would see this kind of progress. This is an absolute testimony to God's miraculous healing power.
Stay tuned.....God has much more in store for us!
While visiting with him last night, he was talking about coming home. I told him, "well you know Al, there will be rules." He wrinkled up his face and said, "well I guess that is the biker in me, no liking rules." He seems to be good about wearing his helmet, but I have afeeling he will still need to be reminded of the boundries. The boundries are for his benefit, and we need to remember that when we spend time with him.
His spirits are very high right now, and is back to joking around. Last night he explained that the piece of his skull that was removed is in a freezer. So, when they put it back in, he would really have "brain freeze." There is the Al we all remember. He also wants to make sure the piece gets put back in time so he can heal and ride next year. Yes, he does want to ride again! I would have expected nothing less from him.
For the record, I asked him what he remebers about the accident. He remembers nothin about what happened. We need to understand this is a common thing. I beleive it is our body's way of protecting us from "re-living" the accident. It is a good thing.
I gave Al the notes from my Friday night sermon at Kingdom Roadhouse. He read the first two lines and laughed. His recovery has amazed so many. This is a very uncommon timeline for this type of head injury. Usually, it could be months, and even years before events we would see this kind of progress. This is an absolute testimony to God's miraculous healing power.
Stay tuned.....God has much more in store for us!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Al is Coming Back to KR!
While visiting with Al, he indicated that he will be coming home on Thursday, and wants to speak on Friday at Kingdom Roadhouse. Yes, thats right, Al will be speaking next Friday at Kingdom Roadhouse (August 28th). His message will be a short one due to still having a bit of difficulty talking, but he WILL be there!
This will be a time for rejoicing. Rejoicing for what God has done! Come out and show your support for Pastor Al, as I am sure he will appreciate it.
More info to come, but put it on your calendars!
This will be a time for rejoicing. Rejoicing for what God has done! Come out and show your support for Pastor Al, as I am sure he will appreciate it.
More info to come, but put it on your calendars!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Another Move Coming
God is amazing! The latest report is that Al should be leaving Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital next Wednesday or Thursday (August 26, 27). At this time, it looks like Al will be released to go home. That’s right, he will be going home. This transition was mentioned in a previous post, but was confirmed today with Kristen, correlating her discussions with Good Shepherd.
Kristen is working with Liberty Resources, the entity that will be providing home nursing care. If approved, Al will be eligible for full time, 24 hour home care. If full time care is not approved, the nursing staff will only be “checking in” on Al, which will need to be determined.
Also, Kristen will be starting her Fall college schedule on August 31st, which her schedule will be verified in the next few days. In light of the dates for Al to come home, this will give Kristen some time to help in the adjustment at home. However, her work schedule will place her out of the home Saturdays and Sundays from approximately 5/6am until 2pm.
All of this goes to requesting volunteers to spend some time with Al, so he is not alone. I am asking that you email me with days and times that you could volunteer. This is yet another hard part. I know that everyone is busy, and have other obligations, but this is how you can help now. It is important that commitments made are kept. Please, please e-mail at m2architek@hotmail.com, I will be creating anopther blog page, similar to the Prayer Vigil page (which also needs additional participants!).
There will be no special requirements when you spend time with Al. We will develop a list of items, which will include do’s and do not’s, as far as thing he will be able to do. We will also have a list of contacts, activities and others willing to assist when necessary.
“Four Habits Worth Having”: 1) Habit of Prayer, 2) Habit of Study, 3) Habit of Giving, 4) Habit of Fellowship. These were items of a devotional from the book, “When God Whispers Your Name.” As far as the first item goes, the habit of prayer has become evident through this journey. The second item is something that each individual needs to be self-accountable to. Read 2 Peter 3:18 to understand our personal growth.
Item 3 is one that is forthcoming. People have already given financially (and I greatly appreciated), but we need to encourage this further, and we will all have the opportunity to continue this on September 26th. Item 4 is one we can now do once Al is home. The time of fellowship will be important for Al, as he will need to keep busy, and your participation is important.
Now is the time to put feet to the words. Many readers of this blog have visited Al, both at Lehigh Valley Hospital and Good Shepherd. Al has expressed appreciation of the visits, and I know he will greatly appreciate company during his time at home.
GOD CONTINUES TO SHOW US AMAZING THINGS!
Kristen is working with Liberty Resources, the entity that will be providing home nursing care. If approved, Al will be eligible for full time, 24 hour home care. If full time care is not approved, the nursing staff will only be “checking in” on Al, which will need to be determined.
Also, Kristen will be starting her Fall college schedule on August 31st, which her schedule will be verified in the next few days. In light of the dates for Al to come home, this will give Kristen some time to help in the adjustment at home. However, her work schedule will place her out of the home Saturdays and Sundays from approximately 5/6am until 2pm.
All of this goes to requesting volunteers to spend some time with Al, so he is not alone. I am asking that you email me with days and times that you could volunteer. This is yet another hard part. I know that everyone is busy, and have other obligations, but this is how you can help now. It is important that commitments made are kept. Please, please e-mail at m2architek@hotmail.com, I will be creating anopther blog page, similar to the Prayer Vigil page (which also needs additional participants!).
There will be no special requirements when you spend time with Al. We will develop a list of items, which will include do’s and do not’s, as far as thing he will be able to do. We will also have a list of contacts, activities and others willing to assist when necessary.
“Four Habits Worth Having”: 1) Habit of Prayer, 2) Habit of Study, 3) Habit of Giving, 4) Habit of Fellowship. These were items of a devotional from the book, “When God Whispers Your Name.” As far as the first item goes, the habit of prayer has become evident through this journey. The second item is something that each individual needs to be self-accountable to. Read 2 Peter 3:18 to understand our personal growth.
Item 3 is one that is forthcoming. People have already given financially (and I greatly appreciated), but we need to encourage this further, and we will all have the opportunity to continue this on September 26th. Item 4 is one we can now do once Al is home. The time of fellowship will be important for Al, as he will need to keep busy, and your participation is important.
Now is the time to put feet to the words. Many readers of this blog have visited Al, both at Lehigh Valley Hospital and Good Shepherd. Al has expressed appreciation of the visits, and I know he will greatly appreciate company during his time at home.
GOD CONTINUES TO SHOW US AMAZING THINGS!
Monday, August 17, 2009
God Sees Our Value
"God does not see the same way people see. People look at the outside of a person, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7. God is not done with Al. He is not done with each of us just yet. God looks at us through the eyes of a fther. He sees our blemishes, our defects, and our shortcomings. But God sees through all that like a diamond in the rough, and sees the jewel within, the potential for what we can be. Al's accident will continue to be used for God's glory, because He isn't done yet.
These last five weeks have been an incredible journey. One that I wouldn't trade for anything, except for the accident itself. Those of you that have been faithful in reading this blog have participated along side me. Those that are new, please read the journey from the begining, so you may rejoice along with us. God has been faithful in answering our prayers.
People from all acros the United States have been lifting Al up in prayer. There are several I know personally in California, Florida, North Carolina, Indiana, Ohio, New Jersey, Maine, Arkasas and Texas. The prayer chains have reached well beyond that, a friend telling several friends and so on. So I know that literally thousands of people have been praying for Al. Do not fool yourself into believeing that only those 'following' the blog are reading it, because I have been told otherwise.
The waiting is still the hardest. As we draw close to a time when the next chapter begins for Al, and each of us, let us be mindful that God is not done with us yet. The next chapter will hold new challenges, including home care for Al. I would ask that you pray what your role could be. I know that Kristen will be starting school soon, and will not be available 24/7. She is also working her part-time job at Panera. Consider alotting some time to sit with, talk with, and assist Al when he begins convalescing at home.
I look forward to hearing Al testify to God's amazing power on September 26th! Yes, I am believing this will happen! Come and see for yourself. God is amazing, and He isn't finished yet!
These last five weeks have been an incredible journey. One that I wouldn't trade for anything, except for the accident itself. Those of you that have been faithful in reading this blog have participated along side me. Those that are new, please read the journey from the begining, so you may rejoice along with us. God has been faithful in answering our prayers.
People from all acros the United States have been lifting Al up in prayer. There are several I know personally in California, Florida, North Carolina, Indiana, Ohio, New Jersey, Maine, Arkasas and Texas. The prayer chains have reached well beyond that, a friend telling several friends and so on. So I know that literally thousands of people have been praying for Al. Do not fool yourself into believeing that only those 'following' the blog are reading it, because I have been told otherwise.
The waiting is still the hardest. As we draw close to a time when the next chapter begins for Al, and each of us, let us be mindful that God is not done with us yet. The next chapter will hold new challenges, including home care for Al. I would ask that you pray what your role could be. I know that Kristen will be starting school soon, and will not be available 24/7. She is also working her part-time job at Panera. Consider alotting some time to sit with, talk with, and assist Al when he begins convalescing at home.
I look forward to hearing Al testify to God's amazing power on September 26th! Yes, I am believing this will happen! Come and see for yourself. God is amazing, and He isn't finished yet!
Sunday Visit
Sundays visit was a great time. Herb and I spent almost 2 hours with Al, laughing and joking around. We laughed until we cried! Al is almost back to his old self! God is amazing! The power of prayer is amazing and His miraculous works are evident with Al.
During our visit, we talked about everything from Herb preaching to finances. There are still some spots of shadows, but he has come a long way. There are rumors that he may be able to go home soon..... nothing has been confirmed yet, but do not be suprised when you see him at the benefit event!
I am attatching a photo to the blog I took with AL yesterday. We were supposed to go to the Gathering of the Tribes on Saturday together, and Obviously Al was not able to make it, but I brought him a shirt. So the picture is of Al and I, both wearing our matching shirts!
During our visit, we talked about everything from Herb preaching to finances. There are still some spots of shadows, but he has come a long way. There are rumors that he may be able to go home soon..... nothing has been confirmed yet, but do not be suprised when you see him at the benefit event!
I am attatching a photo to the blog I took with AL yesterday. We were supposed to go to the Gathering of the Tribes on Saturday together, and Obviously Al was not able to make it, but I brought him a shirt. So the picture is of Al and I, both wearing our matching shirts!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Al and His Telephone
Wednesday Kristen brought Al his telephone. When I arrived, he was still sleeping, but the aide woke him for dinner. It was funny to hear the aide, “Albert, you need to wake up….Albert.” Apparently he was very tired from the morning therapy and slept most of the day. I am thinking of calling him Albert now, and when I mentioned that to him, he made a face. Anyone that wakes up after being sound asleep would be a bit incoherent, I know I am if awakened like that.
Back to the telephone. When we told Al that his phone was there, he immediately wanted it, and tried to make a call. The phone did not work, and he became frustrated. I called Kristen to ask her about it, and she said it would be corrected the next day. This was not satisfactory to Al, and he became agitated over this. I told him it would all work out, and his frustration continued. I received another call which told me how to re-activate it, and I did that, telling Al that it would be an hour until it worked again. Every five minutes he continued to check it, and I told him, just wait and it will be fine. Now I am telling you this because sometimes things in life that we are used to be in control of, we are not. That can be frustrating. For Al, the telephone is one thing that he can control, and the level of frustration became elevated when he could not control it. We need to keep these things in mind as we visit with him.
As far as the dinner, he didn’t want any part of it. He kept saying, “This is just awful, I don’t want a thing!” Now Al has lost a considerable amount of weight, and I told him if he didn’t eat, he would end up half the man he used to be (Physically). To that he smiled.
Yesterday, Al’s phone was working because he called me. Some of you may also have gotten a telephone call now that Al can talk and has his phone. It continues to amaze me at the progress.
Back to the telephone. When we told Al that his phone was there, he immediately wanted it, and tried to make a call. The phone did not work, and he became frustrated. I called Kristen to ask her about it, and she said it would be corrected the next day. This was not satisfactory to Al, and he became agitated over this. I told him it would all work out, and his frustration continued. I received another call which told me how to re-activate it, and I did that, telling Al that it would be an hour until it worked again. Every five minutes he continued to check it, and I told him, just wait and it will be fine. Now I am telling you this because sometimes things in life that we are used to be in control of, we are not. That can be frustrating. For Al, the telephone is one thing that he can control, and the level of frustration became elevated when he could not control it. We need to keep these things in mind as we visit with him.
As far as the dinner, he didn’t want any part of it. He kept saying, “This is just awful, I don’t want a thing!” Now Al has lost a considerable amount of weight, and I told him if he didn’t eat, he would end up half the man he used to be (Physically). To that he smiled.
Yesterday, Al’s phone was working because he called me. Some of you may also have gotten a telephone call now that Al can talk and has his phone. It continues to amaze me at the progress.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
