April 19, 2016
Kathie and I enjoyed an outing at Sea World a few weeks ago. I was remembering the first time I wheeled her around the Park, learning how to drive a wheelchair now I'm able to negotiate the people, hills and exhibits like an expert. Most of all, I take the time to see the Park with Kathie and I talk to her throughout the day.
One of the questions I hear most is, "does she recognize you?" I am careful as I look into the hopeful face of a person. "To some degree, I believe that Kathie knows my voice," is my reply. That was emphasized to me as I arrived late for Kathie's bath, a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) had started the bath process and had washed Kathie's face, which was scrunched-up as she is not a fan of having her face touched. I walked into the bath area and started speaking to the CNA, letting her know that I would takeover. I usually flip off the lights and try to calm the CNA as they aren't sure how to exit. On this evening, Kathie un-scrunched her face, opened her eyes, turning her head to see where my voice was coming from. These actions are a big deal and I was very happy to see that she had that much interest in my voice. So yes, she does recognize me.
Today's Streams In The Desert for April 19, is a much underlined passage and encourages me:
Stand still (or firm), and see the salvation of the Lord" (Exod. 14:13).
These words contain God's command to the believer when he is reduced to great straits and brought into extraordinary difficulties. He cannot retreat; he cannot go forward; he is shut upon the right hand and on the left. What is he now to do?
The Master's word to him is "stand still." It will be well for him if, at such times, he listens only to his Master's word, for other and evil advisers come with their suggestions. Despair whispers, "Lie down and die; give it all up." But God would have us put on a cheerful courage, and even in our worst times, rejoice in His love and faithfulness.
Cowardice says, "Retreat; go back to the world's way of action; you cannot play the Christian's part; it is too difficult. Relinquish your principles."
But, however much Satan may urge this course upon you, you cannot follow it, if you are a child of God. His Divine fiat has bid thee go from strength to strength, and so thou shalt, and neither death nor hell shall turn thee from thy course. What if for a while thou art called to stand still; yet this is but to renew thy strength for some greater advance in due time.
Impatience cries, "Do something; stir yourself; to stand still and wait is sheer idleness." We must be doing something at once--we must do it, so we think--instead of looking to the Lord, who will not only do something, but will do everything.
Arrogance boasts, "If the sea be before you, march into it, and expect a miracle." But faith listens neither to arrogance, impatience, cowardice, or despair but it hears God say, "Stand still," and immovable as a rock it stands.
"Stand still"--keep the posture of an upright man, ready for action, expecting further orders, cheerfully and patiently awaiting the directing voice; and it will not be long ere God shall say to you, as distinctly as Moses said it to the people of Israel, "Go forward.'
--Spurgeon
...In times of uncertainty, wait. Always, if you have any doubt, wait. Do not force yourself to any action. If you have a restraint in your spirit, wait until all is clear, and do not go against it.
I have worked many years on quieting the voices described, some days I better at this than others. But reading this helps encourage me to continue Standing Firm.
Dave & Kathie
One of the questions I hear most is, "does she recognize you?" I am careful as I look into the hopeful face of a person. "To some degree, I believe that Kathie knows my voice," is my reply. That was emphasized to me as I arrived late for Kathie's bath, a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) had started the bath process and had washed Kathie's face, which was scrunched-up as she is not a fan of having her face touched. I walked into the bath area and started speaking to the CNA, letting her know that I would takeover. I usually flip off the lights and try to calm the CNA as they aren't sure how to exit. On this evening, Kathie un-scrunched her face, opened her eyes, turning her head to see where my voice was coming from. These actions are a big deal and I was very happy to see that she had that much interest in my voice. So yes, she does recognize me.
Today's Streams In The Desert for April 19, is a much underlined passage and encourages me:
Stand still (or firm), and see the salvation of the Lord" (Exod. 14:13).
These words contain God's command to the believer when he is reduced to great straits and brought into extraordinary difficulties. He cannot retreat; he cannot go forward; he is shut upon the right hand and on the left. What is he now to do?
The Master's word to him is "stand still." It will be well for him if, at such times, he listens only to his Master's word, for other and evil advisers come with their suggestions. Despair whispers, "Lie down and die; give it all up." But God would have us put on a cheerful courage, and even in our worst times, rejoice in His love and faithfulness.
Cowardice says, "Retreat; go back to the world's way of action; you cannot play the Christian's part; it is too difficult. Relinquish your principles."
But, however much Satan may urge this course upon you, you cannot follow it, if you are a child of God. His Divine fiat has bid thee go from strength to strength, and so thou shalt, and neither death nor hell shall turn thee from thy course. What if for a while thou art called to stand still; yet this is but to renew thy strength for some greater advance in due time.
Impatience cries, "Do something; stir yourself; to stand still and wait is sheer idleness." We must be doing something at once--we must do it, so we think--instead of looking to the Lord, who will not only do something, but will do everything.
Arrogance boasts, "If the sea be before you, march into it, and expect a miracle." But faith listens neither to arrogance, impatience, cowardice, or despair but it hears God say, "Stand still," and immovable as a rock it stands.
"Stand still"--keep the posture of an upright man, ready for action, expecting further orders, cheerfully and patiently awaiting the directing voice; and it will not be long ere God shall say to you, as distinctly as Moses said it to the people of Israel, "Go forward.'
--Spurgeon
...In times of uncertainty, wait. Always, if you have any doubt, wait. Do not force yourself to any action. If you have a restraint in your spirit, wait until all is clear, and do not go against it.
I have worked many years on quieting the voices described, some days I better at this than others. But reading this helps encourage me to continue Standing Firm.
Dave & Kathie
I'm so sorry I've missed these last two updates. I wish this was like Caring Bridge so I'd get notified by email when you post. As for her recognizing your voice, she certainly does. It's a calmness to her that she doesn't have with other voices. You're teaching a lesson to all of us on how to care for a loved one.
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