Amy and Deborah had some bad moments yesterday. Deborah spent a little time off the respirator, breathing on her own. A little while later her breathing faltered and she had to be reconnected. This is discouraging but we all have already agreed that, if she can’t be wholly restored to functional living, we don’t wish for her to stay with us. As for Amy, she had to start the rehabilitational process yesterday but experienced a severe rise in BP and such erratic breathing that they had to call in an emergency team to care for her. They also discovered that she’s had fractured ribs that had not been diagnosed nor considered as they’ve been expecting her to be more capable in some of her movement. I came in a few hours after the emergency team called the rehab exercises off for the day and she just cried and cried; the reality of an extremely diminished physical capacity hit her like a train. We prayed together for a while and she was soon refocused and assured that her King was present and active in the midst. It was good for her to cry. It was better for her to pray .We learned again that neither emotion nor intellect nor willpower is sufficient in life’s blind valleys. It is our Lord who must sustain His children and He is ever faithful to help us look nowhere but to Him.
Read these lyrics to a helpful song by Sovereign Grace’s Mark Altrogge and click on the link below to hear him sing it. It’s an issue that all of us need to come to terms with regarding the limits of our confidence that God is worthy of our deep and abiding trust.
As Long as You Are Glorified
By Mark Altrogge
Shall I take from Your hand Your blessings
Yet not welcome any pain?
Shall I thank You for days of sunshine
Yet grumble in days of rain?
Shall I love You in times of plenty
Then leave You in days of drought?
Shall I trust when I reap a harvest
But when winter winds blow, then doubt?
Oh let Your will be done in me
In Your love I will abide
Oh I long for nothing else as long
As You are glorified
Are You good only when I prosper
And true only when I’m filled?
Are You King only when I’m carefree
And God only when I’m well?
You are good when I’m poor and needy
You are true when I’m parched and dry
You still reign in the deepest valley
You’re still God in the darkest night
https://youtu.be/SZHfv2ivUrM
Once again God is great, bringing encouragement through times of trial- thank you God is with you bearing the load – hope you guys get some rest- ready and waiting to help in ANY way – the Gradys
Amy, Pastor, and family,
I am praying for you day and night. I know what the doctors say, from my experiences,
and I also know that they are not all knowing and they don’t have an idea what God can do.
He is good and gracious. He is our refuge and strength, a very Present help in trouble.
That is one of my favorite verses ever since my Granddad was in the hospital.
I was a teen sitting with him by myself and was so scared and a pastor stopped by and shared that with me.
Please let me know if there is anything (other than prayers) I can do.
Love to you in Christ,
Mary
Dear Jeff, Amy & Family,
We love you so much!!! We hope & pray for all of you to fully recover!!!
Thank you for blessing us each Sunday!!!
Love, Joyce & Lori
Pastor,
Thank you for the continued updates. I’m in prayer daily for Amy, Debra, you, and your family. God is using this “season” if you will, to bring him glory. (I’m sure you already realize that.) What an amazing testimony you and your family will have (and already do) when Amy and Debra reign victoriously from this event!
I know you’re using this blog to provide us with updates but the messages in the updates are powerful and convicting! You are still ministring to us even though you aren’t able to be present with us. Thank you!
Please tell Amy I’m thinking about her and to hang in there. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13
LaDonna
Amy, remember tears are cleansing and seem to always make (especially) women feel better. And…our precious Saviour wept, too. Keep your faith and courage up – you are such an inspiration to all of us. We love you and especially the godly example you set for us all.
Continuing to pray,
Sherry Robbins
Brother Jeff, Sister Amy, Family and Staff,
So many prayers for all!! Of a more sobering note, is how the Lord allowed my grandmother to recover time and again and how she was such a blessing and witness to many. Even if Deborah is not as well as one might expect or want, her condition can be such an opportunity for many to use their God giving abilities and esp. for the grandchildren to be able to minister to their most special grandmother and grandfather. All of these ‘happenings’ can help our beloved church and the Body of Christ to come closer together and even expand some of our ministries, in which I pray to be a blessing. MUCH LOVE AND PRAYERS FOR ALL! Because He LIVES and CARES, Sister Deborah
Jeff & Amy,
Thanks for the continued updates. At least they know now and can address the ribs. I love you but God loves you more!!! Agape love!! Praying God heals your broken body with the quickness that only he can do!!! I know it’s hard, but God is giving you His strength!! I can do all things through God who strengtheth me !! Philippians 4:13 (u ready knew that!) Love you. God bless
Taryn and I are praying for yall everyday and night! Love and miss yall!
From a song called “He’s always been faithful” by Sara Groves :-
Morning by morning I wake up to find
The power and the comfort of God’s hand in mine.
Season by season I watch Him amazed
In awe of the mystery of His perfect ways.
All I have need of His hand will provide;
He’s always been faithful to me.
I can’t remember a trial or a pain
He did not recycle to bring me some gain.
I can’t remember one single regret
In serving God only, and trusting His hand.
This is my anthem, this is my song –
The theme of the stories I’ve heard for so long.
God has been faithful, He will be again;
His loving compassion, it knows no end
Jeff & Amy,
We want to assure you both that God brings you to mind often throughout the day and night and we are lifting you both and your family up to the Father. I have friends and family all over the world that are praying for you and we will continue.
I am reminded of a study in Daniel by Beth Moore that I did a few years ago. She reminded us that when Shad, Mesh and Abed came out of the fiery furnace, they did not even smell like smoke! I am praying that when your family comes out of this fiery trial, the testimony that will shine from you will bring glory to God and there will not even be the smell of smoke from the fire that is now refining you.
The two of you have such a wonderful testimony that is permeating the church body even when you are temporarily absent from it. We love you both so much.
We will be out of town next week but are thankful we can pray anywhere and we can read your blog, Jeff, to keep up and know how better to pray.
The Hintons
“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” 1 Peter 5:10
I am praying diligently for Amy… and your family. The tears will continue until she can get back on her feet … we are weak but he is stong…
The Lammes
May the Lord sustain you and family during these times. I want you to know Pastor, you are sustaining your flock through your unbelievable testamony. Our Father bless all of you in the sudden set of events that have taken place in a flash moment. We never know what is around the corner in our life but Glory to God..He does and somehow He always works it out according to His will and for what is best for us and those we love. Bless Amy’s little heart..I hurt so much for her..I would gladly take her place if I could. Deborah…such a sweet saint too..It just seems still so unreal. I have constant thoughts in my mind and prayers in my
soul and heart for your family
On this day, God wants you to know
… that pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional. Pain is the reaction of the body, and as long as you have the body, some pain is inevitable. Suffering is the contraction of the mind, and unlike pain, is optional. Don’t add suffering to pain, – relax your mind and the suffering will pass.
Still praying. We had a guest speaker last night at our midweek service. He said something that made me think of you all. He said… What ever is over our heads, is under Gods feet. Hope this will minister to you all at this time. We are praying.
Jeff, Amy & family…
My prayers have been constantly with all of you. My mind drifts to you many many times a day and even throughout the night! I have requested prayers from my family and friends from Colorado, Florida, Tenn., Ohio etc…. they all call almost every other day checking on updates. I know you are uplifted in prayer by SO MANY and it is comforting to know they are heard by such a gracious God! Attached is a poem I wrote during one of my struggles! Please read it sometime to Amy if possible. As I told you before…we are added to the many who have offered to you whatever you and the family need….
Love in HIM!
Darlene Curran
I can’t do this alone
I can’t do this alone so Savior I’m crying out to You
I need You beside me & I need Your help to get through
I’m confused where You have my life headed right now
I know Your in control so will You please help me through somehow
To see the light that Your holding on the dark path I am treading
And to keep my eyes fixed on You instead of what I’m dreading
I can’t do this alone so Savior I’m begging & pleading for You
I am so thankful that Your always there for me to turn to
I ask if Your will to please take these confused feelings from me
Your all powerful & strong & I’ll go where You want me to be
When I’m not strong enough to give it still use my life
Fulfill Your plans for me even when there’s heavy strife
But dear Jesus I can’t do it alone I’ll always need You by my side
To hold me close, take away my fears and always in You confide
I can’t do this alone
I know you already know it, but GOD is faithful. My 26 yr. old daughter experienced 2 strokes and 2 brain hemorrhages on July 8, 2010. The 21 dr. team said there is no hope. She’s dying. BUT WITH GOD, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE, PRAISE TO HIM!!! She has had a full recovery with no disability and has returned to work full time about 5 weeks ago. She testifies that she could actually feel God’s hands holding her. Put your trust in HIM and in time, marvel at how he will use your injuries and circumstances to glorify Himself. HE makes no mistakes. Even 11 months out, HIS healing power is a testimony. . My family is praying for your family.
Amy, I am praying for you continuously. If there is anything I can do for you please let me know.
Cousin Lisa
Dear Pastor Jeff Lyle and Amy,
We still trust in Jesus our Lord and Savior whatever new events evolve.We are praying for you,not only for complete and rapid healing of Amy but also that His will be done for Deborah.Being with the Lord is our only hope and ultimate destination.We pray for you, Pastor Jeff that the Lord may give you
stronger faith that is needed in your ministry to your congregation.When you preach from the pulpit your messages will be more powerful and will be of great help to those who are under trials and who is not.God bless you and bless Alicia and Landon,
Sam & Zack.
Jeff, once again thank you for the constant updates on both Amy and Mrs. Deborah. Our family continues to pray for you all. Tell Amy we love her and it’s ok to get frustrated, God understands and as she knows He will give her comfort when she seeks Him. We are all encouraged daily whether it has been good days or bad because of the strength and trust you have in the Lord. Give the kids hugs from us and tell Landon Happy Birthday! Hoping he has a wonderful day today!
Love and prayers,
The Cherepy’s.
Jeff and Amy,
You are an encouragement to me. I know things are not easy, and your reaction to these difficult times are a tribute to the God you both serve and love. Jerry’s folks ask several times a day if there are updates since they do not have computer access and they are thankful for the technology that keeps us updated. We are all praying and we know that God is still in control. Jeff, that song hits the nail on the head and I thank you for your words of wisdom.
Just know that if there is anything I can do (praying of course already being done) all you have to do is ask.
With love and prayers,
Becky and family
Amy,
We’re praying for your strength and perseverance during rehab and for your comfort and peace over all. Just when it seems that it isn’t possible to go on, the Lord gives us exactly what we need, whatever the situation. He’s holding you in His hands.
I love you, my sweet friend!
I know that God felt Amy’s tears. She was frustrated. Today will be a better day. Amy look ahead and don’t look at the past. God will make things better. Rehab is hard. All things are possible with Christ. Don’t give up.
We love you!!!
Amy, I am lifting you up in prayer. God Bless.