| (The LORD said) "My people have been lost sheep. Their shepherds have led them astray, turning them away on the mountains. From mountain to hill they have gone. They have forgotten their fold." Jeremiah 50:6 In the 1940s, Frank Sinatra made a song popular. That song begins this way: "New York, New York, it's a wonderful town; the Bronx is up but the Battery's down." As far as I can tell, the Bronx and Battery are still as described, but I'm no longer convinced that New York is a "wonderful town." Here's the problem: New York rents school space to hundreds of organizations, including dozens of churches. For budding congregations, for financially strapped churches, for denominations deciding where to place a parish, renting space from the city has always been a blessing. Sadly, the City of New York feels this is a violation of church and state. That's why, since 1985, they have been trying to get these churches out of the schools. Last year, a federal court agreed with New York and now the Supreme Court has refused to hear an appeal from those churches. Simply stated, the churches are being turned out. Ms. Donna Lieberman, executive director of the New York Civil Liberties Union, said, "... freedom for a church to take over a school and convert it to a house of worship is not what our Constitution stands for." I wonder what the courts and Ms. Lieberman would say if, next election day, all the churches which are used for voting would decree, "freedom for the government to take over a church hall and convert it to a polling place is not what our Constitution stands for." My friends, the truth is this: buildings don't get converted. For a church to rent an unused school building for a few hours on a Sunday doesn't change the complexion of that building. The children won't come in on Monday and say, "Ooohhh, I feel strange vibrations; there must have been a cross in here." How sad. Once again political-correctness-gone-amuck has had its way, and a relationship which has been beneficial to everyone is over. Once again it appears that "Their shepherds have led them astray. They have forgotten their fold." All the more reason for us, who have been washed in the Savior's blood, to lift up our nation in prayer. Let God's people let Him know there are still some who remember His help and handiwork. THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, there are places in this richly blessed country which don't want You. Send Your Holy Spirit to change those hearts. Let them realize what You have done and still do for us as a country, for us as individuals. May the story of the Savior's life, death and resurrection be openly shared everywhere. In Jesus' Name. Amen. |
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Jonas's Updates
Tuesday, February 14th
Posted 19 hours agoJonas got out of the hospital last Saturday and will go back into the hospital on Friday for five days of chemo. Originally, he was scheduled for this cycle two weeks ago this coming Wednesday -- but the infections put that on hold. They called and asked us to be there this Wednesday, but gave us the option to wait until Friday. Well, that was a no-brainer for us. Two more days would not hurt anything at this point and would acutally be a welcome breather. So, Jonas has two more days to recouperate.
Some of you may have heard that Luke Minx, the older brother of Jonas' twin friends, Chris and Nick Minx, is on American Idol this year. Luke is uber-talented, a great role model, and has such a loving family. I'm telling you about him because he is writing a song for Jonas called Hold On. It is beautiful!!! So far there is only a preview snippet you can watch and Jonas can't wait to hear the rest! You can go to YouTube and type in Hold On Jonas Borchert or copy and paste the link (oh yeah, don't forget to grab a tissue):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Upt8EUbBtc
Jonas said to tell you that you can go on Facebook and join Team Luke Minx. We think he's fantastic and Hold On is an inspiration. I know what I will be singing in the tough moments ahead. Hold On.
Today is Valentine's Day and I hope this message finds you celebrating with the one's you love. Today, our hearts are full here at the Borchert household. If nothing else, cancer sure makes you appreciate all the things you love in this life. The love of dear family and friends is number one. Thank you all for helping us to remember that. Hold your loved ones close tonight and cherish the memories. They all seem to fly by so fast.Send a message
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Anna Hoelscher's visitation is tomorrow, Thursday, 4-8pm at Pitman funeral home in WARRENTON.--
Funeral will be at 10am, burial will immediately follow the funeral, and then the luncheon will follow the burial.
Peace be with you all!
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| Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 Although I've never met him or her, I'm willing to concede that this world harbors a number of parents who don't want the best for their children. They may be out there, but I don't know them. Certainly an accusation of "not caring" can never be brought against the parents of young children in the northern provinces of China. There the kindergartens are charging the parents of their students $190 to read the children's palms. The company which has designed the tests, Shanxi Daomeng Culture Communications Co., says the test can help "determine the children's innate intelligence and potential." In some countries such a test might be considered a bit of silliness -- not in China. Since the Communist Party has decreed only one child per couple, and since most Chinese parents hope their child may grow up to help support them, most moms and pops feel an overriding need to do all they can to assure their child's success. That's why, if a palm-reading can give their youngsters a leg up on the competition, well, nothing is too good for little Johnny or Janie. All this explains why, rather than objecting to this outrageous price being charged for the test, parents are lining up with money in their hands to have the procedure done. When I heard about the palm-reading tests and the amount being charged to take them, I have to admit, I started to think. One of the first thoughts that occurred to me was this: if these parents want to give their child the best, they can do no better than to consult with the Savior. Jesus, the only Person who loves these children more than the parents, offered up His life to ransom and redeem them. With Holy Spirit-given faith these children can be given new hearts -- new hearts which will a. offer them forgiveness, hope and joy right now; b. offer them hope and comfort at the time of death; c. offer them a heavenly home, where a never-ending reunion will take place with all believers ... including moms, dads and children who know Jesus. Truly, there is no greater gift a parent can give a child than to say, "Son, daughter, I want you to meet Jesus. He loves you very much. He is your Savior." THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, although it seems impossible, today I pray that the hearts of China's leadership may let the Savior's story be shared in homes throughout that great land. Until that day comes, may parents see the Savior and tell their child about God's great love and grace. This I pray in my Savior's Name. Amen. |
| Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, In response to President Obama's announcement Friday concerning an "accommodation" to a previous mandate that health plans must cover all forms of birth control (even those that can kill the unborn), The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) remains deeply concerned. We strongly object to the use of drugs and procedures that are used to take the lives of unborn children, who are persons in the sight of God from the time of conception. Drugs such as "Plan B" and "Ella," which are still included in the mandate, can work post-conception to cause the death of the developing child, so don't be fooled by statements to the contrary. We see President Obama's action Friday as significant, in that it appears to have been prompted by the many voices united in concern over an infringement of our religious liberties. But the "accommodation" did not expand the exemption for religious employers, nor did it restrict the mandate in any way. It simply described a temporary enforcement delay and a possible future change—a change that, unfortunately, would not adequately protect religious freedom or unborn lives. We remain opposed to this mandate because it runs counter to the biblical truth of the sanctity of human life. We are committed to working to ensure that we remain free to practice the teachings of our faith, that our religious rights are not violated, and that our rights of conscience are retained. Freedom of religion extends beyond the practice of our faith in houses of worship. We must be free to put our faith into action in the public square, and, in response to Christ's call, demonstrate His mercy through our love and compassion for all people according to the clear mandate of Holy Scripture. The government has overstepped its bounds. This controversy is not merely about "birth control" and the Catholic Church's views about it. It's about mandating that we provide medications which kill life in the womb. And moreover, and perhaps even more ominous, it is about an overzealous government forcing coercive provisions that violate the consciences and rights of its citizens. We can no longer expect a favored position for Christianity in this country. But we can, as citizens of this great nation, fight for constitutional sanity against secularizing forces. As we have vividly experienced in discriminatory state legislation with respect to homosexual adoption, we, and our institutions (and those of other religious citizens of good will), are being robbed of the right to the free exercise of religion absent government intrusion or threat. The next assault will come upon church-related retirement facilities. How much longer will it be legal in this country to believe and act according to the dictates of biblical and creedal Christianity? Jesus bids us, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's" (Mark 12:17). We will pray for and support our government where we can, but our consciences and lives belong to God.
To read or download a PDF of this letter, click here. To read or download a PDF of President Harrison's first letter on this matter, click here. | ||||
Hello Prayer Warriors,
I don't even want to look at how long it has been since I last updated you. It is certainly not because Amy hasn't progressed further. On the contrary. Amy continues to improve. Thanks to her husband continuing with his "tough love", her home help; Sharon - who is amazing and therapy through Logan Chiropractic College and Dr. Ginger with Sport n Spine Chiropractic in Warrenton, up until just recently.
The boys continue to be busy with school and then whatever season they are in; soccer, football and soon it will be baseball. I think the fall was crazy busy back and forth juggling soccer with Sam and football with Justin. I do recall that Justin's team went to the "superbowl" with his team. Exciting times!
Until just recently, Amy has had continued therapy at Logan Chiropractic College twice a week; where they focused on the bottom half - legs, etc.. And then twice a week at Sport n Spine Chiropractic with Dr. Ginger; worked on the top half - arms and such. The combination of this therapy has reached the point of Amy walking with assistance. That's right!! Walking! Some of you have maybe seen Amy around Warrenton. I do believe that at one point Dr. Ginger challenged Amy to walk down the street to the Bakery and she would buy her a donut. Well, Amy certainly didn't turn that down :) And I believe Amy walked in to Carson's ice cream.
Amy does wear a brace on her left calf/ankle/foot when she is walking. It is a newer brace probably within the last 6-8 months. It does a better job and hurts Amy less than the one before; but because it hurts she doesn't wear it as maybe she should. But it holds the foot and ankle in place so that she can take the steps forward. I say "walked". She is walking with assistance on both sides of her or she can use a walker. Either way, isn't this incredibly exciting!!???
How far you ask? Over Christmas break, Justin on one side and Sharon on the other; Amy walked 50 yards without stopping. Understand that Amy is not jumping up and grabbing the walker and off she goes. She still needs assistance getting up to the standing position and then into the wheelchair. Sharon is having Amy use the walker on every trip to the bathroom at home. And that is a lot of trips! Let me explain. (Well actually Sharon has a time schedule now, that will make sense after the next paragraph)
This is actually something you can pray specifically about. Might seem minor and in fact personal, but hey if we are specific in prayer it can make all the difference. Basically, Amy feels like she has to "p" but when she gets in the bathroom she can't and doesn't. This can go on all day. And this is not only frustrating for Amy but challenging for the care giver of the day. (The up and down and up and down from sofa to chair to toilet and back) Trust me! The few days I have had the pleasure of Amy time............I think we went to the bathroom 5 times before Noon! Because........what if...........this time is THE time??? So, there ya go - pray that Amy can "p" when she gets to the bathroom or that her brain gives the signal when her bladder is really ready???? Not sure what is going on, because this wasn't a problem before??
That doggone right ankle. That is another specific to pray about. It is still twisted crooked. It is better and it is more flexible, but it still naturally goes crooked or turns in. There is some good news for the future in relation to this ankle.
Certainly everyone has been working with the ankle; Logan, Ginger and even I see Amy and Bob working to bend it and stretch it back in place. Amy has built up the strength in her core and her right leg that I saw her lift it up and cross it over the left or lift it up and pull that foot up to rest across her left knee. So cool.
This past week Amy revisited Dr. Worth. He is the Neurologist/Chiropractor in Fenton. Dr. Worth was AMAZED how far she has come since he saw her 2 years ago. AMAZING....for Dr. Worth, he was able to talk with Amy and Sharon didn't have to interpret, he could understand Amy just fine. During her visit, Amy had e-stem therapy on her ankle and more good news. Dr. Worth from about 2 feet away from Amy's face, asked her to stare at his nose. When Amy did her right eye opened up further and teared up. He said something fired in the brain that hasn't been that is why she teared up. (They did an vision test and her vision is fine on both sides - I think it always has been.) He wants to work at getting things to "fire" in the brain so that progress continues and can be maintained. Her eye still doesn't track with the left and is only about half open compared to her strong left eye.
Amy went this week to get fitted for a different brace or modify the one she has. Dr. Worth is also ordering a super padded night brace for Amy to wear. It will hold that right ankle in the proper position. He is concerned about the future since it has been crooked for all this time.
So cool. Dr. Ginger had a baby girl last week. Congrats to she and Dr. Josh! So that is why her therapy has stopped locally. But, with the revisit to Dr. Worth new doors will open for progress.
So we can send prayers of thanksgiving for the 4 interns that worked with Amy at Logan College and Dr. Ginger for making soooo much happen over the past almost 2 years. So now, in a nutshell Dr. Worth is going to work with the brain. He said the brain is what will help her maintain all of this progress she has had up to this point. Isn't this awesome!!!!???? GOD is SO GOOD. Doors close and doors open. GOD has a plan! And as Sharon said; Amy has so much to look forward to in this life. So much more to do!!!!
Amy's goal is to walk down the aisle to re-marry Bobby. When you ask her what can people pray for and she says for her to walk. -that is it. To walk. Specifically down the church aisle. :)
Amy's biggest blessing this past year has been Sharon. Sharon is amazing. She has the tough love attitude to push and encourage Amy to keep moving forward each and every day. She can reason and talk Amy through tough days. And Sharon loves Amy and visa versa. There have been tears with Amy's first steps and so on. Now Sharon will tell you that they fight and yell at each other but then minutes later everything is fine. Sharon also being a Mom, she can speak right up when the boys need some direction :) (I hear that a very hot summer was a challenge with 2 boys). She and Amy take the boys in to school every day. She has been their biggest asset this past year. They consider her a part of their family. In fact, Bobby knew Sharon had been wanting a new car for Christmas so he got her one! That's right! Ok...well, it was a Hot Wheel little car, but it was CAR, Bobby said! Sharon thought it was hilarious :)
Amy's speech and communication is better all the time. Of course the more you are around her the more you can understand her. She laughs at me when I can't understand her....so I get her to spell the words. She was trying to tell me where their white car was at and I just couldn't understand. She spelled Gastorf. That in itself is an accomplishment - ha! She will ask you the same question throughout the day; but I think that is because she is wanting to talk more but her brain only comes up with that same question again. So, Sharon will tell her now; ask me something different Amy. So, now she asks her what color is her underwear today? They end of laughing in the end.
She cracks a joke or will toss in some sarcasm in conversation. She will speak back and forth in conversation, but not as fast as you and I would (YET). Many of you ask me if she knows what is going on and what has and is happening. YES. Her memory of the specific accident is not clear but she knows what happened. Recently she said to me "I'm sorry." Why? "For having my accident." I said, I know. It's ok, Amy. "It wasn't my fault." I know. "I lost control of my car."
Check this out!!! Amy went to have a massage at her previous place of employment; Chiropractic office in Wentzville. Bobby had her to walk in with the walker into the office. All the girls where ecstatic! Cheering and smiles!!! So exciting!!! One of her colleagues said they thought they would never see the day.
Please pray consistently for Sharon's back. She is in great pain. The physical part of working with Amy is a strain for Sharon but she is tough cookie. But tough cookie aside, an aching back is sometimes unbearable. She needs healing. Based on the next 4 weeks if her pain doesn't improve she is up for possible surgery. She has a compressed vertebrate. It is a serious situation. Please pray for her healing. God is still in the healing business.
I had a thought. Wish I would have thought of it sooner than now. I asked Amy, Bobby and Sharon's permission to start a Facebook Group. WE can post thoughts, prayers, encouragement and positive comments for Amy. If you see Amy somewhere and want to post how she is doing or how you were together, please do so. So, if you would like to be a member of this Group "Amy's Prayer Warriors", then friend me on Facebook "Lynda Stuermann Chandler" or if you are already a friend then message me that you want to be in the group. It will be a closed group for only those invited. I figure this will keep everyone updated a bit sooner with at least tid bits, rather than me and my novel emails :)
Well, hopefully the next Amy Update won't be quite so long. But, no guarantees. Thank you for being a prayer warrior and thank you for passing this on just like you did from the very beginning, 4 1/2 years ago. Prayers make a difference.
Farewell for now. Guess I'll be seeing some of you then on Facebook!
Love, LyndaLove, Lynda
