Take a look over on the rightmost column of this blog at the number of times
Updates On Isabel has been accessed since the site was created on July 2nd... That works out to something over 500 times per day! Guardian angels don't need blogs, so these "hits" are from brothers and sisters all over the world who love Isabel and her family very much and are continually supporting them in prayer and service! WAY TO GO, CHURCH! Keep going! This is one of our most vital responsibilities in this fallen world!
"This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!"
— 2 Corinthians 9:13-15
“There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are messengers of overwhelming grief…and unspeakable love.”
— Washington Irving
Before Jehovah's awful throne,
Ye nations, bow with sacred joy;
Know that the Lord is God alone;
He can create, and He destroy.
His sovereign power, without our aid,
Made us of clay, and formed us men;
And when like wandering sheep we strayed,
He brought us to His fold again.
We are His people, we His care,
Our souls, and all our mortal frame;
What lasting honours shall we rear,
Almighty Maker, to Thy Name.
We'll crowd Thy gates with thankful songs,
High as the heavens our voices raise;
And earth, with her ten thousand tongues,
Shall fill Thy courts with sounding praise
Wide as the world is Thy command,
Vast as eternity Thy love;
Firm as a rock Thy truth must stand,
When rolling years shall cease to move.
— Isaac Watts
I've only gotten to met Isabel a few times but I can tell how awesome of a person she is just by the people who have shown so much support for her. This has been an inspiration to myself and can't wait for her continued progress. We'll will keep one praying for her and your family!
ReplyDeleteGod Bless!
Ashley
Bill, thanks for all you and others have done to hearten the body of Christ in interceding for Isabel and the Wimmer-Browns, and in serving them. I am sure that the cohesion pictured in this blog is only a glimpse of the works of love and mercy that God has woven together for them.
ReplyDeleteI myself have had cause to repent as I've considered other people I know who are suffering ... do I assault God as vigorously with my petitions on their behalf? Am I as convinced that God is in charge of their lives, and that his arm is still mighty to save? May the holy courage, faith, trust and stamina we learn here overflow in other parts of his kingdom, to his glory and renown!
Thanks again, Bill. God be with you.
Debbie Bauer in Washington, DC
I continue to hear stories from medical staff at St. Clare who are amazed and awed at Rick and Mary's faith and calmness in the midst of turmoil, the genuine peace they exude to all around them. Long experience has taught doctors and nurses to expect that the normal initial outpouring of support would quickly fade.
ReplyDeleteThis is genuine witness to the world that cuts right across our preconceived boundaries of church and worship and contains nothing that we can individually or corporately claim as our work or manufacture. The Holy Spirit is the progenitor of this spiritual feast; we look on in wonder and awe at His amazing work and revel in His presence. We thank Him for his comfort and continue to cry out to Him for continuing mercy.
"The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” John 3:8
Bill,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your thoughts, I love your words: "this spiritual feast"...it is indeed!
Your brother in Christ,
Rick