A Spring of Joy

Over the past 21 months (has it really been that long?!), my Brian has worn so many hats… father, provider, husband, nurturer, care-giver… he has been Mr. Dad and Mr. Mom to help keep our home in some semblance of order during my treatments and recovery. He has cooked meals, held babies, changed diapers, fixed lunches, done dishes, folded laundry, mopped floors, driven carpool and worked 50+ hours a week to provide for us.

And so his Father’s Day present came early this year:

He’s away this week with 6 other guys. On a BABE rally. (And, might I add, still wearing the hat of workin’ man, because he’s working from the road, too.)

I just love saying my hubby’s on a BABE rally and watching the reaction.

Big Apple to Big Easy (BABE). 1500 miles in 5 days in a car worth $500 or less.

Fortunately, the first night’s check-in is close, so he’s home tonight, but off again Tuesday morning dressed as an astronaut. Yes, you read that right.

I still can’t wrap my mind around it all.

But I love it.

Well, I love that HE loves it. And I love him, so I guess I love it, too.

Happy Father’s Day, baby. Here’s to a win for British Rust (Bri’s the one behind the camera)! (And second place for How’s My Hair Look.)

Oh, and in case anyone was wondering, Bella cried for 30 minutes after Bri left on Sunday, finally crying herself to sleep at naptime. Bless her heart, she just can’t stand for things to hurt. And she loves her daddy to pieces.

Via email from Tony, their youngest son:

“Dad’s surgery went great and they were able to clip the aneurysm, which was the optimal outcome. He is in the ICU recovery for the night and will then be moved to regular recovery hopefully tomorrow for the next few days. He is in a good bit of pain and has a big headache and sore throat, but he was in good spirits even though tired and there doesn’t seem to be any residual memory loss. Praise God for his goodness and care. I know Mom and Dad appreciate your prayers and would ask for continued prayer for quick recovery and healing.”

Thank you all for praying!

Thank God for His mercies to this dear family.

To HIM alone be all praise and glory.

Intercession means that we rouse ourselves up to get the mind of Christ about the one for whom we pray.
~Oswald Chambers

There is a man who is loved dearly by our family. There is a man who is loved even more dearly by his family and others. There is a man who is loved most dearly by Christ.

With John’s permission, I am asking, “Would you rouse yourselves up with me and pray for our friend, John, and his family?”

Tuesday morning he will be undergoing surgery to repair a brain aneurysm. There is risk involved in such a massive operation… there is risk of stroke, brian damage, rupture and death. There is fear. Fear that John is not afraid to admit, but in the midst of his fear, there is faith. Faith that clings to a God who is good no matter what. Faith that knows when he sees his Father face to face, He will know fullness of joy. There is desire. Desire to remain and live life with his loved ones. But there is submission. Submission to the will of God Who has never made a mistake with John’s life.

He is a vibrant man who loves God and his family and friends with a ferocity that is rare. He is in love with his wife and brags about her constantly. She was once my discipler, imparting wisdom weekly to me as I struggled to figure out what marriage and family looked like. And I would give anything to have her wisdom, and a marriage and family like theirs. Three sons, fully grown, who love their Lord and love their family and friends. It’s a family that laughs together and lives together.

I could write about the years we have spent with this family, the hours in their home. But this isn’t about me. This is about John & Angie and their boys.

Would you please intercede with me?

Would you pray for peace for John as he spends this day before the surgery with his loved ones, that fear and anxiety would not find its way into their day?

Would you pray for relief from the attacks of Satan who wants the fear and doubt and unbelief that we all naturally struggle with to pervade?

Would you pray for sweet sleep tonight for John and Angie & their sons as they wait for tomorrow?

Would you pray for skill and precision on the part of the doctor? For a successful surgery and complete and full recovery?

Would you pray that John would live to have many years with his family? To see his oldest son get married in the Fall? Would you pray that this world would be blessed to be impacted by this man’s heart and example and ministry for many more years?

And would you pray for his family? For rest and trust and peace as they watch this man who has been so instrumental in their lives and so many others’ lives suffer?

Would you pray that God would be glorified through all of this? That we could all live in the peace of knowing that John is in the hands of the One Who spoke the universe into existence with a word?

There is more, I know. Please, rouse yourselves up and pray for John.

This is a man who is very dear to us. This is a man who is even more dear to others. This is a man who is most dear to Christ.

How do I know?

Because Christ’s hands are scarred with the name John.