"In deserts & gardens..."

March 3, 2024

There is a beautiful song titled, “Good Plans,” that has been such an encouragement to us through the past several months. The song lyrics contain multiple references to a well known passage from the Psalms. (Psalms 23)

“The lord is my shepherd…” 

“He quiets the waters…”

“Why would I question the rod and the staff that comforts me?”

“Surely, Your goodness and mercy will follow after me…”

Another part of the song is from a different Old Testament passage…

“No weapon formed against me will prosper…” (Isaiah 54:17)

The title of the song “Good Plans” is repeated in the chorus,

“He has good plans

He has good plans for me

I know my father, I know my father has good plans” 

These words are from Jeremiah 29:11 which has been especially meaningful to us throughout our lives.

However, among all these references to the precious and ageless truths, that have the power to direct our minds and hearts toward heaven when life on earth is so difficult, there is a phrase that stands out to me above all the rest. 

“So, I will take heart in Deserts and Gardens!”

It so accurately describes the most appropriate response in a person’s countenance, when he or she has received & believes all the afore mentioned encouragements from the Scriptures. 

Again it says,

“So, I will take heart in DESERTS AND GARDENS!”

That is to me, being content in all circumstances. Finding the still waters as the rough seas in life rage all around us. 

Remaining hopeful with chins held high even when all we can see are mountains, or giants, or any other opposing threat. 

Having the strength within us, because of faith in a Good God, is itself an oasis, that can sustain us in the most barren seasons of our lives. 

When living in times of abundance & plenty, contentment, should be easy to experience. But what about the dry spells? Can we still “take heart”? Will we relent to the doubts that creep in, linger about, and cloud our memories of past provisions & blessing. 

I’d be lying if I told you that we (Rachel and I) have been immune to rapidly escalating feelings of desperation when it seems so many challenges hit us all at once.  No, we haven’t been immune, but we haven’t been overtaken. 

God’s “goodness & mercy” as the psalmist has written and the artists in this song sing out…are with us, “ALL THE DAYS of our lives”. All of the bad days (the “deserts”) and all of the good days (the “Gardens”). 

Contentment doesn’t come because life turns out all the ways we want it too, it’s a result of being at peace with the all the ways it turns! 

We know “our Father has good plans!”

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Rachel specifically asked me to thank everyone who has prayed for her/us and continues to pray. Also, to those who have generously shared financial blessings with us, we are deeply moved and tremendously grateful. 

Our communication with sign language is improving and has been so helpful. It has relieved a lot of pressure on us all. 

One of Rachel’s most significant improvements is her progress using a standard walker. We have been practicing daily at home, and with minimal support for balance, she can successfully walk 25-30ft. 

Her strength and mobility in her left arm has been increasing & she is able to keep her head up for longer periods of time. We regularly stretch and exercise using therapy bands of various tensions. 

Rachel still sees double but she has communicated her vision is clearer in the morning when she is less tired. And now we are started to see noticeable lateral movement with her eyes (this is very exciting as previously there was no detectable side to side movement).

From time to time Rachel will reveal that she feels “lazy” and wishes that she was contributing more to the daily work around the house. Of course, we reassure her that she needn’t worry about that and it’s important for her to rest and recover after her therapy workouts. 

Her greatest frustration is not being able to eat/drink orally. So has always loved dipping some form of bread into hot beverages in the morning and she misses this greatly. 

We still await a consultation with a specialist who will be able to evaluate the condition of the 7th cranial nerve (this is the nerve that controls all the motor movements of the face/tongue/throat and blinking/closure of the eyelids.) 

We know that her Neuro-Rehab Dr. Is seeking this connection to determine next steps, so we are doing our best to be patient and wait for the best plan. (The latest update we heard is that the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville may be the best option.)

As we wait for the referral, we also are waiting for responses to our applications for benefits (C.A.R.E.S. Program with the state of Florida & SSDI with federal government).  On March 12, Rachel’s extended healthcare coverage through her employer expired. We have been so blessed to have had such good care and coverage for so long after her last day she was able to work. 

This also means that we have temporarily suspended all of her therapy sessions at the outpatient clinic until we hear back regarding her new benefits. The Brooks Rehabilitation Clinic at Halifax has provided an opportunity for us to apply for a scholarship (8 visits with a possibility of an additional 8 visits) while our applications are under review. We will submit that scholarship application soon and are hopeful there will be a positive outcome. 

However, our therapy workouts continue daily at home. We have a good schedule and are well equipped to ensure there is no loss of momentum in Rachel’s rehab. 

Hopefully, this update has provided insight into the many successes to celebrate, and reasons for us to be grateful, as well as specifics for continued prayer. 

Our entire family express our love and thankfulness for you all and we cherish your partnership on this journey.

With thankfulness and hope,

Jeremy