W W W . G R O W I N G A N D G R O W I N G . C O M

100% Update: Dad's New Grillz

2008-12-03T12:26:00.003-06:00

Do you like Dad's new teeth? We love 'em! Here is the lunch-time update:

Dad (and Mom) just returned from the "PTL" meeting with Dr. Dentyne ... who says that Dad will need more than 1 but less than 10 teeth pulled ... that's my way of saying, "I think 3-5 teeth" ...
Dr. Dentyne wants Dad to see Dr. Im-Planter ... the periodontist who specializes in implants ... later this afternoon. (Home, doctor, home, doctor, home, doctor!)
The teeth get ripped out next Tuesday morning. The bridge work and reconstruction will begin then.
Right now, Dad is having soup and salad with Pastor QuietSoul ... that dude is quite amazing ... he has been at every hospital, every turn, every step of the way ... Thanks again QuietSoul!

Anyone in Springfield, TN?

2008-12-03T09:28:00.004-06:00

Remember PrayerChair? She's the one who helped take Dad to the Wall, and prays for Dad in the garden, and made a prayer book of whispers. Well, I saw on FB a few moments ago that she fell last night in her garage and that she needs some help. Immediate help. If anyone can help give her a ride to the emergency room, let me know. She lives in Springfield, TN. Otherwise, please pray for PrayerChair ... that sounds neat ... pray for PrayerChair!

UPDATED (10:35am): Just got an email from PrayerChair ... someone else saw her status on her FaceBook account and made a few calls ... they have arranged a ride to the hospital.

Lights Up

2008-12-03T08:58:00.002-06:00

If you know MyBeloved, then you know she shops early or late ... I can't figure it out ... for the next holiday. Let me explain: she buys Halloween 2009 outfits for the kids on November 1, 2008. That's early shopping for 2009, and late for 2008. The same for Christmas.

Well, last year she bought about $200 worth of lights for about $20. Mind you, we have NEVER put up Christmas lights outside our house. This year ... after much planning and a day's worth of work ... I finally got the Lights Up!

The Book Game

2008-12-02T16:26:00.002-06:00

I know that we still have to announce one winner ... the winner of the Logo Contest ... and we are about to do that ... I will say that we are down to TWO FINALISTS! ... stayed tuned ...

In the meantime, our friend MamaEek from The Eekhoff's Plain Life did this on their family website, and we thought it would be fun to find who the real G&G Addicts are in this World. It's called ... The Book Game ... here are the rules:

Grab the book nearest you. Right now! Quick! Run! No talk!

Turn to page 56.

Find the fifth sentence.

Post that sentence in our "Comments" section. ( ... If you have never posted a comment, you click on the comments link at the bottom of this post. If you don't have an account with Google, that's o.k. Just use the "Name" option and type in your name, do required security word, and then "publish your comment" ... ).

Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST book.

Here is what I got:

Robert's Rules of Order (New Revised): "By this principle, a main motion can be made only when no other motion is pending."

MamaEek offered a $10 Target Gift card. Just to make it even more fun, if you play along and post your comment, you will automatically be entered into a random drawing for a $15 Walmart Gift card! It's not much, but, hey, its more than they offered at The Eekhoff's Plain Life. Entries must be posted by 5:00pm (CST) December 10, 2008.

Ready? Set? Go!

Ref. # 2008-231289781238412

2008-12-02T15:53:00.002-06:00

That, my friends, is the reference number approving the dental work for Dad. ( ... Actually, it is not the actual reference number, but looks like the actual reference number ... ) Whooo-whooo! Thanks for your prayers and support. Grab yourself a piece of Dentyne and celebrate with us for the soon-to-be new and improved smile for Dad. Dr. Dentyne ... Dad's regular dentist ... will be checking out the choppers tomorrow.

Frozen Food

2008-12-02T13:45:00.002-06:00

This should probably be linked under a "That's Not Right" series, but I will just go ahead and tell you. Last night ... while the ladies were playing "build a gingerbread house" ... I spent the evening with Dad and Nos. 2, 3, and 4. MyBeloved ... because she is my beloved wife ... made dinner for us all, which we took over to Dad's house. Here's what happened:

I get the little ones seated at the table.
I put out three small paper plates.
I open the four containers of food.
Food looks scrumptious ... homemade meatloaf, whipped potatoes, peas, and cinnamon applies.
I dish out the food for the little ones.
Little ones begin to eat food.
I get Dad to the table.
I put out two big paper plates ( ... yes, we are bigger dudes ... ).
I dish out the food for Dad.
Dad begins to eat food.
I dish out the food for me.
I look at food ... doesn't look quite right.
I touch food ... it is cold.
Dad and kids are eating cold food.
I heat up my food and join them.

Yeah, that's not right.

Dear SketchedOut ...

2008-12-02T08:50:00.001-06:00

I received your email. Thanks for the quick response and the kind remarks. What are you doing up at that late hour? Oh yea, you are on West Coast Time ...

[Note to World: I found a great picture for last night's update, but I needed to contact the artist before posting. Much to my surprise, I received the following email from SketchedOut within a few hours of my request.]

Dear Self,

Sure, you can use the Cat's Away drawing for your website. Thanks for asking. Glad to hear your dad is better. What an awful thing to go through... and I sure hope your mom enjoyed herself on her night out!

Thanks again,

Sketched Out

SketchedOut, you are a great artist and I am making sure that all of the G&G Addicts (... those addicted to this site ... ) skip over to your site for an afternoon break. If you don't mind, I am sharing another one of your great sketches with the World. They should understand its significance ...

Stand Out ... by Sketched Out

Good luck with your endeavors. If you are ever in the MusicCity or if you ever need help ( ... we specialize in prayers ... ), then look us up.

Sincerely,

Self

100% Update: While the Mom's Away ...

2008-12-01T20:26:00.006-06:00

... the Dad will play ... with the grandkids, that is!

Artwork Courtesy of Linda Silvestri

Tonight, MyBeloved mom-napped Mom ( ... kinda like kidnapping a kid, but mom-napping a mom ...) and took her to a night out on the town. Actually, it was more like a night with all the church ladies at the church with food and fun. That left Dad, me, and Nos. 2, 3, 4 at the house. The little women ( ... Nos. 3 & 4 ... ) showered Dad with kisses all night long. I wish you could have seen the innocent, sweet kisses ... true joy and happiness ... from young to old. (... big sigh, little tear ...) After the girls went to bed, No. 2 watched a Disney movie ( ... No, I am not going to say that he watches too much television ... ), while Dad and I watched some Monday Night Football. Go Jacksonville! Here's an update:

Last week, we asked you to pray for dental coverage approval from InsureYouCo. for the reconstructive dental work in Dad's mouth.

That prayer request was partially resolved today! InsureYouCo. will cover the dental work, but only for an in-network provider. ( ... Don't get me started on whether that makes sense ... it doesn't ... Dad does not have dental coverage through InsureYouCo. ... If he did, then there would not have been a coverage issue in the first place ... )

We now need to petition the company for a out-of-network waiver for services to be provided by Dad's regular dentist, Dr. Dentyn, or we need to find an in-network dentist that will fit Dad into their schedule immediately.

Dad get some glasses tomorrow, that will help with his vision. He can now see about 7 feet in front of himself.

December 16 is an appointment with Dr. 90210, the plastic surgeon, who will be able to assess the regeneration of nerves in Dad's face. Even then, they will not be able to do any surgery until February 2009.

December 18 is an appointment with Dr. Spock, the ear specialist, who will be able to assess Dad's loss of hearing. The EarNoseThroat team determined that there was no permanent damage to the ear drum and other internal parts of the ear. However, Dad is having a problem with the air pressure and, thus, hearing in both ears.

December 19 is a follow-up appointment with Dr. BoneFixer, the orthopedic surgeon, who reported last visit that the fractures in Dad's pelvic and tailbone were healing nicely.

Overall, Dad is getting familiar with his homestead. He likes having his bed. He likes having his own television. He likes having his wife by his side.

Enter the Story

2008-12-01T16:08:00.002-06:00

This video is awesome! LadyWord sent me this link this afternoon. The video "challenged" one of WordFamily's non-Christian friends. Does it challenge you?

Thanks for the link, LadyWord.

Not-So-Dumb Kid ... DumbDad

2008-12-01T10:42:00.006-06:00

I told you that we had a favority TurkeyDay story involving No. 2, movies, video games, and none other than Self a.k.a. DumbDad. Ready? Here we go:

On our way to Okie-ville last week, in my rear-view mirror I saw No. 2 playing a video game ... he had a dazed and confused look on his face ... tongue sticking out ... eyes glassed over. I turned to MyBeloved and expressed my concern, "I am worried about him. He watches too many movies and plays too many video games. What if he turns out dumb? [... Before you scold me for saying these words, give me some credit. (1) He didn't hear me. (2) I really meant, "He watches too many movies and plays too many video games." (3) If you have kids ... particularly boys ... you have thought the same, too! ... ]

MyBeloved smiles lovingly.

"You're not worried, are you?" I ask.

"Nope."

"Watch this! ( ... I look in rear view mirror and raise my voice... ) No. 2, turn off that video game. Name me 5 four-legged animals." [For those of you new to us, No. 2 just turned 5 and is a typical boy.]

No. 2 says calmly, "Reindeer. Impala. Cheetah. Goat. And, um, Hippo-mutus."

I feel vindicated as I look to MyBeloved with proud eyes. "See ... he's making up animals. There's no such thing as an impala." I yell back one seat, "No. 2, what was that second animal?"

"Em-pa-la? (... he sounds out the word ...) Impala!"

"What's an impala?" I admit that I am befuddled.

"Jumps high. Impala."

At this point I am thinking that my kid saw a Chevy car commercial and thinks it was a four-legged animal. I immediately take out my phone and Google the word "empala". Here's what I get. Notice that I even spelled it wrong, as I still had no clue what No. 2 was saying. Wiki has more information here.

Looks like the kid is not so dumb ... and I am the DumbDad. "No. 2, you can play your game now."

Take Me Away!

2008-12-01T08:56:00.002-06:00

Hello, Kiddos! Welcome back! Daddy missed you! Do you love Daddy? Daddy loves you!

If it sounds like I have been playing with Nos. 1-5 over the past week ... you're right! Actually, that is what it sounded like about half the time. The other half of the time ... particularly during BOTH 10 hour drives to and from Okie-ville ... sounded like this:

No. 3, quit touching No. 4! No. 4, quit kicking No. 3!

Wait, please, I cannot look at your picture while driving.

No. 1, can you please get No. 4's bottle that fell?

Stop! Stop! Stop! No one say anying for 5 minutes.

Calgon-for-Men, TAKE ME AWAY!

It wasn't that bad ... (Yes, it was!) ... and we really had fun playing Hide-N-Seek and KungFuDaddyPanda. Anyway, we have lots of stories to tell, updates about Dad, and work to do ... be patient ...

In the meantime, send me your best TurkeyDay story and I will post it here. One of our favorite stories involves movies, video games, No. 2, and a DumbDad.

Russellvillians

2008-11-29T19:46:00.002-06:00

Is that a word? Russellvillians? Dad was once the pastor at Russellville CP Church in Russellville, Arkansas. I never lived there, but visited for the holidays a few times many years ago. My first trip was at least 10 years ago ... I flew into Little Rock to save money ... and Dad picked me up at the airport. On our way to Russellville, I giggled as I saw the exit for Todd Suck Ferry, Arkansas. No really!

To all our friends in Russellville and surrounding areas. Thanks for all of your love, support and prayers for Dad and Mom over the past few months. We will be driving through tomorrow on our way back to the MusicCity. If we don't have a Kid-Meltdown, we will try to stop by the church. If so, please understand. Talk to you soon.

Ask ... Receive

2008-11-28T20:13:00.007-06:00

We hope you are all having a good holiday break. Since moving to the MusicCity, this is our first TurkeyDay spent out of town. Yep, we loaded up the Not-So-MiniVan and trekked to see MyBeloved's family in Oklahoma. ( ... Lots of stories to share ... )

Anyway, we received a note from DAngelLove ... Remember them? ... about their attendance at Dad's Walk-a-Thon. Here's what they said:

Man!! When Pastor Ray stepped outside his door and everyone cheered...I wish the whole world could have been there! What a moment! And we are so happy we were there to see it. He is so loved, such an inspiration. He's a mighty warrior! Pastor Ray, you and your family have done so much to renew our own faith in God. I'll bet we aren't the only ones. Walk on!

DAngelLove, you asked ... so here it is ... for the World to see! [Note: Turn down the volume before playing ... there are a few screaming fools in this video!]

World, there is some much more to see ... check back soon for some exciting Walk-a-Thon footage!

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T09:03:00.002-06:00

You should be with your family today ... and not lurking on the Internet ... hoping to find a new post at G&G ... Well, I should be with my family, too ... and not lurking on the Internet ... hoping to post some words of inspiration at G&G ... Let's agree to read/write this post only and get back to the tryptophan and napping.

Here are few of God's wonderful works this Thanksgiving.

The DeVries family has so much to be thankful this year ... especially the gift of life. What are you thankful for?

Grumpy Grumpy Grumpy

2008-11-26T14:17:00.000-06:00

I promised you a story about No. 3's tirade this weekend. She doesn't know that I heard it ... she doesn't know that I am telling you ... so please be quiet ... and come a little closer. Not that close, sicko!

On Saturday, MyBeloved went scrapbooking, while I played with Nos. 1-4. (... Yep, we actually have five little tax credits in this house ... ). Right before dinner, which is called the "witching hour" in our house, I sent No. 1, 2 and 3 up to their rooms for a little quiet time. Really, it was to give me some sanity while I prepared a gourmet meal for these runts.

Self: Kids, please go upstairs while Daddy fixes dinner. You each go to your own room.

Nos. 1-3: ( ... ignore parental directions ... keep running around the "hungry couch" ... )

Self: I said, please go upstairs to your rooms ... NOW! ( ... the ALL-CAPS means that I yelled at them ... I'm not proud of that, but I gotta be honest for purposes of this story ... )

No. 1: Come on, guys, let's go.

No. 2: ( ... races upstairs to beat the others ... )

No. 3: ( ... in a low voice ... not understanding that I am right behind her ... ) Dad is so mean!

Self: ( ... turn around ... laugh uncontrollably because my three-year old just called me mean ... with a sigh and a exaggeration of a teenager ... )

Pretty funny, huh?

I'm No Preacher ...

2008-11-26T10:00:00.000-06:00

Since I am travelling today and do not have access to my finger-pounded-laptop, I am going to share with you a new historical perspective of Thanksgiving ... one that just hit my mailbox yesterday. It does not involve the traditional pilgrims and Native Americans, but it is a legal thriller. The year was 1945 ... the public trial involved accused Nazi war criminals and Nazi organizations ... the place was Courtroom 600 in Nuremberg's Palace of Justice.

Professor John Barrett shares this great story about Thanksgiving in Nuremberg. The lead prosecutor for the United States was Justice Robert Jackson. In his four-hour opening statement, Jackson considered his role a privilege for participating in the first trial in history for crimes against peace in the world. According to Jackson, "That four great nations, flushed with victory and stung with injury, stay the hand of vengeance and voluntarily submit their captives to the judgment of the law is one of the most significant tributes that Power ever has paid to Reason."

Here's where the story gets good ... and brings you a different (and perhaps better) understanding of this day. You see, the day after Jackson finished his opening statement was Thursday, November 22, 1945 ... Thanksgiving Day in the United States. Barrett reports that the Allies did not take the day off to observe the American holiday, but they did give thanks. Following a small courtroom service, which included a Thanksgiving prayer, the trial resumed.

Major Frank Wallis was one of the many trial attorneys who represented the United States. His scope of the trial focused on the Nazi rise to power in Germany and the Nazi's plan for an aggressive war. The day after Thanksgiving, Wallis wrote a diary entry about his experience:

….Thursday, Thanksgiving day—I was reached. It is difficult to attempt to record any emotions as I stood up in the courtroom—before the prisoners dock—and the 8 judges—before some 350 newspaper men and women, the cameras and more cameras—and started to present the 1st phase of the American case—the common plan and conspiracy—the seizure of control by the Nazis, the consolidation of that control—in short what happened in Germany during the pre war era—the terror, the ruthless purge of the opposition—the destruction of organized labor, the persecution of the churches, the persecution of the Jews, the militarization of the youth and of the country—all in preparation for a gigantic war of aggression aimed at the domination of Europe. As I looked at them [the defendants]—it was with a feeling of scorn and contempt—mixed with a bit of awe—when I remembered how close they came to success in their mad undertaking. Next I was conscious that I was speaking to the world—not only the world of today—but the world of future generations—as this was history that was being made and recorded, history that would be in the school books, history that would be a source of study for years to come by International lawyers and students. However, I did not have much time or opportunity for reflection—I had a job to do—to drive a few nails into the coffins of the [expletive word for "illegitimate child"] with words—and for the next four hours I proceeded to do it to the best of my ability. I don’t think that I will ever forget Thanksgiving 1945—and I doubt if I’ll ever spend another Thanksgiving—in a strange country, in an International Court Room prosecuting such low level scoundrels—I certainly hope not.

Before you think I am a history buff or an old wartime scholar ... think again. I received this post from another attorney earlier this week. And the words of Wallis immediately pierced my heart and mind. I wonder whether I am fighting for righteousness and truth and peace and justice and love "to the best of my ability." Certainly not. I should. My words and my actions are forming the next generation. Let's start with my kids. What about my kids' kids? What about my kids' kids' kids?

Do you understand what I am saying? We all have the ability to be a Jackson ... or a Wallis ... to make a tremendous impact on the future. I don't know what drives those dudes ... but when you add the GodThruMan power promised in Philippians 4:13, then you can begin to truly fight for Righteousness and Truth. ( ... Did you notice the capital "R" and "T" on that one? ...)

Start with your family. Then your friends. Then your co-workers. Then the rest of the World. Do it with the best of your ... and His ... ability. You can make a difference. Be safe this weekend and Happy Thanksgiving!

100% Update: InsureYouCo in Our Prayers

2008-11-26T06:17:00.005-06:00

So Dad and Mom had a merry-go-round of doctor visits yesterday. I told you about the delightful details. Well, Dad ended up seeing three doctors yesterday:

Dr. FamDoc was pleased to see Dad. He had not talked to Dad since well before the accident. FamDoc gave Dad a shot of Anti-LungJunk-Juice to prevent any pneumonia. He even gave Mom a shot of Anti-Flu-Juice just in case. [Note to Self: Get Anti-Flu-Juice shot when you return from Okie...]

Dr. BidenSmile ... the oral surgeon ... said that Dad's jaw is not misaligned ( ... I know it's spelled right, but it sure sounds like Pres.Bush's "misunderestimated" ... ), but rather the mouth problems stem from the shattered teeth. BidenSmile says that Dad needs a few new choppers, which can be done by a regular "4 out of 5 prefer Dentyn" dentist.

Dr. Dentyn ... Dad's regular dentist ... was able to see Dad this afternoon. Unfortunately, the fight with InsureYouCo. has begun again. Dentyn won't touch Dad's mouth until he knows that he is gonna get paid ... either by InsureYouCo. or by Daddio-directly.

Let's pray that InsureYouCo., which provides no dental coverage, will cover the dental work for Dad as it was "incident" to the original accident.

Dear MyBeloved:

2008-11-25T16:46:00.003-06:00

I am sorry I did not say "I love you" at the end of our phone call. We are wired differently. You see, I am really, really busy right now. I show you that "I love you" by working really, really hard so that I can take a few days off to go see your family. But you feel loved when I actually say the words, "I love you."

So there is no confusion ... I LOVE YOU!

Self

Coffee is Good, All the Time ...

2008-11-25T15:37:00.000-06:00

Before you hit play, make sure you keep your laughter to a minimum. This is a serious message! No, really! If you look closely, you might find your church ... your ministry ... your family ... and even you!

End of an Empire . . .

2008-11-25T12:09:00.002-06:00

. . . was the title of an email I just received. My former boss, Senator Pete Domenici (R-NM), is retiring after 6 terms in the United States Senate. Here is the piture of Senator Pete and his lovely bride Nancy.

I worked for the Senator for about 2 1/2 years. Remind me to tell you about my "Jimmy Carter" story that happened one day while I was taking some legislative documents to the Senator at a hearing. Oh, I just found this picture from about 10 years ago. Senator Pete looks the same ... I look ... like a baby in a suit!

PVD, sorry I can't make it to your party. You are a great boss ... and a great servant to our country. Enjoy your grandkids.

100% Update: Details

2008-11-25T09:20:00.000-06:00

God delights in us, including the details. Ever heard those words? Understand what they mean? Here's an example with today's update on Dad:

Dad arrived home last Thursday. He begins outpatient therapy next week and he continues to have many rounds of doctor visits scheduled over the next few months.

One of the discouraging aspects of outpatient care is that some of these physicians are not able to see Dad for 2-3 months. Dad was really upset last week when he learned that Dr. NewFace ( ... the plastic surgeon ... ) was scheduled in late February 2009 and Dr. BidenSmile ( ... the oral surgeon ... ) was scheduled in February 2009.

But God delights in our lives ... in the details: Dad received a call yesterday and BidenSmile was able to schedule an office visit TODAY!!! And another call yesterday let us know that NewFace moved Dad's appointment up to December 19, 2008.

Here's the kicker: Dad felt some "new feelings" above his right eye this morning ... feelings he had not felt before ... not like little-boy-stomach-somersaults-when-Stacy-holds-your-hand-on-the-playground feelings ... but maybe-nerves-regenerating feelings!

This morning, Dad is also scheduled to see his family doctor, Dr. FamDoc, just to get him up to speed on what's happened to Dad over the past two months. We will let you know later today how everything went.

[Note: Are you worrieed about "details" in your life? Try a little prayer ... "God, your Word says that your pleasure is not in the strength of the horse nor in the legs of a man, but that you delight in those who love and fear you ... those put their hope in your unfailing love. Lord, I put my hope in you ... I pray that you would __________________. Thanks. Amen."]

GodThruMan (#20) UPDATE! UPDATE!

2008-11-24T15:58:00.003-06:00

Did you read the GTM post below? It gets better!!!

We probably have to rename that one: GodThru(Wo)Men to be accurate. I know that you won't believe this, so I will share with you the email I just received from LadyWord ( ... yep, the wifey-poo of WordSr and mommy-poo of WordJr ... ):

Hi! This is LadyWord.

Earlier today, I was working at church and sent your dad an email about some church stuff. . . . Anyway, I also wrote on my message to him that I continue to pray for him. I wrote that I would specifically pray that he would know that "the joy of the Lord is your strength."
Now --- I wasn't at church yesterday since I was at home with WordJr. So I didn't hear that verse at church yesterday. And your blog about "God Through Man" wasn't up yet, either. So I hadn't yet read about that verse being used at church yesterday. I just felt that that is what I should be praying this morning. Cool, huh? I'm excited to know that God can let me in on what He is doing, and I could share it with Pastor Ray, even though I couldn't be at church yesterday.

See ya.

That is amazing, LadyWord! Thanks for letting us know and WOW-ing our readers!

GodThruMan (#20)

2008-11-24T15:03:00.000-06:00

GodThruMan is a moment when God works through man to demonstrate His existence, presence or power. Here at G&G, we haven seen GodThruMan and GodThruMom. Today, we tell you about GodThruMen ...

Sunday at 10:50am: LogicLove was telling the children's message to the Wee-Ones. He had two glasses of water ... added oil to one glass ... added red coloring to the other glass. Like a Sunday-only-Christian whose spiritual life does not mix with his day-to-day life, the oil and water did not mix. Like the true believer whose spiritual life is permeated throughout his day-to-day life, the coloring and water were a new creation ... red water. The Wee-Ones ( ... and some of their simple-minded parents like me ... ) aaaaawwwwwweed at the demonstration. LogicLove left us with a word, "The joy of the Lord is our strength."

Sunday at 11:20am: Pastor Newbie ... a fresh, young, new pastor in the area ... spoke about worship. Specifically, we had a tendency to do things in worship because ... well, just because ... Introducing us to a new act of worship ... that is, the manner in which you do all the things that you do ... Newbie read from the scripture: "Nehemiah said, 'Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to the those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grief, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."

"What's so GodThruMan-ish about that?" you ask.

Newbie is new ... as in ... ordained last week. Newbie did not know what LogicLove was teaching and LogicLove did not know what Newbie was teaching. Ooooouuuuu ... oooooouuuuu ... creepy... Some call that coincidence ... we call it GodThruMen!

I'm No Preacher ...

2008-11-24T13:19:00.002-06:00

It happens, you know. Compared to a month ago, Dad looks and sounds great. He is SuperMan ... he is SuperDad ... he is MyHero ...

But we cannot always control our minds ... our fears ... our doubts. And Dad had a mini-melt-down this weekend ... he wept, thinking, "Maybe this is the best that I am ever going to get?"

As Dad was re-telling me this story, he began a low-tone-Al-Pacino chuckle, "But your Mom slapped me back into shape."

Dad knows this ... I'm learning it ... but maybe you have never heard it. Our struggles ... the war within our mind ... sometimes are the hardest to wage. You see, the bone will mend ... the marriage will heal ... the debt will get paid ... the image of beauty will shine. But your mind and soul keep screaming: "I cannot deal with this broken arm ..." or "I cannot handle my spouse any more ... " or "I am tired of struggling through week by week until the next paycheck ..." or "I hate myself ... " What are you supposed to do?

"The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (2 Cor. 10:4-5)

Paul even says later in the passage that you should not look on the surface of things ... but instead, be confident that you belong to Christ. Those doubts, fears, and uncertainties ... take captive of them ... replace them with hope and faith and excitement of what is to come. As your faith continues to grow, so does God's ability to use you and your circumstances ... including a near-fatal car accident that crushes your bones and paralyzes your spirit. I'm no preacher, but it's what the Bible says!

From 1 to 60

2008-11-24T09:53:00.000-06:00

They were with us on Day 1 ... we did not know them at first ... one of them is a self-confessed G&G Addict ... I suppose the other is in denial ......they are DAngelLove ... they have been praying for us since the beginning.

The first week after Dad's accident ... what we call it the ViolentSilence ... I received this email from Mrs. DAngelLove:

I read your blog every day and send your dad's name up to God several times a day. I'm so happy that he is slowly improving. Yes, slow is best.
Do you have any more news on the young skateboarder, [ ... Sk8ter ... ]? I've been praying for him several times a day too.
My heart broke with the news of the mother and her four young children. Please drop a little update to let us know how they are doing. I've added them to my prayers.
Bless you for all you do. Thanks for helping all of us know how to best pray for your family.
Love, [DAngelLove]

This email, like so many others, had a name but neither a voice nor a face. That uncertainty would soon change:

Two weeks ago, we heard the angel's voice on the phone. Mrs. DAngelLove called and asked whether they could stop by the hospital.

Dad and Mom were lucky ... they got to meet DAngelLove first ... a loving couple who brought hugs, kisses, prayers, smiles and books ( ... they are in the BookBusiness ... ).

This weekend, on Day 60, DAngelLove ( ... all decked out in heavy coats and warm mittens ... ) joined Dad on his walk around the block. If you look closely, you may be able to see them.

DAngelLove, thanks for loving us ... even though we were strangers to you.

World, we know there are other angels out there ... you have emailed us and written cards and letters ... We would love to see you, hear you, or meet you in person ... and especially thank you for your love and prayers. Send us a pic or drop us a note.