Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Day six - 9:35 a.m. a word from Aaron

Hello Everyone!
This is Aaron. My first shot at blogging......my first shot at this computer in, well, i just can't remember how many days. My first shot at saying something from beyond the haze of anestesia, medications, and general organ relocation; however certainly not my first shot.
Things here continue.......
I really wish i could say that things are making bold jumps and i am strong and ready for a hamburger. The truth is, i am ready for little more than a walk down the hall three times a day followed by a drop into bed.

Before my emotions erase my sight, let me make a few pointed comments:

First, your faith has moved me to tears. Thank you for your prayers and every post. Each day Denise checks the site and reads me each note. As she reads I lie in bed, pretend to be alive and cry. All i know to say, is "thank you."

Second, you just can't know how Denise has cared for me. She is doing what she does best. She is loving me. There has never been a new born more cared for and attended to than this man. And as she does, i lie in the bed, pretend to be alive and cry.

And finally, while i would not wish this on an enemy, the path has been sweet. I am fine, really. Oh, i don't what to tackle Jordan in the front yard and wrestle like we sometimes do, but i will one day soon.
Through the gifts of days like these we get to experience Jesus in a more personal way. You see, in these days of complete humiliation, weakness, and dependence, we meet Jesus as something more than just Jesus, the Lord, or even God All Mighty. When you are all alone and silence thunders, and muscles won't work, and sickness comes, and wellness won't, there, we meet JEUS THE PIERCED. And as we meet, i lie in the bed, knowing He is alive, and cry.

All my love.
PA

36 comments:

Millie said...

Why do you always make me cry? I love you and Denise and your children and pray for you "without ceasing". God is good and you will be back "making me cry" each week soon.
Denise, keep up whatever you are doing. It has worked for 25 years and no man loves a woman more than you are loved.
Millie

Unknown said...

Such relief in hearing from you! You and Denise might as well be here with us or us with you, because you feel so close in our hearts and prayers. It has to be such a sweet thought to know God gave you Denise because he knew you'd have this moment in time. He knew you would need someone to love you and carry you, allowing His love to flow through! He is good! You both are loved!


The Templetons

April Garvey said...

Good for you, Pastor!! Keep your head up and as you always say, "Don't waste your sorrows!". God's plans are huge! And what a joy to keep growing in his love and companionship. I continue to pray for healing, comfort and sleep!

You, Denise and the kids are in my heart and prayers. Denise, you are an inspiration!!

Love to you all,
April

Anonymous said...

I am on vacation and today was the first day I have had the chance to check up on you. I love the fact, Aaron, that I got to read something YOU wrote! I love you and your family and I know that God has His hand on you. Keep fighting and I will keep praying!
Hugs,
Angie Johnson

Andrew Lynn said...

Hi Aaron and Denise,

It is okay to cry!!!! I think it is a means of purification and drawing closer to God!!! God is watching over you each step of the way. I have you on my heart daily and send you my love and care.

Sincerely,
Andrew Lynn

Houghs said...

Thanks for being my pastor.

Faucett5 said...

Aaron, It is so good to hear from you! Denise has done a wonderful job keeping us informed over the past few days. As BJ and I read your blog this morning it broght me to tears. I guess you just have that affect on folks. You are both so special to us and we love you and your family so very much. We continue to pray for healing and for strength for the both of you. Denise, I wish I could give you a big hug because you are doing a wonderful job. Keep up the good work and give him a kiss on the forehead for us. Love you both, Chastity & BJ

Russ and Sandy said...

Every time I've wanted to complain about this poison ivy swelling my eye shut I've thought about you lying in that hospital bed - then I don't feel so much like complaining.

You are my hero. Love ya man.

Russ

surrendered said...

Hey Boss, good to hear you spirit is awake!
I told my bride some 25 or so years back that I was closest to God in solitude, silence and tears. Solitude meant it was just me and God, silence allowed me to hear Him with out distraction and tears were telescopes to heaven

Jim and Denise said...

Aaron,
Your blog brought tears to my eyes just knowing that you were feeling well enough to post! Thank you for encouraging me when we are trying to encourage you. We continue to pray for you and Denise and send our love.

Jonathan said...

There's a card in the mail for you with a picture Kathryn colored. She was excited to send it to you.

JL

Kathy said...

Aaron,
Your word have never sounded sweeter or more powerful. Pretty good for someone who considers himself "technologically challenged"! Please know that Jimmy and I have been praying for you constantly. (Jimmy from the Ukraine and me from good 'ole Acworth!) It is such a blessing to serve with someone who is not only our pastor, but also our friend.

Denise,
When God called Jimmy into full-time ministry, a sweet lady (whose husband had been a pastor for 50+ years) reminded me that my most important job as a minister's wife would be to "minister to the Minister's family". What a great example you have been! No wonder your husband and children love you so much. Thank you for taking such good care of our pastor.

We love you guys and will see you soon.
Kathy

Greg spry said...

Hello Aaron and Nise, glad to see you progressing. Aaron this is new to me, you are the first person I have blooooged with. But it's nice. You are in our prayers daily.
Girls say hello!!!!!! Aaron, I remind my girls every time a boy comes to my house, remember what Aaron says, yes Daddy, all boys lie except you and Bro. Aaron. Until later, Blessings
The Spry's

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

Just a note to say you guys are in our prayers and thoughts. God is Good. Great to see you are to begin to post and know you will only get stronger both physically and spiritually through this.

Michael & Kathy Patton

dgstoneman said...

Dear Aaron and Denise:
I am a word from the past. While I have not spoken with you in many years I know of your journey. I was made aware of the blog and I check it daily as I have found ministry in its content. You are both testiments to FAITH, HOPE and LOVE....Thank you for sharing your experiance because it is a light unto our paths. All my Love and continued Prayers.
Donnie Stone Boaz High School Class or 1978.

The Jones Family said...

Wow! Even from the hospital bed you speak such profound words! We are praying for you both and hope you continue to improve. Denise, stay strong and rest when you can! (There is nothing like having your husband as a patient). Andy had open heart surgery a year ago and he wanted me to do things for him instead of the nurses. God blessed us and took care of us just as he is you now. Thanks for allowing us to take this journey with you. You have ministered to us so many times before and we want to do the same for you. We love ya'll!

Andy "Roy" and Jennifer Jones

mitzi said...

Dear Br. Aaron and Denise,
What an absolute joy your post was this morning! Thank you for being honest and transparent and letting CHRIST's power shine through your weakness. "My grace is sufficient for you for MY power is made perfect in weakness," and how powerful HE is through you.
Denise, thank you for being such a great example of lovingly caring for your husband. You inspire me, and always have to love my husband more.
Wanda Adams called and we prayed for ya'll over the phone together.
We love ya'll and you are in our heart and prayers.
love,
mitzi

Donny Rhoads said...

Pastor,

I just want to echo your comments. I can only imagine what you are going through physically. The pain. The nausea. The not being able to do what you normally would or could do. But I can AGAIN only imagine the sweetness of our Lord and Savior as you are experience this very challenging time. In a way it should make us envious (is envy sin??) I cannot wait to see and hear the excitement, the fire, you will have after our Almighty God carrys you completely through this.


With Love,

Donny, Lori, and John Luke

Donny Rhoads said...

Pastor,

I just want to echo your comments. I can only imagine what you are going through physically. The pain. The nausea. The not being able to do what you normally would or could do. But I can AGAIN only imagine the sweetness of our Lord and Savior as you are experience this very challenging time. In a way it should make us envious (is envy sin??) I cannot wait to see and hear the excitement, the fire, you will have after our Almighty God carrys you completely through this.


With Love,

Donny, Lori, and John Luke

Unknown said...

Aaron & Denise,
Glad to hear you are well enough to post on the blog. We are confident that you will continue to get stronger. We can't wait to see you here at home again soon. It may seem like you have been in the hospital forever but it is just getting you that much closer to coming back home.
We are praying for you both witout ceasing.

Love,
Beth Ann, Michael, Rebekah & Jordan

Unknown said...

Aaron and Denise,

I just wanted you both to know how deeply my family and I care for you! Your words also moved me to tears (which if you know me, isn't really that hard to do!). But my tears flow as I praise God for the healing that has occured in your body for the sweet peace I felt reading your words. You've heard me say that things don't seem right at Summit when you're not here. The sheep need their Shepherd. God's plan to draw His people closer to the throne of grace is working! His people are praying! It is a blessing to know that as we pray for you, you are, nontheless, praying for us!
The McGullions

Richard Balfour said...

We are praying for you. Do not worry we will have the preschoolers tackle Jordan for you when he comes in town.
Always in our prayers,
Richard,Deborah,James,Rebecca,and Cassandra

The McFadden's said...

We love you both and are praying every day for your speedy recovery.
Jay & Karin McFadden

harris said...

Pastor Aaron and Denise,
First of all, Denise you are an awesome example of the Proverbs 31 wife. "She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her...she brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life....she is clothed with strength and dignity...her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her; many women do noble things, but you surpass them all..." Thank you both for your example of true love and dedication in your marriage. I was glad to see our shepherd's message and was very encouraged by your words. You are truly a special leader and we are blessed to have you. May you both feel all of the prayers that are going up for you daily. We miss you both and can't wait to have you home.
In Him,
Dee

Michele Lasky said...

Hi Pastor and Denise,
We are still praying for you guys! Every time we pray! Glad to hear that you (Pastor) have "leaky eyes syndrome" too - I'm not the only one - sometimes I just can't help myself! Denise, thank you for taking such good care of Pastor! God bless you both. We love you,
Michele Lasky

Chris and Bonnie McKinney said...

We miss you, we love you, we pray for you, and we look forward to rejoicing with you as God will be shown in this situation.

know you are thought about and prayed for throughout our days.

love,
bonnie and chris

Kathye Vance said...

I was in your Sunday School Class at FBC, Gadsden and want you to know I have been praying for your continued recovery and health. Progress seems slow at times, but my prayer is that yours will be complete and perfect. I'm so thankful you have your wife to take care of you. God bless.
Kathye Vance

Pam said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Pam said...

I find myself with a feeling of bittersweetness after reading your blog entry. It has arisen from mixture of joy 1st that you that you are able to write 2nd at the beauty of your words. The other part of the mixture is the sadness from what you have been through. But I know that it is in the most desparate situations that the love of our Savior manifests itself the most and propels us out of the valley.
We remain in prayer,
Pam and Jerry Moss

Unknown said...

Thank you both for being such an inspiration and encouragement to us all even as you go through these trials.
I will continue to pray for peace and healing for you!!

Kristy Evans

Jamie Polk said...

Aaron and Denise, Our hearts are deeply touched by the vulnerability Aaron is experiencing. Such grace in the middle of a storm is an amazing testimony of who we serve. Thank you for living the messages you have shared. Lives will be changed and challenged as a result of your testimony from this time. Much love and prayers- Chuck and Jamie (Lauren and Christopher too!)

Schinley Land said...

Aaron and Denise-I love you. Daddy sent me your link this evening. I have sat here laughing, crying, and praying for you for the last hour as I read through your journey and the wonderful testament of faith that both of you share with the rest of us. Thank you for being such a blessing to me over the last 20 years and today. I pray that God will continue the rumble and heal your body! Please give one another a huge (but soft to Aaron) hug for me. -Love Schinley

Robyn E said...

Ok, so I'm worse at this blog stuff than you are Pastor.I wrote my comment and lost the whole thing because I didn't have an account. I didn't even have the link until today and was blessed that the first time I read an entry it was from YOU! Wow, I know everyone was encouraged to hear from you. But, Denise has done such a wonderful job not only loving you, but keeping all of us informed so we could love you too and pray for you. I am continuing to pray for all of you and enjoy seeing how God is working. Not only do we see Him working with you medically, but I'm encouraged and inspired by seeing two people who love each other so much! We love you, miss you. You are never far away as you are in our thoughts, hearts, and prayers. Darren says, "you are his hero!"

Robyn E

Canyon Shearer, DMin said...

Pastor, thanks for your post. Tonight I was proud to hear Summit's Middle and High School students in prayer for you with genuine compassion. This ordeal has pulled the entire church into closer cohesion and spiritual maturity.

May 2007 I was fortunate to visit Walter Reed in Washington DC, while there we met a young Staff Sergeant who had been shot in Iraq; the wound was not lifethreatening and healed quickly, but the resulting blood infection had kept him in the hospital for much longer than anyone expected. He found an unexpected ministry in that hospital with soldiers who otherwise had no hope and he was doing great things for the kingdom. He said something profound that I will never forget, he said, "When a lamb breaks its leg, the shepherd carries the lamb on his shoulders until it heals and they form a bond that none of the other sheep know. I am glad to be carried on the shoulders of my Shepherd."

"I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me..." - Jesus

Canyon

mstu said...

Hey Brother Aaron & Denise!
You sure they didn't give you a sex change or some hormones (with all that crying & what not)??...just kidding of course! Thought you could use a chuckle!
We can't wait to see your smiling face! Until then...Denise, if he starts craving chocolate...RUN!
We miss & love you all,
~Marcia :)