Good Company and Great Exercise

For about 4 months now I have been on a diet. I really needed to lose some weight, but even more than that, decided I needed a healthier life style. I mean, really, I'm not getting any younger! So I joined a fitness center and have been more or less faithful at going there to exercise. However, there have been many days that I have chosen just to walk in the country around my home/neighborhood.

Last night, I got on my walking shoes and told my hubby I was going for my walk. However, I was in for a major surprise. He said, "Would you like me to walk with you?" Well, it's a good thing I don't have dentures, or I would have dropped my teeth! Instead, I just said, "you really mean it?" He proceeded to tell me that he needs to lose about 10 pounds and hasn't been able to do it. So he feels like he needs to increase his activity/exercise. He was afraid I would walk too fast for him, but I assured him I would adjust my pace to his and that I would love to have his company.

We walked about a mile (according to my pedometer) and did it in about 20 minutes, so I didn't even have to slow down very much for him. It was totally enjoyable. There was a big rain cloud forming overhead, and just as we got back to the house it started to rain (actually just sprinkle).

Maybe now that he's made a start, we can make this a regular routine. After all, it's always much more enjoyable to have a walking partner, and even better when it is your partner for life as well.

Needing a Second Touch

I have been back home in Indiana for a week since going to Oklahoma to get Tim settled and re-established after getting out of jail. I have talked to him several times since I've been home; he seems to be keeping on track with what he needs to do so far.

A few days ago I listened to a message that I missed while I was gone. Pastor Joel preached on the healing of the blind man. He called the message "Second Touch". He said that Jesus spit on the man's eyes and put His hands on him and asked if he could see. The man said, I see people but they look like trees walking around. Then Jesus put his hands on his eyes again, and when he opened his eyes he saw everything clearly. (Mark 8).

The pastor said we know that Jesus could have healed his eyes completely the first time. But he chose to do this miracle in two stages. He went on to say that the Lord still works that way sometimes. In order to accomplish a needed miracle in our lives, He may do it in stages. He may use a "second touch".

I believe that the Lord has worked a miracle in my son's life. He was mentally, emotionally and spiritually very ill. But it seems as though the Lord has restored him in so many ways. He is mentally alert and focused, emotionally stable, and he is back to a real relationship with the Lord. He has not been doing this well for at least 6 years. For me this is truly a miracle.

However, now I'm praying for a "second touch" for Tim. I know it will be an uphill battle for him to stay focused, and to resist Satan's temptations. He will need to stay in right relationship with the Lord to continue to comply with his probation requirements, to get a job(a challenge in itself because of his background), and in general to become a responsible, productive young man. At this time he does have a desire to do all those things.

Thank you for your continued prayers for us. I am so very thankful that we have an awesome God who is in control and who is able to provide that "second touch".

Free at Last and Going Forward in Faith

I am still in Ok. City as I write this post. My son, Tim was released from jail on Thursday evening about 9:00 pm. (He was done in court that morning by 9:30 am but the jail is notorious for releasing them at very late hours.) We stopped at Taco Bueno on the way home to get him a chicken enchilada. Because of the late hour, I stayed at his apartment with him that night. We talked quite a while; we also got his TV and DVD player set up.

We have accomplished quite a lot in the last 4 days. He is on probation through the court, so we went to see his Probation Officer, to get instructions and get everything set up. I was very impressed with her. She will be firm about the rules, but also seems to have a caring attitude, which I would think is a little unusual. He will have to report to her on a regular basis and has several things he needs to complete, including 40 hours of community service. (We haven't set that up yet, but one of the options is Habitat for Humanity, which I think he would enjoy).

I have prayed for wisdom, and felt he would need a car, to be able to meet his obligations. So I have purchased a car for him, a dodge stratus. His driver's license had been suspended 2 years ago, so it's been a little bit of a challenge to get that renewed, but we should complete that tomorrow, and he will have his license. We got him a cell phone, new contacts (he had the same ones in for 9 months!), a watch, an alarm clock, some clothes (he had almost nothing), and stocked his apartment with food. It has been a busy 4 days. Tomorrow we need to finish up at the license bureau, go to set up his community service, and pick up his car. Wednesday morning he has an appointment for a substance abuse and mental health assessment (which will take about 4 hours). That is one of the things his Probation officer (P.O.) wanted him to do right away. I will be leaving on Thursday morning to drive back home.

Tim seems to be very stable mentally and spiritually at this time. He is determined to comply with his probation, including staying clean from drugs and alcohol. He has talked very frankly and honestly about some of his past behavior, including bad choices of friends. He is trying to re-connect with some of the christian friends he had several years ago.

I must admit, I'm a little anxious about him, as I so very much want him to succeed, and be responsible and productive. I have turned him over to the Lord, and I will just need to allow the Lord to do a wonderful work in his life.

We have had some wonderful fellowship together. He has a great sense of humor, and has had me laughing on many occasions. We've reminisced about earlier years. We have prayed together every morning and committed our day to the Lord.

I would covet the prayers of friends and family for him, to put a hedge of protection around him. I know our adversary, Satan, will do all that he can to keep Tim from doing what is right. I am so very grateful for all of you who have faithfully prayed for us. Thank you so much.

I am hopeful that Tim will truly find what the Lord has for him, and that the Lord will bring "beauty from the ashes" and will "restore what the locusts have eaten".

On the Road Again! And join the party!

I left early this morning to go to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Most of you know the continuing saga of my son's life recently. After more than 8 months, he is having what should be his final court date on Thursday, and then should be out of jail. I am going to help him get re-established in the free world.

I truly believe the Lord 's timing is perfect, and that he had things to accomplish in Tim's life during these 8 months. For the first time in 6 or 7 years he seems to have his normal, sweet, loving, personality again, with his great sense of humor. He also is back to the Lord, and praying for friends and family, and has hope for the future. I am praying that he will be able to be responsible and stay true to the Lord when he gets out. I am praying that the Lord will provide a mentor for him to help him in the next several weeks.

So.o.o.o--I am sitting in my hotel room in Springfield, Missouri, catching up on e-mail and blogs. I gained an hour, so of course, I'm not the least bit tired!!

My friend, Joan, is having a Blog-A-Palooza party to celebrate her birthday and her 1 year blogoversary. Why don't you stop in to visit her, and join the party. She's giving away door prizes and everything. Really great fun!

I thought I might take advantage of the exercise room here at the hotel; well, I thought I might--that doesn't mean I actually will! I'm feeling less and less ambitious.

My computer doesn't always work so well at the friend's home where I will be staying; so I will try to go to the library from time to time to catch up while I'm gone. You all take care and have a great week!