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Jan 5, 2009

Monday Magnificat ~ Strength and Beauty Part I

My Men
To say "a lot has happened" since my last post would be a great understatement! But to say that God is faithful, the body of Christ is a blessing and prayer is powerful would be stating the obvious to anyone who has ever relied on God, His people and battling in prayer.

The day after writing about breaking out of my circle of ease and saying no more playing it safe, my husband had an accident while skiing. We have skiied several winters with only minor injury - if by injury you count a broken fingernail, a scraped chin and a bruised toe.

One Fine Man and Skate~Boy were skiing and snowboarding a slope on New Year's Day when, for some reason, my husband lost control skiing moguls (hills in succession), went airborn and landed on one leg. This resulted in a compound fracture (tib-fib). Our youngest son was with him when it happened and came down the mountain alone to the condo. He called on the way and let my oldest son and me know what had happened. I didn't believe what I was hearing. After waiting for Skate~Boy to make it safely back, I left for the medical clinic.

The medical staff removed my husband's ski boot and I wish I had not seen what I saw but I am glad neither he nor our kids saw it.

I made phone calls and friends and family began to pray. After surgery at a hospital in Frisco, the surgeon talked with me and I was overwhelmed to learn that my husband had a serious open wound (bone protruded through the skin) and would need a tissue graft requiring a stay in the hospital for 7 - 10 days.

Once again I made phone calls. One family member stayed on the phone and listened to me cry. She helped me begin to think clearly and make plans. I called our daughter who had stayed home and she prayed a beautiful prayer for me and I physically felt anxiety fall away from my shoulders. In its place the peace of God rested. My wonderful friend, Alisa, and her husband, Doug, assured me they would continue to pray and offered spiritual insight that strengthened my inner man. I sent text messages and emails and calls came in from people who prayed for us over the phone. I won't mention names but thank you to our pastor and his wife who called to pray and emailed offers of help and prayer!

Yesterday I flew home with my boys and my parents traveled several hours to come stay with them. My neighbors brought food and offers of help.

After taking care of some details here at home, I will fly back and stay with my husband until he is released to travel home.

The Psalmist writes, Strength and Beauty are in His sanctuary (Psalm 96:6). These past few days I have found Strength in Beauty...the beauty of God's Word, the beauty of the body of Christ, the beauty of faith overcoming fear and the beauty of the ministry of the Holy Spirit. I have been strengthened physically, emotionally and spiritually. I have entered His sanctuary while making logistical plans, in a hospital waiting room, driving through snow on icy roads, and lying alone in the dark with tears in my eyes.


My Monday Magnificat? In all of those places I have found that strength and beauty are in His sanctuary. For this I utter my praise!
Magnificat ~ an utterance of praise from the Latin magnificare ~ to magnify

13 comments:

  1. OH Melanie I am so sorry! I will pray for you and your family! In your weakness may he be strong! The whole thing sounds nightmareish! I know God will bring something beautiful from it...It sounds like he already has!
    Blessings friend!

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  2. Melanie - I am so sorry! I often think God has an interesting sense of humor - he makes us eat our words. So you are now officially out of your circle of ease.

    May you feel God's love envelop you, as he is your strength.

    And think of all the great blog posts coming! (okay, trying to make you laugh).

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  3. I am speechless. I will be holding you and your family up in prayer.

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  4. Oh Melanie I am so sorry. I will be praying for you and your husband.

    I have my home page set on Spurgeons Daily Devotionals and this morning the scripture hit me as from God. It came to my mind while I was reading your post so I will share it.

    I will strengthen thee. (Isaiah 41:10)

    Just the other day I did a post on this scripture in it's entirety.

    "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

    I hope you find comfort in this.

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  5. So sorry that your hubby was injured so badly. Praying he has a quick and supernatural recovery!

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  6. Hey I know life is crazy, just wanted to let you know you got a blog award at my site.

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  7. Oh my ~ So sorry about this and praying for you. Love your heart about it!

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  8. I can't believe it. How sad. My heart is broken for you. I am so encouraged to hear how the Lord came in like a flood to comfort you and give you His peace which transcends all understanding. He is faithful and we all are praising Him for holding you and your family thru this. May He continue to guide you and make you a blessing everywhere you go. May you be the fragrance of Christ to everyone He has you meet on your extended visit!

    Love you and if you need anything please contact me: karaakins@gmail.com or thru my blog.

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  9. Wow, that is a lot to go through! I'll be praying!

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  10. Checking in, hoping and praying things are better!

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  11. You guys are in my prayers Mel! God is still in control!
    Love Lilly

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