Sunday, April 20, 2008

Sunday Morning Update

There really is nothing new to report this morning, but I was impressed to write the words of this old hymn for Jon and Laura this morning (yes, your father is getting old!) ...

Day by day and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment,
I've no cause for worry or for FEAR.
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what HE deems best
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Every day the Lord HIMSELF is near me
With a special mercy for EACH hour.
All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me,
He whose name is COUNSELOR and POWER!
The protection of His child and TREASURE (Lindsay Bear)
Is a charge that on HIMSELF He laid;
"As your days, your strength shall be in measure,"
This the pledge to me (Jon and Laura) HE made.

Help me then in every tribulation
So to trust YOUR promises, O Lord.
That I lose not faith's sweet consolation
Offered me within Your holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,
E'er to take, as from a father's hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till I reach the promised land.

The verse under the title of the song is "My grace is sufficient for you; for MY strength is made perfect in your weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9

That's my prayer today for Jon, Laura, Tanner, Warren, Phyllis and Jan as they stand watch at the hospital today.

As of this morning there were 500+ people who visited the blog yesterday! You have NO IDEA how humbling and encouraging that is. We love you all.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a perfect song for Jon and Laura, and for all of us! May He hold you and precious Lindsay in His loving arms and give you peace.

Mary Conway

Susan M. said...

Speaking of hymns... :-)

Thursday night was not a good night for my dad. My sister had left the radio on for him and, as she listened through the baby monitor, she heard the song "His Eye Is on the Sparrow."

As she said in her e-mail, "What an appropriate song." What a blessing to know that His eye is on our dear ones at all times. I especially like the second verse:

“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

His eye is on the sparrow, and we know He watches Lindsay.

With love and prayers,

Susan M.

PS - Thanks for adding more pictures! :-)

Anonymous said...

When I was little, if I got sick or something happened to me, my dad would always say; "I wish it were me sweetheart." Of course he couldn't take my place, but the sentiment that he would if he could wasn't something I understood until I was a mom. Or so I thought, it really wasn't something I understood until I met my heavenly Father, who could, would, and did take my place. That same heavenly Father watches over your little girl too.
Praise the Lord for the good care she is receiving. Waiting to rejoice with you all.
Love Dina

Anonymous said...

Jon & Laura...
What a tremendous encouragement to see the body of Christ coming together committing to pray for this precious life !
This morning is baby dedication Sunday here at Calvary Church in Lancaster, and as I watched these parents hand over their little ones to the pastor for prayer, I couldn't help but envision you both "handing over" Lindsey into your Father's arms & loving care.
Praying for you this a.m.
Glen Zigrang

Anonymous said...

Still praying.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may OVERFLOW WITH HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit."

"Oh! May the God of green hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, so that your believing lives, filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, will brim over with hope!" ~~Romans 15

Love and hugs to you both!!
Stephanie P.

Anonymous said...

Hello All,
Warren Groen, grandfather of Lindsay spoke in church today and even showed pictures of the Berlin Heart and all the machines that Lindsay was hooked up to. He also shared how Lindsay's story was touching all around her and opening doors and softening the way for Christ in some pretty hard hearts. It is greatest hope that God will heal Lindsay and we will continue to pray for his Providence and Protection for your family. God Bless, The Pampreens

Anonymous said...

By the way; I am Finance Chair at Dover Baptist Church and we decided this morning to add the Groen Family to our e-giving site. It should be up sometime this afternoon. You can still send a check to the church, this is just another option. If people would like to give to the Groen family, go to www.doverbaptistchurch.org and click on e-giving. You will have the opportunity to set up an account to give through a checking or savings account or for a one-time donation-a credit card may be used. Once on our site, there will be a specific account for the Groen Family. Thank you for all the generous donations. I am so glad to be a part of the family of God!
God Bless, Lisa Pampreen

Anonymous said...

Laura and Jon,
We were just updated today by your Uncle George on Lindsay's condition (an introduced to the blog). We will be checking in so we can be more specific in our prayers, but know that we are constantly praying for strength and peace during this time. One of Liam's favorite song to sing is "It is well with my soul". We hope you can cling to the words of that hymn as you go through this time.
All our love,
Jon, Kristen (Kern), and Liam