Gratitude/Praise
To be honest, I have not “felt” like expressing gratitude or rising up in praise over the past 72 hours, but as my mind has raced and I have found myself seemingly dragged through discouragement into feelings of self-pity, helplessness, and even despair the tune and words of Chris Tomlin’s song “How can I keep from singing?” have permeated my soul and prompted me to express gratitude and praise (“Our God”), and recommit myself to follow Jesus—my Lord and King!
How can I keep from singing? by Chris Tomlin
There is an endless song, echoes in my soul.
I hear the music ring.
And though the storms may come, I am holding on.
To the Rock I cling!
How can I keep from singing your praise?
How can I ever say enough, how amazing is your love?
How can I keep from shouting your name?
I know I am loved by the King!
And it makes my heart want to sing.
I will lift my eyes in the darkest night
For I know my Saviour lives
And I will walk with you knowing you’ll see me through
And sing the songs you give.
How can I keep from singing your praise?
How can I ever say enough, how amazing is your love?
How can I keep from shouting your name?
I know I am loved by the King!
And it makes my heart want to sing!
I can sing in the troubled times
sing when I win
I can sing when I lose my step and I fall down again
I can sing cuz you pick me up
I can sing cuz you’re there
I can sing cuz you hear me Lord, when I’m calling you in prayer
I can sing with my last breath, sing for I know,
That I’ll sing with the angels and the saints around the throne
How can I keep from singing your praise?
How can I ever say enough, how amazing is your love?
How can I keep from shouting your name?
I know I am loved by the King, and it makes my heart…
I am loved by the King, and it makes my heart…
I am loved by the King
And it makes my heart want to sing.
Yeah…
I can sing!
Our God— written by Matt Redman, Jonas Myrin, Chris Tomlin and Jesse Reeves
Water you turned into wine
Opened the eyes of the blind
There’s no one like you, None like you!
Into the darkness you shine
Out of the ashes we rise
There’s no one like you, None like you!
Our God is greater!
Our God is stronger!
God, you are higher than any other
Our God is healer!
Awesome in power
Our God! Our God!
And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us?
And if our God is with us, then what could stand against?
I will follow —written by Jason Ingram, Reuben Morgan and Chris Tomlin
Where you go, I’ll go
Where you stay, I’ll stay
When you move, I’ll move
I will follow!
All your ways are good
All your ways are sure
I will trust in you alone!
Higher than my sight
High above my life
I will trust in you alone!
Where you go, I’ll go
Where you stay, I’ll stay
When you move, I’ll move
I will follow!
Who you love, I’ll love
How you serve, I’ll serve
If this life I lose,
I will follow you, I will follow you!
Light unto the world
Light unto my life
I will live for you alone
You’re the one I seek
Knowing I will find
All I need in you alone, in you alone!
In you there’s life everlasting
In you there’s freedom for my soul
In you there’s joy, unending joy,
And I will follow!
“Post infectious chronic pain and multi-factorial chronic fatigue”. This diagnosis given to Debbie last Friday (April 1) was not an “April fools” joke! It followed thirteen consecutive working days of thorough appointments, testing, and consultations with the “team” of medical professionals at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Chronic pain is pain that stems from an infection which has injured the nerves. It is clear that Debbie had some type of infection/disease (probably tropical) that has been healed, but brought on the chronic pain and multi-factorial chronic fatigue.
We were incredibly blessed spending 19 nights in the Fischer home. Phil, Julie and JoAnna welcomed us as family and our interactions with them and with their daughter Melinda (lives and works in Rochester) and son Peter (home for spring break from Moody in Spokane, Washington) were encouraging and therapeutic. Yesterday, as we drove south (11 hours) toward “home” (Siloam Springs, Arkansas) we found ourselves increasingly enjoying the beautiful day, warmer weather (80’s) and greener scenery. Unfortunately, the colder air followed us south and today it is windy, cloudy, rainy, and in the mid-40’s. We look forward to warmer weather before heading back to Rochester and Mayo Clinic and Fischers on April 17. Debbie begins a 3 week chronic pain and chronic fatigue rehab program on the 18th that should act as a jump start toward a full recovery. A couple more tests and blood work are also scheduled to definitively rule out Crohn’s disease and ensure that there is no other current infection causing pain and fatigue. During our time at Mayo she developed a cough and was running more than just a low grade fever. A CT scan of her small intestine was normal, but “caught” some irregularities in the lower lobe of her right lung. An additional scan of her lung revealed pneumonia which she is presently being treated for, as a separate issue.
As we have continued to pray for healing and seek answers to what has caused the ongoing pain, low-grade fevers and fatigue that Debbie has experienced for months now, our hopes and plans remained focused on returning to Entebbe the end of May, following Abbie & Bo and Audrey & Franky’s weddings, in order to once again take up my full responsibilities as the Regional Executive Officer for AIM’s Central Region. Phil Byler and Dale Hamilton, together with the rest of the leadership team on the ground, very capably have covered my responsibilities and provided leadership in my absence. That was intended to be a temporary solution that has now carried on for 7 months. On Thursday March 31, in light of the uncertainties related to how long it may take for Debbie to regain full strength, AIM’s International Director asked me, and with the best interests of AIM and the Central Region in mind, to submit a letter of resignation as the REO. This allows AIM Central Region to move forward under an appointed leader. So, as of March 31 we are full members with AIM seeking the Lord for leading and direction as to what, where, and when our next assignment may be.
We value and covet your prayers!
With gratitude, praise, and commitment to our Lord and King!
Steve & Debbie Wolcott
Wolcott Wanderings 