May 20, 2006
So much has happened in the last nearly three weeks since last I wrote, its hard to know where to start. So, I'll start where I left off.

Our last prayer request for Jake was the Baclofen pump trial, which happened on May 1. This is where his spine is injected with a smaller does of the same medicine he has been taking orally since last September. If effective, the Jake would qualify to have a Baclofen Pump put in him, which contains a 3-6 month dose and is administered in pre-programmed increments. Though the procedure itself was painful for Jake, the drug worked very well and so he will be getting the pump sometime in early to mid-July. In the meantime, he will be getting another round of Botox injections, which will temporarily help with the spasticity until the pump is put in.

The last month has seen Jake make great gains. He has taken as many as 20 steps on his own (while bouncing and catching a ball). He uses his walker all over the house and has even snuck up the stairs a few times - though a great achievement, very scary for Mom and Dad as he could have fallen, so we have taken appropriate safety measures. Impulsivity, which is common with brain injury, and Jake's natural irrepressibility, makes life even more interesting for us! He was in a swimming pool today for the first time since his injury and gave Dad quite a workout as he explored every inch of the pool, kicking and splashing all the way!

Jake's speech is improving and we are excited as we will begin taking him to Palomar Medical Center in Escondido for his speech therapy. There, he will receive the conventional therapy plus electrical muscle stimulation for the left side of his face. He has already met his new speech therapist who, like Jake, loves to play Gameboy. They will have plenty to talk about!

As for the rest of us, we are hanging in there and try to take as many breaks from the action as possible. Though we are happy about Jake's progress, Jake's condition is a constant weight that hard to watch and we would cherish your prayers for stamina and encouragement. Sometimes it s just plain sad to see him struggle to do things the rest of us take for granted. Though we are grateful for what God has done thus far, it is clear that we must keep walking forward. Some have written us to told us that we should learn to accept the fact that Jake may not get much better and get on with our lives. To them we say that no one, NO ONE, gets left behind. And as for getting on with our lives, the life we are living right now IS the life He ordained for us. As for the thinking that he won't get any better, seeing with your own eyes is believing. Those who see him weekly can tell. And guess what - he is not finished getting better. Though the doctors consider his progress to date a miracle, the fact that he has come this far leads them to believe that he will get much, much better. Thus, our family's daily march of faith will go on and we will do it together as long as the Lord ordains it, no matter what obstacles or opposition we face.

Because of times like these, God's word has become more precious to us than ever! It has been a joy to share His story and His word with you these past nine months. The impact is literally worldwide and there are no signs of it slowing down. Almost daily, we receive e-mails or notes testifying about how God is making a difference through all of this. He is carry His message just like He is carrying us. No matter what kind of news we get, no matter how tired we are, no matter how we feel or think or act, He continues to carry us and His message simply because it is His will. And guess what - that is what He wants to do and will do for you too! Take encouragement from these verses today, found in Isaiah 43:1-2: "But now, thus says the LORD, your Creator, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel, "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you." Simply put, Jake's story is about God's faithfulness. As Jake's gymnastics club owner said, when he saw Jake for the first time since his injury and Jake was making the rounds on most of the equipment, "Someone must have plans for him!" We couldn't agree more. The same is true for all of you. And so we say again, we couldn't agree more!

Visit Jake's Guestbook Leave a note for Jake!

"Out of the mouths of babes," the saying goes. The last posting in Jake's guestbook was by a girl from Idaho, very close to Jake's age. Up until over a year ago, she lived three doors down from us and they spent a lot of time together. Her parents , Julie, and I would laugh about how, on the way to Awanas, they would bicker like an old couple. She was intent on marrying Jake when they got older and he was having none of it. Even though time and many miles separate them, she snuck on the family computer several nights ago to let Jake know she was thinking of him and that she hoped he would be "normal" again. Though some may take offense to the word "normal," none was taken here, to say the least. You see, if it isn't obvious by now, our family's single greatest earthly desire is to see our boy completely restored. Call it normal, call it whatever you want, we want our boy back. We want him to be able to sing, shout, run, and play. We want nothing to stand in his way God's purposes in this life. And yes, the most powerful sermons do not come from a pulpit, but from a sick bed, as the suffering saint cries out to God for relief and restoration, we have always believed that it is God's will for Jake to be fully restored. So, Samantha from Idaho, thank you for continuing the chorus of supplication on behalf of our sweet Jake. And we will continue to pray for you, little sister.

Tomorrow is an important day for Jake as he undergoes a trial for a newer form of spasticity treatment. Currently, Jake is taking oral Baclofen at its maximum dosage. By itself, it has never worked well as the drug is taken orally and routed to his spinal cord through his blood system. Though it can work, it is inefficient and leaves him somewhat groggy. In tomorrow's trial, a much smaller amount of this drug will be dispensed directly into his spinal cord. It will only take four hours to determine whether or not this method will be effective. And if it is, Jake will qualify for a baclofen pump, which would be surgically implanted within several weeks of the trial. What does this mean? I means that a much smaller amount of this drug will be automatically delivered to exactly where it is needed, thus hopefully greatly reducing his spasticity. So, we would appreciate your prayers for this procedure.

We would also appreciate your prayers for our whole family. Plainly put, we are extremely tired. And though we have had more help than most people ever get, most of the work has and will continue to be our burden to carry. Let the Spirit led you in how you pray and act. Pray also for sleep to come more easily for all of us. At the end of it all, pray that we will be able to cope an thrive if the needed rest doesn't come. Bottom line - we know that God's grace will be sufficient.

What about you, our friend? Are you tired? Do you feel, as Bilbo Baggins put it, "thin, sort of stretched, like butter scraped over too much bread." Read these words again, found in Isaiah 40:29-31: "He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary." Our Lord also encouraged us with these words, found in Mat 11:28,29: "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS.

Amen. Come Lord Jesus help us find rest for our souls.

Jan. 27, 2006
Jake's Home!
After 173 days on the road, our sweet boy set foot back in his own home. Looking back over the past five and a half months, we are truly amazed at what our Lord has brought us through, Even the most stout of heart would have to admit that a solitary path would have been impossible. Our hearts are truly full of gratefulness for the many hands and feet that have had a part in our journey. Every meal, every mile, every gift, every visit, every act kindness, every laugh, every tear, and every prayer has had a part in Jake's recovery. So when you see the life blazing from his eyes, please know the Lord made you to be a part of it all. We simply could not have walked this path with out the fellowship and the support from our extended family friends, and Christian brothers and sisters all over the world. Of course, we cannot go any further without expressing our deepest gratitude to the hundreds of medical staff at Children's Hospital in San Diego and Orange County, and Healthbridge Children's Hospital in Orange that had a part in Jake's recovery. God used your expertise and your labor of love to save his life and help bring him back to this point. We are forever indebted to you and we will never forget you!Though initially disappointed at Bakersfield falling through, we can now more clearly see why God chose to bring Jake home now. Simply put he was ready for it.

Highlights of this week at home included eating his favorite home-cooked meal spaghetti pie, watching TV on the couch, going for walks in the neighborhood, visiting friends at ICAP in Menifee (pics from visit will be on his site), and even going to the movies! Bottom line, Jake's passion has always been for the whole family to be together and that is just what has happened! We do ask you to keep praying for his comfort, relief from pain, and a will to press on as he is very aware of his deficits and that knowledge can be discouraging at times.

Next week begins another phase of Jake's recovery as he begins a comprehensive outpatient rehab program at Loma Linda's East Campus. We have heard it said and believe it to be true that when God closes a door, He opens a window. We say this again as we found out this week that Jake's rehab team will be headed by the medical director of Loma Linda's Rehab Department, whose specialty is spasticity and pain management. We are looking for more great things to happen as we enter this phase.And now our dear, faithful friends, it has been and will continue to be a privilege to prayerfully encourage and exhort you in your walk of faith. God has taken a would-be tragedy and has transformed it into a ministry. It is always a pleasure to encourage you and our desire that you experience the one great pleasure in this world, which is the joy of walking with Jesus. Jesus Himself said in John 14:6, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." We also find similar idea expressed in Psalm 16:11, "You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever." The idea is that there is only one true path to happiness and salvation and that path begins at the cross with Jesus and ends in the very presence God the Father. For those of you that know Him, we ask you again to continue to lay your burdens daily at His feet. For those of you who are still outsiders looking in, we beg you to turn to Him and put your trust in Him. Without the way, there is no going, without the truth there is no knowing, and without the life, there is no going. There is no better place on earth to be than the road that leads to heaven.

As of our last update, we were headed to Bakersfield to the Centre for Neuro Skills Residential Day Program. They were to take Jake on a medical lien, which means they get paid once his case settles somewhere down the line. However, just five days before his discharge from Children's, CNS told us that they would not take him. Though the news was initially devastating, we have come to accept that this is definitely God's plan for Jake and for us! So, Jake will be coming home on Jan. 24th and will be part of Loma Linda's Traumatic Brain injury Day Rehab Program (. We are encouraged by its commitment to excellence and Loma Linda's general commitment to innovative, Christ-centered care for its patients (see the links below). When Julie broke the news to Jake, he reacted with two fists in the air and a loud "Yeah!" That certainly sealed it!

Some challenges face in the next few days as Dad is home getting the house ready for Jake. If anyone can help with painting or rearranging furniture, etc., please call him at 951-252-3366.

As for Jake's progress, his rehab activities have been more intense as he prepares to leave Children's. He has been getting literally stretched in alot of directions and though the activity is very good for him, it can be very painful and tiring. His left arm is slowly loosening and his speech is still slowly improving. He likes to take assisted walks and play computer games with his one good hand. The prospect of coming home seems to have given him some extra motivation, which is an answer to prayer. Overall, keep praying for our buddy for comfort, peace, and desire to get even better.

Pray also for our family as, though we're also ecstatic about reuniting, we will have some adjustments to make. After all, we have been separated for over five months. Also, the burden of day and night care will now fall to Mom and Dad. Though he is in much better shape than late September, it will still be a challenge for us. Some of you are excited to help in anyway you can and we will look forward to seeing you again!

As for the sudden change in plans, we are reminded again that our #1 plans are not necessarily His plans. We again see that our path is always up to him. What we see as a change in plans is not necessarily a change, but is actually part of His plan. We often think that our decisions determine our path, but that is never the case. He is always behind the scenes and out in front, supertintending every detail. And so, like Abraham, who "went out, not knowing where he was going", (Heb. 11:8), we should face our lives taking one step at a time, letting Him lead the way. As the Lord says in Isaiah 55:8, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways."

Though we are all inclined to some form of poor discipline, we are strangely creatures of habit and struggle greatly with change. It seems like we can never get used it. For those of us that truly know Him, maybe its because, like the saints of old, we are not to get too comfortable with things as we are "strangers and exiles on the earth," (Heb. 11:13) and that we should "desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one." (Heb. 11:16). Friend, if you know Him, your faith is His work and change is part of our lot in life. Friend, if you don't know Him, the same truth applies. There is no true, lasting peace and order for you outside of a relationship with Him. He will help you make sense of this life and the one to come. Eternity awaits us all, one way or another Wouldn't we all like to live our lives knowing that He will make sense of every detail and that a future with Him is the only future worth living!

Father, help to accept Your will for our lives. Help us to more graciously accept the changes that will certainly come. And help us to give credit to You when things do eventually work out - and we know that they always will!

Links to Loma Linda - check these out!

Dear Jake,

Though many will read this before you do, this letter is for you. I just wanted you to know how much I love you and what a joy and even a privilege it is to spend so much time with you. I’m the most fortunate Dad is the whole world to have a son like you. Though you’re the one in the wheelchair, learning how to speak and move again, you have been blessing and encouraging me. You are so full of joy in the midst of all this and I thank God for that. I love to hear you laugh and see you smile. We all prayed so long to see your smile and hear your voice, and our gracious God has sweetly and powerfully answered those prayers. I wish everyone could hear you and see you!

Even though you’re laughing and smiling, I know you’re still suffering. Your poor left arm looks so painful, yet you keep laughing. Your body aches in many places from the hard work you’ve been doing in therapy, yet you keep smiling. You ache for all of us to be together again, yet you keep singing. Mom and I have been told by many that we have been examples for them, but you, sweet precious boy, are the example for us all. You have no idea now, but I pray you will grow to understand this at some point - yes, I believe you will be well enough someday to soak it all in.

My son, He who created you before the world was made is not finished with you. And neither is he finished with the rest of us. Your sweet mother may not think it, but she is the most precious woman in the whole world. Her effort has been a true labor of love. She gives and gives, even though her heart aches for you and your lovely sisters. She may not believe this, but I pray she will nonetheless. Your sister Hannah, our firstborn, has a generosity of heart and hands that is almost impossible to comprehend, considering what she has been through these last five months. It is such a joy to watch the two of you together. She truly loves you. It is amazing to watch here in action as she has such a heart of compassion for people. You are truly fortunate to have an older sister like her and were are all going to enjoy watch her grow and mature and to see His special calling on her unfold. I am equally amazed by your younger sister Isabelle, who, though hurting for a while, is showing herself to be a very unique person on her own. I love to watch here play and laugh. I know sometimes she is so exuberant that it gets on your nerves, but it’s a miracle to see her so happy. After all, she did see you get hurt and was away from her Mom and Dad for a few months. Some people never recover from things like that, but it looks like she has and we’re so happy for her!

My boy, God has put us together as a family for some great purpose and He is not finished with any of us. I know you want to go home, but God has provided a place for all of us in Bakersfield so you can get well. Though we won’t be at our house, we will be together and we will continue to see Him provide miracle upon miracle. You’ve come so far and so have the rest of us who have been watching. I promise you He is not finished with you. Even while you sleep now, He is watching. He never sleeps. He is always working. He is the Lord of all creation, active in every aspect of our existence. And He has not forgotten you, nor will He ever! Jake. Though Mom and I have worked to make sure you are never alone through all of this, we know that you have had some lonely times. So have we. And we know now, more than ever, that when all fellowship is gone, at the end of each day, in the deep, dark and lonely places, He is there and He will always be.

I love you everyday and you are my heart.

Until tomorrow,

Dad

His appetite has increased to the point where he is not getting fed at all through the g-tube now. This is a trial and we hope he will do well without the nighttime supplements he's been getting.

Please continue to pray that the botox treatment Jake received almost one week ago helps with his spasticity. His left arm, though somewhat improving, is still fairly contorted. Pray for his lower back, neck, and head as they have been especially sore at times.

His speech is showing slight improvement. The main issue here is conditioning all of the related muscles that facilitate his speech.

It was time to switch off today, so Dad brought Hannah and Isabelle for a visit. We all got to sit in and participate in his physical therapy. Jake was able to stand with very little support and catch and release a large rubber ball. It was so much fun for Mom, Dad, and Hannah to play catch with him! He was so happy to have us all in the gym - you should have seen the joy on his face! This was another little miracle as it is usually tough for Mom or Dad to be in therapy with him as he looks for comfort sometimes instead of participating. We also got to have a snack with him outside as part of his speech therapy. For a few moments, it felt like old times!

It looks like Jake will be for sure going to the Centre for Neuro Skills in Bakersfield on or about Jan. 20. Mom and Dad have prayed hard and have decided that the girls will be staying with us through this minimum 3 month stint. Pray for us as the Centre, who is very eager to take Jake, looks to locate a 3 bedroom apartment for this purpose. Pray that this adjustment will go well as it has been over 5 months since the 5 of us have been together for more than a few hours.

Dad, Hannah, and Isabelle got a surprise last night as Mom, who was very lonely, decided to drive home to be with us. She arrived at 10 p.m. Isabelle, though tucked in for the night, lay awake in her bed, but not aware that Mom was home. As Mom was returning to Jake the next morning, she initially thought it might be disruptive to say goodnight to her. Mom's head was saying no, but her heart was saying yes, so she went to kiss her little girl goodnight. As she knelt down to do this, she heard two words, spoken ever so softly - "You're here." Mom's heart was in the right place as her little girl was carried off to slumber with that very thought. How important is was for Isabelle to know that Mom was in the room with her. The need for fellowship and belonging is woven into the fabric of our human existence. We all need it as much as we need the air that we breathe. As it says in Isaiah 43:7 "Everyone who is called by My name, And whom I have created for My glory, Whom I have formed, even whom I have made," our loving Lord created us all with this need. Though being with family and friends does help, there is a void within us all that can only be filled by fellowship with our Heavenly Father. None of us will ever be truly complete on this earth without His presence in our lives. He is not the God who is far off. He is the God who is right here, waiting for you to walk with Him. Yes, He will let you walk your own way, but He does desire for you to walk with Him. Let Him take you under the shadow of His wings (Ps. 91:4) and fill that empty spot that only He can fill. In His presence you will find fullness of joy (Ps. 16:11). In His presence, you too will truly be able to say ever so softly, "You're here."

Jake is eating just about everything in sight - especially Lucky Charms. He has actually put on extra weight - Julie had to ask for a new wristband because his old one was too tight!

The Centre for Neuro in Skills in Bakersfield evaluated Jake today and heartily agreed to accept him. There will be details to work out in between now and January 20, when Jake gets discharged from Children's. We thank our Lord for these answers to prayers!

As many of you know, the hospital environment is very dynamic. Days go by very quickly due to the dizzying pace of activities. Because of this, it is very easy to fly right by the little things. But something happened yesterday that we will never forget. Yesterday, our Hannah turned 14 and she was able to visit us with Isabelle (thanks Grandpa and Grandma). Julie took Jake to the gift shop so he could pick out a card for Hannah. Our sweet, irrepressible boy the decided he was going to write his and Hannah's name on the card, which he did with almost no assistance! Most birthday cards get discarded after a few days, but this one will probably get framed! We are so happy for Jake because he could do it and happier for Hannah because she was the one who received it. In our own lives, the little things can get easily missed. And there are times that we ourselves feel insignificant. But as usual, our God, who always covers all the bases, deals with this very important subject in His word.. Jesus says in Mat 6:25,26 "For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?" He also tells us more about our worth in Matthew 10:29-31 where He says "Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows." Its easy for us to lose the little things in the midst of the busyness of our lives, but it is impossible for our Heavenly Father to overlook them. He is the God of every detail. Everything matters and everything counts. Let Him remind You every day of this truth and let that truth draw You closer to Him!

Jake's speech is becoming more and more clear. AS we assist him in transfers from bed to chair, and chair to bed, we can tell he is getting stronger and able to stand straighter. Little by little, he is getting better, so keep praying!

With the new year beginning, its normally a time to look ahead. Today, I want to reflect on this past holiday and its impact on our future.

Its a tale of two trees. More specifically, Christmas trees. One in our house in Murrieta and the other in Jake's room. One stood tall, but not fully decorated and largely ignored. The other was dinky, kind of Charlie Brown-esque, but stood tall in its own way in the midst of the miracle that is happening in our life. One was pretty enough at night with its million lights, but the other was a thing of beauty with its handful of tiny Batman and Scooby Doo ornaments. The source of its beauty was found in its main admirer, our sweet boy Jake. His joy, expressed in the midst of suffering, brought the tree to life. What an example he sets for the rest of us! What about you, our friends? Do you think it would be possible for you to do the same? With our Saviors example and help, it truly is! Jesus knew that we would have struggles while we were on this earth. He Himself said in John 16:33: "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." What a great and glorious hope we have in that someday all the pain, all the sorrow, all the grief, and all that is evil about this world will just go away, for it is written in Revelation 21:4: "And He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away."

Wherever you find yourself today, know this one thing for sure. The God of the universe has already defeated death, pain, and suffering. He nailed it to a tree. Its just a matter of time before those who are His will be able to fully enjoy the blessings of this great victory. For now, He will keep us going by giving us little reminders along the way. Christian brothers and sisters, keep fighting the good fight and keep encouraging one another. Christless friends, we urge you to put your faith and trust in the One who nailed your sin and sorrow to a tree once and forever!

Jake's speech is improving. Mom and Dad learned something new this past week about the velum, or soft palate, which functions to close off the nasal cavity during swallowing and also during different speech sounds. Jake does not yet have good control of this, which explains something about his speech progress. This "muscle" operates involuntarily, though different types of exercises (some of them fun) will improve its strength and thus his speech will improve, so pray that this muscle develops. Just another example of how fearfully and wonderfully made we all are!

Jake is also able to stand by leaning against a platform. He uses one arm to steady himself while the other is picking up and placing puzzle pieces!

Next week will be eventful as Jake will be seen by a opthamologist as eyes are not lined up as well as they could be. He will also be getting another round of botox shots to help with his continuing spasticity. Pray this dose does the trick - what a relief for Him if it works!

Also, we mentioned in our last update that Jake will be evaluated by a post-acute program for placement. Hopefully, this will happen next week. Those of you familiar with Gerry Maranucci and his injury recovery will remember the Centre for Neuro Skills in Bakersfield. Their sole focus is brain injury recovery and we are hopeful that their evaluation will show that Jake is a good fit for their program, which is very comprehensive and comes with high recommendations.

Their are two sets of eyes my mind right now, belonging to Jake and Isabelle. I can see them clearly as they both fight to stay open until the very last moment of consciousness, not wanting to miss a moment of life and making sure that someone is there to watch over them. It a most beautiful thing to see. What is even more beautiful is that our precious Lord never take His eyes off us. We will always find Him gazing at us whenever we look to Him to make sure He's still there. We could never catch Him looking away.

What about you? Do you ever wonder if He is really right there with you? If your faith is in Him, remember that "the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His." ( 2 Chr. 16:9). If you don't know Him, may this truth draw you to Him.

May you all see the beauty in your children's eyes and may you find pleasure in the watchful gaze of the God of creation!

"Shift change" is a term used at the hospital and refers to the twice daily process that day and night nurses go through to update information on their patients. It is a term that Mom and Dad are now using as they trade time between Jake and their girls, Hannah and Isabelle. Today, our most significant shift change occurred as Dad, feeling better now, took over for Mom, who had spent 12 straight days in San Diego taking care of Jake. She truly is an amazing woman!

Children's has extended Jake's stay to January 20 and Mom and Dad are considering options. Next week will be important as we make arrangements for a representative from one of these facilities to visit with us and Jake to see if it will be a good match.

Please continue to pray for our sweet boy for comfort, peace, and hope. Please continue to pray for our family as the separation can at times be quite overwhelming. Its hard to believe that we have been on this journey for nearly five months and the only explanation for it all is God, and God alone. There is no way that we could have made it this far in the shape we're in on our own. Thank you, Lord, for holding us together!

So, what is holding you together? Is it something or someone that you can always count on? Take comfort from His word, which says in Psa 119:116,117: "Sustain me according to Your word, that I may live; And do not let me be ashamed of my hope," and then again in Psalm 139:10, where it says "Even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will lay hold of me." "Even there" is a place many of us would wish to avoid. It is that place that is so painful, that it is difficult to sense God's presence.

Our friends, many would try to tell you that pain and trials can be avoided completely by right living. Please know that this is a lie straight from the pit of hell itself, for though some pain is self-inflicted, much is not and our loving Lord is in the midst of it, for He Himself suffered and can therefore relate. As each new wave of grief hits, we have no choice but to take it to him, because every other path leads to emptiness. Though we are no great examples ourselves, we urge you to let your trials and suffering lead you to the cross. There is the place where your pain is fulfilled in His glory. There you will find true rest.

Dec. 21, 2005
What's your favorite food? What if you couldn't have your favorite food for, let's say, almost five months? Hands down, Jake's favorite food is pizza. Now that he's eating more solid food, guess what he'll tell you he wants to eat if you ask him. You got it. Pizza. Pizza, pizza, and more pizza. This does say a lot about where Jake is at in his rehab. As Dad has been home sick with the girls, Mom has been pulling extra duty and she has worked very hard in this area. Keep in mind, Jake still can't each like any of us. Each bite he takes is laborious, but it is helping him work all those muscles and nerves in his mouth. So bring on the pizza (and a few other things too!).

Many have asked how we are spending the holidays. Julie's family will be coming to the hospital on Christmas eve. Four of the five Bucketts will sleep in the trailer at Children's that night and then spend Christmas day with Jake. Please pray for a special time for our immediate and extended family this season. We, of course, will be praying for you and yours.

Please also continue to pray for Mom and Dad as we are faced with some important decisions regarding the next phase of Jake's recovery. We'll keep you all posted. We are confident that the Lord will clearly guide the way for us, as He has countless times thus far. Like Israel of old, those of us that know Him were founding wandering in our own wilderness. So His words in Deuteronomy 32:9-12 ring true in our hearts: "He found him in a desert land, And in the howling waste of a wilderness; He encircled him, He cared for him, He guarded him as the pupil of His eye. Like an eagle that stirs up its nest, That hovers over its young, He spread His wings and caught them, He carried them on His pinions. The LORD alone guided him, And there was no foreign god with him." You see, He wants us to surrender to Him completely. He wants us to leave our "gods" behind. They are of no use to us on our journey with Him. As this is the season of giving, lays your gods down at His feet. He will be happy to take them from you. Friend, if you don't know Him, lay your burdens at His feet and He will guide you the rest of the way.

Father, we are so weary from carrying our own burdens. Help us all to lay them down at Your feet. You'll know what to do, this we know to be true!

Dad and Mom are evaluating options as his current discharge date of Jan. 3 approaches. The date could get extended, but we must prepare in the event it doesn't get extended. We again ask for God’s wisdom.

It was about a year ago. We were at a Christmas party with our homeschool friends at a barn in Rainbow. The conversation was lively and the food plentiful. There were new friends and old, gathered together to celebrate as we danced the traditional dances of old. We remember many things about that night, from the gleeful smile on our then 12 year old Hannah's face to the precocious exuberance of our 3 year old Isabelle - Dad would sleep well that night after chasing her around! Dad also remembers the brief, but beautiful moments dancing with his wife, the ever youthful one. But something else stirred us even more. A waltz was being played and in the middle of the dance was a young boy and a young girl, the girl with a sweet, pretty smile and the boy rolling his eyes, but holding on tight nonetheless. He thought the dance would never end and many of us who witnessed it would not soon forget the moment. Of course I'm speaking about our Jake. A year has passed now and we wonder if our sweet boy will dance again. Will he run and play? Will he sing? Only God knows right now.

The most gripping moment of the Delirious visit with Jake in October was when Martin Smith sang "History Maker" to Jake (we have a DVD from the visit and your really ought to see it). Here are some of the lyrics:

“You're gonna be a history maker in this land

You're gonna be a speaker of truth to all mankind. You're gonna stand, You're gonna run

Into His arms, into His arms again

Into His arms, into His arms again

Well it's true today that when people stand

With the fire of God, and the truth in hand

We'll see miracles, we'll see angels sing

We'll see broken hearts making history

Yes it's true and I believe it

We're living for you”

Jake, buddy, we're all praying that He will take your broken heart, your very life, and make history. It's what He wants to do with you and with the rest of us. Hold on tight, bright eyes!

Psa 149:3,4: "Let them praise His name with dancing; Let them sing praises to Him with timbrel and lyre. For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation." Jake, it is a beautiful thing that He has saved you. Now, we all wait for Him to determine what the rest of your life will look like. How about you, our friends, what will the rest of your life look like? Take it to Him and let Him show you!

A few years ago, Dad read the book "Wild at Heart" (which he highly recommends). The theme of the book is that God created men and boys to be who He created them to be - wild at heart and born for adventure. What an adventure we have all been on and this boy of ours is not content with boredom. So, we all have no choice but to saddle up and hold on from now on - yee hah!

As Jake's discharge is set for no sooner than Jan. 3, he will celebrate the holidays at Children's (we encourage you to send him cards to the hospital). We've been busy decorating his room so we can make the best of it - of course, he more than anyone would rather be home, but his rehab is going well and we must stay the course for his sake. Though he has along way to go, he has turned the corner and we want the best for him. The rehab team here is doing wonderful things with him. The happy wheeze that has sufficed for a laugh is turning more and more into a real laugh - though his speaking voice is ever so slight and still missing key consonants. He could be heard laughing down the hall during a visit by the San Diego Children's Zoo. His favorites were the barking meerkat and Priscilla the Porcupine.

Please keep praying for peace, comfort, strength, joy, and encouragement as he has 6 very full days a week of rehab per week. Pray about his physical and vocal limitations. Pray for restful nights for him. Pray for our family too as we face another unique holiday scenario.

It is obvious that Jake has been a bright light for Jesus during all of this. It brings to mind the verse in 1 Peter 2:9, "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light."

Our friends, as we celebrate this season of giving, we have a great opportunity to let His light shine through us. May we not look to the right or to the left as we serve Him everyday. May we all look straight ahead at His wonderful face and let Him work through us. We will experience a few bumps in the night here and here (right Jake?), but He is the Lord of it all and He will bring us safely through!

Dear Jake,

Our dear bright-eyed boy, right now, you have little idea how much of a blessing those bright eyes of yours are. Its the first thing everyone notices when they walk in your room.

Mom and I are enjoying the time we get to spend with you. Most of the time its one of us and sometimes we both get to be there with you. It is so good to be with you buddy - there is nothing like it the world. When we're with you, there is nowhere else on earth we'd rather be, because its where God wants us to be. Its no wonder that these things are true, because God's word says in Proverbs 15:30 that "Bright eyes gladden the heart; Good news puts fat on the bones."

Our precious boy, you are in the hardest part of your journey to date. Most of the gains your are making now are the result of your often painful efforts. Its now wonder why you don't feel like doing stuff sometimes. We want to you to know that we are proud of you and you will not be alone for even one step of this journey.

Right now, you're sleeping safely in the arms of Jesus. When you rise in the morning, He will be with you (Ps. 139:9). He has carefully planned out each moment of your life (Ps. 139:16). He saw when you fell. He heard what you could hear even before you could open your eyes. He knows the words you are are trying to speak now even before the thoughts come to your mind (Ps. 139:4). Though we feel helpless to aid you, you are not helpless, because He has promised never to fail you or forsake you (Heb. 13:5)

Sonny boy, He is putting you back together piece by piece. We don't know how much longer it will take because your times are in His hands (Ps. 31:15).

Sweet prince, as much as your Dad, Mom, Sisters, family, and friends love you, your Father in heaven and His Son Jesus love you so much more because His word says "See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are." ( I John 3:1).

Sleep well sweet boy, you are in His hands!

Father in Heaven, bless all who read this that they would know the greatness of Your love for them and Your desire for them to saved and safely in your arms forever.

Dec. 9, 2005
Thank you for your prayers regarding Jake's serial casting. Full range has been restored to both of Jake's feet, so a more concerted effort can be put into walking! Most of the range has been restored to his left arm and surgery will probably not be required to restore full range if therapy works. He was using his left hand within hours of the cast removal! Jake is quite relieved to have the casts off. You could see the relief and joy in his face as he enjoying his new favorite cartoons - Scooby Doo. As Scoob would say, "Rooby Roo!"

Mom was gone for a few days attending to the girls and could tell that Jake had improved since she last saw him.

Something to pray about for Jake are conditions called hemipelgia - temporary paralysis of a portion of the body - or hemiparesis - weakening or partial paralysis of the same. We're not sure which Jake has, but both conditions are caused by injury to the brain stem. It is noticeable on the left side of his face and is somewhat related to the spasticity in his left arm and right leg. It is affecting his speech and eating. Only time will tell if this condition will go away. Please pray hard for healing in this area as God wills.

We sincerely appreciate the many words of affirmation as you all witness our walk of faith. We are glad for the impact this is having on many. We do ask, though, for concerted prayer for as we all go through periods of discouragement, fatigue, and sometimes even seeming despair. These feelings come and go in waves and can be quite overwhelming. The fact that God is using our family in spite of this is more evidence that He is in control. Notice that I used the words "seeming despair," because God's word teaches us that those who have hope in Him should never actually despair or lose hope. It may seem and feel like despair, but a closer look at 2 Cor. 4:7-10 confirms that this is not true, as it says "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body." As many of us know by now, our emotions will often lead us astray. That is not to say that we should ignore our emotions, as God created them too. Rather, we should not let them the day. So, when we are emotinally down, we "Cast our cares upon Him, because He cares for us." ( I Pet. 5:7 ) We know this is easier said than done, but He has given us the sense and the ability to do this. How comforting it is to lay these things at His feet and we encourage you all to do the same. In the meantime, again, we would appreciate your prayers for all of us that we would continue to find comfort, grace, and strength to persevere.

"For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen." Eph 3: 14-21

Jake is slowly improving in just about every way. Yesterday, while Dad was trying to sneak a peek at Jake during his therapy, he noticed this handsome boy all the way across the therapy gym sitting up unaided and real straight on the padded island. It was Jake!

Last night, Mom called and I pointed the phone to Jake. He said "I love you Mommy!" It wasn't super clear, but distinguishable and unsolicited! The speech therapists are working on a lot of things, including articulation of consonants. We have been given homework by the therapists and are "cueing" him - reminded him what to do with his lips, etc. to form words. Its working! Mom has spent a lot of time with his feeds, as the feeding process itself is therapy. They are also working on his volume, which is very slight now and will come in time.

Physically, Jake has some challenges ahead as the spasticity in his limbs is still predominant. His left arm is the worst and is still in a serial cast, with his forearm at 135 degrees. He cannot bend his right knee on his own, but can lift his leg and kick things when asked. Both of these limbs will get recast on Wednesday. Pray for Jake during this process as the removal and recasting process is very stressful. His ankle was nicked pretty good on a recent recast and he is very wary (I would be!). He is wearing a green low-cut sneaker on his left foot. Dad told him it looked cool. Jake shook his head no and said he wanted a yellow one. Good luck Dad!

As for our girls, Hannah and Isabelle are doing OK, considering either Mom or Dad are gone all the time. They are enjoying being at home. Pray for consistency here. Praise God that our loving homeschool community has stepped up with assistance for Hannah's home schooling. She has become a real self-starter, though she appreciates support and encouragement from Mom, Dad, and our other helpers. Thank you Cornerstone, ICAP, and Biola Star for your TLC!

On the home front, we have asked for prayer for wisdom and ask for you to continue praying. His word teaches us that wisdom is a natural byproduct of trials, for it says in James 1:1-5 "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind." We have read this passage many times and have often skipped over the wisdom part. We have always known that we should ask God for wisdom as that is where true wisdom comes from. Now we are learning by experience that the best way to retain wisdom is through trials. We are also reminded that we should ask for wisdom with unflinching confidence and that God will provide it. May of you may remember Solomon, who, when given the chance, could have asked God for anything. He asked for wisdom and God so blessed him with wisdom, that Solomon was renowned for it. It is no accident that in the midst of our greatest trial, the thing we most want is His wisdom, so keep praying. And we will also be praying for you, our friends, that you would seek His wisdom and not your own as He walks you through this life. We are reminded later in James 1 that earthly wisdom rooted in bitterness and selfish ambition. This is our bent if we are left to ourselves. But take joy, as we are not and have all been given the opportunity to give our lives to the very One who created us. If you're struggling with trials or direction for your life, give in to the One who is waiting for you. He know your name, He knows your every thought. Let Him make your life count for eternity. Don't wait any longer!

• Has taken 10-12 steps - assisted
• Has correctly pronounced 10 target words with closed-lip consonants
• Grasped spoonful of food and fed himself - still on a pureed food and nectar liquid diet, in addition to g-tube feedings. Mom gave him milk mixed with cookies today - yum!
• Able to move torso from side to side in bed - likes to snuggle with Mom and Dad and watch videos and has scootched over for Mom
• Able to lift bottom for changing when feet planting is assisted
• Has full control of left leg and minimal control of right leg
• Prefers to sit upright in wheelchair and has control of his head and neck
• Loves to wear a Santa scarf that Mom just bought him :)

We are trying new motivational methods that seem to be working. The trick is to make the rehab seem like fun instead of rehab. Jake is very smart, though, and can see through most of these efforts. For example, learning to stand is very difficult and sometimes painful. The other day his therapist told him to pick a number she would count to when holding him upright - of course, he picked one. The next time, Dad asked to him to choose between 5 and 10 and he picked five - we laughed. The most encouraging thing here is that even though he may not be in the mood and shakes his head not when asked to do things, he will still do most of them if he is able.

As for his mental state that you all have been praying for, it has been improving the last few days - keep praying as rehab is very taxing on him! Regarding attitude, God's word is wonderfully explicit as we read in Philippians 2:5-15, "Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world."

Its not just about having a positive mental attitude, its about having a Christ-like attitude. There is no way for us to conjure this up ourselves. He enables us to do this just like He enables us to do everything else. If you know Him, let the reality of who He is change your mind about who you are how you are living. If you don't know Him, quit trying to change things on your own. He will take you just as you are and get you to where He wants to go. Simply said, start by placing your trust in Him!

Dec. 1, 2005
The past few days have been more busy than normal. As Mom has been sick with a virus, Dad has been with Jake in SD, staying in the trailer - last week the RV spots were full, but they opened up in time for the trailer to be brought this Tuesday - isn't God's timing perfect! Please pray for Mom to get well soon as she really misses her boy.

Based on Jake's current rate of progress, we have been given a tentative discharge date of Jan. 3. This is tentative and could change at any time. Please keep in mind that this doesn't mean that Jake will be totally better by then. His brain is still healing and it is likely he will need therapy for several years. The reality is twofold - we want Jake in the best place possible and insurance these days will not pay for protracted rehab stays. We are considering options right now and would appreciate your prayers.

As for Jake, one of his latest gains include pronouncing some consonants. We will be given a list of target words so we can work on it with him. He has also stood up and taken a few steps (with support). Please continue to pray for his mental state as rehab is hard work and most gains are painful. Pray for times of refreshing for him in the midst of all this.

Please also pray for Mom and Dad and we consider options regarding our home. Two things are pointing to putting the home on the market - affordability (this has been coming for a while, even before Jake's fall) - and accessibility - Jake will be coming home at some point and it needs to be user friendly. We are considering short and long term options and are open to input. Please pray for wisdom here. Whatever we do, we want to be captive to His will and do things His way. We owe Him more than we could ever repay. We take encouragement from the story of Joseph. He had been left for dead by his brothers years before. God took Joseph out of that desperate situation and used him to save many from a famine - including even his own family. His brothers were understandably afraid that Joseph, in his position of great power and influence, would take vengeance upon them. His response in Gen. 50:19, 20 was "Fear not: for am I in the place of God? But as for you, thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive."

No matter what happens to us, we never have the right to complain. If we know Him through Jesus Christ, we have all been forgiven much and will live forever. He calls to us to forgive as we have been forgiven. We cannot forgive in our own strength, so he mercifully gives us the ability to do that. Wherever we find ourselves in our lives today, we are in "His place." And if we are in His place, we ought to be grateful and our thoughts and conduct should reflect that. Bitterness and unforgivingness will only pollute our lives. As Christians, they have no rightful place in our lives. So, we move forward, not matter what happens, thanking God all the way!

Father, help us to be grateful to You for us being in Your place. Help us all to completely and unreservedly surrender to You in all areas of our lives.

Please continue to pray for our entire family as Dad and Mom are on the brink of some very important decisions. Pray for wisdom beyond our years and that the peace of Christ will rule in our hearts and lives (Phil. 4:7.

Again, thank you for being His hands and feet to us. Thank you also for the privilege of ministering to you. It is almost daily now that we hear of some fruit from this ministry. It is encouraging to see His word in Proverbs 11:25 coming to life, where it says "The generous man will be prosperous, And he who waters will himself be watered." Let's all keep on watering, for He who supplies the water will make sure that we have enough to continue the effort. Christ Himself also gave instruction regarding generosity when he said in Luke 6:38 "Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return." What a joy there is in generously dispensing the grace that has been so freely given to us. May we find true joy in the process!

Nov. 26, 2005

Hi Buddy,
So many wonderful things have happened lately and we must record them for your future encouragement. Last night was tough as Dad watched you suffer through a another severe bout of pain. He felt helpless except to pray for relief, which eventually came and you were able to fall asleep soundly. You kept opening your eyes occasionally to see if Dad was still there watching and I just want to tell you that is just what our heavenly Father does for us. You are never alone when, especially in your darkest hour, He is there to usher you through the valley. I spent to entire late night ride home thinking and praying about your immediate future and confess that part of the time spent was just plain worrying - about things I had absolutely no control over anyway. It wasn't until I arrived home that the Lord snapped me out of this state as yet again He reminded me of His great provision through all of this. Outside the front of our house was a large dumpster, donated free of charge. I was also sitting in a car, the use of which was donated by friends. I the remembered the financial gift that came in the other night that exactly covered the cost of software need to upgrade the website so many can see the Delirious visit video. I also look at the progress you are making, sitting up and holding the position while reaching for toys, beginning to master a few consonants, graciously dealing with a cast or splint on each of your limbs.

There have been many more reasons to acknowledge God's often last minute provisions. Mom and I read in "Beside Still Waters," a devotional book by Charles Surgeon on comfort. In one of the passages he says " We have great demands, but Christ has great supplies. Between here and heaven, we may have greater wants than we have yet known. But all along the journey, every resting place is ready, provisions are laid up, good cheer is stored , and nothing has been overlooked, The commissary of the Eternal is absolutely perfect." So now, when that last minute perfect gift arrives, we are not surprised, but greatly encouraged. He also wrote "Do you sometimes feel so thirsty for grace that you could drink the Jordan dry? More than a river could hold is given to you, so drink abundantly, for Christ has prepared a bottomless sea of grace to fill you with all the fullness of God. Do not be frugal. Do not doubt your Savior, Do not limit the Holy One of Israel. Be great in your praises of His bounty, and in heaven you will pour great treasures of gratitude at His feet."

These thoughts, along with time spent in His precious truth have been an oasis for us.

"For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said "Light shall shine out of darkness," is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; Persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; Always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body." 2 Cor. 4:6-10 .

It is very easy for onlookers to blame suffering on someone's sin and it is true that blatant, persistent, habitual sin is no good excuse for suffering (I pet. 2:20). But take comfort that in most cases, this does not apply and you are simply putty in His hand. He wants to carry you through these trials, which can product far above their eternal weight in glory (2 Cor. 4:17).

My son, you are precious and He is not finished with you. Our friends, take encouragement in the progress our little warrior is making and continue to pray for him and his family as the Lord leads. We are praying for you!

Father, time after time, you have rescued us. But nothing could compare with the first rescue, where you transferred us from the domain of darkness and delivered us to the kingdom of Your beloved Son. Col. 1:13

Nov. 23, 2005
On the eve of Thanksgiving day, our hearts are full of gratitude to our Lord for His gracious provision in our lives. As always, we are also grateful for the many prayers from you, our friends.

Jake had a busy day today as the serial casting process was begun on both of his feet and his left arm. The casts are set at certain angles and then progressively reset every few days. This is done so Jake can regain full range of motion in these areas. Please pray for comfort and peace through this several week process as it can cause much agitation. Jake's doctor is confident that full range can be restored by this process to both of his feet. He has concerns about his left arm, which will require surgery if the casting process doesn't fix the problem. AS for his ability to communicate, Jake does understand everything that is said to him. He can say vowels, but can only say a few consonants, so please pray for him in this area.

Though we are still basking in the afterglow of the yard sale, we are already focused on what lies ahead. In the medical profession, discharge planning begins the day a patient is admitted. No one can say for sure exactly how long Jake will be at Children's, but we are already thinking about what is next. Important decisions will need to be made and plans put into action almost immediately. Please pray for wisdom and a clear path. Please also pray for our family's spiritual vitality as it is the key here for making right decisions.

As we all take time to give thanks, we encourage you spend some time alone with God and pour our your heart before Him. Thank Him for who He is and what He has done. Thank Him for giving us His Son, Jesus Christ. Thank Him for everything - the joys and the trials. For those of you who are suffering and in great need of rest and comfort, pour our your hearts to Him, for His word says "Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest" - Mat. 11:28 - and "The Spirit and the bride say Come! And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely." - Revelation 22:17.

Weary ones, let Him fight your battles for you.

Heavenly Father, we give You praise. Help our thoughts, words, and actions point the way to You!

Due to prolonged tension in his left arm and right leg, Jake will go through a series of serial casts so he can possibly regain full range of motion. This process can take 3-4 weeks. Please pray that this process works!

A larger room will be available sometime on Wednesday and Jake is first in line for it!

Jake's speech is slightly improving, though he does have a long way to go.

Nov. 20, 2005
As Mom was sick on Saturday, Dad spent the day and night with Jake while Jake's helpers from ICAP managed the yard sale. Jake had a very active morning as he had six 30 min. therapy sessions. By noontime, he was pretty tuckered, so we hung out and watched movies. We also took a long walk, during which we visited our friends from the ICU. They were all thrilled to see Jake!

Jake's discomfort seemed to increase as the day went on, mostly due to muscle tiredness from therapy. It was managed as well as possible, but he didn't go to sleep until 11 PM. Please pray for comfort and relief and that he get back to sleep at his normal time.

Several gains Dad noticed is that he is starting to pronounce some consonants - "y" for "yeah" and "n" for "no." Several years ago Jake told us the name of his future wife and kids, so we were talking about it yesterday. His wife's name used to be Sunshine. Now it is something different that Dad couldn't understand. He and Dad were working on a letter board to figure it out, but he got tired. So far, the first two letters are "Ro." I'll let you all know as soon as we figure it out so we can start praying for that little girl, who is out there somewhere in the world! It is truly wonderful to occupy our time together talking about the future, knowing that we all have one - especially our sweet boy, who will make someone a most excellent husband someday.

We have consistently prayed, trusting God that Jake's times, come what may, are totally in His hands, as it says in Psalm 139:16, "Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them." How reassuring it is to know that, though our path is not always clear to see, Our loving Lord had put a plan for all of our lives in place long before we were even conceived. Our friends, take comfort in and be in awe of the God who personally fashioned you and meant for you to live a life of eternal significance!

Lord, Your tender and firm care of each detail of our lives is almost amazing thing! Remind us all of this as we each day put one foot in front of the other during our precious time here on earth.

Please pray for the pain he is having with his ears. As he has no ear infection, it may be connected to his brain injury and will be checked on Monday. Please also pray for the occasional muscle spasms, which are painful for him.

As I sat on the roof over our garage - one of Jake's favorite places - it was amazing to see wave after wave of people with deliveries. Thank you all for your investments. They are reaping eternal benefits! "Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah." Psalm 68:19

Looking upon the thousand of items in our front yard and driveway, it is easy to focus on the material items themselves. We urge you to look beyond the material and to the eternal. Look up instead of out and you will see that Great Giver of all these things is none other than our Heavenly Father and Lord and Savior Jesus Christ(James 1:17). He does this daily, even moment by moment, because it is His nature to do so. And he does it simply to glorify Himself so may all turn to Him.

Heavenly Father, thank You for glorifying Yourself in all of this!

During speech therapy, Jake said "Daddy," "Kevin", "Julie," "eight" (when asked how old he was), to mention a few. He reacted well to his doctor (even though he tried to kick him and his Mom - feisty boy). This was the most we have seen from him to date. Keep in mind, that he has a long way to go with his speech and motor movements. Though we can understand most of the things he's saying, its not easy as he has not gotten "his" voice back.

HIs room is great - it looks out to a courtyard with tress. His nurse has already requested a larger room with closets, etc., which should be available in about a week.

The RV spots are full, so pray about our options there. It was be great to minimize the commute, but we know that Lord will provide, no matter what the situation is.

Check on John Hunneman's column in the local section of the Thursday (11-17) edition of "The Californian". He did a beautiful job of telling Jake's story - thanks John! One small point is that the garage sale is Friday and Saturday, not Saturday and Sunday. Look for a blurb in the Press Enterprise about the sale and a bigger article with pics sometime next week.

Please keep praying about our financial situation. Dad is looking for work that fits. He will be "turning over rocks," but we know that the Lord will open the right door to the right situation. One way or another, this ministry will continue and we ask you pray that Mom and Dad will daily humble themselves before God and that we will hear and listen to His direction.

One of our favorite bible verses is Psalm 16:11 and we leave you with it today: "You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever."

We encourage you to read this entire Psalm so get a fuller picture of God's truth here. We spend so much time pursuing things on our own, following our own path to fulfillment. There is only emptiness at the end of this path. Right here in this little verse is the key to true contentment and clear direction. He will make our path clear if we will humble ourselves before Him. His hand is always outstretched to us and He beckons us to follow.

As for his physical skills, though Jake is still unable to stand on his own, he is definitely more mobile. When Mom wanted to snuggle with him in his bed the other night, he actually scootched over for her. Whenever we take him for a walk, he insists on taking his sword with him, a gift from some friends. It has a button on it that, we pressed, makes sword noises. Suffice it to say you can hear him ahead of time is he is wheeling down the hallway and you'd better be prepared to defend yourself!

As for Jake's hospital status, San Diego Children's Rehab unit has officially accepted him! He will be discharged from CHOC at ( am and transported via ambulance to San Diego. Thank you everyone for your prayers. Now we can ask you to start praying hard for his rehab at San Diego to be peaceful and beneficial. Also, even though this is a good move for Jake, it will be very stressful for him. Please pray that the peace of God would envelope him through this transition and that he would settle down quickly into a routine at San Diego.

Dad has spoken with the Daily Californian and the Press Enterprise. Look for a story about Jake in John Hunneman's column in the Californian this Wednesday or Thursday. Jessica Zisko, the Murrieta writer for the Press Enterprise wants to do a full-blown story as soon as Mom and Dad are in one place together so a picture of the family can be included. We are trying to set this up for today at CHOC.

As for our practical needs, a new friend lent us a spare vehicle for the time being. As it has been described by them as a gas guzzler, we wild use it for local trips and use our Expedition for shuttling back and forth from the hospital. As the inexpensive vehicles at Wycliffe have been sold, we are praying for a fuel-efficient vehicle and the funds to buy it. As all of our funds are tapped out, Dad has stepped up efforts to find gainful work. We are also evaluating options with our home. A Dad has expressed hope in the past and recently to focus on ministry, a friend told him that our family is effectively in ministry right now. So, it will be to prayerfully "turn over every rock" to see what He has in store for us. The moments that Mom and Dad share each together are few and are mostly occupied by sharing a late meal and prayer. We know the He is hearing us and will answer in His way and in His time.

It says in Psalm 55:16,17 "As for me, I shall call upon God, And the LORD will save me. Evening and morning and at noon, I will complain and murmur, And He will hear my voice," so we now He is hearing us. Later in Psalm 55:22 it says "Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken." Of course, as I have written before, we not righteous on our own. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ has put us in a righteous position before our Heavenly Father at the moment that we put our faith and trust in Him. Consequently, though we stumble in our faith at times, the Father sees us as righteous because of Christ's finished work in our lives. It was done once and for all on the cross. This position that we have before God as believers was not and can never be earned by our own efforts, and so we walk by faith, and not by our own sight - 2 Cor. 5:7.

Please pray that we will daily humble ourselves before him and that He will show us His way and we certainly pray the same for you!

To me, Jake's potential consists of a complex set of dominoes, just waiting to be set off. Based on what Mom and Dad have seen since Tuesday, the shunt surgery tipped the first domino and the others are falling! Today's new activities include constant attempts at conversing, moving over in the bed to make room for Mom, shifting his new beanie dog from one hand to the other, pulling a blanket up to his chest, purposely moving his right leg, and hitting a 12 inch stuffed penguin like a punching bag (yeah, buddy!). I'm sure there were other things, but time was limited in our phone call and we'll fill you in on the rest later. As you would expect, we are absolutely thrilled!

We're still not sure exactly when Jake is riding down to San Diego. We'll let you know as soon as we know.

On the practical side, we will be down to one vehicle by Monday morning. There are very inexpensive vehicles for sale by Wycliffe in Temecula and we are hoping to have a second vehicle again as soon as we have the funds for it. Though we are well fed and have a roof over our heads (thank you, Lord), everything else is day to day. Suffice it to say our faith is being stretched.

As for our faith, we, like many, are like Peter, who only briefly was able to walk on water. Instead of fixing his gaze upon Jesus, he looked upon the boisterous seas and quickly sank (Mat.t 14:30,31). Please pray that our faith would not shrink, but grow through this time. Besides healing for Jake, this is our greatest need.

Many of you have expressed great appreciation for these updates. Please know that they are only possible due to our Lord's great outpouring of love, as it says in Romans 5:5 "Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured within our hearts, through His Spirit who was given to us."

Lord, may Your love cause a wellspring of hope to arise in us all as we moment by moment put our trust in You, the Author and Perfecter of our faith.

Nov. 12, 2005
Jake said " Mommy" twice last night! Though it was in the midst of some discomfort, Mom took great joy in the event. This and other things is proof positive that the shunt surgery is already showing tangible results.

After a full assessment, CHOC highly recommended that Jake was a candidate for an acute rehab program. They also went one step further and listed what his specific needs were to get concurrence from Children's Hospital San Diego's Acute Rehab program. This info was shared with them and they have agreed to take Jake next week! This is not absolutely final as the director of their rehab program must review the recommendations and give his final approval. He is currently traveling until Tuesday. We cannot emphasize how much of a major answer to prayer this is ! Thank you all for joining in the battle and praying for our little man. Many thanks also to the CHOC team that quickly assembled and saw his potential. Thanks also go to Healthbridge, who helped us when we were so tired from trying the home health scenario a month ago.

Besides saying his first words, Jake is now also able to attempt to mouth other words, move some of his fingers on both hands and point to objects he wants. The other day, Dad took him to the gift shop and he picked out a multi-colored beanie baby dog and his own balloons! He laughed while watching another patient's brother playing Gamecube (Jake's favorite pasttime), though eventually he got sad realizing that he couldn't play himself :( The next day, however, he asked Mom to take him back to the game room to watch again and asked for the controller. Though unable to use it yet, it was good to see him attempt to do something and we feel that he will regain those skills. This is some evidence of the determination that we have all been praying for.

Please pray for our little warrior as the physical and occupational therapy can be quite painful. Even though he complains of discomfort throughout it, he still participates - he truly is an amazing boy!

Please also pray for Mom and Dad, especially Mom. As a guy, though I suffer greatly at times, I can somewhat separate from the girls when I'm with Jake and from Jake when I'm with the girls. As Mom truly has a mother's heart, she always has all of her children on her mind, and so she suffers much more. In spite of this, she still focuses on caring for them. She is a true inspiraton to me and we would greatly appreciate your concerted prayers for her.

Mark your calendar for next Friday and Saturday, Nov. 18 & 19. A community-wide garage sale will be held at our home. Contact Lori Leas of ICAP, the sponsor, for more info. A car wash is also being planned for a later date.

As for our needs, we cannot make long term plans as Jake's outcome will be unknown for many months to come. An intermediate plan is in the works, but our immediate need is still great. We appreciate your prayers and know that the Lord will provide.

Jake took great comfort in Psalm 20 and we would hope that you would too! "May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob set you securely on high! May He send you help from the sanctuary And support you from Zion! May He remember all your meal offerings And find your burnt offering acceptable! Selah (rest). May He grant you your heart's desire And fulfill all your counsel! We will sing for joy over your victory, And in the name of our God we will set up our banners. May the LORD fulfill all your petitions. Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven With the saving strength of His right hand. Some boast in chariots and some in horses, But we will boast in the name of the LORD, our God. They have bowed down and fallen, But we have risen and stood upright. Save, O LORD; May the King answer us in the day we call."

Lord, give us eyes to see Your horses and chariots of fire all around us as we serve You today!

Nov. 9, 2005
Things went very well with the surgery yesterday. We couldn't update last night because there was no Sprint wireless signal where we were staying last night :(

Jake is currently at Children's Hospital of Orange County, Room 501, 455 S. Main St., Orange, Ca., 92868. As he will be here several days recovering, he will lose his bed at Healthbridge. However, he will be evaluated today and tomorrow to see if he is ready for Children's San Diego rehab. Please pray that he is and that the timing will be right. It would be best if he was transferred from Orange straight to San Diego, with no stays anywhere else in between.

As for his current condition, he is being given pain meds for discomfort. Though he is again totally aware of his surroundings and able to do some things that he wasn't before, he will be given enough time to recoup from the surgery. Please pray for relief. Please also pray that Mom and Dad can get some needed rest.

Please also pray for Mom and Dad as they face important financial decisions. Though the short term help has been and still is needed and appreciated, we need will prayerfully considering longer term options. It is obvious that changes are needed for the whole family's sake. We especially appreciate those friends who have understood the need for Dad to be directly involved to some extent in Jake's recovery. Each of the four medical teams that have treated Jake in the last over three + months have all agreed that Dad's direct involvement in Jake's rehab will undoubtedly improve his outcome. As for work, Dad is pursuing several options right now that fits with all of this. We also see the impact that Jake's situation and this website are having on lives and will continue this ministry no matter what.

We are confident that God is pointing us in a fresh, new direction with no looking back. We can't wait to see what is around the next bend. Thanks so much for sharing this vision with us!

AS for you, our friends, which path are you on for your life? Have yo asked Him lately for direction? Its so easy to go our own way. And our merciful and gracious God will allow us to go our own way if we choose and hopefully learn through the process. But we always have the option of going His way, which is, in the long run, the easy way. So, which way will you choose?

Long ago, God used Joshua as a confident leader to guide His people Israel. They had suffered partly due to oppression and even their own stubbornness. They were at a crossroads when Joshua said to them "If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15

Please also pray for wisdom as we continue to deal with major life decisions. Thank you for the many helps again. The financial help has been a special blessing. Local newspapers have expressed interest in our Jake's story and soon the needed blessings will be overflowing even more. Just think, our whole community will soon be hearing of God's hand in all of this!

As for practical needs, we can mention two for right now. First, we are looking to purchase a dependable and affordable minivan and sedan. This will save fuel cost and will better accommodate Jake and the rest of our family. We are also looking for a pre-school for 4 yr. old Isabelle. She is not quite potty trained (half way and using pull-ups). Please e-mail or call if you have good ideas.

Last night was an amazing night and showed us one more time that our Lord is superintending every aspect of our journey. First , He provided an opportunity for Julie to attend the Delirious concert with a good friend. Second, Dad saw God bring Jake through a painful seizure through prayer and worship (and a little medication). Third, the Lord put it on Dad's heart to drive from Orange to San Diego to surprise Mom by the end of the concert. Jake feel asleep at 7:00 and by 7:20, Dad was out the door and on his way to San Diego with a quarter tank of gas. He arrived at the concert on fumes and just before the encore to be with Mom. At the end of "I Was Blind," Mom and Dad still had their hand up in worship and the drummer threw both of his sticks out into the audience. One of them fell into Dad's still outstretched hand. Though the band was in a rush to catch a flight back home, Dad called the manager, Tim Jupp, on his cell phone. Tim was gracious and got the band to sign the drumstick for Jake. How wonderful God is that He would drop that little reminder into Dad's hand to remind us all to keep lifting Him up!

"Because Your loving kindness is better than life, My lips will praise You. So I will bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name."

Heavenly Father, with one voice, we thank you for reminding us all to lift our hands, our voices, and all that is within us to You!

We have been corresponding with the Christian band Delirious? They are this playing Sunday, Nov. 6, at 7 PM at Maranatha Chapel, 10752 Coastwood Rd, San Diego. Julie and I are considering going, pending care arrangements for the girls and for Jake. If we go, we'll travel on our own, but if some of you will be going, please let us know so we can say hi! Bring a friend! Kevin and friends saw them in Corona and its not just a concert, it is a worship experience (but they do rock!).

Of course, keep praying for our little man right now. Pray that our Heavenly Father would occupy his mind and that healing would come quickly, in His time. Pray also for the many decisions that we have to make - most of them life-altering. Pray that we will be able to focus on what is important and that God would protect us from distractions (Psalm 3:3). Pray for our marriage and for our girls, that the Lord would hold us together and protect us during this trial.

The more we hear from you, the more we see God at work in the midst of trials. Take encouragement and comfort, as we have, in the following verses: "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." Make no mistake, our gracious Lord does not expect perfect behavior in the midst of trials. He does not expect us to "act" happy in the midst of suffering or Jesus would not have said "blessed are those who mourn, for they shall find comfort" (Matthew 5:4). What He desires is that we would cast our cares upon Him, for He cares for us - 1 Pet. 5:7. Remember that true joy is not an emotion, it is simply being at peace with God and knowing that He is in control.

Lord, help us to sing this pray or sing this song when we need to: "I cast all my cares upon You. I lay all of my burdens, down at Your feet. And anytime, I don't know, what to do, I will cast all my cares upon You."

The large amount of swelling (diffused edema) is completely gone. There remains small pockets of localized swelling (focal edema) at the core and stem of his brain, which is mainly responsible for consciousness. This means he will likely be in his current condition for weeks to months, unless, of course, the Lord intervenes. Long term prognosis is not possible at this point. We will share what we know when we've a little more time to process this new info.

As for the path from this point, we will share more with you all tomorrow. In the meantime, we strongly encourage everyone to pray specifically for healing in these areas and for his continued comfort. We also encourage all of you to continually humble yourselves before Him and He will lift you up!

Isaiah 40:31