FAMILY LIFE at Desert Springs - a place where we can share the heart of our church family; prayers, praises and important announcements.  Be sure to check-in often to see what is happening. If you have a prayer request or praise, please submit by contacting me, Laura Keener, Frontline Director at Desert Springs....760-568-3646 or lkeener@desertspringsfamily.org.

The following Celebration of Life Services have now been confirmed to be held here at Desert Springs:

Glen Smith: November 11 @ 1 PM
Ron Mayle: November 18 @ 11 AM
                                                                                


Laura’s Reflection: Fear or Faith

I am quite sure by now that most of you know that last Friday at 9 am my husband had a neck epidural to help with the excruciating pain he has been experiencing on and off for months.  Fred has had previous epidurals and they help for a time.  Anyway, this time, it led to a Spinal Hematoma. He was rushed to emergency and in surgery for 4 hours. We thank the LORD his Orthopedic Doctor Tehernia was called and he would do the surgery and he put the best team possible together for Fred. Dr. Cassim, his pain management doctor and Dr. Patel his Cardiologist were all on board.  It was absolutely the most frightening experience we have had.  We were told that there was a chance he would not make it through, if he did, that he could be paralyzed.  Our kids were called in and had time with their precious daddy before he went to surgery.  

Definition:  A spinal hematoma is a collection of blood that compresses the spinal cord and nerve roots. Significant compression of the spinal cord can result in irreversible neurologic damage. Symptoms may include pain, weakness, numbness, difficulty walking, loss of bowel and/or bladder control, or paralysis.

Fred was moved out of ICU yesterday and up to the Vascular Wing rooms.  The praise report for now is he has movement and feeling in arms and hands. His left leg and foot have sensation and he can wiggle his toes.  The right leg, not so much. The Doctors want to admit him to the physical therapy unit right there at Eisenhower but he must qualify to be admitted. To qualify he needs to be able to put in 3 to 4 hours of therapy a day.  Fred said he will do this, but they need to run tests, etc.  Please pray that this works out, it’s what the Doctors want and what we desperately want. Dr. Tahernia said he might be in that unit for one to two months but he doesn’t know the power of prayer!

So, my dear friends … PRAY. I’m running in and out of work, trying to be with husband as much as possible.  We are not allowing visitors at this time, he is not up to it, I know you can understand this.

Prayers are powerful, and God’s peace in the storm is real. I choose to have FAITH and not allow FEAR to creep in. Fear tries to grab hold of my mind in the middle of the night. I start quoting scripture:

“When I am afraid, I will trust in you.”

“You are my refuge and strength, an ever present help in times of trouble”

“Do not be afraid for I am with you, do not be dismayed for I am your God.  I the Lord will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will run and not be weary, they will WALK and not faint”

I read scripture and devotionals to Fred each morning to encourage him too. I love each of you and appreciate your kindness, concern and prayers.  Fred will WALK and GOD is FAITHFUL. 

Standing in Faith!

Laura

Laura Keener

Frontline Director, Desert Springs Church

PRAYING FOR OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS IN CHRIST

Comfort, Health, Wisdom, Strength - "And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:18

Rick Diederich * Eddie Hernandez * Mary Ireland * Fred Keener * Annie Leonovich* Theo Nichols * Neil Riordan * Walter & Joan Rohm