David Spears

JUNE 29 UPDATE – Day 39

Mark John 11:25-27 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to Him, “Yes, Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world.”

David had a restful day on God's day of rest. His vital signs are good and according to an infectious disease control doctor he doesn't have the infectious form of staph. His temperature continues to fluctuate but seem to be overall lower today. Before we arrived today the doctors removed ALL of his bandages (for the first time since the accident) - his face is still swollen, but it is very obvious what good work the surgeons did - his cheek bone is back in place, the rest of his face and skull are back to their pre-accident condition. Please join us in giving thanks first to our gracious Lord for all these things. We are also grateful for the skill, diligence, and wisdom of the surgeons, doctors, and especially the Trauma ICU nurses who are EXCELLENT!! As David recovers physically, pray with us for his spiritual health also. Pray that the Spirit of Christ will minister to his spirit - encouraging him in faith, hope, and love. Ask our Lord to keep him from discouragement, anger, resentment, and doubt. Pray that he will be stronger spiritually because of this test and trial. Pray for us as we minister to his body and his spirit.

Rom. 5:1-8 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.

And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

JUNE 30 UPDATE – Day 40

2Cor. 4:7-11 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. For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.

This was a very good day for David. For the first time since the surgery he moved his fingers and squeezed hands on request. He even made "vocal" responses to the speech therapist (not talking but making throat noises.) The downside to his cognitive interaction is that he seems to be aware of how serious his condition is and sometimes he is obviously crying. It breaks our heart. We've had almost 6 weeks to come to terms with his accident and its consequences, but he is just now comprehending how much he has lost and what a long way he has to go. Please continue to pray with us not only for his physical recovery and strength and his neurological improvement, but also for his spirit and heart as well: that he will not be discouraged, disheartened, angry, bitter or confused. Pray that he will increase in faith, hope, love, and trust in Christ and His sovereign rule over his life. His temperature continues to fluctuate but the range seemed to be lower today. Otherwise, he seems to be doing well and the swelling (edema for you medical types) is abating. Thank you all for your prayers and love.

Heb. 6:17-20 In the same way God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, interposed with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

JULY 1 UPDATE – Day 41

Psa. 127 Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman keeps awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, To retire late, To eat the bread of painful labors; For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep. Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; They will not be ashamed When they speak with their enemies in the gate.

Give praise to our God through His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ: Another good day for David overall!! The only significant problem (though it may indicate other unseen problems) was a fluctuating, high temperature. Please pray that this problem would abate. David interacted with many different staff personel, nurses, and family and friends. He also underwent physical therapy (PT) = lower body rehab, occupational therapy (OT) = hands, arms and upper body, and speech therapy = well, this one is obvious!! It wears him out but I believe it is good for him physically and mentally. Please continue to pray for David's spiritual health as well as his physical health - that he wouldn't get discouraged, angry, disheartened, bitter, or confused - rather pray for him to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jenny and I also began talking to different rehabilitation programs - please ask our Lord to give us wisdom and insight to make the best possible choice for David.

Psa. 128 How blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, Who walks in His ways. When you shall eat of the fruit of your hands, You will be happy and it will be well with you. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine Within your house, Your children like olive plants Around your table. Behold, for thus shall the man be blessed Who fears the LORD. The LORD bless you from Zion, And may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. Indeed, may you see your children’s children. Peace be upon Israel!

JULY 2 UPDATE – Day 42

Heb. 5:8 Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation, being designated by God as a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

David continues to work hard at "rehab" though he is still in ICU. They fitted him with a "Passy Muir" valve in his trach tube which allows him to "speak" (make noises right now - he seems to like to hear himself make noise!). Jenny (his mom) believes that he swallowed today (I know it doesn't sound like much, but it is). Please continue to pray for his spirit, mind, and body.

John 11:35-36 Jesus wept. So the Jews were saying, “See how He loved him!”

JULY 3 UPDATE – Day 43

Psa. 27:4-9 One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD And to meditate in His temple. For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; In the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock. And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me, And I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD. Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice, And be gracious to me and answer me. When You said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You, “Your face, O LORD, I shall seek.” Do not hide Your face from me, Do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; Do not abandon me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation!

Another day in the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ which he purchased with his own blood. David's temperature was low and did not fluctuate much. He underwent a good deal of therapy: physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and respiratory therapy. He was also seen by a rehab doctor who thinks he is ready to begin rehab soon. This pushes up "our schedule" - we thought the rehab decision was at least a couple of weeks away!! Please interceed for us with the Father that he will grant us wisdom and discernment in making this decision. We might be travelling to Atlanta on Monday to evaluate the Shepherd Center (which seems to be, and is reported to us to be, a wonderful place for rehab) Pray for David not to "plateau" in his recovery. Another complicating factor - when should we have David's right eye and surrounding tissues reconstructed - please pray for the Doctors (esp. Dr. Sidden and Dr. McFadden) as they consult and discuss and recommend a plan to us.

Rom. 8:14-27 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it. In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

JULY 4 UPDATE – Day 44

2Chr. 7:14 My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Prov. 14:34 Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a disgrace to any people.
Psa. 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.
Prov. 21:1 The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes.
1Tim. 2:1-4 First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Praise our God for our nation where we are free to worship and serve Him. David had a good day (a little less work for him since some therapists were on vacation.) His sister Rebekah was getting him to make different "notes" through his Passy Muir valve. His health remains good though he needs to gain strength and of course, cognitive control of his body. We (Jenny and Robert) are planning to travel to Atlanta Monday to evaluate the Shepherd Center. Please pray for God's Wisdom and discernment as we decide where David will receive rehabilitation. Thank our Lord Jesus for all the answers to our prayers thus far. Ask Him to bless our nation, state, and city, and our leaders, congressmen, judges, etc. God bless YOU for your prayers and concern

Dan. 4:34-37 “But at the end of that period, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever; For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, And His kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, But He does according to His will in the host of heaven And among the inhabitants of earth; And no one can ward off His hand Or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’ At that time my reason returned to me. And my majesty and splendor were restored to me for the glory of my kingdom, and my counselors and my nobles began seeking me out; so I was reestablished in my sovereignty, and surpassing greatness was added to me. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true and His ways just, and He is able to humble those who walk in pride.”

JULY 5 UPDATE – Day 45

Ephesians 3:20-21 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.

Well, it was a VERRRRYYYY restful day for David. The Rehab doctor prescribed Baclofen (a muscle relaxant often used in traumatic brain injury treatment) and she warned us it might make him drowsy for a few days. Well, she was kidding. He was "out of it" essentially all day. His body health remains good and he is coughing up less stuff than before. We believe he is finally over his pneumonia and the residual crud. YEAH!!! His temperature was more stable today. Please continue to pray for his physical, mental, emotional, and esp. Spiritual healing. Pray that he won't become discouraged, disheartened, bitter, or angry. Pray for our Lord to grant him increasing faith, hope, trust, joy, patience, and love to Christ.

Jude 1:24-25 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

JULY 6 UPDATE – Day 46

Psa. 34:1-5 I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul will make its boast in the LORD; The humble will hear it and rejoice. O magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together. I sought the LORD, and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces will never be ashamed. Psa. 34:7-8 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, And rescues them. O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!

We had the Lord's Supper at Second Presbyterian Church this morning - it reminded us that the Lord loved us enough to give His life for us. Since he loved us this much, won't He do what is best for us? Pray for David and us to to know this truth in our hearts and in our lives. David is doing well today - his temperature this morning was 98.7!! YEAH!! His lungs are mostly clear. He is somewhat "out of it" because he is receiving both LORTAB (pain medicine) and BACLOFEN (muscle relaxant) Again we ask you to pray for our decision-making, our travel tomorrow to Atlanta to the Shepherd Center, for David's physical, emotional, and Spiritual health improvement.

Psa. 34:17-22 The righteous cry, and the LORD hears And delivers them out of all their troubles. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones, Not one of them is broken… The LORD redeems the soul of His servants, And none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.

JULY 7 UPDATE – Day 47

Psa. 1:1-3 How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.

Whew!! What a day!! Jenny and I went to Atlanta early this morning and toured the Shepherd Center (for both Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI) and for Acquired Brain Injuries (ABI). We were very impressed with the facility and the people. The Roger C. Peace Center at Greenville Memorial Hospital is a good facility, but because the Shepherd Center receives tens of millions of dollars in donations, it is able to provide a level of care and facilities that a "for profit" rehab facility cannot match. With all your prayers undergirding us we made the decision to have David's rehabilitation performed at the Shepherd Center. However, there are still a bunch of things we need prayer for. First, the opthamologist (Dr. John Siddens - excellent work!!) wants to do David's eye reconstruction surgery at the end of this week. He believes that is the optimal time for this work. In addition, the chief of vascular surgery stopped by yesterday and wants to install a "Greenfield filter" in the major vein from his legs to his heart. This is to prevent any blood clots that form in his legs from reaching his heart, lungs, or brain. This filter would stay in for the rest of David's life (obviously, a major decision) but would prevent major damage that a blood clot would cause. Finally, there is one more difficulty in getting David to the Shepherd Center = they don't have any empty beds!! Please continue to pray about these things and for David's improvement: spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Phil. 1:29-2:11 For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me. Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 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.

JULY 8 UPDATE – Day 48

Is. 35:10 But the redeemed will walk there, And the ransomed of the LORD will return And come with joyful shouting to Zion, With everlasting joy upon their heads. They will find gladness and joy, And sorrow and sighing will flee away.

David is doing well health wise but we are somewhat disturbed that his cognitive mobility has declined to almost zero (although he still has good tracking and focus with his left eye and is making a wide variety of noises through the Passy Muir valve. This may be due to the medication that he is receiving. Or not? Please pray with us that he will once again be able to move his arms, hands, fingers, legs and feet. He is currently scheduled to have reconstructive eye surgery to implant a prosthetic eye and attach muscle tissue and perform other plastic surgery on his eye at 3 pm on Thursday. Pray for Dr. Siddens as he performs this surgery. At the same time, the vascular surgeons will implant a Greenfield filter. Pray for no infection and successful surgery.

Lam. 3:25-33 The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, To the person who seeks Him. It is good that he waits silently For the salvation of the LORD. It is good for a man that he should bear The yoke in his youth. Let him sit alone and be silent Since He has laid it on him. Let him put his mouth in the dust, Perhaps there is hope. Let him give his cheek to the smiter, Let him be filled with reproach. For the Lord will not reject forever, For if He causes grief, Then He will have compassion According to His abundant lovingkindness. For He does not afflict willingly Or grieve the sons of men.