Saturday, February 28, 2009

Yesterday and Today

Yesterday was an amazing day - David was just remarkable!

Took a little stroll around the "block", did a little beat boxing, played a little djimbe, ate some yogurt, ate some grits...most of all, he had that light back in his eyes and genuine, loving, grin on his face.

And get this, he ate pancakes and eggs for breakfast today!

There are still times of disorientation for David, but he continues to come around and little by little heal completely.

This is a long road, sometimes it feels more rocky and more lengthy than others...regardless the "feeling" of the day, we thank God for being constant - being near - being bigger than feelings, bigger than any expectation we might have, bigger than what we can even imagine.



P.S. Big Bear is home! Thank you for praying for him!

Friday, February 27, 2009

!!!!!!

DAVID IS NOT ONLY EATING, HE IS FEEDING HIMSELF.

God is good!!

Don't Want to Miss a Thing

Even though it was a rough night of interrupted sleep, the Bakers woke up this morning to the sweet sound of David's beat boxing!!!!!!!!!! Unquestionable improvement with mouth functions!!

It is shaping up as a beautiful morning in David's room - it seems he has really turned a corner - so we are looking forward to Dr. Chen's visit!

"I could stay awake
Just to hear you breathing
Watch you smile while you are sleeping
While you're far away and dreaming

I could spend my life
In this sweet surrender
I could stay lost in this moment forever
Oh, every moment spent with you
Is a moment I treasure

Don't wanna close my eyes
I don't wanna fall asleep
'Cause I'd miss you
And I don't wanna miss a thing"
Aerosmith :)

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Rest Day

Today has been a long day of therapists and friends, but also a long day of rest.

We praise God for the glimpses of David's personality that we've seen sprinkled throughout the day!

We continue to pray for David's mouth functions and for his short term memory function to progress.

Dave is resting now...we are just giving him time...and trusting God's time...to heal.

20"Surely my soul remembers
And is bowed down within me.
21This I recall to my mind,
Therefore I have hope.
22The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
For His compassions never fail.
23They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
24"The LORD is my portion," says my soul,
"Therefore I have hope in Him."
25The LORD is good to those who wait for Him,
To the person who seeks Him.
26It is good that he waits silently
For the salvation of the LORD."
Lamentations 3:20-26

Please be praying for Big Bear, he is back at the hospital - unsure of what all is going on but know he needs prayer!

Feeding Tube

David is doing well - he has walked a bit around his room and has enjoyed messing around on his macbook for awhile...

The speech therapist visited with Dave and is glad that his swallowing has progressed, but felt a feeding tube was necessary in order to get David all the nutrients he needs in a timely fashion.

So the feeding tube is in - and can I just say David Baker is the man.

The tube will be checked again around 12:30 to make sure it has made its way to Dave's stomach - please pray that it will.

Please also pray for David's continued peace, comfort and rest...that his body will relax.

Psalm 73:23-28

"Nevertheless I am continually with Thee;
Thou hast taken hold of my right hand.
With Thy counsel Thou wilt guide me,
And afterward receive me to glory.

Whom have I in heaven but Thee?
And besides Thee, I desire nothing on earth.
My flesh and my heart may fail;
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

For, behold, those who are far from Thee will perish;
Thou has destroyed al those who are unfaithful to Thee,
But as for me, the nearness of God is my good;
I have made the Lord God my refuge,
That I may tell of all Thy works."

David slept well last night and continues to dose off and on - but he has been swallowing the water Kathe has been able to swab in his mouth, and overall, as far as we can tell, he has been much more "with it" this morning! YES SIR!!

Dr. Chen has already stopped by and says David is progressing well - and "a few more days".

The word is that David might be getting a tray of clear liquids pretty soon so we are excited about that! Dave on the other hand has requested some "cinnamon whatevers" so the liquid tray might not be quite to his standards...but we are getting there!! (just heard that we are holding off on the feeding tube to see if Dave can get some nutrients another way...)

Immanuel, one of David's nurses, just walked in...

The nearness of God is our good.

P.S. Big Bear is getting to go home from the hospital today!

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Results and More Waiting

The results from the angiogram showed no significant problem with the
frontal lobe vascular function!!

(the reason for the delay in information is I was on the road for 4 hours and unable to access internet! No worries...back online now in Htown.)

With some medication before the test, we saw improvement in David's tongue function - So exciting!!

During the angiogram, Dr. Chen was able to inject medication into David's blood vessels that were in spasm. He seems to think that the swallowing and speech issues were due to the spasms, and also now believes the issue of the spasms has been corrected. Awesome!

David did suffer a grand mal seizure at the end of the angiogram, but Dr. Chen saw a direct correlation between the medication and the seizure, so although it is very upsetting, we are thankful that it was caused by the meds and not anything else.

We are praying tonight for the medication to continue to calm the blood vessels in spasm and for
David to be able to swallow by morning...we are seeing glimpses of positive progress in this area, even in David's slumber, so we are encouraged!

Still no feeding tube, but if swallowing does not progress, then feeding tube will be in place tomorrow.

We are also praying tonight for true rest for Matt and Kathe in the hospital room, and NO REST for big bro Austin who is the watchman on duty for the night. :)

David is still sleeping after a lot of medication and a less than desirable reaction to them...but we are hoping that throughout the night, and into the morning he will wake up feeling more like himself. It still could take a day or two for him to fully wake up and lose the grogginess...

We are anxiously, wait I meant patiently, awaiting his waking...we are sure missing that stud David Baker, and eagerly anticipate seeing his bright eyes and sweet smile soon! :)

I will do my best to update more regularly from the hospital tomorrow - please know that your prayers are truly invaluable to the Bakers...you are praying them through too.

And they know it and love you for it.

Angiogram at Noon

David is still having issues with his speech and short term memory this morning, so Dr. Chen ordered an angiogram - it is scheduled for Noon today.

The angiogram will enable Dr. Chen to really study all of David's blood vessels, detect if any are constricting, and give him opportunity to try and remedy any issues.

Obviously, after such great news last night, this is a bit of a downer this morning - however, the Bakers are excited that Dr. Chen will be able to see in such detail, what is going on in David's brain, and hopefully nail down what is causing digression in the areas of speech, short term memory, and swallowing.

Please be in prayer...with praise and thanksgiving for all that God has done in the past few months...

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

CLEAR MRI!!!!

Just heard from Dr. Chen!

The MRI was clear!!!! Praise the Lord!!

There might be a blood vessel that looks different from the previous MRI, but Dr. Chen expects a full recovery and says that David's frontal lobe is just still very irritated from all it's gone through!

SWEET DREAMS OF THANKSGIVING TONIGHT!

MRI @ 8PM

David is having an MRI done at 8PM.

For the past couple days, David has been walking around in the halls, answering most diagnostic questions correctly, and progressing as expected per Dr. Chen, and lots of things are going very well.

But there are some things that are not going so well.

We need to pray specifically for David to regain his swallowing function, his short term memory, and clear speech patterns.

These functions are found in the frontal lobe of the brain, and are most likely being affected because of swelling.

Please pray for the quick and complete return of David's swallowing, memory, and speech.

Pray that any swelling will cease, and that the MRI will be what the doctors need to see in order to properly assess and move forward with David.

This is a hard time, possibly the hardest yet in this journey for the Bakers - please surround them with your love and prayers...they need you to help them stand and to help them withstand the storm.

Our Hope is in Him, all day long.

It was a great morning, but has turned into a rough afternoon...Dr. Chen visited this morning, and from what he said, it will really take a miracle for David to dodge getting a feeding tube tomorrow morning.

A miracle is what we are praying for. Please join us.

Tubes or no tubes, our hope is in Jesus - long or short hospital days, our hope is in Jesus - uncertain or certain times, our hope is in Jesus!

1To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul;

2 in you I trust, O my God.
Do not let me be put to shame,
nor let my enemies triumph over me.

3 No one whose hope is in you
will ever be put to shame,
but they will be put to shame
who are treacherous without excuse.

4 Show me your ways, O LORD,
teach me your paths;

5 guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.

6 Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love,
for they are from of old.

7 Remember not the sins of my youth
and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
for you are good, O LORD.

8 Good and upright is the LORD;
therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.

9 He guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them his way.

10 All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful
for those who keep the demands of his covenant.

11 For the sake of your name, O LORD,
forgive my iniquity, though it is great.

12 Who, then, is the man that fears the LORD ?
He will instruct him in the way chosen for him.

13 He will spend his days in prosperity,
and his descendants will inherit the land.

14 The LORD confides in those who fear him;
he makes his covenant known to them.

15 My eyes are ever on the LORD,
for only he will release my feet from the snare.

16 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
for I am lonely and afflicted.

17 The troubles of my heart have multiplied;
free me from my anguish.

18 Look upon my affliction and my distress
and take away all my sins.

19 See how my enemies have increased
and how fiercely they hate me!

20 Guard my life and rescue me;
let me not be put to shame,
for I take refuge in you.

21 May integrity and uprightness protect me,
because my hope is in you.

22 Redeem Israel, O God,
from all their troubles!

Psalm 25

Whoo-hoo!

It was a restful, well, more-restful-than-the-previous-nights night for the Bakers! Praise God!

SO excited that David slept and woke up to have a great meeting with the speech pathologist...

Lord, we thank you for this morning!


Lord, I Thank You for the Morning


Lord I thank you for the morning.

Lord I thank you for a brandnew dawning.

Lord I thank you for another day to sing your praise.

Lord I thank you for your blessing.

Right now my heart´s confessing...

Lord I thank you for another day to sing your praise.


New mercies ev´ry morning.

New mercies Lord I see.

Simply because you love me,

You´re always giving your mercies to me.

Every morning when I wake up, I can not help to see,

Your goodness and your mercy Lord, are always following me.


Lord I thank you for the morning.

Lord I thank you for a brandnew dawning.

Lord I thank you for another day to sing your praise.

Lord I thank you for your blessing.

Right now my heart´s confessing...

Lord I thank you for another day to sing your praise.


You´ve been good to me yeah, sure been good to me Lord, mighty, mighty good to me, yeah You´ve been good to me.


One more day.

One more day.

One more day to sing Your praise.


-Gregory Thomas, Times Square Church

Monday, February 23, 2009

Quick Announcement

Just wanted you all to know that David is not quite up to visitors yet...but Matt and Kathe would love to see you!

So if you would like to drop something off for David, or hug Matt and Kathe's necks, then please feel free to come by!

Find the receptionist on the 7th floor of Memorial Hermann and let him/her know who you are there to see and then he/she will tell you what to do.

Thanks for understanding...and rest assured that you all will be the first to know when visiting is back on!

Today

There wasn't a whole lot of sleep happening in David's room last night, so there is a whole lot of tired happening today. David has been able to take a few naps here and there though, which is a huge praise!

Matt and Kathe are tired but hopeful for David's continued improvement in the next day or two.

Dr. Chen visited this morning, and continues to be pleased with David's progress, and continues to encourage the Bakers to give David time to come "back" from his "space trip" :)

Yesterday and today David has been able to take little walks outside of his room! So excited that he was able to get out of that bed (he's been plotting and trying to execute bed-escape routes for days)!!

He's also had a few tubes removed today and that is exciting too!

I know it's brief - but wanted to let you know what's going on today!

Thank you for praying!

Sunday, February 22, 2009

If you are still up...

Please be praying...the evening has proven to be a bit stormy and it looks to be a long night.

The Stormy Stage

The Baker's have been told in the next day or two, and even in the next moments, the pendulum will swing, thus getting the next few days the name: "the stormy stage".

It all has felt a bit more intense than "stormy" thus far, but hearing this, communicates to be "prepared" - and that the next few days could be rough for David.

You may remember that in December, there was a "stormy stage" as well.

But here we are on the other side of that storm...already at the end of February. The storm did not cause us to perish.

How could we not be reminded of this poignant passage of Scripture?

---

Mark 4:35-41

35On that day, when evening came, He (Jesus Christ) said to them, "Let us go over to the other side."

36Leaving the crowd, they took Him along with them in the boat, just as He was; and other boats were with Him.

37And there arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up.

38Jesus Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?"

39And He got up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Hush, be still." And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm.

40And He said to them, "Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?"

41They became very much afraid and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?"

---

Please pray tonight and tomorrow, and okay every minute of every day if you can, that the Bakers would continue to believe and trust that Jesus is in the boat with them. That this Man, God Himself, the Creator and Commander of even the wind and the sea and every brain and every outcome and recovery of every surgery in the world, is with them, is loving them, and is in control.

Tonight, tomorrow, forever.


And please pray that He swings the pendulum back quickly. Because after all, whether the storm is long or short, wearisome or soothing, a surprise or forewarned, He alone keeps it.

So Grateful for You...

People who love the Bakers enough to spend time in prayer for them, spend time with them at the hospital, spend time waiting with them in spirit for David's full recovery.

We have some good news this afternoon!

This morning, Dr. Chen visited David again and is encouraged with his recovery, and referred to this process as a swinging pendulum - a long process of going back and forth - some really good days and then possibly a swing to some hard days while David's brain heals.

Please pray that God would continue to orchestrate the inner workings of David's brain to adjust to the changes well and fully heal - that little by little all of David will be all back, all in His time.

That David would respond well as the process of healing continues - that he would respond well to even swallowing, eating, taking pills, etc.

And that the Bakers would rest in what they know to be true - that God is good, His timing is good, so good it's worth waiting for, even when the pendulums of life swing.

What a praise, that Dr. Chen is pleased with David's progress, so pleased in fact, that he said David's progress is far ahead of most who have had such invasive brain surgery.

Words and visits from Dr. Chen are comforting, enlightening and encouraging to the Bakers, so we thank God that he was able to stop by David's room this morning!

God has given Dr. Chen (obviously) a mind that is oh so smart, and a talent that is oh so unmatched, but He has also given him incredible insight into how to communicate effectively and understandably to the Bakers...you could not ask for more in a doctor, and we thank God for how he created Dr. Chen.

Hopefully this afternoon David will have a nice, comfy (well at least I hope) chair brought to his room that he will get to sit in and exercise...he is so ready to get out of that bed!! So yay! He's getting to, at least for a little while, today!

...So grateful for you.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Asking for Prayer Right Now!

I know you haven't heard much from us today, but nothing much with David has changed throughout the day until now.

It seems that David has had some minor seizures which have caused a few (temporary from all that is understood) hiccups this evening with his speech and memory.

His anti-seizure medication is being readjusted, and as we pray for the medication to do what it is intended to do, we also pray, and petition you to please agree with us in prayer, for the activity in David's brain to be calmed by the Hand of the Father...that He would provide rest and renewed strength for David, Matt and Kathe tonight as they trust Him to carry them through.

A New Day

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23

This morning we pray that David's brain continues to heal, that any swelling would be minimal and not damaging, that he could rest today and come completely "off" the medicine that alters - and be complete - fully himself.

Please continue to pray for Big Bear, he was admitted into Methodist Hospital and the doctors are doing some blood work to determine what kind of infection he has. Please pray that the doctors can quickly see what is causing his fevers and trembling.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Big Bear

This prayer request isn't about David - but we still need your prayers right now.

We need you to pray for David's Grandpa, Big Bear, as he is having some health issues...he is now waiting in the ER here at the hospital with a portion of our waiting crew.

Please pray that he will be seen and assessed quickly and accurately.

He's Awake!

David is awake! He is breathing on his own and although he is super sleepy, he is responding to all commands and has moved his right AND left side (which had potential to be very weak due to this surgery) - AMAZING!

Breathing Tube Removed!

David's breathing tube is out!

And he IS awake, not fully awake, and Dr. Chen says he's still very sleepy.

Well, that's understandable. But we are praying and hoping that David will fully wake up.

We Have Seen Dr. Chen!

Dr. Chen came and met with ALL of us in the waiting room, patiently explaining the surgery and drawing a detailed picture of the procedure.

He said everything looked great and that he did his absolute best - not that that was a surprise!

They are now waiting for David to wake up (yes you read that right - see, this is totally not what we prepared for!) before they take the breathing tube out.

So we can pray now for David to wake up easily, and calmly and for the breathing tube to come out equally easy and calm.

We are anxious to hear that David is awake and breathing all on his own, but still so thankful and praise-full for what God has done today.

THE CLIPS ARE WORKING!!

WE HAVE JUST RECEIVED WORD PEOPLE!!!

The clips are working, the angiogram is being done now, this portion of the process is called "closing" and it should take an hour or two...Dr. Chen should be out within two hours. Are you kidding me?! Is this happening?!

I mean, is this amazing or what?!?!

This is GREAT news! GREAT news way earlier than we were "prepared" for...GREAT news even greater than we were "prepared" for! 

Whoo-hoo! We are celebrating God's faithfulness and His goodness - may we never forget how He has lavished His love on us...again...this day.

THIS DAY!! What a great day.

Clipping Aneurysm RIGHT NOW

Nurse says everything is looking good so far but that this part could take awhile...

PRAY!!

Waiting


While I'm Waiting - John Waller 

I'm waiting 
I'm waiting on You, Lord 
And I am hopeful 
I'm waiting on You, Lord 
Though it is painful 
But patiently, I will wait 

I will move ahead, bold and confident 
Takeing every step in obedience 
While I'm waiting 
I will serve You 
While I'm waiting 
I will worship 
While I'm waiting 
I will not faint 
I'll be running the race 
Even while I wait 

I'm waiting 
I'm waiting on You, Lord 
And I am peaceful 
I'm waiting on You, Lord 
Though it's not easy 
But faithfully, I will wait 
Yes, I will wait 
I will serve You while I'm waiting 
I will worship while I'm waiting 
I will serve You while I'm waiting 
I will worship while I'm waiting 
I will serve you while I'm waiting 
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord



www.johnwallermusic.com

A Thank You from the MAN Himself

Update

From the OR: They have found the aneurysm and now the "hard part" begins.

We are praying over every instrument going into David's head -- praying that God is directing Dr. Chen's hands.

Surgery Started around 9AM

...and that is all we know right now! Please keep praying and keep checking in as we will update as soon as we have more information!!

Thursday, February 19, 2009

7am Start Time

Surgery is scheduled for 7:00 am tomorrow morning.

6 hours is the predicted length.

Just wanted you to know so you can be praying!

Prayers for David

Prayers for David for Friday, February 20th 12am-11pm

12am - “Heal David, O LORD, and he will be healed; save him, and he shall be saved, for You are our praise.” Jeremiah 17:14

1am – “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16

2am – “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” James 5:13-16

3am - “I love Thee, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies. The cords of death encompassed me, and the torrents of ungodliness terrified me. The cords of Sheol surrounded me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God for help; He heard my voice out of His temple, and my cry for help before Him came into His ears. Then the earth shook and quaked; and the foundations of the mountains were trembling and were shaken, because He was angry. Smoke went up out of His nostrils, and fire from His mouth devoured; coals were kindled by it. He bowed the heavens also, and came down with thick darkness under His feet. And He rode upon a cherub and flew; and He sped upon the wings of the wind. He made darkness His hiding place, His canopy around Him, darkness of waters, thick clouds of the skies. From the brightness before Him passed His thick clouds, hailstones and coals of fire. The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Most High uttered His voice, hailstones and coals of fire. And He sent out His arrows, and scattered them, and lightning flashed in abundance, and routed them. Then the channels of water appeared, and the foundations of the world were laid bare at Thy rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of Thy nostrils. He sent from on high, He took me; He drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me. They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the LORD was my stay. He brought me forth also into a broad place; He rescued me, because He delighted in me.” Psalm 18:1-19

4am – “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.” Psalm 34:18-20

5am – “Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart! But as for me, my feet came close to stumbling, my steps had almost slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant as I saw the prosperity of the wicked….When my heart was embittered and I was pierced within, then I was senseless and ignorant; I was like a beast before You. Nevertheless I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand. With Your counsel You will guide me, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:1-3, 22-26

6am – Let us pray that our David triumphs like young King David, for the battle is the Lord’s: “Then David said to the Philistine, "You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted. This day the LORD will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down…that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the LORD does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the LORD'S and He will give you into our hands.” I Samuel 17:45-47

7am – “Thus says the LORD, ‘Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind and makes flesh his strength, and whose heart turns away from the LORD. For he will be like a bush in the desert and will not see when prosperity comes, but will live in stony wastes in the wilderness, a land of salt without inhabitant. Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD and whose trust is the LORD. For he will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream and will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit.’” Jeremiah 17:5-8

8am – “…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. So death works in us, but life in you.” II Corinthians 4:8-12

9am – “Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” II Corinthians 4:16-18

10am – “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things….And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-8, 19

11am – “…all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.” I Peter 5:5-11

12pm – “I have set the LORD continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will dwell securely. For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol; nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay. 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.” Psalm 16:8-11

1pm – “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. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…” Isaiah 43:1-3

2pm – “Why do you say, O Jacob, and assert, O Israel, ‘My way is hidden from the LORD, and the justice due me escapes the notice of my God?’ Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. 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.” Isaiah 40:27-31

3pm – “…in the presence of Him whom he believed, even God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist. In hope against hope he believed, so that he might become a father of many nations according to that which had been spoken, ‘So shall your descendants be.’ Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah's womb; yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform.” Romans 4:17-21

4pm – Psalm 124 - A Song of Ascents, of David.
“Had it not been the LORD who was on our side,”
Let Israel now say,
“Had it not been the LORD who was on our side
When men rose up against us,
Then they would have swallowed us alive,
When their anger was kindled against us;
Then the waters would have engulfed us,
The stream would have swept over our soul;
Then the raging waters would have swept over our soul.”
Blessed be the LORD,
Who has not given us to be torn by their teeth.
Our soul has escaped as a bird out of the snare of the trapper;
The snare is broken and we have escaped.
Our help is in the name of the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth.

5pm – “For You have rescued my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. I shall walk before the LORD in the land of the living.” Psalm 116:8-9

6pm – “For You formed David’s inward parts; You wove him together in his mother's womb. We will give thanks to You, for David is fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Your works, and our souls know it very well. David’s frame was not hidden from You, when he was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen his unformed substance; and in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for David, before one of them came to be….Search David, O God, and know his heart; try him and know his anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in him, and lead him in the everlasting way.” Psalm 139:13-16, 23-24

7pm – “I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;
Where does David’s help come from?
His help comes from the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth.
He will not allow David’s foot to slip;
He who keeps David will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps David
Will neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD is David’s keeper;
The LORD is his shade on his right hand.
The sun will not smite him by day,
Nor the moon by night.
The LORD will protect David from all evil;
He will keep his soul.
The LORD will guard David’s going out and his coming in
From this time forth and forever.” Psalm 121

8pm – “…and Jesus Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds David is healed. For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.” I Peter 2:24-25

9pm – “Blessed by the Lord, who daily bears our burden, the God who is our salvation. God is to us a God deliverances; and to GOD the Lord belong escapes from death.” Psalm 68:19-20

10pm – “’But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall. You will tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day which I am preparing,’ says the LORD of hosts.” Malachi 4:2-3

11pm – “I wait for the LORD, my soul does wait,
And in His word do I hope.
My soul waits for the Lord
More than the watchmen for the morning;
Indeed, more than the watchmen for the morning.
O Israel, hope in the LORD;
For with the LORD there is lovingkindness,
And with Him is abundant redemption.
And He will redeem Israel
From all his iniquities.” Psalm 130:5-8

*THANK YOU SUSANNAH!*

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Prayer Vigil

If you didn't know already, we believe in prayer!

Susan Ince is again organizing the prayer vigil for David - here are the details!

It is set up in 30 minute increments and we would like to ask everyone to consider praying in their slot for 3 days, beginning at midnight on this Friday, February 20th and going through midnight February 23rd.

David's surgery is scheduled first, for Friday morning, but the Bakers don't know what time yet.

The first three days following the surgery are the most crucial since David will be in an induced coma for several days and his coming out of it with all his vitals strong is so important.

Below are a few things that the Bakers have asked for you to specifically pray for:

1. For Dr. Chen to be clear minded and rested as he goes into surgery; that he would be able to see the Hand of God in and through all of this.

2. That David's vital signs would remain strong through the surgery, through the coma and upon awakening.

3. That David's breathing would be strong and steady through it all.

4. That God would protect David's mind from spiritual, emotional and physical harm while he is asleep through the surgery, placing a hedge of protection around David, through it all.

5. That God would keep David and all the Bakers from fear, reminding them that God is Good and He is Faithful.

6. That God's peace would sustain them all.

There are obviously so many more prayers to be prayed but you all will know what those are.

TO SIGN UP EMAIL SUSAN
your name and preferred time slot (between midnight and midnight in 30 minute increments) at susanince1@gmail.com

Since she is trying to fill out a chart to show the Bakers their prayer support, please get in touch with her to sign up for a slot as soon as you possibly can.

The Baker family thanks you from the bottom of their hearts for engaging in spiritual warfare on David's behalf and know that all our prayers, coupled together, create a beautiful aroma for our Lord that is pleasing to Him:

"And when He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, having each one a harp, and golden bowls full of incense which are the prayers of the saints." Revelation 5:8

His Love Sets Us Free...from fear.




HOPE NOW by Addison Road

If everything comes down to love
Then just what am I afraid of
When I call out Your name
Something inside awakes in my soul
How quickly I forget I'm Yours

I'm not my own
I've been carried by You
All my life

Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free

When my life is like a storm
Rising waters all I want is the shore
You say I'll be ok and
Make it through the rain
You are my shelter from the storm

I'm not my own
I've been carried by You
All my life

Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free

Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free
You've become my hearts desire
I will sing Your praises higher
Cause Your love sets me free
Your love sets me free
Your love sets me free

Checking in a Day Early

After reviewing results today from some of David's recent MRA & MRI's, Dr. Chen called the Bakers to tell them that the aneurysm has grown, and that he wanted David to check in tomorrow morning, Thursday, for some additional testing.

Dr. Chen wants to be fully prepared for what he will be working with come surgery day, Friday the 20th.

This comes as a surprise tonight, as the Bakers were planning to check in bright and early Friday morning before surgery, and not a minute before that. It's also a blow to hear that the aneurysm has grown.

David plays tomorrow morning at his school's chapel service (which will be AWESOME!), and immediately afterward will check in to Memorial Hermann 7th floor NeuroTrauma ICU.

Please pray for the Bakers tonight as they catch their breath from this knockout news and head into tomorrow...

May God's peace sustain them.


P.S. to end this on a great note - David has posted a few new songs on his myspace page - http://www.myspace.com/BAKERBEATZRECORDINGSTUDIO !!

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Preparation...




I'm not sure how you really prepare yourself for what lies ahead.

None of us really know (even when we think we do!) what's around the next corner, what lies on the agenda for the next day, or on the next month's calendar.

Sometimes in effort to prepare for what we can't really prepare for, we get fearful, anxious and impatient.

But really, the only way to prepare yourself, for anything, is to place your trust in the Lord. Because He IS the ONE that is around every corner, a part of every day, and on every calendar page. And we can count on Him even in the preparations, even in the unknown.

"Jesus Christ is the same
yesterday
and today
and forever"
Hebrews 13:8

We are trusting Him as we gear up for David's surgery, fast approaching on Friday, February 20th at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston.

If you are interested in ministering to the Baker family these next few weeks, we are so thankful for you! There are lots of ways you can be a blessing to them - the main one is simple, and you can do it anywhere, anytime.

Pray for them. Go before the Throne of grace with confidence and beg God to have mercy, extend grace and show favor on David Baker - & on his family.

"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence,
so that we may receive mercy
and find grace to help us in our time of need."
Hebrews 4:16

The second way you can bless this family is also simple...and you can do it almost anywhere and most certainly at any time!

Encourage them. Your blog comments are a great encouragement. Just knowing you have been on the blog and are reading/praying for David is an encouragement. When they hear that your friends, or your office, or your students, or your family is praying, it is an encouragement. When you leave a Scripture that you have prayed over them, it is an encouragement.

The third way you can bless the Bakers is by visiting them at the hospital...many of you came in December to read Scripture with the family and pray for Dr. Chen, the nurses & David during his surgeries. This surgery will start early Friday morning and is as intense or even more intense than the first surgery. Your presence and focused attention on the Lord, David, Matt & Kathe, Austin & Lauren, & Barbara is a blessing.

There are lots of other ways you can bless the fam - you can make signs, write letters, sing songs, do a dance, shave your head, you guys know the drill - you came out in full force in December and the Bakers, as you know, are truly humbled by you and grateful for you...

But the last way I want to mention is that of the blessing of meals at the hospital. Whether David is in the hospital three days after the surgery or three weeks, the Bakers will need to eat and be nourished! Once again, Sally Goodwin has volunteered to lead this great ministry to the Bakers and so once again I wanted you all to have her contact info. Please get in touch with her if you would like to bring a meal up to the hospital...

Sally Goodwin
smolly1234@aol.com
713.303.1183-c
713.665.5155-h

We ARE preparing this week by trusting Him! He is the Prince of Peace and we pray for His peace that passes all understand and goes beyond any human preparations.

"And the peace of God,
which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:7