Poolside
As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.
Luke 8:15
Today we were blessed enough to be sitting by the Altrogge’s pool for most of the afternoon. I asked Ian what would be the first thing he would do if God totally healed him in that moment. I was thinking maybe jump in the pool, Lydia suggested dancing with her, I suggested proposing to me. Without missing a beat, when I asked the question, Ian said, “Thank him.”
I was immediately convicted of what I loser I am and how godly of a man I am dating. My mind had immediately jumped to “doing” and Ian immediately jumped to “thanking.”
We are studying Luke, and when we read the passage above, Ian said that he hoped he had those qualities- the qualities of someone who holds fast to the word in an honest and good heart. His response to my question today was one more regular example of just how much Ian is holding fast to the word. Ian is persevering and through much patience, God continues to work in him and sanctify him.
I love these examples of Christ in Ian. No one else in my life displays Christ in the way that Ian does. Even though he is a man of few words (for now), there is much to be learned about our savior through intentional conversation with Ian. The wisdom he has gained through this trial is beautiful. For those of you who are close with Ian, I would encourage you to seek him out in spiritual conversations- you’ll leave with a fresh love for and display of Christ.
Thank you for praying. Ian asked for prayer for strength for therapy.
Larissa
jeanette marie
July 14, 2009 at 10:15 pm
wow, ian's smile is looking great. and yours, too, larissa.
🙂
anonymous
July 15, 2009 at 2:36 am
Wonderful Larrisa,
I have often thought we have it the wrong way here..it should be "Ian pray for us".
God will bless
Lydia
July 15, 2009 at 5:30 am
Ian, thank you for being such a great example to the rest of us!
Sharon
July 15, 2009 at 5:58 pm
Great praise for spiritual growth for you all!! Will be praying for strenth for therapy — am so glad Ian is able and willing to define his needs and cares….Blessings on you all,
couragetotremble
July 15, 2009 at 10:31 pm
Yes, thanks for the example you are setting. And we'll be praying.
-n-
anonymous
July 16, 2009 at 2:40 am
I am ashamed to admit I would think of something doing right away before thanking! Ian thank you for being God's voice and a gentle reminder for common courtesy to our Lord and Master!
Wendy, NC
Amber
July 16, 2009 at 12:22 pm
How wonderful. Continue to shine Ian!! God's got this one, for sure! 🙂
anonymous
July 16, 2009 at 1:24 pm
Ian, your humble answer brought tears to my eyes! It was also like a spotlight on my soul, highlighting my many sins.
Larissa, thank you so much for this post.
Still Praying!
Mary Ann K.
anonymous
July 19, 2009 at 6:57 pm
Ian thank you for your encouraging words and for pointing us back to Christ – what a beautiful testimony of His love and mercy! Blessings!
anonymous
July 19, 2009 at 11:20 pm
GRACIOUS, MERCIFUL AND LOVING FATHER:
Thank You for showing Your Goodness to us through Ian & Larissa. May Your Glory continue to shine through these, Your precious children. Thank You for giving Grace abundantly to those of us who You direct to see Your might displayed in their lives. Thank You for these reminders to 'paste' into our 'prayer note' journals:
… … … … … … … … …
I* asked Ian what would be the first thing he would do if God totally healed him in that moment. Without missing a beat, when I asked the question, Ian said, "Thank Him."
"As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the Word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience." – Luke 8:15
Last night I asked Ian what keeps him motivated to keep fighting through this. Right away he said, "God's glory."
Today I* asked Ian to tell me one thing that he's learned about God through his trial. His answer: "He is good."
[W]hen I* asked what it showed him about God's character, he said, "that He's merciful."
~ *Larissa Whiteley, Jul 14, 2009 (etc), "Poolside", 'selected' & 'arranged' from original source: http://prayforian.com/
… … … … … … … … … …
Joining you in passionately "…praying for complete healing and that you see the goodness of the lord in the land of the living"!!!!!!
~ HveHope, N.Denver, CO
Grace Community Church, CO
anonymous
July 25, 2009 at 5:35 pm
"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations." Ps.100:4-5.
"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Col.3:15-17
Sounds like what has been on Ian's heart and mind…..Praise You,Lord!