The thought occurred to me, and was later confirmed by others, that having a place to write both to and about Joanne and Paul will serve many wonderful purposes:
- To have one central location where thoughts of love, encouragement, and prayers can be written.
- To let them know how much we love them.
- To encourage them in knowing how many people are praying for them.
- For people like me who feel the need to express themselves, but say it better in writing, this is a great avenue.
- There will be a guest book at the hospital for visitors to sign their names and space to write. But if you feel like you have more to say, or if you live far away and are unable to visit Joanne, this will serve as a way to communicate your love to both her and Paul.
- By faith, she will be reading this blog page soon! And can you imagine how blessed she will be by this?
- You can also share heart-warming stories, and all the reasons why we love her so much.
- Knowing how many lives have been impacted by Joanne, we will all be encouraged in reading each others expressions of love about her and to her.
- Just click on "comments" and type away. When finished you may "preview" what you've written, or "publish your comment". Who will be the first to comment? :)
We love you Jo!!!
Terry
150 comments:
Dear Paul and Joanne,
I just wanted to drop a note and let you know you are in our prayers. God often has some hard ways to accomplish His goals what ever they may be for our lives but always know you both are in the palm of His hand. Keep your faith strong and know that during and at the end of this terrible time God's blessings will reign down on you. You both are such faithful servants and I know that He will suport you through even this.
We love you.
Bill and Kim Nye
I don't know you personally but I got an email to pray from a good friend of mine and just wanted you all to know that you are in my prayers. What a heart wrenching story and how humbling it is to know that at any moment our lives can change drastically. I have faith that God will bring you to a full recovery and you will be reading this very soon. Sherry Jeschke
How fitting that one of the very first comments was from someone who doesn't even know Joanne! Her life continues to impact others, even as she lays in a hospital bed. Kind of exciting to see what God has up His sleeve. :)
Terry Boch
Dearest Joanne,
I could never fully express in words just how much I love you and what you mean to me...however, I will attempt to share my heart. I know that I have told you so many times how thankful I am that God brought you into my life. It was at a very difficult time in my own life, when I felt abandoned by many, that God used you to show me so amazingly what a TRUE FRIEND was. Working side by side with you on the MOPS Steering Team and along side you for Art at TCS have been precious times that I will always treasure. The times we spent together laughing, crying, shopping and especially praying together are so dear to me. Your love for me and my family is so heart-felt and appreciated. My prayers are lifted up to Jesus each day for you, Paul, Sam, Oliver and Isabel.
"I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me...forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.." Philippians 3:12-14
I love you so much,
Rah
Dear Paul & Joanne,
Please know you are in our prayers....daily. During our bible study this evening we will pray for you and your family.
Jo, you are a tough lady! You have been through alot in the past few years and the key is "have been through". God got you through those times and he'll get you through this.
My family is here for you with whatever you need...food, laundry, school pick-up, anything! So don't concern yourself with anything other then getting better.......and you will!!
Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him: I will set him on high, because he has known My Name. He shall call upon Me,and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. Psalm 91;14-15
Love You,
John, Angela, Michelle, Alexis & Peter Thomas (TCS)
Dear Mrs. Budd and family,
I am praying for you. I wanted to also say hello because I haven't seen you in a while. I remember when you were my art teacher. Right before Christmas, you brought in a bag of candy. We were very hyper as we passed around the candy and worked on our project for our parents. I had soo much fun!! I will never forget the good times I had at TCS, especially when you were my art teahcer. You were the best art teacher ever!! I was very upset when I got to a certain grade, so you weren't my art teacher anymore. I also remember the first day Sam came to school. We were slowly filing into the class room because we had art in a different class, so each student would come back at a different time. When I walked into the class, everyone was around a certain desk. It was Sam's. It had his name on it, and we were all looking forward to meet him. Then Katie O'leary(she left the school several years ago) said, "Oh, I know him!!" That was such a great day. I will never forget all those great times with you guys at TCS!!!
Love,
Alexis Thomas
Joanne & Paul
Please know you in our prayers. In a moment, any of our lives can change! All of creation groans yet we have the hope and assurance that God has a perfect plan for each one of his children. We pray for that plan to be perfected in you and in all of us!
From the Aitken Family
Dear Joanne,
I want you to know that I have been praying for you as well as the entire Montclair Community Church. You are loved so much by so many! Keep your faith and hang on to God's Word and He will direct your path. "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me." (Ps. 23). Remember that - He is with you ALWAYS! I will continue to be on my knees praying and reaching out to our God Almighty on your behalf.
Love,
Marissa
Terry's sister here, Lisa..prayin for u all sincerely. I don't know what God has up His sleeve either as Ter said...but I do know in God's awesomeness He has this way of using tough times to bring out things in us that glorify Him and at same time lead others to seek Him with more fervency. I pray that you will sence His awesomeness during the days ahead. Know Jesus hears your names much from Southern Illinois.
Love, Lisa
Joanne,
My family and I wish you a quick recovery.God bless you and your family.
The Kipkemboi Family.
Dear Paul and Joanne,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your famiy. Joanne, I can remember your beautiful face, your joyful countenance as well as that of you entire family! May you find your strength in Him at this time, the author and perfecter of our faith. Our church down here in VA is praying for you as well, your "southern brothers and sisters in the Lord"! With much love, Leonard, Nancy, Gabriel, Taylor & Alex Liu
Dear Joanne,
We only meet last year at TCS, the first year Jestira started and somehow I ended up teaching third and fourth grade art there. I remember telling you that I didn't think I could teach, at least not in the way I assumed that one should teach. Yet, you told me not to give up and keep going. This year when we met to discuss the art lessons, you continued to encourage me again telling me not to give up. That by giving up I would be giving in to the enemy, wanting to rob me of the blessings that God had in store for me. You were right, the blessings are amazing. So know that you are a blessing as well. Know that our family is praying for you and your family. That you are loved, and that so many Brothers and Sisters in our Lord are praying for you. We have any amazing God, one that says not to fear even when we are afraid. Isaiah 41:10 says it best, "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with MY righteous right hand." With love, Tanya
Dear Joanne and Paul,
We are new to TCS, so I don't know if you remember us, but I remember you. You've been in my prayers since I heard about this on Sunday night and you will all continue to be. Our hope is that you will feel God's love wrapping around you as the prayers of so many people continue to go before the throne of grace on your behalf.
Kudos to Terri for putting together this wonderful website which even instructs us how to pray.
In Him,
Diana and Ray Lipps (Jurgen's folks)
Lam. 3:22-23
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.
God promises a sufficient amount of mercy and grace for us each day of our lives, enough every morning. And He matches our present need with the grace required. Just as God provided manna to the children of Israel, each day, He will provide for your needs daily, all you must do is gather it.
Know that we are praying that you will know God's provision in every area of your lives during these difficult days.
Love, Tom & Lynn Thomasen
Dear Paul, Joanne and kiddos,
We love you guys and pray for you often throughout the day. Josiah has been praying for your kids especially, he wants their mom to be home quickly and for God to keep your children from being upset. Don't tell anyone but I think you guys are his favorite Sunday School teachers!
love, Ted, Sheryl, Kyle, Jesse, Josiah, and Amanda Stiemann
Dear Joanne and Paul,
You were some of the first people we met when we moved to Morris County, and truly you proved to us that there were friendly, Christian people, even here in New Jersey!
You take the Lord's Word to heart to practice hospitality.
"The Lord knows those who are His," and He certainly knows what He is doing in this situation, but that is not going to make this trial easy to get through. Know that there are friends in many places holding you up daily in prayer, "and under are the everlasting arms."
If you need grace on Isabel's assignments or studying ever, just let me know (or through whoever is watching over the kids right now). The last thing you need to worry about right now is deadlines for homework and studying.
We look forward to fellowshipping with you in the near future. May God make His face shine upon you at this time and give you peace.
We are grateful that He made His face to shine upon us with Christian friends like you.
Your friends in Christ,
Nick, Margie, Amanda, and Michaela Scotten
Dearest Joanne,
What a brilliant idea! A Joanne Budd blog is just what the doctor ordered for those of us who can’t be hovering about or doing anything practical to help, but who really need to find a way to connect.
When Sue called to let me know about your stroke I felt like I’d been kicked in the stomach. Ever since then you’ve been on my mind almost constantly. Sue has been giving me frequent updates. They’ve been encouraging. But, whoa, Nellie, you’ve got one challenging road ahead of you! Thank goodness for your wonderful family and friends. The outpouring of love coming your way must help tremendously. And, thank goodness you have such a bright, indomitable spirit and that your faith is deep.
As I sit in prayer these last few days I have been feeling especially close to your mom. I hope that you’ve been feeling her presence too. I like to think at times like this that all the loved ones gather near. I feel that she too is surrounding you, Paul and the children with love and protection.
I love you too, Joanne. You are very dear to me, and I am holding you gently in my heart.
Karen
Dearest Joanne,
Words could not possibly describe what you mean to us. As I pray for you many times each day, I pray things that the words of this hymn epitomizes. We who love you dearly take comfort in knowing that none of us can be with you each moment, but each moment He is with you. May the words this precious hymn be an encouragement to all of us . . .
Dying with Jesus, by death reckoned mine; Living with Jesus, a new life divine; Looking to Jesus till glory doth shine, Moment by moment, O Lord, I am Thine.
Moment by moment I’m kept in His love;
Moment by moment I’ve life from above;
Looking to Jesus till glory doth shine;
Moment by moment, O Lord, I am Thine.
Never a trial that He is not there,
Never a burden that He doth not bear,
Never a sorrow that He doth not share,
Moment by moment, I’m under His care.
Never a heartache, and never a groan,
Never a teardrop and never a moan;
Never a danger but there on the throne,
Moment by moment He thinks of His own.
Never a weakness that He doth not feel,
Never a sickness that He cannot heal;
Moment by moment, in woe or in weal,
Jesus my Savior, abides with me still.
Moment by moment I’m kept in His love;
Moment by moment I’ve life from above;
Looking to Jesus till glory doth shine;
Moment by moment, O Lord, I am Thine.
All our love,
Sara, Brian and Owen Driesse
Dear Paul and Joanne
Woody and I and the kids just wanted to send our love, thoughts and prayers with you as everything you are going through right now. Both of you are very strong and faithful people and in time with Gods Grace and His Love and His protection you will all get through this. You will be in our daily prayers. Stay strong, keep fighting, and trust in our Father. He will bring you through this, He always has and always will. All our love and prayers, Woody, Chris, Melissa, Kristina, & Anthony
Dear Joanne and Paul,
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. By reading the blogs on this site we can see that you are surrounded by very loving and caring friends and family. We wish you a full and speedy recovery.
Love, Carol and Ken Budd
Dear Joanne and family,
We don't know you well, but certainly remember both you and your family fondly from our one year at TCS ... my daughter, Lia, was in Sam's 5th grade class. We recount often his quality Science Fair project that year (FLUBBER! [s]). Please know that we have your prayer requests printed out and are praying regularly for you (Joanne) and Paul, and the children. We are holding on for you the scripture, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God." Phil 4:6
Dear Paul and Joanne and children, All I can say is Thank God you know the Lord. My heart aches for you and your children. I can't help but to imagine this was our family. We will pray for you all and keep tabs on the updates. God is soveriegn and has his hand in all of this and by his promise will glorify himself in you through this. It certainly makes me think how fragile life is and how backword my priorities are. God Loves you all so much keep falling before him.
Love, The Pedo Family
Dear Paul, Joanne and Family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Take care.
Emily
Dear Aunt Joanne,
I love you and I am praying for you.
God is watching over you and loves you. I miss my daily hug! I love you so much:)
Jeremiah 29:11
"I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you not to harm you ,plans to give you a future and a hope."
Love you so much,
Danie
Dear Jonne and Paul,
Praise God for the awesome news today. It has brought tears of joy to my eyes. Joanne, though I know you for just a short time and only through MOPS and Loretta you have touched my heart in such a way that I can not explain in mere words. Your words of encouragement and prayers during a difficult time I was going through with one of my sons stayed with me. God's love radiates from you and it is so awesome. Our God is an AWESOME God and he has all of you in his hands. Continue to cling to his love and you can accomplish above and beyond what any of the doctor's could ever imagine.
Love
Rose Scolaro
Dear Joanne and Paul,
You've been in our thoughts and prayers continually. It was so thrilling to read the news that you walked today!! You are awesome and our God is awesome!!! He is definitely using you to show His power and love and might!! We always saw His love in you, and now we are seeing His strength and power! And don't worry about a thing, we will band together and take care of everything so that you can focus on healing.
Love from the Murphys
Paul and Joanne,
As I was reading my Bible and praying for you all the other day God graciously allowed me to read the passage in Luke 7 where Jesus heals the centurion's servant b/c of his great faith and he raises the widow of Nain's son from the dead even though she did not ask. What a great God we serve! We pray, in faith, asking and He promises to hear us. Many of your brethren are praying in faith, and we trust that God will hear and answer our prayers. "Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken." ~Ps 55:22. What a great answer already to hear that Joanne was able to talk today!! Praise God! You continue to be in my prayers.
With love in Christ,
Danielle Abrahamsen
My dearest Joanne,
Greetings & Love from Central Texas! Words cannot trully express my love for you. You have been there in my life for some of the most difficult and trying times as well as some of the most joyous.
My Church family here in Texas has been praying for you and will be so excited to hear about your incredible progress. All I can say is How great is our God!!!! My sincerest prayer for you during this time, is that you would allow the spirit of the Lord to just minister to you. For I just know in my spirit that as you emerge from this trial, God is going to use you and your family to bring hope and healing to others facing situations like yours.
5 The LORD is gracious and righteous;
our God is full of compassion.
6 The LORD protects the simplehearted;
when I was in great need, he saved me.
7 Be at rest once more, O my soul,
for the LORD has been good to you.
8 For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death,
my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling,
9 that I may walk before the LORD
in the land of the living.
Psalm 116:5-9
I love you! Chondra
Dear Joanne & Paul;
I am the pastor of Lamb of God Fellowship in West Orange. We have been faithfully praying for you on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings in our prayer meetings. On Wednesday morning pastors from a number of churches gather to pray, and we have been lifting you up and praying for God's healing power to work in Joanne.
Each day we are updated and hear of the strides and improvements and our faith is strengthened and our prayers become more full of confidence that God is going to restore Joanne fully and use this great trial as a glorious testimony of the power of Jesus...
we will not stop praying and believing God for your full healing...
we will keep bringing your name, and your family before the throne...
Dear Mrs. Budd,
We both pray that you will get better as soon as possible. We are very happy that you can walk and type. We hope that you can teach us again soon. I'm (Megan) reading the Winn-Dixie book and I found my monologue in it.
We love you!
Megan and Gigi Lee
Hey Joanne,
I love the picture on the blog! You and Paul look great. I think that was taken at Terry's old house in Belleville. Am I right? Remember when we had the Girls Night Sleepover with Me, you, Terry & Loretta?? What a fun time that was!!! I was reading what Terry wrote today about you WALKING & TALKING already, somehow that doesn't suprise me. You have always been one determined Lady. I just wanted to share with you how you've made a difference in my life. I guess it was about 6 years ago when I started coming to Mops, from there I came to the Called Aside Bible Study, and then to MCC. I had been a Christian for about 8 years at that point, but I hadn't seen much growth in those eight years. Then you came up to me and asked me to join the MOPS Steering Team as the Hospitality Leader...........me, a leader I thought "No Way", but I prayed about it and decided to come aboard (I had no idea of the journey that would follow). I had found out shortly before the retreat that I was pregnant with my son and on the way up there we were discussing names and I knew I wanted him to be named after his father, but we couldn't figure out what to call him and you came up with CJ (for Chris Junior), so you basically named my son, who is almost 6 years old now. Then when we got to the retreat, I was so amazed at how warm and comfortable I felt. We did the book "The Prayer of Jabez" that year and God really did enlarge my territory. Being on the steering team that first year was such a blessing to me. Getting to know you and all the girls. I really looked up to you, how you mothered your children, how you lived out your faith, you really did inspire me to be a better wife & mother. You were always so encouraging with your words & your prayers. I will never forget that first year on the MOPS Steering team. Then the following year, you asked me to take over as Coordinator and again I was like "Me, No Way", but God knew better. I have grown so much in my faith and my walk with God and you were definitely the person that started me on that journey. I love you so much and I'm so proud of the progress you are making. You and your beautiful family are in my prayers.
Love to you all,
Rhonda
Joanne -
The Lord has saved you. He is saving you.
In the valley of the shadow of death, within your greatest fears, He is with you - He is leading you into freedom, showing you that He is more faithful, more powerful, more tender, more loving than you'd even imagined. He is bringing you to a higher place.
And why wouldn't He heal the one who has used her life and lovingkindness to exalt Him? You have been such a joyful, tender expression of God's love to me. The love you have given so freely to me and so many of us is still ministering. I pray that you would know that love coming "right back at ya".
Know that even in your temporary great weakness, you are ministering to us. I am trusting the great Name above all names for you, my gift of a sister. I am trusting Christ for your family - for Paul, Sam, Oliver, Isabel, and all your loved ones - none of this will be wasted - the God of Love will use it. And we will have the privilege of praising Him and someday seeing that there is sense in what today looks insensible.
I am so grateful to be on this journey with you.
With love,
"Mrs. White"
dear Joanne - my precious friend, mentor and cheerleader :-)
my heart is with you, and my constant prayers, even though I'm far away. And stronger than my sorrow, or the trial you and your family are going through is the sure knowledge of a God who does all things well. I praise Him for sparing you, for demonstrating His power in miracles already, for pouring His love on you through your husband and family in Christ, for making you to shine through even this. And I trust you to His care, the care that is hair-numbering, tear-catching, soul and body-sustaining! I look forward to seeing you, God-willing, in just a month and a half, and spending some quality time rejoicing with each other on the great things our God has done.
"In this (salvation) you rejoice, though now...you have been distressed by trials...that the proof of your faith, more precious than gold that perishes, though it's tested by fire - may...result in PRAISE and GLORY and HONOR..."
Dear Joanne,
I've been thinking of and praying for you continuously since I heard the news on Sunday. Praise God for the progress you've already made!! I check the blog everytime I come in the house to see if there is anything new. What a blessing it was to read of your walking and talking today!
The Lord is able to do more than we can think or imagine...
We love you, and will continue to pray fervently for you and Paul and the kids.
Mark and Paula and kids
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Budd,
I just heard about the situation today since I'm away at college. I want you to know that I am and will continue to be praying for you, as will my friends here at Baylor. I'm glad I got to know you a bit in my last years at TCS and am thankful for the opportunities I had to work with Mrs. Budd for yearbook (thanks for all those great pictures!) and for the teacher appreciation dinner my senior year.
Love,
Danielle Lee
Joanne and Paul,
Last night the kids and I were searching in the dark for your house (with a meal to deliver). We knew the street but not the house number. Just as we prayed that God would show us where your home is, I looked up at a house and said, "look at how sweet this house is with those little lights in the windows... as if it is waiting for someone to come home". Joanne - it was your house. And we are praising God that you will be coming home. We are praying for you and your family day and night and rejoicing with all of you at every ounce (and lately pounds!) of good news. Like your house, we are all waiting for you Joanne. And we will not relent in our prayers.
Love,
Fran Deacon
my dear jo -
on the way to school today, i was recounting to the redheads last night's glorious visit with you. joe and ollie were wide-eyed as i explained how you said your first words. i said, "you know how much auntie jo loves to win at playing games... she was trying so hard to get us to understand what she was thinking... a lot like when we play charades with her." right away ollie said, "so what did she win?" i laughed so hard i couldn't speak. ollie said, "was it candy corn?" :)
redheads unite in prayer for their auntie jo. without prompting they start each day's prayer with petitions on your behalf. we sure love you. they can't wait to play charades with you again. (remember ollie last time we played together... he said, "wait.. i'm thinkin' in my head.")
love you so much,
terry (aka mrs. boch)
Paul and Joanne,
I've never met Joanne but know Paul well through an old job. My heart sunk when I heard this story. and am keeping you constantly in my thoughts and prayers. So great to hear the progress you've already made Joanne! Awesome!!!!! I am keeping updated on this blog and am praying for your recovery. I am also praying for added fuel to the amazing strength and patience that I have known Paul to demonstrate through his faith. Paul....you and your family have always been an inspiration.
love,
love,
love,
Nishat (and her Orange bike)
Paul,
My heart and prayers are with you Joanne and the kids daily. I start every day with my kids and breakfast prayers. I know my God hears these prayers we have seen his hand move. We have been and will continue to pray for you the kids and Joanne's full recovery. In the mean time, it seems as though you are surrounded by love and support. That is great, but if there is any way I can help you, I'm at your service.
Keep the faith, our God is an awesome God.
Bill Nye
Dearest Joanne,
I thank God for bringing you into my life! I think that it was our boys (Kevin & Oliver)that brought us together. You have been such a blessing to me and I love you dearly. We have been praying for you and you are constantly in our thoughts. I can't wait to see you & give you a big hug. I thank God that you are doing so well.
Paul - May God continue to give you the daily strength that you need during this time. 2 Corinthians 12:9 My grace is sufficient for you. May this encourage you to continue in His strength.
With Love from all of us to you,
Bill & Ruth Tanis and Family
Paul and Joanne....Kathy was reading Psalms and came to our prayer for both of you...Ps.86 vs 16...grant Your strength to your servant...both of you have been God's servant for as long as we have known you...God's strength to both of you...We love you...Tom and Kathy...
O ye of the perky smile and personality!
O ye of the Christ-light burning brightly!
You have been in my prayers since I got Barb Ruglio's message Saturday night. I'm so sorry I wasn't working when you came into the ER, but I'm glad you had some wonderful friends and family with you. Our Lord is so awesome in his healing!
Love you!
Joy Vincent
Dear Paul & Joanne,
Your cousins from West Virginia pray for your full recovery.
Love Frank, Becky, Ashley, Jamie, Josh, Gavin and Mason
Dear Joanne,
I was so glad to be able to visit with you the other night. Even though you were unable to speak to me in words, how expressive you were, how witty and funny. I was so encouraged to see you.
And Joanna, sweet friend that she is, had braided your hair, knowing that even in the ICU, you would want to look your best.
Look at you now, such a great photo of you sitting up in bed! Did the hairdresser come in and do your hair? How wonderful to see you looking so well and waving at the camera!
What a might work God has already done! May you better know the depth and width and height of His love for you through the love and care of His children, who love you too! May you know His peace as never before!
love to you from all the Ruglios, who are praying together for your rapid healing,
Barb
Dear Joanne,
Steven here, I am very proud to be your brother. Your strength and faith are serving you well and you have somehow made this difficult time one that we will remember as a triumph of your spirit. In my three visits with you, I have been able to see you gradually awaken to the life that you have and the ones that love you. We will all be here for you as you continue your recovery. I have been keeping the Mullens, Smiths, Sharockmans, Aunt Marianne and LInda abreast of your amazing story and they are all praying for a full recovery. I know that Mom and Dad are smiling on you from Heaven Wody and they share our pride in you.
Love,
Your little(?) brother Steven
PS - Thank you to all Budd friends who did this Blog and and are supporting her in so many ways!
Joanne....
What a wonderful surprise to see your bright photo on your website...sitting up in bed with a full smile! Amazing! The Lord truly has His hand upon you my sister! Jesus surely has great plans for you and your family. He WILL complete the work that He began in YOU. The Lord has used you in so many lives already--- and He is creating a new beginning and a new testimony in you and your family. This turn in the road was sure unexpected ---but not to Him. I pray that you continue to stay in His rest. He loves you so and will keep His promise to you His faithful daughter! You are an living example to us all!! Loving you in prayer and praying for more mighty works of His hands through your life!
In HIS love---christine vales
Dear Paul & Joanne,
From the moment we heard about this incident, we have been praying fervently for you and believe God will bring you to full recovery. How exciting to see His mighty hand at work so quickly restoring your body and mind, Joanne! Just want to leave the words to this song (that you may or may not know) with you as an encouragement:
"I have a Maker, He formed my heart.
Before even time began, my life was in His hands.
He knows my name, He knows my every thought, He sees each tear that falls and hears me when I call.
I have a Father, He calls me His own. He'll never leave me, no matter where I go."
We love you!
Barbara (and the Mieles)
Dear Joanne:
I was absolutely delighted to open the blog page today and see you smiling back at me.
I want you to know how much you mean to me and how much I am praying for you, Paul, and the children.
I have had such delight week by week during our times to talk on Monday mornings before, during, and after art class. You are such an encouragement to me. Your faithfulness is a great testimony to God's grace and mercy.
May God continue to strengthen you and bring you healing.
With love and prayers, Sue Cutler
Dear Paul and Joanne,
We haven't stopped thinking of you and praying for you since we heard the news on Sunday! Praise God from whom all blessings flow! We're so thrilled to read of your progress..and will keep praying our little brains out!
"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matt 28:20.
We love you Joanne,
Love, Mark and Paula and kids
Joanne,
How GREAT to see that beautiful picture of you sitting up in bed and smiling!!!! You look Fabulous!! We all love you here and are continuing to pray for you and Paul and the kids. How Great is our God!!!
Love you, Rhonda
Dear Joanne,
Just wanted to let you know that we are praying for you and your family. I cried for joy the day I saw that you had walked and talked. I couldn't help but give praise and thanks to our GREAT and AMAZING God!!! I just want to shout from the mountians and tell of His work that he has done through you! My children are very excited to hear of your progress that you have have made, especailly Daivd (one of your art students). You have been a joy and a blessing to our school and pray that God will send a quick and speedy recovery that we can see you back there.
Much love and prayers,
Claire Brevard for the family
MY DEAREST JOANNE, IT GAVE ME SUCH JOY AND PEACE WHEN I SAW YOUR BEAUTIFUL SMILING FACE ON THE BLOG. PRAISE GOD FOR HIS WONDROUS WAYS. AS AMY SAID TO-DAY, AUNTIE JOANNE LOOKS FABULOUS AND RIGHT SHE IS. WHEN THIS HAPPENED TO YOU JOANNE SHANNON WANTED TO GO STRAIGHT TO THE HOSPITAL TO SEE YOU.MY KIDS LOVE YOU SO MUCH JUST AS GARY AND I DO TO.REMEMBER GOD,S WORD, 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 UNDERSTANDING, WILL GUARD YOUR HEARTS AND YOUR MINDS IN CHRIST JESUS. PHILIPPIANS 4:6.JOANNE YOU ARE FOR EVER ON MY HEART AND IN OUR PRAYERS. WE WILL SEE YOU NEXT WEEK. I LOVE YOU DEARLY MY SWEET FRIEND.FROM GERI G, YOUR IRISH FRIEND.
Dear Mrs. Budd -
Oliver and Isabel are downstairs in our basement playing right now. They are having lots of fun.
I was really happy when I heard you had walked and talked. I can't imagine you not being able to talk! It's wierd praying in Home Fellowship Group and not hearing you say, "Oh Jesus" and "Thank you Lord" when we pray.
Remember when we went to Ocean City and rode the roller coaster? It was a small roller coaster but I got scared by it easily . . . that was a fun day.
I hope you get well very soon. I miss you.
Love,
Caris Julia White
Joanne,
Praise be to God! You my dear are a Miracle and an answer to prayer. The cries went up to our Father and He heard and Answered. I am still awe struck by His mighty works. Tears of joy are so palpable you are alive, you moved, you walked, you spoke... OH Thank you sweet Jesus!!
Joanne - you are such a gift from God. I thank you for being such a dear friend to my sister, Loretta. Your friendship brought such joy, warmth and love. I'm happy she has you and your family in her life!
I will continue to be a prayer warrior for you, Paul, Oliver, Sam & Isabel here in CT.
God will provided what you need for each new day. Rest in His Presence and fear not. God clearly has a plan for you.
With Love,
Carol Krajc
You look great Joanne! Enjoying coming here and keeping up on blogs and your progress. Terry...you'r doing such a good job on here! Note for Paul....is Bill Nye....the Science Guy? :)
Have a great Sunday!!!
Lisa (Terry's sister)
The Gratts stand ready to pray,support and cheer you on as God's grace unfolds to make all things work together for good. Joanne,a big part of your impact in all of our lives has been the way you have so effectively brought the body of Christ together. Whether it be by the many gatherings at your house,getting MOPs up and running, directing families to such a wonderful christian school, helping people move, sharing in peoples suffering and so much more, you have been gifted to weave the family of God into the functioning body that it is supposed to be. Be assured that a mighty river of gratitude to God and love to the Budds is awaiting you and yours as we all eagerly stand ready to shoulder your journey to recovery.
With deep affection and gratitude to our Lord,
Gary and the Gratts
Joanne!! I am so happy to see your smiling face on the blog this morning!!! The Lopez's are all praying for you!!! We love you so much and are sooo excited to see how rapidly God is healing you! You are an amazing person. I'll NEVER forget the first time I saw you and Paul, at MCC years ago, when you were expecting sam, I remember thinking "what a beautiful couple" and nothing has changed. I remember babysitting for you, and chatting with you and thinking "I want to be just like that." I have always admired you. You have the most beautiful heart. I can see God's faithfullness already in your progress and know that He will continue to pull you through step by step and give you all the strength you need.
We love you a ton and I can't wait to see you!!!
Love,
Amy
Dear Joanne,
Ever since we heard the news of your stroke, you have been much in our thoughts and prayers. We have also been rejoicing to hear the details of your recovery. Several times a day, I have been checking your website to see the updates of your progress. It has been such a good testimony of God's love and answer to prayers to see how well you are doing. God has been glorified in many ways during your trial. We have much love and admiration for you and Paul as we have had opportunity to interact with you through the school and scouts. Today your son Sam was at our church and the luncheon that followed and my three boys were his shadow! They really enjoyed him.
With love and prayers,
Dave and Janet Yamasaki
Dear Joanne,
We were praying for you at our Friday night Bible study, and everyone was amazed and rejoicing to hear of your progress. Then I thought about all the churches represented at Trinity as well as all your family members and friends churches, and figured there must be literally hundreds if not thousands praying for you and rejoicing over you!! Wow, what an impact you are making! You are causing many thanksgivings to God!
And you look fantastic in the pictures! If it was a lounge chair you were in instead of a hospital bed, you'd look like you were on a vacation to Hawaii! (If only)
Love from the Murphys
Dear Joanne and Paul,
AMEN!! Our God is so good! May He continue to bring you miraculous healing and a strong sense of His peace. Thank you for always being such a strong source of love and encouragement to me and my family. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Sam, Oliver, and Isabel. I love you guys!
Love,
Patti Banghart
Dear Mrs. Budd:
I know you will get better because you are getting better so soon. I'm praying for you.
Love, Livvy Loo
Joanne...
Troy, Silas, and I have been praying for you and the rest of the Budd crew...along with all of the teenagers and pre-teens and kiddies from Lamb of God Fellowship. In our worship service today, we took time as a body to shout out prayers for you guysl (we can get a little rowdy). It is amazing how God is using you in such an indredible ways to touch individuals and even churches across the state and nation!
This afternoon, I was directing the kids church in our christmas pageant and kept finding myself saying, "PROJECT! PROJECT YOUR VOICES"....when I caught myself I chuckled in remembering all the times you said the same thing to me... :)
You are blessing and I can't wait to see you soon.
Always love and hugs,
Noelle Rhodes
Dearest Joanne,
What a great blessing to be able to see you last night, and finally give you the big hug I've been patiently waiting to give you! Kevin was really thankful that he was able to see you again. Keep up the good work, please don't be discouraged, you've come so far already. We can do all things through Christ who strengths us (Philippians 4:13). We are praying for a complete healing for you and doesn't God give exceeding above what we ask or think!! Joanne we love you and hope to see you soon again!
Love Ruth and the Tanis Family
Dear Paul and Joanne, this is the first site I visit in the morning so I can find out how Joanne is doing. Our family prays throughout our day for you and your family, we are so encouraged and can't wait for more updates. We love you guys and I am hoping to get to see you this week.
love, Ted, Sheryl, Kyle, Jesse, Josiah (who asks everyday when you will be back to teach SS,), and Amanda
Dear Joanne, Paul & Budlings -
We cannot begin to express our emotions during this difficult time in your lives. But we want to praise God because we have heard that during this battle, you have been able to smile, laugh and demonstrate a great hope in our God. How encouraging! We continually pray for you all, and miss you so very much. The future may seem overwhelming, but your current progress is clearly empowered by the Holy Spirit and He will not falter or fail you. Matt 6:25-34. Your response to your circumstances has already given God so much honor and glory. Much love,
Nancy & Justin Maurer
Hi Joanne,
I thought this would be a great time to share how your life has impacted mine in so many ways even though I barely know you. But first let me start with a quote from Phillip Yancey's book The Jesus I Never Knew.
"...The historian's test of an individual's greatness is 'What did he leave to grow?' Did he start men to thinking along fresh lines with a vigor that persisted after him? By this test Jesus stands first. You can gauge the size of a ship that has passed out of sight by the huge wake it leaves behind."
Phillip Yancey was talking about Jesus but this can describe you too. When you decided to start the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Ministry at MCC there was no way you could have know the impact that would have on people's lives years later. Before we moved to NJ I looked up housing on the internet along with where the local MOPS groups were. When we found a house (less than a mile from MCC) I knew I probably found my church too. I was looking for a church that met my needs and my kids. My thinking was if they took the effort to support a MOPS group that is where I should try first. Never did I think I would end up on the steering team a 1 1/2 years later. God has used this to grow me in ways and to kick me out of my comfort zone. I literally don't know what I would do without it. As a stay at home mom it gives me an outlet to use the gifts God has given me that otherwise wouldn't be used. It keeps me sane by allowing me to talk to adults! and to work on something that isn't related to cooking, cleaning or children. This year is MOPS of MCC's 9th year. In my life and the lives of the many moms we currently serve you left a lot to grow. Thank you!
So as you lay in bed (quickly recovering) the work of your life is continuing.
With Much Love and Gratitude,
Stephanie Shell
PS I want you and Paul to know I and the rest of the Steering Team are praying for you.
Dear Joanne and Paul,
We are very happy to hear you are getting stonger each day! It will get frustrating at times but do not get discouragd.... You have done so well already it can only get better! You are in our prayers!
Love, Suzanne, Roy and Rebecca
Dear Jo,
I just read Stephanie Shell's comment and want to stroll back in memory lane with you.
Remember when you first ordered all the MOPS literature? You had the notebooks all over your dining room table that spring/summer, pouring over them, sweating over them, wondering how you would be able to do this, and where you would be able to find the volunteers to help you. I remember talking to you about it, standing in your dining room with you and you said, it was just too big for you.
But God did it, using your gifts and strengths and passion to serve Him. He did it and continues to do it. Your legacy is awesome to behold each month, still these nine years later!!
Likewise, God is going to COMPLETELY heal you, and in the works, give you such an awesome testimony. This too will have a great legacy.
Although life will not allow me to visit you daily, I visit you daily online and pray for you, dear. I am so grateful for the photos and the daily news of your progress.
I love you.
Barb
Dear Joanne - Bravo and thanks to our awesome friend Terry for allowing us to communicate with you in this way! You have no idea how precious it is to me - being so far away where mail comes every 2 weeks and it's still just over a month till I can see and hug you!
Oh, how glad I am that our miracle-working God chose you to do such an awesome thing in as He heals you in a way that hopefully leaves the doctors slack-jawed. I can only imagine that you, Paul and our family in Christ are, by your actions and lives, leaving them with an awesome and unmistakable view of the Saviour they need!
I know the road is long, and trust you to the One who knows each step and turn and dark part on it. I am so grateful for the faith He's given you, and for the many who love you.
Paul, thank you for being obedient and so obviously loving Joanne - though imperfectly - as Christ loved His bride. I pray that you'll continue to be given the great amounts of strength and grace you must need.
Though I don't wish sorrow on them, there are 3 great kids who are watching their mom and dad live out what they believe, and seeing the care of an unseen, but not silent, Father in heaven. may all of you have joy, even in this difficult journey!
with my love - Rachel
Dear Joanna and Paul,
You guys are kind people
and deserve the best in life.
I haven't prayed since i was ten,
but tonight i'll pray for you.
Love, Marcelo.
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank You for loving Joanne. You know her needs, her abilities, her longings. You listen to her joys, her sadness, her frustrations, her dreams. You are her everlasting Father. We pray that you grant her determination, courage and endurance during her recovery process.
We also pray for Paul and the children that they be anchored in Your steadfast love, that they face each day unafraid, eager to live to the fullest each day, flanked with Your power, wisdom and grace.
In Jesus Name we pray,
Amen
Dear Paul and Joanne,
I wanted to let you know that my wife and I are praying for you all. We are praying for a quick and full recovery, and we are praying that God would make his presence known during this difficult time. We are also praying for your children.
"The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress." -Ps 46:11
In His love,
Erik Swanson
Joanne: It was so good to see you on Monday evening. We pray that God will continue to speed your recovery and give you strength and courage.
Paul: We continue to uphold you in prayer. May His strength be your portion.
Sue Cutler
Psal 32:7
You are my hiding place;
You will protect me from trouble
nd surround me with songs of deliverance.
Hi Joanne,
Heal fast Joanne, we have the new Beth Moore study to do in January and our group just won't be the same without you. Your insights are always so welcomed.
I'm so excited to hear about your progress. Never, never give up! You are an inspiration.
Love,
Cheryl Minden
Dear Joanne and Paul,
I am Debbie Crowell, my daughter Brittany was in many of Miss Karen's shows with you. She is away at school now but I wanted you to know that my prayers are with you at this time.
My God bless you and your family with a speedy recovery.
Dear Paul and Joanne,
Few people who have used Trinity Christian School over the 22 years we have been operating have given themselves in service such as you have. We are thankful for all you have done for us and have meant to us. We continue to pray that our gracious and merciful God will meet all of your needs during this time.
We love you!
Sincerely in Christ,
Brian Lee on behalf of the TCS Board of Trustees
Dear Mrs. Budd,
My mom went to see you last night and said that you are really pretty. you also look really pretty in the pictures in this blog.
I can't believe you have only been sick for ten days! It feels like two months.
My mom says because you are an actress, everyone can understand you with your face expressions.
Lots of my prayers have been answered "Yes". You can talk and better and walk better than anyone could ten days after a stroke! I remember in fellowship group when we were praying and you were always saying "Thank you, Jesus." My mom said she was praying with you the other day and, sure enough, you said thank you, Jesus during prayer!
I have some more good news! Guess what we might get! (After you get better you MUST come over and see it!) We might get a blue tounged skink! Just incase you don't know what that is, it is a lizard that gets a foot or two feet long!(Rene's prayers about getting a moniter lizard have basically come true!) My dad really, really wants to get it, and my mom is "thinking about it" with fear. We go to petco so much that Petco is willing to give it away free!
I have to go finish my school and I will write more later!
I miss you!
Caris Julia White:)
Paul, thank you so much for your completely transparent posts. It really helps me to know how to pray for you, Joanne, and your family, and to know where you guys are emotionally as well as physically. Both you and Joanne are very much on my heart.
Dear Joanne,
We are so glad to read that you are doing so good.Anita misses
you very much.We are praying everyday.Please keep the faith.
Love, The Wittens T.C.S
Dear Paul and Joanne,
Our prayers are with you.......
For this reason we kneel before the Father, from whom His whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.We pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And we pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Love,
Lenore & Jeff
Hi miss Joanne it's Alfonse i really missed you at the show. It was a blast. I got to sing Year 3000 that was also blast. I really really really really really really really really really really miss you. I say"hey whats up" to everyone. I hope every thing is turning out well. I hope you feel better. I loooooooooovvvveee you. from Alfonse
Joanne,
Linea and I can't wait to see you soon. You will smile when you see my big belly:) Your blog is what finally motivated my "big sister" to really want (and she now has) her own computer. She couldn't stand Glenn knowing more than she did and BEFORE she did about your progress.
We prayed for you again tonight at our TBC prayer meeting, rejoicing in all God has already done and praying that you will be healed completely and strengthened in the inner woman. We prayed for your precious, loving husband as well. We are confident God has heard these and the prayers of so many others and is answering him.
Looking forward to seeing you soon!
love, Sara Driesse
My dear Joanne,
How I miss you and think of you and pray for you constantly. I'm not a very eloquent writer with letters, so I'm going to share a CD of some music with you that I composed while I was convalescing last year.
Here are the words to one of the songs which I wrote, partly inspired by our niece's brave struggle with brain cancer:
FLOWERS ON THE ROOFTOPS
SUNSHINE THROUGH THE WINDOW
GENTLE BREEZES BLOWING BY
MAY YOU HAVE A PLEASANT DAY
SOFTLY DANCING RAINDROPS
RAINBOW THROUGH THE WINDOW
CLOUD FORMATIONS FLOATING BY
MAY YOU HAVE A PLEASANT DAY
MAY YOU BE SURROUNDED WITH COLORS AND LIGHT
WITH ALL OF YOUR SWEET MEMORIES SO NEAR
MAY YOU BE LIFTED UP LIKE AN EAGLE IN FLIGHT
TO SEE THE VIEW SO CLEARLY
FLOWERS ON THE ROOFTOPS
SUNSHINE THROUGH THE WINDOW
GENTLE BREEZES BLOWING BY
MAY YOU HAVE A PLEASANT DAY
MAY YOU HAVE A PLEASANT DAY
I can never thank you enough for helping me as I embraced being a Mom and helping Lexi become part of our forever family.
I keep reminding the students to clearly pronounce the ending consonants of their words, just like you taught them. Lexi will be singing "Hernando's Hideaway" on Saturday. Thank you so much for your help. Olay!
Much love and hugs and prayers from our whole family,
"Ms. Karen"
Dear Joanne and Paul,
It's a funny phenomenon, this business of shedding tears of joy. They surprise me sometimes, welling up as they do when I am reading the latest news on the Budd Blog and find it good. So good.
What a privilege it is to bear witness to the authentic courage, faith and gratitude that you two embody. No Hollywood here. You guys are really for real.
Thank you, Paul, for loving so fiercely, tenderly, deeply. You touch and inspire us all.
Thank you, Joanne. Your light shines bright and beautiful.
In friendship,
Karen
Dear Joanne,
We are so thankful to God for the progress you are making. You are in my and Loretta's thoughts and prayers constantly. We are trusting in our faithful and mighty God for your complete and rapid recovery. We pray for Paul and the kids also. We love you and miss you. See you soon.
Love,
Mark
Ps. 91:4 - "He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark."
Mornin' Jo. I'm so sorry I can't be with you AGAIN today. Joe is still home sick.
I know I typed this out with a million other relevant scriptures. But I wanted to remind you of this one passage that keeps standing out to me when I pray for you.
Isaiah 41:10,13 Fear not, for I am with you Joanne. Do not be dismayed. I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with My victorious right hand. I am holding you by YOUR RIGHT HAND – I, the Lord your God – and I say to you, “Don’t be afraid; I am here to help you.”
I love you so much. And I long for the next time we have a girls night out and go for Thai food and something chocolate afterwards. You are COVERED in prayer. I pray you feel them in a very tangible way today... like a warm blanket covering you.
Love from da Boch's,
Terry
Good Morning Joanne,
Hey you look good in that hospital gown! Know that I am praying for you daily. I check in everyday on you through the site. I am so encourage by all the good news and your strong spirit. I'll be in to visit when you are ready.
Love,
Cheryl Minden
Dear Joanne,
We are so excited to hear about the progress you're making through your rehabilitation. God has been so merciful to you and your family by bringing you through this recovery in a much faster time than the doctors thought at first. We are praising God for His tender mercies.
We pray for you regularly here in our family worship time. I know you're working so very hard and that this is a profoundly difficult trial for you, but don't grow weary. Know that people are praying for you and that our Great God is upholding you in his arms even as He strengthens your body and restores your ability to speak. We can't wait to be praising God for your complete recovery.
With love,
Eric, Lori, Emily, Matthew, Hannah, Noelle and Josiah Maynard
Dear Joanne & Paul,
It's been an interesting week or so here in Oklahoma. Since I returned from Kuala Lumpur, I fought a terrible flu bug the first week, then once recovered from that, I fell off of an 8' ladder by being stupid. Laid my self out flat on my back for a few days after than one.
I've kept up with the blog, which is great and the news on Jo's improvement is even better than great. Paul, love the Casting Crowns and I can see why you would cry over the words to that song, which is
sung so beautifully (as are all their songs). We are truly witnessing God's hands at work here and I get chills each time I read the news.
Jo, your faith is making you strong and His hands are providing the healing touch. I've had my women's group at church praying for you and one who is a nurse has even visted the blog site. She was most impressed by the site itself and all the great support the two of you are getting from family and friends... another blessing at work, all witness to the goodness of the two of you.
Boone and I are preparing for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners but I have absolutely none of the decorations up and ready yet; next week will be a long one. I don't see any new trips this year and for that I am grateful.
Sending love, kisses and many prayers your way.
Linda, Boone and the kids
Hi Joanne - I heard from a reliable source that you were making fun of me following my last visit. That must mean the old Joanne or should I say the new and improved Joanne is back. Seriously, Joanne, we've really missed having you around here and are so looking forward to having you back. I'm praying for you regularly.
"Praise the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. Ps 103:2-5.
In Christ, Larry White
I've been waiting to see if I indeed heard a brief word from God concerning Joanne, and I now believe I have. Let me explain.
Sunday November 4th Pastor Ed led MCC in prayer for her. We all held hands and prayed, including we 4 who were up in the sound room. As he led us in prayer I was suddenly aware of a short phrase being repeated over and over in my mind (as if it was being spoken to me). I have a past history of occasionally receiving information from God, sometimes as if a spoken word, sometimes as if printed words, sometimes in a picture, sometimes as if a video. The phrase I heard at that moment was "ALL SYSTEMS CLEAR"... it made no immediate sense to me, which is often how I know I didn't just invent it myself, and also takes me back to God for further clarification.
But as I read through the blog, this word comes back to me in the light of Joanne's remarkable progress. I truly believe this is God's affirmation for Joanne, and that her forward progress is simply an outworking and development of this. It's almost like watching fruit develop from a seed. I'm thrilled and amazed at what God's doing in her! And I also believe God will turn this whole experience for good in astonishing ways!
Good Morning Joanne,
I just read Paul's note from this morning, which Terry posted at 3:31AM (we need to control her caffeine a bit)! Be encouraged, you have so many people around you that love you. The news about you coming home is wonderful. All of your hard work is paying off. I loved the story about how you helped your roommate. It doesn't surprise me one bit! That's just the kind of spirit that God has given you. Keep up to good work.
Love,
Cheryl
Dear Joanne:
You are in our thoughts and constant prayers. We too, pray Psalm 91 over you and your family each day. We have also shared our prayer request for you with so many of our friends through e-mail, the two churches that I work at and at Evangel too, and they pray for you at all of the different prayer meetings that they have during the week. (now we can share this blog with the many who call for an update). I have also been carrying your last year’s Christmas card with me so that everyone can see your beautiful family, as they pray individually for each of you.
We love you so much and know that you are loved by so many! But most importantly, you are loved by the One who made you, who died for you, and is called Savior, Healer and Restorer! And we know, and are confident that God is faithful to do exceedingly above all that we ask Him for! We are believing for a complete recovery for you, and are already praising God for that day! Sooooooo happy to hear that you are coming home soon. We are looking forward to visting you!
With much love and prayers,
Bob, Lynda & Mandy
Dear Jo -
A thought just occurred to me as I was reading some of the recent comments. If Darren and I thought it was difficult to pin you and Paulie down to get together with us BEFORE all this happened, boy do we ever have comptetition now! Once you're up for home visits, is it first come first serve, or will seniority give us any leverage? You know... I have control of the blog updates... don't make me issue any statements that say, "The Budd's need their space. Don't call them, they'll call you!" :)
Love you... even if we have to share you with the multitudes...
Terry & Darren (8+yr veterans)
Dear Mrs. Budd,
I miss having art with you. I really, really enjoy art with you! I prayed that you would get up and walk out of your bed and you did! I am very happy!! We had an ancient Egypt day today and we made a mummy!! I hope you can see it...it is really artistic! I can't wait until you get home!
Love, Emma Vuolo
Dear Mrs. Budd,
I am praying for you. I hope that you will come home soon.
Roses are red
Violets are blue
I love you
and Jesus does too!
Love,
Samantha Frank
Dear Joanne and Paul,
Helping someone in need when she is still in her hospital bed is so much "Joanne"! You are soooo dear and lovable :)
We want to thank you for ministering to us during the last few weeks.
Sometimes life goes on, day in and day out. We get caught with the norm and live like everybody else.
You became the "voice" of the Lord, reminding us that He is powerful and majestic.
You "faith" is so audible and visible that it has touched all of us so deeply.
God indeed is not far off somewhere.
He is not too big for our problems.
He is REAL!
Thank you for the life changing message!
Can't wait 'till you come back!
We love you,
Alison Lee and family
Artist - Fernando Ortega
Album - Fernando Ortega
Lyrics - Take Heart, My Friend
Take heart, my friend, we'll go together
This uncertain road that lies ahead
Our faithful God has always gone before
And He will lead the way once again
Take heart, my friend, we can walk together
And if our burdens become too great
We can hold up and help one another
In God's love, in God's grace
Take heart my friend, the Lord is with us
As He has been all the days of our lives
Our assurance every morning
Our defender in the night
If we should falter when trouble surrounds us
When the wind and the waves are wild and high
We will look away to Him who rules the waters;
Who speaks His peace into the angry tide
He is our comfort, our sustainer
He is our help in time of need
When we wander, He is our Shepherd
He who watches over us never sleeps
Take heart my friend, the Lord is with us
As He has been all the days of our lives
Our assurance every morning
Our defender every night
Take heart my friend, the Lord is with us
As He has been all the days of our lives
Our assurance every morning
Our defender in the night.
Dear Joanne,
You have been much in our thoughts and prayers. With my call to Loretta and Terry, just a day after we heard of your having a stroke, I realized that God was abundantly supplying your needs. Meals, laundry, and even yard work were already supplied for all of November! We have followed your progress and are encouraged that you will soon be able to go home. May God continue to give you grace. Your progress will be one of our Thanksgiving blessing this year!
Love,
The Buckleys
Dear Jo,
still praying here and looking forward to when you will be just down the street again. I am so glad you will be able to come home before Thanksgiving.
love you lots!
Barb
Hi Paul and Joanne, what good news that Joanne will be home for Thanksgiving, we are rejoicing with you. Ted and I had so wanted to visit you, but unfortunately we've had nasty colds and didn't need to pass those on. We pray for you daily, Josiah was so excited to see Paul (Mr. Budd) at church today, he says he can't wait to see Mrs. Budd too.
love, Ted, Sheryl, Kyle, Jesse, Josiah and Amanda
Dear Mrs. Budd,
I hope you fully recover very soon! You are in my prayers. I hope that you can come back to your home for Thanksgiving. And hopefully those boring therapy sessions will do their work and you won't have to do them anymore and all your skills will come back. I hope you get out of the hospital very soon because I know that its probably very boring laying down on a bed all day doing pretty much nothing. Get better soon!
Rachel Murphy
Dear Aunty Jo,
I miss you so much and I hope you
get beter.I hope you feel all the
way beter on Wedesday.I hope you get beter soon.I love you.
Love,
Joseph
Joanne,
Thanks so much for the phone call and the Happy Birthday serenade. Your voice sounded great and your call was one of the best birthday gifts I could ever hope for. I hope to come up tomorrow to see you!
Love,
Your little(?) Brother Steven
Dear Joanne and Paul,
We were so glad to hear of all your improvement over the last week or so. I'm sure a lot of it was due to the fact that you have such a wonderful, loving husband, beautiful children, family and friends all praying for you.
Jamie had sent us a picture of you from your hospital bed and we were so happy to see you sitting up and smiling! We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and we look forward to seeing you very soon.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Bob and Jeanne Hutzel
Joanne: "love will never disappoint us, because God has poured out His love to fill our hearts." (Romans 5:5) Know that we are all praying for you throughout the day, especially for your transition home this Wednesday. We are looking forward to the opportunity to bother you more often! We love you, Joanne & Paul. Loretta, et. al.
Hi Joanne & Paul,
I'm so glad to keep hearing all the good news. Joanne, I know how excited you must be to be going home this week, and to be home for Thanksgiving... how appropriate! God is good. Paul, hang in there, you are doing a fantastic job. God will give you all the strength you need. You a setting such a good, Godly example of love for all to see. Thank you for that.
Cheryl MInden
Joanne,
How wonderful it was to see you this past Sunday and to see the look on your face when Linea and I surprised you by bringing Lauren too! Linea called me Monday morning and told me she missed you already! You still light up a room and bring us such joy by your presence. I wanted you to know that because I know that you can't enter into the conversation in all of the ways that you long to. We are confident that in God's timing you will be able to. We are praying for your transition home. I continue to pray for your inner strengthening which I know is continuing to increase with each day, even more than those external "strengthenings"we are so delighted to see.
I am thinking of and praying this scripture for you today:
"For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner (wo)man, that Christ may dwell in your heart through faith; that you being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height--to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge that you may be filled will all the fullness of God.
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to HIm be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
We are seeing the answer to this prayer for you each and every day!
with mountains of love,
Sara
Dear Joanne, Paul, Sam, Oliver, and Isabelle
I just wanted you to know that we think and pray for you always. It is so great to see God in control of your speedy recovery. Want to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving at home.
I will always be grateful for how Joanne gave me my wife back by introducing her to MOPS and being such a godly example of Family values.
We miss the times we used to get together and play board games as the children play together.
I trust in God that some day you will look back at this trial in your lives and see how much God has stenghtened you.
Love Always
The Tisellano Family
Hi Joanne,
I just read Paul's posting. Please don't get discouraged, you are doing so well. You are making huge improvements continually. Keep focusing on all of the things that you have accomplished and let the rest of the things take care of themselves.
Love,
Cheryl Minden
Joanne and Paul
We have been singing this song at church recently and it goes through my head constantly as I pray for you, Joanne.
ARTIST: Planet Shakers
ALBUM: Savior of the World
HEALER
I trust in You
I trust in You
I believe You're my Healer
I believe You are All I need
I believe You're my Portion
I believe You're more than enough for me
Jesus You're All I need
(More than enough for me)
You hold my every moment
You calm my raging seas
You walk with me through fire
And heal all my disease
Nothing is impossible for You
Nothing is impossible
Nothing is impossible for You
You hold my world in Your Hands
Jesus You're all I need
More then enough for me
Joanne, we praise God for all that He is doing in and through you. We beleive that "He who has begun a great work in you, IS faitful to complete it. He IS more than enough, He IS faithful and nothing IS impossible. And we stand in faith with you for a complete healing! Our prayers are with you constantly.
God has an amazing way of taking our trials, our valleys and the remnants of our lives and weaves them into a beautiful tapestry for all to see. And, we see His beautiful handiwork as we read each and every victory that you achieve each day. We love you so much and look forward to seeing you soon. Tomorrow as we celebrate Thanksgiving, we will most certainly be greatful to the Lord for being "OUR HEALER" and think of you and thank Him for what He has already done and will continue to do!
Love, Bob, Lynda & Mandy
Dear Joanne & Paul & family,
Thinking of you all today! Joanne it must feel great to be home again! A true Thanksgiving Day for all of us! We are thanking God for being faithful, and bring Joanne home yesterday. Our thoughts and prayers continue to go with you in the days ahead. May you all have a blessed Thanksgiving Day! What a witness you all have been to us through this, always cheerful even through tough times. Thanks for being such a blessing to us.
With love to all of you,
Bill & Ruth Tanis & Family
Joanne,
Just a quick note to you today to tell you that you are one of the people I am truly thankful for . . .I pray that it is a truly blessed day as you are home surrounded by your loved ones.
Brian and I discovered that the babies are one of each! That's right--boy/girl twins! We are so excited! We will have the same as the Budd family--2 boys and 1 girl!
Just wanted to share as I promised when I left you on Sunday that I would . . .
love always,
Sara
Dear Mrs. Budd,
I miss having art with you. You are a wonderful art teacher. I hope you get better soon. We are praying for you.
Love,
Samantha Yamasaki
Joanne and Paul,
We, of course, are praying fervently for a speedy recovery and complete healing !! SO sorry to not be in touch sooner. Mike has had a battle with his leg - culminating with surgery last week for miniscus tears and a bone tumor (it's been quite scary). Needless to say we are also keeping the doctors busy, as are you. How blessed are you to have such a great friend to do this blog. What a great way to keep everyone in the loop and update them on your tremendous progress ! Praise God. Continued strength and we will faithfully pray for a complete recovery. You can do it !!
Love and prayers,
Mike,Leith,Chelsea,Aubree and Jordan Woods
my day was truly made today, hearing your voice on the phone and knowing you were in the comfort of your own home. i am so thankful for you jo. looking forward to our next visit.
love t
Joanne!
It's Jess and Noelle here in Maryland. Happy Thanksgiving! We are remembering all the times that you encouraged us in our silly dreams of musicals and broadway lights. Remember how you helped us pick out our stage name....Noelle Daniels and Jessica Davidson. You helped us put resumes together and listened to us sing you scores of musicals from Annie, Les Miserable, and West Side Story and beyond. Thanks for cheering us on and not throwing tomatoes.
Anyways, were thinking about you...since we are here together. Eat turkey...alot. :)
Much love,
Noelle and Jess
Joanne,Paul and Kids,
We just wanted to wish you a Happy
Thanksgiving!!!!!!!!!Have a great
weekend.We are praying.
Love the Wittens
T.C.S
Dear Joanne and Paul,
Wow! I am sure you know that my sister Marlene had a stroke a few years back. You may want to speak to her when you are feeling up to it. God always has a plan and I know he has and will continue to use you in mighty ways. For instance long lost relatives sending you a note!! How exciting that we share a common friend-JESUS!! We will keep you in our prayers as you recover. Have you looked into the hyperbaric oxygen therapy? Please do! It works best when done early on. Our e-mail address is: bugdr@helloworld.com Tom & I and our daughters Alexis and Tara live in Florida. Tara is married and has a beautiful 2 year old boy named Alexander and Alexis is 10 and goes to a private Christian school. We own and operate a pest control Co. and also have an communication business that brings family and friends together via video e-mail, live instant messaging, live broadcasts and more. We are headed over to Bradenton today to see my parents,Denise and Garry. My mom is in a nursing home with alzheimers.My dad is 80 this year and doing well as he is being treated for prostate cancer at this time. Just wanted to bring you up to date a little and hope that we will be talking together some day soon. Joanne please remember that the people that are there helping you and your family love you very much and they feel blessed to be able to help. We lost our house a few years in ago to a hurricane and we were gearing up to help others until we realized that our house was destroyed. We all want to be on the other end, it is easier to give than to recieve but I found that if we don't let people help we are taking away their blessings. My favorite verse is in proverbs-Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean NOT on your own understandings but in ALL ways acknowledge HIM and HE will set our paths straight. I pray that you and your family have total peace thru this difficult time. God bless. Love Nancy (Dion) Ekin
Dear Mrs. Budd,
I don't know you well, but I remember your constantly cheerful smiles when I still went to Trinity and saw you in the halls. Please know that I'm praying for you and your family. (There must be 2 Alison Lee's, by the way, because someone else with my name posted on your wall!) ;-)
Love, Alison
Paul and Joanne:
We continue to pray for you each day. We pray that God will give you the inner strength to continue with all that you have to do.
We appreciate Paul's diligence in keeping everyone informed through the blog.
You are loved by many.
Psalm 34:6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
Much love, Sue Cutler
We are friends for many years with the Davidson family, and learned of what you are going through from Lynda. We are praying for you and your family for complete healing and restoration. What an amazing God we serve that He knows how many hairs are on our heads and has numbered them each. He cares for that little sparrow, so we pray that your will be enveloped in His magnificent love and surrounded by His perfect peace!
In Him,
Jason, Renee and EmmaRose Alejandro
Paul -
We are so grateful for your blog entries. So many people care about what is happening and of course we can't expect you to tell your story over and over again. You are always gracious about sharing. Thank you.
You and Joanne are a wonderful example about marriage being an illustration of Christ and His Church - your love for each other in good and bad times is such an encouragement. In marriage, we commit to one person, never fully appreciating the changes that can come until they are upon us. And God's grace is available as we walk through the unexpected. We are praying all the time for you, Joanne, the kids - that you all know God's delight and love for you as you let Him lead you through a difficult valley.
We are grateful to be, in a small way, on this journey with you.
With love in Christ,
Larry, Loretta, Caris, Rene & Olivia
Dear Mrs. Budd, :)
We are praying for you every day.
I really hope you get better SOON!
:) :P :O :( :D
We all miss you! :o
Love, :P
Caris Julia White :D
P.S. Sadly, the skink I told you about has been adopted. :(
Dear Joanne and Paul,
Despite the fact that I and my family have been consistently praying for you, I have not checked into this site in a few days, and my eyes are filled with tears as I get current with your situation. I am joyfully tearful for the progress you have made!, but am aching for you for the arduous journey! I am a speech pathologist, and I worked many years in a rehab hospital. I know (professionally) how hard the struggle is, and combining that struggle with the business of family life is mind-staggering. Please know that we continue to lift all of you up in prayer and we will not stop! Please also USE the extended people who volunteer to help ... I know that all of your "inner circle" helpers will probably have a hard time taking breaks, but we want to make sure that all of you can keep your stamina --- no sprinting; this is a marathon! Let us help with whatever will allow you to enjoy time together, especially during this holiday season. If I can help carry out Joanne's speech therapy lessons, I would be very happy to do so. Karen Cesa
"The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak ... those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength." (Isa. 40)
Dear Paul and Joanne,
thanks for all the updates, I read them to our family so that all of us know how to pray for you. We continue to pray for your family and are glad that the kids will remember the "fun" and not the hardships of this time.
We love you guys,
Ted, Sheryl, Kyle, Jesse, Josiah, and Amanda
Dear Aunt Joanne,
I am so glad I can give you my daily hug!! I missed you so much when you were in the hospital, but I am glad I can see you again. We are still praying for you in the car on the way to your house in the morning, and during our family devotions. I love you sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much.
hugs...lots ands lots of hugs,
Danie
Joanne,
How the heck did you do it? I am trying to direct this Kids Christmas pageant, and I biting my finger nails to the bits. "PROJECT! PROJECT!" , "SPEAK SLOWLY" and "DON'T TURN YOUR BACK TO THE AUDIENCE!" are the only things I hear myself saying at these rehearsals.
I have been thinking so much about you as we approach the performance of this fated pageant. You always have had this incredible gift of being able to teach me so much and still making theatre, "fun". I am trying to remind myself of that with every rehearsal I step into, "My job is to teach but to also promote fun."
By the way, Seth has proved to be quite a thespian. Those drama genes run deep within' the Polyniaks (to my mother's dismay). Not only is Dominique a character but Seth has totally taken to the stage. I can't help but think that the Budds had something to do with that...
I love you and thanks again for being my incredible teacher. The greatest gift you ever taught me is that I could love Jesus and glorify Him...even with a tap number.
Always your student,
Noelle
Dear Joanne,
I check your blog almost daily to see how you are doing. I am always encouraged to see your progess. To you, it probably feels like you are progressing slowly. But as I read the updates, it seems like you are doing so well. You are often in my thoughts and prayers and I pray for Paul as well. During our family worship, one of our children usually suggests we pray for Mrs. Budd.
With love,
Janet Yamasaki
Jo-
We love you and continue to pray for you! Look for our family Christmas card coming in the mail to you and the Christmas letter to go along with it. God has been faithful in all things in 2007, but I think many of us are ready to start a new year . . . know what I mean? May 2008 hold many triumphs for you and greater faith in trust in the God who loves you infinitely and gave his life for you.
love always, Brian, Sara and Owen
My dearest Joanne,
I am simply amazed at what God is doing in your life! My heart is just so filled to bursting as I read about your progress in your blog daily. Lua asks about your often and said to me the other day "Don't worry Mom, just like God healed the blind man and the man with the mat, He'll heal Aunt Jo too! Maybe they'll write a book or a movie about her miracle!" She is something else isn't she?
I miss you so very much and am believing God to be back in NJ sometime after the New Year. When I am there I will come and have tea with you. Love you, miss you and am so very proud of you! Chondra
(To Paul)
As I was reading the blog this morning, this came to me to send to you;
The Armor of God
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And 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.
Paul, your steadfast faith, strength and hope has encouraged and inspired me. Please know that you are in our (mine & John's) thoughts and prayers daily - we love you!
Dear Jo,
I am encouraged to read that you now look at your blog journal, so today, I will write you another note. My free time these days is after 9 pm usually, in between dishes and loads of laundry, so I have been pretty useless but really pleased that Terry and Paul have kept up with your blog.
Still praying for you and I know you will make it all the way back, step by step.
Today was our Called Aside Christmas Brunch. As I planned it, I remembered our first Christmas brunch. It was years ago. At your urging, we planned a brunch, with mostly me going along with it because it was at your house. You invited not only the Bible study group, but all the women of the church. We had quite a crowd at your home and it was decorated so lovely and all had a blessed time.
We continued the tradition today in the MCC fellowship hall...not as charming as your home, but sweet none the less. I wish you could have joined us. I must confess, I miss studying the scriptures with you, hearing your mighty prayers. Maybe that is why I was so blessed to sit at your kitchen table a while ago with Terry, and to hear you pray again, still strong and full of faith and love for our Father in Heaven.
You had such a legacy, dear. So many who love you, and have been caring for you, praying for you. May you feel His good pleasure for all the way you have some, and wonderful, breathless anticipation to discover the places He has still to take you.
love you, my sister,
Barb
dearest joanne - i continue to miss you much and if God is willing, hope to see you soon. the hearing of your progress has made my ears tingle and my tongue praise, but oh for the seeing of the eyes!! i hope you are excited and not overwhelmed by preparing for this very special Christmas with your precious husband and children - how wonderful that you're well enough to celebrate!
i'm glad you're in my forever family :-) Rachel
Hi Joanne,
You are doing so well. Keep up the hard work!
Love,
Cheryl Minden
Dear Joanne & Paul,
It's great to hear that your recovery is coming right along. We're all thinking of you and wish you a Merry Christmas. Hope you liked the card with Pudge. May this Christmas season give you renewal and strength. All our best.
The Kaisers
Dear Paul and Joanne,
We have been praying for you and your family. We remember fondly the days past when we had warm fellowship and mutual encouragement. We know our Lord is keeping you in his hands and will never let you go. We continue to pray for you and for him to be glorified through you. May Christ continue to shine from you faces.
For Jesus,
Len & Nancy Liu and Family
Dear Blogwriters
Hi I'm Joanne's son Sam and this is the first time I've posted anything on the blog. I just want to thank everyone who has prayed and or prayed for my family during this time. The only reason I made it through this time was because of the encouragement from my friends, and family. You are all super heroes in my book not because you felt like you had to help but because you wanted to help us. Wow! I just read what I wrote and... well... i never knew I could say something so deep.you are all so cool!
We love you all,
Sam (the man)
Dear Sam. If you keep writing like that, you're going to need your very own blog! You could call it "Deep Thoughts by Sam Budd". Uncle Darren and I were staring at you on stage last night. We couldn't get over how huge you looked. Seems like yesterday you were running around my house carrying your duck, wearing a diaper hat. I'm feeling the need to re-live that moment. Wanna come for a sleepover?? :)
Love, Aunt Terry
Dear Joanne & Paul:
You guys are amazing. With all you are going through, you still managed to send out my favorite, looking foreward to "Christmas Card". As I have told you, I keep last year's with me, and show it to the many, many who are praying for Joanne and your family. Now I can "update" my friends with a new one. Again, we love you and constantly keep you in our prayers! My God continue to renew, restore, heal and refresh you all. Merry Christmas! Love, Lynda Davidson
Joannie and Paul,
It's Alison Martinez ... I haven't seen you guys in a long time! My mom told me about Joanne and you've been in my thoughts and prayers for a while now. I know Joanne's birthday is this time of year (I think it's today but I'm taking a guess here) so I wanted to write and wish you a Happy Birthday! It was so delightful to see your Christmas card, and I could have sworn that calligraphy typing on the envelope was actually Joanne's handwriting. It's hard to tell the difference :)
We're doing ok here in upstate NY and miss you lots. God bless -
Alison
Happy Birthday my dear friend! May God's love, peace and joy continue to warm your heart &inspire your spirit.You are such an amazing woman and I am so very proud and inspired by you! I am so blessed to have you in my life! I love you so!
Always, Chondra
Hi, Joanne!
Belated Happy Birthday to you! Hope it was a good one!
Have been thinking about you!
Love you,
Claire Brevard
Hiya guys, glad to hear of such improvement in your hand Joanne, we are so pleased for you. It was great seeing you at church a few Sundays ago, I know that you made Josiah's day for sure.
We are praying for you daily, and I love what Paul wrote about this stroke not defining who you are. Wise words from a caring hubby!
love, the Stiemanns
Hey Budds,
just wanted to stop by and say that I really appreciate your transparency. I wish that I had some great words of wisdom, encouragement, blessing for you, but I don't. This is hard, really hard for you, and I don't want to make light, minimize, or trivialize it, but I can remind our family to pray for you. When we went through a time of heartbreaking suffering we received a card that was so encouraging, I can't remember who sent it, or what they wrote, but I remember this quote that was inside:
Annie Flint (1866-1932)
"Have you come to the Red Sea
place in your life,
Where in spite of all you can do,
There is no way out, there is no way back, There is no other way but through? Then wait on the Lord with trust serene
Till the night of your fear is gone; He will send the wind, He will heap the floods,
When He says to your soul, 'Go on.'"
As you cross your "red sea", know that there are countless believers praying for you and your family, your safety, your soul's refreshment, your feeling loved and total recovery. You are precious to God and precious to us, we are blessed to know you, and to have you as a part of our church family.
love, Sheryl
Dear Joanne:
It was such an encouragement to see you during Christmas break. I found it hard to believe the progress you have made since the last time I saw you in rehab. I know the road continues to be hard. We continue to love you and to pray for you and your family. I read the following story in an antique children's book and thought you might enjoy it:
The Leaf and the Drowning Fly
As I stood the other day on a little bridge, gazing on a book which flowed gently onwards, its surface lightly rippled by the breeze, I observed, here and there, swarms of fish that every now and then came to the suface, either for air or for anything floating on the water which suited their appetites. While bending over the iron rail of the light bridge, I saw a poor, heedless fly fall into the water, where he struggled hard to prolong his life. "Ah!" I thought, "the hours of thy little day are numbered; for, if the waters do not drown thee, the fish are sure to devour thee! Thine is not only a hapless, but a hopeless case!" We are short-sighted creatures: no wonder that we should fall into many errors. Just when the poor fly seemed in extremity, there came a light, dry, sere leaf, fluttering in the air from the bough of a distant high tree, and it fell on the surface of the brook, about the distance of a foot from the drowning fly. Wafted by the breeze, and carried gently on by the current, it floated close up to the struggling insect, which succeeded in crawling upon it, and was thereby conveyed safe to land.
"How weak, nay, how wicked it is for man to despair!" thought I, walking onward. He who sustained the green leaf so long on the tree, and at last sent it, when withered, on the wings of the wind, to rescue a drowning fly from destruction, is "a very present help in time of trouble." and will never fail those who trust in His goodness and mercy.
May God continue send "leaves of rescue" to your family as you continue to feel the strain of your trial.
Love, Sue Cutler
Joanne,
The first thing Olivia said when she came through the door was "Mrs. Budd was at school today." She was so excited to see you and says you look great! I'm sure you felt all the love from the children today. You sure are missed.
:-) Patty Sedran
Thinking about you, Joanne. I am re-reading Pride and Prejudice! Looking for a monologue from it for another student...
Love ya,
Noelle
Hey Paul and Joanne!
Just want to say I'm prayin' for you guys and I'm confident the Lord is gonna see you through. Let me know if there's any songs you'd like us to sing on sunday : )
in Him!
Eddy Bishai
Dear Aunt Joanne,
I love you so much. Can't wait to see you on monday!! I was so happy when you drove home from school with us!!
Love u so much.
Danie
Hey Guys!
Just to let you know that you are always in my thoughts. Do you have any results from the testing? Have a good day!
Kristin Hopper
Post a Comment