Well I fractured my ankle at work last week. Then to top it off my wife lost her job the next day. If I hadn't hurt myself I could do overtime to make up for the lost income. All I can do at this point is put my trust in the Lord Jesus. I believe he has better things lined up for us. Really hoping I don't need surgery. Going to see a specialist on Monday. Gotta be all healed up for my trip come June. :-)

that is a rough start indeed - I hope things turn around quickly for both of you!

Praying now.

Give me a call Mike if there is anything that I can do and I'll be right over.

Praying for you!

I have found in my 70 years that often times when I thought something terrible happened to me, it actually turned out well in the end.

Whenever one door closes another always opens.


Things will get better so keep your chin up.

It's really rough to face two big problems at a time. Hope things start looking up soon and that by summer you are enjoying the BW.

I’ll echo awbrown’s comment.

Of course it depends on the type of fracture, but most of the time you should be good to go by June. Do some rehab after it heals!

Hope your wife finds a better job than before!

T

Hang in there. Things will turn around and some day you will be able to think back to what a blessing it was.

As I travel the country side I bellyache about my troubles. Then, I pick up a surf ski a parapallegic sold to a guy in Chicago who has little hope for surviving a latest bout of cancer. I'm constantly humbled by people way worse off than me. This is not a good thing.... But like mentioned, hang in there, and holler if you need help. We'll send kevinl right over. Haha. But seriously, you'll be in my prayers. I too think there is a big door bout to open for you...

Tribulations and boats go together. First time through chemo, I bought a tandem sea kayak. Second time, I bought a sailboat. Third time, well I had just bought my wife a rowing skiff. We have 11 boats. Thank goodness, we buy them other times too.

Seriously, though, I’ve seen the same thing that Ben has found. People have amazing strength. And not just a few. Virtually everyone. We persevere and thrive through amazing challenges and will be pulling for you to rebound from these setbacks.

And don’t worry, 7 of our boats are canoes. And I’m sort of looking for one more.

Keep your confession (the words you speak) positive and pray scripture back to the Lord. He is jealous over his Word and able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all we can ask or think. But when we confess (words we speak) doubt and disbelief we then empower our adversary who has come to kill, steal and destroy. Words of faith work both ways ("blessing and cursing, life and death is in the power of the tongue........")

Unfortunately many believe they are not "qualified" to receive the abundance that the Lord has for them. And indeed if we were to rely on our own goodness we would fall short. But Jesus has made us (those who put their faith and trust in Christ) acceptable and ransomed us (paid the debt owed) and even now is the mediator (lawyer). So, since scripture is abundant with healing and economic provision, approach with confidence and let your words be in agreement, never doubting ("geez, I hope so" etc) but rather firmly believing that He is able and willing. Do not waver, but rather having done all things, stand!

While it is well and good for others to pray and stand for you, nothing is more powerful than personalizing Gods Word and praying it back to him in faith believing. After all, He does not lie nor is He a respecter of persons.

Romans 8:17-18 helps give me perspective.

I've had a rough start to this year as well, I won't go into all of it here. It doesn't hurt to ask the Lord for help. I help the homeless and the hungry and I know I am well better off than them no matter how bad things have been so far this year. Hopefully in a few months this will be nothing but a bad memory. Don't stress about yesterday or have anxiety about the future, just be glad you are alive today and make the best of the day God has given you.

Three of my good friends, all sound Irishmen, the best men that could be, have died within the last two months. They are dead. Never to do anything ever again. And they worked their whole life just to be dead today. My heart has been broken in every way possible. I almost died last March and have beat cancer since then. I met a pretty cool punk rock chick named Teresa tonight who said she would do tacos. Life is good.
I sincerely wish that the best of luck comes your way soon. If you don’t keep smiling, you’re just cheating yourself.
Cheers, scat

TuscaroraBorealis: "Romans 8:17-18 helps give me perspective.
"

Gosh, you'all are in my thoughts and prayers too! Really puts things into perspective. I've been whining about all the things breaking, extra expenses and illness so far this year, but I feel ashamed for my petty complaints.

Several folks here have expressed more eloquent words than I could come up with. But Tuscarora's scripture here always is on the tip of my tongue. That and a little further down in Romans 8:28 " And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, and who have been called according to his purpose."

Again, my prayers preceded my finishing this comment and I truly hope things look better soon!

A gentle thought about suffering with Christ as per the Romans scripture. Was not the author talking about the persecution of the early church (which is still happening worldwide)?

I for one, do not apply that scripture to my health for what glory does it bring To Christ if I am suffering in my body due to illness or accident? Would that interpretation not bring one to accept such things as illness being under the will of the almighty? Rather does not scripture clearly state over and over and over again that God is my healer? Should I rather not confess my healing as per His promises and then Christ can be glorified through the healing rather than suffering? Just something to ponder my dear friends.

Well, Masterangler, my intent was to offer solace to a fellow BWCAW member, not to begin a debate on Bible scripture. But it IS obvious that Christ can and does ALLOW things to happen which may be terrible at the time.

I myself went through a year and a half of chemo, surgeries, radiation, and was told to "Get prepared." It was Hell on earth. Yet, because of that experience, my life was transformed in many "Positive" ways. I ended up in the Nursing field, his "Mission" for me, meeting my wife, and other blessings that would take me hours to enumerate. And......forget it, I don't believe you have any interest in an opinion other than your own? And, my apologies to offroadjeeper, I will continue to pray for you'all!

Thinking positive thoughts for all of you facing a tough start to 2018. It's a stark reminder of how we take things for granted when we're sailing along...

ozarkpaddler: "Well, Masterangler, my intent was to offer solace to a fellow BWCAW member, not to begin a debate on Bible scripture. But it IS obvious that Christ can and does ALLOW things to happen which may be terrible at the time.


I myself went through a year and a half of chemo, surgeries, radiation, and was told to "Get prepared." It was Hell on earth. Yet, because of that experience, my life was transformed in many "Positive" ways. I ended up in the Nursing field, his "Mission" for me, meeting my wife, and other blessings that would take me hours to enumerate. And......forget it, I don't believe you have any interest in an opinion other than your own? And, my apologies to offroadjeeper, I will continue to pray for you'all!"

Why the offense? Why the accusatory unfair tone? I am trying to get folk to understand and believe that God wants you well, not sick. We need to agree with him and what he has promised.

If you but put your pride aside and investigate the scripture for yourself you will find I speak the truth. The author of Romans concerning the scripture in question was speaking of the persecution that the church was experiencing at that time. Persecution that cost many a believer their lives. Hence the suffering that the scripture speaks of. We are not acquainted with such suffering in the United States........there are however, many places on the planet where people are persucuted and often killed or imprisoned for following Christ.

Unfortunately there is a school of thought, not supported by scripture, that God causes or allows sickness on those he loves. I do not see chapter or verse to substantiate such beliefs. Rather we live in a fallen world which is under the curse. If we believe that our sickness and diseases are "Gods will" and such "sufferings" brings God glory then we will have a very hard time getting rid of our afflictions. But if we stand in faith, believing that God is who said he is and is the author of life and health and wants us well then we empower God to act on our behalf. On the other hand if you believe that it is Gods will for you to be sick and in your sickness and suffering you bring glory to his name you had better hope you have a good doctor.

If you doubt my theology ask yourself this very simple question. When Christ was in his hometown he could NOT do many mighty works. Ever ask yourself why? It had everything to do with belief.

Hate me if you must, but I have told you the truth.

If that were true then George Mueller's first wife would not have died from rutmatic fever and they wouldn't have lost 3 of their 4 children. George Mueller probably had more faith then most church's today.

And what of the book of Job? Or 1 Peter chapter 2? This post from Billy Graham himself seems aproperate right about now

https://billygraham.org/story/suffering-why-does-god-allow-it/

To the original poster, I'm still praying things turn around for you

ozarkpaddler: "

TuscaroraBorealis: "Romans 8:17-18 helps give me perspective.
"

Gosh, you'all are in my thoughts and prayers too! Really puts things into perspective. I've been whining about all the things breaking, extra expenses and illness so far this year, but I feel ashamed for my petty complaints.


Several folks here have expressed more eloquent words than I could come up with. But Tuscarora's scripture here always is on the tip of my tongue. That and a little further down in Romans 8:28 " And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, and who have been called according to his purpose."


Again, my prayers preceded my finishing this comment and I truly hope things look better soon!"

You speak wisely.

Luke 9:23 confirms the Romans passage.

Where Jesus himself says, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."

A 1st century Jewish audience (which was Jesus' audience) would have immediately understood the "cross" reference as the worst kind of suffering.

Here's something that helps put this radical teaching into perspective. Suffering, both Christ's and ours is not an end in itself, but rather a bridge to eternal life. It is by our suffering that we participate in Christs' own sacrifice, and through it, come to glory of his resurrection. Peace comes from the sure hope that death does not have the final victory.

Or as C.S. Lewis said' "we are made for another world." See John 15:18-19

Sufferings in this life are inevitable. But, they become meritorious when we unite them to those of Christs'.

The Word is a big book and differing interpretations are common. As a result Christianity has a profusion of denominations. I am tolerant of all the various denominations providing the fundamentals, the core beliefs, are common (yes, I am a "fundamentalist" ).

It was not my intention to bring about a religious discussion. But I could not refrain especially when people's health and livelihood may be shipwrecked by suggesting that it is Gods will that one suffer via disease, sickness or accident and such suffering brings glory to God. Rather, believing the vast multitude of scriptural references concerning healing and then standing and believing those scriptures puts God into a position to fulfill his Word which He is very desirious to accomplish.

I have personally experienced several healings. A few would be considered miraculous (scar tissue being smoothed over and skin like new within a 10 minute period of time). Each event was precipitated by the confession of speaking and being in agreement of what God has clearly stated in his Word. Add in belief that God is able to do what He said and the supernatural power flows. I will continually set myself in agreement with Gods word concerning healing regardless of how I feel or what I see.

If your confession, the words you speak, are in agreement with your illness (I have diabetes, I have the flu etc) then you are establishing the reality of it in your life. Throw in wondering wether such sickness / suffering is Gods will can sabotage belief that God wants me healed and well. God will not go against your own beliefs. A myriad of examples in scripture confirm this. The woman with the issue of blood kept saying to herself, " if I but touch the hem of his garment I WILL be healed". Google healing scriptures and spend some time reading through them. It becomes transparently obvious that the Lord God wants to heal........it is the children's bread.


Daily dose healing scriptures

How ya holding up, offroadjeeper? And your wife? Say, how did you break your ankle?

offroadjeeper: "Well I fractured my ankle at work last week. Then to top it off my wife lost her job the next day. If I hadn't hurt myself I could do overtime to make up for the lost income. All I can do at this point is put my trust in the Lord Jesus. I believe he has better things lined up for us. Really hoping I don't need surgery. Going to see a specialist on Monday. Gotta be all healed up for my trip come June. :-)"

Best wishes for a favorable diagnosis and a speedy recovery. It really does suck when your plans are messed up by something bad, which unfortunately happens to everyone at some time or another. That said, one door closing can lead to something better that may not have otherwise transpired. We're only in control of how we respond. Best wishes to you both!

I’m not mad at God. I don’t think Jesus would have a problem with me. He would just be cool and rub some dirt on my forehead, bless me for I am a sinner, and send me on my way. God might take a second look. He seems like more of a hard ass. Well, before that day comes I wouldn’t mind if he could stop kicking me in the nuts on a regular basis. The best part of being hit in the head with a hammer is when it stops. It takes a hard head.
Best of luck with your ankle. I have a broken ankle story, but I’ll save it for now.
Cheers, scat

Well, I'm having a rough start to 2018 also, but after reading all of this, I am not sure I want to share. Blessings on all of you.

Spartan2 your comment gave me the slightest of a smile. Kapesh.

offroadjeeper, these bumps in our pathways bring on changes and calamities that don't appear to be good or easy to understand at first but are a (hidden) blessing in the long haul. Tru dat. I've seen this phenomenon revealed in my own life and have observed it in other lives. The abruptness is tough, though. I hope you heal fast and both of you are on the rebound and will be happier than before.

Spartan2: "Well, I'm having a rough start to 2018 also, but after reading all of this, I am not sure I want to share. Blessings on all of you."

There's always that e-mail icon, my friend! Here's a nice devotion I just read for you and Offroadjeeper. Praying for the "Spartans" and the "Jeeper" families!

"No Fear"

scat: "I’m not mad at God. I don’t think Jesus would have a problem with me. He would just be cool and rub some dirt on my forehead, bless me for I am a sinner, and send me on my way. God might take a second look. He seems like more of a hard ass. Well, before that day comes I wouldn’t mind if he could stop kicking me in the nuts on a regular basis. The best part of being hit in the head with a hammer is when it stops. It takes a hard head.
Best of luck with your ankle. I have a broken ankle story, but I’ll save it for now.
Cheers, scat"

Heheheh, how can someone NOT be cheered up by your posts, Scat (LOL)? You have such a funny sense of humor and I think your trials have served to stimulate it further!

Thanks, Terry. I just don't want to start any theological battles. :-) After all, it is only a hip replacement, and assuming I come out OK after the surgery, it should improve my 2018, not make it worse. But your prayers are appreciated, and I assume my husband will appreciate them, too, as he will have to be doing the meals and the laundry for a while.

Spartan2: "Thanks, Terry. I just don't want to start any theological battles. :-) After all, it is only a hip replacement, and assuming I come out OK after the surgery, it should improve my 2018, not make it worse. But your prayers are appreciated, and I assume my husband will appreciate them, too, as he will have to be doing the meals and the laundry for a while."

No such thing as a "Simple" surgery, they are all an "Insult" to the body and mind. And a hip replacement is not "Simple." Hope all goes well and you come out stronger on the other side! I cannot stress the two words "Physical therapy" enough

Thanks, Terry. I have had two knee replacements, so I am quite familiar with the Total Joint Replacement Physical Therapy facility in our town. They will look at me when I arrive and say, "What? You again?"

Spartan2: "Thanks, Terry. I have had two knee replacements, so I am quite familiar with the Total Joint Replacement Physical Therapy facility in our town. They will look at me when I arrive and say, "What? You again?""

I hope it goes well, Spartan 2, and also for you offroadjeeper.

My father's had a lot of joint replacements - three knees and two shoulders. He says, "Do you know the difference between a therapist and a terrorist? You can negotiate with a terrorist!

He probably needs another knee replacement, but is not keen on going through it at age 93.

Good luck to you both.

Wow, us older folks are falling apart fast... I love it when people come together and share, pray and just be there for each other. I for one will miss seeing the Spartans at canoecopia. (Suncatcher too, but you hardly knew he was there usually... Haha!)
I hope everyone has a better 2018 then it seems to have started. Any prognosis on how long the ankle is going to keep you down? Hang in there... Everyone!

We will miss seeing you, too, Ben, and all of the others. It has become such a tradition with us, and hard to give up, but this year it is just necessary. Perhaps next year I will be mobile enough to enjoy it without my cane and with less pain--that would be a plus!

Well thankfully I didn't need surgery. I have actually made a remarkable recovery in a few short weeks. I'm already walking without limping. I go to physical therapy 3 times a week for a couple months. No missed work. Unfortunately my wife is still unemployed. Really hoping that changes soon.

Thank you everyone for your kind words of encouragement & prayers. I do know we don't have it near as bad as others. I see many people struggle with so much more than we're dealing with & my heart goes out to them. I have kept my head held high through this & have no worries.

Glad the ankle is doing well; hope your wife finds work soon.

offroadjeeper: "Well thankfully I didn't need surgery. I have actually made a remarkable recovery in a few short weeks. I'm already walking without limping. I go to physical therapy 3 times a week for a couple months. No missed work. Unfortunately my wife is still unemployed. Really hoping that changes soon.


Thank you everyone for your kind words of encouragement & prayers. I do know we don't have it near as bad as others. I see many people struggle with so much more than we're dealing with & my heart goes out to them. I have kept my head held high through this & have no worries.


"

Good news and good attitude!

missmolly: "

offroadjeeper: "Well thankfully I didn't need surgery. I have actually made a remarkable recovery in a few short weeks. I'm already walking without limping. I go to physical therapy 3 times a week for a couple months. No missed work. Unfortunately my wife is still unemployed. Really hoping that changes soon.
Thank you everyone for your kind words of encouragement & prayers. I do know we don't have it near as bad as others. I see many people struggle with so much more than we're dealing with & my heart goes out to them. I have kept my head held high through this & have no worries.
"

Good news and good attitude! "

Certainly is a great, unselfish attitude; I certainly hope all goes well!