We are praying for you guys every minute that we get. I pray that God will heal you both, both physically and spiritually. I know that all of the guys at Ben's work are praying for both of you as well. You have more support than you know, if anything is needed by you or your family do not hesitate to let us know!
Lifting you and Ben up to God in prayer. We climbed a hill for you in spin today. I know you would have been there if you could! You'll get through this and be even stronger and more beautiful and cherish life even more. HE will heal you and give you strength. See you soon!
Lord, You know the medical situations Ben and Katie face. We ask that you restore both of them to full health. Guide the medical staff, adding wisdom to their skill to do what is best. You are ultimately the healer - do your best work in their lives. And use this event to bring people around them together, closer to you and to one another. Amen.
Lindsey and I haven't stopped praying for you since we found out wht happened. We love you both and will continue to trust God for your healing and complete recovery.
Katie...our family is praying for you and Ben. Our hearts hurt for the pain you are going through, and we trust that the Lord will cover you both with his loving, healing hand.
For Katie and Ben, and your whole family...lifting you up in prayer that our Lord will heal you and that in this difficult time, give you peace. God's power is undeniable - have faith and be carried through. From Andrea, a friend of your family member, Shelley, in Rockln, CA. "By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see." Acts 3:16
Like the others who have made comments, you are on Steve's and my minds constantly. The Lord even woke me early this morning to lift you up in prayer - both He and we have you covered and will continue to do so.
My heart grieves at this current journey you are on, a journey that you did not choose. My prayer is that new measures of the love and compassion of Jesus will be revealed to you during this time.
Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your families- our church is praying and will continue to lift you up through this time- We are execting miracles in this situation and are believing for a great recovery for both of you!
Michelle Darilek East Valley Church, Orangevale, CA
We love you both more than words can say, Dhana, the boys, and I continue to pray for you with great tenacity. WE believe that God is able to to do exceedingly, abundantly, beyond what we could ever hope, or imagine. We contend for absolute complete total healing for the both of you.
We love you and so look for ward to hugging both of you very soon!
Val and I have been praying continually since we heard of your accident. We join with all the prayers and contend for complete healing and God to be glorified through this situation.
"For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds," says the Lord. (Jeremiah 30:17) The Lord is your strength in this time of need and he will not fail you. All of your friends and family will raise you up to GOD in prayer. Be strong and have faith, all will be well again. GOD Bless you both.
We are praying for you! We know that God is working on showing us all a Miracle! I know that God is with you now, he was with you then and he will continue to be with BOTH of you! We love you, Stay strong, know that you are constantly on our minds and our prayers!
Our family is praying several times a day for healing for you both! We know that He is a God who is good all the time...even when life is hard. with love -
We are lifting you both up in our daily prayers. We serve a might God and We will ask for His favor for you and your familys. We love you very much and will look forward to see you back at your active lives. Love Jacob and Stephanie Postier
Katie and Ben. I don't know you but I am a friend of Curtis and Meleea Miller.
Father I ask that you put your miraculous hand of healing upon both Katie and Ben. You know every little thing that is going on within thier bodies and I pray that you would restore them to complete health. You are the ultimate physician and healer. We praise you because you are worthy and we come to you asking for healing because you are able! MORE than able!
Dear Lord, We continue to lift Ben and Katie up to you. Surround them with your healing power. Guide the medical staff. We pray for peace and rest during this journey. Reveal yourself to both of them in a whole new way! God thank you that we can come to you in prayer and know that you hear us! In your precious name, Amen The Merrell's Larry, Shelley, Chase and Landon
Katie and Ben, We only met you one time, but in that time, Ben touched my heart with his compassion for my son, in the military, and Ben's wlllingness to befriend him if the opportunity arose. Because of that, I have a deep heart connection to you and have been in prayer nearly constantly for you both. God is so great and so good, and we are believing and asking and knocking on heaven's door for complete healing for you both. We will not stop. In Jesus's precious name. the Potts family
We love you guys and are praying for you often as the Lord prompts us. We are believing for complete healing. The song on my heart right now is... 'When we call on JESUS ALL things are possible...' by Nicole C. Mullen I'm in my living room now with Ted singing it out and believing those words. Much love!
I am visiting one of my friends and the Lord prompted us to start praying. As we began to intercede we were struck by the obvious testimony that was in front of us. My friend Lori was miraculously healed from a less than 5% chance of survival given by the doctors. She is completely healed. So, we declare the power of Revelations 19:10, 1 Cor 4:20, and John 5:8! It is by the Power of Jesus and the declaration of his power and his willingness to heal as stated by Scott. We come as a group of your children, Lord, hear our prayer. May you reach down and touch Ben and Katie with your healing hand. We believe in your healing power Jesus! Thank you for who you are, thank you for watching over Ben and Katie. Lord Jesus we thank you for the precious words you are whispering in Ben's ear right now. Lord we thank you for the amazing testimony Ben will have of seeing you and hearing your voice when you say to Him, "Ben, pick up your mat and walk!!"
Ben and Katie, Psalms 34:7-"The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them" Psalms 77:14-"You are the God who performs miracles;you display your power among the peoples"NIV Centro de Vida y Esperanza will be praying for you and your families. We love you and God is with you!
Ps. 77:14 says "You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples."
Even though I've never met Katie and Ben, I learned of their situation through my mother, Teresa Mason, who was in a Bible study with Katie, I believe. I am praying for them both; that our God, who LOVES to display His power and confound the enemy with His glory, would continue to act on their behalf. I pray that the Holy Spirit would bring comfort and encouragement to their family.
Jesus will still be there; His love will never change, sure as a steady rain.
Jesus will still be there; when no one else is true, He'll still be loving you.
When it looks like you've lost it all, and you haven't got a prayer,
Jesus will still be there.
Though Ben can not pray for himself, we, his family and friends can stand in the gap. The above song has become my prayer for you, Katie and Ben, that even though it may seem 'like you've lost it all, and you haven't got a prayer', Jesus is still there watching over you and those you love, comforting you in this difficult time with His arms of love. He hears the prayers of His people on behalf of you both. And just like the woman in the of Luke who kept asking the unmerciful judge for mercy, we too are to come before the Lord with our requests, beacuse how much more does He listen to us?
My prayers are with Katie, Ben and their families! I was directed to this site via Brooke. Rest assured that all of Brooke's friends and readers are sending out tons of positive thoughts!
Katie: we are praying for the presence of Jesus, the Holy Spirit and Father God to radiate into your lives. Can't imagine the trauma you've been thru but we know the Lord is so faithful to turn this around for His glory. May you mend quickly! Bill & Sandy Coultas
Hey Katie - I've been keeping track of your and Bens progress throught Lissa - of course I also lift you in thought and prayer. Bryan is rejoicing that your NG was removed - I think he still has a sore throat from having his NG in for 12 days! HOORAY FOR YOU!!! And he reminds me to remind you that every "toot" is a celebration of life - so go ahead and celebrate life Katie! Of course we are looking forward to celebrating the healthy life of your husband too! Please hug you Mom for me - I know it is a priviledge for her to be your best prayer warrior and cheerleader combined...I partner with her arm in arm, as mama to mama! I also will warfare for you and Ben! Katie - Keep the faith! From Sherry Lawrence (Douglas) RN!!! :)
Dear Ben and Katie: My heart aches for you both, the hospital is no place for a spirited active couple such as yourselves! God shares this space with you now. He is ever present and He will bring you through this challenge. We pray for you daily, and know that God answers all prayers. Hold Ben's hand for me, and keep him close to your heart - We all love you very much! God Bless you each day - Aunt Gail, Uncle Scott, Hailey, Macy, & Emmy
Katie, wanted you to know that the Lord has us interceeding for you even in the night hours you are sleeping. With people across the nation praying for you we have you well covered. I consider it a privilege to be woken early to pray and thought you'd like to know that it was at 4:00 am west coast time. The Spirit was strong enough my body didn't even rebel!
blessings on the day ahead and much love coming your way,
You two are both loved by so many people. Every where I go people are expressing their thoughts and prayers for you...and the Coblers love you, too! I have prayed for you continually and the boys have also lifted their hearts to God for you...they remember Macy and Hallie's Auntie Katie and Uncle Ben and want you to be better soon! I am so blessed to hear of the continued miracles and believe there are many more to come. I just wish I could be there to give you a hug in person!!!
Hello Katie & Ben, I was just thinking about your names & if you haven't heard lately, Katie the verse for your name is Jeremiah 33:3 "Call on me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which though knowest not". So, keep up the fight. And Ben, even as you sleep, your name means Mighty in Spirit, Active, Accomplishing Faith. Your verse is Ps 31:1, "In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed, Deliver me in Your Righteousness". I'm believing for you both, asleep & awake, the Lords holding your hand, just as Ben held yours......Lord bless you guys..Pat Shea...........
Katie and Ben, May you find comfort in knowing that so many people are praying for your recovery. Through our lord, Jesus Christ all things are posible. We lift you and your family up in prayer. With hope and love, Kim
Katie, We keep you both in our thoughts and prayers every day. It is heartwarming to read that you are improving daily. Several years ago a friend of ours (your dad knows him from the NTHS football team) was in a severe car accident when his car rolled and landed in a ditch as he swerved to avoid a dog. He was airlifted to Harborview and was kept in a drug induced coma for several days. They brought him out of it slowly and he recovered. He had months of intensive therapy, recovering his speech and body movements but now he is fine and just graduated from law school. We will hold on to his miraculous recovery as God's promise that Ben will come through his accident. We continually ask God for his healing touch upon Ben's body. We also pray for the doctors and all your family as you all endure through this stressful time. Vanessa and Mike Olson and family
Katie, Our family continues to pray for your family as you walk through this healing process. I was just telling Mary that I'm hoping to be based at AL and then I can visit you - I wish we were there now so I could give you hugs and be a shoulder for you. I pray Isaiah 40:28-31 over you and Ben at this time.
Hey guys! look how many people love and adore you! Prayers everywhere are being answered...God is with you. He is so near and desiring to stay close to you both. Psalm 119:76 "Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise" You have been promised healing and peace - because his word says it! Hold on to that. We love you guys and cant stop thinking about you and praying for you both. Much love - The Watkins
Hey there Sis! I can't believe I was just there with you having slumber parties in your hospital room... what an honor it was to be able to serve you after you so graciously have served many others. What can I say?... a moment with you is never forgotten. :-) I continue to pray for you and our Ben. I lay awake at night thinking about all the promises God has given you since the accident and I am confident that He will fulfill each and every one! Lukas and Chandler include you guys in their daily prayers. I wish you could hear them because it is so innocent and sweet... the faith of a child! Well, I could write you a book but I know I need to allow others space on your blog. We love you and Ben tons! PS - why couldn't you pass gas while I was there??? LOL
Katie and Ben-I just want you to know what an inspiration you have been to me in my journey to Christ. I am praying very hard for both your recoveries. I know the Lord is watching over both of you and healing will come.
Dearest Katie....Hang on Little girl! I know that you are relieved to be home but saddened to leave your "hero" to continue the healing process. I ache for you Katie, but I do know that the scriptures that you are embracing are Gods promises - and He is good for those! I pray that while you are away from Bens bedside, that the medical team will be alert to his physical and emotional needs. You must be exhausted...please know that my "clan" here in Olympia is continually lifting you, Ben and your "families"....Please thank the person or people who do your "updates" - I so appreciate the news from them. Blessing to you! Sherry Lawrence (Douglas)...
Our family is so excited to read the updates. We continue to lift you up in prayer with praise everyday. I read the updates every night to all. Wee look forward to the day when we read that Ben is looking Katie in the eyes! God Bless you and heal you both, completely!
Sheldon and I are praying and believing with you that our God will continue to show up in a might way! I woke up this morning thinking and praying for you and singing, "Mighty to Save!"
Katie this is the first I have heard of this. Ugh my heart is wrenched, I prayed for you two right after I read the update. Blessing on you and Ben, especially a speedy & full recovery for him.
Hi Katie! What started out as a small tear trickling down my cheek has become an all out bawl after reading this blog this morning! From the first time I met you two, it was obvious the deep love you two share and how happy you are to be together...now matter what you are doing! Just being around the love and happiness you two radiate is always exciting and uplifting! I am a good listener if you need one, a great cryer if you need someone else to cry with, and praying is my favorite thing to do...I do it numerous times a day and would be happy to do that with you too if you want! I wish there was something I could say or do to take this all away and make it better for you all....all I can do is to reassure you that you are in our prayers,thoughts and hearts all day through too!! God speed! Becky and all the DeLeon boys!
Hello Katie, It was a priveledge to pray for you & Ben last night as we heard your fathers report at the bible study. We prayed for renewed strenghth for you, your mom, your father, your siblings, who care deeply for you & for the Lord to comfort you & restore Ben's body, as he sleeps. The Lords mercies are new every morning. What a comfort to have family & friends that care & a God, who does the impossible............
"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall walk and shall not faint" Is 40:31.... pat shea
Hello Katie & Ben, A little late, but just thinking/ praying for you both & one of my fav's came to mind. Lord bless you both...pat shea --------------- Psalm 91 Safety of Abiding in the Presence of God 1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”
3 Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler[a] And from the perilous pestilence. 4 He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. 5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day, 6 Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you. 8 Only with your eyes shall you look, And see the reward of the wicked.
9 Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place, 10 No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; 11 For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways. 12 In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone. 13 You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.
14 “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. 15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. 16 With long life I will satisfy him, And show him My salvation.”
Katie, just wanted to share the words to a song that was sung during worship at church this morning. God is the Great I Am.
THE GREAT I AM!
There’s been so many times that I’ve wanted to give up,And the pressures of this life, they overwhelmed me. When my future isn’t clear Trouble fills my heart with fear There’s nothing, there’s nowhere But to run straight to You
You’re the Great I Am You’re the way, the truth, the life Let Your living water rain down, Pour over me. It’s Your name that I call Let Your Holy Spirit fall on me You’re the Great I Am
Sometimes my visions seem so blurred And my footing so unsure, I will stand on what You’ve promised And spoken just to me. When all Your truth has been fulfilled Every heart will be made still There’s nothing, there’s nowhere But to run straight to You
You’re the Great I Am You’re the way, the truth, the life Let Your living water rain down, Pour over me. It’s Your name that I call Let Your Holy Spirit fall on me You’re the Great I Am
You’re the resurrection, Light of the world, Come and shine Your light on me Bread of life, living water You’re everything I need The open door, gentle shepherd You’re the way, the truth, the life
You’re the resurrection, Light of the world, Come and shine Your light on me Bread of life, living water Cause Your everything I need The open door, gentle shepherd You’re the way, the truth, the life
You’re the Great I Am You’re the way, the truth, the life Let your living water rain down, Pour over me It’s Your name that I call Let Your Holy Spirit fall on me You’re the Great I Am
Lifting you up in prayer continually, Lisa Ochsner & Family
Hey Sis, In talking with Pastor Terry and Lisa this morning they shared with me how the Lord had put on their hearts the story in the Bible about the Roman officer who came to Jesus begging Him to heal his servant. Jesus grabbed the eager masters hand and went. Before they arrived at the house, the officer sent some friends to say, “Lord, don’t trouble yourself by coming to my home, for I am not worthy of such an honor… just say the word from where you are and my servant will be healed. “ Jesus heard this and He was amazed. Turning to the crowd that was following him, He said, “I tell you, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel.” And when the officer’s friends returned to his house, they found the slave completely healed. “ luke 7:1-10. PT and Lisa wanted you to know that there are many people here praying… they are praying with a fervent Spirit and BELIEVING that at Jesus spoken WORD Ben can and will be healed! Be encouraged! There is an army over here fighting with you!
Also, I wanted to add that in Luke 8:15 it says “And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a HUGE harvest”. Take all the verses and promises that God is giving to you and CLING to them because they are for you. LOVE YOU!!!
Dear Katie & Ben, Finally figured out how to comment with help from a grandaughter. Just want you to know we wake up with prayers, go through the day with prayers, go to sleep at night with prayers for Ben and you. With love from Peg & John Gradma & Grandpa (O'Husky)
I know we don't know each other, but I'm from San Diego and am a friend of Jeremy & Lindsey Nicks. My husband and I have been praying for you both since Lindsey shared the story of your tragedy. We are believing God for a miracle. We are praying His Word and His Truth over you both. We celebrate every milestone big and small, as we get the word from Lindsey. Praying with an expectant heart for what God is going to do, Deanna Ramsay
Kelly and I have been praying, and will continue to do so. We are believing for the miraculous on your behalf.
My prayer today is Philippians 1:3-6 "I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
Ben and Katie - Just want you to know you're in our thoughts and prayers. We'll keep following both of your healing. Klint and Mary-Jo Peck (Brooke's dad and stepmom)
Hello Ben & Katie, Just thinking of you both & reading your notes & others & as I thought of you both, I was reminded of a short visit with your brother Richard & Joy, both holding their babies. Joy was playing and laughing with her older daughter & Richard, was holding tightly their youngest, to his chest. That little one was totally trust his dadddy for all..And now as I think of you both & for me some 27 years ago, for one year I was in your shoes, through surgery, lottsa pain, missing friends, but now looking back, I remember all those people who touched my life, carried me, cared about me and as you know well, "your Lord is holding you" tightly and carrying you, and little by little, like Joy and their daughter, you will play as the picture gets more clear for you. But for now, "I continue to pray, as countless others are for this second and the days ahead" You are loved by many, what an incredible gift of being part of God's body. Love you both..Pat Shea...Olympia
I'm not sure if you remember me, but I was Anne's midwife at her last birth. My husband spent most of his 20 year Army career with the Rangers. These connections lead me to know you are in a special family, both of origin and in the military.
It is my heartfelt prayer that Ben would experience complete and swift healing. It is my honor to hold you both in my prayers.
"The Lord longs to be gracious to you, he rises to show you compassion.For the Lord is a god of righteousness. Blessed are all who wait for him." Isa 30:18
Dear Ben, Katie, and Rye Family, I talked to Darlene yesterday and my heart is aching for you and praying hard for you all. I am putting my trust in God for you and asking Him to carry you and heal you. Love, Jessica Farnsworth
Katie, Although we don't know eachother very well, you (& Ben) are on my mind often. Let me pray over you now... "Jesus, you know the storm of emotions raging through Katie at this very moment (2pm PST, Fri 9/25) Hold her really tight. Remind her that she will survive all this pain and sorrow. Show yourself intimately faithful to Katie. Calm the storm... Touch her man with your love & life. Rise up Ben Rye, rise up! Love to you both. David (& Sandra) Gans
Hi, Katie! Just wanted to let you and Mrs. Broeker know that John and I are praying for you two still (and of course, Ben!). And Rian asks for regular updates when he calls - he looks forward to getting to know you sometime soon. Thank you for taking your time to post your blogs, it gives us specifics for prayer.
Hello Katie, Just thinking of you both tonight & I remembered, as I'm sure you been told, but I spoke to a women years ago who was in a situation similiar to Ben's, and when she awoke, I asked her about her time & she specifically told me about how her mom read the Word to her all that time, and she said she could hear it clearly, but couldn't respond, so I just wanted to encourage you to continue on doing the same. Keep it up & I'm praying for you, as many more are. Thanks for sharing your courage with us all & your love for Ben. pat shea, Oly
Hello Ben, Katie, and Rye family! We want you to know that we are joining with you in prayer. God is a BIG God and He is able to do great and mighty things. Tell Ben the Banks family is praying for him! With Love, Steve and Jo Banks
Dear Ben and Katie, We just want you to know that we have been faithfully following your updates about your progress. We trust that the Lord will hear our prayers for your continued progress until you both reach 100% recovery. We will continue to pray for you, as well as those family members and friends who are close by to lend their support while you recover. With our love, Uncle Doug and Aunt Scottie OHusky
Katie and Ben, Since the day Gerry and I met you, we have only been influenced by your strong, caring, understanding, and friendly personalities. Your experience has helped us realize that faith in God is the foundation of understanding our life's struggles. You are such great people and God has great plans for you both. We are anticipating in hearing about the continuous healing and progress of Ben's recovery. Jesus is AWESOME!! ALL Praise to Him! And we are so excited that Ben is doing better every day! Katie, you are such a STRONG indivdiual and you are an inspiration to me in ways you could never imagine. May God continue to bless you. Your needs are my priority!! Any help we are able to provide brings us tremendous joy! God Bless!! Tori Groves
Katie ~ This so strikes my heart! I do not know you or Ben but I will pray for you. I have 3 teen/young adult daughters. God bless you both. You are both in His hands. He has not turned His eyes away from you but is there working. Rest in Him; He will carry you and be your strength during this most difficult time. Carol Morganton, GA
Hello Katie, Once again it's exciting to see the Lord be the Great "I AM", to you both. A verse that comes to mind is "He that showeth praise, honoreth Him & I will show him my salvation" Ps 50:23. And as Pastor Burt said years ago. "NOTHING ADVANCES THE KINGDOM OF GOD WITHOUT PRAISE!" And I'm thanking/ praising Him, for He is our God. pat shea, oly
Katie, I thought of you and Ben when I came across Psalm 71 because of how you give the glory to God for Ben's progress.
This verse I believe for you: THOUGH YOU HAVE MADE ME SEE TROUBLES, MANY AND BITTER, YOU WILL RESTORE MY LIFE AGAIN.
Here are some excerpts that I see in you and prayed for you: In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. Rescue me... Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go... for you have been my hope, O Soverign Lord, my confidence since my youth. But as for me, I will always have hope, I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure... Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come.
Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, you who have done great things. Who, O God, is like you? **Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up.** You will increase my honor and comfort me once again... I will praise you for your faithfulness,... My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you - I, whom you have redeemed.
= It will be wonderful to hear Ben's lips shout for joy when he sings praise to God, who is able to redeem and restore all that has been taken.
Katie, By now you will be home with Ben & I just needed to say, what a priveledge it was for me to hear you share your heart with us all at Mike & Mary's home the other day. Being in that place of vulnerability, is a hard & humbling place to be, as I was myself there almost 27 years ago, after a very painful skiing accident, recovering for almost a year. The time wasn't as much so difficult, as the uncertainty of "each day", sometimes "each hour", but I remember so well, "each suprise from the Lord", has never left me, even though time may have passed by since then. But, as I watched you & others share, I could see all around you how the Body of Christ, along with your loving family standing with you, but I know too, personally, when they all leave, when the lights are out & its so quiet & "you can hear silence", thats the time, when "only Gods presence" can hold you & He will & He has, I know each day. Thats my prayer. The scripture spoken that night, "He will never leave you or forsake you", is known, but the amplified, says and adds, (I will not), (I will not), (I will not) in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake, nor let you down (RELAX MY HOLD ON YOU)(Assuredly not!) Heb 13:5. And the picture, I remember, standing by you with your father & mother, clinging so tightly, to you is God's picture to you, for your every day, one second at a time. Thank you so much once again for being free to share your thoughts with us all & may each day, brings life changing, eternal changing life in you & your husbands tomorrows. ~The clinging hand of His child, makes a desperate situation a delight to"HIM"~ Lord bless you both. pat shea
Hi Katie & Ben - you don't know me, but by the grace and love of your uncle Joe Broeker here in Salem, Oregon, I know a bit about your latest trial. Just wanted you to know that I am so encouraged by your strength exhibited in your words shared through this blog, and further that you can count on that prayers of many, known and unknown to you, for healing, restoration, enduring love, perseverance, discipline, commitment and an ever-increasing faith and dependence on our Lord and Savior. Ben's emergence as a stronger man of God is the aim, and by His grace and truth, I pray this will be so. So, from this end of the country to yours, have a blessed week, and thank you for sharing in this time. Peace be with you!
Dear Katie - you don't know me but I'm Dawn and I designed this owl layout that you're using. I came across your blog through my SiteMeter page. I've read some of your posts and I am so inspired by your love and dedication and trust in Our Lord. At the same time, I am so sorry for ya'll's burden. You spoke of seizures and the meds as keeping Ben from being able to accomplish better therapy. I know what you are talking about because a few years ago my son was 'strung out' on seizure meds. We switched him to a Modified Atkins Diet and it was a miracle for us. I know there is a Ketogenic Diet eggnong/milkshake recipe that hospitals use for children and it sounds like that would be perfect for Ben right now. I know you must get tons of advice and I apologize if this is burdensome to you. Prayers for you and Ben. Peace, Dawn Farias
Hi Katie, You don't know me, but I'm a homeschool friend of your sister, Anne. In fact, she was here last night for our annual Christmas Cookie Exchange. She updated us, and I sent out the blog address to everyone who was here. I've been following your blog since the beginning,and a picture of you and Ben is posted on my bathroom mirror to remind me to pray. I so appreciate your transparency and willingness to share the good and the bad times, and to give us all suggestions on how to pray specifically. You give me perspective and I am blessed to be able to pray and watch what the Lord is doing and will do in your lives through this challenging time. I was prompted to write when you mentioned a Baclofen pump. My mom has MS and has had one for about 10 years. It helped tremendously. She is less sedated and more comfortable than was possible with oral meds. Blessing, Sherri Hoddle
Ben and Katie, I prayed tonight for peace, healing, and especially emotional support for Katie as she is SO strong and expresses her faith continuously!! May the Lord bless the daily progress that Ben is making. God's power is amazing and I believe the Lord directed me to meet such wonderful people in my life to learn from and grow as a Christian! (Oh, excuse me as I grab my kleenex!) Katie, stay strong and your amazing faith will carry you through this diffucult time in your life. We sure miss you and can't wait to see you and your family when you get back to Bama!! I pray also for your safety and protection!! God bless you!
P.S. As the Eagle eye peeks through the white dusty blinds....she sees no predators surrounding the perimeter!! LOL thought you mjight get a kick out of that!! Miss ya girl!!
Hello Katie & Ben, As I was reading this psalm this morning, you both came to mind & I just needed to share this & that the Lord would be your embrace, as He guides you in regards to your prayer, for your next step & your tomorrows. "To You I will cry, O LORD my Rock: Do not be silent to me, Lest, if You are silent to me, I become like those who go down to the pit. Hear the voice of my supplications When I cry to You, When I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary.
Blessed be the LORD, Because He has heard the voice of my supplications! The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him.
The LORD is their strength, And He is the saving refuge of His anointed. Save Your people, And bless Your inheritance; Shepherd them also, And bear them up forever. Psalm 28:1,2, 6-9 pat shea, Olympia
My prayers go out to you both! Jan called several weeks ago with the news of the accident and with the address to your blog. I'm glad to hear that Ben is no longer in a coma and is improving.
Wow! I just stumbled across your blog. What an amazing story! Katie you are an amazing woman of God and I pray the ultimate healing for your Ben. I can't say that I can even fathom what the two of you have been through, but you will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless!
I only found your blog a week ago, and now have it bookmarked to check it daily. You are both certainly in my prayers, and I have no doubt God will answer the prayers of his faithful servants. Katie, what a blessing you are for so many people! Thank you for sharing your story with all of us out here. What a witness you are to the goodness of our Lord.
Hello Ben & Katie, Just thinking of you both & as I met wuth our Wednesday night bible study, I commented to your Dad & Mom about some thoughts I had regarding Ben & his speaking. I realize these may only be my thoughts, but as I thought about them, I pray that the Lord would do this in Ben. In Psalm 50:23, it's says "He that showeth praise, honoreth me & to him who ordered his conversation aright, I will show him my salvation". Meaning, many times for me praise may begin with a song in my heart & then I begin singing praise to the Lord & then it seems to explode with words & so my prayer for Ben again is that He, "the Lord" would put a SONG IN HIS HEART, and God would stir his heart in song of praise. Why I say this I read years ago, after reading a testamony about someone going through a great trial, that it takes less vocal work to sing, then actual words in conversation. Also, thinking of Pastor Burts words over the years, that he has often said said, "nothing advances the Kingdom Of God without praise". I know you are a worshipper Katie, and so my prayer is that He continue to encourage you each day,as He has done. Thinking of Psalm 91 also. Everytime I think of this, I both you & Ben there......
Hello! I dont know you, but I stumbled across your blog today. I am actually from Arkansas, and I decided to follow your blog so I can be praying for you and your husband. In Him, Jennie Baker
I am friends with Karissa and Adam Cochran. Karissa sent me the link to this site. She wanted me to read what happened because something very similar happened to me 16 months ago. I was in a really bad motorcycle wreck. I broke lots of stuff but the hardest thing to deal with was Traumatic Brain Injury. I am pleased to tell you that God can fix everything and prayers do work. My brain is still healing but I am fully functional. So have faith and trust in the Good Lord above that it's possible for Ben to have a full recovery. You two will be in my prayers.
Hello Katie & Ben, Thinking of the visit a group of us had a while back in Puyallup & your comments recently, I was thinking & was reminded of a promise from Jer 29:10-14, I first heard in 1981 & though still yet unfulfilled, today, I was reminded to still keep asking. And as I thought of Ben's comments/ expressions to you, I was reading Ps 138-139, knowing His thoughts about my tomorrows, I saw something I had underlined last year Ps 138:3,8. "In the day when I cried out, YOU ANSWERED ME, and made me bold with strength in my soul", "The Lord will perfect the that which concerns me, Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; do not forsake the works of Your hands". I heard a minister say this morning to his congregation, keep asking, as in Jer 29, and so, once again Katie & to Ben. My prayers for you is that God would empower you & strengthen you, with Heavens GRACE as I ask Him to answer your cry, and many others, who also stand with you from afar. You are loved by many & I pray too, that Ben, would sense the power & love of God, in the way God knows best to show Him today..... pat shea, Olympia....
We were told just the other day by Pastor Knute Kriger that you had a blog. We wish we would have known long ago. Your husband has been on our prayer list since the accident. We should have mentioned to the church to pray for you as well. We are very sorry. We will ask the Church to keep you both in prayer starting tomorrow. We thank God for you. Your determination to please Jesus I know must be pleasing to the Father. Psalms 130 has been such a comfort as we have faced some hard things. Pastor Ken & Heather Jordan
Hi Katie- I've been following your blog for the past 8 months and I'm rejoicing with you over every improvement Ben has made! I was just reading the blog of a mom whose 3 year old son has leukemia and I thought you'd enjoy the quote she wrote: Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass - it's about learning to dance in the rain. You have been so strong and positive that I think you learned to dance in the rain long ago! Praying for you and Ben,
Dear Katie and Ben and family, I want you to know that I, and others have asked, to pray for all that you need. Healing,Strength,Comfort and Peace and all the amazing love God can give. I had the pleasure of meeting your wonderful parents on a return flight to San Diego. Your parents were going to see the both of you and they told me of your misfortunate accident. I asked them if they minded if we prayed together. I felt the Holy Spirit was there with us knowing even though we didn't know each other that our prayers together for a common good and purpose would glorify Our Lord. I really enjoyed speaking with your parents and saw the love they had for God and you kids. Made me very happy to be on the same page spiritually. Hope and pray Ben gets all the best of care from all the nurses and doctors and what they don't give Jesus makes up the difference. And the same for you Katie. May the Lord Bless and keep you both close to His Heart. Marc G. Parent.. P.S. I have your fathers hat that he left on the plane. 619 461 4744.
Hello Ben & Katie, This morning as I was reading proverbs, this verse jumped out to me, not even knowing that the date, was near the anniversary of your accident, but as I read this verse over & over, not that this accident was a good thing, by any means, but because the Lord has entrusted both you & Ben, with His message & Life, He's putting in you daily, people are being ministered too, as they read the words, He has given you. "Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad. In the way of righteousness is life, and in its pathway, there is no death" Proverbs 12:25, 28. The enemy would try to instill grief & pain, but God daily, like manna, gives way life & true JOY, not like the world. I was talking with a friend the other day, who’s fighting daily, so much with trying to understand the things of God at this point, as she watches her husband fight the battle for life & your words, about being free to talk to God, in your pain without being afraid the Lord would be shocked at your grief, has freed her, to speak to God, knowing he will hear her. Your words are giving away life, so as we all are praying for you, know we care & like cheerleaders in heaven, all the angels are cheering for you & Ben. Your loved by many. Please tell your husband, we salute him, as a soldier in the army of God this day & especially this “MEMORIAL DAY” weekend. Ben.. mighty in Spirit”. “Active Accomplishing Faith”… Katie…”Pure One”. “Intuitive, Perceptive”. Thy righteousness, and thy law is truth.. psalm 119:142. Keep pre
After your accident last year,Ben's Uncle John O'Husky told me about you two dear young people and asked for prayer for you. I have included you in my morning devotions daily and will continue to lift you before the Lord until I hear that Ben is back on his feet and home with you, Katie. I only recently got onto your website and can follow your progress. I am amazed at how well Ben is doing, and I feel this improvement in largly because of your faithfulness and strength, Katie. All that comes from the Lord and He will continue to walk with you and provide all the strength you need to see this through to the end. Always remember even on the darkest days when you're feeling low and tired that "underneath are the Everlasting Arms" Just lean on Jesus and He will never leave your side or Ben's until His work in your lives is done. God bless you two dear young people, and know that a neighbor of John and Peg's is praying for you daily. "What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." Continue to stay close to the Lord.
Katie, it's Patty (david huddleston's mom). I just finished reading your amazing blog story. You are an amazing wife and woman of God that every female should look up to as a role model. Thank you for your story and your perserverence. I appreciate your honesty with your feelings and frustrations, as I know how to pray for you. One suggestion I have is for language, has Ben tried a keyboard to communicate with? There are special ones for people with disabilities, and programs that can guess what you are trying to say. If not I can look up what they are. We also used magnetic letters on a white board. Are you taking videos and lots of pictures of Ben as he progresses? You will appreciate looking back on his progress visually too. God bless you both and know that we will be holding you and your families up in prayer.
Marie and I love you guys! Hoping and praying for Ben's FULL recovery. We are amazed and encouraged by your steadfast faithfulness Katie. To God be the glory forever.
It's so hard to figure out the why's and what's! Life is complicated enough and even though I don't know why something like this would take place, I do know that when we want something back like it use to be, we will do anything to make that happen. If prayer works or the doctors work or even something in the unknown works to change Ben that would be my prayer. God has all knowledge and that removes what we think should happen so I'm very cautious to think I can change the mind of God. My son had died of cancer and never understood why that happened in the finite but I'm not God. God does what he does and our works will never change his plans..! Ben get well!
Katie, you don't know me, my cousin Debbie Gavin told me about your and Ben's accident and prayer request. I attend Church of HIS Presence in Daphne Al. We are in a Powerful Revival at this time and have experienced all kinds of mighty miracles, signs and wonders. I posted your prayer request on our Church Face book page and we are believing GOD for a miracle for you and Ben. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Daphne-AL/Church-of-His-Presence/10150108683740422?ref=ts
I have never met either of you but was convicted by the Holy Spirit to click on the link to your site when I saw it posted by a friend on Facebook. Your desire to not waste this trial and grow closer to our Savior through this time is an encouragement to me. I am praying for you both. May the Lord heal and hold you both, accomplishing His perfect plan. May you have His peace and feel His love as you walk this road.
Hey Katie and Ben, Ever since I first started reading your blog, I have been praying for you and have asked others to join me. When I saw you were having a special time of praying this weekend, I asked my church staff to pray especially for you this Monday morning. And my small group that meets weekly prays for you on Thursday nights. C Bruner, Redmond, WA
My name is Shareen Bender and I live in newnan Ga. My mother goes to North highlands and had told me of your story.I am just amazed at what you both have been through. My gifting is prayer and intercession and I first saw your blog page right before you aske dpeople to fast and pray this past weekend. I knew that God was calling me to fast and pray for you. I beleive that Ben will be 100% healed!!! I watched the Lord heal my baby girl when the doctors gave her a bad report.My 4 month old baby, Sydney,received 1st and 2nd degree sunburns on her delicate little face while at the beach.My husband and I thought we had destroyed her little face and turned to the Lord to heal her!! she looked unrecognizable.the burn doctors told us tat it would take 6 months for her face to heal and that she may be scarred for life.We fasted and prayed!! we played worship music on repeat every night in her nursery, asking that Jesus and his angels would come and reconstruct her face at night. Within a week KAITE her face had been completly healed!!!! i would love to send you before and after photos of her face.GOD is the great physician Katie and I am trusting for a quick and specatcular healing!! and 100%, I wont beleive for anything less.Be strong but cry when you need, This life is sooo temporary and we are but a vapor that is quickly passing.I am praying for you guys!!! let me know where I can email you Sydneys before and after photos for encouragment!!! shareen
My niece Melissa sent your blog along. Will certainly pray for both of you believing God will stay by your side and fill ALL of your needs. In Christ...
I just stumbled on your blog and I was deeply saddened to hear of your accident. It has been a long time since I have seen you, but I want you to know that I will pray for you and Ben everyday. I believe that God truly is our healer and He hears our prayers. The Lord has big plans for both of you. I am reminded of the passage in Romans 8:31-32 that sais "If God is for us, who can ever be against us. Since God did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, won't God, who gave us Christ, also give us EVERYTHING else?" I believe that Ben's healing is included in the "everything else" God promised us as His children. I hope this gives you some encouragement as you continue to trust the Lord.
Katie, Don't be so hard on yourself! You are so graceful and have so much strength. It know it is tested daily with your challenges but I cannot express how moved we were just meeting you. We pray for Ben's continued progress and for your devotion and motivation. Love to you both!
All i have to say is that you are an inspiring woman and your love for Ben is admiring! You are so strong, and stay that way! God is going to pour a blessing on your guys. Stay faithful and loving.
Ben and Katie- I found this blog today and spent the past 2 hours reading from beginning to end. Your story is amazing, your faith is incredible. I cant tell you how many times I cried throughout this. What a wonderful story of strength and hope. Ben is such an inspiration to everyone and the strength of your marriage is so wonderful! You will be in my thoughts and prayers are with you always!
Katie and Ben - i found your button and followed it here! reading your story has been humbling and amazing to me. your faith, strength, and devotion to each other is truely wonderful! May you continue to feel God's blessings upon you every moment!
Katie and Ben- I found you through, "A Love Worth Waiting For" a few weeks ago and have read through your blog and followed you since. Your story is amazing, humbling and encouraging. You have just strength and faith and a true love that so many can only hope for. You are in my thoughts and prayers and I know God is watching you and blessing you every step of the way!
katie, you are such a strong woman. you are a true example of christlike love and unwavering committment. wow. an inspiration to us all. we'll be praying for continued strength for you, and peace. and of course for ben's recovery. this was a great wakeup call to not take the little things for granted. everything can change in just a moment.
thank you for sharing your honesty and your experiences with the blogging world.
While I don't know either Ben or Katie, I happened upon your site and want you to know that you both have my prayers for a healthy recovery. I love the inspiration and motivation and love you both show. You certainly have guardian angels that are guiding you to your goals. Congrats on taking a difficult crisis and opening your heart to prayers from all. Hugs, hopes and prayers...always. Cynthia
I just found your site today and my heart goes out to you all! I don't know you personally, but I hope Ben keeps getting stronger and stronger! And Katie, I hope you're doing well, in this difficult situation. I hope the person that caused this to happen has been, or will be, made accountable in some way. Lots of hope and love from me to you.
I just came across your page through a friend's blog, and I just wanted to say that I will be praying for you and Ben! You seem like such a strong, Godly woman, and I admire you greatly for it. I know things must be so hard to accept and understand at times, but as you say over and over, everything is for God's glory. I hope I can be as wonderful of a wife to my husband as you are to yours, you are truly a role model to all of us! I hope Ben continues to grow stronger and healthier, my prayers are with the two of you!
Happy Birthday, Ben! You and Katie are continuously in my thoughts and prayers! You two have an amazing love that will last a lifetime. --- Stacy K. in TN
Ben and Katie..... I place you both into the hands of the Lord, who calls both of you individually and united together as one, into His most Sacred Heart. I ask the Lord to pour His most precious blood from the crown of Ben's head to the souls of his feet, to restore, replenish and renew his body through the power of God! Lord, take Katie and hold her close to Your heart, that You may be her strength in all her breaths each day. Lord I thank You for all You have done for both Ben and Katie. Lord I thank You for all You are currently doing, and will continue to do in their life together. Through it all, Your love is never ending. May Your Spirit lead all of those who care for these two beautiful people, that they may be instruments of Your good ways, and Your healing power. Thank You, Lord. "I trust in You."
Lord Jesus, through this time of great challenge for Katie and Ben, may their hearts be restored in Your truth. Lord, I ask that You take away the worries, fears, sadness, discord, that Ben may be feeling. Lord, may You be the love in the depths of his heart, and free him from thoughts that are not of You. Free him Lord, from any temptation to loneliness, and allow him to know he is never alone, You are with him always! Lord I thank You for hearing all of these prayers, in Your holy name.
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have also faith also in me." John 14 1
I stumbled over your blog and read your story and I am literally in tears. I couldn't imagine this happening to me. You are an extremely strong woman! You and Ben are in my prayers. I pray that he gets better! Stay strong!
I was told about your blog from my friend Kim G. I am truly inspired by your story and will keep you both in my prayers. My God continue to bless you with little, and big, miracles! Katie you are a very strong woman and I admire you and pray that God gives you a shoulder to cry and lean on when needed. May Ben continue to make progress and get better!
thank you for your wonderful blog. I found you through friendsofdevin.com My son is one of devin best friends. His name is Justin Roemer .. I read your blog everyday and pray for you guys and the kervin family . God bless you Paula Roemer
thank you LORD for your great faithfulness to us. Despite how quickly we turn away from you and how often. I pray LORD for the faith of Katie and Ben to to be increased during this trying time. I thank you LORD for the faithfulness that Katie and BEN have demonstrated in being that support for one another. HOW often people today turn from a love one as soon as things get uncomfortable or hard. I thank you for this great witness of your spirit working in them and keeping them strong. I love you so much LORD and I pray for HEALING. For you to completely transform his condition LORD and radically heal him in all the areas that he needs your touch father. Touch his heart most of all Lord. That he would cling to your promises and your word LORD more than ever. AND I pray for your strength to magnify within your daughter Katies heart LORD. Give her the strength to be the helpmate you have called her to be LORD. I love you so much father and I know your ways are not ours and I just pray for you to bond this union your have joined together in Katie and BEN stronger than ever Lord. May their LOVE for you and each other only grow stronger. In the name of Jesus I pray.
Katie and Ben-This is Matt's mom Linda. We met at Kessler. My husband Tony gave me your blog address and when I got home tonight I read it. It was so inspirational and I thank you for sharing your journey. I will keep you in my prayers and I hope you will keep us in yours. God is good and merciful and he will see us through these difficult times. Today Matt swallowed an ice chip three separate times and was trying really hard to do a thumbs up. Big miracles! Thanks for the fridge. It has made my life alot easier! Linda Collura
Congratulations Ben and Kate by getting home. We have been praying so much for this day. It is so exciting to see the Lord at work in your lives spiritually, and physically. Ben be encouraged, keep up with your excersie, we are praying for complete healing. Kate this will not take forever keep standing firm. Your both doing great. We will continue to pray.
Much love and prayers, Audrey, Gary, R,R,R,G,R,S,G and Violet
I just discovered your blog and wish I could meet you. I know what you are going through as our son suffered a TBI. I journaled on Cbridge for 5 years..caringbridge.com password lucasmalik . I haven't had chance to read alot of your posts but I am grateful for what you have written. I know from experience your faith is of course what will sustain you on your journey of healing. I have added you guys to my prayer list. Please write when you get a spare moment. God's blessings to you both..a sister in Christ ~ Mary jjmamalik@rap.midco.net
Even though I don't often go on-line, I think of you daily as I lift you to the Lord. So the change I see in the photos I looked at today and the commentary was nothing short of amazing. God is working in your lives and in Ben's body. And I'm confident in His plan to restore Ben to you whole and healthy. God bless and keep you both strong and know you are being prayed for in Southern California every day. PTL for all the progress I saw today!! Sandy in La Mesa California. (John and Peg's friend)
Katie and Ben~ I just found your blog yesterday and through tears read the whole thing. You two are such a great example of what true love is all about! And Katie, I truly admire your faith, you are such an inspiration to us all. Have you read the book "Only a Woman"? I have a feeling you would really enjoy it! I will be praying for you both and look forward to seeing the updates :) God Bless, ~Mallorie
My thoughts and prayers go out to you both. Our youngest son also had a TBI a couple years back. Was the call every parent dreads in the early morning. Was a 45 minute drive to the hospital from hell. After a long day he opened his eyes and actually recognized me, finaly I could breathe again. His injury was not as severe as Ben's and thankfully he is doing very well today. Still has some anger issues but soon realizes he over reacted. But those are getting farther apart now. But having traveled this road I know that any improvement is a step in the right direction. We are proud of you Ben and know you will get better. It will be a long road but you are strong and will do it. When you are feeling stronger you might want to play some word games like scrabble and boggle as they helped my son very much. God bless you and your beautiful wife. Jean from Idaho
I will never understand what you've had to endure since this journey began, but I want to say that you are an inspiration. Ben, I witness a miracle each time I watch a new video, or read of your improvements. Each photo that is posted, I see such a difference! Slowly but surely, God is answering prayers. Katie, You are an Earth Angel. I believe God has wonderful things lined up for you two. Through sickness and In health. God bless you both.
Ben and Katie-I've been following for some time now. I love reading about Ben's progess. I love reading about all that you're up to Katie. You both are an amazing inspiration. I see your love clearly displayed in every photo, and with every word. My husband and I are both very active individuals and we know how Ben must want to be out running/biking and just having an wild, crazy adventure. We pray that he'll enjoy some of those activities in the future. Keep loving one another. Know that you both have made a huge impact on our lives. Thoughts and prayers always -Crystal
Katie, Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your lives through following the miracles you post on your blog, to praying for you & Ben and the daily steps that you need to take. Our God has chosen the two of you with the gift of a mighty testimony. I know that He will use you both to share with others on a personal level just how great our God is. You are such an encourager....may the Holy Spirit encourage you back in greater ways than what you can imagine. And may you both rest in His arms!
I just found your blog, and my heart reaches out to you both. Your strength and your love for the Lord through everything. You are in my prayers and I am praying for your strength and that the Lord will use you both in so many ways to help and change the lives of others God bless you both!!
Ben, our thoughts and prayers go out to you for your continued recovery & and strength. Thank God for the service you provided our country and also to your loving family! We cannot express our thanks enough for the sacrifices you've made for our country. You have an incredibly blessed wife in Katie. Peace & Blessings... the Fune family
What a long few years it must have been for both of you. I am praying continual refreshing and grace. I ran across your blog while doing a google search for something else, but feel like I need to share some encouragement. I really feel like the Holy Spirit is saying to keep believin' and not to give up. To keep pursuing the full healing for Ben and to know that when you come out of this time it will be like when the Jews plundered Egypt--your hands, your hearts, your lives will be full. There is a fullness of life and promise that He has for you that is more than you can imagine...Do not stop hoping, contending and believin' (yes, I actually heard believin' rather than believing). Here is to a miraculous 2013 for both of you. A year of fresh starts, and new beginnings! That you would feel His presence like you have never felt it before, and be surrounded with His love and comfort! Blessings!
Katie, your love and dedication to your husband is amazing and something I know from the inside. Seeing your latest update of OMF surgical stuff...it brought back memories of my husband at Walter Reed almost 6 years ago. Anyway, thanks for providing your family and friends with updates, the rest of your readers with a true story of faith, love and endurance and I hope Ben's road to recovery continues without setbacks. All the best, San
i just accidetally found this blog. i read all the posted and its so touching. Youre awesome Katie and you doing great job. (proverbs 24:16 ; for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity.)
i just accidentally found this blog, i read all the posted and its so touching my heart. Youre awesome Ben and you doing a great jobs Katie. Keep going and i believe God will bless both of you. (proverbs 24;16 for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity.)
i just accidentally found this blog, i read all the posted and its so touching my heart. Youre awesome Ben and you doing a great jobs Katie. Keep going and i believe God will bless both of you. (proverbs 24;16 for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity.)
Praying for you as your make this journey through life. Rejoicing at your triumphs and praying for your struggles. I am so blessed by your heart, your smile and your focus on Jesus. We will continue to pray for you and Ben. Matthew 8:27 "The men were amazed and said, 'What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him?'" He is ever so present even in the storm!
Bri Crumley (Brianne Carras, friends with the Schades)
Katie, I found your blog almost two years ago while away at school during a really tough time. I just cried as I looked over the early posts. Your heart is amazing. I have occasionally checked back on your blog and pray for you and for Bens continued healing. From your vulnerability in sharing on here I have been SO SO encouraged. God is good! Sometimes love looks different, and that's ok. Sometimes it's not about us, and that's ok. I cannot even tell you how profound your testimony is. You go girl! You rock. The Jesus in you ROCKS.
We've never met, but I just need to tell you how incredible you are. Several years ago, I worked as an neuropsych student at one of the hospitals where Ben was doing rehab. I saw the two of you working together in therapy one day and have followed your blog ever since. Your strength, love, tenderness, tenacity, and commitment continue to inspire me. I now work as a nurse on a cardiac floor and hope that I can do the work I love with even half the passion that you, Katie, have shown over the years.
I am deeply moved by your faith in God and the strength you draw from Him. Although we're strangers, know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I wish both you all the best and hope you know just how inspiring your love for one another can be. Thank you for reminding us all what love really means.
141 comments:
Ben and Katie,
We are praying for you guys every minute that we get. I pray that God will heal you both, both physically and spiritually. I know that all of the guys at Ben's work are praying for both of you as well. You have more support than you know, if anything is needed by you or your family do not hesitate to let us know!
Much love and Prayers,
Cortney Gleaton
Lifting you and Ben up to God in prayer. We climbed a hill for you in spin today. I know you would have been there if you could! You'll get through this and be even stronger and more beautiful and cherish life even more. HE will heal you and give you strength. See you soon!
A prayer:
Lord, You know the medical situations Ben and Katie face. We ask that you restore both of them to full health. Guide the medical staff, adding wisdom to their skill to do what is best. You are ultimately the healer - do your best work in their lives. And use this event to bring people around them together, closer to you and to one another. Amen.
Lindsey and I haven't stopped praying for you since we found out wht happened. We love you both and will continue to trust God for your healing and complete recovery.
Katie...our family is praying for you and Ben. Our hearts hurt for the pain you are going through, and we trust that the Lord will cover you both with his loving, healing hand.
All our love and prayers,
Brad & Leanne
As soon as I heard yesterday, my husband and I stopped and prayed. For your healing, peace, and complete recovery. We will keep praying.
Scott & Jamie Durham
For Katie and Ben, and your whole family...lifting you up in prayer that our Lord will heal you and that in this difficult time, give you peace. God's power is undeniable - have faith and be carried through. From Andrea, a friend of your family member, Shelley, in Rockln, CA. "By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see." Acts 3:16
Katie & Ben,
Like the others who have made comments, you are on Steve's and my minds constantly. The Lord even woke me early this morning to lift you up in prayer - both He and we have you covered and will continue to do so.
My heart grieves at this current journey you are on, a journey that you did not choose. My prayer is that new measures of the love and compassion of Jesus will be revealed to you during this time.
Janice Nielson
Katie and Ben,
Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your families- our church is praying and will continue to lift you up through this time- We are execting miracles in this situation and are believing for a great recovery for both of you!
Michelle Darilek
East Valley Church, Orangevale, CA
We love you both more than words can say, Dhana, the boys, and I continue to pray for you with great tenacity.
WE believe that God is able to to do exceedingly, abundantly, beyond what we could ever hope, or imagine. We contend for absolute complete total healing for the both of you.
We love you and so look for ward to hugging both of you very soon!
Katie and Ben,
Val and I have been praying continually since we heard of your accident. We join with all the prayers and contend for complete healing and God to be glorified through this situation.
Laurel Gonzalo
I'm sure you know there are so many of us praying for you guys. May God sustain you and may His Holy Spirit comfort you. My heart hurts for you both.
Mary
"For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds," says the Lord. (Jeremiah 30:17)
The Lord is your strength in this time of need and he will not fail you. All of your friends and family will raise you up to GOD in prayer. Be strong and have faith, all will be well again. GOD Bless you both.
Katie and Ben,
We are praying for you! We know that God is working on showing us all a Miracle! I know that God is with you now, he was with you then and he will continue to be with BOTH of you! We love you, Stay strong, know that you are constantly on our minds and our prayers!
Much love,
The Gruhn's
Our family is praying several times a day for healing for you both! We know that He is a God who is good all the time...even when life is hard. with love -
Curtis & Meleea Miller
Katie and Ben;
We are lifting you both up in our daily prayers. We serve a might God and We will ask for His favor for you and your familys. We love you very much and will look forward to see you back at your active lives.
Love Jacob and Stephanie Postier
Katie and Ben you are both in our thoughts and prayers. We hope for a full and quick recovery. Be strong as we know you both are.
Thinking of you
Tony, Stephanie and Carmen Rangel
Katie and Ben. I don't know you but I am a friend of Curtis and Meleea Miller.
Father I ask that you put your miraculous hand of healing upon both Katie and Ben. You know every little thing that is going on within thier bodies and I pray that you would restore them to complete health. You are the ultimate physician and healer. We praise you because you are worthy and we come to you asking for healing because you are able! MORE than able!
Dear Lord, We continue to lift Ben and Katie up to you. Surround them with your healing power. Guide the medical staff. We pray for peace and rest during this journey. Reveal yourself to both of them in a whole new way! God thank you that we can come to you in prayer and know that you hear us!
In your precious name,
Amen
The Merrell's
Larry, Shelley, Chase and Landon
Katie and Ben, We only met you one time, but in that time, Ben touched my heart with his compassion for my son, in the military, and Ben's wlllingness to befriend him if the opportunity arose. Because of that, I have a deep heart connection to you and have been in prayer nearly constantly for you both. God is so great and so good, and we are believing and asking and knocking on heaven's door for complete healing for you both. We will not stop. In Jesus's precious name. the Potts family
We love you guys and are praying for you often as the Lord prompts us. We are believing for complete healing. The song on my heart right now is... 'When we call on JESUS ALL things are possible...' by Nicole C. Mullen I'm in my living room now with Ted singing it out and believing those words. Much love!
Ted, Robin, Natalie, William and Lydia Bailey
I am visiting one of my friends and the Lord prompted us to start praying. As we began to intercede we were struck by the obvious testimony that was in front of us. My friend Lori was miraculously healed from a less than 5% chance of survival given by the doctors. She is completely healed. So, we declare the power of Revelations 19:10, 1 Cor 4:20, and John 5:8! It is by the Power of Jesus and the declaration of his power and his willingness to heal as stated by Scott. We come as a group of your children, Lord, hear our prayer. May you reach down and touch Ben and Katie with your healing hand. We believe in your healing power Jesus! Thank you for who you are, thank you for watching over Ben and Katie. Lord Jesus we thank you for the precious words you are whispering in Ben's ear right now. Lord we thank you for the amazing testimony Ben will have of seeing you and hearing your voice when you say to Him, "Ben, pick up your mat and walk!!"
Some old Bob Bennett Lyrics that I pray for both you guys
There are angels around your bed,
Angels around your bed
Laughing and singing, joyful as you're sleeping
Angels around your bed
Angels around your bed
Angels around your bed
Surely the Lord can spare a few extra
Angels around your bed
Ben and Katie,
Psalms 34:7-"The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them" Psalms 77:14-"You are the God who performs miracles;you display your power among the peoples"NIV
Centro de Vida y Esperanza will be praying for you and your families. We love you and God is with you!
Ps. 77:14 says "You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples."
Even though I've never met Katie and Ben, I learned of their situation through my mother, Teresa Mason, who was in a Bible study with Katie, I believe. I am praying for them both; that our God, who LOVES to display His power and confound the enemy with His glory, would continue to act on their behalf. I pray that the Holy Spirit would bring comfort and encouragement to their family.
Blessings, Debbie Maso
There is a song which goes like this:
Jesus will still be there; His love will never change,
sure as a steady rain.
Jesus will still be there; when no one else is true,
He'll still be loving you.
When it looks like you've lost it all,
and you haven't got a prayer,
Jesus will still be there.
Though Ben can not pray for himself, we, his family and friends can stand in the gap. The above song has become my prayer for you, Katie and Ben, that even though it may seem 'like you've lost it all, and you haven't got a prayer', Jesus is still there watching over you and those you love, comforting you in this difficult time with His arms of love. He hears the prayers of His people on behalf of you both. And just like the woman in the of Luke who kept asking the unmerciful judge for mercy, we too are to come before the Lord with our requests, beacuse how much more does He listen to us?
My prayers are with Katie, Ben and their families! I was directed to this site via Brooke. Rest assured that all of Brooke's friends and readers are sending out tons of positive thoughts!
Many prayers for you both.
God is SO good.
Thinking of you.
Sister in Christ,
Oregon
Katie: we are praying for the presence of Jesus, the Holy Spirit and Father God to radiate into your lives. Can't imagine the trauma you've been thru but we know the Lord is so faithful to turn this around for His glory. May you mend quickly! Bill & Sandy Coultas
Hey Katie - I've been keeping track of your and Bens progress throught Lissa - of course I also lift you in thought and prayer. Bryan is rejoicing that your NG was removed - I think he still has a sore throat from having his NG in for 12 days! HOORAY FOR YOU!!! And he reminds me to remind you that every "toot" is a celebration of life - so go ahead and celebrate life Katie! Of course we are looking forward to celebrating the healthy life of your husband too! Please hug you Mom for me - I know it is a priviledge for her to be your best prayer warrior and cheerleader combined...I partner with her arm in arm, as mama to mama! I also will warfare for you and Ben! Katie - Keep the faith!
From Sherry Lawrence (Douglas) RN!!! :)
Dear Ben and Katie:
My heart aches for you both, the hospital is no place for a spirited active couple such as yourselves! God shares this space with you now. He is ever present and He will bring you through this challenge. We pray for you daily, and know that God answers all prayers. Hold Ben's hand for me, and keep him close to your heart - We all love you very much! God Bless you each day - Aunt Gail, Uncle Scott, Hailey, Macy, & Emmy
Katie, wanted you to know that the Lord has us interceeding for you even in the night hours you are sleeping. With people across the nation praying for you we have you well covered. I consider it a privilege to be woken early to pray and thought you'd like to know that it was at 4:00 am west coast time. The Spirit was strong enough my body didn't even rebel!
blessings on the day ahead and much love coming your way,
Janice Nielson
Katie and Ben,
You two are both loved by so many people. Every where I go people are expressing their thoughts and prayers for you...and the Coblers love you, too! I have prayed for you continually and the boys have also lifted their hearts to God for you...they remember Macy and Hallie's Auntie Katie and Uncle Ben and want you to be better soon! I am so blessed to hear of the continued miracles and believe there are many more to come. I just wish I could be there to give you a hug in person!!!
Love you so much,
Fawn
Hello Katie & Ben, I was just thinking about your names & if you haven't heard lately, Katie the verse for your name is Jeremiah 33:3 "Call on me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which though knowest not". So, keep up the fight. And Ben, even as you sleep, your name means Mighty in Spirit, Active, Accomplishing Faith. Your verse is Ps 31:1, "In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed, Deliver me in Your Righteousness". I'm believing for you both, asleep & awake, the Lords holding your hand, just as Ben held yours......Lord bless you guys..Pat Shea...........
Katie and Ben,
May you find comfort in knowing that so many people are praying for your recovery. Through our lord, Jesus Christ all things are posible.
We lift you and your family up in prayer.
With hope and love,
Kim
Katie,
We keep you both in our thoughts and prayers every day. It is heartwarming to read that you are improving daily. Several years ago a friend of ours (your dad knows him from the NTHS football team) was in a severe car accident when his car rolled and landed in a ditch as he swerved to avoid a dog. He was airlifted to Harborview and was kept in a drug induced coma for several days. They brought him out of it slowly and he recovered. He had months of intensive therapy, recovering his speech and body movements but now he is fine and just graduated from law school. We will hold on to his miraculous recovery as God's promise that Ben will come through his accident. We continually ask God for his healing touch upon Ben's body. We also pray for the doctors and all your family as you all endure through this stressful time.
Vanessa and Mike Olson and family
Katie,
Our family continues to pray for your family as you walk through this healing process. I was just telling Mary that I'm hoping to be based at AL and then I can visit you - I wish we were there now so I could give you hugs and be a shoulder for you. I pray Isaiah 40:28-31 over you and Ben at this time.
All our love,
Juli & Rian Demery & John
Hey guys! look how many people love and adore you! Prayers everywhere are being answered...God is with you. He is so near and desiring to stay close to you both. Psalm 119:76 "Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise" You have been promised healing and peace - because his word says it! Hold on to that. We love you guys and cant stop thinking about you and praying for you both. Much love - The Watkins
Hey there Sis! I can't believe I was just there with you having slumber parties in your hospital room... what an honor it was to be able to serve you after you so graciously have served many others. What can I say?... a moment with you is never forgotten. :-) I continue to pray for you and our Ben. I lay awake at night thinking about all the promises God has given you since the accident and I am confident that He will fulfill each and every one! Lukas and Chandler include you guys in their daily prayers. I wish you could hear them because it is so innocent and sweet... the faith of a child! Well, I could write you a book but I know I need to allow others space on your blog. We love you and Ben tons!
PS - why couldn't you pass gas while I was there??? LOL
Katie and Ben-I just want you to know what an inspiration you have been to me in my journey to Christ. I am praying very hard for both your recoveries. I know the Lord is watching over both of you and healing will come.
Patty Medina
Dearest Katie....Hang on Little girl! I know that you are relieved to be home but saddened to leave your "hero" to continue the healing process. I ache for you Katie, but I do know that the scriptures that you are embracing are Gods promises - and He is good for those! I pray that while you are away from Bens bedside, that the medical team will be alert to
his physical and emotional needs. You must be exhausted...please know that my "clan" here in Olympia is continually lifting you, Ben and your "families"....Please thank the person or people who do your "updates" - I so appreciate the news from them. Blessing to you! Sherry Lawrence (Douglas)...
Our family is so excited to read the updates. We continue to lift you up in prayer with praise everyday. I read the updates every night to all. Wee look forward to the day when we read that Ben is looking Katie in the eyes! God Bless you and heal you both, completely!
Katie,
Sheldon and I are praying and believing with you that our God will continue to show up in a might way! I woke up this morning thinking and praying for you and singing, "Mighty to Save!"
We love you,
The Kochs
Katie this is the first I have heard of this. Ugh my heart is wrenched, I prayed for you two right after I read the update. Blessing on you and Ben, especially a speedy & full recovery for him.
Christian
Hi Katie! What started out as a small tear trickling down my cheek has become an all out bawl after reading this blog this morning! From the first time I met you two, it was obvious the deep love you two share and how happy you are to be together...now matter what you are doing! Just being around the love and happiness you two radiate is always exciting and uplifting! I am a good listener if you need one, a great cryer if you need someone else to cry with, and praying is my favorite thing to do...I do it numerous times a day and would be happy to do that with you too if you want! I wish there was something I could say or do to take this all away and make it better for you all....all I can do is to reassure you that you are in our prayers,thoughts and hearts all day through too!! God speed!
Becky and all the DeLeon boys!
Hello Katie, It was a priveledge to pray for you & Ben last night as we heard your fathers report at the bible study. We prayed for renewed strenghth for you, your mom, your father, your siblings, who care deeply for you & for the Lord to comfort you & restore Ben's body, as he sleeps. The Lords mercies are new every morning. What a comfort to have family & friends that care & a God, who does the impossible............
"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall walk and shall not faint" Is 40:31.... pat shea
Katie!
How amazing for you to get to Ben's eyes!! We are praying without ceasing for you all.
Love to you both,
Sarah Koch
Hello Katie & Ben, A little late, but just thinking/ praying for you both & one of my fav's came to mind. Lord bless you both...pat shea
---------------
Psalm 91
Safety of Abiding in the Presence of God
1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”
3 Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler[a]
And from the perilous pestilence.
4 He shall cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,
Nor of the arrow that flies by day,
6 Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,
Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
And ten thousand at your right hand;
But it shall not come near you.
8 Only with your eyes shall you look,
And see the reward of the wicked.
9 Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
10 No evil shall befall you,
Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
11 For He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you in all your ways.
12 In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.
13 You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra,
The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.
14 “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.
15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him,
And show him My salvation.”
Katie, just wanted to share the words to a song that was sung during worship at church this morning. God is the Great I Am.
THE GREAT I AM!
There’s been so many times that I’ve wanted to give up,And the pressures of this life, they overwhelmed me.
When my future isn’t clear
Trouble fills my heart with fear
There’s nothing, there’s nowhere
But to run straight to You
You’re the Great I Am
You’re the way, the truth, the life
Let Your living water rain down,
Pour over me.
It’s Your name that I call
Let Your Holy Spirit fall on me
You’re the Great I Am
Sometimes my visions seem so blurred
And my footing so unsure,
I will stand on what You’ve promised
And spoken just to me.
When all Your truth has been fulfilled
Every heart will be made still
There’s nothing, there’s nowhere
But to run straight to You
You’re the Great I Am
You’re the way, the truth, the life
Let Your living water rain down,
Pour over me.
It’s Your name that I call
Let Your Holy Spirit fall on me
You’re the Great I Am
You’re the resurrection,
Light of the world,
Come and shine Your light on me
Bread of life, living water
You’re everything I need
The open door, gentle shepherd
You’re the way, the truth, the life
You’re the resurrection,
Light of the world,
Come and shine Your light on me
Bread of life, living water
Cause Your everything I need
The open door, gentle shepherd
You’re the way, the truth, the life
You’re the Great I Am
You’re the way, the truth, the life
Let your living water rain down,
Pour over me
It’s Your name that I call
Let Your Holy Spirit fall on me
You’re the Great I Am
Lifting you up in prayer continually,
Lisa Ochsner & Family
Hey Sis,
In talking with Pastor Terry and Lisa this morning they shared with me how the Lord had put on their hearts the story in the Bible about the Roman officer who came to Jesus begging Him to heal his servant. Jesus grabbed the eager masters hand and went. Before they arrived at the house, the officer sent some friends to say, “Lord, don’t trouble yourself by coming to my home, for I am not worthy of such an honor… just say the word from where you are and my servant will be healed. “ Jesus heard this and He was amazed. Turning to the crowd that was following him, He said, “I tell you, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel.” And when the officer’s friends returned to his house, they found the slave completely healed. “ luke 7:1-10. PT and Lisa wanted you to know that there are many people here praying… they are praying with a fervent Spirit and BELIEVING that at Jesus spoken WORD Ben can and will be healed! Be encouraged! There is an army over here fighting with you!
Also, I wanted to add that in Luke 8:15 it says “And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a HUGE harvest”. Take all the verses and promises that God is giving to you and CLING to them because they are for you. LOVE YOU!!!
Dear Katie & Ben,
Finally figured out how to comment with help from a grandaughter. Just want you to know we wake up with prayers, go through the day with prayers, go to sleep at night with prayers for Ben and you.
With love from Peg & John
Gradma & Grandpa (O'Husky)
I know we don't know each other, but I'm from San Diego and am a friend of Jeremy & Lindsey Nicks. My husband and I have been praying for you both since Lindsey shared the story of your tragedy. We are believing God for a miracle. We are praying His Word and His Truth over you both. We celebrate every milestone big and small, as we get the word from Lindsey.
Praying with an expectant heart for what God is going to do,
Deanna Ramsay
Katie & Ben...
Kelly and I have been praying, and will continue to do so. We are believing for the miraculous on your behalf.
My prayer today is Philippians 1:3-6 "I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
Much love! Tim
Ben and Katie -
Just want you to know you're in our thoughts and prayers. We'll keep following both of your healing.
Klint and Mary-Jo Peck
(Brooke's dad and stepmom)
Hello Ben & Katie, Just thinking of you both & reading your notes & others & as I thought of you both, I was reminded of a short visit with your brother Richard & Joy, both holding their babies. Joy was playing and laughing with her older daughter & Richard, was holding tightly their youngest, to his chest. That little one was totally trust his dadddy for all..And now as I think of you both & for me some 27 years ago, for one year I was in your shoes, through surgery, lottsa pain, missing friends, but now looking back, I remember all those people who touched my life, carried me, cared about me and as you know well, "your Lord is holding you" tightly and carrying you, and little by little, like Joy and their daughter, you will play as the picture gets more clear for you. But for now, "I continue to pray, as countless others are for this second and the days ahead" You are loved by many, what an incredible gift of being part of God's body. Love you both..Pat Shea...Olympia
Dear Katie,
I'm not sure if you remember me, but I was Anne's midwife at her last birth. My husband spent most of his 20 year Army career with the Rangers. These connections lead me to know you are in a special family, both of origin and in the military.
It is my heartfelt prayer that Ben would experience complete and swift healing. It is my honor to hold you both in my prayers.
"The Lord longs to be gracious to you, he rises to show you compassion.For the Lord is a god of righteousness. Blessed are all who wait for him." Isa 30:18
Carolee
Dear Ben, Katie, and Rye Family,
I talked to Darlene yesterday and my heart is aching for you and praying hard for you all. I am putting my trust in God for you and asking Him to carry you and heal you.
Love,
Jessica Farnsworth
Katie,
Although we don't know eachother very well, you (& Ben) are on my mind often. Let me pray over you now...
"Jesus, you know the storm of emotions raging through Katie at this very moment (2pm PST, Fri 9/25) Hold her really tight. Remind her that she will survive all this pain and sorrow. Show yourself intimately faithful to Katie. Calm the storm... Touch her man with your love & life. Rise up Ben Rye, rise up!
Love to you both. David (& Sandra) Gans
Hi, Katie! Just wanted to let you and Mrs. Broeker know that John and I are praying for you two still (and of course, Ben!). And Rian asks for regular updates when he calls - he looks forward to getting to know you sometime soon. Thank you for taking your time to post your blogs, it gives us specifics for prayer.
Love you VERY much,
Juli Demery
Hello Katie, Just thinking of you both tonight & I remembered, as I'm sure you been told, but I spoke to a women years ago who was in a situation similiar to Ben's, and when she awoke, I asked her about her time & she specifically told me about how her mom read the Word to her all that time, and she said she could hear it clearly, but couldn't respond, so I just wanted to encourage you to continue on doing the same. Keep it up & I'm praying for you, as many more are. Thanks for sharing your courage with us all & your love for Ben. pat shea, Oly
Hello Ben, Katie, and Rye family! We want you to know that we are joining with you in prayer. God is a BIG God and He is able to do great and mighty things. Tell Ben the Banks family is praying for him!
With Love,
Steve and Jo Banks
Dear Ben and Katie,
We just want you to know that we have been faithfully following your updates about your progress. We trust that the Lord will hear our prayers for your continued progress until you both reach 100% recovery. We will continue to pray for you, as well as those family members and friends who are close by to lend their support while you recover.
With our love,
Uncle Doug and Aunt Scottie OHusky
Katie and Ben,
Since the day Gerry and I met you, we have only been influenced by your strong, caring, understanding, and friendly personalities. Your experience has helped us realize that faith in God is the foundation of understanding our life's struggles. You are such great people and God has great plans for you both. We are anticipating in hearing about the continuous healing and progress of Ben's recovery. Jesus is AWESOME!! ALL Praise to Him! And we are so excited that Ben is doing better every day! Katie, you are such a STRONG indivdiual and you are an inspiration to me in ways you could never imagine. May God continue to bless you. Your needs are my priority!!
Any help we are able to provide brings us tremendous joy! God Bless!!
Tori Groves
Katie ~ This so strikes my heart! I do not know you or Ben but I will pray for you. I have 3 teen/young adult daughters. God bless you both. You are both in His hands. He has not turned His eyes away from you but is there working. Rest in Him; He will carry you and be your strength during this most difficult time.
Carol
Morganton, GA
Hello Katie, Once again it's exciting to see the Lord be the Great "I AM", to you both. A verse that comes to mind is "He that showeth praise, honoreth Him & I will show him my salvation" Ps 50:23. And as Pastor Burt said years ago. "NOTHING ADVANCES THE KINGDOM OF GOD WITHOUT PRAISE!" And I'm thanking/ praising Him, for He is our God. pat shea, oly
Hi Katie,
So glad to hear of Ben's progress. Yeah God!!
Val and I pray for both of you!
Love you,
Laurel
Katie, I thought of you and Ben when I came across Psalm 71 because of how you give the glory to God for Ben's progress.
This verse I believe for you: THOUGH YOU HAVE MADE ME SEE TROUBLES, MANY AND BITTER, YOU WILL RESTORE MY LIFE AGAIN.
Here are some excerpts that I see in you and prayed for you:
In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. Rescue me...
Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go... for you have been my hope, O Soverign Lord, my confidence since my youth.
But as for me, I will always have hope, I will praise you more and more.
My mouth will tell of your righteousness,
of your salvation all day long,
though I know not its measure...
Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.
Even when I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, O God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
your might to all who are to come.
Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God,
you who have done great things.
Who, O God, is like you?
**Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again;
from the depths of the earth
you will again bring me up.**
You will increase my honor and comfort me once again...
I will praise you for your faithfulness,...
My lips will shout for joy
when I sing praise to you -
I, whom you have redeemed.
=
It will be wonderful to hear Ben's lips shout for joy when he sings praise to God, who is able to redeem and restore all that has been taken.
Prayerfully,
Sharon Davis Ramirez
Katie, By now you will be home with Ben & I just needed to say, what a priveledge it was for me to hear you share your heart with us all at Mike & Mary's home the other day. Being in that place of vulnerability, is a hard & humbling place to be, as I was myself there almost 27 years ago, after a very painful skiing accident, recovering for almost a year. The time wasn't as much so difficult, as the uncertainty of "each day", sometimes "each hour", but I remember so well, "each suprise from the Lord", has never left me, even though time may have passed by since then. But, as I watched you & others share, I could see all around you how the Body of Christ, along with your loving family standing with you, but I know too, personally, when they all leave, when the lights are out & its so quiet & "you can hear silence", thats the time, when "only Gods presence" can hold you & He will & He has, I know each day. Thats my prayer. The scripture spoken that night, "He will never leave you or forsake you", is known, but the amplified, says and adds, (I will not), (I will not), (I will not) in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake, nor let you down (RELAX MY HOLD ON YOU)(Assuredly not!) Heb 13:5. And the picture, I remember, standing by you with your father & mother, clinging so tightly, to you is God's picture to you, for your every day, one second at a time. Thank you so much once again for being free to share your thoughts with us all & may each day, brings life changing, eternal changing life in you & your husbands tomorrows. ~The clinging hand of His child, makes a desperate situation a delight to"HIM"~ Lord bless you both. pat shea
Hi Katie & Ben - you don't know me, but by the grace and love of your uncle Joe Broeker here in Salem, Oregon, I know a bit about your latest trial. Just wanted you to know that I am so encouraged by your strength exhibited in your words shared through this blog, and further that you can count on that prayers of many, known and unknown to you, for healing, restoration, enduring love, perseverance, discipline, commitment and an ever-increasing faith and dependence on our Lord and Savior. Ben's emergence as a stronger man of God is the aim, and by His grace and truth, I pray this will be so. So, from this end of the country to yours, have a blessed week, and thank you for sharing in this time. Peace be with you!
Dear Katie - you don't know me but I'm Dawn and I designed this owl layout that you're using. I came across your blog through my SiteMeter page. I've read some of your posts and I am so inspired by your love and dedication and trust in Our Lord. At the same time, I am so sorry for ya'll's burden. You spoke of seizures and the meds as keeping Ben from being able to accomplish better therapy. I know what you are talking about because a few years ago my son was 'strung out' on seizure meds. We switched him to a Modified Atkins Diet and it was a miracle for us. I know there is a Ketogenic Diet eggnong/milkshake recipe that hospitals use for children and it sounds like that would be perfect for Ben right now. I know you must get tons of advice and I apologize if this is burdensome to you. Prayers for you and Ben. Peace, Dawn Farias
Hi Katie,
You don't know me, but I'm a homeschool friend of your sister, Anne. In fact, she was here last night for our annual Christmas Cookie Exchange. She updated us, and I sent out the blog address to everyone who was here. I've been following your blog since the beginning,and a picture of you and Ben is posted on my bathroom mirror to remind me to pray. I so appreciate your transparency and willingness to share the good and the bad times, and to give us all suggestions on how to pray specifically. You give me perspective and I am blessed to be able to pray and watch what the Lord is doing and will do in your lives through this challenging time. I was prompted to write when you mentioned a Baclofen pump. My mom has MS and has had one for about 10 years. It helped tremendously. She is less sedated and more comfortable than was possible with oral meds. Blessing,
Sherri Hoddle
Ben and Katie,
I prayed tonight for peace, healing, and especially emotional support for Katie as she is SO strong and expresses her faith continuously!! May the Lord bless the daily progress that Ben is making. God's power is amazing and I believe the Lord directed me to meet such wonderful people in my life to learn from and grow as a Christian! (Oh, excuse me as I grab my kleenex!) Katie, stay strong and your amazing faith will carry you through this diffucult time in your life. We sure miss you and can't wait to see you and your family when you get back to Bama!! I pray also for your safety and protection!! God bless you!
P.S. As the Eagle eye peeks through the white dusty blinds....she sees no predators surrounding the perimeter!! LOL thought you mjight get a kick out of that!! Miss ya girl!!
Hello Katie & Ben,
As I was reading this psalm this morning, you both came to mind & I just needed to share this & that the Lord would be your embrace, as He guides you in regards to your prayer, for your next step & your tomorrows.
"To You I will cry, O LORD my Rock:
Do not be silent to me,
Lest, if You are silent to me,
I become like those who go down
to the pit.
Hear the voice of my supplications
When I cry to You,
When I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary.
Blessed be the LORD,
Because He has heard the voice of my supplications!
The LORD is my strength and my shield;
My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped;
Therefore my heart greatly rejoices,
And with my song I will praise Him.
The LORD is their strength,
And He is the saving refuge of His anointed.
Save Your people,
And bless Your inheritance;
Shepherd them also,
And bear them up forever.
Psalm 28:1,2, 6-9
pat shea, Olympia
My prayers go out to you both! Jan called several weeks ago with the news of the accident and with the address to your blog. I'm glad to hear that Ben is no longer in a coma and is improving.
Wow! I just stumbled across your blog. What an amazing story! Katie you are an amazing woman of God and I pray the ultimate healing for your Ben. I can't say that I can even fathom what the two of you have been through, but you will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless!
I only found your blog a week ago, and now have it bookmarked to check it daily. You are both certainly in my prayers, and I have no doubt God will answer the prayers of his faithful servants. Katie, what a blessing you are for so many people! Thank you for sharing your story with all of us out here. What a witness you are to the goodness of our Lord.
Hello Ben & Katie, Just thinking of you both & as I met wuth our Wednesday night bible study, I commented to your Dad & Mom about some thoughts I had regarding Ben & his speaking. I realize these may only be my thoughts, but as I thought about them, I pray that the Lord would do this in Ben. In Psalm 50:23, it's says "He that showeth praise, honoreth me & to him who ordered his conversation aright, I will show him my salvation". Meaning, many times for me praise may begin with a song in my heart & then I begin singing praise to the Lord & then it seems to explode with words & so my prayer for Ben again is that He, "the Lord" would put a SONG IN HIS HEART, and God would stir his heart in song of praise. Why I say this I read years ago, after reading a testamony about someone going through a great trial, that it takes less vocal work to sing, then actual words in conversation. Also, thinking of Pastor Burts words over the years, that he has often said said, "nothing advances the Kingdom Of God without praise". I know you are a worshipper Katie, and so my prayer is that He continue to encourage you each day,as He has done. Thinking of Psalm 91 also. Everytime I think of this, I both you & Ben there......
Hello! I dont know you, but I stumbled across your blog today. I am actually from Arkansas, and I decided to follow your blog so I can be praying for you and your husband.
In Him,
Jennie Baker
Hello,
I am friends with Karissa and Adam Cochran. Karissa sent me the link to this site. She wanted me to read what happened because something very similar happened to me 16 months ago. I was in a really bad motorcycle wreck. I broke lots of stuff but the hardest thing to deal with was Traumatic Brain Injury. I am pleased to tell you that God can fix everything and prayers do work. My brain is still healing but I am fully functional. So have faith and trust in the Good Lord above that it's possible for Ben to have a full recovery. You two will be in my prayers.
God Bless you and Ben,
Allan Davison
Hello Katie & Ben, Thinking of the visit a group of us had a while back in Puyallup & your comments recently, I was thinking & was reminded of a promise from Jer 29:10-14, I first heard in 1981 & though still yet unfulfilled, today, I was reminded to still keep asking. And as I thought of Ben's comments/ expressions to you, I was reading Ps 138-139, knowing His thoughts about my tomorrows, I saw something I had underlined last year Ps 138:3,8. "In the day when I cried out, YOU ANSWERED ME, and made me bold with strength in my soul", "The Lord will perfect the that which concerns me, Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; do not forsake the works of Your hands". I heard a minister say this morning to his congregation, keep asking, as in Jer 29, and so, once again Katie & to Ben. My prayers for you is that God would empower you & strengthen you, with Heavens GRACE as I ask Him to answer your cry, and many others, who also stand with you from afar. You are loved by many & I pray too, that Ben, would sense the power & love of God, in the way God knows best to show Him today..... pat shea, Olympia....
Hello Katie & Ben,
We were told just the other day by Pastor Knute Kriger that you had a blog. We wish we would have known long ago. Your husband has been on our prayer list since the accident. We should have mentioned to the church to pray for you as well. We are very sorry. We will ask the Church to keep you both in prayer starting tomorrow. We thank God for you. Your determination to please Jesus I know must be pleasing to the Father. Psalms 130 has been such a comfort as we have faced some hard things.
Pastor Ken & Heather Jordan
Hi Katie- I've been following your blog for the past 8 months and I'm rejoicing with you over every improvement Ben has made! I was just reading the blog of a mom whose 3 year old son has leukemia and I thought you'd enjoy the quote she wrote: Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass - it's about learning to dance in the rain. You have been so strong and positive that I think you learned to dance in the rain long ago! Praying for you and Ben,
Kate (Davis) Cratsenberg
Dear Katie and Ben and family, I want you to know that I, and others have asked, to pray for all that you need. Healing,Strength,Comfort and Peace and all the amazing love God can give. I had the pleasure of meeting your wonderful parents on a return flight to San Diego. Your parents were going to see the both of you and they told me of your misfortunate accident. I asked them if they minded if we prayed together. I felt the Holy Spirit was there with us knowing even though we didn't know each other that our prayers together for a common good and purpose would glorify Our Lord. I really enjoyed speaking with your parents and saw the love they had for God and you kids. Made me very happy to be on the same page spiritually. Hope and pray Ben gets all the best of care from all the nurses and doctors and what they don't give Jesus makes up the difference. And the same for you Katie. May the Lord Bless and keep you both close to His Heart. Marc G. Parent.. P.S. I have your fathers hat that he left on the plane. 619 461 4744.
Hello Ben & Katie, This morning as I was reading proverbs, this verse jumped out to me, not even knowing that the date, was near the anniversary of your accident, but as I read this verse over & over, not that this accident was a good thing, by any means, but because the Lord has entrusted both you & Ben, with His message & Life, He's putting in you daily, people are being ministered too, as they read the words, He has given you. "Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad. In the way of righteousness is life, and in its pathway, there is no death" Proverbs 12:25, 28. The enemy would try to instill grief & pain, but God daily, like manna, gives way life & true JOY, not like the world. I was talking with a friend the other day, who’s fighting daily, so much with trying to understand the things of God at this point, as she watches her husband fight the battle for life & your words, about being free to talk to God, in your pain without being afraid the Lord would be shocked at your grief, has freed her, to speak to God, knowing he will hear her. Your words are giving away life, so as we all are praying for you, know we care & like cheerleaders in heaven, all the angels are cheering for you & Ben. Your loved by many. Please tell your husband, we salute him, as a soldier in the army of God this day & especially this “MEMORIAL DAY” weekend. Ben.. mighty in Spirit”. “Active Accomplishing Faith”… Katie…”Pure One”. “Intuitive, Perceptive”. Thy righteousness, and thy law is truth.. psalm 119:142. Keep pre
After your accident last year,Ben's Uncle John O'Husky told me about you two dear young people and asked for prayer for you. I have included you in my morning devotions daily and will continue to lift you before the Lord until I hear that Ben is back on his feet and home with you, Katie. I only recently got onto your website and can follow your progress. I am amazed at how well Ben is doing, and I feel this improvement in largly because of your faithfulness and strength, Katie. All that comes from the Lord and He will continue to walk with you and provide all the strength you need to see this through to the end. Always remember even on the darkest days when you're feeling low and tired that "underneath are the Everlasting Arms" Just lean on Jesus and He will never leave your side or Ben's until His work in your lives is done. God bless you two dear young people, and know that a neighbor of John and Peg's is praying for you daily.
"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." Continue to stay close to the Lord.
Katie, it's Patty (david huddleston's mom). I just finished reading your amazing blog story. You are an amazing wife and woman of God that every female should look up to as a role model. Thank you for your story and your perserverence. I appreciate your honesty with your feelings and frustrations, as I know how to pray for you.
One suggestion I have is for language, has Ben tried a keyboard to communicate with? There are special ones for people with disabilities, and programs that can guess what you are trying to say. If not I can look up what they are. We also used magnetic letters on a white board.
Are you taking videos and lots of pictures of Ben as he progresses? You will appreciate looking back on his progress visually too. God bless you both and know that we will be holding you and your families up in prayer.
Marie and I love you guys! Hoping and praying for Ben's FULL recovery. We are amazed and encouraged by your steadfast faithfulness Katie. To God be the glory forever.
It's so hard to figure out the why's and what's!
Life is complicated enough and even though I don't know why something like this would take place, I do know that when we want something back like it use to be, we will do anything to make that happen. If prayer works or the doctors work or even something in the unknown works to change Ben that would be my prayer. God has all knowledge and that removes what we think should happen so I'm very cautious to think I can change the mind of God.
My son had died of cancer and never understood why that happened in the finite but I'm not God.
God does what he does and our works will never change his plans..!
Ben get well!
Katie, you don't know me, my cousin Debbie Gavin told me about your and Ben's accident and prayer request. I attend Church of HIS Presence in Daphne Al. We are in a Powerful Revival at this time and have experienced all kinds of mighty miracles, signs and wonders. I posted your prayer request on our Church Face book page and we are believing GOD for a miracle for you and Ben.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Daphne-AL/Church-of-His-Presence/10150108683740422?ref=ts
I have never met either of you but was convicted by the Holy Spirit to click on the link to your site when I saw it posted by a friend on Facebook. Your desire to not waste this trial and grow closer to our Savior through this time is an encouragement to me. I am praying for you both. May the Lord heal and hold you both, accomplishing His perfect plan. May you have His peace and feel His love as you walk this road.
Hey Katie and Ben,
Ever since I first started reading your blog, I have been praying for you and have asked others to join me. When I saw you were having a special time of praying this weekend, I asked my church staff to pray especially for you this Monday morning. And my small group that meets weekly prays for you on Thursday nights.
C Bruner, Redmond, WA
Dear Kaite and Ben,
My name is Shareen Bender and I live in newnan Ga. My mother goes to North highlands and had told me of your story.I am just amazed at what you both have been through. My gifting is prayer and intercession and I first saw your blog page right before you aske dpeople to fast and pray this past weekend. I knew that God was calling me to fast and pray for you. I beleive that Ben will be 100% healed!!! I watched the Lord heal my baby girl when the doctors gave her a bad report.My 4 month old baby, Sydney,received 1st and 2nd degree sunburns on her delicate little face while at the beach.My husband and I thought we had destroyed her little face and turned to the Lord to heal her!! she looked unrecognizable.the burn doctors told us tat it would take 6 months for her face to heal and that she may be scarred for life.We fasted and prayed!! we played worship music on repeat every night in her nursery, asking that Jesus and his angels would come and reconstruct her face at night. Within a week KAITE her face had been completly healed!!!! i would love to send you before and after photos of her face.GOD is the great physician Katie and I am trusting for a quick and specatcular healing!! and 100%, I wont beleive for anything less.Be strong but cry when you need, This life is sooo temporary and we are but a vapor that is quickly passing.I am praying for you guys!!! let me know where I can email you Sydneys before and after photos for encouragment!!! shareen
You and Ben are an amazing inspiration to all. My prayers are with you guys!!!
I found your blog from another milspouse and I wanted to let you know you both will be in my prayers. God is good!
My niece Melissa sent your blog along. Will certainly pray for both of you believing God will stay by your side and fill ALL of your needs. In Christ...
Katie-
I just stumbled on your blog and I was deeply saddened to hear of your accident. It has been a long time since I have seen you, but I want you to know that I will pray for you and Ben everyday. I believe that God truly is our healer and He hears our prayers. The Lord has big plans for both of you. I am reminded of the passage in Romans 8:31-32 that sais "If God is for us, who can ever be against us. Since God did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, won't God, who gave us Christ, also give us EVERYTHING else?" I believe that Ben's healing is included in the "everything else" God promised us as His children. I hope this gives you some encouragement as you continue to trust the Lord.
Katie,
Don't be so hard on yourself! You are so graceful and have so much strength. It know it is tested daily with your challenges but I cannot express how moved we were just meeting you. We pray for Ben's continued progress and for your devotion and motivation. Love to you both!
All i have to say is that you are an inspiring woman and your love for Ben is admiring! You are so strong, and stay that way! God is going to pour a blessing on your guys. Stay faithful and loving.
I randomly came across this blog today and I just want you to know that I am praying for y'all. God Bless.
Ben and Katie- I found this blog today and spent the past 2 hours reading from beginning to end. Your story is amazing, your faith is incredible. I cant tell you how many times I cried throughout this. What a wonderful story of strength and hope. Ben is such an inspiration to everyone and the strength of your marriage is so wonderful! You will be in my thoughts and prayers are with you always!
Katie and Ben - i found your button and followed it here! reading your story has been humbling and amazing to me. your faith, strength, and devotion to each other is truely wonderful! May you continue to feel God's blessings upon you every moment!
Katie and Ben- I found you through, "A Love Worth Waiting For" a few weeks ago and have read through your blog and followed you since. Your story is amazing, humbling and encouraging. You have just strength and faith and a true love that so many can only hope for. You are in my thoughts and prayers and I know God is watching you and blessing you every step of the way!
katie, you are such a strong woman.
you are a true example of christlike love and unwavering committment.
wow. an inspiration to us all.
we'll be praying for continued strength for you, and peace.
and of course for ben's recovery.
this was a great wakeup call to not take the little things for granted.
everything can change in just a moment.
thank you for sharing your honesty and your experiences with the blogging world.
While I don't know either Ben or Katie, I happened upon your site and want you to know that you both have my prayers for a healthy recovery. I love the inspiration and motivation and love you both show. You certainly have guardian angels that are guiding you to your goals. Congrats on taking a difficult crisis and opening your heart to prayers from all. Hugs, hopes and prayers...always. Cynthia
I just found your site today and my heart goes out to you all! I don't know you personally, but I hope Ben keeps getting stronger and stronger! And Katie, I hope you're doing well, in this difficult situation.
I hope the person that caused this to happen has been, or will be, made accountable in some way.
Lots of hope and love from me to you.
I just came across your page through a friend's blog, and I just wanted to say that I will be praying for you and Ben! You seem like such a strong, Godly woman, and I admire you greatly for it. I know things must be so hard to accept and understand at times, but as you say over and over, everything is for God's glory. I hope I can be as wonderful of a wife to my husband as you are to yours, you are truly a role model to all of us! I hope Ben continues to grow stronger and healthier, my prayers are with the two of you!
-Christina S. (WA state)
Happy Birthday, Ben! You and Katie are continuously in my thoughts and prayers! You two have an amazing love that will last a lifetime. --- Stacy K. in TN
Ben and Katie..... I place you both into the hands of the Lord, who calls both of you individually and united together as one, into His most Sacred Heart. I ask the Lord to pour His most precious blood from the crown of Ben's head to the souls of his feet, to restore, replenish and renew his body through the power of God! Lord, take Katie and hold her close to Your heart, that You may be her strength in all her breaths each day. Lord I thank You for all You have done for both Ben and Katie. Lord I thank You for all You are currently doing, and will continue to do in their life together. Through it all, Your love is never ending. May Your Spirit lead all of those who care for these two beautiful people, that they may be instruments of Your good ways, and Your healing power. Thank You, Lord. "I trust in You."
Lord Jesus, through this time of great challenge for Katie and Ben, may their hearts be restored in Your truth. Lord, I ask that You take away the worries, fears, sadness, discord, that Ben may be feeling. Lord, may You be the love in the depths of his heart, and free him from thoughts that are not of You. Free him Lord, from any temptation to loneliness, and allow him to know he is never alone, You are with him always! Lord I thank You for hearing all of these prayers, in Your holy name.
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have also faith also in me." John 14 1
I stumbled over your blog and read your story and I am literally in tears. I couldn't imagine this happening to me. You are an extremely strong woman! You and Ben are in my prayers. I pray that he gets better! Stay strong!
I was told about your blog from my friend Kim G. I am truly inspired by your story and will keep you both in my prayers. My God continue to bless you with little, and big, miracles! Katie you are a very strong woman and I admire you and pray that God gives you a shoulder to cry and lean on when needed. May Ben continue to make progress and get better!
God Bless you both!
thank you for your wonderful blog. I found you through friendsofdevin.com My son is one of devin best friends. His name is Justin Roemer .. I read your blog everyday and pray for you guys and the kervin family . God bless you Paula Roemer
Keeping you both in my prayers. Keep loving each other with all of your heart!
thank you LORD for your great faithfulness to us. Despite how quickly we turn away from you and how often. I pray LORD for the faith of Katie and Ben to to be increased during this trying time. I thank you LORD for the faithfulness that Katie and BEN have demonstrated in being that support for one another. HOW often people today turn from a love one as soon as things get uncomfortable or hard. I thank you for this great witness of your spirit working in them and keeping them strong. I love you so much LORD and I pray for HEALING. For you to completely transform his condition LORD and radically heal him in all the areas that he needs your touch father. Touch his heart most of all Lord. That he would cling to your promises and your word LORD more than ever. AND I pray for your strength to magnify within your daughter Katies heart LORD. Give her the strength to be the helpmate you have called her to be LORD. I love you so much father and I know your ways are not ours and I just pray for you to bond this union your have joined together in Katie and BEN stronger than ever Lord. May their LOVE for you and each other only grow stronger. In the name of Jesus I pray.
♥cheche
let it be true Lord.
Katie and Ben-This is Matt's mom Linda. We met at Kessler. My husband Tony gave me your blog address and when I got home tonight I read it. It was so inspirational and I thank you for sharing your journey. I will keep you in my prayers and I hope you will keep us in yours. God is good and merciful and he will see us through these difficult times. Today Matt swallowed an ice chip three separate times and was trying really hard to do a thumbs up. Big miracles! Thanks for the fridge. It has made my life alot easier! Linda Collura
God bless you both. Thanks Ben and Katie for your service to our country.
Steve, former Captain US Army
Congratulations Ben and Kate by getting home. We have been praying so much for this day. It is so exciting to see the Lord at work in your lives spiritually, and physically. Ben be encouraged, keep up with your excersie, we are praying for complete healing. Kate this will not take forever keep standing firm. Your both doing great. We will continue to pray.
Much love and prayers, Audrey, Gary, R,R,R,G,R,S,G and Violet
I just discovered your blog and wish I could meet you. I know what you are going through as our son suffered a TBI. I journaled on Cbridge for 5 years..caringbridge.com password lucasmalik . I haven't had chance to read alot of your posts but I am grateful for what you have written. I know from experience your faith is of course what will sustain you on your journey of healing. I have added you guys to my prayer list. Please write when you get a spare moment. God's blessings to you both..a sister in Christ ~ Mary jjmamalik@rap.midco.net
Even though I don't often go on-line, I think of you daily as I lift you to the Lord. So the change I see in the photos I looked at today and the commentary was nothing short of amazing. God is working in your lives and in Ben's body. And I'm confident in His plan to restore Ben to you whole and healthy. God bless and keep you both strong and know you are being prayed for in Southern California every day. PTL for all the progress I saw today!! Sandy in La Mesa California. (John and Peg's friend)
Katie and Ben~
I just found your blog yesterday and through tears read the whole thing. You two are such a great example of what true love is all about! And Katie, I truly admire your faith, you are such an inspiration to us all. Have you read the book "Only a Woman"? I have a feeling you would really enjoy it! I will be praying for you both and look forward to seeing the updates :)
God Bless,
~Mallorie
OK .. this time a comment .. sorry about that.
We loved meeting you both Katie and Ben at the RR at Ft. Benning. It was nice to reach out and say hi to both of you at the RCO WIA meeting.
Wishing you both continued success and happiness, and I am sure our paths will cross again soon.. RLTW!
My thoughts and prayers go out to you both. Our youngest son also had a TBI a couple years back. Was the call every parent dreads in the early morning. Was a 45 minute drive to the hospital from hell. After a long day he opened his eyes and actually recognized me, finaly I could breathe again. His injury was not as severe as Ben's and thankfully he is doing very well today. Still has some anger issues but soon realizes he over reacted. But those are getting farther apart now. But having traveled this road I know that any improvement is a step in the right direction. We are proud of you Ben and know you will get better. It will be a long road but you are strong and will do it. When you are feeling stronger you might want to play some word games like scrabble and boggle as they helped my son very much. God bless you and your beautiful wife. Jean from Idaho
I will never understand what you've had to endure since this journey began, but I want to say that you are an inspiration. Ben, I witness a miracle each time I watch a new video, or read of your improvements. Each photo that is posted, I see such a difference! Slowly but surely, God is answering prayers. Katie, You are an Earth Angel. I believe God has wonderful things lined up for you two. Through sickness and In health. God bless you both.
Ben and Katie-I've been following for some time now. I love reading about Ben's progess. I love reading about all that you're up to Katie. You both are an amazing inspiration. I see your love clearly displayed in every photo, and with every word. My husband and I are both very active individuals and we know how Ben must want to be out running/biking and just having an wild, crazy adventure. We pray that he'll enjoy some of those activities in the future. Keep loving one another. Know that you both have made a huge impact on our lives. Thoughts and prayers always -Crystal
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV).
Katie,
Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your lives through following the miracles you post on your blog, to praying for you & Ben and the daily steps that you need to take. Our God has chosen the two of you with the gift of a mighty testimony. I know that He will use you both to share with others on a personal level just how great our God is. You are such an encourager....may the Holy Spirit encourage you back in greater ways than what you can imagine. And may you both rest in His arms!
I just found your blog, and my heart reaches out to you both. Your strength and your love for the Lord through everything. You are in my prayers and I am praying for your strength and that the Lord will use you both in so many ways to help and change the lives of others God bless you both!!
You have both been on my heart lots lately. Praying!
I am inspired by you both! My prayers are with you!
Ben, our thoughts and prayers go out to you for your continued recovery & and strength. Thank God for the service you provided our country and also to your loving family! We cannot express our thanks enough for the sacrifices you've made for our country. You have an incredibly blessed wife in Katie. Peace & Blessings... the Fune family
What a long few years it must have been for both of you. I am praying continual refreshing and grace. I ran across your blog while doing a google search for something else, but feel like I need to share some encouragement. I really feel like the Holy Spirit is saying to keep believin' and not to give up. To keep pursuing the full healing for Ben and to know that when you come out of this time it will be like when the Jews plundered Egypt--your hands, your hearts, your lives will be full. There is a fullness of life and promise that He has for you that is more than you can imagine...Do not stop hoping, contending and believin' (yes, I actually heard believin' rather than believing).
Here is to a miraculous 2013 for both of you. A year of fresh starts, and new beginnings! That you would feel His presence like you have never felt it before, and be surrounded with His love and comfort! Blessings!
Katie, your love and dedication to your husband is amazing and something I know from the inside. Seeing your latest update of OMF surgical stuff...it brought back memories of my husband at Walter Reed almost 6 years ago. Anyway, thanks for providing your family and friends with updates, the rest of your readers with a true story of faith, love and endurance and I hope Ben's road to recovery continues without setbacks. All the best, San
i just accidetally found this blog.
i read all the posted and its so touching. Youre awesome Katie and you doing great job.
(proverbs 24:16 ; for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity.)
i just accidentally found this blog, i read all the posted and its so touching my heart.
Youre awesome Ben and you doing a great jobs Katie. Keep going and i believe God will bless both of you.
(proverbs 24;16 for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity.)
i just accidentally found this blog, i read all the posted and its so touching my heart.
Youre awesome Ben and you doing a great jobs Katie. Keep going and i believe God will bless both of you.
(proverbs 24;16 for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity.)
Praying for you as your make this journey through life. Rejoicing at your triumphs and praying for your struggles. I am so blessed by your heart, your smile and your focus on Jesus. We will continue to pray for you and Ben.
Matthew 8:27 "The men were amazed and said, 'What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him?'"
He is ever so present even in the storm!
Bri Crumley (Brianne Carras, friends with the Schades)
We need an update! I love reading about what's happening in your lives.
Katie,
I found your blog almost two years ago while away at school during a really tough time. I just cried as I looked over the early posts. Your heart is amazing. I have occasionally checked back on your blog and pray for you and for Bens continued healing. From your vulnerability in sharing on here I have been SO SO encouraged. God is good! Sometimes love looks different, and that's ok. Sometimes it's not about us, and that's ok. I cannot even tell you how profound your testimony is. You go girl! You rock. The Jesus in you ROCKS.
Love and Prayers,
Casey from Florida
Katie & Ben,
We've never met, but I just need to tell you how incredible you are. Several years ago, I worked as an neuropsych student at one of the hospitals where Ben was doing rehab. I saw the two of you working together in therapy one day and have followed your blog ever since. Your strength, love, tenderness, tenacity, and commitment continue to inspire me. I now work as a nurse on a cardiac floor and hope that I can do the work I love with even half the passion that you, Katie, have shown over the years.
I am deeply moved by your faith in God and the strength you draw from Him. Although we're strangers, know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I wish both you all the best and hope you know just how inspiring your love for one another can be. Thank you for reminding us all what love really means.
Dear Ben and Katie,
So wonderful to see that God has blessed you with your son!
And that your Faith grows and deepens with each day.
Always Respectfully,
Greg Walker
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