Monday, July 21, 2025

Goodness and Mercy

 


Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. ~Psalm 28:6


Since his release from the hospital on July 11th, Danny continues to heal from his illness precipitated by the prolonged use of the drug, Amiodarone.  I'm overjoyed by the progress he's making in such a short period of time, and Danny's optimistic about a full recovery down the road.

The Lord has more than certainly heard our cries for mercy in these recent days, and has poured out His grace in abundant ways.

There is one obstacle, however, that casts a shadow on our elation.  Because the doctors have placed Danny on steroids to assist with the healing, it, ironically, compromises his immune system.  He's advised not to be where there are crowds as he could be adversely affected by contagions others might carry.

I never thought I'd ever say anything good about the effects of the Covid plague, but I will state this:  It trains Danny to use Instacart like a seasoned pro!  Just this week, he orders items from both Costco and Whole Foods and both are successfully delivered.  When we have to make the trek to our local Publix, I go into the store with a list while Danny waits in the car, the a/c cranked, where he can stay cool and isolated from the masses.  I'm mindful when I return to the car to promptly use hand sanitizer.  So far, so good!

What makes us saddest about this whole situation, though, is being isolated from our church family.  If Danny had not fallen ill, this past Sunday would have been one of our scheduled services to lead praise songs.  There are also two important events happening at our church in the next two weeks that we would love to attend, but aren't able to.  We know everyone understands the pickle we're in, but that doesn't change our desire to be there with and for everyone we love.

How long will Danny have to be under quarantine?  His doctor advises until at least the third week in August.  In the meantime, he will continue to wean off of the steroids as the weeks roll on.  That's such a good thing, not only because of the immunity issues, but also because steroids can raise glucose numbers if eating isn't closely monitored.  Yes, Danny does the finger prick several times per day to get his readings.

Considering the condition Danny is in at the time he enters the hospital and the condition he is in now, we can't thank and praise the Lord enough for this miraculous recovery.  Your heartfelt prayers have certainly been heard, and acted upon, by our loving Father in heaven.

May we faithfully praise the Lord's goodness and mercy every day we draw breath.

Amen!

64 comments:

  1. Martha, thank 😊 you so much for sharing. I see this as very positive. I will continue to pray 🙏 The most important thing right now is health and if staying away from people for a short period helps then this is fine. Remember this is not for years, but a month. I see this as very good. Love and hugs 🫂 🤗 ❤️ to you.

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    1. Thanks so much, Linda, for your encouraging words shared here. Yes, this, too, shall pass, and the most important thing is to get Danny well. Thanks so much for your continued prayers!
      Grace and blessings!

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  2. Hi Martha Jane, it is lovely that Danny is home with you now, and just having to stay away from others for a few weeks can be quite relaxing for him. The 'church' is the 'Body of Christ on earth', whether in a gathering in a building or even on the internet. God bless you and Danny with all He has for you in Jesus.

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    1. Thank you, Brenda, for your uplifting and encouraging words here today. We will get through this time with God's help and the kind words and prayers from folks like you. We truly are part of the church no matter where we are when we follow Jesus.
      Grace and blessings!

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  3. Thanks for the update Martha. It is good to hear that prayers are being answered, even though it is taking longer than we would like. For someone as socially-oriented as me, Danny's case would be maddening. But I'm glad he is able to handle it with grace (as well as you are).

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    1. I'm so grateful for that, too, Bill, although he can certainly get "antsy" at times. He knows what he has to do to get through this, and is doing just that. Thanks for continued prayers!
      Grace and blessings!

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  4. The power of prayer is amazing. I know Danny is so glad to be home now. We will continue to pray for his continued progress and coming off of his quarantine.

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    1. Thanks so very much for your continued prayers, A. Yes, the power of prayer can't be rivaled.
      Grace and blessings!

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  5. I am praying for Danny and you; and will continue to do so.

    God bless always.

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    1. Thanks so much, Victor. Prayer is exactly what we need.
      Grace and blessings!

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  6. Keeping you all in prayer, smiles.

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    1. Thanks so much, Linda. Keep them lifted!
      Grace and blessings!

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  7. We continue to pray for him, Martha.

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  8. Thankful for his progress and praying for his protection until you can safely resume a regular schedule.

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    1. Thanks so much for your continued prayers, Diana.
      Grace and blessings!

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  9. I have prayed for Danny and I know tons of others have and God is watching both of you. I know you must miss church.
    Do you know a Christian Brown or Chris Brown there?

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    1. We sure do miss church and so appreciate y'all's prayers. Yes, Christian Brown does attend our church. How do you know him? Such a fine young man.
      Grace and blessings!

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  10. Such good news about Danny. Yes, our prayers were answered. It would be hard to not attend church but remember that God is right there with you both as you sit at home to watch your services. Before you know it, you’ll both be back at church and praising God for the season you passed just passed through. Continued prayers for Danny’s health as he returns to a complete and whole recovery.

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    1. Thanks so much, Debby, for your continued prayers and well wishes for Danny! Yes, we will be back before we know it, and the priority right now is for Danny to recover completely and get back on track. God is most definitely right here with us and watching over us.
      Grace and blessings!

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  11. May Danny heal quickly. I didn't know about Danny having troubles. This is why I pray for all my Blogging Buddies "just in case" someone needs it. God knows and He cares for us all.
    I know how heartrending it is to not be able to attend Church. I had to go home early on Sunday because I was in too much pain to sit in a pew. At least I could watch Pastor Bob's sermon on YouTube after it was uploaded. Technology does have it's benefits.
    Blessings. 🩷

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    1. Oh, Sparky, I'm so sorry to hear that you've been suffering with pain recently. I'll most definitely keep you in my prayers, my friend. And I agree that when it comes to being able to attend church virtually, technology is such a blessing. Take good care of yourself and thanks for your prayers for Danny.
      Grace and blessings!

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  12. Kudos to you Martha for keeping your focus on all things excellent and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8)! I pray the doctor will say, "You're doing so well, Danny, I'd say it's safe for you to join the human race again"--a week ahead of schedule! (Maybe more!)

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    1. That would be amazing, Nancy, now wouldn't it? He is doing better every day, and considering how close he came to the brink this time around, it's nothing short of a miracle. Keep those prayers coming!
      Grace and blessings!

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  13. I am so thankful that Danny is doing so much better, albeit, with restrictions, but at least he is making good progress, and I know you are greatly relieved. We will continue to pray for his full recovery, and Lord willing, by the end of August you will have this all behind you. Praying it is so. (((hugs)))

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    1. Thanks so much, Pamela! We so appreciate your prayers and good will sent our way. I'm thankful every moment of the day that Danny is still here in spite of all that he has been through. I will keep y'all updated!
      Grace and blessings!

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  14. That is wonderfull news that Danny is doing better. Keeping you both in my prayers.

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    1. Thank you so much for your continued prayers, Bill. Prayer is the glue that holds us together always.
      Grace and blessings!

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  15. It's truly wonderful to hear about Danny's recovery and how much progress he's making! It's completely understandable that being isolated from your church family is tough right now, but it sounds like you're both doing everything right to keep him safe and healthy. Thinking of you both and hoping he's back with everyone soon!

    melodyjacob.com

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    1. Thank you, Melody, for your positive words of encouragement, and with God's help, Danny's recovery will happen sooner than later! Your positive well wishes are so precious to us.
      Grace and blessings!

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  16. Great news, Martha! I'm so glad you're still erring on the side of caution, however. God's still in the business of performing miracles, but sometimes I think He appreciates our cooperation.

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    1. Oh, yes, Myra, God is always desiring our cooperation in all we think, say and do. It's up to us to accept His will and live fully in obedience to Him.
      Grace and blessings!

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  17. Martha..I am so sorry that through all of my busyness, I missed reading that Danny had been in the hospital. My prayers for him and for you as you both deal with his recovery.. I so remember the days when our grandson had leukemia and the steroids kept his immune system depleted. it was a difficult time in keeping him quarantined from people , church, friends and such. please keep us updated and I wish the very best for Danny’s complete and total healing .

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    1. Oh, Shug, your words here tonight are a balm to my soul. We have been praying for Sam at our church and at home ever since you shared his diagnosis. That you are praying for Danny's renewed health is humbling, especially in light of your own troubles. I'm beginning to understand that God is working more powerfully than ever for those He calls His children.
      Grace and blessings!

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  18. I am late getting to blogs today, but want you to know I am still praying for you both. I am happy for the good news expressed here, Martha, and you are right about how we are now experienced in staying away from germs when we are called to do so. I still sanitize my hands several times a day and still have a mask in my purse. Be prepared isn't such a bad way to go, compromised immune system or not. Sending a hug!!

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    1. Amen to being prepared, Terri! Yes, we don't want to take any unnecessary chances, especially when it comes to health at our ages. We keep hand sanitizer in both of our cars and I carry a small container in my purse. Just playing it safe. Thanks so much for your prayers!
      Grace and blessings!

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  19. I'm late to the party again, Martha, but it's not because we don't love you and look forward to your posts--just seems like our Tuesdays are always overloaded stem to stern. Anyhow, we loved hearing about Danny's continued recovery and praise the Lord with you. I know that you guys weren't the only ones disappointed that you missed leading worship. I'm sure your fans missed out on sharing the joy that I'm confident you and Danny always bring.

    In reading about your virtual quarantine, I couldn't help thinking about Solomon's familiar reminder that there's a time and purpose for all these seasons that come and go in our lives. Our prayer is that God will use this time when both of you are kicked out of your normal routines as a time for imparting fresh insights, unveiling new perspectives on old truth, inspiring new ideas, and reinforcing your bold stand for the values and principles Jesus taught. But the great praise is that Danny's still here and you guys are still together--that's good news indeed, and we're happy for you.

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    1. Thanks so much, Ron, for your prayers and well-wishes for Danny's health. Yes, there is a time for every purpose under heaven, isn't there? We are taking it one day at a time with hearts of gratitude for all God gives us. So thankful that Danny's on the mend!
      Grace and blessings!

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  20. Oh my, Martha. That is disheartening news. But if it's the best for Danny and his overall health, then it's best. And that is a good thing that came out of Covid, learning how to order things online. Praying for you both as you continue this journey. Glad God's goodness and mercy are following us all the days of our lives, even these kind of days. God bless!

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    1. Thanks so much, Karen, for your warm thoughts and continued prayers. Yes, disappointing as we were hoping to attend a wedding at church and to help with a school supply drive, but Danny's health and well-being comes first and foremost. I do feel strongly that God's goodness and mercy is wrapping us up in warm reassurances at this time.
      Grace and blessings!

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    2. May the good Lord bless both of you even more and keep you both safe.

      Hugs and Blessings

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    3. Thanks so much, Jim. Your prayers are much appreciated!
      Grace and blessings!

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  21. Oh am so glad to read that your beloved is doing better. Will pray that God protects him and he is soon able to be with others. In the meantime may the Lord continue to heal him and restore him to full health. Hugs!

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    1. Thanks so much, Debbie, for your sweet prayers and thoughts! Yes, Danny is getting better as each day progresses and we are both boundlessly grateful for that.
      Grace and blessings!

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  22. extra Prayers heading your way. So glad he is getting better but so hard to missed church I am sure!! Get better, Danny!!!!

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    1. Thanks so much for your prayers and love, Jean! Being away from our church family makes us so sad, but we do know that this, too, will pass. Danny continues to improve, thanks be to God.
      Grace and blessings!

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  23. Your deep faith in the Lord and love for your husband shine through even this uncertain and certainly inconvenient season, Martha. It does sound like Covid season all over again, for sure. May you be encouraged by the support and kindness of those around you and know you will be missed at church and other places that enjoy your presence.

    Praying for you both right now.

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    1. Thank you, Linda, for your kind words and your prayers. I treasure both! Yes, the Lord will see us through this time together and stronger for it.
      Grace and blessings!

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  24. Sending prayers. Be careful of heat exhaustion.

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    1. Thanks so much for your prayers! Yes, we are staying indoors and drinking lots of water to stay cool this summer, that's for sure.
      Grace and blessings!

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  25. Olá, Martha
    Em oração pela vida de Danny e por você também, que bom que ele está se recuperando. Tudo passa... em breve estarão na igreja, como vocês desejam, Deus abençoe poderosamente esse casal tão abençoado, um forte abraço.

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  26. Thanks so much for your prayers, Lucinalva! Yes, Danny is Improving with each passing day and we are filled with hope because of our Lord. Everything good always happens in His time.
    Grace and blessings!

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  27. So glad Danny’s back home—what a blessing. The power of prayer truly shines in moments like these. We’ll keep lifting him up for healing and strength as he moves through recovery.

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    1. Thanks so much for your prayers, Veronica! Yes, Danny is improving every day and it's such a wonderful thing to witness.
      Grace and blessings!

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  28. Continuing prayers for Danny's recovery. Hoping that the steroids do their work and then can go away. Take good care, friends!

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    1. Thanks so much for your continued prayers, Carol. They are much appreciated.
      Grace and blessings!

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  29. I praise the Lord along with you for all He has done for Danny. May the healing continue, in Jesus' name.

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    1. Thanks so much, Cheryl. I'm praising God right along with you.
      Grace and blessings!

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  30. Boa tarde. Um excelente domingo e bom início de semana. Que o Nosso Senhor e Salvador Jesus Cristo, abençoe a você e sua família.

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    1. Thanks so much, Luiz! May our Loving Father bless you and yours, too.
      Grace and blessings!

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