another update on Terry

Tonight was my first time to get to visit with Terry in his new unit on the Behavior Health floor.  Jeff also was there to visit with him.  You have to lock all your belongings (cell phone, keys, sun glasses, purse, etc) up in a locker and take the key with you.  Anything you bring in has to be checked at the desk and "approved", i.e. Daniel Sollenberger had bought a nice set of fancy pencils and spiral bound drawing notebook.  He was not allowed the pencils because they were too long and not allowed the notebook because it was spiral, so we ripped out some paper and they gave him short 3" stubby pencils with no eraser.  I had written him a letter (which you can read an earlier post here on the blog) and the 5 verses I wrote out on 4x6 cards (also on an earlier post) and gave them to him when I saw him.  Everyone is in sock feet as they are not allowed shoe laces, belts, etc. He was calmer and not arguementative, but still doesn't believe that he deserves to live and doesn't want to be on any medications.  Jeff talked with him asked him if he was aware of what would happen if he didn't remain cooperative...Terry said yes, move him somewhere else...Jeff said yes, somewhere you really don't want to go, where the REALLY CRAZY people go. Jeff read a little bit from I Peter 3 and Psalms 103.  He told him he should draw how much he has been forgiven.  While we were visiting, Paul Moore came by.  Jeff went out so that Paul could have some time with him and I could stay as there are only 2 of us allowed in at a time.  After a bit, I got up and left so that Jeff could come back in.  Paul left 5minutes before the end of the session and I got a few more minutes with him.  I will be attending the family counseling session tomorrow and then be there for the visitation at 4pm for an hour. 

5 verses for you Terry

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid...for the Lord God goes with you...He will never leave you.  Deuteronomy 31:6


Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.  John 8:32


Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him, for He will abundantly pardon.  For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.  Isaiah 55:7&8


May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Romans 15:13


I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  Philippians 4:13



I have told Terry several times that he needs to pick 5 verses that will strengthen and encourage him in his battles...verses to help him fight the thoughts that invade and consume his mind...that he might be able to combat the lies and find hope in the truth. He has been studying all aspects of the word, which I have felt has overwhelmed him, so I am now picking 5 verses to give to him tonight when I see him to help him achieve this. I will probably prepare another 5 for my next visit because it was hard to just narrow to these.

sharing a note of encouragement to me...

Misty,

===== forwarded your last e-mail to me since it was a lot of details to remember to tell me.

I just wanted to tell you that I am praying for you (and Terry) throughout the day and I want to encourage you in the Lord. Also, I appreciate you giving of yourself and your time to be a help to him, even when he doesn't seem to appreciate it.

Being on the giving end of things is where the Lord wants us to be. You are a good example to us.

Take care,
Your christian brother,
====

Dear Terry

I love you very much!  If I could only get you to understand how much.  God loves you even more than I do...He has forgiven all your sins and made each day a new day that you can start over fresh, clean and impowered thru His strength.  I know life has been very hard for you, has dealt you some tough things, and has been a great challenge and overwhelming in many ways.  I know that you are discouraged and don't feel you have any hope in this life.  Please know that I will be here for you, I will help you and encourage you through everything.  You have great potential and can do so much with your life.  Don't give up!  Please don't!!! 

With many thoughts, prayers, love and hugs,

Misty

another update on Terry

The social worker for Terry at the Behavior Health Unit in the hospital called me this morning and wanted to talk to me and ask me some questions regarding his situation.  We talked for about17minutes.  She wanted me to know that so far Terry is not cooperating this morning and wants to go "ama" (against medical advice).  She is not sure what the outcome will be at this time or where things will go from here.  He was admitted to the Behavior Health Program on a voluntary basis.  If he changes his agreement to that, that will change what they do with him.   She said they want him to be there 3-5days and to get him stable and adjust his medications. I made sure she was aware that we want him to receive all the help he can and confirmed with her that I will be there in the one hour and fifteen minute timeframe that I am allowed to come and visit him each day.

sharing a note of encouragement to me...

You’re such a good sister! Hang in there, girl. I know it has to be so hard, but the Lord will give you the strength to love and help Terry.

I’m continually praying for both of you.

With much love and a hug!