the encounter

Some of you may recall the prayer requests shared for Lanessa Allman last year (She attended UMHB with Phil, the Nash’s and myself.)

Last year she was struck with encephalitis and several other complications after giving birth to her fourth son.

And now that she’s had time to heal and recover, she’s put her story into words and self-published a book, “Restored – To the Land of the Living.”

Lanessa shares on her blog:

I am SO excited to finally write this post! Eleven months ago, I went through a hard trial that almost took my life. As most of you know since this affected my brain, I wanted to write it down so I would not forget the promises and blessings I got from the ordeal. Plus all the lessons I learned about our Lord and myself.

The book is now available for purchase, and before you order it, I ask you read this blurb so you will know the “mission statement” about the book.

I liked to blog, and my writing extended to that before I had Clark about a year ago. The only other writing I might have done in earlier years is some prayer journaling. So, let me explain I am NOT a seasoned, or trained writer…I have not attended writing conferences, and I self-published this book to be honest. I have to remind myself almost everyday that I got confirmations on all my decisions and my husband was behind me every step of the way.

To self-publish is to pay a company to design your book and print it in a book format. I did this with the full knowledge that I might never get back in profit what I paid out to the publishing company. And that is okay. I did not do this for that reason, in fact I want to give portions back to the church that did so much for me. I tried to keep the cost of the book down to a minimum so it is fairly small, thin and paperback. A mere $2 a book is my royalty, but if I just get one comment back that this story helped/uplifted/or inspired someone- that is my reward.

I’m looking forward to reading all that God has done in and around Lanessa through her life changing trials. I hope that through stories like Lanessas, we can continue to learn that “scar tissue is stronger than regular tissue” and that God is good – even in those moments of despair.

To order the book:

Click HERE
OR
call 888.519.5121.

My friend Lanessa has shared more on her situation including a thanks to all who have been praying for her and caring for her. Thought each and everyone of you who have been praying for her would like to know. Portions of her thoughts are below. You can read the complete update on her blog.

I have been meaning to write this for a few days, going over what I would like to say every night as I go to sleep. This trial in my life the last month has shaken me spiritually too, not just physically. To wake up one day in a hospital room, nurses buzzing around you, IV’s in you and then to have a doctor you don’t know come in to tell you you had brain surgery was mind blowing, then to realize you can’t talk, can’t walk and your head has been shaved was even harder…

To those that couldn’t make my side, your prayers meant just as much. Thank you for believing that Christ could pull me out of the brain swelling and surgery alive. I have been learning to ask specifically to God what I am needing, and your prayers of hope and healing is exactly what I need….

Did you know we have had meals come every other night since this started?
Did you know I had girls I hardly know lend me a changing table and glider for the baby?
Did you know I now have formula and diapers till Clark is a year old?
Did you know women would come and play and do crafts with my children?
Did you know I had babysitters come anytime I needed, for long hours?
Did you know we never had to worry about $ for Jason’s gas and food?
Did you know I had churches all over the US praying for me?
Did you know I had a flower arrangement or gift sent to me every week?
Did you know I had a nurse make a CD of Christian singers she thought I would like?
Did you know I had my OB doc bring me a smoothie I wanted as a surprise?
Did you know my whole Sunday school came to pray over me?

Yes, they wrote an article in the paper about ME, but this trial has been about YOU, the person who cared enough to come, pray, and encourage. Thank you.

Many of you have been praying for my friend Lanessa Allman. Thank you!

She’s out of ICU and has begun rehabilitation after battling encephalitis for several weeks. There’s still a ways to go but she’s making tremendous strides. I thought I’d share a letter Lanessa’s husband Jay shared via his brother’s blog.

It just goes to show how good and pleasing it is to encourage one another towards (and in) love and good deeds and how the body of Christ can join together to comfort and support one another in times of need.

WOW, were do I even begin. Right now I really wish I had my brothers talent for writing because I would love to be able to tell all of you how I have been feeling the last month, but I still just don’t have the words to describe it all.

What I can say is Thank You.

Thank you for every card that was written

Thank you for every note that was sent or left for us

Thank you for every gift card for food or gas

Thank you for every piece of clothing or gift given

Thank you for all of the dinners brought to us

Thank you for all the formula and diapers

Thank you for each comment left on the blog

Thank you for every dollar given to me or my family (I promise that what has not been used directly for this situation will be tithed to our church in all of your names)

Thank you for all the beautiful flowers (we put them all by her bed so she could at least smell them even if not see them)

Thank you for your time spent with Lanessa, Me or our families

Thank you for every encouraging word

Thank you for your churches and their hearts for us

Thank you for all your concern for us

and especially….

Thank you for your prayers. Your prayers brought back a wife, mother, daughter, and friend. That is power for which I cannot comprehend.

You can read the rest of the letter on Chris’ blog.