Anissa’s Story # 2 – God Shows Up With Grace As Joy Comes In The Morning.

joy in the am

After a long night of contemplating the what ifs and the whys of our situation, we met with Anissa’s doctor the next day. It was a breath of fresh air and an amazing relief to hear the doctor say :

“It took a hand higher than ours” he admitted. “Your daughter’s kidneys are functioning and her fever is gone. We tried everything we knew to get her kidneys to function. Nothing worked. You can thank the good Lord that you still have a daughter.” Even the nurses were excited over the good news that Anissa had wet in the middle of the night, the first time in several days. Her eyes were open and even her fingernails had returned to a normal color. Everyone acknowledged that Anissa’s improvement was miraculous, there was no other explanation.

We firmly believed that this miracle was the result of the prayers of many. I knew also that my prayer to God in the middle of the night had been answered. I knew in my heart that God had another plan for Anissa’s life which was not to include a lifetime of institutions, but a special agenda that the Lord had for her. On that same day February 27th, 1968 Anissa was baptized in a small out-of-the-way hospital room. What a different outcome for this day than it could have been had God not shown His grace!

We still realized that as the doctor said, Anissa would suffer from the rare form of petit- mal epilepsy called myoclonic seizures. At the time many people suggested we file suit against the doctor but we decided that it was not his fault that Anissa had such a reaction to the drug Phenergan. However, it was found by the FDA a short time later that this drug should never be given to a child under two years old due to the immaturity of the brain.

Next up the doctor recommended to us that we admit Anissa in a research study on this type of epilepsy that was underway. A noted neurologist from New Zealand, Dr. Fritz Dreifuss was at the University of Virginia hospital leading the study. It gave a us a ray of hope we so needed. The next day we drove to the hospital and entered Anissa in the research program.

At that time we owned a motel and had plenty of work to keep us busy, which was probably a good thing because of the long week that Anissa was gone. We were also glad it was not the busy tourist season since the waiting time was unpredictable concerning hospital visits.

We continued on to search out anything we could about myoclonic seizures and even met some parents of a boy who had the same type of epilepsy, in his case requiring institutionalization .

Our trips to see Anissa were not very hopeful. Since various drugs had been tried, along with injections of the hormone ACTH, with no positive results, Dr. Dreifuss gave us a dismal prognosis. As a preventitive treatment against other types of seizures, Gemonil ( metharbital) was prescribed.

As a matter of fact, he suggested we put Anissa in an institution and go on with our lives.

Clinging to my faith that God had a special plan for Anissa’s life since the miracle of her kidneys, I believed the only chance for her survival would be in our home. Dr Dreifuss questioned whether I could handle the continuous 24/7 care necessary for a brain- damaged, hyperactive child. I thought of the many stressful events experienced while balancing family and business. I quickly stated that if I was able to keep my sanity during the 14 years of operating a motel and restaurant, than I could surely handle Anissa.

The doctor then indicated that if we planned on keeping our child at home, it would be best to live where she could be outdoors most of the time. Little did we realize the trials and frustrations that were ahead !But in our times of weakness, our fervent prayers to God enabled us to receive the necessary strength to carry on, experiencing a taste of His excellent grace.

To contact Anissa’s mother email blawyerlogos@bellsouth.net

To visit the website go to http://www.wellspringhealingretreat.org

Anissa’s Story # 5 – The Good Doctor & The Great Physician

anissa5

With Anissa acting so normal and not one hint of a seizure throughout the week of therapy at Spears Hospital in Denver, along with the prayerful visits of Ruby Nikaido, I wondered if God had performed an outright miracle, or if the seizures had stopped as a result of the therapy. My longing was to go home so my family could see the miraculous change in Anissa. Also hospital bills were a great concern – yet, I had a fear of leaving there when she was making such great progress. At that moment my security seemed to be in the therapy she was receiving. Not wanting to make the same mistake I made previously when Anissa was 6 months old, putting too much confidence in a doctors prescribed therapy, I decided it was time to put all my trust in God.

“Oh God,” I prayed, “please give me a sign that I may know whether to stay for another week of therapy or go home.” That sign came immediately after her next skull-molding therapy. Anissa experienced a seizure that was different from any type of spell she’d ever had in the past. I interpreted it as God’s way of telling me that it was not the therapy that had stopped the seizures. I knew it was miraculous and that we were not to stay another week but return home and share everything that had happened to Anissa with my family. This different type of seizure did not disturb me since there was no doubt in my mind that God was in control. I had such peace and didn’t even question Him.

Ruby was so gracious to take us to the airport and even waited while we boarded the plane. She prayed with us, instilling in me the confidence that God would meet our needs. She also brought puzzles and books to keep Anissa occupied on the long flight home. Through Ruby’s example, I learned how important it is to obey the Holy Spirit. One particular point she made had a strong impact on my faith throughout the following years: “Anytime God wants you to do something for Him, He will babysit Anissa.” This has proven to be a true word numerous times!

Anissa was extremly good on the flight home and I felt renewed physically, mentally, and spiritually. Upon our arrival at home, our family, friends and neighbors were surprised and excited to see Anissa looking so normal and healthy. She was now able to run, walk and talk and was free of the lightning seizures.

Shortly thereafter, my husband and our son experienced the power of God while attending a seminar where evangelist Frank Marzullo taught on the Pentecostal movement in the Catholic church. It was a miracle to see Anissa sit quietly for several hours during the entire service. Afterwards, the evangelist and team intercessors prayed over her. She was then set free of all seizures and began adding new words to her vocabulary.

Two months later my husband’s parents visited us and went to Busch Gardens with us. The ride through the animal kingdom in an open tram must have triggered Anissa’s allergies, causing abnormal spastic-like movements. Evidently the extreme heat, high humidity, blooming flowers and animal dander was too much for her immune system. To our dismay she suffered a relapse and soon was having full seizures, which was to become a thorn in the flesh.

In hopes to alleviate negative thoughts regarding Anissa’s healing, I sought the Lord for answers. He answered through an encouraging letter from Ruby, confirming that God was working in our situation. She shared how a fearful thought had crossed her mind:

“What if I had not obeyed God? Would Anissa have missed out on her miracle?” She wrote, “I had such an Anointing come upon me when you started to walk out { of the dress shop } and the Lord said ‘Pray for the little girl’. I thought why do I have to? And He said again ‘Pray for the little girl.’ It scared me when you came back that Friday afternoon when I saw what I saw with my own eyes. Anissa walked in so tall and looked me straight in the face. I looked at her and thought to myself, its the same little face, so alert and so sweet, same hair and same haircut. I looked at you. It’s the same mother. Yes – It’s them. And after you told us all that was happening to her, I don’t have words to explain. A thousand things went through my mind. Now I know what a miracle is. I was seeing one, and God is on the throne, and what Jesus said in the scriptures is true. He is real and alive”

jesus healing hand

Had Anissa been totally cured in Denver, perhaps our family would not have had the spiritual experience of learning who God is and growing in the fruits of the spirit. In the years ahead, whenever ultimate victory seemed out of our grasp, we learned that barriers are obstructions that are not necessarily impassable but can be made possible by God’s excellent grace

To reach Anissa’s mother email blawyerlogos@bellsouth.net

To visit the ministry website go to http://www.wellspringhealingretreat.org

Anissa’s Story – Post # 14 – The First Blessing Of God’s Appointed Trip…

Looking forward to our God appointed trip to attend a healing

service in Massachusetts, scheduled for September, 1980, we still

had to get through June, July and August. As a result of continual

12 -25 tonic-clonic seizures a night, Anissa’s health went in a

downward spiral. Unless assisted, she was unable to walk and

required someone with her at all times. She seemed very

retarded, not alert, nonverbal, unable to sit up without being

propped or held, kept her arms up in the air and had a very

unstable head.

All food had to be puree, so I made special

nutritious soups and extracted vegetable juices. Our group’s

prayers of intercession, along with the special diet, sustained her.

On September 6, we arrived in Virginia Beach to meet several

times with George Selig, Ed.D., at CBN University. Dr. Selig

related how God called him to teach at the University regarding

administration in conjunction with the mentally retarded and

special education. We shared Anissa’s testimony and how God

called us to establish a healing center – without drugs, for people

when the conventional methods of treatment have been

unsuccessful. (Later, in 1986, Dr. Selig wrote the Forward to our

book Victorious Survivors)

“Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in

the field;

and afterwards build thine house.” Proverbs 24:27

We next visited the information center at CBN to obtain tapes and

pray in the Chapel. Pastor David Jones came out from his office,

looked at me and said, “God loves you – He really loves you.”

He proceeded back to his office, turned around and came back to

ask us some questions. I related that we were unable to attend

the 9 a.m. chapel service because of Anissa. He said, “We have

to pray for her.”

After showing the Pastor her picture, he took her name and went back into the office. Once again, he returned and asked the receptionist to lead a worship song that would bring us into the presence of God. As she sang, the Glory of God covered us, then Pastor Jones prophesied: “Keep your eyes upon Jesus – keep your eyes upon Jesus – His love flows out to you – keep your eyes upon Jesus.”

These words became etched in my spirit and mind to this very day and have kept me from being distracted by worldly views and voices.

The uniqueness of our blessing that day stayed with Pastor Jones. He became a close and beloved friend who helped open many doors for us in the years to come. It was another revelation of how God blessed us with His Excellence Grace.

(The next post will continue the journey – stay tuned.)

To contact Anissa’s mother email blawyerlogos@bellsouth.net

To take a virtual tour of the retreat center go to http://www.wellspringhealingretreat.org

Anissa’s Story – Post #18 – A Prayerful Reminder To Keep A Proper Focus…

Upon leaving Worcester, Massachusetts, with many fond memories, we traveled a scenic journey to Valleyfield, Quebec, where we visited with a previous co-worker of my husband and friend of Mr. Tom, his employer. The change of pace was a treat with the several days of rest, sightseeing and wonderful places to eat. Anissa was so good, adapted unusually well to all the changes and would even lay down in the car, which she had not done previously.

In reflection of all that had taken place since leaving our home in Florida just a week before, it was like a dream. We learned how to put denominational differences aside as we met lovely people only wanting to help. Being of the Protestant faith, it was easier for us to “keep our eyes upon Jesus,” as exhorted to do so by Pastor David Jones several days earlier while at the Christian Broadcasting Network in Virginia Beach.

The September healing services we attended in Worcester were centered upon The Feast of The Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Therefore, the Charismatic Catholic priest, Fr. Ralph DiOrio, spoke only about Jesus Christ and the deeper meaning of the cross being a sign of strength and protection. The Communion (Eucharist) was open for all born again believers of Christ to partake. It was definitely more like a Pentecostal/Charismatic type of healing services.

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2

It was interesting to hear Fr. DiOrio explain at the beginning of his healing services about people falling out in the Spirit. He stated that if one is truly ‘slain in the Spirit,’ no matter what they hit when falling, there will be no headache or hurt upon arising from such a fall. But knowing how vain the mind can work, he did tell people in the balcony to remain seated. Also, it is good to remember that one needs to be willing to receive signs and wonders through the power of the Holy Spirit, but to try the spirits and not attend any service for signs alone.

There was an incident that took place before the second weekend service began. One of the ushers asked a priest from St. Philip’s Neri Church, Bronx, NY, and a sweet girl who helped in his ministry, to pray for Anissa. His prayer greatly disturbed me when he consecrated Anissa to the Virgin Mary. I immediately interrupted his prayer and said, “She is already consecrated to Jesus Christ!” His kind response came into agreement with my request. Since he was a very young priest, I attributed his actions to lack of wise counsel and experience.

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.”

1 Timothy 2:5-6

In this God-appointed journey, we were given the opportunity to spend quality time with our parents and relatives in West Virginia. My husband attended a business meeting in Washington, D.C., with his boss, Mr. Tom, who was overjoyed to hear the good report of “Little Bits”. Anissa progressed each day, very alert and happy, and able once again to walk by herself. Our families and relatives rejoiced to see the evidence of things hoped for come to pass for us — a result of His Excellent Grace.

(Now, please feel free to send your testimonies of others receiving such Grace so we can post them for others to see! Glorify God — submit your story to blawyerlogos@bellsouth.net

Or mail it to:

Logos Life & Light Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box, 1732, Ormond Beach, FL 32175)

To reach Anissa’s mother, email blawyerlogos@bellsouth.net

To take a virtual tour of the healing center go to http://www.wellspringhealingretreat.org

Anissa’s Story – Post #23 – The Power Of A Praying Doctor…

Again and again, it appears to be an unending venture in seeking a cure for my daughter. Through the search, it is my hope that others who suffer with uncontrollable seizure activity, or are diagnosed with Lennox Gastaut Syndrome, such as Anissa, will receive helpful information.

“But in our trouble God has comforted us—and this, too, to help you: to show you from our personal experience how God will tenderly comfort you when you undergo these same sufferings. He will give you the strength to endure.”

2 Corinthians 1:7 TLB

Upon our arrival in Tulsa, Oklahoma and the City of Faith Medical Center, we thought it best to transport Anissa to and from scheduled appointments in a wheelchair because of seizures being so unpredictable. She enjoyed the rides and was especially happy to be outdoors in the beautiful weather. Sometimes God answers prayers in areas we least expect, but need the most. While many were suffering from severe allergies due to an abnormally high pollen count that season in Tulsa, Anissa showed no sensitivity to the outdoor air.

The faith-filled atmosphere that encompassed the City of Faith complex was so peaceful. We were especially impressed with our first appointment when the neurologist, Dr. Liphard D’Souza, asked Pastor Joel Vesaner to come into his office and pray for Anissa. Surrounding her, we all reverently joined hands in prayer.

IMG_1127[3389]Anissa & Doctors -Tulsa

The honest concern that Dr. D’Souza had toward Anissa and our situation showed his heart of compassion. For several months, her digestive tract had been upset and was making grinding noises. He recommended an enzyme tablet with everything in it. I realized, then, this doctor knew the benefits of good nutrition. After two days of enzyme therapy, the noises subsided. It was then we learned the medical name given for Anissa’s condition is Lennox Gastaut Syndrome.

After getting the results of Anissa’s blood tests, there were several drugs that Dr. D’Souza wanted to try. He handed me his 1986 Physician’s Desk Reference Manual so I could read the description of Depakote (divalproex sodium), the drug he was considering. Since that drug is equivalent to the Sodium Valporate given to Anissa in the past, we hesitated in our decision to give Depakote a try. But after learning the tablets were enteric-coated with less chance for gastrointestinal upsets, we gave our approval.

While it controlled the absence seizures, after Anissa ate any mildly spiced foods, she would vomit, so her diet was very limited. It took high dosages of a combination of the drugs, Depakote, Valium, Tegretol and Tranzene to keep her seizure-free for three months. After that time, however, reactions set in: multi-seizures returned and in addition, her hair began to fall out, sores appeared in her mouth and blood in her stools.

Upon hearing this, Dr. D’Souza was very disheartened and said, “I’ll keep praying for her and we’ll come up with something!” True to his word, he has phoned me throughout the years to check on Anissa and discuss various drugs that may be helpful. Several years ago, while on a business trip to Florida, he and his wife came to our home – not as a visiting doctor but as good friends. The following quote by Nobel Prize winner, Francois Mauriac, describes our time in Tulsa:

“No love, no friendship can cross the path of our destiny without leaving some mark on it forever.”

When taking Anissa outdoors, Dr. D’Souza prescribed a wheelchair for her protection against injury. We followed his advice and for several years were able to enjoy the sunshine blessings of living in Florida. I have learned that when God places someone special in our lives, then no one can separate what has been joined together by His Excellent Grace.

To contact Anissa’s mother email her at blawyerlogos@bellsouth.net

To take a virtual tour of the healing center go to http://www.wellspringhealingretreat.org

Anissa’s Story – Post #25 – Major Medical Decisions And Listening Prayer = Good Results.

As a follow up of yesterday’s Post #24 and the awesome experience I had in connection with “First Lady” Barbara Bush’s compassionate heart, my prayers now go out to her beloved family in feeling the loss of her gracious life.

“For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens … therefore we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident … and well-pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.”

2 Corinthians 5:1, 6-8 NKJV

Sometimes a lack of knowledge can cause those still living to suffer in their mortal body. After exhausting all pathways of treating the seizure activity in Anissa with anti-epilepsy drugs, we were advised to consider a surgical operation of her corpus callosum. This procedure, known as split-brain, would separate a broad band of nerve fibers that joins the two hemispheres of the brain to keep a seizure isolated and from spreading throughout her brain.

Upon hearing favorable reports from other parents who took their child for such an operation to the Augusta Medical Center in Georgia, we decided to take Anissa for an evaluation. In 1987, an appointment was made for her with the neurosurgeon, Dr. Donald King. (Since one of his patient’s story was in our book, Victorious Survivors, he had previously ordered 15 copies to share with others.) Therefore, Dr. King was sensitive to our need to work closely with a physician who is compassionate to our needs and willing to try various types of therapy. It was his opinion that Anissa would not be a good candidate for the corpus callosum surgery because of her combative behavior. He told us that in the meantime, he’d keep her name on his special list for any new experimental drug program that might be beneficial for the types of seizures she was having.

Because of the extreme behavior problems that Anissa experienced after the severe drug reaction just several months before, Dr. King prescribed Mellaril (thioridazine HCI), in minute doses, in hopes to correct her loud screaming, explosive excitability and impulsivity. After several doses, we realized she was making the same kind of “pointless” motions which had originally alerted us to the reaction she had at six months of age to the drug Phenergan. After researching the chemical makeup of those two drugs, we were shocked to learn that both contained the same antipsychotic component – phenothiazine, which should never be given to a child under two years of age! It was then we understood that Anissa’s brain suffered seizures as a result of the drug causing a chemical imbalance rather than structural damage.

“When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you, to deliver you from the way of evil.” Proverbs 2:10-12 NKJV

This knowledge that I gained only made me more adamant in finding a formula that will counteract what that antipsychotic drug might have caused in the chemical balance of Anissa’s brain. Evidently, God wants the same results and could be the reason why we are recipients of “open doors – signs — wonders” through the power of His Excellent Grace.

To contact Anissa’s mother email her at blawyerlogos@bellsouth.net

To take a virtual tour of the healing center go to http://www.wellspringhealingretreat.org

Anissa’s Story – Post #28 – Medicine Shift – Watching All Things Work Together…

grace bridge

After the removal of Anissa’s wisdom teeth, the following year in June of 1993, she was approved for the experimental program to begin Felbatol (felbamate) therapy. She ended up having to go the least desirable way rather than embarking on the “compassionate” program, which we had preferred.

Then began the ordeal of withdrawal from her previous medications of Phenobarbitol, Valium, Tegretol and Tagamet. However, within a short period of time, the mental alertness that Anissa exhibited encouraged us to persevere through the rough times of “addictive” withdrawal symptoms. During a two-week period, she experienced 90 multi-type seizures that could easily have ended her life if left to fend for herself.

For accurate evaluation, the neurologist had also prescribed our purchase of a camcorder to video tape all the types of seizures manifested during a two-month period. Shortly thereafter, the videos were used in helping others to recognize various types of seizures, especially for caregivers who worked with such individuals. This, of course, was before people had access to the Internet — WOW! What a blessing it is!!!

After one month of only Felbatol therapy, Anissa was seizure-free for a consecutive period of 21 days – the first time in seven years to be free for more than one or two days per month. Since Felbatol was experimental, the drug company set regulations that required frequent blood tests and a specific dosage, stronger than was best for Anissa. Her digestive system became very irritated, unable to keep food or medicine down. Seizures returned and on October 4th, the neurologist said to get her immediately to the hospital.

After a five-hour wait in the hospital emergency room, she was given an injection of Reglan (metoclopramide) to counteract her violent upchucking and nausea. A positive side effect of Reglan was that shaking-palsy symptoms of Anissa’s head and upper torso stopped! (Normally, this drug can cause a side effect of tremors and lower the threshold for seizure activity, exactly the opposite of the effect it had on her.) She was then prescribed a very small dose of Reglan which gave her an excellent appetite and due to the cessation of the shaking, Anissa was once again able to feed herself. By the time of her next checkup, she had gained seven pounds within two months. Still, seizures were manifesting daily which required additional therapy.

Shortly after Anissa’s flare-up, Felbatol was approved by the FDA and became available through prescriptions. The neurologist was no longer required to comply with the “experimental drug” restriction and could reduce her dosage. Prior to Thanksgiving, at the onset of a family trip to West Virginia, a new regimen of drug therapy was begun, adding Valium (diazepam) to the Felbatol and Reglan.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.”

Romans 8:28

The medication change caused Anissa to be in a more docile state that enabled some quality time with her grandparents. It had been over two years since we could visit with our family and grandchildren. A rare treat was being able to have Anissa join with us at a restaurant. We enjoyed first hand how things work together for good through the power of His Excellent Grace.

To contact Anissa’s mother email her at blawyerlogos@bellsouth.net

To take a virtual tour of the healing center go to http://www.wellspringhealingretreat.org

Anissa’s Story – Post #41 – Life Is Not Free Of Storms. Trusting God Through It All…

storms

While Anissa’s brother was visiting us in July, 2010, it finally happened that he was present to video tape one of her most dangerous type of seizures. Upon showing the video to her medical doctor, he commented: “If she was in a nursing home type facility, within one week she would wind up in the hospital.” Simply because they would not have the necessary means to care for her one-on-one unless she was bedridden. Also, Anissa’s communication skills are seldom verbal unless she yells and then the caregiver must decipher what her actions mean. The danger is greatest while walking or even in a wheelchair, due to her legs, arms and torso thrusting hard in opposite directions.

Another new drug, Vimpat (lacosamide), was prescribed. The first week of that medication seemed to make Anissa more alert. But after several weeks, tremors caused her head to shake so violently that food would fling out of her mouth and the seizures became more intense, so the drug was stopped immediately.

It was in 2011 that Anissa’s beloved neurologist for over thirteen years was no longer able to see her. So, to prevent the long trips to Melbourne, a neurologist in our locality seemed a wise choice; whereas, his first order was to have an EEG done.

To obtain an accurate brain wave test required that she receive no extra medication that would put her to sleep. Because of the constant head tremors, the technician had a very difficult time getting the wires glued to Anissa’s head and wanted to forego the test, which I totally understood the negative response.

It was then I mentioned how prayer can change things. I invited the technician to join with me in prayer, but she let me know very quickly, saying, “I do not believe in that stuff!” Knowing the importance of the EEG, I believed God for a miracle, so I asked if she would please proceed with the test while I would quietly sing to Anissa — she reluctantly agreed. As I was praying and softly singing in Anissa’s ear, a very deep sleep came upon her, amazing the technician, as well as myself!

“And Jesus looking at them said, ‘With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.’” Mark 10:27 NKJV

The completed report read as follows: This is a diffusely slow abnormal tracing. There are multiple spike discharges seen throughout the tracing. This seemed to be fairly symmetrical. These occurred on every page of the tracing, spike and spike slow wave activity, which had the frequency of about two per second. Three minutes of hyperventilation was not performed. IMPRESSION: Severely abnormal EEG, consistent with a generalized seizure disorder. The neurologist’s interpretation: “The report shows that seizures in her brain never stop and unless medical research discovers a new medication, there is no answer!”

Several months prior to the EEG, due to the hard clenching of her jaws during violent seizures, Anissa had to have three more teeth extracted. With only front teeth remaining, that meant she must have puree or soft foods at mealtime.

As the challenges became greater, so did God’s Grace! He gave me the courage to drive to North Carolina for my granddaughter’s wedding. It was a four-day round trip and since restaurants were not an option, I had to pack enough of Anissa’s special foods to last. Also, it required taking her bath lift plus other essentials that filled up every space in the car. The good Lord made the way for a very special friend of mine who lived in that area, along with her Pastor, to stay with Anissa while I attended the wedding and a short time at the reception.

It was wonderful to see the many relatives and later that evening to visit with family at my son’s home. Except there be a change for the better concerning my daughter, it’s not a trip that I desire to repeat! The perfect weather and Anissa’s love to travel eased the stress considerably, for which I give thanks and can only attribute the blessings to His Excellent Grace!

To contact Anissa’s mother email her at blawyerlogos@bellsouth.net

To take a virtual tour of the healing center go to http://www.wellspringhealing retreat.org.

Anissa’s Story #42 – Times May Change – But God’s Word Remains…

The victories seen in 2012 had more to do with the ministry rather than Anissa, but both are intertwined. Having experienced over 821 seizures that year, with 407 being the worse destructive kind, each lasting four to ten minutes, the stress factor hit a record high. The amazing thing is how well she always looked and stayed physically strong — yet my hope for a miraculous change remained!

HPIM0340 (2)

Hopes for a change in 2013 concerning Anissa were high. It began in January when I first learned about Fuel For Thought (MCT-Coconut Oil), which was proven to raise Ketones. Anissa began two ounces daily but in order to keep a 24-hour balance, the dosage needed to be increased to four times daily. In doing this, she developed a severe digestive disturbance and the dose had to be lowered to once a day. Even so, there remained a change in her alertness and recognition, as well as less allergies. The autism characteristics were also miraculously altered, but no change in the seizure activity.

With the greater challenge in caring for Anissa 24/7, the Prayer Clinic open four days a week, and searching for a couple to oversee our retreat center, I was ready for the joyous breakthrough that came forth in June. It was a definite answer to our fervent prayers when contact was made with Tom Winslow, an ordained minister for over 20 years, and wife Barbara, a Registered Nurse. Since they were Directors of Pensacola Healing Rooms for seven years and Regional Directors of the International Association Southeastern Healing Rooms, we thought they might know of a responsible couple to oversee our healing center. When they could not recall anyone who might be interested, I said, “What about you two?” Tom sort of laughed as he mentioned about their plate being already full. But God had other plans! After a time of fasting, with prayer and a commitment to know and do the Lord’s will, it became evident the Lord was calling them to be our new Directors.

“You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.”

John 15:16 NKJV

Within a month’s time, I heard a news report concerning magnetoencephalography or MEG Scan — an imaging technique that identifies brain activity and measures small magnetic fields produced in the brain to pinpoint the source of seizures. After receiving word that Florida Hospital for Children in Orlando had the MEG Scan and was opening its doors to adults suffering with seizures, Anissa at age 46, was accepted and evaluated. Without hesitating, the neurologist said: “She needs a corpus colostomy! It may not alleviate all seizures, but it could lessen the severity of them.” I was very disappointed when he said the scan would only be used during the surgery and not prior to an operation. When I responded that a corpus colostomy [also called “split brain”] operation was not considered in the past due to her combatant behavior, the doctor looked at Anissa and said: “Well, she’s no more than a zombie now!” Shocked to hear such words, I asked if he had looked at the video previously sent to him. When he answered in the negative, the nurse presented the video to him. He became more irritated when his computer refused to work properly. I offered my camcorder that was already set to view, just in case there was a mishap during the consultation. He said that it wasn’t necessary and instructed the nurse to answer any questions concerning an operation, then he quickly exited the room. The nurse suggested more prayer before making a decision. The following week, Anissa experienced some very combative episodes, plus an entire day of tonic seizures – the type referred to by the neurologist that may not be alleviated by the surgery. I wondered if it was God’s way of showing how difficult it could be after such a surgical procedure?

“Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of His creatures.” James 1:16-18 NKJV

It was during that time period when CNN had a special report regarding Charlotte’s Web, a constituent of marijuana/hemp with less THC and higher CBD, being used to control seizures in children with LGS. Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, hosted the program with special guest, Dr. Alan Shackelford, a Harvard trained physician and one of the nation’s foremost experts on medical marijuana. After seeing a video of Anissa’s seizures and viewing her medical records, as well as reading her story, Dr. Shackelford wanted to personally meet her. As I prayed to know God’s will concerning the request, the Holy Spirit led me to Isaiah 43:21 “This people have I formed for myself; they shall show forth my praise.” That Word gave me great peace of mind that I was going in the right direction.

The visitation was set up by Consumer Law Services. Their firm worked in collaboration with expert physicians and to assist patients in determining whether they are complying with the Doctrine of Medical Necessity. It was important to have a valid legal defense before using medical marijuana, also known as cannabis/CBD. On Sunday, December 15, 2013, Dr. Shackelford made a “house call”, along with the legal team, to see Anissa. The doctor’s attitude greatly impressed me as to how he listened very carefully to every detail in my answering of his questions. Before the visit ended, I was privileged to pray with them and give each one a copy of Isaiah 43:21. Since that day, it is my understanding that this doctor spends much of his time in Israel, working with a pharmaceutical company concerning the production of cannabis/CBD. Their visit greatly encouraged me to pursue that open door to try the CBD with Anissa. In my heart, the faith I had was in the Lord’s pathway of healing for Anissa and not the CBD, so any success would depend upon the power of His Excellent Grace!

To contact Anissa’s mother email her at blawyerlogos@bellsouth.net

To take a virtual tour of the healing center go to http://www.wellspringhealingretreat.org