Anissa’s Story – Post #19 – “Pressing In Prayer For A Cure…”

It was after a period of time when our daughter, Anissa, was free of seizures and doing especially well that we felt encouraged, then things would change rather abruptly. Due to an unexpected attack upon her physical body, such as a sinus affliction or other communicable diseases — instead of improvements, seizures would begin to manifest.

Anissa – when unexpected affliction was present (above)

Anissa – when free of any unexpected affliction (above)

During one of these trying seasons of Anissa’s life, I was seeking God for an answer. While reading Psalm 80, verse 12 was quickened as an inward witness to my spirit. “Why hast thou then broken down her hedges, so that all they which pass by the way do pluck her?” Immediately, I thought of the Biblical account of how Satan, wanting to prove Job a hypocrite rather than a faithful man, questioned God for having made a hedge of protection around Job, his household and everything he owned.

Understanding the purposes of God can guard us against destructive attacks upon our faith. Job didn’t understand what was happening to him, but we have the advantage to recognize from his story that while God may allow one’s faith to be put to the test, there comes a time of restoration. I have learned that what we don’t understand, we are not to discard but should continue to ask for wisdom, seek for insight and understanding, and to knock for knowledge of the truth until victory comes.

“So the Lord blessed Job at the end of his life more than at the beginning.”

Job 42:12 TLB

God encourages us to demonstrate confidence in Him no matter whether we are in the midst of the broken hedge or a time of protection surrounded by the hedge. People may look towards a handicapped individual, searching for signs of improvement to build up one’s own faith as a result of their prayers for such a person. According to James 5:16, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” It may not always be the healing at the time we want, but much can be availed in our own spiritual growth through obedience and commitment to pray.

“Pray about everything; tell God your needs and don’t forget to thank Him for His answers. If you do this you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 TLB

While attending a Camp Meeting in 1983, I had an opportunity to question a worldwide evangelist gifted with discerning of spirits, Dr. Lester Sumrall, about our faith and Anissa’s condition. He said, “This has to do with more than just your faith! God is working something out of this whole thing. This is physical and spiritual. Your daughter needs deliverance and healing, physically and mentally.”

That quickened word was instilled in my spirit and has been a sustaining force in my walk of faith as I seek a cure for Anissa of all types of seizures – another facet of

HIS EXCELLENT GRACE!

*Please submit your testimonies of God’s excellent grace in your life! We would love to share it with everyone. Send posts to blawyerlogos@bellsouth.net

To contact 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 #22 – “Signs,Wonders & Waiting For Answers…

Anissa – “Sweet 16”

IMG_1124[3383] Anissa - Sweet 16

07/06/83

Since Anissa was free of the severe personality change from the negative side effect of the anti-epileptic drug Tegretol, she still contended with various types of seizures for several years. In 1984, we learned that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland, was using a PET scan to measure brain activity and to aid their epilepsy research program. An appointment was scheduled for August 2nd and at that moment, her seizure activity stopped. Was that a sign from God to let us know we were in His perfect will?

Anissa endured the 1,000 mile round trip to NIH, blood tests, EEG, long waits and visits with doctors, plus many other adjustments from her normal routine. Yet, she had no seizures throughout a four-week span, even though her daily dosage of Tegretol was cut in half to reduce tremors. No drugs were administered to her for 24 hours preceding the tests. It was a shock to us, therefore, when the results of the EEG indicated Anissa’s brain activity was in constant seizures, classified as absence or petit mal. Since this was a drastic change from her other two recent EEG tests, it made us wonder if the anti-seizure medications had brought about the return of the petit mal seizures.

After these tests, however, the doctors felt that Anissa would not be a good candidate for the PET scan, because of her inability to undergo the scan while awake, and the required lengthy stay in the hospital. The doctors agreed that it would take a real miracle to correct her condition. Shortly thereafter, NIH acquired the MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scanner. The neurologist felt it would be wise to have an MRI scan done on Anissa to determine whether the corpus callosum was thickened, damaged or non-functioning before considering a split-brain operation.

A scan was scheduled for Anissa on June 14, 1985. The radiology results reported: The examination shows the lateral, third, and fourth ventricles to be of normal size and in normal position. No evidence of abnormally increased or decreased signal is recognized in the brain. Since there was no evidence of structural damage, the doctors suggested that her seizures originated from a chemical malfunction in the brain. I still wonder if the medication (Phenergan) prescribed for Anissa at 6 months of age caused a chemical imbalance. Phenergan contains the antipsychotic component phenothiazine, which should never be given to a child under the age of two, or before the brain has fully matured.

Being constantly aware that God holds the key to Anissa’s ultimate victory, we continued to pray and seek for a breakthrough. One day, during the summer of 1986, while ironing clothes, these words came into my mind: “Make an appointment at the City of Faith for the second week in September!” I questioned this, knowing that according to a letter dated 4/1/85 from CEO, Dr. James Winslow, Jr., the City of Faith Medical Center did not yet have a neurologist on staff. Also, the trip to Tulsa, Oklahoma would take several days, so a final test would be if my husband was willing to go.

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

1 John 4:1 NKJV

My first thought, then, was to check and see if they had a neurologist on staff. To my delight, they reported that a pediatric neurologist, Dr. Liphard D’Souza, was joining their staff on August 1st. Although Anissa was now 19 years old and considered to be an adult, Dr. D’Souza felt he could be of help and wanted to see her. The first available appointment was the second week in September! This confirming word caused our hopes to soar! With expectant faith, we planned our trip, trusting in His Excellent Grace to bless our going and coming.

(Stay tuned as the search for a cure continues on my next Post!)

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’a Story #26 – Road Trip & Awaiting The Anointing…

god is my healer

By the year of 1988, we had once again pursued all avenues of medical help in search of healing for the uncontrollable seizures that 21-year-old Anissa battled against. Since surgery was not recommended, we knew it would take a miracle breakthrough supernaturally or discovery of new anti-seizure remedies.

The following three years greatly challenged our faith but prayerful warriors helped us to keep a proper focus. The only positive value I have seen from a violent seizure is an altering of Anissa’s brain chemicals when no medication works. One time, I prayed she might have the kind of seizure that would change things when she was so out of control with a loud voice and very little sleep. Our nerves were worn thin and I cried out desperately to the Lord for an answer. A vision appeared before me of two arms with outstretched hands surrounded by a glorious light coming out of heaven toward me.

Several hours later a Pastor’s wife called me regarding a meeting they were attending in Crystal River, directly across the state of Florida from our home. She explained that while in their time of prayer that morning, a vision of our family kept coming before them. The Pastor asked if we could bring Anissa to the meeting to have the minister, Dave Roberson, pray for her as there was a strong healing Anointing upon him. In desperate need of a breakthrough, my husband and I put everything on hold, pushing past the speed limit to make the evening meeting. To this day, I can still hear Anissa’s non-stop loud voice during the 2 ½ hour drive.

Once there, I stayed in the car with her while my husband attended the meeting until the time was right for me to go in alone when people would be going forth for prayer. As I waited in line with others, the minister was going to everyone but me, until finally I was standing alone. Then coming to me he said: “You probably wonder why I kept passing by you, but the Spirit of Prophecy was upon me and all I could see over you was Healing.” After explaining our situation and Anissa’s diagnosis of Lennox Gastaut Syndrome, he looked over to our Pastor and his wife asking them if this was the girl they had mentioned to him. After nodding ‘yes’, Dave Roberson then began to prophesy: “The Lord has shown me that you have taken your daughter to all the best medical doctors, as well as noted healing ministries, but the Anointing has yet to be given for this kind and it isn’t that far off!” He then wanted me to bring Anissa into the meeting for the elders to pray over her.

“But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose. And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, ‘Why could not we cast him out?’ And he said unto them, ‘This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.’” Mark 9:27-29

Afterwards, the loudness of voice stopped and we had a peaceful drive home with quietness in Anissa during the weeks that followed – another experience of His Excellent Grace!

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

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

Anissa’s Story – Post #27 – Discerning Doctors…

Reaching the age of 25 was a victory for Anissa, especially considering how seizures had increased in volume and velocity. “Red tape” had blocked the release of Felbatol (felbamate), an anti-seizure drug for which she had been approved the previous year. Her neurologist hoped to obtain it as a “compassionate drug” rather than experimental, to avoid the strenuous testing otherwise required by the FDA, which could worsen Anissa’s frail condition.

Starting felbamate therapy was further delayed when it became apparent Anissa needed her wisdom teeth removed. This required general anesthesia with monitoring of seizures during the operation (x-rays, cleaning, extractions, etc.), which had to be done at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida. Throughout the summer of 1992, we met with the four doctors in charge – an oral surgeon, pediatric dentist, anesthetist and neurologist. In order to keep Anissa strong enough to survive the operation, we took extra precautions, protecting her from colds and viruses. The timing of the operation was uncertain, due to coordinating the schedules of the doctors, but finally the date was set for November 18th.

Evidence of answered prayers occurred the day before surgery when all the preoperative tests were done from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Anissa had blood work, urinalysis, chest x-rays, several mouth exams, blood pressure and pulse rate, a general exam and lots of waiting, while sitting in a wheel chair the entire time. She did not have her regular naps, or receive her food and medication on schedule, yet only experienced one mild tonic seizure. She was very happy, peaceful and cooperative – truly a miracle!

angel over house

We knew Anissa was in good hands when Charlotte White, the oral surgeon, came out from the operating room to discuss with us what the x-rays and exam revealed: Anissa’s mouth was very healthy with no cavities, abscesses or gingivitis, but two of the wisdom teeth were impacted and the other two were shoving some teeth and could present future problems. Then, looking straight at us, Dr. White asked, “Are you Spirit-filled?” After receiving our affirmative answer, she replied, “So am I.” Another reason for the peace that passeth all understanding we were experiencing!

“For He [Christ Jesus] Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of division between us.”

Ephesians 2:14 NKJV

After the operation was over, Dr. White explained that gauze was placed in Anissa’s throat to prevent the blood from going into her stomach, as well as a special type of disintegrating sutures and gauze-like packing to alleviate dry sockets. She hoped it would keep Anissa from vomiting – and it did! Even with the strong anesthetic, her EEG showed seizure activity in the brain but she did not outwardly convulse.

During the following week, Anissa required one-on-one supervision night and day to restrain her hands from digging at her sore lips and gums. Puree foods were a steady diet for a season. At the final checkup, she was given a clean bill of health!

We survived the great challenge due to the many faithful intercessors keeping us in prayer before the Lord and overshadowed with 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 #29 – Watching For The Next Open Door…

god closes 2

On August 1, 1994, the FDA recommended suspending use of the anti-seizure drug, Febatol (felbamate), since it had been linked to ten cases of aplastic anemia – a rare and often fatal condition. In many ways, Anissa appeared to be better on the drug but her neurologist did not feel it was worth the risk, so it was discontinued. Several new drugs had been released that looked promising for controlling seizures.

Neurontin (gabapentin) was added to Anissa’s medications, but after two weeks of the drug combination, it became evident that Neurontin was certainly not promising for her, so it was deleted. Her severe adverse reaction had created a series of seizures during which bloody saliva drained from her mouth. We thought she bit her tongue only to later discover that two left, lower molars had fractured and crumbled, breaking at the surface gum line.

Because of so many drugs taken to alleviate the seizures, one destructive side effect was the pitting of her teeth, which caused them to be fractured during a hard seizure. Not visible to the naked eye, decay had developed within the teeth. Because of Anissa’s need to be anesthetized, this required another trip to Shands Hospital. Praise God, we were blessed to have the same sweet dental surgeon and team as in 1992, when Anissa’s wisdom teeth were removed.

This time, she had four left molars extracted, along with five restorations. Her EEG showed none of the seizure activity that had previously been seen while she was deeply sedated. Therefore, we concluded that Felbatol must have had a positive effect in helping to control seizures. Anissa’s gums and mouth healed quickly, but evidently the chemical balance of the neurotransmitters in her brain was jolted from the anesthesia, as nothing seemed to work the same thereafter in controlling the seizures.

We have learned that when one door closes, God opens another door. Our hopes were next on a promising new drug, Lamictal (lamotrigine), that Anissa was scheduled to receive through the University Hospital at Gainesville, until we discovered it would require a lot of testing. We knew her frail condition could not tolerate such an ordeal, so we decided to wait until it was readily available.

IMG_1153[3461] Anissa - Frail '96

The following year, in May of 1995, an exam revealed that Anissa had an erosion of the opening into her stomach from the esophagus, causing many digestive upsets. Prilosec (omeprazole), corrected the condition but to our dismay, it caused a sequence of much harder and more dangerous seizures.

The drug, Lamictal, became readily available in October, of which Anissa was able to tolerate small doses without digestive upset. She reacted very similar to that of Felbatol concerning alertness. Her sleep became at least 90% better, as well as less seizure activity. However, when the dosage was increased, Lamictal caused greater tension in her muscles, she was unable to relax and suffered from nausea and reflux. In order to give Anissa the adequate dosage required for better seizure control, her anxiety level increased considerably, thus defeating the purpose. As with Felbatol, the ill side effects reduced the benefits.

During an appointment with the neurologist in Melbourne, Florida, he indicated that Anissa suffers from the “worst-case” type of seizure disorder. My response: “I sure would like to know more about the brain!” His quick reply: “So would I!”

Much of our learning has been by trial and error. Of course, we will not allow any drug with like components contained in Phenergan, such as the phenothiazines, to be used for Anissa. The adverse reaction she suffered from Neurontin and Gabitril (tiagabine), gives us cause to question drugs affecting the GABA receptor in her brain.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV

Patients such as Anissa are dependent upon decisions made by others. As legal guardian for the well-being of my daughter, prayer and a healthy diet is a necessity! Searching the Internet for any new therapy can also be helpful. But to persevere, it takes the guidance of the Holy Spirit and His Excellent Grace!

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

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

Anissa’s Story – Post #30 – Considering It All Joy…Even In Tribulation.

persevereing

On Anissa’s 29th birthday (1996), there was still no reprieve of seizures – frail in appearance, yet a strength that would always confound our human reasoning. Our desperate prayers for relief of the severe hyperventilation and hyperactivity that Anissa was experiencing day in and day out, caused us to search for a solution.

Research led us to a medical specialist in Miami who had considerable success in his practice using auriculotherapy, an electrical stimulation of the ear. An appointment was scheduled for Anissa. When the doctor performed this therapy on her, the hyper afflictions came to an immediate halt. Because the calming effect was so noticeable, the doctor recommended that we continue the therapy at home with a compact, state-of-the-art version of the machine. This unique instrument has a special probe to effectively detect and stimulate important nerve junctions in the body. Clinical studies reveal that it is capable of improving blood flow, thereby improving vitality, reducing pain and accelerating tissue healing.

In order to purchase the Stimplus instrument, I first had to learn the technique. That required my attending a two-day seminar near the Miami airport, where Anissa and her dad could enjoy a perfect view of air flight activity from our hotel room. After the hotel security guard was notified of loud voices coming from our room, he showed up at our door that night to check on things. Once he understood our predicament, we were told to try and keep the volume low. Oh, how many times we prayed for that very thing! Not wanting to disturb others, we knew that in the future there would have to either be a change with Anissa, stay at home or have a sound proof room.

The stimulator proved valuable to the wellness of our family – except for Anissa. The high-pitch beeping, (generated “automatically” by the portable version of the device), on the edge of her ear, created in her a sensitivity to the noise which she violently resisted. The large machine used by the physician in his office did not generate a noticeable noise, as it had a connecting line from the point of contact to the actual equipment located across the room. We were grateful of being able to experience first-hand the validity of auriculotherapy therapy. With Anissa, it is not mind over matter – it either does or does not work! Scientific research has proven that cranial electrical stimulation can be a safe, alternative method of healing. Since seizure activity is a type of electrical discharge in the brain, such stimulation must be regulated to avert negative results. At this present time, much research is being done with Deep Brain Stimulation which delivers controlled electrical pulses to a specific target in the brain.

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

Romans 5:1-5 NKJV

With so many disappointments throughout the years, the main thing that keeps my hope alive is the Word of God and memories 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 #31 – God’s Silver Lining In The Midst Of Trials…

grace in trials

In February, 1997, an MRI scan of Anissa’s brain and upper spine was scheduled at Holmes Regional Hospital in Melbourne, Florida. The radiologist read the scan as normal; however, the neurologist thought there was a slight atrophy (shrinkage) of Anissa’s cerebellum. [Just recently I have learned that the anti-seizure medication, Tegretol (carbamazepine), which Anissa has taken since 1982, can cause atrophy of the cerebellum.] If so, this could possibly explain why previous remedies became futile. For example, we had taught her to say aloud, “head – stop shaking – Jesus name,” and her head would stop shaking. But then came the time when it no longer worked. We have learned that if the root cause is a physical malfunction, a therapeutic correction may be necessary before prayers are answered.

During that hospital visit, a nurse had given us the name of a dentist in the Palm Bay area who worked with patients like Anissa —“just in case we should sometime need a good dentist.” What a blessing that turned out to be! In September, one of Anissa’s molar teeth fractured due to a hard seizure and tightly clenched jaw. Because of the greater force and increase of seizures, it was again necessary to put her under general anesthesia for dental work.

At that time, there were no dentists in our area who would work on her teeth. It certainly was much less stressful going to the Palm Bay Hospital rather than Shands Hospital in Gainesville. Finally, on the day after Thanksgiving, the tooth was extracted. The doctor was “amazed” as to the excellent condition of Anissa’s overall oral hygiene for all she had been through. The restoration period from her oral surgery was more of a challenge this time. Within three days, she battled a cold and sinus infection that required antibiotic treatment for her total recovery.

Sinus flare-ups and headaches always seemed to be “a thorn in the flesh” that required medication to offset any major health problems for Anissa. Her neurologist had verified how “climate changes can affect seizure activity,” which we had noticed when sporadic temperature changes were drastic. As we questioned the doctor further, he explained that the changes involve the nervous system which, in turn, may trigger seizure activity. Looking back over the records of Anissa’s daily seizures, it is interesting to note that whenever she was on an antibiotic for any infectious condition, such as sinusitis, she would be almost completely free of seizures. The negative thing about that therapy – she would wind up with Candida, a yeast infection that required additional medicine, and to our dismay, more seizures.

After several weeks of waiting for a bill of service from the Palm Bay Hospital anesthesiologist, we finally got in touch with the one who performed the procedure to inquire why we hadn’t received a bill. He replied, “Because I didn’t send one!” He went on to explain how Anissa’s story deeply touched his heart.

“… the things which were sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:18-19 NKJV

We are so grateful for such giving and caring individuals who go beyond the call of duty – definitely an extension 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 #34 – Trials & Errors Of The Journey…

trials

Our journey could be described as a course of ruling out any medication or alternative method that would not be beneficial to Anissa’s overall health, while at the same time alleviate the violent seizure activity.

In mid-April, 2002, we noticed a very strong metallic odor in Anissa’s breath and stools, as well as an abnormal hair loss and increased seizure activity. As a trial series for better seizure control, she had been taking the antibiotic, Biaxin (clarithromycin), 250mg daily for six months. It was noted that whenever Anissa had taken that medication in past years, even during a sickness, she would be almost seizure free. Biaxin can reduce the clearance of Tegretol, raising its levels. The strange thing is that whenever Tegretol would be given in a higher dosage, Anissa would only have more seizures, including digestive upset with acid reflux. The antacid, Tagamet (cimetidine), reacts in a similar way with Valium (diazepam).

“Happy – blessed, fortunate [enviable] – is the man who finds skillful and godly Wisdom, and the man who gets understanding—drawing it forth [from God’s Word and life’s experiences]. For the gaining of it is better than the gaining of silver, and the profit of it than fine gold.”

Proverbs 3:13-14 AMP

Anissa’s blood test revealed a toxic level of Tegretol, so it was reduced from 1200mg to 800mg and the Diazepam from 20mg to 12 ½ mg daily. By mid-June her drug level was normalized and hair loss stopped but the upset seemed to cause more violent complex seizures. Her mental development was at a standstill, but her physical health remained in excellent condition. The caregiver’s challenge became greater in protecting Anissa during the violent seizures. Throughout the years, the knowledge gained from that experience has alerted me to think “research” if such “symptoms” should arise.

It was during this difficult time that a non-invasive brain surgery using “gamma knife” was being conducted for certain types of epilepsy, but being non-verbal kept Anissa from being considered as a patient. The anti-seizure drug, Keppra (levetiracetam), was approved for partial complex seizures. Also, aromatherapy had been reported as being effective for certain people with epilepsy.

One news article stated: “In Birmingham, England, jasmine was shown to dramatically reduce the effects of epilepsy in one patient. All unconscious, dysfunctional electrical discharges of the brain, which occurred every ten seconds, totally stopped after a patient was administered aromatherapy using jasmine only two times.” After showing the article to Anissa’s neurologist, he said, “Why don’t you first try the aromatherapy and then you will have a true evaluation. I will give you a sample of Keppra to try later, if you want?” Of course, we agreed!

Since aromatherapy was not a familiar avenue of healing, my lack of knowledge and faith required more information. Here were the research facts discovered: (1) “Essential oils illicit an immediate olfactory response and they are readily absorbed into the bloodstream. The olfactory membrane is the only place in the human body where the central nervous system is exposed and in direct contact with the environment. When an olfactory receptor cell is stimulated, an impulse travels along the olfactory nerve to the limbic portion of the brain, where memory, hunger and emotion is evoked. Before consciously knowing we are in contact with an aroma, our subconscious mind has already received and reacted to it. (2) Jasmine is considered very antiseptic and can bring balance to hormonal changes or disruptions. Its powerful aroma indicates it should be used in small doses, never taken internally unless under the care of a doctor and should be used with great caution for infants since their nervous system is still being developed. (3) Epileptics often get what is called an ‘aura,’ a strange smell or taste of something that does not exist, just before a seizure. Olfactory hallucinations are a symptom of epilepsy [especially in the brain’s temporal lobe] … often leads to bizarre behaviors. (4) Sugar uptake increases during a seizure and falls below normal between seizures. (5) A recovering brain can increase its capacity to form new memories.”

Balance is very important for Anissa’s wellbeing so the Jasmine Essential Oil was first diffused with a vaporizer and later added to her bath water. Her response was favorable in helping to control the seizure activity, but there were still over 20 days in a month’s time that she experienced one or more seizures a day.

It definitely was an accurate report concerning the validity of aromatherapy, for which I am grateful to have learned. Having physicians willing to try new methods for seizure control in Anissa was the result of prayer and

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.wellspringhealingretreatorg

Anissa’s Story – Post #38 – The Silver Lining In God’s Plans…

silver lining

The beginning of 2006 was off to a very bumpy start for Anissa. After taking the prescribed medication, Lyrica (pregabalin), she could only tolerate a 50mg dosage due to stomach distress. The higher doses caused her greater mental confusion besides having a very negative effect in controlling seizures.

Upon hearing a speaker say, “A survivor is one who finds meaning in the suffering,” the following scripture describes a meaning for Anissa’s survival . . .

“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, I say, and well-pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well-pleasing to Him.”

2 Corinthians 5:6-9 NKJV

Since Anissa enjoyed and prospered during many sleepless nights from special scenic videos with calming music, our ministry began a project to create a one-hour video geared for the profound, mentally challenged person. The acoustics at the retreat center was great for recording a Messianic Psalmist, whose gifted voice can soothe a troubled soul. And with the Lord’s provision of a multi-talented engineer supplying his computer knowledge, as well as audio equipment, the video was completed and has been a blessing to many.

DVD bev

CD bev

At the same time music therapy became recognized by the medical profession as a therapeutic treatment for dementia and other types of mentally challenged patients. The doctor prescribed such therapy for Anissa, so I video-taped each session. There were some very positive signs but the unpredictable seizures would divert her focus, besides creating an interference of schedules. As in years past, a positive program had to be suspended due to Lennox Gastaut Syndrome – the multiple seizure saga.

In May, one of Anissa’s teeth abscessed. Remembering those past grueling experiences in setting up visits with a pediatric dentist, anesthesiologist, neurologist and orthodontist at the University of Florida Hospital, as well as the tremendous expense of such, my prayers were fervent for a reprieve. After several appointments ended with negative results, finally, a brave and compassionate dental surgeon came to the rescue! He and his staff were so efficient and commendable in giving the IV sedation and extracting two of Anissa’s teeth that took less than one hour. Also, the fee was very favorable, saving us at least $7,000, which was the cost at UFH ten years earlier each time she was admitted.

Another miracle was how a couple, who worked with disabled persons, just happened to have a day off at their jobs and were going to be in our area. They were most willing to help and what a blessing it was!! Anissa healed rapidly and maintained excellent health for the remainder of that year – except for seizures.

Several months later, a vision came before me of a picture of Anissa’s face on the cover of her Book of Life – Revelations: 20:12 – with these words written:

ANISSA

CHILD OF DESTINY

CALLED BY GOD AS HER MOTHER’S HELPER

TO BUILD HIM A HEALING CENTER WITHOUT DRUGS

“For you see your calling, brethren that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who was made to us wisdom from God … that, as it is written, ‘He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.’”

1 Corinthians 1:26-31 NKJV

I have seen just how much God can achieve in using such weak things, according to His Word and by His Excellent Grace, so that He alone receives the Glory!

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