10/11/2026
A message from our Pastor’s Wife;
Dear Ones,
Paul still wasn’t feeling very good today. So when Cami came in and asked how he was doing, he told her that he had started coughing during the night, was experiencing some shortness of breath, and just didn’t feel well.
And Cami, in true Cami fashion, said, “Well, because we know how YOU are, I think we need to do a respiratory panel on you. It might all come back negative, but I’d rather be safe than sorry.”
Of course, Paul and I knew exactly what she meant. Because Paul is immunosuppressed, his body doesn’t always respond to illness the way most people’s bodies do. He rarely runs a fever, and when he does, even a low-grade fever can be a warning sign that something serious is going on.
He didn’t have the “typical” symptoms when he had his heart attack. And it was much the same when his colon perforated. So his medical team has learned that they have to look at Paul a little differently. And after ten weeks, believe me, THEY KNOW HIM!
Well, Cami was soooo wise to order that test. Paul tested positive for Influenza A. So, once again, we find ourselves asking you to pray. With all that Paul has been through, and with his weakened immune system, we are especially praying that this virus will run its course without any serious complications.
Soooo tonight I started thinking about all the little GODWINKS along the way in the middle of all these hospitalizations. Let me tell you about one of them.
A couple of days ago, one of the sweet nurses came into Paul’s room and said, “Pastor Paul, I have something I want to tell you. You know how we talked about me finding a church to go to? Well, I went home after we talked, looked up all the different churches in my area, and picked one out that I’m going to attend this Sunday.”
Oh, that made our day! Paul smiled and said, “Well, you have to report back to me and tell me how it goes!”
There have been so many moments like that. Conversations. Opportunities to encourage someone or simply share the goodness of Jesus. I told Paul the other day, “You know, I think God has you on a “missionary journey” to Minnesota!”
My mom used to always say that there are no such things as coincidences when you belong to Jesus. And I adhere to her theology too! I’ve watched Paul’s pastor’s heart continue to love on people, even in the midst of his own weakness.
One thing I’ve always admired about Paul and his brothers is that they can talk to ANYBODY. And I do mean ANYBODY! Sometimes it can be a little embarrassing. HA…. But mostly, it is beautiful. It doesn’t matter what side of the tracks you live on, what your background is, or what your station in life might be. They can strike up a conversation with you and, before you know it, make you feel like an old friend. And isn’t that really what loving people for Jesus looks like?
Isn’t it something how, in the middle of a crisis, you begin to bond with the very people who are caring for you? They become more than doctors and nurses. You learn about their families and their lives.
The other day, one of the doctors was standing nearby while Paul was asking another doctor questions about his life. The nephrologist listened for a moment, then smiled at me and said, “Your husband is so kind.”
Oh, how that touched my heart. Because I know how weak Paul is. I know how tired he is. I know how much pain and suffering his body has endured. And yet, in the middle of his own suffering, he still cares about the person standing beside his bed. He is still a pastor and still looking for someone to encourage. His light is shining bright for Jesus here at St. Mary’s.
It reminds me of the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
You know, I will be completely honest….we would NEVER have chosen this journey……Not in a million years. But we are beginning to see that even in the places we would never choose to go, JESUS is still there and HE is a MASTER TEACHER!!! We are learning sooo much along the way.
So tonight, as we are praying for Paul’s health, we are also praying, “Lord, as long as You have us here, help us not to miss what You have us here for.”
Thank you for continuing to walk this LOOOOONNNNGGGGG road with us. Your prayers, messages, and love have meant more than words can tell.
Let’s all keep looking for GODWINKS around us. They are everywhere. Once you start seeing them, you can’t stop seeing them.
Shine bright for JESUS,
Dixie
