Update 17 days after surgery

I know. It's been awhile since the last update. Honestly, there is not a lot of new to add each day as most days are like the one before or the one after. Things continue to progress as well or better than I expected. I can walk the distances each day the doctors require. I can still get tired easily, but the pain is minimal. God's sustaining grace continues to provide. I am so grateful for minimal pain and the energy I do have. I have taken a trip to the mall to walk a short distance as the heat outside has not allowed me to walk outside. I have also gone to the grocery once with my mom in order to get some walking in.

These first 2+ weeks post surgery have been a bit of a blur but I am beginning to feel a little bit "normal" as the pain meds are reduced more each day.

My family and I continue to be blessed as so many of you continue to minister to us and especially those who continue to pray for us. We have said many times since this began, "I would not want to go through this without the church family of ClearView."

Thank you all so much for your love and concern. I will see you all soon.

Mark

One Week Today

I don't have a great deal of strength, but thought I would post. Today is one week ago I had surgery. I think I am a bit ahead of the curve for recovery.

God is SO good. He has been gracious to take me through a challenging and complex surgery. He has been gracious to help recovery start well to this point. He has been gracious to provide me with more brothers and sisters in Christ praying for me than I could have possibly imagined.

I will never be able to thank all of you enough for prayers and other support given. I will write more, but it will probably be a week or so before I do. Still gaining strength, but so far so good. Doctors and nurses have been amazing. I am grateful for their job well done. But we know, all they can do is support the body as it heals. More than that we know it is God who does the healing. Thank you for your continued prayers in asking God to do what only He can do.

You are all incredible. I love you!

Mark

Update: Monday 9/13 - GREAT NEWS

Great News: This is John Duval for Mark. Mark was able to go home this afternoon from Vanderbilt. He looks great, but is very tired. He was told that even though he was going home he is still under the care of Vanderbilt. Please pray that his recovery continues to progress as well as it has the past few days. Also, pray that his immune system will remain strong being in a new environment.

Mark, Leigh Ann and the family are so thankful for the continued prayers. Tracey Parker, Pastor’s Ministry Assistant, is collecting cards and notes of encouragement that will be delivered to Mark. Those can be sent to: Mark Marshall, 537 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37069, emailed to tracey@clearview.org or comments sent to the blog.

Verses to ponder: Psalm 121:3-8 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
3 He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber.
4 Indeed, the Protector of Israel does not slumber or sleep.
5 The LORD protects you; the LORD is a shelter right by your side.
6 The sun will not strike you by day, or the moon by night.
7 The LORD will protect you from all harm; He will protect your life.
8 The LORD will protect your coming and going both now and forever.

Day 4 - Update 9/11

Update: Saturday, September 11, 2010
This is John Duval for Mark. Mark has had a very good day and his progress is right on schedule. Today is Leigh Ann's birthday and they have enjoyed their time together as a family. Sometimes it is not where you are or what you are doing to celebrate, but that you are together with those you love the most…in sickness and in health.

As a church, ClearView will gather together tomorrow for worship and Bible study, but we will also continue to rejoice in how God has been with our Pastor this week.

The dr. continues to request no visitors for the next 48hrs to ensure the recovery continues as planned.

Day 3 Update - Friday, September 10

This is John Duval for Pastor Mark. Mark is doing well, but in great pain today. White blood cells up slightly. He began rehab today by walking on a treadmill.

Besides Leigh Ann and the girls by his side, Mark is very fortunate to have his father, Rev. Carl Marshall and his mother by his side. His parents are a great source of Godly encouragement for their son and the whole family. Mark encourages so many of us through his preaching and words of affirmation, but it is good to know that during these days his family is a great source of spiritual encouragement. I have seen firsthand how God’s word has been the foundation for Leigh Ann, Tiffany & Brittany. Thank you for your continued faithfulness in praying for Mark’s healing. He is doing very well.

Dr. has extended no visitors for next 72 hrs. in order that his recovery will stay ahead of pace. I know he would love to have a roomful around him, but right now he needs the rest. I know you understand.

" LORD my God, I cried to You for help, and You healed me." Psalm 30:2