Open Letter of Thanks from Sue Bennett to Friends and Family

February 25, 2012

Dear Friends and Family,

First of all I would like to thank the Cloud of Unseen Witnesses from different parts of the earth, California to Texas to Colorado to Arizona to Kansas, friends, family and churches that couldn't come to the hospital but faithfully prayed for me. Those who have gone through it for themselves probably even felt for me. There were so many special phone calls that came offering prayer for me at just the right time for pain needs and even some “embarrassing needs” (you know who you are, i.e. Anita). Other encouragements, Daddy, Leslie, Warren, Logan, Peggy. Not to mention all the facebook thoughts and prayers that came.

“I will never leave thee nor forsake thee” (Hebrew 13:5), I've always thought of that as God's promise of Himself. He is quite enough and will always be enough, but Our Humble God extends His faithfulness through His people as well. What a joy to have so many visitors and gifts this week. My room was filled with flowers and balloons. Encouraging faces came (Bill & Anita, Bob, Imalee, Gary & Donna). The Evans brought Valentines (including a card, candy and small rosebush) and my dear Ms. Pat brought See's Candy which I am still enjoying one piece at a time. I see the “Happy Birthday” roses, but where is my Granddaughter Lee Anna who sent them?

Lana, your heartfelt tears let me know how deeply you feel about your ol' mom. It meant so much to me that you spent the time at the hospital and took so many days off work. You are a “priceless pearl” to me. Mike, thank you for your visits and letting me tell you what I've been wanting to say to you for so long and receiving it with the love with which it was intended. And yes, I did wake up in “the pain side” and found the blessings of loved ones. But where is your oldest daughter? Isn't Lee Anna coming to see me?

I really wanted that hamburger from Red Robin Ed. Thank you for getting it and “sneaking” it in. Also, thank you for warming up my cold hands with your warm ones and my weary spirit with your heartfelt prayer. Now when my hands are cold I think “where's Ed.” Also, you loaned me your bride and I am eternally grateful. Do you know where your niece, my Lee Anna is?

Melinda, how did you make your office send flowers that are still as beautiful today as the day you sent them? You have a way about you! Thank you for being at the hospital so much and taking time off from work. Tell your office I appreciate them, especially Steve for coming to visit. I hear you brought bagels and donuts for the long waits during surgery and ICU recovery! What a sweetheart! Have you seen your oldest sister anywhere? I'm sure Lee Anna must be here!

Monica, your sweet presence made me feel like everything was gonna be alright. Thanks for showing restraint and not beating up the nurse who wouldn't let you stay with a sleeping Memaw. Maybe you could tell Lee Anna I'm hoping to see her soon?

One of these days Luke, you will have a Birthday all to yourself that you don't have to spend with every Tom, Dick, Harry, Grandma in the hospital or just plain bad weather! I love you! I'm glad you enjoyed the time in the waiting room with Cousins. This was a very different “Cousins' Camp!” Speaking of cousins, where's your cousin Lee Anna?

How did you know Beth when to bring just what I wanted, a chocolate shake? And later, Liz Claiborne pajamas! Thanks for keeping Papaw busy and staying the night at the house before and after surgery. Certainly you have seen your cousin Lee?

I am tremendously thankful for those who took off from work and sacrificed their time. Those who sent flowers, came to see me with special gifts, made long journeys from another state (Will and Tammi) and for all the food glorious food that goes on and on (thanks David L. and Hope Family). There was even food for my horse (thank you Gary). Some people were there for me like they ALWAYS are, even when a scalpel isn't involved (Mardi). I'm certain Lee Anna would be here if she could be.

I am most especially thankful to my husband, who showed me the perfect way to walk through this ordeal. You have been a Christlike example and a competitive challenge to me. You have been by my side encouraging me. You have fixed meals, done laundry and taken care of my plants, bird and fish. You have spurred me on to “love and good deeds” as well as walking (and I walk with Loyd-y). Loyd, how did I ever breathe without you before?!! You take my breath away and then insist that I need to breathe and breathe deep! BTW, rumor has it Our Lee Anna is on her death bed or something!

Waiting room visitors supported family, Beau (you came even though you were sick and feeling bad, thanks), Bill, Anita, Josh, Tyler & Bonnie and others and they never even got to see me. I got to see one of our Bennett boys, Asa James, bright eyed and bushy tailed looking just like his parents. You are blessed Imalee. Some people came at special invitation and request! No name, just initials – DLS!

Who was that masked visitor that couldn't stand being apart from me. She is so loved and adored. Thank you Kevin for bringing your beautiful family to visit me. Though sick, the Kesters were not stopped from being helpful. What a joy to come home to a sparkling clean house. So there's my LAMB(O.K.), my Lee Anna. Thank you for your love and concern shown in innumerable ways. Even though fever kept you away from me Lee, I never questioned your love and concern. My sweet girl, I know you would give your right arm for me. And BTW, I love my Brahm's ice.

Meals keep coming and the visitors keep encouraging (Laessigs, Elane, JR, Nathan, Kendall Loyd). Some of you continue to be there for me by coming to stay with me while Loyd is on the bus (Laura, Beth, Mardi, Pat). What a blessing you have all been. Tears come to my eyes as I think of all of you whom I have loved so dearly and have now seen just how much you love me too.

Its impossible to cover everything, but let's just say, “God is good and so are His people.” Thanks to all.

Your Sis in Christ,

L. Sue Bennett

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P.S. This is Laura – Mom is dictating and I'm typing this for her. She wants me to write a note about myself, but its not necessary. I know she loves me and appreciates my efforts. I am merely pleased to be able serve My Lord by serving my parents. Love, blessings and gratitude to Our Lord and to His people!

P.S.S. Please visit the Hope Community Bible Church website: HopeCBC.org. You are all invited to visit the Church and worship with us!

Open Thank You Letter from Sue Bennett to the Cardiac Unit of Mercy Medical

February 25, 2012

To the Cardiac Unit of Mercy Medical,

You are the chosen of God, handpicked for a holy calling. I wanted to let you know how my experience with you works out into peoples lives in this, my year of reality. My husband went through CABG, in March of 2011 and now I have just gone through the same procedure in February 2012. He went through all the procedures quickly, with everything going just as it was designed to do, with your help of course. It was a great example to me on what I would need to do and how I would need to do it.

Dr. Cara, your special watch over us caused great prevention. You have shown what can be done when a doctor does her job correctly. Your faith shines through. And who knew that you, as the Princess, had a Prince that you would recommend for our hearts' care.

Dr. Phil, it is the glory of God to conceal a matter (or a heart), but the glory of kings is to search out a matter (Proverbs 25:2). You have an irresistible bed-side manner. I will not forget how you asked the right questions to know what was really going on with my heart. What a joy to hear your “squeal” of delight when you made a special trip over to read the results of my x-rays and knew that my heart was merely in hibernation. It is great to know that we will spend eternity together in glory. Your patients are eternally grateful – Loyd W. Bennett and Loretta Sue Bennett (sometimes known as Marilyn).

Christina, you have such a sparkle in your eye. Every time you looked at me I knew you were saying, “I'm not finished with you yet and you are loved.”

Dr. Chavin, I'm praying that your true heart will be as sharp and as accurate as your scalpel was for both my husband and I. The Lord gave you confidence in your ability which gave me assurance and peace to endure my husband's procedure as well as my own. Genesis 49:24 says, “But his bow remained in strength, And the arms of his hands were made strong By the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob.” To God be the glory for your beautiful hands. Your team is as beautiful as you are. The family so appreciated Micheal’s regular updates during surgery, all held their breath waiting for his every report.

Special thanks to Brenda who prescribes the right medication at the right time to ease pain. You came to see me right after the fluid was drained from behind my lung. You explained all that had happened and why I was in pain. Then you eased my pain. Eternal blessings be yours.

The CICU nurses were very tender. My first nurse was full of mercy and a continual reminder to me that God was in control. My Angels of Mercy were so well balanced. As I came out of the anesthetic my precious nurse managed everything the best, even when she had to ask family to leave so I could rest. Freedom came next with the removing of the tubes. The nurses get an A in personality assessment, knowing just when and how to tell the right joke as I held tight to my pillow.

In Telemetry my nurses and CNAs were more fragrant and more beautiful than any of the many flowers I received. Each were a different and beautifully colored bloom. Their scheduling was in the perfect timing of the Savior's nail-scarred hands...we needed you all. Some were willing to go the extra mile, like chasing down my breakfast at lunchtime even to the point of being willing to scramble the eggs herself (thanks Candace). Even my Respiratory Therapists were a treat to me like an ice cream sundae. There's nothing better than Jamaican voices joyfully challenging me to take deep breaths. Another man in my life was Oscar – only he knows how many times in one day you can drive a patient to x-ray. Thanks for being speedy and fun. The cherry on top of all these treats was Kathy – the CNA who reminded me of my dear Aunt Geneiva (she has been gone many years now). What a precious gift of the Lord you were to me. You were there from the beginning and it caused me to know how much I am loved by my Heavenly Father, as you were handpicked just for me.

All the doctors, nurses, CNAs, technicians and volunteers were blessings to me making a difficult time more bearable. The Scripture says God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God and you are the proof of that.

Your Grateful and Thankful Patient,

Loretta Sue Bennett

P.S. Please visit the Hope Community Bible Church website: HopeCBC.org. You are all invited to visit the Church and worship with us!

Affirmation of Faith for Sunday, February 26, 2012

We believe that the grace of faith, by which the elect are enabled to believe so that their souls are saved, is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts. Faith is ordinarily produced by the ministry of the Word. By this same ministry and by the administration of baptism and the Lord's supper, prayer, and other means appointed by God, faith is increased and strengthened. (14.1)

Affirmation of Faith for Sunday, February 19, 2012

We believe that sanctification extends throughout the whole person, though it is never completed in this life. Some corruption remains in every part. From this arises a continual and irreconcilable war, with the desires of the flesh against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh.  We believe that in this war, the remaining corruption may greatly prevail for a time.Yet through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the regenerate part overcomes. So the saints grow in grace, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. They pursue a heavenly life, in gospel obedience to all the commands that Christ as Head and King has given them in his Word. (13.2-3)

Affirmation of Faith for Sunday, February 12, 2012

We believe that those who are united to Christ and effectually called and regenerated have a new heart and a new spirit created in them through the power of Christ's death and resurrection. They are also further sanctified, really and personally, through the same power, by his Word and Spirit dwelling in them. The dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed, and the various evil desires that arise from it are more and more weakened and put to death. At the same time, those called and regenerated are more and more enlivened and strengthened in all saving graces so that they practice true holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. (13.1)

Affirmation of Faith for Sunday, February 5, 2012

By way of reminder; this is the first Sunday of the month; therefore we will NOT be having our Fellowship Hour meal or our regular second hour service.  After our 9:30-11:00 am service we will have a brief break and then have our full hour Communion service from 11:115-12:15 pm. The men of the church are encouraged to come with a short 2-3 minute devotional, a prayer, or a song that the congregation may sing together all the the focus upon the work of Christ for our salvation.

Affirmation of Faith:

We believe that God has granted that all those who are justified would receive the grace of adoption, in and for the sake of his only Son Jesus Christ. By this they are counted among the children of God and enjoy the freedom and privileges of that relationship. They inherit his name, receive the spirit of adoption, have access to the throne of grace with boldness, and are enabled to cry “Abba, Father!” They are given compassion, protected, provided for, and chastened by him as a father. Yet they are never cast off but are sealed for the day of redemption and inherit the promises as heirs of everlasting salvation. (12.1)