Cancer
I wonder why cancer is a modern day word. Or how about congenital heart disease or try downs syndrome or diabetes or .... I guess I could go on and on and so could you. This is forefront on my mind this morning as I prepare for my day and remember friends and family who have recently died in the past week or are on their death bed.
Question: If we are evolving, why do these and various other words naming and describing life extiguishing disease exist?
Anyway.......
Last night Jim got a call that we hate to receive, but nonetheless receive all too often. 'Her cancer has returned and it has spread throughout her body.' It's a call that sends us to our knees in incessant for the afflicted both victim and family. There is no dr in her state that will treat her and she is force to another state a day's drive away from her personal support system.
The fear of the end does not hit everyone the same way. For those that know the end of this life is the passage to Heaven with Jesus Christ there is peace. For those with another heaven there is uncertainty and even more still those who have heard the good news of Jesus Christ and chosen to reject the message there is torment. There is a story in the bible about a rich man who had spent his life time laying up treasure for himself for the future. God came to him in his reverie and told him that he would die that night. What good were those things to him then?
Laugh if you wish, snicker if you must, but note that every knee will bow to Jesus Christ. Better to volunteer than to be forced. Being forced to do anything is never pleasant.
Nice 4th of July. Jim took the day off and spent it with me and the boys. It was very unexpected and fun. It is hotter than hot here, but we braved the heat to go to the parade in the morning. I think that a lot of other people thought it was hot too because it was a smaller than usual parade. After that we came home and had lunch and then took naps. I started watch LOTR - Twin Towers. After Dinner we watched the Return of the King. It was kind of nice to not have to worry about having anything to do.
Amber traveled to Jamaica and arrived safely yesterday afternoon. There was a mix up with the other group traveling and they had to be stuck at the airport waiting for them. Today she and the other interns begin ministry at a local school. She loves those people and I can not wait to see how God brings about growth in her life while she pours out her self to others. Isn't that a beautiful picture of Christ. Thank you Jesus for using my daughter as a picture of your own sacrifice. She can pour herself out because you poured yourself out for us.
Now, it is time for me to get a few extra things done around the house. There are more than a few little projects to accomplish. I'll let you know how it goes......
To God be the Glory - Great Things HE Has Done
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Death and Life
It would seem that our existance is all wrapped up in those words. Today Ephraim had a pulmonology appt and was released from their care, but another heart boy, Corbin, passed away, unable to recover from his Fontan surgery. The Grabb family is very godly and have praised Jesus through this entire journey. If my baby was taken from me would I be able to praise God for He IS good. I would like to hope so.
Psalm 116:15 says "Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of one of His saints." We are reminded time and time again that this world is not my home and I'm just passing through. We are sojourners in a foreign land. How could death be precious? God looks on His creation with love and tenderness and when He brings one of us Home what a reunion it is!!!! Abscent from the body is present with the Lord.
Father, when you bring myself or one of my loved ones home let me remind myself that it will be a glorious home going reunion. Not only with I see You face to face, but I will once again fellowship with my loved ones in the perfection of your glory. Thank you for loving me; I'm so undeserving.
To God be the Glory - Great things HE has done!
It would seem that our existance is all wrapped up in those words. Today Ephraim had a pulmonology appt and was released from their care, but another heart boy, Corbin, passed away, unable to recover from his Fontan surgery. The Grabb family is very godly and have praised Jesus through this entire journey. If my baby was taken from me would I be able to praise God for He IS good. I would like to hope so.
Psalm 116:15 says "Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of one of His saints." We are reminded time and time again that this world is not my home and I'm just passing through. We are sojourners in a foreign land. How could death be precious? God looks on His creation with love and tenderness and when He brings one of us Home what a reunion it is!!!! Abscent from the body is present with the Lord.
Father, when you bring myself or one of my loved ones home let me remind myself that it will be a glorious home going reunion. Not only with I see You face to face, but I will once again fellowship with my loved ones in the perfection of your glory. Thank you for loving me; I'm so undeserving.
To God be the Glory - Great things HE has done!
Friday, June 23, 2006
Eagle's Wings
Today was totally busy. Everyday is, I suppose. Today, however, was a day well spent.
Instead of Friday morning family breakfast out, Jim went with Tim. The two of them shared breakfast together. It was a good time for the two of them. The kids and I had breakfast at home and prepared for a morning with JM at the lake house.
We met with her about 9:30 and drove about an hour to Lake Tillery. Their place is gorgeous. We got to look around-got to check the closets, ya know. Then I couldn't wait to check out their dock before actually getting me or the children dressed for swimming. We walk down the stairs to get to their boat dock and she looks up and right and says "I wonder if the eagle is there?". Then: "Oh, he's there!" very quietly. Neither of us has the camera. Amber runs up and gets her camera and J's. They got some awesome shots. (I'll update them when Amber puts them on my computer.)
This is the first time I can remember seeing an American Bald Eagle in it's natural surroundings. I think I would have remembered, because it is a majestic site. This guy or gal sat there on it's perch watching us, the lake and hillside below it with such purpose. When it soared off, my own heart flew with it. I thought immediately of Isaiah 40:31. Those that wait on the Lord shall mount on wings of eagles. (Paraphrased) That bird flew with such strength, but very little effort. I know that there have been times in my life when I need to wait for answers from God, when Godly direction and timing came, it was such a feeling of relief. I could carry on with strength and purpose. When it's on God's time table, not mine, things fall into place.
It was a T&P moment. Tested and Proved. Try it and see.
After the wonder of the eagle, we went and changed into clothes for swimming. First the canoe/kyak ride. Amber and I went in the canoe with the two boys. Not an easy feat, but manageable and J escorted us with her totally cool kyak. That was fun and a great upper body work out. After lunch, we swam. I came in early since Ephraim was so fussy-can we say 'nap time'? When Amber and TJ finished swimming about 45 minutes later we came home to get a few things done.
Family fun night tonight. It was fun and we had a great crowd turn out to play Family feud. I like board games, but hey, I'm flexible in some instances.
Now I'm home again and getting ready to run the dishwasher and go to bed.
I do have a special prayer request for a little heart baby. His name is Corbin-he has a CarePage, if you would like it, please email me privately with the request and I will share it with you. He has Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). He had his 3rd and final surgery nearly 12 weeks ago and has not left the hospital yet. He is a very sick little boy and needs intervention from the Great Physician. The dr's are talking about taking down his "Fontan" surgery which NEVER a good sign and he, at this moment is too sick for a transplant.
Great Physician, Holy God, I call out to you on behalf of this little boy and ask for you to do Your mighty work. I have followed this family for 12 weeks now and in every peak and valley they have given You the glory for everything You have done. Touch this little boy in a very special way. You made this boy and know every little intricacy of his body; You love him more than even his earthy father. I pray for a peaceful, restful weekend with healing to the honor and glory of Your Son, Jesus.
To God be the glory, great things He has done.
Today was totally busy. Everyday is, I suppose. Today, however, was a day well spent.
Instead of Friday morning family breakfast out, Jim went with Tim. The two of them shared breakfast together. It was a good time for the two of them. The kids and I had breakfast at home and prepared for a morning with JM at the lake house.
We met with her about 9:30 and drove about an hour to Lake Tillery. Their place is gorgeous. We got to look around-got to check the closets, ya know. Then I couldn't wait to check out their dock before actually getting me or the children dressed for swimming. We walk down the stairs to get to their boat dock and she looks up and right and says "I wonder if the eagle is there?". Then: "Oh, he's there!" very quietly. Neither of us has the camera. Amber runs up and gets her camera and J's. They got some awesome shots. (I'll update them when Amber puts them on my computer.)
This is the first time I can remember seeing an American Bald Eagle in it's natural surroundings. I think I would have remembered, because it is a majestic site. This guy or gal sat there on it's perch watching us, the lake and hillside below it with such purpose. When it soared off, my own heart flew with it. I thought immediately of Isaiah 40:31. Those that wait on the Lord shall mount on wings of eagles. (Paraphrased) That bird flew with such strength, but very little effort. I know that there have been times in my life when I need to wait for answers from God, when Godly direction and timing came, it was such a feeling of relief. I could carry on with strength and purpose. When it's on God's time table, not mine, things fall into place.
It was a T&P moment. Tested and Proved. Try it and see.
After the wonder of the eagle, we went and changed into clothes for swimming. First the canoe/kyak ride. Amber and I went in the canoe with the two boys. Not an easy feat, but manageable and J escorted us with her totally cool kyak. That was fun and a great upper body work out. After lunch, we swam. I came in early since Ephraim was so fussy-can we say 'nap time'? When Amber and TJ finished swimming about 45 minutes later we came home to get a few things done.
Family fun night tonight. It was fun and we had a great crowd turn out to play Family feud. I like board games, but hey, I'm flexible in some instances.
Now I'm home again and getting ready to run the dishwasher and go to bed.
I do have a special prayer request for a little heart baby. His name is Corbin-he has a CarePage, if you would like it, please email me privately with the request and I will share it with you. He has Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). He had his 3rd and final surgery nearly 12 weeks ago and has not left the hospital yet. He is a very sick little boy and needs intervention from the Great Physician. The dr's are talking about taking down his "Fontan" surgery which NEVER a good sign and he, at this moment is too sick for a transplant.
Great Physician, Holy God, I call out to you on behalf of this little boy and ask for you to do Your mighty work. I have followed this family for 12 weeks now and in every peak and valley they have given You the glory for everything You have done. Touch this little boy in a very special way. You made this boy and know every little intricacy of his body; You love him more than even his earthy father. I pray for a peaceful, restful weekend with healing to the honor and glory of Your Son, Jesus.
To God be the glory, great things He has done.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Beginnings
Well, I've always wanted to blog, but never really took a chance to find a spot. The nice thing about being a wife to a techno junkie and a internet active teenager is the work like that is usually done for you.
Why, you ask would I want to blog. With everything I do I want to give glory to God while sharing my life with you. I hope that everyone who should happen upon this little corner of the web world would see Jesus at work in the everyday small things as well as the major events occurring in my life.
I'm 38. I'm a wife first and then a mother. I have a savior, his name is Jesus. He is the God-man. He lived an acceptable life to be a sacrifice in atonement for my sin as well as the sin for the entire world. He was barbaricly crucified and shed his blood for all. He was buried in a tomb and rose early on the third day. He is now in heaven preparing a place for all people who have accepted his gift of salvation. Now if God made this beautiful world in 7 days, imagine what he has been working on for the last two thousand years? Think about it the next time you hear a birds sing or a cloud roll in or watch the stars on a clear night or watch the seasons change or ......
My husband, Jim, is the greatest husband who just happens to be a pastor. He is the pastor at The Gospel Chapel. The Chapel is a growing congregation in central NC. Jim has a blog, but I will have to share the address later as I do not know it now.
My oldest child is Amber, 16. You can read her blog here: http://knowmyheart.blogspot.com/
She will chronicle her missions trip to Jamaica. Good girl, that one. I hope she knows.
We lost a baby in 98, who would be 7 right now. I know that Baby Boyte is in heaven and I will see him or her soon.
Then there is TJ, 3. TJ stands for "T"hird "J"im and for "T"rusting "J"esus - nothing else matters except trusting Jesus. TJ will tell you that too. TJ is a cool kid and totally into Thomas the Tank Engine. He has just started an appreciation for reading. Every night we have to read at least 3 books.
Bringing up the rear (for now) is Ephraim, 14 months. Ephraim has a special heart and God has used his physical heart condition to touch the spiritual heart of many people. His name means "God is Fruitful". Even though he has been through a great deal in his life, Ephraim is a star and is an inspiration to anyone who says that they can't do something.
That's the beginning of an intro. I hope that you will get to know us more through the course of future post as I attempt to share our lives.
To God be the glory, great things he has done.
Why, you ask would I want to blog. With everything I do I want to give glory to God while sharing my life with you. I hope that everyone who should happen upon this little corner of the web world would see Jesus at work in the everyday small things as well as the major events occurring in my life.
I'm 38. I'm a wife first and then a mother. I have a savior, his name is Jesus. He is the God-man. He lived an acceptable life to be a sacrifice in atonement for my sin as well as the sin for the entire world. He was barbaricly crucified and shed his blood for all. He was buried in a tomb and rose early on the third day. He is now in heaven preparing a place for all people who have accepted his gift of salvation. Now if God made this beautiful world in 7 days, imagine what he has been working on for the last two thousand years? Think about it the next time you hear a birds sing or a cloud roll in or watch the stars on a clear night or watch the seasons change or ......
My husband, Jim, is the greatest husband who just happens to be a pastor. He is the pastor at The Gospel Chapel. The Chapel is a growing congregation in central NC. Jim has a blog, but I will have to share the address later as I do not know it now.
My oldest child is Amber, 16. You can read her blog here: http://knowmyheart.blogspot.com/
She will chronicle her missions trip to Jamaica. Good girl, that one. I hope she knows.
We lost a baby in 98, who would be 7 right now. I know that Baby Boyte is in heaven and I will see him or her soon.
Then there is TJ, 3. TJ stands for "T"hird "J"im and for "T"rusting "J"esus - nothing else matters except trusting Jesus. TJ will tell you that too. TJ is a cool kid and totally into Thomas the Tank Engine. He has just started an appreciation for reading. Every night we have to read at least 3 books.
Bringing up the rear (for now) is Ephraim, 14 months. Ephraim has a special heart and God has used his physical heart condition to touch the spiritual heart of many people. His name means "God is Fruitful". Even though he has been through a great deal in his life, Ephraim is a star and is an inspiration to anyone who says that they can't do something.
That's the beginning of an intro. I hope that you will get to know us more through the course of future post as I attempt to share our lives.
To God be the glory, great things he has done.
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