2010

I pray you all have a very blessed and prosperous New Year! May you all feel HIS Love and HIS Peace cover you each new day





♥ Love and Blessings ♥

Getting out of my box

I really dislike "new years resolutions" so I don't make them. My way of thinking tends to be "why make a resolution only one time a year because the Lord may wish for me to change in ways too many to count and certainly more than one time during the year!"

What I feel HE is saying to me for this season is this ~ Get out of your box Loren ....I see this in my reading, I feel this in my ministry, in our own walk with HIM as well. I feel HIM stretching me and my family and I am excited to see what this looks like!
I am seeking HIM diligently and I know HE will show me the way

What about you? Are you seeking HIM, are you taking quiet time to Listen to what HE is saying? HE longs to speak, to share HIS will for you ~ You are HIS Beloved

I am reading quite a few new books for review and LOVE when the Lord brings things into your life that all have the same theme! I haven't finished them but I can tell you I will be HIGHLY recommending them once I am done!

Francis Chan ~ "Forgotten God ~ Reversing our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit"
Tass Saada w/Dean Merrill ~ "Once an Arafat Man ~ The True Story of how a PLO Sniper found a New Life"

and on a lighter note

Peggy Yarber ~ The Judas Ride


I pray everyone has a safe New Years Eve and enjoys their families. We will be having a quiet night at H♥ME with our kids and some of their friends and our Precious Grandbaby will be spending the night with us WAHOO!! This is a change as we usually spend the evening with our group of friends playing games or in the most recent years we have gone to a church and spent the evening on our faces before the Lord in Praise and Worship and just in prayer and hearing what the Lord is saying to us and for the coming year. We plan on doing this here at home this year and I am excited to bring in this new Year here in the Peace of our own H♥ME with the LORD leading us every step of the way!


Love and Blessings to you all

I did it AGAIN

13 years ago I was 7 months pregnant with our youngest. It was early in December and Jenna was 4 yrs old and her dance class was to walk in our small town parade, so of course I walked with her. This proved to be a BIG MISTAKE and sent me into premature labor! We went to the emergency room and they gave me medication to slow the contractions but also summoned me to bed! Well, I had not purchased any Christmas presents and so my DH was left to do the shopping for our girls and other family. I spent the next 2 1/2 months in bed until the middle of Feb. before our sweet little boy came into this world. But I vowed to NEVER let that happen again.....GUESS WHAT! I did it AGAIN :)

When I was leaving for Florida at the beginning of December it hit me ~ I had a few things for Christmas purchased, but not many.....I just wasn't thinking about anything but my Daddy! When my Dh arrived in Florida and made the decision to stay with me he did some purchasing online. Needless to say I didn't know if we would have Christmas at home or even at all, but the LORD knew and I am thankful to say that even though it was a VERY DIFFERENT Christmas it all turned out ok. The night we arrived home we dropped our things at home and hit the stores. We were able to purchase a few things but we had told our kids that Christmas was going to be VERY different this year. IT WAS INDEED

We had a quiet day with just our children and our sweet grandbaby and son-in-law. We started off with our traditional Birthday singing to Jesus and prayer time. We had a WHITE Christmas this year ~ something we always hope for but rarely receive ~ sooo EXCITED !! We got 8 inches! For OKIES thats ALOT


Here are just some of the pics of our day


Our sweet Rylee......Her shirt reads ~ JESUS LOVES ME ~ Oh yes HE does my love, yes HE does

Our precious Krista Lee


I love my children so much



We have so many birds that come visit and my sweet hubby made sure to pour out extra seed :)



Our backyard




Celebrating the Birth of our Savior is what this day is about and HE knows our hearts. The sadness, the grief. HE comforts us no matter what. I know there are many who were not even able to be in their own homes or around a tree to open gifts or sing songs, or even play games with their children. Some are still in hospital beds, some are in nursing homes and there are those who are grieving the loss of a loved one...but no matter what .....Christmas comes. Jesus knows our hearts and no matter where we are or what we are doing or even the day ~ we can celebrate HIM

Love and Blessings

Spiritual Sundays

I have been away from blogging, partly because I just couldn't write, partly because we traveled home and of course have been celebrating the Birth of our Lord Jesus. I am happy to be home and especially to be back with my MOM and Stepdad.

I have missed you all so very much!! I can't even begin to thank each one of you enough for your Love, your prayers and support! Your encouraging words have meant so very much to me and I am just overwhelmed at visiting some of your blogs and finding prayer requests and posts devoted to just that ~ asking for prayer for my family! God in YOU is so beautiful, so loving and kind! Thank you so very much from the bottom of my heart for being there for me. I know there are many who still need prayer ~ as one who has experienced your prayers I just want to encourage you to PLEASE KEEP IT UP!! The Lord hears the cries of your hearts and covers those who you are crying out for with what they specifically need! Your prayers are moving mountains, tearing down strongholds, pouring out comfort, bringing healing, giving love or peace .....just to name a few!!
Please know that PRAYER IS POWERFUL and don't ever doubt that

I love you all and am so glad to return to blogging knowing that I am in an army that is so very strong, yet so full of love! When one of us is down, there are many who will lend you a hand to help you back up, or to wipe away a tear or better yet love you while the tears are falling and listen oh so patiently while you grieve and mourn. As my dear friend Clif said

"A few years back I didn't even know what a blogger was. I didn't know and I didn't care.

Now I care!

I care because now blogger is not just a word. No, it's much more than that. Now when I think of bloggers I think of men and women, human beings--FRIENDS. Men and women who laugh, cry, hurt, bleed, dream, live life large--and sometimes die."

This is so very true....I didn't know having a blog meant having such a wonderful group of friends, prayer warriors and examples of Christ! I love you all! Please visit Charlotte and Ginger who host this wonderful and encouraging place called Spiritual Sundays They are godly women whom I love and adore! I know you will too :)


Love and Blessings

Prayer Covering

It is so obvious that going through this very difficult time that what is carrying me is the Lord and the prayers of MANY!

These days I find myself somewhat numb and the nights are so very difficult. My brother and I have had the night shift for the last two weeks. We would administer medicine, assist with the necessary bathroom duties but in the end it was really just watching/listening to Daddy breath and giving him his medicine. I would lay up on his hospital bed (we had one delivered here in his home) and snuggle him, praying over him or just talking to him knowing he could hear me but wasn't able to respond.

Our kids arrived on Saturday afternoon. It was Rylees 1st birthday and she flew all the way to Florida to be here and we had a birthday party that night ♥ she brings so much joy and laughter. Having my kids here and in my arms has been such a gift. My Nana decided to return home, so she flew back last Thursday. I asked my husband if he would please stay here~ that I just couldn't do this without him and he said he wouldn't be anywhere else but here with me. I was so thankful to have my husband here by my side when Daddy went to be with the Lord.

Our days are filled with memories and doing things "in honor" of Daddy ~ making fish tacos, having chips and salsa, putting up his new addition of Christmas lights....yes there is still room to add more :), eating at his favorite Sushi restaurant, spending time with his horses or riding in his truck where he rode just a few days ago. I am so thankful to be here ~ In his home filled with all things DAD ♥ and to be surrounded by family has been such a gift.

I also wanted to share my Daddy's obituary written by my brother. Again he has done a phenomenal job and honored dad in such an awesome way. I am so very proud of him.


Obituary: Douglas William Woods -- May 9, 1947 - Dec. 18, 2009

Douglas William Woods, of St. Augustine, passed away Dec. 18, 2009, at the age of 62.

He lost his life fighting a courageous battle against lung cancer. He was born in Joplin, Mo., on May 9, 1947, to Dorene and Robert Woods and is survived by his wife, Barbara Woods, of the home; his mother, Dorene Woods, of Carthage, Mo.; a daughter, Loren McGhee, and son, Tony Woods, both of Owasso, Okla.; a brother, Rob Woods, of Huntington Beach, Calif.; five grandchildren, Krista Hodge, of Bixby, Okla., Jenna and Jantzen McGhee, of Owasso, and Bailey and Britney Woods, of Owasso; one great-grandchild, Rylee Hodge, of Bixby; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Since January 2002, Doug held the position of chief information officer at EverBank Financial Corp. In this role, he managed more than 120 employees and successfully guided the financial corporation's technology infrastructure to handle its high growth during the past decade. His colleagues speak highly of his professionalism, devotion to his employees and passion for community outreach. During the last six months, he was an enthusiastic advocate for EverBank's Fast Path Program, which mentors at-risk teens in the Jacksonville inner city.
Doug handled his battle with lung cancer in the same manner in which he approached everything in his life: with courage, respect, unending kindness and unrelenting optimism. He never gave up. In the end, it was not cancer that beat him but pneumonia. When presented with treatment options, Doug's comment to his physicians was one of profound surprise that these options were no different from those presented to his father 25 years ago. If you would like to honor Doug's passing, please do so by contributing to the Lung Cancer Research Foundation, whose mission is to support national research studies and activities focused on developing innovative strategies for better treatments, screening and prevention of all cancers of the lung. New knowledge gained by funding scientific and clinical research initiatives will lead to more positive outcomes and improved quality of life for all lung cancer patients.
To donate, with checks payable to Lung Cancer Research Foundation, write to Lung Cancer Research Foundation, 800 Third Ave. Fourth Floor, New York, N.Y. 10022
If you would like to pay your respects to Doug and his family, a gathering and funeral services will take place at Craig Funeral Home, 1475 Old Dixie Highway, St. Augustine, on Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Dec. 22 at 2 p.m.



Later today we will be receiving Friends, Coworkers, Neighbors, and others who knew and loved my Daddy. It will be hard but yet wonderful hearing from so many how my Dad has impacted their lives and then on Tuesday will be the Funeral.
I love and appreciate you ALL so VERY VERY MUCH! Your prayers TRULY are carrying me each and every day. From the bottom of my heart..... THANK YOU

Goodbye My Sweet Daddy

This morning at 9:21 a.m. my Daddy went into the Loving Arms of His Savior. He was surrounded by his Loved Ones and went very peacefully.

We will all miss him so very much

In honor of Dads "notes" ♥

Tonight we decided we should share with some of Daddy's friends on Facebook some of what has been going on. As you all know Dad shared his heart on this journey through posting notes on Facebook so my Brother made the decision to author this final note in place of Daddy. As you will read Dad has given the gift of writing so eloquently to his son as well. I am so proud of my brother ~ He has been a rock for me and for my dad and stepmom as well during these days with our Daddy. I love you Tony ~ Daddy would be so very proud.

My Final Note: Written by my son, Tony Woods
Today at 8:43pm


Hello to all my DAD's Facebook friends!

I am honored to author this note for my Dad! I am sitting here trying to think what he would say if he could speak or type. My only hope is to try to convey a message that would do him justice. Here it goes:

The Facts:

Dad spent last week in and out of the hospital battling a case of pneumonia! At the end of the week we met with the Doctor who asked, "How do you feel your cancer treatment has gone?" Dad's answer was in agreement with the doctor who felt the treatment had been more detrimental than the actual cancer. He was also told, Cancer doesn't kill people Infection does! That's where we are today! Fighting a battle with pneumonia in which we have no defense! When given the choice to undergo radiation treatments to fight back the pneumonia, which wouldn't prolong his life, he chose to proceed with the treatment. Right up to the end and hardly having the strength to stand unassisted he faced his ailments with true courage and strength.

His Final Wish:

After hearing the news we were out of options and moving into palliative care we began to talk about what was important to him. He mentioned it was important to see his Mother before he passes. Our plan was to load up in an RV and drive him to Oklahoma. He mentioned how strong he felt and actually wanted to go to Oklahoma and come back to Florida to say his goodbyes. One night at home and things took a turn for the worse! The decision was quickly made to keep him comfortably at home and bring his Mother to him. That is exactly what is happening now. My brother-in-law will board a plane with her tomorrow, Tuesday the 15th, and fly her here to be by his side! Knowing my Dad's strength and determination, he will make it long enough to see her!

My Dad:

I was fortunate enough to sit with my Dad before he was released from the hospital on Saturday. We had a wonderful Dad to Son talk and left nothing unsaid, I encourage all of you to do the same with those close to you. Don't waste a minute to say the things you need to say! I was extremely lucky to have that talk and I will carry that with me as long as I live. The following comes as no surprise to many of you... My Dad is a wonderful man, full of sincerity and caring for others. He was a strong determined man! There's nothing he couldn't accomplish and is wise to the World! Although he didn't get a college degree until he was in his late 50's he is one of the smartest men I have ever known and educated himself his entire life! His words have inspired many of you across the nation. My Dad wasn't beaten by this disease! Trust me, it could never beat him! It simply changed the rules and blind-sided him with pneumonia! His mind and spirit have been strong and sharp up until the end! I couldn't be more proud to have this man as my Dad!

In Closing:

He made a profound statement to the Doctor in a stern manner after choosing to move into palliative care. He stated, he received the same treatments in battling cancer that his father received 25 years ago. He is absolutely correct! It's frustrating for a man who hasn't had a drink of alcohol or smoked a cigarette in over 30 years to develop lung cancer. Friends, we have come a long way in medicine but we need to look at what is being done to fight this hideous disease. I want to send a message to all of you "GET CHECKED!" Cancer can be beat! It doesn't have to be a death sentence! Don't ignore your symptoms, have regular checkups and make the choice to live a healthier live! Don't waste a minute and when things get tough smile when thinking of this man who loved you as much as you loved him!

The Luckiest Son in the World,

Tony

P.S. I love you Dad!




Love and Blessings

The Lord has heard our prayer

It was the month of May and I was driving along when my cell phone rang. It was my stepmom and she told me that I needed to call my dad. I could tell it was serious and Instantly I became frightened. I called my daddy and he shared the devestating news with me.

"Loren, we aren't sure but most likely I have lung cancer. My regular doctor found a tumor and we have appointments with Mayo clinic to begin testing." I asked what had brought this about ~ had he been sick, why did he go to the doctor. I talked to my dad regularly and he never sounded sick. He shared that he had just had this nagging cough for about 3 months and after quite a few tests and xrays they couldn't find anything wrong but after doing this particular test they found a pretty good size tumor."

As you can imagine we were all devestated. During the time of receiving this news my mother-in-law was in and out of the hopsital with her own issues. She was a smoker, she was on oxygen and she went into the hospital this time we knew it was serious. My husband and I had some really good talks with her, sharing our hearts, asking her about certain issues and we knew the Lord was preparing the way for her to come home. We lost her shortly after that. Within 10 days of losing her, we recevied confirmation that my dad did have lung cancer and the kids and I loaded up the car and drove to Florida and I was able to spend most of my summer here with my dad. He was strong and healthy while receiving his chemo and although we initally found out the cancer had metastisized into his brain they were able to radiate those spots immediately and for all practical purposes things were going well.

In mid November we had yet another round of bad news. The cancer had spread into Dads liver but the Dr. was hopeful that trying a new chemo would take care of that. It didn't. The cancer continued to grow and spread. She offered one last chemo medication and upon receiving 2 of the 3 rounds my Dad was diagnosed with pneumonia. This brought my brother and I out here and it is where we remain today.

From the beginning I began blogging about my dads journey. My dad also found Facebook. He was reconnected with many friends from his highschool days along with friends he had back in California. It was so also a place for my dad to share his journey with us. He wrote us notes and shared his heart, his determination, his fight, and he inspired us all.

Through all of this I wanted healing for my dad but even before this I was praying and asking for Salvation. I know there were others out there who have even asked that my dad not be taken until I knew and had peace that dad had received Salvation.
There have been numerous times during this visit that I had moments in which I was pleading with the Lord, asking HIM ~ is this when I am suppose to say something Lord? Is it now Lord? What do you want me to say? How do I approach it?
I never received a release.

You all know that our plans were to take Dad home to Oklahoma to see his mom. My nana. Well, we were discharged from the Hospital yesterday late afternoon. We got daddy home and we were making plans to reserve the RV and to finish the radiation treatments. Overnight my dad took another bad turn. His oxygen levels dropped low just by sitting up and we all had to make the difficult decision not to travel with him. As the day progressed and different plans were being to bring my nana here. Bless my husbands heart ~ He is driving to Missouri to pick her up and then flying out here with her. She trusts him completely. As I have shared with you all before she is 88 and her health is very frail as well. She weighs less the 78! But she has agreed to come!

So today I was taking my daddys temp. It was so high the thermometer wouldn't read ~ it just flshed HI HI HI HI HI. I sat down beside my dad and asked him if he was talking to Jesus. He said "When I am sleeping I am" I said "you are? you wanna talk to him some more?" He said "no, not right now" I said Daddy do you want to ask him into your heart? He opened his eyes, reached out for my hand and patted it and said "OH honey, I have... I have mucho times" It was all so natural, not planned, not ME.... just the LORD!

I have to tell you that immediately after that I went to the bedroom and Thanked the Lord for the gift of hearing and knowing that my daddy will meet his Savior and that he does in fact have his Eternal passport. I CAN'T THANK EACH ONE OF YOU ENOUGH FOR YOUR PRAYERS ON THIS JOURNEY!!

The Lord heard each one of you and I know that your prayers, your cards, your love, support, comments, notes all played a role in that decision that he made.

My Nana will arrive on Tues. and because this is my Daddy's only wish....to see his mom we are praying he will hold on until he sees her. I believe he will and for now I am enjoying every precious second with my daddy but the Peace that has covered me on this day is a gift. While the pain is no less ~ losing your daddy is the hardest thing but knowing he will be in the arms on Jesus ........I can't even begin to tell you what a gift it is.

I love you all and as Kat said tonight ~ One day we will all have a big party in heaven together because you have all played a role in his being there


Thankyou all so much for placing the prayer request on your Facebook pages or your own blogs! I can't even describe what that means to me or to him!

Love and Blessings

Back in the Hospital we go~ UPDATED in comments

Shortly after I pushed the "publish post" button I went to bed only to be awakened around 2a.m. by my stepmom. She told me that Daddy was in pain and running a high fever again. He was also confused. We got him in the truck and I phoned the Mayo ER to let them know we were on our way. For some odd reason my dads temperature will not register in his ear or mouth but will under his arm. He had a 102.9 and was really hurting.

Where we are now....After a VERY LONG NIGHT/DAY in the ER we finally were able to get a room in the hospital. Dads pneumonia is worse. They did a CT Scan and found some new cancer spots as well. They have determined that they will most likely do radiation on his lung area to help kill the pneumonia. If I understand correctly the cancer is surrounding the pneumonia and it is not able to be penetrated by the antibiotics as well as it should but doing the radiation will prayerfully take care of it.

I am not sure how long we will be here in the hospital but at least here he is being hydrated 24/7. He is receiving antibiotics interveniously and other than the constant being woken up I feel he is doing ok. We will see his main dr. today or at least talk to her via the phone and find out the "plan" sometime today.


I know I say this all the time but I mean it from my heart.....Thankyou for your prayers and love, support. Your comments mean so much and I am so blessed by each one of you

My husband arrives home today so I know my kids will be thrilled. OH YA>>>> guess what

Our sweet Rylee took her first steps last night WOOHOO! Jantzen got it on his phone and videoed it for me and sent it to me. What a bright spot in my day ♥ God knows just how to bring a smile on everyones face! Thankyou Lord, I love you so

Love and Blessings

Pictures just for you Kim ♥

We had a really good day, today :) Took Daddy in for hydration and after taking his vitals they decided to add some potassium to the fluid he would receive. WOW! What a difference this made. When he returned home from the hospital he just won't eat and only sips here and there but it isn't enough to provide the proper amount of fluids he needs so he becomes dehydrated in about 48 hours.

Here are some highlights from today:

My brother picked up my dad from the wheelchair to put him into the truck ~ my dad says "Ah youth" isn't that precious

I hand my daddy a toothpick after he didn't really eat anything but this makes him think he did and he says to me
"Thanks sugar" aww so sweet

My son texted me and shared he won the class spelling bee! way to go BABE

My daughter texted me after she spent some time with the Lord and shared what HE told her and she was praising Jesus and sharing the Scriptures HE gave to her. Praise God for giving her an ear to hear what the Spirit is saying!!!

My husband only has 1 more day of meetings :) He will be soooo very happy to be home

Now here are the Christmas lights that I was telling you all about when I arrived and since Kim asked to see them well what kind of friend would I be if I just ignored that?? SHE IS HAVING A REALLY FUN WEEK ON HER BLOG SO GO VISIT HER HERE





















There is a gorgeous lighted wreath on the gate that I don't have a picture of but will try to get soon :) Hope you enjoy these

Love to you all

We are here

My husband arrived safely in Detroit yesterday and went immediately to his meetings for the day. My brother and I arrived safely in Jacksonville late last night. A friend of theirs came to the airport to pick us up and when we pulled up to the gate of dads home it was like a fairy tale. My dad has created an amazing array of Christmas lights on his property. I am not sure how many lights, snowmen, horses, Santa, reindeer, Christmas packages, just anything you name it ~ it is out there and you couldn't even capture all of it with even 5 pictures. There is that many lights and It just shows me the little boy that is still in my daddy.

Oh I almost forgot ~ they released him from the hospital yesterday. He has pneumonia and this is of great concern because when you have pneumonia ~ the only way to get rid of it is it must come OUT. Well, Daddy doesn't have the strength to cough it up so we are checking about some sort of tool called a green pickle to expell the pnuemonia and the other option was a bronchoscopy which he had way back in May when he was very healthy and it knocked him down big time so I KNOW this is NOT an option as he could never withstand that right now. The other obstacle is the chest tumor itself. They fear it will begin to constrict his airway since he is not able to have chemo right now and that it will continue to grow and when it does it will constrict his airway. So, as you can see Daddy has many obstacles to overcome. As I laid down last night I just begged the Lord for a miracle. I do not want my dad to suffer yet he is still fighting. We will see his doctors on Thursday. I am ever so glad my brother is here with me and can just see Gods hand in so many things right now.

Again, thank you all for your prayers love and support. When I arrived and read the comments it just brings me to tears to know there are so many praying and so many putting these requests on Facebook as well asking for others to come along side and pray. GOD IN EACH OF YOU is so wonderful, amazing, powerful!!

For now, we are just resting in the arms of our Father. I am so thankful to be here and to have these precious days with my Daddy.


Love and Blessings

on my knees

Woke up to an early morning phone call. My stepmom. She shared my dads oxygen levels had gotten below 90 and he was disoriented & that he didn't even know who she was. He was asking where his wife was. She was rushing him to Mayo.

He got to the hospital disoriented, dehydrated and unable to stand on his own. They did some tests. Chest xray. Brain scan. Urinalysis. They admitted him into the hospital and later learned he has pneumonia. This is NOT good in his already sickened state. We knew it was time that we go so, my brother and I will be flying out tomorrow instead of later this week.

This has proven to be a VERY hard day. After getting all the arrangements made. Bags packed. We prayed and we prayed and we prayed some more. My DH looked at me and said that I am right where the Lord wants me to be and HE would not give me this assignment only to leave me alone but that HE would be with me EVERY STEP OF THE WAY This I know is so true and we shared the same with the kids, who are both very upset to have both of their parents getting on a plane tomorrow. Our precious daughter is going to stay here with her brother and sister and of course Rylee will be here as well and what good medicine she will be for both of them!

I am asking for traveling mercies for both my DH and I & my brother, but more importantly for my sweet Daddy. The Lord knows what EXACTLY what he needs.

I will update you most likely on Tuesday as I get into Jacksonville late Monday night.

I love you all dearly

Spiritual Sundays

I am so very glad to be back to Spiritual Sundays. I missed everyone last week and well, if you haven't ever been a part of Spiritual Sundays PLEASE go HERE and see all the wonderful reasons you would want to be a part of such a wonderful group of believers. As I shared in my post below I just finished reviewing "JESUS LIVES" by Sarah Young. A wonderful devotional. Here is one that clearly is speaking to me in this season of my life with all my "worrying" about my dad and the things that involves to me and my family right now.

WORRY

CAST ALL YOUR ANXIETY ON ME Unless you deal with it properly, anxiety can be toxic ~ both to you and to others. Simply releasing it is not sufficient. You need to project it vigorously away from yourself, toward ME. Consider the following illustration: If you accidentally pulled the pin out of a hand grenade, you would not hold on to the grenade or drop it near your feet. Nor would you pitch it to another person. You would throw it as far away from yourself and others. When you cast your anxiety on ME I remove it so far that it cannot harm anyone. IN FACT, I delight in doing this VERY THING, because I care for you so compassionately.

Ever since the Fall, human emotions have been out of kilter. People often "act out" painful feelings without even realizing what is bothering them. Or they may bottle up their emotions and pretend everything is all right. I urge you to be self-controlledand alert so you can identify hurtful feelings and confess them to me. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you with this. As you yield to HIS work within you, your anxious feelings will subside. My Spirit can accomplish holy changes within you- producing Love, Joy, Peace ---and Self Control

Cast all your anxiety on HIM because HE cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. 1 Pet 5:7-8

Shout for Joy, O heavens rejoice, O earth; bursting into song, O mountains! For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. Isaiah 49:13

You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. Romans 8:9

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV

awards and a book review

Thena @ Patiently Waiting gave me this sweet award. I woke up on the morning before Thanksgiving and was so "thankful" to have been given it. If you don't know Thena, she is a sweet friend, loves our JESUS, and is currently having a great month of giveaways so please go visit her and join in on her giveaways!


This "friend award" came from my sweet friend Andrea @ Arise to Write.
I think most of my friends know Andrea but if you don't PLEASE go meet this precious woman of God and amazing prayer warrior!

This award asks that I share 5 things about myself.
1) I should NOT be on the computer right now, I have WAY TO MUCH TO BE DOING :)
2) I Love the LORD w/ all my heart and am learning and being stretched in new ways in this season in my life.
3) I LOve to watch Golf on TV.....weird I know
4) Chips and Salsa are my favorite "comfort food"
5) I love having my family around me. There is nothing better than being a mom and a NONI ♥
Thankyou friends for these sweet awards.

I have many books to review and certain dates to do them but in this case for Thomas Nelson, It is simply to review them when we finish reading them versus doing a book tour with other publishers. So I am excited to share this WONDERFUL book with you.



This little book is MIGHTY!! It is packed full of Encouragement, Scripture and has a way of helping you see a whole new perspective in different situations. Gods Love, Hope, Intimacy w/Him, Worry are just SOME of the issues she shares. I would recommend this book HIGHLY for any time of the year as a gift. A PERFECT teacher gift at school, sunday school, or homeschool teacher would be thrilled to receive this from anyone! Mothers, Fathers, and even kids will moved by reading this power packed book every day. Or if you wish morning, noon and night. Gods Word is alive and active and will speak to us EVERY TIME we spend time reading it!
and don't forget when purchasing for your friends, teachers, or family to purchase one for yourself! You will be so glad you did!

This review is my humble opinion and I received this copy free from Thomas Nelson Publishers with no compensation. All they asked what that I share my opinion once I read the book. Please visit ThomasNelson.com if you are interested or would like to read any other reviews.

Product Details
Format: Padded Hardcover
Trim Size: 4.10 x 6.10 x 1.10
Page Count: 368
Retail Price: $14.99 ISBN: 1404186956
ISBN-13: 9781404186958
Style#: 9781404186958
Carton Qty: 24

Love and Blessings

Overwhelming Thanks

I can't thank you all enough for your love and prayers today and in the days to come. It has proven to be an emotional roller coaster these past couple of days. ALOT of tears shed and decisions made.

Dad had a really rough day today. He is still not eating much and had to go to the hospital today for another round of hydration and had some other tests run. I talked to him just long enough to say I would be there soon and that I loved him. He was exhausted. It breaks my heart hearing him like this. I am just so thankful ~ Had I called 5 minutes later I would have missed hearing his sweet voice.

Our God is still in the Miracle business! HE loves and adores my daddy and wants for him to be healthy and whole, and to accept JESUS. I trust that the Way is being prepared even now!



I love you all so much and just praise God you are by my side in this difficult time. I feel the prayer covering like a shawl around me and know that as I travel and see my Dad that Our Father will Strengthen me. HIS SPIRIT will guide me, speak through me and HIS LOVE will go forth to all of us.

I have been praying this Psalm over my Daddy and if you feel led you may do the same!

Psalm 16
A David Song

Keep me safe, O God, I've run for dear life to you.
I say to God, "Be my Lord!"
Without you, nothing makes sense.

And these God-chosen lives all around—
what splendid friends they make!

Don't just go shopping for a god.
Gods are not for sale.
I swear I'll never treat god-names
like brand-names.

My choice is you, God, first and only.
And now I find I'm your choice!
You set me up with a house and yard.
And then you made me your heir!

The wise counsel God gives when I'm awake
is confirmed by my sleeping heart.
Day and night I'll stick with God;
I've got a good thing going and I'm not letting go.

I'm happy from the inside out,
and from the outside in, I'm firmly formed.
You canceled my ticket to hell—
that's not my destination!

Now you've got my feet on the life path,
all radiant from the shining of your face.
Ever since you took my hand,
I'm on the right way.

Love and Blessings!

A Heavy Heart

As I type today it is with a VERY heavy heart. I talked to my stepmom and received more of the Truth that I have been asking for and to be honest. It isn't good at all. My Dad isn't doing well and she shared with me that my brother and I need to come to Florida. We have made flight arrangements and will be going on the 10th.(My brother is a Captain on the Fire Department and this is the earliest shift he could find someone to work for him) I do not have a return flight and just want to get there and see how my dad is with my own eyes. Even as I say this, I have to be honest and share that I am also very scared to see him. He has lost a substantial amount of weight and is going days without eating as of this date.

I need your prayers and the Lord knows all the details but I am just asking my prayer warriors to come beside me, my dad and all of my family. One thing is that we have not told my 86 yr old grandma because she hasn't been doing well and feel this will only upset her and cause her health to worsen.

Dad will have a CT Scan on the 21st of December and we will know then IF this chemo medicine is working or not. There is a long time between now and the 21st for a man who has cancer but to many, I know it will fly by. Those waiting for the answer it will be a long time. I just thankyou in advance for your prayers, love and support.

I have MUCH TO DO since I have not really been prepared to be gone for an unlimited number of days. I would ask for Peace and to have the strength to get all of this done since my DH will be leaving this MOnday. He will be gone when I leave and this breaks my heart as well. We have many decisions to make and the LORD knows the answers and we have EARS TO HEAR!

I love and appreciate you all so very much. My posts will be sporadic I am sure but know my heart is with all of you and I love each one of you dearly

Love and Blessings,

Support our friend Edie

I just wanted to share a post for a friend and prayer warrior of mine.

Edie with Rich Gifts and Rich Gifts Blog Design

Anytime I have seen a prayer request go up and then a button to go along with that prayer request, guess who came beside those in need and MADE those wonderful prayer buttons ??? Most of the time EDIE! When I barely even knew Edie and my Dad was JUST diagnosed with Lung Cancer she made a prayer button for Him. I was so touched, and so was my Dad. Someone even mailed a copy of his button and it is taped on his bathroom mirror today reminding him that there are so many praying for him.

Well, Edie is now making some buttons for any price you would like to pay for this Christmas Season. I purchased one this morning, it is on my sidebar, and just wanted to encourage you all to help support Edie and to share in keeping Christ in our blogs by putting these buttons up. She even has some for free if you would like. So go check out her blog here

Thanks Edie for all that you do in the Bloggy World. You truly are a blessing :)

My Daybook

December 1, 2009

FOR TODAY... from Loren's Daybook

Outside my window... sunny and cold

I am thinking... how strong my Dad is despite the news he was given yesterday. From his Dr. "If this chemo doesn't work, we have exhuasted all measures and have nothing else to try. If this chemo doesn't work you have 1-3 months left."

I am thankful for... The Holy Spirit my Comforter

I am wearing... pajamas

I am remembering... driving across the States when my dad moved from Ok to Calif. the day after I graduated. What a long 3 days it was but we had so much fun!

I am currently reading... Healing Sands, Jesus Lives, and The Sherriffs' Surrender ~ all review books

I am hoping...that Dad will find another hospital to take him like MD Anderson or Cancer Treatment Centers of American and that Kat is feeling better and that Melissa is gaining in her platelets as I type and feeling better with each and every minute that passes

On my mind... Life

Pondering these words... All I want is the truth....My words and prayer for yesterday. I certainly got it!

From the kitchen... White chili in the crockpot. Never had it before and sure hope we like it

Around the house..decorating for Christmas

One of my favorite things~No matter how sad I am, or how bad life can be sometimes.....I love how my husband can always make me smile or laugh. Thanks honey for your love and support

From my picture journal...

I wrote my Dad a tribute this summer and read it to him before we hung it. My family if you can see is watching via SKYPE on the computer to my left. It was a beautiful moment for all




Love and Blessings and thanking you all for your prayers

Pictures and Prayers

I just wanted to share some Prayer Request with you all today.

UPDATED @ 6pm Central time. I have to add this prayer request as well.

My friend Kat @ Heart2Heart hasn't blogged in 6 days and all of us that know her ~know~ that is NOT her soooo I called her tonight and talked with her sweet daughter and she told me that Kat is down again with her female issues. I am asking for prayer for Kat. I love Kat so much and it breaks my heart that she is in sooo much pain. First and foremost I am praying for a complete healing but also for Wisdom for Kat in regards to her options and what she needs to do for herself. Please stop by Kats or email her those of you who have her email, and let her know you are praying for her ok!!! It will mean so much to her. Thankyou all sooo very much!

My Friend Beth from An Instrument for HIS Glory and At HIS FEET needs for us to be praying for her sweet daughter Melissa. Melissa just returned from a missions trip in Africa. She was there for 12 weeks and was sick alot of that time she was there. This did not keep her from doing HIS Work or from HIM working in her life ~ NO! Melissa returned home and after a bit ~ she began experiencing that same sickness again. She has been diagnosed with Malaria and is in pain and running a fever pretty continually. She also has liver and spleen issues. BUT! OUR GOD IS IN CONTROL AND ON THE THRONE!!! Won't you please join me and many others in praying for Melissa and asking the Lord for A COMPLETE HEALING in her body!! PLEASE visit Beth and let her know you are praying for their family!!

My Dad. I talked to my Dad over the Thanksgiving break and while he shared none of this with me ~ My stepmom did. She told me that Dad is very weak and is now needing assistance just to get out of bed. She said the Dr. wasn't very hopeful at their last appointment and when chemo treatments don't work that your options start to become fewer and fewer. My stepmom told me that my dads legs are getting worse and to be honest I was so upset that I am just finding out all of this and on Thanksgiving that I really didn't ask any questions or share my heart.....Why are you just now telling me this? Why if he is this bad wouldn't you tell me so that I could have been there for the Holiday? IDK. Is it worse than you're telling me? When I talk to my dad, clearly he is just sharing the good and being upbeat but I want the truth and if he is this bad I want to be there. Would you please pray that I am given some honest answers. Dad is going in for chemo today and if he is strong enough I am guessing they will administer it to him. My prayer is still first and foremost. Salvation. That Dad would KNOW and accept Jesus because I can't even imagine experiencing ANYTHING without my JESUS or the Love of my Father and the comfort of the HOLY SPIRIT.
I KNOW that God is with him ~ of that, I have no doubt whatsoever. I just want my Dad to know it too.

There are many other prayer requests in this bloggy world that are needed and I am just asking that we join in and intercede for those that we know and love that need our prayers today and in the days ahead! Thankyou all soo very much

Here are some pics from our cabin over Thanksgiving :)



This is the first year we took our sweet "tyson" with us and he had soo much fun :) He loved taking walks with us!


My mom AKA "Nanny" with 2 of her grandkids!


Papa. He is a real-estate agent and got a contract while we were away. I shared we had horrible service so this was what he had to resort to just so he could talk on the phone! LOL made us all think of the movie RV ;)


Sunset at our cabin


Love and Blessings to you all

Home SWEET HOME

Oh how I have missed you all, my bloggy friends ♥ ♥


I pray and trust everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I wasn't able to take my computer with us because our cabin didn't have Wi-fi. I was soo very sad but knew it was a time that we needed to just relax and have some really good quality family time and boy did we ever. We played games, watched movies, took walks and laughed ....oh my.... did we laugh. Oh ya and we ate ALOT :)

We are happy to be home and the laundry piles are widdling down and I am going to sit here and read and catch up on your blogs ~ I can't wait....I missed you all so much!

OH HAPPY DAY....just for Clif

Today is filled with packing, shopping, packing, cooking, packing.....Get the picture :)

We will be leaving for Branson Missouri...YES CLIF you are not going crazy so just for you I am reposting this bit of information! LOL We will be staying in a cabin in Eureka Springs Arkansas for a glorious 5 days. Family games to be played and memories to be made. I am sooo looking forward to this time away. It is my family along with my mom and stepdad and my nieces go as well. We all have such a good time and just chillax.

I am wishing everyone a Wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving Holiday! I am so very thankful for each and everyone of you!


and a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY VERY SPECIAL FRIEND CLIF

Love and Blessings to you all!

ABC's Thankgiving Style

I thought it would be fun to think of a word for each letter of the alphabet for something that I am thankful for. Feel free to try it yourself.

A- Apples
B- Brian ♥
C- COFFEE !! caffeine :)
D- Doggie treats ....they are making my son $ right now :)
E- Eggs
F-Fall
G- Girlfriends
H- Happiness in my life!
I- ICHI-BON ...a favorite restaraunt of mine!!
J- Jesus
K- Kim ` FOR GIVING ME THIS IDEA ;)
L- LOVE ♥
M-MOM
N-being a "NONI"
O- Oxygen
P- PaPa
Q- Quiet
R- Rylee
S- Salvation
T- TOGETHERNESS
U- Unconditional LOVE of Christ
V- Victory in Jesus
W-wit from my husband......who had quite a list of "w's" for me LOL
X- Xray machines! without them they would not have found the whole in my heart 12 yrs. ago
Y- Youth...I love them so!
Z- Zebras ...yep love those colors




see if you can do it :) I am soooooo THANKFUL for YOU ~ MY FRIENDS!! I LOVE YOU ALL


Love and Blessings