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Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Honest Scrap Award and my Simple Womans Daybook



Christy Rose from The Secret Life of an American Wife and Mom blessed me with this award. The first time I visited her blog she was at a conference in my home town and I was saying " Wait.....where is this conference? I wanna go..... I want to hear what you are teaching on!!and meet you!!" Well when she got home she shared with us and I learned all about it and even more about her and her family. They are precious and she is used by the Lord in so many ways! Thankyou Christy for this award and in the words of Rosel @ RCUBEs, let us all remember these awards are from Jesus to share amongst each other for HIM and to HIM be the glory!

Bloggers are so amazing! We earnestly come together, pray for each other, encourage one another, help carry each others burdens and make each other laugh, smile and sometimes, yes even cry! It is a blessed world to be a part of and the Lord leads each of us to one another and I will forever be grateful!

I am suppose to share things about me as part of this award but I thought that I could do that best in my daybook along with adding updates and specific prayer requests for my Daddy here! I would pass this on but I see most everyone has received this award and if you haven't please please accept it from me! I love you all!





For Today...June 30, 2009

Outside my window... It is so very hot and humid here in Florida. It has rained just about everyday! It just doesn't rain...there is no sprinkles, it is like a monsoon with the most amazing lightning I have EVER seen!!

I am thinking... how blessed I am! I got to Skype with my husband, stepdaughter and my grandaughter Rylee tonight....in one and 1/2 weeks since I have seen that sweet baby girl she has......learned to sit up on her own, got her first tooth and is growing like a weed :) It was soooo wonderful to see them via Skype! I am hoping that my Dad doesn't overdo it while my husband and brother are here over the holiday weekend! He is making plans to do this and that and I am praying that he will be HONEST with us and more importantly himself and not try to do ANYTHING when he doesn't feel up to it! Please pray for this!

I am thankful for... my husband coming to Florida for 5 WONDERFUL DAYS!!!

From the kitchen... Well, I have been introduced to Bison! I am loving it! So we will be having Bison Burgers, my husbands famous Fajitas and Bison meatballs and spaghetti just to name a few things for this holiday weekend :) Sorry Clif!

I am wearing... a cute new top I got at the Gap outlet that is right down the street from Dads house and my jean shorts, my hair in a pony tail and my flip-flops


I am hoping...my husband arrives safely and time goes SLOW while he is here ;)

I am praying... for my brother, I know it will be hard to see my dad and even harder to leave but am so thankful that he gets to be here even if it's only for a few days

Around the house... we are in a routine....Did I tell you my stepmom drinks KONA coffee and orders the beans straight from HAWAII...tell me that isn't the LORD??? HE knew! I get KONA coffee every morning :)as I spend quiet time with the Lord seeking His will for the day ahead, go to mayo, work around the house...watch the kids swim and then curl up with dad in his room and watch a movie.

One of my favorite things...seeing Krista (My stepdaughter) and Rylee tonight...I miss them ohhh so much!

A few plans for the rest of the week... going to the airport, dads treatments and then watching my husband and son be pyromaniacs together and shoot off fireworks together! Just spending time together as a family and cherishing every moment!!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

My little cowgirl! We leave Oklahoma and she comes to Florida and sports a cowboy hat.....go figure ;)




Love and Blessings to you all!!

Monday, June 29, 2009

motivate me mondays



Wow is it Monday???? I have sooo lost track of my days! and I am barely making it in time for my traditional motivate me monday post but alot has motivated me this past week. I thought I would share the defination first.....

mo⋅ti⋅va⋅tion

–noun
1. the act or an instance of motivating.
2. the state or condition of being motivated.
3. something that motivates; inducement; incentive.

I am first motivated by my Heavenly Father! He is speaking to me, my children and doing amazing things in this family of mine. I see His Power, Healing in relationships, His Peace, and His word that truly has been a lamp unto my feet during this first week in Florida.

I am so motivated by all of my friends...friends the I know and see and others in this bloggy world that I know here daily....I receive encouraging words, I know that there are so many prayers going up for my dad and this truly motivates me. To think my dads name is going up by so many people to the Lord humbles me.

I am motivated by my children who have loved me, listened to me, helped me and have been here by mine and my dads side everyday lovingly doing whatever is asked of them. I am so proud of my daughter who at 16, would normally be spending her days/nights with her friends and doing teenage things has made the choice to be here with her Papa and Barb. My son, he is such a "homebody" and misses his dog soo very much & his friends to, but yet they know the Lord has them here and they are learning and listening to His voice and all that He has for them.

My husband who is holding down everything at home, supporting me, listening to me and just being there when I need to cry no matter what time of day or night. He is truly my best friend and I miss him but guess what ???? He will be here in 2 days! wahooooo....this motivates me :)

My mom who I am soo very close to, I know how hard this is for her to release me but yet she did....she told me to take care of my dad and meant it with all of her heart.
Having her support is huge!

I have been motivated by the number of people at my dads work who clearly adore my dad. He had a coworker come over on Sunday to pray over him. He brought his family with him and spent some time talking. It was a precious time with them. I was thankful to have been a part and I know how very much my dad appreciated it. He is just so amazed at people....why? I don't know. My dad is a wonderful, kind hearted man who in the words of his co-worker "You Doug, are the real deal"

and lastly, I am continually motivated by my Dad. No matter what he hears, how he feels...He is always positive, strong, and grateful. He motivates me with his love, his strength, and determination. His willingness to fight this disease... and trust me...the fight is on!

Motivation comes in many ways. What motivates you? I have always loved this scripture and I think the word "spur" is Gods word for motivate in this particular verse. :)

Hebrews 10:24 (New International Version)

24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds

Love and Blessing to you all!


Saturday, June 27, 2009

Spritual Sundays




"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to Me. Get away with Me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with Me and work with Me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with Me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly. Mathew 11:28 (The Message)


Do you keep company with your Heavenly Father? Do you walk with Him, or watch HOW He does things? Do you experience real rest?
This Scripture like all Scripture can and does apply to every area of our life?
Relationships, Jobs, Finances, Attacks from the enemy...God provides all we need in His Word, In His Presence we will find love, mercy and the unforced rhythm of grace! Meditate on these words and lay your burdens at HIS feet....He longs to carry each one of them for you!

May you experience the Power of His Word and in His Presence be filled




Thankyou Charlotte and Ginger for hosting Spiritual Sundays, go visit here for other encouraging words :) Have a blessed Sunday

Friday, June 26, 2009

A note from my DAD

My dad wrote another note that I want to share with all of you! Again, I cannot thank each of you enough for your love, kind words of encouragement and your prayers! God has brought all of you here and uses you each day and I cherish you all and Praise Him for bringing us together in this bloggy world!

Thankyou all for coming in agreement with me for healing in my Dads body by the Great Physician, who still performs miracle day after day!

A note from my dad...Doug

The Blame Game
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Today at 7:53pm
It looks like Friday night provides me time to reflect on my week and to add my comments to my blog. It’s Friday, so here I am again.

This week didn’t appear to start very well – or maybe it did. It’s all a matter of perception and perception is everything.

Here’s what happened:

On Monday, I had my first consultation with my oncologist and it went very well. She explained where we were and described the radiation and chemotherapy treatment plans. She planned for both to start late this week. Prior to starting the radiation and chemotherapy treatments, she wanted to run a brain scan. As she explained it, the brain scan was standard operating procedure. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your perception), the brain scan revealed three small cancerous growths in my brain. That bit of news changed the whole treatment plan and the scope of my disease.

I was upset when I heard the news. I told Barbie that I wished we could catch a break – it seemed like every time we thought we were going to make progress we had a setback. Just when we thought we were finally going to begin to treat the problem, we were dealing with another issue.

After I had a chance to think about the news, I was grateful that the doctor ordered the brain scan and that they found the three spots. If they hadn’t discovered them when they did, things would have deteriorated rapidly. As it is, the three spots are very small and I am hopeful that the forthcoming radiation treatments will deal with them quickly.

So, top priority in my new treatment plan is using radiation to kill the growths in my brain. I had my first radiation treatment on my brain yesterday and the second today. The radiologist scheduled two weeks of treatments to kill the three growths. I will go Monday through Friday and be off on the weekends. Then I have to wait another week or two weeks before they will begin treating the growth in my chest. I am very concerned about waiting four more weeks before treating my chest because my cough is getting worse and I’m not sure how I can make it that long.

As I said, my perception about the discovery of the small growths in my brain changed. At first, I was unhappy that they found them. It was disturbing because it meant the cancer had spread; that the cancer was in my blood stream and could spread anywhere; and, that the stage changed from IIIA to IV. None of this was good news. Then, I finally realized what would have happened if they hadn’t found the new growths. If they hadn’t found them, within a couple of months the growths would have taken over my brain and the results would have been fatal. Given that alternative, finding the growths was the best thing that could have happened.

I spent some time this week thinking about what caused this or more to the point, was there anyone to blame for this. I have to tell you that I know this was a big waste of time. Truth is, it doesn’t matter who or what caused it – it just is and that’s that.

But, play along for a minute. In the past, when I played the “Blame Game”, I almost immediately went directly to four targets: My parents, those around me (i.e., family, friends, etc.), God, and me.

In the past, I blamed my parents for a lot of things. In their defense, they did the best they could. “Did the best they could” isn’t meant to be critical. As a parent, I was very much like them; but today I know I could have been different and, as a result, I know they could have been different too. Looking back, I think they were too rough on my brother and me, but I really believe they had our best interests at heart. To their credit, they instilled in us a sense of honesty and fairness, a strong work ethic, compassion, persistence and many other fine qualities.

My mother is the only one of my parents still living and there is no way she can be blamed for this.

Same thing for my family and friends! None of them caused this or have given it to me. Besides, when I see everyone who is praying for me and all of the support I am receiving, I cannot find one person to blame.

Of course, I can blame me. I’ve done that enough with other things – but the truth is that I did a lot of things to avoid this disease. I stopped drinking 31 ½ years ago and I stopped smoking 31 years ago. I lived a pretty clean life and wasn’t around asbestos or chemicals – two of the three things the doctors point out are causes for lung cancer. So, honestly, I have trouble hanging this one on me too.

Personally, I think God gets a bad rap for a lot of things and doesn’t deserve it. In fact, yesterday, I heard a man on television discuss his father’s murder. He wondered what God was trying to teach him, his family, and friends. He was willing to wait and see what the lessons are. I simply don’t believe that is the way God works. I cannot accept that God had the father murdered to teach his son or anyone anything. I believe that a man caused the murder and God gets to help clean up the mess. God will help the son and family find peace; He will work with the community to repair the pain and fix the hurt; and He will do numerous other Loving Acts – many that will not be noticed.

Using my own situation, I don’t think God gave me this disease to punish me or to teach me a lesson. I have already learned a lot from having this disease and I’m sure I will learn more, but I don’t believe God gave me this cancer for that reason – in fact, I don’t believe God gave me this at all.

I believe that God will help my family, friends, and me through this. He will provide the Strength, Hope, and Love we all need. I do not know the outcome of this, but I strongly believe that God is working for the best outcome for all. I believe God wants me to be healthy and whole.

You want to know what I really believe. I believe no one is to blame for this. I believe this cancer grew on its own and it is in my chest and has spread to my brain. I would love to be rid of it but I cannot blame God, my mother, my family, my friends, or myself for this. The cancer started because it found a place to grow and so far it likes where it’s at. I wish it didn’t like me so much, but so far it’s been pretty happy – at least happy enough to branch out. I’m really hoping all of the prayers and the upcoming treatments show it that I’m not a willing host and it decides to move on. I don’t need it or want it anymore. Let it go somewhere else.



T.G.I.F.




Ok Kim may have done the best Friday Funnies ever this week so go here and see her hilarious post today!

This is yet another comedian our family loves from Bananas Comedy Show! Enjoy :)





Have a great Friday everyone!

Thursday, June 25, 2009

An award and an update



I was blessed first and foremost with the Friendship from Rosel or as bloggers know her as RCUBEs.. . She loves, adores, and serves the Lord in all she does. In her blog she seeks Him as she writes, even about the timing of the posts (trust me, I experienced this first hand!). In her work as a Nurse she serves the people of the correctional facility with strength, love and wisdom. She is a godly example to her coworkers with her hard work and she walks in the fruits of the Spirit with all of those she comes in contact with and to the friends she comments I have yet to be inspired, encouraged or uplifted each time I read something she has said! Thankyou Rosel for this award and more importantly your Love of Our Father that shines brightly in and through you! If you haven't met her please visit her here She is a treasured friend, a prayer warrior and a precious woman of God!


I am required to nominate 7 other bloggers for this award and they are supposed to nominate 7 others. (Be sure to leave a comment on their blog about the award.) After they accept the award they are then asked to write a list of 7 things that their blog readers may not know about them.
So, this is the hardest knowing there are so many “kreativ” blogs. I would love to share this blessing with:

Jennifer @ Studio JRU. You can't even say Jennifer without saying KREATIV :) She and I have become friends, prayer buddies and her strength in daily life inspires me!
She loves the Lord, her husband and is one of the most talented artists I know! She was just hired to do some exclusive pieces for DaySpring! a division of Hallmark! Go visit her site and her studio, you won't resist her beautiful heart and art :)

Christy @ The Secret Life of an American Wife and Mom. I found Christy just recently, she was in my town at the time and I would have given anything to be at the conference to meet her. She is a loving mom and a woman of God

Jenna @ Jenn-free to be me ~ this is my daughter and she has just started blogging. She is my photographer and so very Kreativ :)

Mary @ Pile of Smiles ~ Oh how I love Mary! She loves the Lord and his love oozes in and through her! She is a treasured Prayer warrior and friend!

Charlotte @ At Home in Scottsdale. charlotte and her husband Clif are such wonderful people and Charlotte hosts Spiritual Sundays! They love the Lord and it shows in all they do!

Warren @ Family Fountain. Warren has been a friend almost from the beginning of my blog which isn't terribly long but he is full of Wisdom and encourages so many in his comments on life lessons. He definately has a teachers heart and loves to share all he can with so many!

Lori @ Girly Muse. She is a gem! She lives her life in joy no matter the circumstance and sees the sunny side of Life! The Lord has clearly given her a gift of Unspeakable JOY


Blessing & love to each of you!

now I share 7 things you might not know about me:
1. I love the Lord with all my heart although you do know this but I pray all see Him and NOT me in all I do!
2. I went to college to be an accountant. Ended up doing Hair :)
3. I started drinking coffee at the age of 32! Love it and my favorite is KONA from the beautiful Hawaii!!
4. I am a mom, a step-mom and a NONI(grandma). I cherish and know it is a gift that God has allowed for me to be
5. I love to MOW the yard, always have since I was old enough to push a mower but now I get to ride :) don't lose weight that way though doggone it!
6. I drink water like crazy and allow myself about 1/4 can of pop at lunchtime only
7. I love to read and can read numerous books at a time....drives my husband & kids crazy bc I carry most of them in my purse and its really heavy!

phew! ENOUGH about me!

an update on dad. He had a rough day yesterday, worked and came home in pain for the first time really and went straight to his chair in his bedroom. He remained there until we went to his first radiation treatment today @ 5:30 pm. He allowed me to pray over him for the first time in my life! I sought the Lord and asked me to speak through me whatever my dad needed to hear and receive! He told me thankyou and I could tell he was touched. The treatment was very quick. It lasted 10 minutes and afterward he "pretended" to act like he didn't know us! He was being silly which was a good sign. My husband happened to call me at that moment and told my Dad he could really use this brain radiation to his advantage LOL! We were able to talk to the Dr. (Gods favor) and asked a few questions. The Dr. shared that they had up'd the radiation dosage and shortened the length of treatments bc his chest tumor is constricting his air passage more than they realized and want to begin chemo and radiation asap! Praise the Lord this is what Dad has said and wanted all along. His cough seemed better last night. The Lord prompted me to pray over Dads house and room yesterday and so I did! Inviting the Lord, His Peace and Presence into every place, corner and crevice!!! My Dad said to me this morning that He had the best nights sleep in such a long time! I knew it was the Lord and the Peace He had allowed and poured over this house! Praise HIM Praise Him Praise HIM! My dad also agreed to take some cough medicine and some Ibuprofen and it really seemed to help but I am taking "coughing data" to show my dad if it does or if it doesn't work because he will accept something like that. One thing some of you may not know it this. My dad is an alcoholic (once an alcoholic, always one) but has been sober for
32 YEARS! so because he has an addictive personality he REALLY doesn't want to take any narcotic pain meds which I truly admire him for! I just hate to see him in pain so this is why I am so happy he took the cough meds and am keeping the data. If he sees its working he will continue to take it.

Thankyou all again for sticking with this long post, thankyou for your continued prayers! LOVE TO YOU ALL!!!!


Wednesday, June 24, 2009

for today, June 24, 2009




For Today...

Outside my window... New surroundings here in Florida. My dads house sits on 50 acres. He has 2 horses, a cool red barn and so many trees. Seeing gecko's run everywhere and Frogs~ I am scared to death of Frogs! (thanks to my brother)

I am thinking... How grateful I am to be here, how much my children have love and supported me and my Dad...doing whatever is necessary....with total and complete love! I am so very proud of them!


I am thankful for... this time with my dad, just to hold his hand, make him tea, each day is precious. Also for all of those who are praying for him right now, Thankyou isn't even enough! For my husband who took time to drive to Missouri to spend time with my Nana because the Lord laid it upon his heart to do so! She and my Dad were sooo very appreciative! He is the most precious husband, more than I could have ever asked or dreamed of! My oldest daughter Krista, who lovingly checks on us everyday without fail....I love you and cherish you!

From the kitchen...This is definately an area the Lord has shown me to serve. The dr. told my dad he needs to keep his weight up....he lost 10 lbs. because upon learning his diagnosis he immediately started eating only fruits and veggies. So the Dr. said he needed to fatten up. My stepmom does not enjoy cooking so this is where I can definately help :) My husband is the much better cook in our home so although it is not as good as his I am doing my best and sitting down each night with my Dad and stepmom as a family is such a gift!

I am wearing... jean shorts, turqoise shirt with my betty jane crocs

I am reading... The Word and thats about all I can do right now. I must stand on it and let it be my lamp & my hope.


I am hoping... My dad can get some relief in his coughing. Today was really bad. He experienced pain for the first time today and is really concerned how he will handle this for 5 more weeks. This is when he will begin chemo and radiation on the chest tumor, for now tomorrow begins the brain radiation

I am creating... memories


I am praying... for a miracle! for a complete and total healing

Around the house... I am seeing my children and I be such a team, working together in total love and willing to see and ask the Lord daily....what today Lord can we do, give us ears and eyes to see and hear and hearts that would obey you!

One of my favorite things... ok this is so funny! My dad moved away the day after I graduated from highschool back in the 80's. So to say I know the little things that he does would not be true but today I learned a few things we are exactly alike in and it just brings joy to my soul.....we both love "GRAPE" jelly. We love our towels with alot of Downy fabric softener! :) We are both computer and techno geeks although he knows everything about them and I know nothing...just enough to get me by! We are CHIP AND SALSA fanatics!!! This I knew but cherish even more when we share it together!

A few plans for the rest of the week... radiation starts tomorrow and maybe we will be able to go to the movie....Transformers at the IMAX if Dad feels like it!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...These photos were taken by my daughter! She wants to be a photographer someday and I am so proud of her and her gift!







Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Intercessory Prayer

He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17:20

I am a daughter of the King. I have the gift of Faith. I always have, and truly I know and understand it is a gift. I grow in my Faith every day but the Lord is the Author and Finisher of it. The Word says;

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Today and everyday we must fix our eyes on Jesus....This is the only way I survived this day. Today my dad had an appt. for an MRI of his brain. We were told they expected to find nothing and that this was a "routine" thing before they began radiation. We were on the road by 6:30am and at Mayo by 7. One thing I noticed at the Mayo clinic is the atmosphere. Sooo many sick people yet the atmosphere is unlike a Hospital...where you can literally feel the heaviness. But at the Mayo, as I looked into the eyes of people... some sick, some not, I see determination, hope and in others although you can tell they are very sick they still smile. As we went onto the radiation appt. where we thought we were going to be receiving the treatment schedule, we were greeted by the physicians assistant and she informed us she had the MRI results and this would prove to be where everything we thought, believed, and/or even hoped changed. We were told that my dads cancer is now at a Stage 4, it has spread into his brain and that is where they would now be focusing on for the radiation. This Dr. explained to us that it is too toxic to do radiation on both the chest tumor and now his brain. My dad was very upset, understandably so. He wants his chest tumor to be taken care of first and foremost and feels if left untreated for another 3 weeks(length of brain radiation) that it will continue to grow and spread and this also leaves his continual cough that is getting worse with each day. He doesn't sleep well bc of this cough and he is soooo conscious of it that while talking on the phone to some people he will continue to push the mute button so "they are not bothered" My dad is precious and even apologized to my stepmom and I for "putting" us through this. Ok, honestly this broke my heart ....but this is my dad. He would protect me and our family at his expense for anything.

I would just like to take this opportunity and thank each of you for your encouraging words, your prayers and thoughts during this time for my dad and myself.
My dad has always been an extremely private man and has opened up a Facebook to be in touch with my brother and I and other family members and friends. He has used this as an outlet to share his feelings and for those of you who know about the "Notes" option, he has written a couple and this is one I would like to share and let you see into the heart of the man you are praying for: I covet each prayer and see how his knowledge of sooo many praying for Him is literally carrying him through the hardest thing in his life. Thankyou friends I love and appreciate you all and am continually interceding myself. I know that my being here was ordered and I am equipped for Such a Time as this!


"Intercessory Prayer
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Friday, June 19, 2009 at 11:56pm
This week I found out that the mass in my chest is malignant. Honestly, I wasn’t too surprised. As I said before, I felt like every doctor I talked to acted as if the growth was malignant. Some wouldn’t look me in the eyes and others had a tone in their voice that intimated there was no way it was benign. Although this week’s news was not good, I feel better just knowing what I was dealing with.

Now the question is: “What, if anything, can the doctors and medicine do about it?” Along those lines, I saw a cardio-thoracic surgeon today and he said he could not surgically remove the growth in its current state. He did have a bit of good news. He said that if chemotherapy and radiation are successful and if they reduce the mass; he will take another look at the surgical option – maybe 10 – 16 weeks from now.

Then, this coming Monday, I have a consultation with an oncologist who should cover the various treatment options, including chemotherapy, radiation, and others that may be available

In today’s world, where science seems to be gaining a stronger hold on our lives and where it is exposing some previous beliefs as falsities, I am uncomfortable putting my total dependence upon the doctors and medicine. If they were all I had. I would be very concerned.

There are many things that happen in this world I cannot explain. Some are miracles and some follow a more rationale path. I have seen both be strongly influenced by prayer. What has surprised and humbled me with my disease is the number of people who request to be intercessors or who want to ask their congregation or others to provide intercessory prayers.

I never thought much about intercessory prayer. Oh, when I was young and went to church, there was always a point in the service where the priest or preacher would go over a list of names of people who were sick or who needed some help in their lives. I would join the rest of the congregation in taking a few moments to think of them and asked God to help them. That was usually the end of it for me.

And there were times when people I loved or admired got sick and I wanted God to make them OK. I’d become an intercessor (back then, I didn’t know the meaning of the term) and asked God to heal them or when I really cared for them, I’d ask God to give me their disease and let them be whole. Today, when I think of the arrogance of that mentality, I can only smile. Looking back at what I was requesting, Garth Brooks’ song: “Thank God for unanswered prayers” comes to mind.

Now that I have this problem, intercessory prayer has a different meaning for me. I want all of the help I can get and I welcome every person or group who has expressed an interest in interceding. I have been very humbled by the number of people who have shown a genuine interest in including me in their prayers. I am surprised because I thought most people had more important things to do.

I am most humbled by the people who are involved. I list a few of them here (without names). There are some people in this list that I think are really gifted at intercession. I’ve seen them work. They have a passion for the needs of others and they have the ability to take those needs to God in a meaningful way.
• First, there is my daughter and my son-in-law. If I were to define a Christian, I would hold them up as examples. I’ve seen their prayers control the weather on a Halloween night and I have seen them intercede with prayer in peoples’ lives and make a huge difference.
• I work with a woman who I consider to be a “black belt” intercessor. I definitely want her on my side. She is one who has a big heart and a passion for the needs of others.
• Then there is my wife’s family. This family is the product of ten off-spring of a small-town Lutheran minister and all of their off-spring - probably over 300 strong. The thing I love about this group is the sense of “family” that they have. They constantly communicate and help one another – no matter where they live. You can tell how much they care about one another. When I first learned about my illness, the word went out to the entire family and we started receiving calls from all over the country. They are among the black-belt group too.
• I was very humbled to learn about three others who are interceding. First, I learned that the grandfather of a co-worker was including me in his prayers. He (the grandfather) is 95 and a former preacher. He’s brought about a number of miracles in his life. And then there are the two young daughters of our Chief Legal Counsel. I’ve never met the girls, but I think God really listens to children.
• The other day, I learned that a co-worker told his parents about my needs and they interceded. His parents live in Jerusalem and they took my name and health problem to the Western Wall. That’s powerful stuff!
• I heard from many of my high school classmates – almost as soon as I learned I had the mass. They all asked to intercede and one high school friend is asking his church congregation to intercede. They are 2000 strong.
• While I’m not a Mormon, one of my brother-in-laws lives in Provo and took my name to the temple in Salt Lake City. That’s as big as the Western Wall. His twin brother is interceding too. I also have a few Mormon friends in Jacksonville and they are involved.

This amazes me! I am a small-town boy from Southwest Missouri (pronounced “mi zur eh”) and I have worked in the background most of my life. I am awed by the fact that this many people are willing to help. I thank each and everyone who has or will intercede.

While I want to beat this thing, I know I cannot do it on my own. The doctors, the advances in medicine, and all of the intercessors are my best chance.


Doug Woods"

I have continually surrendered my fears, my what-ifs, and my anger to the Lord. I trust He is in Control and His timing is Perfect. I am asking that I decrease and He increase in me so that His Peace that He promises will flow from me to my dad. My faith will not be shaken.....No matter what the Dr's say! Bless each of you for interceding! Here is my precious daddy



Monday, June 22, 2009

motivate me mondays

Dana is doing such a great job with her new venture of hosting Motivate Me Mondays! Thanks Dana, you shared a wonderful story and challenged us to share how Fear might have kept us from doing something that the Lord was prompting us to do!

As I read Dana's post I immediately remembered the time when our family was on vacation and we were at the beach in Florida enjoying a wonderful family filled day. We were walking along and saw a gentleman from far off. It didn't take getting up close to him to see that he hadn't shaven or even changed clothes for a very long time! I looked at my husband and we looked at each other and it was clear the Holy Spirit had spoken something as well to my husband. We talked about this gentleman and knew we were suppose to purchase him a meal! We were just about to eat lunch ourselves but some how this no longer seemed important. We purchased him a hamburger and fries and together the four of us walked the distance to this man. As we were walking we prayed and our kids who were younger then continued asking why we were giving a stranger this meal? We explained how the Lord had so clearly impressed on both of us to Feed this man. We let our children hand him this hamburger and said "May God Bless You" This man looked up at our family with such humility and said "Thankyou, I haven't eaten in days!"

Sometimes the Lord will drop us an idea.....make a call to this person, send a note of encouragement to so and so, make dinner for a single mom to help out, spend time with a elderly person at a nursing him or home care facility. We are all so busy doing our own things, and yes, sometimes, fear does keep us from "obeying" and serving the Lord through loving or helping others. When we don't act on those promptings it is us who loses out on the blessing for it is ALWAYS true. It is far better to give than to receive!

Lord, May we have ears to Hear and eyes to See and a heart that will Obey!



Our Journey to my Dad

Wow What a Weekend! We received a phone call from my Dad on Friday to see the Mayo Clinic Surgeon in Jacksonville. He was told he was NOT eligible for Surgery due to the size and location of the tumor. I have to be honest, I was devastated for him and my family. I realized we all (my brother, myself, my stepmom and nana) had really counted on him being able to have this surgery....remove the lung with the tumor and begin chemo and just plain be healed of this cancer. My dad on the other hand was very positive and not surprised at all with the news. Now, don't get me wrong it wasn't what he wanted to hear it's just that he expected this. He also informed me that they would have an appt. with an oncologist on Monday morning.

That evening my husband and I were discussing all of this and I just really felt like I needed to go to Florida. We have a family meeting and asked the kids if they would like to go with me and if so, what were their concerns and/or fears. After putting all of those things to rest ...it was unanimous. We all were going! Halleluah! I REALLY wanted the kids to go but didn't want to force them! We packed our bags Friday night and I did my mom and DH's hair on Saturday since I will most likely be gone for a couple of months and we were on the road by 3! It was a tearful goodbye for all for so many reasons but knew Gods hand was on and with all of us and we were doing EXACTLY what we were suppose to be doing. We had some friends come over on Saturday and make a list of Snacks for the road and OMG they loaded us up! What a blessing! We stopped in Tupelo on Saturday night and made it to St Augustine Sunday night about 10 pm. just in time for Fathers Day to be ending but hey, we made it!!

We had some fun times in the car:

We saw this right away and KNEW God was saying: I am with you!



Me and my girl :)


How many pieces of bubblegum can you chew??? heehee


My son blew a REALLY big bubble.....landed on his head and hair!


Our final hours in the car.....yep she is soooo silly!


Sooooo Glad to be here and spend time with my dad doing whatever it is that He needs
Thankyou each and everyone for interceding I will share with you tomorrow a note from him.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

An Award and a Win



I can't even begin to share how much I have enjoyed this bloggy world. I have won contests, giveaways, plus, gleened wisdom and Insight from sooo many! But I have found some of the Most PRECIOUS friendships and Prayer Warriors! If you would have sat me down a few mongths ago and said "Loren, start a blog ~ seriously, you will have new friends that will teach you every day about the Lord, being a parent. They will make you laugh with their posts, dig deep and ask some serious questions of yourself, and yet they will cover you in prayer and be a treasure to you." I don't think I would have believed you. But....It is true! These relationships are truly a Gift from the Lord at a time in my life, that only He knew how much they would mean to me! One of these precious friendships is from Mary @ PILEofSMILES. Ohhhhh, how I love Mary! Upon arriving at her blog you instantly see her sweet face and for me I KNEW I had a friend. She LOVES the LORD like I do and always points me to HIM and HIS WORD! She is a doer of the Word, a mentor and loves, comforts and prays for all those she meets in her blog! Mary blessed me with this LOVE YA Award. Thankyou Mary! I am honored to be your friend!! Now, It is my turn to pass this on :)

Rules of this award are:


The "Love Ya" Award states: These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to other bloggers who must choose to pass it on and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award!

Nicole at Taulman Times, she is my friend and the one who introduced me to blogging. She is one of the most honest, transparent people I know. She inspires so many and the best is yet to come :)

Lori at Girly Muse, she is a beautiful writer, mother and will inspire you to see the Lord in ALL things!

Jennifer at Studio JRU. I met her through a blog contest and won her beautiful faith inspired art and gained a Friend! She is such a gifted artist so visit her Artfire Studio too!

Stephanie at stephtmomof3. Steph is a bloggy friend and a personal one. We have known each other for a long time. She loves Jesus, her family and will always bring a smile to your face and heart!

Kim at Homesteaders Heart. Oh how this girl makes me laugh! EVERYDAY! She is so funny and has a heart as big as the Florida Sunshine!

and last but certainly not LEAST, is my friend Clif at Musings of a Minister. He is an independent book reader, a lover of the LORD, and will make you laugh on days, look within at times, and even cry every once in a while!

Please go visit my friends, they are all precious to me and more precious to our Father! Friendship is a Gift from above....treasure each and everyone!


My win!!!! I entered a book giveaway at Clif's Musings of a Minister and won! This book is called Jantsens Gift by Pam Cope. It immediately caught my eye because my sons name if Jantzen. Pam was a hairstylist, so am (or was) I! I am looking forward to reading this book! It is a deeply moving account of loss and recovery. It is Pam's story of losing her 15 yr old son and turning that pain into glory for the Lord and helping children and making a difference in the world!

Thankyou Clif!!





Tuesday, June 16, 2009

June 16, 2009




For Today...

Outside my window... The Sun is Shining Bright and Beautiful but my heart is heavy

I am thinking... about my Dad. It was confirmed that he has Lung Cancer. My quiet time in the Word yesterday was in Psalm 23. I felt the Holy Spirit with me and somehow knew this is what I would hear.


I am thankful for... The Strength, Love, and comfort from the Lord


I am wearing... Shorts and a tank top

I am reading... 1 Samuel, Psalms, "Leota's Garden" by Francine Rivers, &
"That's My Son" by Rick Johnson

I am hoping... they will be able to operate on my dad. At this point that is "if-y" because of the location of the tumor, BUT~ God can do ANYTHING. He finds out Friday.


I am praying... for my Dad, my Nana, who is alone and dealing with all of this, Lori and family, Heydon and Jennifer,and Mary my sweet sweet friend! Another Bloggy friend whose husband is also having serious health issues too.

Around the house... a Peace that Passes all Understanding

One of my favorite things... at dusk, watching the Lightning bugs dance across my yard, the beautiful family of Deer that come to graze in our back yard, spending time with my kids and Rylee, my sweet grand-daughter. The love and support my husband pours into me during this difficult time and seeing Gods hand so powerfully on my family right now

A few plans for the rest of the week... Jantzen finishes cooking school this week, My husband and I are taking a cooking class together on Thursday ~ yum ~ (wings, brats, shrimp dip)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

ME AND MY SWEET DADDY


Monday, June 15, 2009

Family Meetings




This is the first Motivate Me Monday with Composing Hallelujahs and I am so excited for Dana to be the new Vessel for this wonderful Post!

I would like to share with you the idea of Family Meetings. Years ago we began seeing a Life Coach. She really taught us (our family) how we are a TEAM! Her company name is Creative Teambuilders and she works with families, corporate teams etc. She introduced us to Family Meetings.

Each week (Same day every week) we meet together with our calendars (in whatever form that means~phone, dayplanner etc) and we share our events with one another inputing them into our schedules. We also plan menus ~ each person chooses a meal they would like to have and it works great! My favorite part of the meeting is when we share prayer needs with one another or when we share what the Lord has done or said to us that particular week. Sometimes, we will have our family bible study or study a book together and love the questions that arise and/or that are shared. We also play games that will bring out questions from the kids....The Ungame, great board game that initiates emotions and questions for all players. This can be found at any local Christian Bookstore. Cardversation, 104 Questions for Youth to deal with ~ these cards are great for kids of all ages and also have it clear which are for older youth and which are for younger kids. These also can be found at any Christian bookstore. We also play a game called "Empty the Bucket" this uses 4 words ~ MAD, SAD, GLAD AND AFRAID, WOW! This one is really good and the Lord works powerfully here! Talking to your kids is so very important! Keeping dialogue open and asking purposeful questions and opening the door to their hearts and minds is key these days! Reminding them that you are their biggest cheerleader and their safe place along with teaching them the ways of the Lord brings peace and security.

How about you~ What do you share at your family meetings?



Sunday, June 14, 2009

Spiritual Sundays




12 Honor your father and mother so that you'll live a long time in the land that God, your God, is giving you. Exodus 20:12

This is the 5th commandment. It is also the only commandment with a promise.
So that we may live long in the land the Lord gives us.


In Dennis Rainey's book "The Best Gift You can ever give your Parents" he points out this in regards to this commandment:

"Look carefully at the commandment again: Whom did God command us to honor? Only perfect parents? Only Christian parents? Parents who are spiritually mature and insightful? Only those who never made major mistakes rearing us?

No, God commands us to honor our parents regardless of their performance, behavior or dysfunction. Why? Because honoring parents demands that we live by faith in God."

This is a wonderful book for all people, believers and/or non-believers. A friend of mine was asking me how my dad was doing and then told me she had something for me. It was this book. I devoured it and am so looking forward to writing the tribute to my parents. I just wanted to share this on Spiritual Sundays and for anyone who would be interested in honoring their parents and obeying the Lord. This is just a tool that will shed new light on the wonderful commandment.

For other stories please go here and thankyou Charlotte and Ginger for this wonderful blog!



Friday, June 12, 2009

TGIF




My mom showed me this: Enjoy :) Have a Fabulous Friday. Go see Kim for more Friday Funnies




Thursday, June 11, 2009

Give Thanks



Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever

I see alot of posts with catchy phrases according to the day of the week;

Menu Plan Monday
Motivate Me Monday
Tasteful Tuesday
Friday Funnies :)
Spiritual Sunday


I love them all and have done most but this particular one I hadn't seen so I thought I would join in on the fun!


** My family operating in the Gifts and Callings that God has for each of us!
My daughter has a prophetic gift. I love watching her share that gift with others and when she shares something the Lord has given her with someone it truly blesses all involved!

** My dad. He is so strong and I see God moving in His life so powerfully!! My dad's heart is opening to so many people around him and for this I will forever be grateful!

** My husband and his new job. It literally took 2 yrs for the sale of my husbands company to take place and when it did, it was soo fast! He learned so much during those 2 yrs and we continually asked the Lord during that time, "Please show us all that you want us to know/understand for everyday life and spiritually speaking." My husband was the general manager of the previous company. Now with the new company, his title remains the same, but he is able to operate as a true GM and has such a heart for these people that he has worked with for 30+yrs. He is flourishing and we both know THIS truly is a gift from the Lord!

What are you thankful for today? Is it your husband? Have you told him lately how much you appreciate him? What about your parents? Do they know how grateful you are for all they have done, taught, shared or sacrificed? Your friends, kids, coworkers, maybe even the convenience store clerk that you see everyday. Do they know how thankful you are for them? If not, give them thanks today! Share your heart with the Lord for it is true...He IS GOOD, and His love endures forever!


Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Attention Ladies



I have been following this blog this past week and I am loving this series! It's about Loving Our Men, so go check it out ~ The series started June 1 so you can easily catch up and see what you think! Come back and let me know ok :)


Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Tagged....AGAIN



I was given ORDERS to complete this and share 6 Unimportant things that make me Happy by my friend Nicole.

1. Drinking my coffee out of a certain cup so that it stays warm.

2. The toilet paper roll going over and not under.

3. My Iphone.

4. summertime laundry ~ it is sooo much better than winter time laundry.

5. Reading Facebook Statuses

6. Having completed this post.

Now here is where I am suppose to tag 6 people but I am going to say if you would like to do this go for it, mention my blog/name in your post and have fun: This is harder than you think! :) Blessings!!


June 9, 2009




For Today...

Outside my window... Sunny and Hot :) Just the way I like it!

I am thinking... How much I love being a NONI (grandma)


I am thankful for... The news my dad received for at least one of his tests, whatever this is in his body has at least NOT SPREAD :) THANKYOU LORD

From the kitchen... Fresh fruits, veggies and anything that can be grilled

I am wearing... my hair has decided in my old age to be curly (how does this happen?)
my jean shorts and my cute tank top

I am reading... piles of goodstuff


I am praying... for my Dad, my brother, for my bloggy friend Lori and her family and friends, and other friends as well

Around the house... We love SUMMER! Sitting outside at night talking, reading, being lazy if we want to ~hey it's summer!

One of my favorite things... Seeing the fruit of working with a life coach over the past few years and being able to help others in situations in their marriage or life circumstances.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Dr. appt tomorrow to see if I need shoulder surgery, my son is in Cooking School this week and loves it and Friday with mom and all the grandkids will be over here making something for Fathers Day for my DH and my brother. It's going to be so much fun :)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you

Our precious grandaughter Rylee



Monday, June 8, 2009

Motivation



I just have to thank Sarah Mae for her Motivate Me Mondays! I found her blog a few months ago and this was a post I participated in some, and gleened so much more from.
She has decided to say good-bye to this particular post and to pass the torch to her friend Dana @ Composing Halleluahs. Today Sarah Mae shared with us about Moving On, not being afraid of the risks! That is just one of the things I love about this bloggy world ~ most everyone works together, helps each other out, lifts each other up in prayer, or with encouraging comments. That motivates me ya'll, doesn't it you? Isn't that what we are called to do?

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
Heb 10:24

If Love was the root of all our motivation, or loving our neighbor like we love ourselves hmmmm .....If we weren't afraid of what others thought or if Sarah Mae was worried that Dana just might do better with this than she did, but she didn't. She freely and gladly gave with the hopes that new life would be put into it! Sounds just like some ONE we all know and love! What are we holding on to? What are we afraid to let go of? Where can we love or encourage today?

For more motivate me mondays go here