pondering thoughts

In todays society or what the Christian circles call us.....the Western world who doesn't see or experience Gods Miracles in a powerful way like those in foreign countries ... I just want to thank the Lord for the Miracle that HE has given us in my Dad still being here. To me ~ clearly ~ to have doctors at the Mayo Clinic scratching their heads and saying "you are lucky to be alive and we aren't sure how that is in your condition" is nothing short of the LORD ALMIGHTY performing a miracle!

I wanted to share how the procedure went and have been waiting for some answers as well but as you know sometimes in situations such as these we don't always get the answers right away.

Yesterday the procedure went well. Dad was even asking for food afterward so that is a great sign. I spoke to him last night and other than sounding exhausted his spirits were good and he was greatly encouraged. He did share with me that this procedure while one doctor has such positive things to say there are still others that shared we are still in serious condition and there is no guarantee. So I just have to pray and ask for these remaining clots to dissolve and call upon the name of the Lord for that peace that passes all understanding and to REST and KNOW, that HE is in control (no matter the outcome!) Not being there to ask the questions or to truly grasp the way the doctors are collaborating in regards to my dad and his situation is frustrating to me. I have read alot about pulmonary embolism and also heard the comments from my dear friend Rosel and have taken these things to the Lord. My husband and I are seeking HIS will and HIS wisdom in our decisions.

In asking my stepmom about returning she doesn't feel it necessary at this time while dad is still in the hospital but does feel it would be a good idea upon his release so that he won't be at home alone if she has to go to work or just tend to the everyday things of life. My husband has alot of traveling to do this month so I need to be here and also have the scheduled surgery on my shoulder but these things are secondary when it comes to my dad and I will quickly and without question reschedule that if necessary. I guess, all in all, I just want to be honest with myself about Dads situation and yet not react out of fear but do what is right for everyone! I just smile knowing the Lord knows my heart and if I could only hear him say audibly what HE wants me to do. I am so thankful that I have such a supportive husband and praying friends that will stand in the gap for my dad and our family in this time of waiting and for the gift of Faith. It is in times such as these that we see the fruit of that gift come into play. It is in these times that the Lord takes us deeper into HIM, our trust and assurance no matter what life brings us can be in people or in can be in the Lord.....I choose to place my trust in the Lord and know that this road will lead me closer to HIM the author and finisher of my Faith.


IN HIM

God is Faithful

This is an update to the post below:

They will be performing a procedure on my dad where they insert a filter into his groin to keep the clots that are in his leg from going any further up. The Dr.'s name is Waltzer and my Dad likes him quite well. He answered all of his questions and seems to be very hopeful. Dr. Waltzer said that in 85% of the cases it is effective and the clots dissolve.

They told my dad and Barb that it is a miracle that my Dad is alive with the number of clots he has in his legs and the size of the clots in his lungs. AN ABSOLUTE MIRACLE!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!!

This procedure will be done in a couple of hours. I know they will also be looking into changing his chemo medicine since they believe this may be the cause of the clotting.

I am praising the Lord and thanking each of you for your prayers, love and concern!

Update

First, I must say thankyou for to outpouring of love and prayers.

My Dad was admitted into ICU @ the Mayo Clinic, early last evening because as the day progressed he felt worse and put up no fight whatsoever to go to the emergency room. Upon arriving he was in severe pain, very labored breathing and moaning and nauseous. They took his pulse which was 120 (wayyyy too high) and his oxygen saturation was only 86 (wayyy too low). So they immediately put him on oxygen and began iv fluids, and then started running tests.

Here is what I know so far.....

A CT scan revealed:
He is in serious condition due to 2 very large blood clots in his lungs (pulmonary embolism) At the present time the only thing they can do is administer medication so that they (clots) will dissolve. The possiblities of them traveling to the heart and erupting are what puts him in serious condition and causing great concern. The doctors this morning will discuss the possiblity of them doing a procedure to put an umbrella in his legs to prevent further clots which apperently is common once these start to form. The doctor just notified my stepmom that his clot is exceptionally large and may not dissolve and may leave a scar but I am not sure what all of this means but they are doing a sonogram on his legs to see if they will put the umbrella in his stomach or the legs. I hope I am not confusing you, I am just sharing as I get information in. She also shared that my Dad may not come off of the oxygen again. All of this is breaking my heart. My mind goes to Exodus 14:14 "The Lord will fight for you, you need only be still."

I am asking for believing Doctors and that they would seek the Lord for what to do for my Dad. I am asking for nurses who know the Great Physician and Jesus as their Savior and would share Him and HIS love with my Dad and Barbie. (Nurses like Rosel and Micey.) I am praying for this exceptionally large clot to dissipate without scar tissue and that there would be no need for oxygen. Wisdom to all and healing to go forth. Salvation.

My Dad is still being strong and fighting this with amazing strength. He is so precious.

The good part is that my dad is receiving fluids and pain meds through the IV along with nutrition so he is feeling better and sleeping which is a gift at this point.

Will continue to update as I know more...thankyou all for your continued prayers

Prayer needed

I am coming to my mighty prayer warriors asking for prayer today for Dad and my stepmom (Barbie). Here is an update.

Dad has his final radiation treatment on Friday and his last chemo for this round last Wednesday. During chemo this time they had to give him fluids for the first time ever. This means he is not drinking enough on his own and mostly this is due to the pain he experiences in his throat. Eating and drinking have become quite the challenge. He has lost 12 lbs in 15 days and that is as of last week so I know the number is higher. He didn't work last week except a few bits here and there from home because he mostly slept. I talked to him and he says other than feeling tired he feels pretty good. (putting on the good front for me) The doctors told him it will probably take 4-6 weeks to gain his strength back.

He will have a brain scan Sept 10 to see if the radiation that was done in the beginning got those 3 spots on his brain!
He will have another round of chemo Sept 11 which will be 5 hours long instead of 3. They will administer more chemo meds and more of the other now that he is no longer taking radiation. Sometime in October he will have a scan on his chest to see how the tumor is reacting to the treatments.

I received a text message this morning from my stepmom asking for prayer. My dad woke up having a HORRIBLE coughing spell, breaking out into a sweat and was in alot of pain along with just being completely exhausted. I have been at the feet of Jesus this morning and feel his LOVE, PEACE, and STRENGTH and am asking you all to lift up my Dad and my stepmom as well.


Philippians 1:5-7 (The Message)

A Love That Will Grow

Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart. I am so pleased that you have continued on in this with us, believing and proclaiming God's Message, from the day you heard it right up to the present. There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears.
It's not at all fanciful for me to think this way about you. My prayers and hopes have deep roots in reality. You have, after all, stuck with me all the way from the time I was thrown in jail, put on trial, and came out of it in one piece. All along you have experienced with me the most generous help from God. He knows how much I love and miss you these days. Sometimes I think I feel as strongly about you as Christ does!

I have been a part of Lisa Shaws "ladies on a mission" and she had this verse for us to read today and as I typed this out asking for you all to pray, I immediately thought of you all, along with the women in this group. It means so much to know that others are praying for my Dad. In church you often hear, "You may be the only representative of Christ others see," or" you may be the only person that is praying for this family member" (if they are not believers) so I humbly thank each of you the lifting dad & Barb to our Heavenly Father, the Great Physician and asking for Salvation, Peace, Healing and relief in the pain so that he can eat and drink.


In HIM

Spiritual Sundays

Here is one of my favorite songs by Matt Gilman and Cory Asbury. They are prophetic worshipers from IHOP (international House of Prayer) in Kansas City. Enjoy......



for other Spiritual Sunday posts please go visit Charlotte and Ginger here

Friday Funnies

OK you know I told you all Brian took Jantzen on his "adolescent trip" this past weekend. They had alot of really good discussion and some much needed fun.

When Jantzen immediately got out of the truck I gave him a big hug and said How are YOU???? HE looked at me with this look and said "ALOT SMARTER" LOL

When I took Jen we had a picture made for a memory of out time together ~ Here is that pic from back in 04'




Now here is the one that Brian and Jantz took together to remember this time in their lives


Have Mercy!!

For other Friday Funnies go here
Happy Friday everyone!

Thankful Thursday

I am joining Iris and a thankful bunch of gals on this Thursday. We have so much to be thankful for and God loves a thankful heart. I am thankful for much today.....

* After a rough day at chemo yesterday and finding out my Dad has lost even more weight (12lbs just since I left) and having to have fluids intraveneously for the first time during chemo, he had a much better evening and was able to eat some soup. Again my opinion is the dehydration issue and am praying that he too will see AND recognize this to be a serious issue. He is pretty much bed-ridden and I found out the doctor has asked that he at least get up and make the long journey out to his mail box at least once daily but preferably twice. We will see.

* I am so thankful for my sweet and kind husband. I had alot of pain yesterday in my shoulder and have had alot going on since I have been home. (I did schedule surgery for Sept 18) When he got home from his long day at work he noticed my pain and went and ran a hot bath for me and made sure I was taken care of....what a gift he is to me.....Thankyou LORD!

* We spent some time with the kids in Colossians 3 last night. Each reading a portion sharing what it meant to them specifically and then moving on to the next. Funny how the LORD orchestrated who read what :) (my husband read the part about not embittering your children or they will be discouraged, Jen read about anger, I read about clothing myself with kindness, compassion etc) because I had spent time earlier in the day reading this and repenting and felt the Lord prompting me to share this with the kids and HE sooo anointed this time together! Thankyou Father!

* I am sooo thankful the kids had a great first day. Jantzen was thrilled with his teachers and although he didn't get to lunch until 1....yes they arrive at 7:30 and normal lunch was at 12:10 it is just a part of the first day adjustments and praying today is much better. He told me he couldn't wait to go back ....oh ya KIM, he didn't get his locker open for a while either but finally it worked ....PHEW! :) Jen had a good day! Math has always been her weakest subject but this years teacher is straight from JESUS. doesn't like giving homework ~ they work together in class and she give quizzes not tests..." can I get a HALLELUAH!"

* I am also thankful for Bailey the horse. He was able to roam the pasture in total freedom and bliss Tuesday. He is such a fighter and I just praise God for helping him and allowing him to be ok!

LOVE AND BLESSINGS TO YOU ALL......I am thankful for each and everyone!

1st day of School

I truly can't believe it......summer is gone and school has begun.

Jenna is a Junior this year. She was up and ready to go EARLY. A big group of friends met for donuts so when I asked for the traditional "first day picture" she was rushing me to say the least ;)



Notice, she has her back pack on, IPOD in one ear, keys are in her hand along with her Training clothes so she is prepared for the day.

Jantzen is in the 6th grade. This is the first year that all of the elementaries (total of 8) come together and go the 6th grade center. It will be quite a change and he definately had those 1st day butterflies.



I am so anxious to hear how their day went!

August 18,2009

August 18, 2009
For Today...

Outside my window... RAINING :) & much cooler HALLELUAH

I am thinking...about my Dad, school starting, and so many who are struggling right now

I am thankful for... a home filled with Love, Friendship, and Laughter. One final day before school starts. The Strength the Lord is giving me each day in regards to my Dad.

From the kitchen...salads, I am going to make fish tacos here for the first time (wish me luck), brisket, chicken

I am wearing... Jeans, meet the rams tshirt and a rain jacket to go out today.

I am reading... When Jesus speaks to your Sorrow by Nancy Guthrie, Take 2 by Karen Kingsbury, The Principle of the Path, and The Noticer

I am hoping...and trusting that all that we have been praying for in blogland feel the Presence of God falling on them each and everyone.

I am praying.. for my Dad, for Alleluiahbelle & Ron, Kats Uncle who just passed away and her mother, All of those on Beth's page and Andreas page, Rosel & Donna @ Seaglass, Lisa and her 7day Lay it down girls, and for all of the kids starting school

Around the house...getting things ready for school and sooo not ready for my kids to go back!!!

One of my favorite things...seeing my precious grandaughter, she is just soo cute and funny

A few plans for the rest of the week... going to get school clothes, taking my son to get a haircut.....oh my!! and going to pray over their schools tonight. Meeting with some friends in the morning to have coffee and catch up :)

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


Isnt she silly.....clearly I didn't know what she was doing or I would have been cracking up!!

Love and Blessings to you all today!

A day at the Movies, a win, and a prayer

After I had seen a couple of friends post about this movie plus my mom telling me how good it was, I asked my DH to take me to see this. I also wanted to see the Time Travelers Wife as well, so we decided to make a day of it. I really liked the Time travelers Wife but I must say I have been in a romantic gushy mood since I have been home with my honey! Upon reading about this movie on FocusontheFamily.com I knew it wasn't a movie that I wanted to take our teenage daughter along with her boyfriend to see, so, we invited them to go with us to see Julia & Julie. My daughter was bummed but it is one I will see with her on a girls day :) It truly is PG13

On Julia & Julie, I must say, I agree .....any and all bloggers must see this movie! We can so relate! Being somewhat of a new blogger myself I saw the transformation in Julie that I have experienced. Such as....the excitement of our first comment, our obsession, our realization that we can, and do at times, put this blogging above our families and balancing that out in time, and even the point in which she is told by her oh so sweet hubby "DO NOT BLOG ABOUT THIS!" hee hee! Yep I have experienced each and every one of these! This movie is wonderful....I laughed, I cried, I learned alot about Julia and didn't know this was a true story even about Julie! I love the wonderful portrayal of marriage in this movie because their husbands were supportive and they communicated, loved, worked hard TOGETHER no matter what life threw at them and they believed in each other! It just made me love and appreciate the relationship I have with my husband because he is sooo like the men in this movie! I think too after seeing this movie he understands why I love blogging so much and here is just why I say this:

When I opened my computer this morning I went to Incourage to read their post for the day and they happened to be announcing the winners of their Limited Edition Incourage tshirt. Out of 250 "what incourages you" posts I was one of the lucky random chosen WINNERS!!! I called my husband and told him and he was earnestly excited with and for me! He is so precious!
This is Holley with DaySpring sporting modeling this tshirt! She is a sweet lady as are all the women involved in this website!



On a side note I have to ask for prayer for my Dad today. This has been a hard weekend and today he actually cancelled all clients and for the first time is NOT going to work because he is just tooo exhausted. He is sleeping most of the time and I found out yesterday that most food has become to painful to eat. He was able to eat a shake yesterday but that is it. Smoothies have become to painful due to the acid from the fruit. I know the Great Physician is at work and I just ask that you all would come in agreement with me for the Lord to strengthen Dad, mininstering to HIM and as HE draws him near that my Dad would long to know and accept JESUS! I love each of you and thankyou as you come before the Lord on my Dads behalf, it humbles me so!

Love and blessings to you all!