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!

Spiritual Sundays

I am reading Hearing Jesus Speak into your Sorrow by Nancy Guthrie. This is from the chapter Hear Jesus Speak of His healing for YOU.

I am Jehovah=Rophi, the Lord who heals. Healing is not just something that I do; it is my very nature, reflected in my name. I am the source and sustainer of life itself. So in your sickness, look to me. I want to heal you.

And I mean really heal you-not just heal your body in a temporary way, but heal your spirit, soul and body in a pervasive and permanent way. I want to bring you to the place of complete wholeness I created you for. My healing work has already begun in your life--it began when I first drew you to myself. The deeper you go in me and the longer you abide in me, the more healing you will experience.

It is my healing touch that soothes your ailing body, your aching heart, your troubled mind, and your weary soul. It is my touch that heals you from the self-absorption that consumes you, the apathy toward me that depletes you, the lust that brings you shame and regret, the materialism that leaves you unsatisfied, the unforgiveness that isolates you from others- all the sin that has made your soul so sick.

I know it is never comfortable when my Spirit shows you the areas of your life the are offensive to me. I'm not trying to hurt you by calling attention to your sin; I'm helping you. Won't you let me love you in this way? Just turn toward me and begin to confess those sins rather than ignoring them or trying to hide them. I wont turn away from you. I will cleanse you.

This repentance Im calling you to is not a one time things. Im asking you to make it your way of life. As you live in brokenness before me, I will continue to show you the things in your life that keep you from closer fellowship with me--not to condemn you or discourage you, but to draw you into the full and free life I have for you.

On the cross I dealt decisively with your deepest and most destructive disease, and even now you are being healed by my wounds. There I destroyed the power of sin to rule your life and determine your destiny.

I am not unmoved by the pain in your life. As you lay it before me and invite me into it, you will find me moving toward you bringing you peace.

adapted from Exodus 15:26, Acts 17:25, Heb 1:3, Rom 6:13, John 15:4 NKJV Luke 6:19, Luke 5:31-32 Mathew 13:15, 1 JOHN 1:9, Eph 5:26 Phil 1:6 John 16:8 Col 3:5 1 Pet 2:24

for other posts go here

Note from Dad

I have to be honest. I was broken hearted when I read this weeks note! I did NOT want to post it and I think you all will understand why. Satan counterfeits everything from Jesus. A sermon, power, a book. Gods power is available to all of us Eph 6:10 says be strong in HIM and in His mighty power. Jesus teaches the true sermon on the mount in Mathew 5,6, and 7 in HIS WORD. I shared with my dad when I spoke to him on Friday that sooo many people had prayed for him on Thursday and I believe that is why he felt so much better on Friday. (This was before he ever wrote this note)

As I prayed, cried out to the Lord asking for the deceit to be revealed and Truth to be received by my dad, it was in that time that I knew I should ask you all to come in agreement with me. I read a story posted on the InCourage website written by SarahMae about her mother who was an alcoholic and only had 2 months to live. She heard the voice of God clearly telling her to put down her Vodka which she did and has since surpassed her doctors diagnosis and 10 months later is still here and living for HIM! It gave me great hope and has encouraged me to continue to believe that my dad can also accept Jesus! His gift of Salvation, His Forgiveness and life Everlasting!

My dad knows that I post his notes but he does not read my blog. I am not sure why. He has seen his prayer button and I would read comments to him from each of you which he appreciates and is very humbled by but for whatever reason he doesn't read my blog. Anyway ~ here is his note.

Doug Woods: "The Sermon on the Mount" by Emmet Fox

Doug's Notes|Notes about Doug|Doug's Profile
"The Sermon on the Mount" by Emmet FoxShare
Yesterday at 10:07pm
I’ve been out of pocket this week – mostly because of fatigue. I couldn’t even muster the energy to get on Facebook. I think the accumulated radiation treatments took their toll on my energy. I worked each day, but then I spent the evenings resting and trying to get my energy back. My best day was today – after yesterday’s chemotherapy treatment. I felt the best I’ve felt all week.

Fortunately, yesterday’s chemotherapy treatment went without a hitch again. I did react to the sedative they gave me. It was the first time the sedative had an effect on me. The way I knew things weren’t going well was when it took me an hour to write a 4-line email to my assistant. I couldn’t get my fingers to type correctly and I kept starting over and making errors. After I finished that one email I shut my laptop down and didn’t work anymore.

This week I finished 5 more radiation treatments (bringing the total to 23 of the planned 28) and another chemotherapy treatment (for a total of 5 of the planned 8). I will have my next chemotherapy treatment this coming Wednesday and my final radiation treatment will be on Friday. After this week’s chemotherapy treatment, I will have two more – each three weeks apart.

Besides fatigue, my throat is still sore from the radiation and I still have a cough. For my throat, I am taking some medication before I eat. It helps. For the cough, I take some medication when I go to bed. At least it allows me to get some sleep.

Barbie and I made some progress on preparing for the EMDR but we didn’t get started on the actual process. Hopefully, we will do something this weekend. I am very anxious to start as I feel there are some big rewards that will come from the going through the process.

-----------------------

Personally, one of the most important books I think I ever read is a book by Dr. Emmet Fox entitled “The Sermon on the Mount”. I read this book about five times during my second year of sobriety. It had a profound impact on my life and how I viewed and dealt with things. Dr. Fox’s book was very influential in formulating many of my views. I picked it up again this week and began to read it again.

Just to sidetrack a minute…I think that the period around the mid-1930s was a remarkable period. There is so much correlation among the great thinkers of that period. Some of the people who lived at that time were Dr. Fox, Carl Jung, Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob (AA’s co-founders). One thing I think is remarkable is that they all had a hand in the formation of AA and in a couple of cases they did not know their actions contributed to the formation of the organization.

Back to “The Sermon on the Mount”: The following statement by Dr. Fox is one of the transforming statements that had an impact on me. Dr Fox wrote: There is “a source of universal power that is rightfully yours. ‘This Power’ is the real source of all things that exist. It needs only to flow into your being and transform itself into health, into true prosperity, into inspiration, or into anything else you may be needing. The Power is there. It is present everywhere. It belongs to nobody in particular because it belongs to all. It is waiting at all times for men and women to call it into use – not merely in crisis, but in every problem however small every day of your life.”

Dr Fox continues: “The fact that most people do not suspect the existence of the Power does not change the fact that it is there.”

It was the idea that this Power was available to me (and everyone else) that opened my eyes to the possibility that I could open myself and let It transform me. All I had to do was to “seek systematically to destroy in myself everything which I knew should not be there, things such as selfishness, pride, vanity, sensuality, self-righteousness, jealousy, self-pity, resentment, condemnation, and so forth – not feeding them or nourishing them by giving into them, but starving them to death by refusing them expression.” Obviously, I fall far short of achieving this lofty goal, but it is something I work toward each day. When I am aware of one of these defects, I try to not give into it and by doing so I grow.

This approach applies to how I deal with this cancer. I don’t fall into self-pity – nor do I give into fear. I have no resentments about this disease. I know the Power is available to me and I am trying to let it transform me into health, true prosperity, and anything else the Power thinks I need. I have come to trust this Power and let It work in my life in any way It thinks best. I expect to continue this approach and attitude as I deal with this tumor.
Doug Woods

Please join me in praying for the TRUTH to be revealed to my Dad. JESUS the one and only is the teacher of all of these things and the giver of life, the healer. He alone will show us how to live, renew our minds, and how to die to our flesh by giving us HIS nature. It is in HIm that we grow and it is in HIM that we have Power!

Love and blessings to you all