Saturday, July 28, 2012

The Day They Became a Family of 3

Lori and Chad's Wedding Day

Lori

Lori with her parents and David

Special kiss

"Protective brother"?

Chad

Scott, Chad, Brad

My 4 Guys

Almost time!

Lori reading note from Chad

Guest signing Bible by their favorite verse

Ceremony

Reciting Vows

Family prayer time with Dave, Lori, and Chad's families

Mr. and Mrs.


Dave's, Lori's, and Chad's parents

Our Family of 9!

Family

Wedding party

Family of 3

Bride's Cake

Groom's Cake

Bubbles

Time to go



The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”  Genesis 2:18






Saturday, July 21, 2012

Another Round of Cells and Stretching

When I went for the six month evaluation of the stem cell procedure in June, the doctor was most pleased with the results of the tests he performed to check my progress.  Because of the positive response to the first stem cell infusions, from the doctor’s perspective as well as my observations, he recommended I consider having another round of three infusions.  After praying about it and sensing that this was what we were to do, I began the next round of infusions two weeks ago and completed the third one this past Thursday.

One of God’s blessings in this process has been the amazing people we have met on the medical teams.  This round we went to a clinic that was close to the church.  What a joy and privilege to meet Dr. Kim and his staff.  They have such gracious spirits and a passion to see people healed. 

Dr. Kim, Debbie, Nurse Kim

I have also begun stretching exercises at home in addition to going to the gym.  Three of the ones I am to do are lying on the floor.  The first few days I had to really talk myself into lying down, knowing that it was going to be difficult to get back up.  Even though it is not graceful yet, I have figured out a way to get up “all by myself”.  I’m even getting up a few seconds faster now. 

Although I have had the additional cells, am exercising and stretching, we know that it is God who brings healing.  Please join us in praying as we trust and ask Him to do so.

Ephesians 3:20-21
 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church  and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Cross references:


Saturday, July 14, 2012

Sharpening the Ax

Several years ago, I went to a Youth Ministers Conference with Larry.  While our husbands were meeting, they had different sessions, activities, and excursions for the wives. 

A pastor’s wife from Dallas was one of the main speakers for our sessions.  In one of her messages, she spoke of the importance of taking time to rest, renew, and check our priorities.  Since we were involved with our families, church, our children’s schools, sports, and other activities, we needed to watch spreading ourselves too thin.  Being too busy not only made us tired, but also not as productive as we could be.  She used the analogy of taking time to sharpen the ax.  Too many times, we just keep chopping away without taking time to make sure the ax has been sharpened.  The result is we make more work for ourselves and don’t have time to enjoy what we are doing.  Even though we had several good choices, we needed to aim for what was best.

Apparently, that was something I needed to listen to because I’ve remembered it all these years.  But more than hearing it, I needed to apply it.  Whether it’s for 5 minutes, an hour, or a day it does make a difference when I take time to rest, renew, and check my priorities.

Psalm 62:5
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.


Matthew 11:28-29
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Mark 6:31
31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

Hebrews 4:9-11
There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God;
for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his.
Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Celebrating the 4th on the 3rd

The place where Mom lives had their big 4th of July celebration on July 3rd.  Larry and I joined her for the festivities.  There were red, white, and blue decorations everywhere, inside and out.  Before we even entered, the smell of barbecue greeted us.   We found Mom and joined the other residents and their families in the dining room.

After visiting for a while, it was time for the meal.  At our table there was a man who had served in World War II and whose father had served in World War I.  It was interesting to hear some of his stories during the evening.  The meal was so good and there were lots of options for dessert.  This was my kind of July 4th picnic…great food, no bugs, and air-conditioning.


After the meal, it was time for the entertainment.  Mom is in a handbell choir.  They ring along with songs that are being played.  That night they performed several patriotic numbers.  It was a great time of singing along as the bell choir rang.  It seemed as if everyone knew the words to all of the songs.  One of the selections was the music that has the songs for the different branches of the service.  That is always special since my Dad and niece’s husband, Toby, served in the Navy and my nephew, Erich, served in the Marines.  They concluded their concert with that great American song, “Happy Trails to You.”  Afterwards, they had a  country western band that played.  It was a great night.
Whether it’s on the 3rd or 4th, it’s always a great day to celebrate our country’s birthday…especially with Mom. 
 Psalm 33:12
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.
 2 Chronicles 7: 14
...if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.