Grace Upon Grace...Always Enough, Always More

Thankful That My Husband is a Christian!

2012-02-02T15:48:00.000-06:00

As I think about Cherie's family saying goodbye, I am reminded of the verses: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

I am so comforted by the fact that my husband is a child of The King!! and that someday he will be in Heaven. This world is NOT our home. We're just passing through!!

Heaven's Sounding Sweeter All the Time

2012-02-02T08:11:00.001-06:00

I love this song and the older I grow, the more real it becomes. My friend Cherie Dye is now in Heaven with the Lord. We are praying for the family during this bitter sweet time.

***This morning Heaven is a little nicer place. Cherie Dye is looking at the face of Jesus, and is in no more pain. We here on earth are in tears, but so thankful for Jesus and His sacrifice at Calvary, so we can have that blessed hope that we will see her again. Praying for her family.***

The Month of Love!

2012-02-01T09:54:00.000-06:00

Randy and I on the cable car high above Zacatecas, Mexico!

Today I start my month of LOVE!! This is my anniversary month and on the 19th we will celebrate 31 fantastic years together!! Were they perfect? I'll answer that with a question. Are we perfect? NOPE. However, we know after 31 years that two people need not be perfect to have a wonderful marriage. There is a lot of forgiveness, giving the benefit of the doubt, trust, and responsibility that go into a strong marriage. This month I am going to share everyday something that I am thankful for in my marriage. MARRIAGE is a wonderful thing!!

The most IMPORTANT part of our marriage is that we have a SAVIOUR that is strong enough for the both of us. Years ago we read the verse in Ecclesiates 4:12 that says: And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. We determined that the LORD would be the third person in our marriage. Many times my husband and I were both broken, but the LORD held strong! Hallelujah!

Today I am thankful for a husband that enjoys doing things with me. He has his friends, but he chooses to spend time with me doing things we both like to do.

Randy and I in Furnas
Cooking in the volcano!

My favorite spot in the Azores that was quite a drive, but Randy always made sure that every few months he would take me there for a picnic and family time.

Old Friends

2012-01-17T10:58:00.000-06:00

Kelly and Amy

In our travels this month we have been in Florida and Georgia so far. On Saturday we head to North Carolina. While in Florida we had a great time with my Randy's family and my sister and nephew! We also got to see the Arthur family in Florida! We haven't seen them in 2 1/2 years. We met Ellie when she was a baby, but had never been introduced to Hannah. It is such a joy to see and reconnect with old friends.

We are enjoying the journey on the way to our destination! How about you?

Please Pray for God's Grace for the Dye Family

2012-01-06T07:48:00.000-06:00

Here is an update on my dear friend, Cherie Dye. Her husband is a pastor in Battle Creek, Michigan. They have a daughter that is married and has a child. Two more daughters are in college and they have a son that is still in high school. Please pray for Grace as Cherie takes her final journey. Pray for rest, it is sometimes very difficult to sleep like you should when going through a trial like this. Pray that the Love of the Lord would surround them.

These updates are from someone in their church:

Update from earlier this week: She had three seizures last week apparently from the brain tumors. Last night she was taken to the emergency room with severe jaundice and a racing heart. She was released at 3:30 a.m. this morning and is back home. She can have no more chemo, because we nearly lost her three weeks ago after the first one. Her white blood count dropped extremely low, she had several mini strokes, her body filled with infection, and her kidneys began shutting down. In answer to prayer, the Lord turned the kidney failure around, but part of a kidney was permanently damaged. She was hospitalized briefly after the first seizure. The family has been urged to get a hospice involved, because they can provide so much more help than the visiting nurse can.

Update from this morning: Pastor Dye has had to make the hard decision to bring hospice in for her. We all knew it was coming, but still it is discouraging. She is pretty much bed ridden at this point. Family and church family are going to start helping some with her care. Pastor Dye's sister Colleen will be here tomorrow to stay for a few days. Please pray that we all can and will be a blessing. Thank you for your continued prayers.

My Wonderful Hubby

2012-01-05T10:13:00.000-06:00

On Monday we were able to stop in Jacksonville and have lunch with my sister and my nephew at Chick-fil-a! One of our favorite restaurants!! While we were there we started talking about one of the first pictures of Randy and I. We were in Cornwall, England, with the Navy and we shared a shake with two straws. I can't find that pic! Anyway, my nephew clicked a picture of us for posterity sharing a chocolate Chick-Fil-A shake! MMMMmmmmmmmmmmm!!

My Dear Friend, Hope!

2012-01-03T09:03:00.001-06:00

What a wonderful blessing I had on Sunday evening! Two years ago when I was diagnosed with my breast cancer, the Lord sent me a new special lady to be my friend. The day I had my surgery, she had her annual mammogram and she discovered that she had cancer also. Praise the Lord that two years later we are both doing wonderfully!!!

As we travelled to Florida to do some meetings and see our family, we realized that we would be passing close to where Hope lives. We made plans to surprise her at church, but didn't tell anyone. It was so much fun to see the dawning realization on her face when it came to her who I was! We recognized each other right away from the pictures, but she just couldn't put it together that I was standing in front of her! You could tell that Hope had really been praying for me and had really asked people to pray for me. As soon as I said my name, many of them knew who I was and were so happy to meet me.

Hope, thank you for being my friend. Thank you for your love and kindness. Thank you for your prayers and never ceasing. I love you!

Healing

2011-12-29T06:43:00.000-06:00

Thank you to all of you that pray for me! Yesterday I had an appointment with the doctory who did my surgery in September. All is going very well. He was very pleased with the progress I am making and the bones are starting to fuse! This was great news!! I can now take ibuprofen again, which really helps with the joint pain from the oral chemo I have to take.

Please don't stop praying. I have been losing weight which is usually a good thing. The problem is that is too much too fast. (Is that really possible??!!) Anyway, I will be having tests the end of January. It will be a full week of doctoring, so please be praying for wisdom and clarity for the doctors.

Well, off to have coffee! Our adopted daughter from Okinawa, Autumn, arrived yesterday to visit for today!!! She is now stationed in the UK, but is home in PA to see her family. They are sharing her with us and we are so thankful!! Have a wonderful day everyone!

I love you, Randy and Christa!!

2011-12-21T00:16:00.001-06:00

What a wonderful family I am blessed to be a part of! We have so much to be thankful for that is for sure. Christa is doing great at her teaching job. They enjoy having her and she loves working with the children! Randy is just that solid guy who helps me keep everything in it's proper perspective! I love my family and am so thankful to have their unconditional love in my life.

It took a lot of shots to get this one!

We love our dogs and we love each other!

Our Christa is beautiful!!! God has been so good to us! We celebrated her "adoption birthday"
this last week on December 15th. We had a wonderful day down in Amish country together!

Zacatecus, Zacatecus, Mexico!!

2011-12-19T10:35:00.000-06:00

Our dear friends, the Lemma Family!

December 3 we boarded a plane bound for Zacatecas, Zacatecas, Mexico. By Noon we had cleared customs and immigration and were headed toward the Lemma's home. I must say that it was quite different leaving for the "mission field" in the morning and being there just 3 hours later! It was unique for us. The Lemmas let us get situated and then Lidia, my very dear friend, took me to Walmart!!! I told her that this was NOT the mission field.

Sunday I taught the Ladies in Sunday School and talked to the children in Lidia's junior church time. My husband preached in the main services.

Lidia Lemma - some might know that the story "Stay in the Castle"
was written for her. By the way, she stayed in the castle!!

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, we stayed busy preparing for each evening. Tuesday morning we had a ladies meeting with good attendance and a lot of fun. The ladies of the church are so very sweet and Lidia is a wonderful pastor's wife. The Lemma's children are a tremendous blessing and help out in so many ways at the church. Stephen is the quiet one and Abi...well, let's just say that she and I are too much alike!!!! She and a couple other teen girls did most of the special music and skits for the conference. It was excellent! There were at least 5 of Br. Lemma's preacher boys that came and brought their church family with them. My husband and I were blessed to see how the Lord has used the Lemma family in this city that sits at 8,000 ft above sea level.

Thursday and Friday we ran around and did a lot of sight seeing, eating, shopping, eating, shopping, eating....I'm sure you get the idea! We had a wonderful time. Saturday, December 10 we were back on board the plane and headed home. It was a whirlwind, but it was wonderful to be on the mission field serving the Lord. Thank you to the Lemma family and their church for having us come to be a part of their conference! We love you all!!

Mike & Lidia - Gordita kitchen!

YES! Even in Mexico - Starbucks!

Abi and I being silly!

Randy & I at the cable car ride.

In downtown Zacatecus

View from the cable car!

This was Wednesday night after church. The lady behind Lidia on
right made us homemade Tamales!! Her husband passed away
suddenly this last April. She has such a sweet and joyful spirit!

Awwww - the fun of youth!

I can't resist a baby!!

Lidia translating for me! Good thing she is fluent in both her native language
and my bad English!! She did a wonderful job!

Who's Controlling Your Holiday?

2011-12-01T10:57:00.001-06:00

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

I love this time of year and this is the time of year I miss Okinawa the most. Thanksgiving started our busiest time on the field. The time between the third weekend in November and the 1st of January marks a lonely time for many of our service men and women and their families stationed overseas. Many people are looking for something that is real and lasting and Christmas was a time when they would get out of their homes and start "looking". What a perfect time to show them the perfect Saviour and teach them that He didn't come just to lay in a manger, but to die on a cross just for them! Hallelujah! What a Saviour!!

The time of year from Thanksgiving through New Years can be a difficult time to maintain your focus on those things that are important. TV, advertising, and the stores can make it seem like this time of year is about getting the latest gadget out there. It is easy to overspend, overeat, and overindulge. In the years before we adopted our children, I kept little ideas tucked away to help make Christmas about the One we are supposed to be celebrating and today I would like to share just a couple.

On Thanksgiving Day, we always make bread for the business' and neighbors who have been such a blessing to us; the bank, the landlord, the car dealer, the milk man, the bread man. We wanted them to know how thankful we were for their help and kindness. I remember the first year I gave our bread lady and her husband a loaf of my Harvest Bread. She just looked at me with big eyes and said, "For me?!"

After Thanksgiving is over, we decorate for Christmas. The manger scene in our home was always a great way to start the discussion about why Mary was with child and travelling a long distance on a donkey! I put the stable up with just the animals and a lone shepherd in attendance. One year I was babysitting a little boy and when he arrived at our home after Thanksgiving, he let us all know that Baby Jesus was missing. Our daughter looked at him and informed him that Jesus had not been born yet! I place Mary and Joseph around the house somewhere. Sometimes they are on a book case, sometimes in a corner on the floor, and sometimes on the fridge. Joseph has lost his head several times through the years as we would accidentally trip over him! Every few days they move. Our children always look to see where Mary and Joseph are spending the next few days. This allows us to have a discussion: What do you think they will do today? How do you think Mary feels today? What are they praying about as they travel? How long does it take to get to Bethlehem? Why did they have to go to Bethlehem? Why was it so important that it be Bethelem anyway?...You get the idea. On Christmas Eve Mary and Joseph have arrived at the inn where there is no room. When I fill the stockings after everyone is in bed (my favorite job), I get to put Baby Jesus in the manger. Believe it or not, our children always ran to check out the manger before their stockings!

One of the other things I did was to look high and low for a proper advent calendar. I found one that you hang on the wall. It has a metal background and as you take each piece of the scene out of its numbered box, you place the piece on the background.

We always make goody plates for our neighbors. The first year in the Azores, our neighbors were so suspicious of us. Christa and I baked for days, gave the goodies out, and prepared for our Christmas Open House. Many of the older people didn't want to take the goodies, but we just kept going back. What an opportunity to show the love of the Lord. We were invited into two homes for that Christmas! It gave us an opportunity to share just why we moved away from America to Portugal. In Okinawa, they do not celebrate Christmas with Jesus. It is all about Santa Claus and presents. It is sad to see some of the empty things we have passed on to other cultures around the world. We still made goodies for our neighbors and talked about our Saviour. On Christmas Day Evening, we always had an open house for our people to bring their families and have a great time of fellowship. These families miss their loved ones in America. Cards and gifts are nice, but not as wonderful as having human fellowship and companionship.

Last year was our first Christmas in the States in a long time. I noticed that we as Americans and even many Christians have no idea about making this time of year special or why we celebrate it. It seems so empty to make it about presents. Life holds so much more and God wants us to have it. We miss what He wants to give by using things to replace a relationship. Recently I heard a Christian say that they didn't like the fact that Christmas was on a Sunday this year as it meant they had to wait to open gifts. I believe that thinking makes the Lord very sad. Let's talk about Jesus this year!!

Just Praising the Lord

2011-11-30T08:01:00.001-06:00

Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.

Psalms 68:19

Well, the end of the month has come, but not the end of praising the Lord. During this month it was very hard to put just one thing down for the day. God has blessed me so richly with family, friends, peace, joy, and even material things. This coming month is a busy one. Don't forget in all your shopping, eating, fellowshipping, and decorating; to praise the Lord for ALL the many benefits He has supplied in our lives.

Today I Praise the Lord for everything, even things I don't always see as a blessing in my life. May we all look outside of ourselves and our problems at ALL we have! Happy Praising!

Praise the Lord for My Dear Friend, Val!

2011-11-29T23:28:00.019-06:00

Val on her school bus in her "Kelly" shirt

Val and I praying at teen camp

Getting ready to depart camp

At our surprise 30th Anniversary weekend

What a wonderful Thanksgiving we had! The Adkins family from Christa's church came over for the afternoon. Br. Adkins beat my husband at chess and Mrs. Adkins beat the rest of us at Phase 10! One of the highlights arrived late on Thursday evening, my dear friend Val! Her family was in PA doing their annual "get ready for hunting" and "going hunting" season. This gave her an opportunity to spend some time with us enjoying her annual "shopping black Friday" season. She doesn't like a lot of attention so this is going to embarrass her probably.

Val and I met a few years ago via the web when we talked over skype. She attends one of our supporting churches in Connecticut and she just loves missionaries. Last year upon our return to the States, we started to get to know each other as friends. She has been a great blessing and encouragement during this time of furlough. Val does a lot behind the scenes (she likes it that way) and I appreciate her friendship. Many are the days that she reminds me that I am where the Lord wants me and not to be discouraged about being in the States.

Thursday night she arrived, took a shower, and off to Kohls we went at midnight. Went back home for some sleep and then Friday afternoon did so more shopping. Saturday we headed to Charming Charlies (a must for any discerning woman), P Graham Dunn, and the Cheesecake Factory. We even made a pit stop at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Company for a caramel and goo covered apple!!!! Sunday it was church, a movie, and Christmas decorating. On Monday we were whipped and rested most of the day, lounging around talking about what we were studying in our Bibles. Her last morning was Tuesday. She was up, dressed, had my office put back to "pre-Valerie", and was out the door around 8 am.

Whooooooooooooooooooo! You get the idea! It was a GREAT holiday weekend. So wonderful to have a friend like her! Thank you, Lord for Val!

Praise the Lord for Diligent Doctors!

2011-11-28T14:10:00.000-06:00

The last few weeks my health hasn't been the best. I know, nothing new there! But I had been feeling better and then wham. When I went to the doctor the other day, I had lost 10 lbs in 7 days. Not a good thing when you have just finished most of your chemo. Today the doctor called and it appears that I have Vitamin D deficiency. Praying the next 8 weeks of extra D will help take care of the leg cramps and other symptoms!!

Praise the Lord for My Husband's Teaching!

2011-11-27T13:51:00.001-06:00

One thing I have really missed while being on furlough is my husband's teaching from the Word of God! He taught yesterday in Sunday School at Christa's church about "Living By Faith Through the Holidays". Excellent reminder to keep everything in the proper perspective.

Praise the Lord for a Wonderful Sunny Day!

2011-11-26T17:46:00.001-06:00

What a beautiful day we had today. My friend Val, Randy, and I headed over to Charming Charles which is a lovely "little" accessories store! Randy sat in Barnes and Noble while we shopped and oohed and aahed over everthing. We went to Cheescake Factory and had delicious Asian Lettuce Wraps. Afterwards we wandered through the sunny streets over to the P. Graham Dunn store! A wonderful day with wonderful people!!

Praise the Lord for Black Friday Deals!

2011-11-25T13:43:00.000-06:00

I have been searching high and low for glass pyrex dishes for storage and reheating. At midnight we entered our local Kohls at a rapid pace. I sent Christa off to find the pyrex. My friend Val and I headed for the flannel sheets. The two things I came for I had in hand in just a few minutes. However, we did not leave the store until over an hour later due to the line to check out! We had fun trying to get the wave started with the ladies in front of us. We checked out and headed home to bed.

I must say it was fun and there were NO fights! We did joke about starting one, but decided we didn't want to be the lead story on the evening news!!

Praise the Lord for O Dia de Ação de Graça

2011-11-24T08:17:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving Day 2002, Ponta Delgado, Azores, Portugal

This is what we called Thanksgiving in Portugal. "The day of action of grace". Praise the Lord for His action of Grace in my life! I have so many things to be thankful for so today I am just saying that I am thankful for a day every year when we can dwell on the many things and people that the Lord has brought into our lives. Have a blessed and thankful day!!

Praise the Lord for His Provision

2011-11-23T23:55:00.007-06:00

Today the Lord blessed us with some wonderful provisions! Isn't it amazing how much the Lord loves us and wants to give us even the things that are just plain fun!!! Whoo Hoo!!! We got OREOS!!!!!!! I NEVER buy stuff like that. For one thing, I'm trying to watch what I eat, but the other thing is that I don't have money for snack food. Now that I have said that, my snack basket is full and all because people take care of that for us! Thank you, Lord, for caring about even the little things in our lives like OREOS!!

Praise the Lord for His Mercy

2011-11-22T22:55:00.005-06:00

My husband and I were having such a wonderful day together that I almost forgot to post a praise for the day! Today I praise the Lord for His mercy to me! Praise Him that He loves me and doesn't give me what I really deserve on a daily basis. May I be merciful to people as you have been merciful to me, Lord!

Praise the Lord for AIRPLANES!

2011-11-21T08:18:00.000-06:00

Landing on the Big Island of Hawaii to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary!
That was 6 years ago!!

Today my husband will board one of these fine machines in Brownsville, TX, and head home to me here in Cleveland. What would have taken months in a covered wagon, or days in a car even, will only take a few hours in the airplane. The airplane has really changed life for everyone. Even if you have never flown or don't fly much, the airplane allows us to get products and news from other countries much quicker than when we only used ships. This mode of travel now allows missionaries to visit their families and come home on medical furloughs instead of dying on the field.

This week these flying machines will take many people, many places. I love to watch as people are reunited with their loved ones. Always makes me cry and always makes me feel good. This is an exciting era of technology we live in. May we be ever grateful and not take for granted the ease that we have as a result of this blessing.

Happy flying and don't bother calling me after 5 p.m., 'cause I won't answer!!!

Praise the Lord for Convenience

2011-11-20T23:00:00.004-06:00

I hope you all are not getting bored with the journey this month! I know I have talked before about the things in America, but another one is convenience! This morning at 3 a.m., I awoke to the sound of Christa being sick (poor thing). She got settled back in bed, but was up again around 7 with the same ailment. I wasn't feeling too great. However, I was feeling a whole lot better than her! I got in the car and went the 1/4 mile to the grocery store and bought some gingerale that was even on sale! You don't realize how easy it is to get almost anything you need here in America! Maybe I should say, you don't realize how hard it is to get even little things in other countries. WE have SO much! Thank you, Lord, for your goodness to us!!

Praise the Lord for HAIR!

2011-11-19T09:44:00.002-06:00

Hair, glorious hair! The day my hair started falling out and my husband willingly shaved it off, I never thought it would ever come back. During those often dark days it was hard to imagine life having any semblance of normalcy again! Last year at this time, my hair was growing back and was quite curly, but I have to admit, I wasn't too keen on the new color! Today as I was getting ready for the day and drying my hair, I couldn't help but praise the Lord for what He has restored to me! I LOVE my curls and my color (now)! Thank you, Lord, for your goodness to me and for all the many benefits you lay on my table. May I never take them for granted!

Day before hair removal. It was already very dead feeling and falling out.

Duct tape hair! I read and practiced that using duct tape helped to take the stray loose hairs out. One night Christa and I got very silly and made a wig out of duct tape. Proving my father right, duct tape will fix anything!

Hat over duct tape hair!

One of my favorite chemo hats!

Hair starting to return! Steroids really made my face round!

This was taken 4 months after the photo above! Do I look different?

TODAY!!!!

Praise the Lord for My Pastor's Wife!

2011-11-18T13:56:00.000-06:00

Not just today, but so many days I praise the Lord for Patty Peslak! She has been such a friend to me through the years and though we have to live in Ohio, the Lord continues to knit our hearts together! I called her yesterday and had a wonderful chat. She is always so encouraging to my heart, even though she eludes to my blonde roots a little too often!! Thank you, Lord for Patty!

Praise the Lord for American Grocery Stores!

2011-11-17T18:13:00.000-06:00

I know, an odd praise! This last month I have finally been really excited about cooking again. Almost pre-chemo like!!! Several times as I walked through the store I found myself all of a sudden shocked into the realization that I was in America and could buy the items at the store to make my own pizza and chinese! The only problem with shopping in the USA is that there are so many choices. Sometimes there are just too many and I leave the store empty handed due to my confusion. My family and I have rediscovered my wonderful pizza and Moo Goo Gai Pan! Thank you, Lord for so many blessings! You have truly blessed us! May we bless you!

Praise the Lord for FORGIVENESS!

2011-11-16T08:00:00.002-06:00

Ephesians 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

Colossians 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

I have been so convicted of late about my lack of forgiveness and forbearance. Did you know forgiveness is for past sins and forbearance is for sins being committed against you at present?? Wow, that second one is hard to practice! The Holy Spirit really started pricking my heart when I heard about someone who was having trouble forgiving another. As I started reading, the Lord gave me a Bible Study that I am still working on. He showed me that it isn't just past sins I am to forgive, but present also.

Luke 17:3-5 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him. And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.

Notice at the end, the apostles ask the Lord to increase their faith. If we are going to forgive and forbear, we are going to need much more faith than what our human flesh can conjure up. May the Lord help us all to forgive and forbear along our journey.

Praise the Lord for a GREAT Report today!

2011-11-15T17:07:00.002-06:00

Today I had an appointment with a doctor due to some unfavorable test results. I am happy to report that all is well and taken care of! Hallelujah!! Thank you, Lord!!

Praise the Lord for Butternut Squash!

2011-11-14T14:48:00.000-06:00

I LOVE butternut squash! In Okinawa it was very hard to find and so for the last year, we have eaten a lot of it! I have a soup that I make that is out of this world!!! It has apples, onions, squash, and celery! I have the squash baked so I can put it in the Vitamix and have it fresh for Christa when she gets home. I also have homemade whole grain bread mixing in my bread machine! I love days like this where I get a lot done and have a wonderful time with the Lord.

I don't know about any of you, but I have a very difficult time just putting one thing down to praise the Lord for each day.

Psalms 68:19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.

Praise the Lord for Sundays and Fellowship!

2011-11-13T19:07:00.000-06:00

Psalms 122:1 <> I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.

Psalms 84:10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.

Pastor Jamision and Family - Anchor Baptist Church

What a wonderful Sunday at Christa's church, Anchor Baptist in Vermilion, Ohio. They are always such a blessing and we had a lovely day! Christa was blessed to see 4 saved today! Hallelujah! So many people are involved in seeing someone saved at church. There are the people who go out inviting people to church, the van driver, the junior church worker, the pastor, etc. It is wonderful to serve the Lord! I sure miss being with our people in Okinawa!

Praise the Lord for Brenda Cox and a Wonderful Day!

2011-11-12T18:51:00.000-06:00

Brenda picked me up this morning and we headed to a craft show at a local high school. We finished with that before noon and headed to the IX Center for the Cleveland Fabulous Food Show! There were several famous TV chefs going to be there, but it was extra to see those shows and neither of us had much money to spare. While waiting in line to buy general admission tickets, a woman told us that we could go and get seats to the shows, but they were in the back. We didn't care, so 30 minutes before Michael Symon's demostration (he is a Cleveland native), we got in line for the free tickets. Securing the tickets we headed to find our seats. To our surprise there were already people sitting in them! We told the usher who told us that there had been a mixup and they had given too many of the same seat away. She pointed to the burgundy chairs at the back of the $60 a ticket section and said that we could sit in any of those!! YEAH!!! We had so much fun and met some wonderful people!!! I think my favorite booth was the new Dove chocolate booth. They now do home shows and the ladies there were GREAT!!! I think I will do one!!!

Thank you, Lord, for a wonderful day!!!

Praise the Lord for Veterans!

2011-11-11T14:47:00.000-06:00

This video is part of our missionary presentation. You will see photos of past and present soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines. Some of the photos are of our own people. We are proud of all of you!

My Dad in the Air Force in Japan

My hubby and Christa

ME! Jacksonville, Florida 1983

Our Veterans in November 2008

Thank you to all who served and our serving. We love you!

IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE SOLDIER

It’s not CBS or NBC, ABC or CNN

that has given us the freedom of the press.

Not TV preachers, Larry Flint, Ted Kennedy, or Jessie Jackson

given us the freedom to verbally express.

Not the campus organizers or all the demonstrations

given us the freedom to march,

freely march and disagree.

Oh can’t you see?

Chorus:

It has always been the soldier

who has made the sacrifice.

Standing strong

and proud in battle.

Willing to

lay down his life.

Somewhere there's a soldier

And he’s looking at a picture

of his little girl,

How he wishes he were home.

And Somewhere there's a soldier

And he’s reading a love letter

from is wife,

And she is telling him

how she feels so alone.

And somewhere there's a mom and dad

Who'll cry late in the night,

For a son who

won't be coming home,

A son who gave his life...

Freedom isn't free!

Oh, can't you see?

It has always been the soldier,

Who has made the sacrifice;

Standing strong and proud in battle

Willing to lay down his life...

To the angry man who shakes their fists

And burns the stars and stripes

The same flag that drapes the coffins

of those who gave their lives

There’s no other place that you will go

Or you have ever been

Where the blood of soldiers gives the right

To burn the flag again.

It has always been the soldier,

Who has made the sacrifice;

Standing strong and proud in battle

Willing to lay down his life...

It has always been the soldier

On the land, in air, and sea

For it has always been the soldier

Fighting for our liberty

Yes, it has always been the soldier,

Who has made the sacrifice;

Standing strong and proud in battle

Willing to lay down his life...

Willing to lay down his life..

It has always

Been a soldier

Praise the Lord for Loons (This one's for VAL!)

2011-11-10T09:13:00.000-06:00

When I was almost 11, we moved from California to Minnesota in FEBRUARY! It was COLD!! The Loon is the Minnesota state bird and that spring I learned all about this lovely aquatic bird. When we went on our trip to the UP this summer, I asked the God to let me see a loon. We spent the first few weeks trying to hunt them down. The Williams in McMillan had someone in their church take us on a boat ride just to try and track one down, which we did, but it was short lived. Part way through the trip we went to Minnesota to see my father. We returned to the UP after a week and I was wiped out and weary. My husband decided that we would stay at a state park on Lake Gogebic. The year of Randy's cancer we had stayed there for a few nights and the Northern Lights had put on a spectacular performance. We had a whole week to read, rest, pray, rest, walk, rest...you get the idea. The first morning as we sat in our zero gravity chairs what did appear, but the ever ellusive loon! He appeared again in the evening. In fact, he appeared everyday, twice a day!

I know the Lord was trying to teach me, "Be still and know that I am God." When we quit chasing the Loon, there he was coming to us as we sat relaxing and waiting. This year has been the year of learning to "Be Still". I've already mentioned in previous posts how this does NOT come naturally for me. May I continue to learn the lesson from the Loon experience, and may I apply it to the path the Lord has me on now.

Today I am putting one of my videos and a couple pics! This may bore some of you (only the shallow ones), but oh well! Thank you, Lord, for the nature that you have given us to enjoy for free! May we always be good stewards and caretakers of what you have given to us!!

Praise the Lord for Our Time In the Azores

2011-11-09T16:35:00.000-06:00

On the dock in Ponta Delgada

Our praca man, Miguel

My house helper, Joana

Today I have been scanning old negatives into the computer to get some of those "pre-digital" photos uploaded. Such wonderful memories. Isn't it amazing to be allowed to serve our Saviour and then to be able to serve Him on two different continents!! How blessed we are!

Praise the Lord for My Nice Big Cozy Bed!

2011-11-08T09:53:00.000-06:00

Praise the Lord for modern conveniences and American mattresses! I have lived in 3 different cultures in my life, and America is the only one with GREAT mattresses you can afford! During my surgery in Okinawa a local pastor called and told my hubby that they were sending us a love offering. What an encouragement to Randy. He went out and bought me a king size bed, which was to become our family "living room" for the next 6 months! Our Air Force daughter (adopted by us as an adult) would bring food from the base and the four of us would sit and eat together in our "living room", such wonderful fond memories!

Praise the Lord I don't have to spend so much time there anymore, but it still brings comfort just to snuggle under the warm covers, flannel sheets, and LOTS of pillows!! Thank you Lord for giving us so many things to be grateful for!!

Praise the Lord for My WONDERFUL husband!

2011-11-07T12:48:00.000-06:00

Today, as everyday, I praise the Lord for my husband! He is consistent in his living, in his convictions, and his love! What a wonderful man the Lord brought into my life over 31 years ago! Today he travels to Texas where he will be for two weeks. Next weekend, he will take a jaunt into Mexico to see Br. Tommy Ashcraft. I will miss him, but I know the Lord has great things in store for him! Love you, Randy!! You're my hero!!

Praise the Lord for My Darling Daughter

2011-11-06T08:22:00.000-06:00

Soon after we got Christa. She didn't smile much the first few weeks,

but that has all changed as you will see in the next photos!

Today is a great day for thanking the Lord for giving us our lovely daughter. Well, any day is a great day to do that, but I'm going to put it on the blog today! December is fast approaching and many people are already caught up in Christmas! What a shame how many people skip over making a big deal of Thanksgiving. Oh well, for a different post. Anyway, every year as December approaches I think about the day that Christa was given to us the week before Christmas! What a treasure the Lord gave us that day.

We would not have made it through the chemo and having a Christian school without her. Now, she continues to help us and has chosen to stay with us and be a blessing. At 25 she could run away from home and there would be nothing I could do about it! Praise the Lord for her decision to honor her parents.

I love you, Christa and am so proud of your servants heart!

Praise the Lord for My New VITAMIX!!

2011-11-05T16:22:00.001-05:00

Last Saturday we were attending a missions conference in the area where we are staying. The greatest preacher I know (my hubby) was preaching so I was sure to get my rest so I could be there. After the service, the pastor said that every year during the conference they try to be a blessing and an encouragement to someone and this year they picked Kelly Johnson!! I was shocked and totally NOT expecting it! Randy and I went forward to unwrap the present. The church had given me a VITAMIX! When I was first diagnosed with the cancer, I ordered a book entitled, "The Cancer Fighting Kitchen." The book has lots of recipes to help with the many side effects of chemo. The author recommended a vitamix, but after checking the price online I knew that one of those was not in my near future! The church also gave me gift cards to my local grocery store and Trader Joes!

Today I went to one of the ladies homes in the church and another lady that works for vitamix came over. We used it to make potato soup, pesto, rye bread, and italian dressing. We had so much fun and I really enjoyed getting to eat the meal we created!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Columbia Road Baptist Church. You are truly a blessing. Thank you Father for using these people to help meet a need in my life for healthier food!

Praise the Lord for Sunshine!

2011-11-04T09:56:00.000-05:00

I know that rain is a very necessary part of God's creation, but it seems like lately we have had enough to last us a long time. This area of the country even set a record this year! Rain gives me an excuse for staying in and getting those projects done that I have been putting off. This morning however, was a time for sunshine, bright and beautiful. The fall colored leaves seem to glisten under the rays of the warm sunshine.

Sunshine and rain are the contrasts in my life also:

"Sometimes it seems the rain will never end.

My life is blown about by stormy winds,

but God has promised He will see me through

until the sun comes out and makes my life brand new.

The sun will shine again, the sun will shine.

As sure as night brings day, joy will be mine.

Dark clouds may hover, but soon they'll pass away."

Praise the Lord for the sunshine that comes after the rain and enhances the beauty that the rain created!

Friends - Old and new!

2011-11-03T14:59:00.000-05:00

Today I want to praise the Lord for giving us friends. I have some wonderful friends. My best friend on earth is my husband. I love him more everyday! This last week it seemed that the Lord brought some friends from long ago back into my life! Kim was one of my closest friends when we were stationed in Pensacola (early 80s). When we were transferred to Maine, she even gave us lessons on how to eat a lobster. Kim is a born and bred Mainer and someone I can pick right back up with after years of little or no communication! Another friend that I hadn't heard from in a number of years emailed me this week and then called me. What sweet joy it was to hear her voice on the other line and laugh together again. I have missed her very much. This morning I awoke to an email from Janet. A friend I made on deputation and who has remained a faithful prayer warrior on my behalf. We haven't seen each other since Randy's cancer when she took Christa and I to Christopher and Banks shopping, but she is my ever faithful friend.

One of my newest friends is Sue! She will tell you that she is the Lord's favorite, but I am convinced that I am His favorite! Sue has a smile, a cheery word, and a giving heart. I got to know Sue and her daughters this summer while we were in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. If you met Sue, you would think she hasn't a care in the world. She would tell you that she doesn't, because she is His favorite. However, Sue's husband went to be with the Lord in 2004. It was quite sudden and she was left a widow with two young girls to raise alone. This hasn't stopped Sue from serving the Lord. She stays busy in the church and has raised two beautiful, Godly daughters.

WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS

What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!

O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?

Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.

Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!

In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear

May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.

Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer

Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.

I love all of my earthly friends, but none of them can compare to Jesus! He is with me even when no one else is around. He always understands me and stands ready to help me with my burdens. More importantly, He did the greatest thing a friend could ever do for a friend; He took my sins to the cross and suffered for me. He gave His life that I might live! Hallelujah what a Saviour I have!! I love you, Jesus!!

Praise Him for the Old Hymns

2011-11-02T11:49:00.000-05:00

Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!

Sing, O Earth, His wonderful love proclaim!

Hail Him! hail Him! highest archangels in glory;

Strength and honor give to His holy Name!

Like a shepherd, Jesus will guard His children,

In His arms He carries them all day long:

Praise Him! Praise Him!

Tell of His excellent greatness.

Praise Him! Praise Him!

Ever in joyful song!

Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!

For our sins He suffered, and bled, and died.

He our Rock, our hope of eternal salvation,

Hail Him! hail Him! Jesus the Crucified.

Sound His praises! Jesus who bore our sorrows,

Love unbounded, wonderful, deep and strong.

Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!

Heav’nly portals loud with hosannas ring!

Jesus, Savior, reigneth forever and ever.

Crown Him! Crown Him! Prophet, and Priest, and King!

Christ is coming! over the world victorious,

Pow’r and glory unto the Lord belong.

Today I want to praise the Lord for giving us beautiful hymns written in days gone by that teach us so much about who He is, His majesty, His love, and His provision. I had originally planned to write on a different topic, but as I worked through the morning this song kept playing in my head! It was written by the blind hymn writer, Fanny Crosby. The song was first published in 1869 in the Sunday school hymnal, Bright Jewels. "Praise, Give Thanks", was the original title of the song.

Take the time to read the lyrics and really think about them. This song teaches us so much about the love of God. He is our shepherd, our redeemer, our strength, our king. our salvation...so much in such a short song! Hallelujah for a Holy and Awesome God!! Take time to Praise Him today!

A Month of Praise

2011-11-01T08:50:00.001-05:00

A few years ago I was reading and praying about the November devotional for our upcoming ladies meeting. There is a website that I love to go and get ideas, http://www.juliabettencourt.com/. I don't always use her ideas, but they are always a springboard. She had a theme entitled, "Fall Into Praise". The Lord had really been dealing with me about just how much I complain, so I changed the emphasis to, "Fall Out of Complaining". Complaining isn't something we plan to do. It just sort of happens. One comment leads to another and then another thought pops into our minds. We come to church and someone asks how we are and we give them a list of everything that isn't quite right. I noticed with our ladies that it doesn't start out with a list. It starts with, "I am sooooooo tired" or "I have such a bad headache." Some of us don't have to say a word. We just come in with that look. You know, the one that gets everyone to ask, "What's the matter? What happened?" Pretty soon we all gather together to talk about how difficult the kids were that day, the unexpected bill, or maybe that our husbands were late and dinner was cold. It is so easy to "Fall Into Complaining", but it takes determination and humbleness to "Fall Out".

This month I am going to "attempt" to really praise Him for all that I have and how wonderful my life is. Maybe you would like to join me. Just post something on the side or send me a note. We "Fall Out of Complaining" much the same way we fall into it. We share, talk, smile, laugh, and we may even cry. I am so excited about my journey this month!

THANKFUL

This is really a carry over from yesterday, but I can't go a day without being thankful for the lovely sister the Lord gave me! Gwen and I have been through many valleys and mountain peaks together. Sometimes we love each other, sometimes we still even argue!!! Yet, we always manage to forgive, laugh, and help each other. Yesterday she turned......49! Yep, I said it! I am older so she will have to get over the fact that I published this on the world wide web!

In February of 2010, she took time off of work and flew to Okinawa to help me through the chemo. This allowed Randy to take a missions trip to the Philippines with some of our men. It was a difficult time and a wonderful memory I will always cherish. Riding in the car even made me sick so Gwen and I sat on the lovely king size bed a church provided in our bathrobes! We read, laughed, cried, and slept. The night before my 2nd chemo, the ladies of the church met us at a restaurant and we had a fun time of fellowship. Gwen sat with me through the treatment the next day and started the tradition of having the nurses at the hospital hold Spot and have their pictures taken. That night she and Christa sat vigil as the chemo took it's toll on my body. When Randy returned home, he took us to a local tea house and shopping so Gwen would have something to show for her visit. The night before she flew home we met with all of our married couples at my favorite restaurant and celebrated Valentines Day and our 29th wedding anniversary. I will never forget those days with her. I am thankful that the Lord knew I would need a sister like Gwen!

By the way, I love you, Gwen and someday we WILL travel on that bingo bus around the country!!!

Mrs. Bonnie Bryan

2011-11-01T00:49:00.000-05:00

We have been praying for Mrs. Bonnie Bryan for quite a while and I have her listed in the side bar of this page. On Saturday, October 29, 2011, she graduated to Heaven. Please pray for the family of Mrs. Bonnie Bryan.

Services: The Service of Praise and Thanksgiving for the gift of everlasting life through Jesus Christ for Mrs. Bryan will be Tuesday, November 1, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. at Alpine Baptist Church with Pastor Darryl Cox officiating.

The Truth and Nothing But the Truth

2011-10-28T01:13:00.000-05:00

Me in my Navy uniform - a LOOOONG time ago!!

In the Navy, we used the term "scuttlebut" for rumor or gossip. Now I do NOT think anyone is gossipping about me, but it has come to my attention that there is some confusion as to what is happening with this shell the Lord has given me to care for. I write this post in hopes that people will READ it. If you know me, you know that I LOVE being the center of attention. However, I would rather that the attention I receive be something fun and not due to false information flying around the cyber system on my behalf!

Here is the gauge (another Navy term) from the beginning:

December 2009 - Mastectomy for large invasive ductal carcinoma - ER/PR positive and HER2+++

January 2010- Began Adriamycin/Cytoxin chemo (all my hair fell out)

April 2010 - Finished AC chemo/ Began Taxotere/Herceptin treatments

July 2010 - Finished Taxotere (hair begins to grow!!!:)

September 2010 - Medical Furlough Began - Transferred care to Cleveland Clinic with Dr. Ueda's encouragement.

May 2011 - Finished Herceptin treatments

August 2011 - Dr. said that all tests show NO CANCER AT THIS TIME. By November all the Herceptin will be out of my system and the 6 months from December-May, will be the crucial time for recurrence. They will monitor me verly closely.

October 2011 - Chemo has caused bone and disc degeneration. I am being treated for spine pain due to arthritic changes from all the drugs. I also had spine surgery to cut off a bone spur and take out a disc that were pinching my spinal chord and causing pain, numbness, and balance problems.

Presently I have 2 appointments in November, tests in January, and 1 appointment in February.

About how I am really doing! If you see me you will say, "Wow! You are looking great!" Some days I am doing great and some days not so great. Before the chemo I could push through anything, handle anything! I just made myself do it. I don't know if I've just turned into a wimp, but I have to take things much slower and plan my days and my energy wisely. Please be patient with me. If you are one of our supporting pastors or church members and you are reading this, please be patient with me. It seems like everyone wants a quick answer and nobody more than me! I am learning to wait on the Lord. He is wise. He wants my best. He knows what is best. I must wait.

When we first came back last year, my husband bought this beautiful wall hanging. It says, "Be Still and Know That I Am God". I have the "know" part down pretty good, but I must admit that the "be still" part is a much harder place to be in. I ask that you would pray for me. Pray for my strength and endurance to return. If you have ANY questions about me, PLEASE feel free to contact me!

Closer to Jesus

2011-10-19T09:27:00.000-05:00

Go to the bottom of this page and push the pause button on the music player. Then push the play button on the video.

Prayers Answered

2011-10-17T12:09:00.000-05:00

Abigail came through the surgery like a champ. She was in the hospital for 3 days and was pretty sick, but I think she is on the mend. Lord willing we will be having dinner with them tonight. I was so sick while she was in the hospital that I only got to see her once. Then we had a missions conference in Sandusky on Saturday afternoon and Sunday. God's timing is perfect even when I don't understand it. Thank you to all who prayed for Abigail.

Please pray for my friend, Abigail Miller

2011-10-15T09:57:00.000-05:00

This last February one of my very dear friends arranged for Abigail Miller to sing for our 30th wedding anniversary. I have always been truly blessed by her music (it's playing on this page now) and never dreamed of meeting her. After our anniversary, we made our way back to Ohio and found that the very next weekend the Miller Family was going to be at a church only 8 miles from where we are basing out of on furlough! We spent much of March being Miller Groupies and had a wonderful time!

Monday of this week, the Miller Family arrived for a week visit! Fun you say, not when the hostess gets sick the same day they arrive and by Thursday Abigail has found herself in the local hospital! Looks like gallbladder surgery is required, but her pancreas counts have been through the roof. They won't do the surgery until the counts are lower. The Millers have a meeting in Michigan that they are hoping to make. Please pray for Abigail's counts to go down, rapid recovery once the surgery is complete, and no travelling problems.

October 1

2011-10-01T12:23:00.000-05:00

Where has the time gone??!! It was two years ago this month that I started this whole cancer process! At the time, I didn't know that October was Breast Cancer Awareness month in the States! I do want to encourage any of you that should, to get your mammogram. I know countless people that have been helped with this one little test! There are resources for free or discount mammograms during the month of October all over the United States. PLEASE, PLEASE, get your mammogram!!

Ok, I'm done. Now about my surgery, I am doing GREAT! The surgery appears to have been a success, although I still have pain from the surgery. I am increasing my walking, but am not allowed to sit very much! I can recline and that feels wonderful! My swallowing is getting better everyday and I did NOT lose my voice! I think the jury is still out on whether that is good thing! Thank you to my wonderful family for taking care of me. Also, thank you to Christa's church - Anchor Baptist Church in Vermilion for the wonderful meals, cards, and kind calls made to encourage us!

The Miller Family stopped by on Tuesday afternoon. After a special guided tour of the new bus the Lord blessed them with, they put the older kids to work mowing the lawn for my husband. Abigail and I got to spend wonderful time visiting while I rested. Brother Paul bought pizza for dinner! YUM!! They are such a blessing!

Well, off to rest again! Have a blessed day and may your journey take you across the path of someone who could use encouragement.

Surgery Tomorrow

2011-09-21T16:30:00.000-05:00

My new mode of transportation (I wish)

Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; Romans 15:30

Not sure who all will be reading this, but I wanted to ask for prayer. Tomorrow morning at 10:30 a.m., I will be having spine surgery. Lord willing I will be back home sometime on Friday. Will try to post something about how it all went. I sure do appreciate your friendship, time, and prayers.

de-Port-ation

2011-09-13T11:10:00.002-05:00

Well, my lovely, unique, Japanese port is now gone! The picture above was taken just before they took me back to start my IV. I was so worried that they would make me have anesthesia, but they allowed me to have only a local. When the doctor put it in in Japan, they only used local and I was quite fine. The space that the port took up is healing nicely, but they had to do a lot of tugging as the skin had grown quite attached to the port.

Today our home church is flying us to Connecticut for their missions conference! We arrive back here on September 20. On September 21, I have a special mammogram. September 22 will find me in the operating room once again to take care of some spine issues that the chemo accelerated. I am waiting to hear back from the genetic counselor as to whether or not I have the misspelled gene. If I do, we will be making some decisions for future surgeries and long term treatment. Please be praying about this for me.

Lastly, I appreciate all of you that read this, pray for me, pray for my family, send emails, post comments...I appreciate your support!!! Keep praying!!! and enjoy the journey!!

This Week We Remember...

2011-09-11T08:05:00.000-05:00

Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 2 Corinthians 1:4

September 11, 2001. We were in the States for our first medical furlough and a few days before Randy had finished his final treatment for thyroid cancer. Our friend, Dr. Siemer, came by as I stood enjoying the beautiful September morning. He told us that something was happening so we went inside and turned on the TV. I was on the phone with my sister as we watched the second plane hit the towers. We sobbed together and I hoped Randy would come home soon from his early morning dental appointment. I was thankful my Madrasta was safe as her flight for that same morning was cancelled. The next few months we grieved. Grieved as a nation. Grieved as individuals.

September 10, 2003. We were in Minnesota as I recovered from tumor surgery. It was a beautiful evening at my father's and we had just finished having a lovely meal with some of their friends out in the back yard. The phone rang as I came in the door with a plate in my hand. I answered and my mother-in-law told me that Eddie our son had died in a terrible car accident. I dropped to the floor and cried, "Eddie's gone. Eddie's gone." Randy took the phone from my hand as I heard Christa run back outside and my Madrasta to comfort her.

September 9, 2004. It was early morning in Okinawa when the phone rang. Randy was down getting a shower. Pastor and Mrs. Don Noonan from Rochester, MN, were visiting from Minnesota for a preaching conference. I answered the phone and it was my sister-in-law Shelly. She quietly told me that Randy's brother Chris had passed away. I remember telling her that I could not tell Randy, she would have to do it. I knew his heart was going to break. At Eddie's funeral the year before, Chris and Randy had finally reunited after many years estranged. In February, Chris called to tell Randy that he had gotten saved. Our grief for Eddie still seemed so fresh and now my husband would have to add this.

September 11, 2001 was an awful day. The days Eddie and Chris were transferred to Heaven were difficult for those of us that remained on this earth. Today many will pass into eternity somehow. Maybe through an accident, or cancer, or a bomb, or by murder, or a stroke, or ____. You fill in the blank. They will leave behind those who grieve. One thing that I learned through my grieving process was to look for someone I could help. After all, I wasn't the only one who had buried a son, a mother, and a brother-in-law. May we remember those days and the people that helped us get through them. Then let's put our grief into action and help somone else get through their day of sorrow. Look for someone to comfort, someone to help, someone to encourage.

What About Kelly??

2011-08-20T11:06:00.000-05:00

Our trip and meetings in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan were wonderful! We also had the awesome privilege of doing some camping! My wonderful sister in law allowed us to use her trailer for the summer and it has truly been a blessing to be able to rest in between meetings and also to stop and nap when I need to!

If you don't know by now you will learn that I LOVE LOONS!!! I have so many pictures to share. The Lord sent a loon by our campsite three times in one day! He knows all of our desires! Even though I have a dear friend who said that watching my loon video was like watching paint dry, I will be posting my videos in the future also!!

As you can see, my hair is growing back like a house-o-fire!!! I have had quite a few doctor appointments since our return the first week of August. I will be seeing a doctor on Tuesday and will share after that appointment just what is happening with this shell the Lord has given me to care for during my journey on this earth. I do have so much more energy, but still not where I want to be. It is frustrating that I just can't push my body like I used to. It quits on me, no matter what my will tells it!!! I think the hardest thing for me is my inability to concentrate. I told someone recently that I don't mind being a back seat driver just so long as I can do from the passenger seat in the front! Please pray for me concerning this. We are staying quite busy with meetings and I have started on my book. I am a little nervous to say that, but it is exciting at the same time.

Our time in the UP was a sweet time of fellowship with the Lord and each other. We spent much time reading our Bibles and then sitting around the campfire talking about what the Lord was doing in each of our lives. Do you all know how much I love my husband?? I LOVE him more than I can put into words. I love that we both want the Lord to work in our lives. I love how he is so consistent in his living for the Lord. I love that he takes time to listen to what I have to say. I love how he enjoys shopping with me and doesn't roll his eyes or get frustrated with me when I comment about every little thing I see. I love that he loves to drink coffee with me in the morning as we listen to the world around us wake up. I love that he loves me in good times and in bad times. Thank you LORD for a wonderful husband.

Well, so much more to share with you, but time is up for me today. I would like to leave you with the verse the Lord gave me in my Bible time this morning. Today is a day I am having to push my body and quite honestly, I was feeling sorry for myself. However, the Lord knows my frame. I need to trust Him and not override what my body is telling me.

Psalm 105:6 Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore.

I need to be resting in HIS strength, not my own. May you find rest for your journey through HIS strength!

Amy is Finally Home

2011-08-20T00:03:00.003-05:00

Finally Home…

Posted on August 19, 2011 by Amy Bixby (sister in law)

Amy crossed the river very gently at 6:55 AM MDT. Praise God for His grace to her and to us.

GO DOWN DEATH

By James W. Johnson

Weep not, weep not,
She is not dead;
She’s resting in the bosom of Jesus.
Heart-broken husband – weep no more;
Left-lonesome daughter – weep no more;
Grief stricken son – weep no more;
She’s only just gone home.

Day before yesterday morning,
God was looking down from His great, high heaven,
Looking down on all His children,
And His eye fell on Sister Caroline,
Tossing on her bed of pain.
And God’s big heart was touched with pity,
With everlasting pity.

And God sat back on His throne,
And He commanded that tall, bright angel standing at His right hand: Call Me Death!
And that tall bright angel cried in a voice
That broke like a clap of thunder:
“Call Death! – Call Death!”
And the echo sounded down the streets of heaven
Till it reached away back to that shadowy place,
Where Death waits with his pale, white horses.

Death heard the summons,
And he leaped on his fastest horse,
Pale as a sheet in the moonlight.
Up the golden street Death galloped,
The hoofs of his horse struck fire from the gold,
But they didn’t make no sound.
Up Death rode to the Great White Throne,
And waited for God’s command.

And God said: “Go down, Death, go down.
Go down to Savannah, Georgia,
Down in Yamacraw,
And find Sister Caroline.
She’s borne the burden and heat of the day.
She’s labored long in My vineyard,
And she’s tired –
She’s weary –
Go down, Death, and bring her to Me.”
Death didn’t say a word,
But he loosed the reins on his pale, white horse,
And he clamped the spurs to his bloodless sides,
And out and down he rode.
Through heavens pearly gates,
Past suns and moons and stars;
On Death rode,
Leaving the lightning’s flash behind;
Straight on down he came.

While we were watching round her bed,
She turned her eyes and looked away.
She saw what we couldn’t see;
She saw Old Death. She saw Old Death
Coming like a falling star.
But Death didn’t frighten Sister Caroline;
He looked to her like a welcome friend,
And she whispered to us: “I’m going home”,
And she smiled and closed her eyes.

Death took her up like a baby.
And she lay in his icy arms,
But she didn’t feel no chill.
And Death began to ride again –
Up beyond the evening star,
Out beyond the morning star
Into the glittering light of glory,
On to the Great White Throne.
And there he laid Sister Caroline
On the loving breast of Jesus.

And Jesus took His own hand and wiped away her tears,
And He smoothed the furrows from her face.
And the angels sang a little song,
And Jesus rocked her in His arms,
And kept a-saying: “Take your rest,
Take your rest, take your rest.”

Weep not – weep not,
She is not dead;
She’s resting in the bosom of Jesus!

Please Pray for the Bixby Family

2011-08-16T19:06:00.000-05:00

http://www.amycbixby.org/288/hospice-house/

A Testimony

2011-08-03T10:13:00.000-05:00

I would like to share the following blog with you all. This young woman's testimony is so lovely and encouraging. May it help some of you to continue to trust the Lord and some of you to start trusting the Lord.

http://amycaldwellbixby.blogspot.com/2011/07/valley-of-shadow-of-death.html?spref=fb

Happy Flag Day!

2011-06-14T11:58:00.000-05:00

Before you watch this, go to the bottom of this page and pause the music player.

It Is Finished!

2011-06-02T07:03:00.000-05:00

Psalms 27:13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

Mark 9:24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

Can you believe it???? I can a little!! On May 26, our son's birthday, I had my very last Herceptin treatment!! The herceptin began last year on Christa's birthday! I know Eddie and Christa were both cheering me on! I have been having surgery and treatment for 17 months now. I learned to take one day at a time. They keep telling me that time will pass and this will seem as nothing. THAT is hard to believe! I have been changed, not just hair, but my heart!! My hair is curly!! I have NOT had a perm, but that was one expensive way to get curly hair!! We figured out that I have had almost $300,000 worth of procedures and infusions! God has supplied and taken care of me.

I started this blog to share my journey with so many of you. The blog is not going away and I ask that you don't stop praying for me. I still have many things in the next few months. Please continue to pray as the fatigue can still be quite overwhelming. As a result of the chemo and some other issues, I have some neck problems and bone problems. Please pray for this as the doctor tries to solve the pain associated with these problems. Pray also for the spot on my lung. The next couple of months will show the doctors just what is going on.

My heart...where do I begin! God has shown me just how much I NEED Him. I HAVE to have Him and His blessing. My life, my heart, my affections have to have Him in the center. I don't have any big pronouncement in this post, just that God is always good and always knows what is best. Thank you to all of you that pray for me, think of me, call me, write me, and email me! All of you have been so important to this journey. Thank you to my husband for sticking by me and loving me no matter what, for doing whatever was necessary to get me through this process. Thank you to Christa for taking care of the daily mechanics of running a home! I am sure she thought that by 25 she would be out on her own. She CHOSE to stay and help us and I am so grateful to her!! Thank you to my sister, Gwen, who cried with me and understood my fear about the future and the diagnosis without judging my spirit! Thank you to Annetta, my madrasta, who doesn't always understand the way I think, but is always there supporting me along any journey in my life! Thank you to my father who calls me concerned about how I am doing while he lays partially paralyzed from a severe stroke! I love you all!!! Thank you to all the Christians and friends who pray for me around the world. To the churches that have been so constant in sending cards and notes of encouragment.

Lastly, but not least, thank you to Dr. Ueda who has been great in getting us this far. He stayed accessible even when I left Japan. Thank you to all of my nurses in Japan and in America! Thank you to my new doctor, Dr. Bagai.

One last plea! I pray that through this blog you have seen Jesus through me. I have done NOTHING in and of my own strength! It is the Lord's grace and mercy that has taken me through this journey. I want this blog to glorify God and how He has worked through this trial. He loves you also and wants you to spend eternity in Heaven.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

In this verse. Jesus divides the world into two groups: those who are believing and those who are not believing on the Son. Those who believe have everlasting life, and those who believe not shall not see life.

The word believe means to trust, to depend on, to rely on. To believe on the Lord Jesus Christ means that you accept the fact that you are a sinner, that as a sinner you owe the sin penalty, and that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the debt you owe. But it means going one step further. It means that you will completely trust Christ to get you to Heaven - that you will put the matter of your salvation in His hands and depend on Him for everlasting life.

Now the moment you do this, God promises you are not condemned but have everlasting life and that you shall never perish.

John 5:24 Verily, verily, I Say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

If you will trust Jesus Christ as your Saviour, pray this simple prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner, and I deserve to pay my own sin debt; but I do believe that You died for me to pay the debt that I owe. Today, the best I know how, I trust You as my Saviour. I will depend on You from this moment on for my salvation, Now help me to live for You and to be a good Christian. Amen.

Happy Birthday, Eddie!

2011-05-26T07:05:00.000-05:00

Today Eddie spends another birthday, his 32nd to be exact, in Heaven with Jesus! At his graveside service, I sang "I Know God Makes No Mistakes". The feelings I had for this song came from years of joy and years of struggle. Eddie came to us just two weeks before his 6th birthday. Many nights we lay in bed and wondered if we had bitten off more than we could chew. I wondered if my desire to have a child made me force the will of God! Not just because I was overwhelmed with a special needs son, but because I wondered if I were right for Eddie! Were Randy and I what Eddie needed to thrive and grow.

When we took Eddie to enroll him in school, we realized that he couldn't read. The assistant principal, Miss Howell, helped us with some things to do at home. When Eddie started in the 1st grade at Pensacola Christian, he knew his alphabet and blends. He had a wonderful teacher who was single and young, but very wise on parenting. She gave us many creative ways to teach Eddie things. That year, Eddie bowed his head and trusted Christ. The years passed on and Eddie continued to grow. Some days were great, some not so great, but we carried on. Eddie tolerating us; Randy and I loving him.

The day my mother-in-law called us to tell us that Eddie had died just a few hours before, I remember thinking "God Makes No Mistakes". Eddie brought joy, fun, laughter, and many gray hairs to our lives. I know if we did nothing else, we brought him Jesus and today he celebrates life with Him!!!

Happy Birthday, Eddie! I love you!!

GOD MAKES NO MISTAKES

Words and music by: Kim Moore

My life I give to you O Lord use me I pray

May I glorify your precious name

In all I do and say

Let me trust you in the valley dark

as well as in the light

Knowing you will always lead me

Your will is always right

Chorus:

I know God makes no mistakes

He leads in every path I take

along the way that’s leading me to home

Tho at times my heart would break

there’s a purpose in every change He makes

that others would see my life and know

that God makes no mistakes.

And when someday in heaven above

I see His dear face

May I then be counted faithful

as a runner in this race

Now I’m trusting in the Savior

to show me the way

In His righteousness He guides me

as I seek to please Him day by day

Chorus:

I know God makes no mistakes

He leads in every path I take

along the way that’s leading me to home

Tho at times my heart would break

there’s a purpose in every change He makes

that others would see my life

and know that God makes no mistakes

Happy Birthday to the GREATEST HUBBY!!

2011-05-10T11:39:00.000-05:00

Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself;... Ephesians 5:33

When Randy and I married over 30 years ago, we never dreamed what the Lord would bring and where the Lord would send! I have never been more grateful for him as during this last year. My husband has been my pastor, best friend, confidant, my caregiver, and my lover. He is concerned about my needs and many of my wants. Randy has been a wonderful representative of the Lord in our home. He lives the verse above.

I love you, Randy! May we celebrate many more birthdays together!!!

February 2011

Our 30th Anniversary

The rest of the pictures are of Randy doing what he loves, serving the Lord!! These photos were taken on his trip to the Philippines last February with two of our men from Okinawa. You can see his joy!!!

Happy Mother's Day!!

2011-05-06T06:45:00.000-05:00

Happy Mother's Day!

The pictures above are of my mother! She wasn't perfect, but one thing I knew for sure, my mom loved me! Praise the Lord for a mom who loves her children! Mom's birthday was April 24 and I decided to wait to honor her on my blog for Mother's Day. One gift that my mom passed on to me was writing. I am not near the writer that she is, but I so enjoy putting a good thought on paper! Mother's Day was very special during the time that Christa was in college. She always arrived home for summer break on Mother's Day! I would pick her up on Sunday morning and we would fly, I mean drive to the church in time for the preaching! One year I wrote the following little story. Enjoy!! Thank you mom for taking TV time away from us and sharing with us the joy of a good book!! I love you and miss you more than I could ever express! Thank God for Heaven!!

Mother’s Day 2007

While in college, I heard Mrs. Evans talk a lot about her red bird! That is when I started looking for something that I could look for so I would recognize that God loved me all the time. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that the Lord used all kinds of birds to encourage me and show me He loved me. When we were in college, a beautiful male cardinal would eat at my bird feeder every morning. Oh how he loved sunflower seeds! When my feeder was out of them, he would squawk at me until I would add more. While living in the Azores the Lord used the beautiful wild canaries and the bird we nicknamed “the doodah” bird because of his song. I am from Minnesota and have always loved loons. They mate for life and have a beautiful peaceful song. Soon after our son died in September of 2003, we did some camping to have some time alone. Some good friends let us use their motor home. We camped all along Lake Michigan. One morning my daughter and I sat quietly together and watched two loons fishing near the shore. What a peaceful time that was for our family and I could feel the Lord’s love enveloping me.

Time has passed since our son went to Heaven and this Mother’s Day was particularly hard for me. I do not know why it stuck out or why this year was harder. Our daughter was due home that morning from college and I should have been so happy, but alas having one child close does not take away the loss of having one child gone. Early that morning I was sitting out on the balcony of my lovely home here in Japan. I had been praying and asking the Lord to give me strength for the day and a smile for the people in our little congregation. Many of them are far from home and missing their loved ones also. I heard a rustling in the trees just below my balcony. I also heard a bird chirping wildly on the electric line that hooks to our home. As I looked down into the trees, I could see movement in the limbs at the top of the tree. Looking through my hubby’s binoculars, I saw that there were several nests in the top of that tree. I watched as the bird on the wire would fly down, shake up the nest, fly back to her perch on the wire, and start her chirping again. This mother bird was teaching her babies to fly! Soon the babies flew out and down to the fence. Their mother flew a little further away until the little birdies followed.

After about 45 minutes, they were all gone and I knew the Lord had chosen that day to prompt that mother bird to teach her babies to fly just for me. He reminds me daily that He loves me through His word, but I am ever so grateful that He also uses the beauty of His creation to illustrate His love. That morning He showed me that teaching our children to fly and leave the nest is a necessary part of loving our children. Christa, I am thankful you get to come home to our nest. Eddie, someday we will enjoy the Father’s Nest together! I love you both!

Happy Homegoing, Teresa!

2011-04-21T09:26:00.000-05:00

Yesterday at 3:30 pm, my dear friend Teresa lost the battle against brain cancer, but she did NOT lose the war! She is in Heaven safe, whole, and happy!!! I wanted to write something special, but her daughter's last update on carepages was so beautiful that I asked to put it on my blog. We shall miss you Teresa.

and now...Eternity!

It's hard to begin to tell about the events of today.... Mom went to be with the Lord at 3:30pm. She was surrounded by her family, and she went quietly and peacefully, just as we had prayed. Mom never suffered pain, and we are thankful that the Lord was merciful! Now, though sad, we get to rejoice that she is in her new home in Heaven!

I could tell you how it happened and share the precious details, but I choose not to do that here. If you'd like to know, then you can ask. I don't mind, really. I don't think any of us do. I'm going to post here a copy of her obituary as it will appear in Thursday's Daily News.

I thought Jodie at Brigham's did a lovely job on the obituary. It sounds so formal, but I think it reflects Mom's life well. I know the funeral isn't far off and that it didn't give much time, but I hope that some of the family from Indiana can come. It would be nice, so nice, to wrap my arms around them. You are so important.

As for Dad, he's doing fairly well, all things considered. He and Mom were "attached at the hip" as my Dad told his dear friend, Dale. It will be so hard for him, but he has family and friends to help him through this. Some of you have begun to help already with meals and tasks. Thank you for that. Also, some have asked...my parents did not have insurance, so there will be a significant financial burden. But God is good...always! We will trust in Him for our needs.
Well, it is very late as I write this, and there is much to do. Time to sleep if we can. I don't know what I'll do with this CarePage after today. Maybe nothing. We'll see. Take care, and as my mom would say...

"I love you sooooo much!"
~A
_______________________________________________________________
Obituary

Six Lakes - Teresa Annette Harkness, age 58, of Edmore; passed away Wednesday April 20, 2011 at her home with family by her side. Teresa was born August 28, 1952 in Noblesville, IN to Bradley and Anna Grimes. She was raised in Noblesville and attended Hamilton Southeastern High School. Teresa married Edward Harkness on October 5, 1968 in Lapel, IN; they spent forty-two wonderful years together. Teresa worked as an elementary teacher for Lakeview Baptist Church for fifteen years. Her many hobbies included sewing, reading, cooking, spoiling her grandchildren, and being involved with church activities.
Teresa is survived in death by her husband Ed Harkness; four children Angela (Jeff) Moore, Christina (Steve) Miller, Nathaniel Harkness, and Adam (Katherine) Harkness; ten grandchildren Michael, Justin, Joel, Emily, and Kai Miller, Bradley, Scottie, Jenni, and Dylan Harkness, and Reece Carson; four siblings Jeanie (John) Blazier, Larry (Mary) Grimes, Charlotte (Joe) Ridgeway, and Jeff (Jodi) Grimes; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Teresa was preceded in death by her parents Bradley and Anna Grimes; and one baby boy Joel.

Funeral services for Teresa will be held Friday April 22, 2011 at 2:00 PM at the Brigham Funeral Chapel in Six Lakes with Pastor Zane Abberger officiating. A visitation will be at the funeral home one hour prior the service from 1:00 to 2:00 PM. A luncheon will follow the interment (Hillcrest Cemetery in Six Lakes) at the Lakeview Baptist Church. Memorial contributions in Teresa’s memory may be made to the family.

Happy Birthday, Christa!! Our Darling Daughter!!

2011-04-21T08:42:00.000-05:00

What can I say that I haven't said or thought a million times! How BLESSED we have been since Christa came into our lives. Her joyful spirit are so very encouraging in good and bad times! She truly loves the Lord and though she is not perfect (she has us as parents afterall!), she is about as perfect a daughter than anyone could ask for! Today she is a 1/4 century old! So hard to believe that she has been on this earth so long! Where did the time go?

Christa was not "born" into our family, but the Lord placed a special little girl into this mother's lonely arms many years ago and I am forever grateful! There is a plaque that has hung in our children's rooms since the day they came into our home. It contains this beautiful sentiment:

Not flesh of my flesh nor bone of my bone,

But still miraculously my own.

Never forget for a single minute,

you didn't grow under my heart, but in it.

I love you, Christa!!!

I'll bet you can tell that one of Christa's greatest assest is her wonderful spirit!

Happy Birthday a Minha Madrasta!!

2011-04-18T21:00:00.001-05:00

Proverbs 18:22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

Every morning I read a Psalm and a Proverb for the day. As it is April 18, I read Proverbs 18. How fitting the verse above is for today, my Madrasta's birthday! I know my father was truly blessed when he married, Annetta. Over the years Annetta has been there through the many struggles of my father's health. He has had some major heart issues since 2001 and she has been there all along. My father's stroke in July started a new trial of fire. Life will forever be changed for them. Annetta's role has gone from lover to caregiver. My Madrasta does have struggles and discouragements, but she keeps going. She finds creative ways to work through the many difficulties and she has made a way for my Dad to have rehab, which gives him some goals to work towards. I appreciate and love her! The last verse in Proverbs 18 says:

A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

A very fitting verse to describe Annetta and her love for our family! Happy Birthday, Annetta!!!

By the way, I LOVE YOU!!!

Beauty for Ashes

2011-04-15T07:03:00.002-05:00

Isaiah 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

If you have known the Johnson Family through the years, you know that we have had a few trials, a few heavy burdens! Quite honestly there have been times that I have said with Job, "My soul is weary of my life." I praise God that He understands our humanity! One trial that came began last July. It was one month before we were to travel to the States for our medical furlough. I will never forget waking up that Sunday morning and my husband calmly telling me that my father had just had a severe stroke. The next two weeks were frantic with a trip to the States and back to Okinawa. It was touch and go, but my father made it through. A miracle from the Lord! As we travelled the long journey back to Okinawa, I will tell you that I wondered why the Lord had just not taken my dad on to Heaven. My dad was athletic, in great shape, and young in his spirit. Now, he was most likely going to have to live in a nursing home and have to be helped with almost every daily task. Time has passed and my father is living in a nursing home and has to be helped with many daily tasks. He is making much progress and even though he is paralyzed on his left side, he still has that athletic attitude, is in great shape for one who has had a major stroke of life changing proportions, and still young in his spirit.

Now for the whole point of this post, the verse above is really for the Israelites, but it is such a beautiful passage and aptly describes what the Lord has done through the trial of my father's stroke; "beauty for ashes"!!! When my dad was in the ICU, the doctors couldn't get over how great his speech was. He was talking so much and even cracking jokes. For the doctors it was a wonderful thing, for his family......... we weren't sure what alien nation had abducted our father and husband! Prior to my dad's stroke, the title "Great Communicator" would NOT have been attributed to him.

This last week as we journeyed back from New England after three conferences, we passed a bus. Randy said, "Honey, that bus said 'Kerkhoven, Minnesota' on the side." I was soooooooooooo excited as we pulled into a rest area and the bus pulled in also! I ran over to the bus and talked to the people coming off. You see my Great Uncle and Aunt had a farm in the tiny town of Kerhoven and most people, even people in Minnesota, have not heard of the town!! We spent many happy hours at the farm and I have wonderful memories of it. As I talked to the tour guide and told him why I was so excited, he told me that he helped put a roof on "Kenny's barn". I was so thrilled! What great memories the Lord brought to my mind as I talked to those people from Minnesota! After I climbed back in the car, I had to call my dad and tell him about the gift the Lord gave me through sweet memories just moments ago. He answered the phone and proceded to tell me that he was in the middle of a pedicure and manicure! He is so funny! Then he said, "I was just telling the lady about you kids and what all of you do and how proud I am of all of you. You do know that I am proud of you, Kelly, don't you?" What could I say??? The new Great Communicator had spoken. I could only whisper, "Yes, Dad." I got passed the lump in my throat and told him about the bus, which didn't seem nearly such a big deal anymore. You see, "Beauty for Ashes" is what I received that afternoon on the Ohio tollway.

What's your trial and what is the "Beauty" the Lord wants to give you through that trial? Ask Him for it, Wait for it, Look for it!!! Don't let the "Beauty" pass you by due to the bitterness you might feel because of the "ashes".

Happy Birthday, Valerie!!

2011-03-25T14:58:00.000-05:00

Proverbs 18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

Today marks a special day for the modern world! It is the ?? anniversary of the arrival of one very special lady. Aren't we blessed?? I know I am and anyone who knows Valerie probably feels the same way.

My 30th Anniversary Surprise!

Abigail Miller, Valerie, and I

Each time the Lord takes our family through a trial, He always sends special "Angels" to encourage us. In college it was the Ortiz Family. When Randy had his cancer, the Lord really used Dr. and Mrs Dan Siemer, and Kevin and Amy Arthur to help us through some great difficulties. After my tumor surgery at Mayo Clinic and our son's death two weeks later, the Lord sent the Noonan family and their church in Rochester, Minnesota, and Pastor and Mrs. Abberger and Lakeview Baptist Church to our side. This furlough there have been so many blessings, but one of the greatest is my friendship with Valerie Higley. She loves her family, her church, and her pastor and his family. She is always thinking of ways to be a blessing to someone and I am humble to say that I have been the receipient of many of her "gifts". For our 30th wedding anniversary, she made it possible for my favorite singer, Abigail Miller, and our daughter, Christa, to fly to Connecticut to be part of the festivities!

Br. & Mrs. Higley

A few years ago, I met Valerie via the internet. She is a member of one of our supporting churches and when she found out we had Skype she asked to be added to our contacts. For a long time Valerie was just a little green cloud with a white check mark in it on my computer screen. One day we decided to try and "meet up", she in Groton, Connecticut, and me in Okinawa, Japan. We chatted just a short time and that was that. Later she contacted me again and asked to interview me for the ladies at her church. I was excited about it, but a little nervous. We had a wonderful time during our visit and I was glad for the contact and the interest in our work on Okinawa. After that Valerie went back to being her little green cloud on my computer. Last Fall, soon after we arrived back in the US for our furlough, we visited Valerie's church in Groton. This is when our friendship really took a change in direction.

She sharpens me, encourages me, listens to me grumble, laughs at my jokes and sarcasm, loves my daughter, and most importantly encourages my walk with the Lord in a positive direction. One verse she recently shared with me was:

Malachi 3:16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.

After she shared this verse with me, I asked myself two questions, "Kelly, when the Lord listens to you speak to people, is He so moved with joy at your conversation that He wants to write a "book of rememberance" containing these words? If someone were listening in on your conversations, would they see and know the love of the Lord through what you say and how you act?" Praise the Lord for this verse, for the Lord showing it to Valerie, and for Valerie sharing her morning Bible reading with me!

Thank you, Valerie for all you do for me and others. There is no gift grand enough that I could give you to show how much I appreciate your love, compassion, understanding, and kindness toward me.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

So MANY Things!!

2011-03-18T07:47:00.000-05:00

From my living room window!

I know many of you have contacted me asking WHERE in the world have I gone!! A furlough missionary is sooooooo busy! Our schedule is usually - have a treatment, go to meetings, come back in time for next treatment. This last trip to New England was wonderful and a huge blessing. However, I arrived back with the flu!!! NO FUN!! On the way back to Ohio, my husband had to keep pulling over so I could be sick on the side of the road! Ahh, the romantic life of a missionary! I want you to know that I am NOT complaining!!! On the contrary, I am grateful for our many meetings and the supporting churches that want to see us while we are in the States on furlough.

UPDATES:

My DAD - is doing GREAT!!! He is amazing and so is my Madrasta! Dad is in PT and has made great strides. He likes being challenged and rises to meet the challenge. My Madrasta is making sure that he is getting what he needs so he can be more independent each day (something very important to my Dad!) My only regret is not being able to see him more!

Christa - loves teaching, but is looking forward to Spring Break, which starts today! She has not ceased to be a blessing to her parents!! Fer sure and fer certain!!

My GREAT Hubby - Busy setting up meetings, studying, preaching missions conferences, travelling, taking care of ME! In January, he made a trip to Okinawa for a Bible conference at our church. Last month we celebrated 30 years as husband and wife. I will be writing a post devoted strictly to this event. This is the first time he has been home for longer than 3 days since last Fall.

ME?? - Blessed beyond all measure! May will finally end my chemo!! Whoo Hoo! Then the retesting will start to see how the chemo worked. Please be in prayer about this. Hair is growing back!!!!!!! Body tired, but spirit is wonderful!

Japan - PLEASE continue to pray for the people of Japan. I know the Lord wants to use this terrible disaster for His glory. Praise Him for the missionaries that are already there helping the Japanese people. Our church in Okinawa is fine. Okinawa is about as far away from Tokyo as New York to Key West.

A Friend

2011-01-13T17:48:00.000-06:00

Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

In December I left my Bible at a ladies conference one evening. The next morning as I prepared my coffee and sat down to have my time with the Lord, I couldn't find my Bible anywhere. We started down the road to our next meeting and I stewed about that Bible. My husband offered me his, but it just wasn't the same! I have a Classic Note Bible that I LOVE to write in!!! It is my friend! I know right where my favorite verses are located and I can easily find what the Lord has been speaking to me about by the notes on the pages. God's word sharpens me just like the verse above talks about. That is why it is so important to read it, study it, memorize it, and share it with others!! I was so relieved when the pastor's wife emailed me to let me know that they indeed had my Bible!

Have you ever had a friend that you loved deeply and then you had a disagreement and that friend ignored you from then on? It hurts and makes you sad! Recently this happened to me and as I sat in my self pity, the Lord rebuked me about my attitude toward the situation. He also brought to my mind the times that I ignored Him and went on with my busy day. I never mean to hurt Him, I just get to rushing in my day and decide to put Him off until later. I will admit that even sometimes I have ignored my Bible because I didn't really want to know what God would say about the way I was living or the things I was doing.

Praise the Lord for His love, mercy, and longsuffering! I am so grateful for the most wonderful friend of all, the Lord!! John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Great News!!

2010-12-17T06:53:00.000-06:00

So my appointment was yesterday with the oncologist. The spot in my lung has remained the same since the beginning, so it is now officially "nothing to worry about"!! Whooo Hoo!!!!

I do have fluid in my lung. This is probably a result of my heart meds for irregular heart rate. Will see a doctor in January and maybe she will change the meds around.

Everything else is doing wonderfully! Keep praying. We will be travelling and doing several meetings until the middle of January. Then Randy and a couple other men will be flying to Okinawa for 10 days.

Have a wonderful Christmas season and remember to spread the good news that Jesus left Heaven, came to earth and lived in the flesh, lived 33 years, and then went to the cross to pay our penalty for sin so that if we CHOOSE, we CAN have eternal life!!! Praise the Lord!!

I Am Blessed!!

2010-12-11T06:47:00.001-06:00

O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. Psalms 34:8

Before Surgery

Before Chemo

During chemo

Just after chemo with my father.

Randy after MY chemo!

November 2010

I Am Blessed - A Song
Each day that I live, He gives more than I need

And I could never describe His goodness to me

If you ask how I make day after day

There is only one thing I can say

It's been a long journey but I have been blessed

Walking with Jesus, I have no regrets

He is so good to me, and I must confess

The way has been long, but I'm blessed

All that I need I find at His feet

When I'm hungry, He feeds me with manna so sweet

When my soul is weary, He sends peace and rest

And all I can say is I'm blessed

Now I've had my share of sunshine and rain

Days filled with laughter and nights filled with pain

But with every mile as I travel this way

The journey gets sweeter each day

It's been a long journey but I have been blessed

Walking with Jesus, I have no regrets

He is so good to me, and I must confess

The way has been long, but I'm blessed

I'M BLESSED

So much more than I ever deserve

I'M BLESSED

He's been faithfully keeping His word

I'M BLESSED

I've been cleansed by the hand of the Lord

I'm blessed, I'm blessed, I'm blessed

This last Monday, I visited with my friend Tereasa Harkness. She has a brain tumor and is currently having radiation and chemo. We were in a meeting on Sunday just one hour away from where she is staying near the hospital, so my husband drove me to spend part of the day with her. I wanted to be an encouragment to her. As usual in these cases, Tereasa was my encourager. There were 3 other ladies visiting also from Lakeview Baptist Church (a very special group of people to us). We had so much fun laughing at Joette, I mean WITH Joette! I thought maybe we could sing for Tereasa. We chose a few and then Tereasa asked the ladies to sing this song. What a testimony this song is for so many of us that have been through trials. Each lady in the room that day has had their own difficult journeys to travel. Maybe that is why we were able to laugh so much together.

As I sat down to write this post, the Lord immediately brought the song to my rememberance (something that is quite a miracle with this chemo brain of mine!) One year ago today I started this journey of breast cancer. On December 11, I was laying on the operating table in Okinawa (it was actually the 10th in America still, but for literary emphasis I will use the date on my surgery notes!) I can honestly and without guile say, I have BEEN blessed! I have hated the chemo and am not always the best sport, but I see so many great things that have come from this difficult journey through 2010! Maybe someone is reading this and you are struggling with the Lord about the "journey" He has you on right now. Don't give up or give in to that devil sitting on your shoulder telling you it is NOT worth it to continue! Someone needs for you to keep going on your journey. Don't be selfish with your trial. God wants you to use it for HIS purpose. Believe me, there have been times when I didn't really care about His purpose, but I kept going and kept doing what He asked of me. He has NEVER failed me! As He blessed Job with so much more after his trials, so He has blessed me with much more!

There is a poem that my pastor, Dr. Jack Hyles (now in Heaven) use to quote:

THE BRIDGE BUILDER

An old man, going a lone highway,

Came at the evening cold and gray,

To a chasm, vast and deep and wide,

Through which was flowing a sullen tide.

The old man crossed in the twilight dim-

That sullen stream had no fears for him;

But he turned, when he reached the other side,

And built a bridge to span the tide.

"Old man," said a fellow pilgrim near,

"You are wasting strength in building here.

Your journey will end with the ending day;

You never again must pass this way.

You have crossed the chasm, deep and wide,

Why build you the bridge at the eventide?"

The builder lifted his old gray head.

"Good friend, in the path I have come," he said,

"There followeth after me today

A youth whose feet must pass this way.

This chasm that has been naught to me

To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be.

He, too, must cross in the twilight dim;

Good friend, I am building the bridge for him."

-WILL ALLEN DROMGOOLE

Many times through my journey I have thought about Mrs. Marlene Evans, who is now in Heaven after a long journey with breast cancer. She was a "bridge builder" for me! I mean it, I believe that one of the reasons for the Lord's timing in my husband's college years, was so that I could watch Mrs. Evans as she took this journey. She went to Heaven after we went to the mission field. Many were the days I wanted to quit and thought, "I just can't do one more treatment, take one more pill, or be sick one more time!" The Lord brought Mrs. Evans back to my mind. She had built a bridge in the twilight of her life so that others could make that journey and not fall into the chasm. What chasm is it that you face? Who is it that will come behind you and need that bridge? Take your journey, build your bridge, and don't give up!

"He had bigger hands than me."

2010-12-03T06:58:00.003-06:00

I have had times when my Bible study, prayer time, and walk with the Lord has been tedious - out of duty -knowing that in the end it was the right thing to do. I am always blessed by my time with the Lord, but not always as right with Him as I should be. Lately, it seems as though my walk with Him has been extremely sweet. God is so patient with me and He just waits until I come back around! The other morning I was reading in my devotion time and came across this story:

A little lad went with his mother to an old country store. She parked him in front of the counter where the candy jars were all lined up. While the clerk filled the mother's order, the boys eyes just kept getting bigger and bigger as he viewed all the delightful things in front of him. As the mother got ready to leave, the clerk told the boy to reach in with his hands and grab some candy. The boy shyly shook his head no. The mother urged him and the boy still would not reach in. Finally, the clerk reached in with both hands and held out the candy to the boy. The boy stuffed his pockets with the candy. The mother questioned the boy when they got outside about why he wouldn't reach in and get the candy. The little boy said, "I waited, mother, because I saw he had bigger hands than me."

This little lad is so much wiser than I am sometimes!! This last week I had an opportunity to be reminded about how big God's hands are. I am just like any other woman - I want my house to match and everything to be just so. I have to constantly battle the urge to buy what I "need" and not wait on the Lord. Such was the battle happening in my heart the day after Thanksgiving. I was at Kohl's and my cart was packed with rugs for the bathroom and other odds and ends. Slowly the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart, I had prayed that morning and asked the Lord to help me resist buying things that were not important. The Holy Spirit said, "Dec 1st is coming. You know that you have no idea what your support will be and there are people that are depending on you to help with some needs. If you buy these things, will you be able to help the way the Lord wants you to?" Thus began the great "redeposit onto the shelves" adventure. My friend helped me by doing the running, I was wiped out. I managed to make it out of there with one item that would end up costing me $10.

A couple of days later, I read this story about the little lad. The Lord reminded me that His hands ARE bigger than mine and He provides me so much. Yesterday after arriving home from a meeting, there was a BIG box sitting in my living room. A friend had said that she was mailing my gloves back that had inadvertently been left in her car. As I looked at the box, I thought, "These gloves really got bigger and heavier!!" We opened the box and there were the rugs I wanted for my bathroom in just the right color - red!!! There was also a set of snowmen flannel sheets (I LOVE snowmen also). My husband received a Starbucks gift card, Christa received a Starbucks mug, and I also received a Starbucks mug! I LOVE it!!!!!!!!!!

The mug says, "Stories are gifts - Share"

Wait on the Lord, He has bigger hands!!

That's my story for the day and I'm sticking to it!!

Happy, Happy, Happy Thanksgiving!!

2010-11-25T11:04:00.000-06:00

So many blessings, so much love, so great a salvation!! Thank you, Jesus!!

What a Beautiful Creation!!

2010-11-21T16:13:00.001-06:00

Romans 1:20-21 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Isn't this tree beautiful!!!!!!! While we were in Connecticut this fall, I enjoyed the red colors so much. Little did I know that the Lord gave me one of those beautiful trees that are green, then turn gold, and eventually red, right in my own backyard!!! We serve a mighty God who loves us and shows us He loves us everyday!

I don't know about you, but it is like adding insult to injury to have the flu when you are getting chemo!!! I am so thankful that since my treatments began in January, this is only the 2nd time I have been sick. Fellowshipping with the Lord's people is such a blessing and those in Okinawa know just how much fellowship I haven't been able to participate in. I am feeling much better and love handshaking time, something that I am afraid I will have to set aside for a little bit longer. Please pray that this week I am well and will be able to have my treatment on Wednesday as planned.

By the way, (just for Netta), you will notice to the left that there is a box that says "pages". I have added pages so that I can update somethings on a regular basis as they need updating. I have moved my daily praises to a page! Be sure to check it out. Some of you sent some praises to me and I will be working on adding them this week.

Have a GREAT week and don't forget not to miss the things on the journey just to get to your destination this week!

You can dress 'em up, teach 'em manners, take 'em out, and still be embarrassed by YOUR PARENTS!!

2010-11-12T09:40:00.001-06:00

I missed praising God yesterday as I wasn't around internet to post anything. This morning I came over to Panera Bread just to get on the internet (yeah right!!) While here of course, I had to get a bagle and coffee! Did I tell you all that I LOVE Panera Bread!!!!!!! Whoo Hoo!!

Anyway, I had a wonderful day yesterday with my Madrasta and my father. I was able to be there during his OT time. My Dad is such an overachiever, even in his recovery from the stroke!! We had lunch with him and then he laid down for a nap. We came back and got him up to go the Veteran's Day social. We watched a video and then went downstairs for fruit, cookies, and coffee. Dad wanted to sit in the sun, so we took him out onto the inside porch. Now, you would think that on such a dignified day I could get a serious picture of Dad and Netta! But noooooooooooooooooo....I guess Dad was paying me back for all the parents out there who try to take family pictures when the kids are little and they inevitably end up with a photo of someone sticking a tongue out or a finger up a nose. You will notice the mischieveous grin on my Dad's face in the first pic! I should have known something was up!

He is holding US Airforce flags representing his time in the service to our country.

See what I mean?? He was doing the "see food" thing!!

Netta's help?? NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so grateful that I got to come to Minnesota and see my Dad and my Madrasta!!!!!! I love you both very much!!

The Few. The Proud. The Marines.

2010-11-10T11:18:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday to the US Marine Corps!! Thank you for serving!

Daily Benefits 11/10/2010

2010-11-10T06:45:00.001-06:00

Eddie and Christa around 1991

One of my FAVORITE photos of all times!!

Wow, my heart gets full just thinking of what I am going to put down for my benefits today!!! What about you! If you send me some of your benefits, I will post them!

Safety as we travelled from Connecticut to Ohio

A home full of great smells, comfort, and my own bed!!

A wonderful daughter who learned how to cook and what makes a house a home.

Getting to go see my Dad!

Heat on chilly mornings!

Blue sky and sunshine!

My puppy running around so happy to see me!

A neighbor who understands what I am going through and has some helpful advice for the pain!

The great medical care I received in Okinawa!

His Word that always knows just what I need for the minute/hour/day/week/year/lifetime!

Shopping in an American store and not needing a pass!

A husband that loves me even when I am unlovely!

What about you! If you send me some of your benefits, I will post them!

Grateful for Steve Curington and his family

2010-11-09T05:48:00.000-06:00

Grateful for men living consecrated lives so that others might have a home in Heaven one day.

Gratefulness

2010-11-08T10:28:00.001-06:00

Have you noticed that every year the Thanksgiving section at the store gets smaller and smaller? We go from Halloween directly to Christmas and skip over one of the most important holidays on our American calendar. Could it be because we, even Christians, are not as grateful for the things we already have???

Psalms 68:19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.

Yesterday in Mrs. Patty Peslak's Sunday School class in Connecticut, she shared how she had determined to praise the Lord everyday this past year in writing for the things He had blessed her with. What a GREAT idea! So many of us, including me, are more than willing to share our trials of everyday! Why not our blessings? I decided that I wouldn't wait until January 1 to start, but I would start it this very day! So everyday on this little blogspot, I will share a list of the many benefits He has provided for me each day! I want to be grateful and I don't want to take anything for granted!

My list of "daily benefits" for November 8th:

My first snowfall in America!!

The beautiful colors of fall in New England!

A thoughtful daughter who listens to the leading of the Holy Spirit and wants to be generous with her time, talents, and possesions.

A Book, The Bible, full of wonderful comfort!

A Saviour who will transform my life, if I let him.

The change in my father since the stroke. He went from a man of few words to a man of many words. I love it!!

A madrasta that loves my father and is doing her very best for him.

A beautiful relaxing hotel room provided for us by the church here.

A goody basket from someone in the church full of chocolate from Trader Joes!!

A Garmin GPS system from someone in the church to help us get around! Too cool!!!

Beautiful bouquet of Fall flowers!

Warm boots!

The best husband and companion anyone could ever ask for!

Cool, curly, thick hair - thanks to chemo!

A morning with less pain!

A new name, Megan, written down in Glory!!!

How about you?? Can you think of something to be grateful for??? I could have written much more. Once your heart starts praising, it just can't stop!!! Hmmmmmm, maybe that would help some of us get through those rough days? Ya think???

Voice of Thanksgiving!

2010-11-02T10:04:00.000-05:00

That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.

Psalms 26:7

Thank you, Lord, for the beauty of creation that surrounds all of us!!!

Fall in New England!!

2010-10-25T16:59:00.034-05:00

What a beautiful time of year to be in New England! The colors are just bursting! The trees look like someone hung brightly colored paper mache from their branches! We are currently in Connecticut at a missions conference with Pastor and Mrs. Peslak. Dr. Keen is the main speaker and the Lord has really been speaking to my heart. Can't wait to hear him tonight!

Last Monday we visited with our dear friends, the Mellos! Fellow missionaries from the Azores. The next day we went for a drive, saw the gates of the city of Ponta Delgada (recreated from the Azores), and found Portuguese food. Back at their home we chowed down and had a wonderful Portuguese lunch feast!!!

The rest of last week was spent with Pastor Beck in Groton, CT. A local dentist helped us out tremendously and fixed our teeth!! God really does supply ALL our needs!!!

Psalms 125:1-2 They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.

My Bible time was sweet this morning! It is so wonderful to have the security of the Lord round about. Even when I am not aware of it, He is protecting me!!! Have a wonderful week and may you know the securtiy that comes from being a child of the true King, Jesus Christ!

PS Did you notice my NATURAL curly new hair????!! I am loving it!!! A good gift from chemo!

Pray for my dear friend, Teresa Harkness.

2010-10-14T07:04:00.000-05:00

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

I don't know about any of you, but it seems the devil is fighting very hard and it is through our physical, temporary bodies. A few weeks ago we were up visiting our friends, Pastor and Mrs. Abberger, in Lakeview, Michigan. My husband's family lived in Michigan and we would attend Pastor A's church when we were visiting family during Randy's leave time from the Navy. That was in 1991. We have grown up with the young families and none of us is really that "young" anymore! The Harkness family is one of those special ones. Br. Harkness copied hundreds of tapes with the audio Romans Road in Portuguese for us. We used to hand these out with tracts in the Azores as the illiteracy rate was so high. Teresa had fought ovarian cancer a few years back and she was such an encouragement during all of that. The weekend we were up to Lakeview, Teresa was sick with what she thought was the flu and so I didn't get to see her. Last week they found a large brain tumor and flew her to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where this last Tuesday she had brain surgery. I spoke with her last evening!!!!!!!! Can you believe it!!!!!!!! She was such an encouragement to me. It is cancer and she will now have to have chemo and radiation. What a difficult thing that is to face after already going through these treatments in the past. I pray for strength, endurance, and continued grace for you, Teresa! You said it right last night, He doesn't give it to us until we need it.

Two weeks ago we were in Deleware, Ohio, for a missions conference. The preaching was challenging, the love they showered on us was unbelieveable, and the fellowship was so refreshing! Thank you, Grace Baptist Church for a wonderful weekend.

We are settled in our home and for the first time in 12 years, ALL of our things are in one spot! What a miracle. I had only 1 plate break during the shipment. We have a lot of unpacking to do, but for now I am doing NO more! Thank you to my in-laws who drove all the way from Florida to help us this week!!! We love you and are so greatful for you and all you do for us. Another BIG thank you goes to my 20 year old nephew, Tom. He flew up from Florida to help us also and we have worked him to death!!!!!!! I had not seen Tom in over 6 years and he has really grown up. He really is a delight to have around. Thank you Gwen, for letting come and "hang" out with us.

This morning is my next treatment. The day we were moving in, one of my new neighbors, Tina, came over to visit and meet us. It turns out she is a chemo nurse at the Cleveland Clinic Campus downtown! I told her about how they didn't like my Japanese port and she said, "That was you! We talked about you in the break room the other day and how scary it was that you had a port that didn't get blood return." Yep, I am famous ALL over!!!!!!!!! Tina also battled breast cancer a few years ago and we are on the same hormone treatment that causes so much pain. I can't help but know that it is no accident that the Lord put us right next door to each other!! The last few days I have been battling sores in my mouth and bleeding fingertips. Not fun, but really just an annoyance. Other than that, we are doing fine.

We have several meetings coming up and will be travelling. Pray for strength and good rest. Pray for Christa as she holds the fort down while we are gone. Also, please continue to pray for the situation with my Dad and Madrasta. Annetta really needs to find a place for my dad and also funding!!!!!!!!!! I never knew until my dad's stroke, but insurance will only cover a few weeks or months if you push. After that you are on your own. Pray that Annetta has peace in her decisions.

Thank you to all who read this, pray for me, write me, call me, think of me! It means more than you know!!

Where have I been?????????

2010-09-25T08:42:00.000-05:00

Time really does fly!!! We have been so busy since arriving in the States. Doctor appointments, buying a car, finding a place to live, doctor appointments... You get the idea! I will have to go back in time! We moved in with one of our wonderful Air Force women on August 20. The Lord has really worked in her life and she has allowed Him to. She is such a testimony. Deb, thank you for allowing us to take up space and steal your bedroom!! Monday, August 30, I had my last evening with the ladies of the church.

The night before we flew out of Okinawa, 29 people joined us at our favorite restaurant, Sam's By the Sea. It was a wonderful time and we miss each of them so very much!

Our flights on September 3 to Cleveland went very smoothly. When we arrived in Cleveland, our dogs were with us, but we were missing a few pieces of luggage. No big deal, they brought them to the house the next day.

September 9th was my first appointment with my new oncologist at the Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Moore took all that I brought with me. As we talked, she made the comment that I was in a gray area and probably didn't have to have the chemo I just finished and she wasn't sure about continuing the herceptin. After leaving the appointment, I was upset as I wondered if I misunderstood the Lord's leading in this situation. I also was upset that I might have lost my hair and health for nothing!!! Before my next appointment, which was this last Thursday, I had a CT scan, mammogram, blood work, and an echo of my heart. Dr. Moore sent all the pathology slides I brought from Japan to the pathologists at Cleveland Clinic.

When she walked into the room this last Thursday she said that I was NOT in a gray area. The pathologist at Cleveland Clinic measured the tumors and they were actually larger than Japan had measured. Also, I have multifocal breast cancer that was in the lymph vessels. This means I had several tumors of invasive breast cancer mixed with a huge non invasive tumor. So chemo was a must and the herceptin will continue until at least next April. My CT scan showed the spot in my lung, which means that it did not respond to the chemo. This is a good thing as it means that it is most likely not cancer. That puts me at stage 1b!! Whoo Hoooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They will continue to watch the spot in my lung and if it grows, I will have to have it biopsied. Please be PRAYING about this. The lymph nodes on my collar bone are no longer showing up, so the chemo worked on these as well. God is good. When I left the office to go downstairs for my treatment, I couldn't help but thank the Lord for giving me just the right doctor in Okinawa and for directing Dr. Ueda in his findings and treatment plan.

Now, treatment was soooo different! I was in a private room with windows and sitting in a fancy recliner! The nurse came in and so started the long ordeal about my Japanese port which does NOT allow a blood return! After much research on the internet, a consult with their "legal" people, and a call to Dr. Moore; it was determined that they could use my existing port. However, if at some point I need to have more chemo I will have to have a new port put in. In Okinawa, they push my herceptin at a rate that takes about 2 hours. At CC, they push it over 30 minutes! I was out of there and we were on our way home by 2:30 pm. Of course, we had started the day at CC by 9 am!!

Thank you to all that have prayed for my father and madrasta. The stroke had a wonderful side effect in that my father now talks a lot about what he is feeling. He has many obstacles to overcome. Please be in much prayer for Annetta, my madrasta. She has much on her shoulders. I am so frustrated at my inability to help due to my own medical issues. Annetta is a fighter and will continue, but I know her journey gets wearying and she needs strength to continue. She needs a ramp built to the house as it looks like they might be discharging dad soon. If you live in Minnesota near Minneapolis or know someone who could help get a ramp built, please contact me through this website.

Well, I guess I better close. We are living in a small, but nice apartment in Dr. Cox's basement. The place we will be basing out of will not be available until after October 4th. We have had two meetings in supporting churches already and will be in a missions conference at another one this coming weekend. Due to my fatigue and pain, we are trying to do meetings within just a few hours of driving. Thank you again for your prayers, cards, love, and support. They help more than you know!

Saying Goodbye

2010-08-28T08:08:00.000-05:00

Psalms 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

This week felt a little odd as we moved out of our home and prepared to finalize our time in Okinawa. In our ministry we are usually the ones being left behind while the Lord moves others away. Even if the Lord allows us to return to Okinawa, our congregation is ever changing and we will have all new faces by the time our furlough is complete. The process of saying goodbye started last Wednesday when I had my last treatment here in Okinawa. My nurses were all there. They have been so sweet to me and such a blessing. I gave my chemo nurse, Keiko, a TY Breast Cancer bear. She was so happy and excited. I gave Spot to one of the other nurses that works in the infusion room and has been wonderful about trying to communicate with me. She always comments on Spot, my chemo buddy, and pats his head every treatment. These ladies always brighten my day. When I had my first herceptin back at the end of April, I had to spend one night in the hospital because of the side effects of that first dose. After their shift was done, they came upstairs to my room to check on me. My doctor was on vacation this past week, but we will go in Monday morning to say goodbye and thank him.

Tomorrow will be our last Sunday at Foundations Baptist Church. I have no idea how I will get through that day, but I know the Lord's grace will be sufficient. We will miss our church family here very much. Over the last few days I have been remembering all of the people that the Lord allowed our paths to cross during the last 6 years. Sometimes I feel like I have been such an unprofitable servant for my Saviour. I don't know if I have made a difference in anyone's life, but I know that MANY people have made a difference in mine.

My father is doing better. He is in rehab and the nerves are starting to reconnect in his left leg. His left arm doesn't seem to be progressing as well. Please pray for his arm and also for the extreme sharp pain he gets in his leg every so often. I talked with him on the phone the other day. It was the first time since we returned to Okinawa. He was talkative, informative, and full of conversation. I am anxious to see him again. My madrasta, Netta, is doing well. She is such a blessing to me. So many times you hear horror stories about what families do to each other during difficulties like these. I am very happy to say that we have none of that fighting and bickering. Netta is doing a great job and we love and appreciate her very much!!

Thank you to everyone for praying for us. Please do NOT stop! We need the Lord to continue working out the details of our medical furlough. He has already prepared so many things for us and provided in many ways. My first appointment at Cleveland Clinic is on September 9th at 2:30 pm.

I guess that is all the current info. Have a wonderful week and remember not to "miss the journey for the destination."

Home?

2010-08-07T19:20:00.000-05:00

Home? Not sure that I have a physical address that I would call "home" right now. Our house here in Okinawa is almost completely packed. Tomorrow, August 9, our container arrives. My hubby will commence to pack it on Tuesday with the help of Br. McGuire and some wonderful teenage "volunteers"! The containter will depart around August 15 for its month long journey to Cleveland. Christa is in Ohio and busy trying to locate a place for us to hang our hats when we land on September 3.

We settled my father into a nursing home/rehab facility on Friday, July 30. On August 2, we landed back here in Okinawa and August 4 I had my next Herceptin treatment. August 23 I will be having a heart scan and August 25 will be my next Herceptin treatment. September 9 at 2:30 pm is my first appointment at Cleveland Clinic with the doctor specializing in my type of breast cancer.

Please continue to pray for my father, Ron Wagner. He is paralyzed on his left side. The doctors are amazed at his memory and speech. Pray for my Madrasta, Annetta, as she faces many new challenges caring for my dad. While in the States, I did get to see my brother and sister-in-law. Also, my oldest sister Carol was able to make it up from Chicago for a day. My nieces and the great grandsons met us at the rehab on Saturday. I haven't seen them all for years and it was wonderful to renew our relationship. They have the cutest sons!!!!

I guess that about raps this up! Below are some pictures from our time in Minnesota. You will notice that my hair is starting come in quite nicely.

Prayer

2010-07-26T08:15:00.002-05:00

Thank you to all of you for your prayers and notes during this difficult time.

This week has been a real roller coaster ride. My father had a stroke last Saturday, July 17. Randy and I flew to Minnesota on Monday, July 19. Everyday brings new challenges for my father. Currently there is much brain swelling still going on. They thought it had stopped last Wednesday, but it has grown. His right brain is pushing into his left brain. This causes him terrible headaches. It is hard to see him suffer! My Madrasta has been wonderful and is a strong woman whom I love very much. I can only imagine how difficult it is to watch her husband suffer. I know the Lord has a perfect plan in all of this. I just can't see it now. So, like the song says, "I Believe to See". I know the Lord is good, whether I can see it or not.

We have had some fun times with Dad. The speech therapist was checking some of his cognitive thinking skills one day. She asked him several questions:

Is your name Smith.

"No".

Do you live in Milwaukee?

"No, No, No, Heaven's no!"

What's wrong with Milwaukee?

"Have you ever BEEN there?!"

Yes, for a week long conference.

"Did you stay?"

Yes

"WHY???!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Sorry Milwaukee lovers! We all got a kick out of this exchange! I sat and watched Twins playing baseball on the TV with him and he was able to tell me all about each player that got up and he also told me what he thought about the manager's style of managing. I won't share that on here. I do thank God in Heaven for allowing me to have this time with my Dad. It has been an honor and a privilege. Keep praying. We need this swelling to stop.

I love you Dad!!!

Update

2010-07-18T09:45:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,
Thank you so much for all of your prayers and notes. Nancy, thank you for the phone idea!!! Tori, I can't wait to meet you one day! Tomorrow Randy and I will be flying to Minneapolis. We will arrive at the hospital aroud 2 pm on Monday afternoon. Please be in prayer for my madrasta. She needs to feel the love of the Lord surrounding her. Please pray for wisdom for the doctors and safety for our travels. Thank you for being our friends.

My Dad, Ron Wagner

2010-07-17T23:38:00.001-05:00

Please be in prayer for my father. He had a stroke sometime in the night Friday or early Saturday morning. He is in very unstable condition. Pray that he comes through this and that if he isn't going to that I can see him one last time. I love you, Dad.

The brethren of the poor hate him:...

2010-07-15T04:29:00.000-05:00

Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts. All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him. Proverbs 19:6-7

The Lord has allowed me to meet many different people during my fight against breast cancer. I was so distressed the other day when a woman on the breast cancer website I use, announced that her husband had left her. He was tired of all the drama in their lives that cancer was causing. I am amazed at the number of people who are left to face this dreaded disease on their own. The verse above talks about these kind of "friends". It is so true that when people are getting "things" from you, they are your friends. As soon as you can no longer provide what they "want" or "need", they disappear. How very sad this is.

I just want to go on record for being so very thankful for the very best earthly friend that the Lord has given me, my husband!! This fight isn't just difficult on me, but on my husband also. Most of the days I have absolutely nothing to give him. Forget about not having tangible things to give; many days I don't even have companionship, affection, or understanding to offer. Yet, he loves me, cares for me, and sticks by me no matter what. When I am having a grouchy, frustrating day; he loves me. When I am having a sick, run to the bathroom day; he loves me. When I am having a "I need help to do anything" day; he loves me. He gives and gives!

Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; Ephesians 5:24-25

Through the years I have had many people question me about the verses in the Bible that talk about wives submitting to their husbands. Actually, I think I have the easy part. My husband is to love me as Christ loved the church!! Christ died for the church!! My husband has big shoes to fill and he is a wonderful picture of the Lord in our marriage and in our home.

Randy, thank you for sticking by my side, for loving me even when I am unlovely, and for being an unconditional friend!!! I love you.

Last Chemo Completed!!!

2010-06-28T03:49:00.000-05:00

Well, Spot and I had our last chemo!! Whoo Hoo!!! Long day, but so very happy it is over!! You can see my hair is starting to grow back. It is a little darker, has quite a bit more gray, is fuller, and is baby soft!

Blahs, Birthdays, Baggage, and Break Ups

2010-06-26T20:55:00.001-05:00

Blahs - this last chemo left me a tremendous amount of fatigue. I also think that my body is just getting to the point where the cells have had quite enough!! Despite being so fatigued, the Lord has allowed me some fun, frivolous, and fruitful days.

Birthdays - On June 19 the ladies of Foundations all met at the Macaroni Grill on one of the bases to celebrate my upcoming birthday! Christa did it up like a tea party and so most of the ladies wore hats. We had a lot of fun and I got to see our two newest babies! They are so adorable. It was so nice to be out of the house and doing some laughing. The ladies did their best to load me up with new Hoops & Yoyo items!!! Thank you to all of you FBC ladies for making the day so special.

Baggage - On June 20th we had kindergarten graduation. Christa did a great job with the students this year. After school let out for the summer, we began the task of packing our belongings. Christa leaves on July 16th and I need her help to get the shipment ready. We will load the container around August 13th. Our departure flight is September 3. There is much to do and the container is going to cost quite a bit. Please pray that the Lord will supply for this need. One huge answer to prayer is that the Lord took care of the medical needs at the Cleveland Clinic. I am all set up for my care. This took a lot of late night phone calls, but God gave me a Christian on the other side of the phone and she was a huge blessing. My father is trying to get a ticket to come here the end of August to help Randy on our flight back to the States. August is the Japanese holiday month and tickets are quite difficult to come by. I know the Lord is able to take care of this. Please be in prayer that he will be able to get a ticket with his miles or that the Lord will supply the finances to pay for a very expensive ticket!

Break Up - You read right! Chemo and I are breaking up!!! Tomorrow will be my last day of chemotherapy!! Whoo Hoo!!! I still have the herceptin infusions until April, but this chemo is going bye bye!! My hair is starting to grow back. In two weeks I will be going topless again!! I am so excited about this. It is still VERY short, but it has just gotten so hot and I am ready to be done with the hats for a while. I will still need to wear them, just not all the time in public.

Well, I think that is all I have for now. Hope this fills you all in sufficiently! Thank you for your love, prayers, and encouragment. Don't stop!! This battle is not over and I need to keep fighting. I cannot do it alone!

Doing their memory passage for this quarter.

GREAT NEWS!!

2010-06-10T05:56:00.000-05:00

Had test today. Doctor found only a cyst! Pain is expected chemo related pain from body changes! Hallelujah!!!!

Job 23:10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

2010-06-07T19:09:00.003-05:00

One of our dear sweet families Christa & I at Sams By The Sea

took us to dinner at our favorite restaurant!

Baby Adam and I!!

One of the hardest thing about this battle is not being able to keep up with the ministry here! This work is a wonderful, rewarding, and busy life! I love it! I hate not being involved in it as I used to be. My health has just gotten to the point where I have just a few good days a month. I try to push and do, but this old wretched physical body will just NOT cooperate!!

So the decision has been made that we will be taking a medical furlough on September 3. We shed many tears about this decision and it was NOT an easy one. The Lord has shown us that this is His definite plan for us at this time. We will be basing in the Cleveland area where our home church and mission agency are located. I am going to be going to the Cleveland Clinic for my medical care. It is commong for them to see patients from out of the United States. Also, it is a center where I can be involved in some clinical studies which helps to ease some of the cost of treatment. I will finish my last chemo here in Okinawa on June 23, which is the date we landed in Okinawa 6 years ago! However, I still have my biological target therapy until at least next April.

We will be continuing as MISSIONARIES!! This is something that the Lord has NOT released us from and I know we would not be happy doing anything different. During our furlough, Randy WILL be doing meetings at our supporting churches and I will travel with him as much as my health will allow. We are excited to see some of our former members that transferred off of Okinawa and are now in good churches around the United States.

Christa will have a change also. She has been hired to teach in our home church's Christian school! She is excited, but very sad about leaving her friends and work here in Okinawa. She leaves for Ohio on July16.

Please be in prayer for our church, our family, and the work involved in moving! One last thing, there is a lump on the other side. My doctor examined me on my chemo day last week and this Thursday I will be having some more tests. Please be in prayer about this. I will let you alll know when I know something!

He Careth for You!

2010-06-02T04:23:00.000-05:00

Well, today was my 7th chemo treatment! Only one chemo left. I will still have Herceptin, which is a biological target therapy. The Herceptin is give through my chemo port every three weeks for one year. I will have this until next April.

Psalms 34:7-8 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

Today as I lay on my fancy hospital bed, that my husband has to handcrank for me, I was thinking about how good the Lord is and that He knows exactly where I am and what I need. I heard someone say once that if they had gone to a certain place to serve, their cancer might not have been caught. I want you to know that it has been my experience that God can and does find me anywhere I am! Also, He gives wisdom and direction to people who may not even know Him so that we can get the best treatment possible. We were on the mission field when Randy's cancer was discovered. At the time, it was best for him to have it treated in the States. My saliva gland tumor was correctly diagnosed in the Azores just two years later. We were told to go to the States for surgery and we did. Now here I am all the way in Okinawa, Japan, and God showed my need for medical care to a doctor at a clinic who referred me to my current doctor. If the Lord has called you, never doubt His ability to care for you!

Memorial Day

2010-05-30T07:54:00.000-05:00

The slide show in the side margin has pictures of our military men and women who have in the past or are serving their country. However, the "Memorial" in Memorial Day is often forgotten by those of us who have benefitted from those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Even I have been guilty of not observing the day as it was intended. It is a day where we actively remember those who have given their lives for the freedoms we enjoy in America, and we enjoy MANY freedoms in America that other countries do not have. Below are some ways you can be proactive to honor those veterans and their families:

* Visit cemeteries and placing flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes.

* Visit memorials.

* Attend a parade.
* Fly the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon.

* Fly the 'POW/MIA Flag' as well (Section 1082 of the 1998 Defense Authorization Act).

* Renew a pledge to aid the widows, widowers, and orphans of our falled dead, and to aid the disabled veterans.

Take time tomorrow to honor someone who gave their lives for your freedom. Also, stop your partying, picnicking, driving, sleeping,... long enough to:
* Participate in a "National Moment of Remembrance": at 3 p.m to pause and think upon the true meaning of the day, and for Taps to be played.

Some of Our Former Members

2010-05-28T20:48:00.001-05:00

The last couple days I have received a lot of correspondence from some of our families that have transferred to other parts of the world. I wanted to share some of my memories and some of their recent pictures.

The Hill Family transferred to England 2 years ago. They were here in Okinawa for 5 years and were some of the people who voted us in when we came here. Eli just lost some teeth!

The Banks family left us in February for Georgia. We surely do miss them. Gracie and Lily are so adorable!!

Beautiful soul and wonderful heart

You’ve been a blessing from the start

Lovely singer and faithful wife

You’ve glorified God with your life

Wonderful mother and awesome teacher

Married to a crazy ole Baptist preacher

Stacy Brooks

This is Matt and Stacy Brooks. They are our newest family to transfer to California. Soon after my surgery in December, Stacy wrote me this poem. We miss this sweet couple and I know some church in California is going to be blessed by having them in their congregation.

Thanks for letting me share! We miss and love all of our families and member that have gone on from here.

Happy 31st Birthday, Eddie

2010-05-26T09:05:00.003-05:00

John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

Today marks a special day in our house. It is your birthday, Eddie. Although we don't get to celebrate this special day with you anymore, it is still a very special day. I did not give birth to you, but the Lord knew that one day I would be your mother. We love you and miss you and will always remember your winning grin and beautiful eyes! Happy Birthday, Eddie! I know you are enjoying your time with the Lord. No more suffering, no more pain! We'll see you again one day.

Love, Mom

REJOICING!!

2010-05-17T17:23:00.000-05:00

Psalms 66:20 Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.

A little over a week ago my sister, Gwen, had a mammogram. The clinic called her and told her they found a mass and she went in last Friday for another mammogram, an ultrasound, and a biopsy. Needless to say, it has been a difficult time of waiting for us. Today she received the news that it was BENIGN!! That means no cancer!!! I am so thankful to the Lord for not allowing something like this into her life right now. One of us in the middle of this battle is enough and I know the Lord heard my pleas!

Thank you, Lord!!