More than we Realize

Karen made really good progress yesterday. She was able to get out of bed and walk on three separate occasions. The walks last about 5 minutes in the hallway outside her door. She has also started taking liquids and enjoyed some chicken broth for dinner last night. She is also off the oxygen and breathing well.

Today she will begin eating solid food and the nurse will begin transitioning her away from the IV pain medication.  Thank you for your continued prayers for healing during her recovery.

On another note, we both believe God has a broader purpose He is working out through the goodness he has poured out on us. Bit-by-bit we are recognizing some of what that broader purpose is.

We are staying at a nice hotel in the Galleria area on this visit to Houston (Priceline.com partially to thank). While getting ready to head back to the hospital this afternoon this thought ran through my mind. “I need to meet with the GM and share the high and low points of hotel stay”. Crazy, I know. 

So I tried… I went down to the front desk and asked to see the GM. I didn’t really think about where this thought came from even though it seemed a little crazy. And in all honesty,  I really did not expect to sit down with the GM but thought I would give it a shot. Instead of the GM,  I met with Assistant GM. I can be slow to realize when God is at work and this was one of those moments. I thought it was about sharing what I had experienced at the hotel but God was about to change my environmental experience into experiencing Him.

The Assistant GM and I sat down in a somewhat secluded are in the lobby.  Her smile was inviting and her gracious greeting clearly demonstrated why she was the Guest Services Manager.  What I later learned was that several months ago she was unemployed and began working at the hotel making $8 per hour as a Guest Services Assistant. Today, only a few short months later,  she oversees Guest Services staff. Big job in a hotel with 25 floors!

It did not take long to find out that I was meeting with a committed believer who loves to help lead worship at her church. I also learned that she ministers in a work place that is predominantly Muslim. I had gained some indication of the heavy muslim influence as I walked through the doors of the Hotel that had greetings in Arabic. What I found really cool was that she spoke of her work as a ministry!

After awhile, it began to sink in that I was not supposed to speak with the GM as I had desired.  I was there to pray for this servant of God and encourage her in the unique calling God had placed upon her life. Together we prayed and I gained profound respect for this woman of God who has a huge heart for Him. As I left I found myself tremendously blessed by a devoted follower of Christ who in turn encouraged me with these verses. 

That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.  Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.  

Ephesians 3:16-21

Please pray for wisdom and blessing on her and her family as she serves God among people who desperately need him.

The name of the hotel and the Assistant GM have been withheld to not compromise her future ministry opportunity

Gerry True

Receiving God’s Goodness

This morning as we watch the sun rise through our hospital window, I feel like God has put us at the foot of the Niagra Falls. He is pouring His goodness and blessing on us in full measure. I stand there right now holding Karen in my arms, incredible joy fills our heart, Gratitude flows from our lips- Together, we enjoy only what He is capable of doing.  We rest in his care as He continues to heal Karen.

Today the doctor hopes to have Karen up and walking as much as possible.  After 34 hours of no food she will begin drinking clear liquids. They will also begin to transition her away from oxygen and the need for pain medicine through an IV. 

“O Lord my God, I cried out to You and You healed me.”

Psalm 30:2

“O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.”

Psalm 34:3

Recovering from Surgery

Karen has been in ICU for the past 4 hours.  She is stable but having significant pain issues. Doctor is trying to find a way to stop muscle cramps from occuring without getting her too drowsy.  Karen has always been known to have a high pain tolerance but by the expressions on her face I can tell she is struggling. Please pray that the doctor will be able to find the right medication to get stop her muscles from cramping.

Surgery Successful – No Cancer! Praise God!

We just met with the surgeon and we were given the good news that Karen does not have cancer. We are left profoundly grateful to God and those who fervently prayed on Karen’s behalf.  Words can not express how much we appreciate the love and prayers each of you have shared with us. 

 Karen will remain in the hosptital through Wednesday or Thursday as she recovers from the surgery.

Praise God for his rishest blessings showered upon us this day.

Surgery Continues

The nurse just met with our family and actual surgery start time was 2:38 p.m. and that all of Karen’s vital signs are strong.  Nothing more to share at this time and another update will come at around 6:00 p.m.

As I look back on the past couple of weeks some of the sweetest moments Karen and I have shared have been found in listening to a song that reminded us of God’s presence and our need to trust him. One song in particular that stood out is the song titled “Healer”.  It was during worship at our church, Oak Hills Church and it served as a powerful reminder of who God is. Karen and I sing this song with every ounce of our being -together we trust in Him. Together we believe in Him. Together we know nothing is impossible for Him – He holds our world in His hands.

Healer – Hillsong

You hold my every moment
You calm my raging seas
You walk with me through fire
And heal all my disease

I trust in You
I trust in You

I believe You’re my Healer
I believe You are all I need
I believe You’re my Portion
I believe You’re more than enough for me
Jesus You’re all I need

Nothing is impossible for You
Nothing is impossible for You
Nothing is impossible for You
You hold my world in Your hands

Surgery begins

At 1:55 pm on December 21 a good natured Anesthesiologist Doctor stepped into Karen’s curtained area and asked her a final round of questions while his nurse added two viles of anesthetics to her I.V.  – The doctor informed Karen that she would begin feeling a little light headed and within a few minutes Karen was talking up a storm.  As she was being rolled off to surgery she asked the doctor, “Could my family get a little bit of this for the next few hours?”

Our family has been deeply touched and encouraged by texts, emails, tweets, and facebook posts over the past two weeks. Your loving support has helped us focus on the depth of God’s love and how His blessings have been poured out upon us. 

We are expecting an update  around 4 p.m. While we are waiting for an update from the nurse, I thought I would share a few pictures of Karen with family and friends during the past year. Something about Karen’s smile is contagious.  Hopefully these pictures will bring a smile to you as well.

Showing her boy the ropes four-wheelen through the River

 

Out with the girls for a day full of Laughs

 

Enjoyed a vacation on the beach in Destin in October. We walked through a beautiful tropical forest to get to the beach.

Two Must Reads

As you pray today, I hope you’ll find encouragment in reading these two things as I have…

http://jrvassar.posterous.com/tag/mattchandler

http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/2009/12/ok-so-heres-story.html

More later…time to get ready to go. My Mom and sister are on their way to Houston as we speak. Thank you, thank you for praying. I love you.

Houston or Bust

Cancer is an awful word. It’s an even more awful reality. And here we are in a hotel 15 minutes from MD Anderson where people from all over the world are treated for the diagnosis that everyone dreads.

It’s been a tough couple of weeks. I had to count the days to figure out that it’s only been a couple of weeks. It feels more like years. Yet in these couple of weeks, God has done a couple of years worth of work on our hearts. What once felt like fear has become power, love and sound minds. The issues that caused us to speculate about the worst have driven us to depend on the One who is working for our best. The insecurities, worries and questions have been answered by faith that truly is evidence of the things we hope for yet cannot see.

One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned along this journey has been that faith is not intimidated by fear. Faith does not cower, recoil or tremble at fear. It merely trumps it. Faith wins.

If it had been left up to me, I’d have buried myself under the covers and never stopped crying, worrying and dreading the day that will dawn tomorrow. But I didn’t, and all I can say is, “The Lord has done this and it is marvelous in our eyes.”

One of the clearest indicators of this is that God has enabled me to sleep the soundest sleep I’ve experienced in years. Many of you know that I had thyroid cancer five years ago, and ever since I’ve dealt with serious sleep issues. Until a week and a half ago. Like I said, “The Lord has done this and it is marvelous in our eyes.”

I don’t want to give the false impression that we’ve got all this figured out or have somehow spiritually “arrived.”. The only place to which we’ve arrived is this present moment, and the only reason we’ve made it is because the Lord, the compassionate and gracious one, has done it. We’re just here to marvel at it all.

Our path to Houston has been paved with your prayers and the goodness of God. We are thankful and are truly rested in Him. This won’t be our usual Christmas, but I’m thinking that it will be among our most celebrated for God has come close. We are in His company, and there’s no better way to celebrate than that.

My parents and sister arrived in town this week. It’s been wonderful to have them here. And last night, some precious friends dropped by to send me off with their prayers. We felt so loved on this morning at church when several people, including our pastor, Randy Frazee, took time to pray with us. Never have I felt as securely in God’s care than I have today. Here’s a look at just a few of the prayer troopers who have joined us. I wish I could show you a picture of every last one, but rest assured, God knows.

We’re in this thing Together

Life happens. Sometimes it happens really fast.

For those of you who need some catching up what’s been happening in our lives, here goes…

I visited my doctor a couple of weeks ago thinking I might be dealing with some hormonal changes. Turns out, I’m dealing with cysts and potential for ovarian cancer.

See, I told you it happens fast.

The past two weeks have consisted of appointments and tests that were not on my Christmas list. We’ve had conversations that no one ever wishes for. We’ve made two trips to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and will be returning again in a few days. Our schedules have been sidelined and our lives flipped upside down. We’ve had more questions than answers and, at times, more fear than faith.

Yet the past couple of weeks have focused on much more than just the c-word. Hundreds of people are praying with us. We’ve received an outpouring of love and generosity from family, friends and people we don’t even know. We’ve seen God move in doctor’s schedules, our plans and best of all, in our hearts as He makes provision and calms our fears. We’ve received a front row seat to the goodness of God that becomes even sweeter when life turns south. I’ve experienced some of the best sleep ever in the middle of one of the biggest crises of our lives. Amazing.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every time you’ve lifted my name in prayer. I’ve asked God to pour out the very best He has to offer on you. Thank you for every Scripture you’ve shared, every note you’ve sent and for the comfort that comes from knowing that you are walking this journey with us. Thank you to sweet friends who have endured doctor’s visits and to my man who has shared it all with me…for better or worse. Thank you to my sister and brother-in-law for many meals and lots of help. Thank you to my mom, dad and sister, Kim, for driving many miles to be with us. There are too many thanks to express right here, right now, but I hope to share many more here in coming days.

God is very Near

We have sought God and found that He is indeed our refuge. He has not been caught off guard by events that appear shocking to us. He is as good as ever, and we have put all our trust, hope and confidence in Him. He has shown us that we are in His care and our lives are in His almighty hands. He has walked with us this far, and we do not expect Him to leave us now or ever. We are comforted and truly at peace. Only He could accomplish such a thing for people like us.

Coming Soon

I check in for surgery Monday, December 21, 11:45 a.m., at MD Anderson in Houston, Texas. My parents and my sister, Kim, made the trip to Texas this week and will follow Gerry and me along to Houston. Right now, I’m on my way home from my most recent trip to Houston where I’ve spent the past couple of days doing medical tests and visiting with doctors in preparation for surgery. Can we just say, “TMI,” on all that!?

Gerry and I will be posting updates here as we are able, and I’ll fill you in on more of the story too. God has done so much and has been so faithful, and I can’t wait to share it all. I hope you will stay in touch by leaving your comments as we make posts. I might just be out of touch for a few days, but I find great comfort and much delight in knowing that we are in this thing together.

Summer at Last

It’s been a long time. Too long. And I’ve missed blogging here and have really missed hearing from those of you who follow along. With the start of summer, I’m feeling inspired to begin again, so here goes!

Last Friday was the last day of school. I love that! Mason is officially a 4th grader and Maddie and 8th grader. Yes, I have a teenager since I wrote last and am still trying to wrap my brain around that. After school was dismissed early on Friday, we went to a Fun Day for a homeschool co-op that Maddie will be in next year. It was fun to meet up with some of the moms and kids while Maddie and Mason slipped and slided down the water slide and ate ice cream. Later that evening, My Man and I went to dinner (P F Changs) and enjoyed a wonderful time just being together and talking without interruption. Lovely!

Gerry worked this weekend, so we enjoyed time at home and then had the special treat of seeing Doug and Sue Twigger and two of their children (friends from Springfield) when they visited our church Sunday morning. I’ll post  picture when Sue sends one my way! We had lunch with them afterward and left the restaurant in a torrential downpour. The rest of the day was spent blissfully at home. Gerry took Mason to the pool while Maddie played with a neighbor friend and I explored the internet making summer plans. We closed out the day watching Extreme Home Makeover…like we always do on Sunday nights. This is the one night of the week that the kids get to eat in front of the tv…quite a highlight. They eat, I cry, Gerry makes fun of me…the perfect end of a restful day.

Here we are with the Twiggers at Mamacitas…

Gerry and I ventured over the our little town’s Main Street for a while on the morning of Memorial Day and then picked up three live oak trees and two roses, which will soon find a new home in our back yard. In case, you’re wondering why I pointed out that we bought “live” oak trees instead of dead ones, live oak is actually a kind of tree. Must have been short on creativity the day that tree was named!

The highlight of our Memorial Day was pulling our lawn chairs and grills out into the street along with our neighbors and sharing a mighty fine feast. We had a great time getting to know each one a little better and are already making plans to do it again. Jared and Kathy (my sister) and their kids came too with some uber-delicious lettuce wraps in tow. I’ll be adding that recipe to my stash for sure.

This was everything a weekend should be. Some sun. Some rain. Some rest. And a good time with family and friends. Thank you Dearest Lord for days like these.