Jesus Bling

TPT4KC This Week!

2012-02-21T11:35:00.000-05:00

Psalm 73:26 is my theme verse for today. Oh and then there is Psalm 103:13-14. I read them both this morning. The first is so very personal. It is a verse of endurance and hope. And the second tells me again that The Lord has seen me in any and everything I do. He knows my children better than I because He was there when their tiny cells were clumping together inside me. He knows what we are made of - perishing stuff and He has compassion on us. He gives us life, breath, hope, joy and sustains us, even in the darkest times.

He doesn't think less of us because we are unable to handle most of what we have to go through in this life. He doesn't judge us because our minds, spirits and bodies break down under the stress of holding up the weight of this world. He doesn't love me any less because I'm tired today, but yesterday felt great. As Natalie said to me a few weeks ago, what she had learned in Bible Study:

God loves us here (her hand at eye level.) He doesn't love us up here when we are good (raises hand above her head) or down here when we are bad (moves hand to her chest). He always love us the same, right here (hand back at her eye level).

I would add that He doesn't love us any more or less given what we are going through. It is up to us how those circumstances of our lives drive us closer or farther away from Him. His provision does change the more open we are to it, but His compassion for us - to not treat us as we deserve or repay us for our sins - never changes. He doesn't love me more than you because my child had cancer. He doesn't love me any less than those parents whose children had a longer and more difficult protocol than Sophia.

Our journey with Him is singular. There is no comparison. That's part of what I have to remember when I ask the "Why God?" question. Especially when some of the kids on this list are healthy and some are ill or have even passed away. There might be a greater purpose He has for each of us in letting this trial into our lives, but in the end - what He wants us to know is that He never changes. He's got this because He loves us. He is fully capable and He is all that we need to get us through whatever life chunks at us. It is up to us to work to experience that love in new and different ways, so we can grow and find security that will weather even the most brutal of storms.

His love, grace and compassion never change.

Let's pray our families feel the power of those words today. Let's pray they find peace in the middle of their tumultuous and stressful lives - like an oasis that defies explanation but is there all the same. Pray they will find freedom from judging their lives now, versus before cancer and know that their only job is to grow in God's love through seeing their children fight cancer.

Pray they will know the truth of Louisa May Alcott's words:

I'm not afraid of storms, for I'm learning how to sail my ship.

We will pray He will take care of all the details on how that happens. And we will pray because PRAYER WORKS!

Completed Treatment
SophiaVogel(5, soft tissue sarcoma behind left eye) – Eye doctor appointment Thursday,pray her vision is still perfect! <"TeamSophia" on FB>

Anna Grace Dennis (7, ependymoma) – Stomach pain isbetter but still dealing with headaches 2-3 times a week and needs The Lord’shelp to resolve some testing issues at school. Pray for discernment and direction! <"Team Anna Grace" onFB>

Rylee Beard (5, Will's tumors inbladder/abdomen) – Doing great!

Matthew Lucas (5,Rhabdomyosarcoma) – Doing great! <"Team Matthew" on FB>

Gabbie Howe (12, ependymoma) – Pray for scans tobe free and clear on next scans later this month!

GrantMcTaggart (5,P+ ALL) <http://www.prayforgrant.com/>

Hunter(1,Ewing Sarcoma) – Had his port removed Friday and doing great! Pray for him to remain cancer free and hisparents to be blessed in the foundation they are starting to help otherfamilies with cancer! <”Cure BabyHunter” on FB>

NickyGeorge (2, Ependymoma) – His next round of scans are thisweek, so pray all remains clear! www.nickybear.com

CourtneyPette(16, lymphoma) –<"Team Courtney" on FB>
MaddieBriscoe (7,neuroblastoma) –<”Prayers for Maddie Briscoe” on FB>

PattonJones (3,Burkitt's Lymphoma) – Had his next round scan on Monday – pray for clearresults and successful port removal if all goes well! http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/pattonjones

NatalieFraker (5,astrocytoma) – Continue to pray for her recovery, in all areas (physicallyespecially)<” PRAYERSFORNKF” on carepages.com>

Tristan Smit (3, ependymoma)- Inthe States this week for all his testing! Pray peace continues to reign over his family and for him to still becancer-free!

Mark Ochoa (2, Wilm's Tumor)

FightingIllness and/or Inpatient

BrennanScurlock (1,neuroblastoma) – At the clinic today, pray for good counts and an easy day sohe can rest up for being admitted on Thursday for another chemo round. <"Brennan Scurlock" onFB>

CarliSimmons (2, Brain Tumor) Inpatient at TCH, receivingtreatment

AvaCaggino (4,ATRT Brain Tumor) She was admitted late last week for a fever and side-effectsdue to the chemo. Pray she will recoverfully and have beaten this cancer completely! <"The Ava Caggino FightAganist Cancer Page" on FB>

RuelBobet(20, stomach cancer) – He continues to be in a lot of pain and it is such anawful time for his family. Pray forhealing and relief! <”Sandy Bobet” (his Mom) on FB>

NateDinoffira (2, Neuroblastoma) Dealing with fevers and illnessfrom the chemo, pray for relief! Also,pray for the endurance of this family, they still have a long way to go. <http://supernatedinoffria.blogspot.com/>

CharlieHarris Beard (1,Leukemia) Found a lump in his neck, pray it is not cancer and it is healedquickly! <”Help save Baby Charlie Harries Beard” on FB>

InTreatment

PrestonWinslow (4, AML) Please pray for this family – they arehurting so much!! www.prestonsleague.com

KayleeAtkins (6, ALL) – Been experiencing a lot of pain from hermeds, please pray for relief and that she and her parents will feel liftedduring this time of adjusting to treatment! <”Praying for Kaylee” on FB>

MaxLow (12, Leukemia) At home now, but still needs prayersfor recovery. The treatment has taken aheavy toll, so pray The Lord will heal him so he can finish well! <”MightyMax Low” on FB>

AidenRideout (4, Non-hodgkins lymphoma) Limping this morning,please pray for clarity from medical staff and it will not have pain withit. <”Prayers for Aiden” on FB>

LoganSinclair (5,Anaplastic Medulloblastoma) – Pray for his treatment, both the chemo and PT gowell and his spirits remain high! <”Pray for Logan Sinclair” on FB>

ThomasValerio (11,rhabdomyosarcoma in left hand) Pray for safety as his counts are low. Pray for no illness or side-effects from thechemo. He only has a few more rounds togo!

KatieWagner(15, Rhabdomyosarcoma) Her treatments are extreme, please pray she willcontinue to have good spirits and supernatural endurance! <”WagnerFamily support” on FB>

TynanChapa (5, ALL) His body is not responding to the treatmentso they will be adjusting his protocol. Keep the doctors in your prayers for wisdom! <”Tynan’s Crusade” onFB>

WyattFoster (2,ALL) Praise The Lord he went backto school! Pray for his counts torecover, especially his ANC, and that he gets no illness and his treatmentcontinues on course! < http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/wyattfoster/mystory>

KristinaBarrett (9,sarcoma in lungs and arm) – Praise The Lord for a diagnosis, she is lactoseintolerant. Pray for a smooth transitionaway from dairy and that this resolves the stomach issues she has.<"Praying for Kristina" on FB>

BarrettBlake (5, Rhabdomyosarcoma) Pray for good health, no issues,quick recover and to stay on course with treatment! http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/barrettblake

LincolnDaniel Jones (3,ALL) – He did well with his appointments last week. Pray for no illness and for his treatment tocontinue uninterrupted! <"Pray for Lincoln Daniel Jones" and"Red Carpet Kids for a Cure" on FB>

LucyWeber (3,ALL) – Pray her clinic visit this week to be a good one! <"TeamLucy" on FB>

HoldenUnderwood (2,ALL/MLL) – Had a long clinic visit last week and is wrapping up some at-homemeds. Pray he recovers quickly and thathe continues to hold steady in his treatment! <"Holden's Hope" onFB>

GunnarPeterson (5,Wilm’s Tumor) Going in for chemo and counts this week, pray all continues to gowell! <”Gunnar’s Team on FB”>

ZayleyOliver–Pray she stays healthy and that cancer is beaten back! <”Prayers for ZayleyJade Oliver” on FB>

LanceMcClain (ALL)– Pray he stays feeling well! <”TeamLanceMcClain” on FB>

AddisonMarshall(18, ALL) – continues outpatient, maintenance chemp! <addiecake on Twitter>

IzzySlot (3,angiosarcoma) Pray for results that can be treated easily from her bonescan and for her to recover fully!<”izzyslot” on carepages.com and “PrincessIzzy’s Court” on FB>

CallieCheer (3,AML) – She went back to school today! Pray she has the strength and is able to stay illness free! Bone marrow aspiration results tomorrow –pray they are all clear! <”Cure forCallie” on FB>

Layton (3, ALL) Pray for her to not be anxious whenshe gets her port accessed and that she tolerates the treatment well! <”Prayersfor Layton” on FB>

Shelby Adams (Langenhans CellHistiocytosis) – Pray for wisdom for the doctors to determine how to resolveher digestive issues and can continue her treatment with no issue! <”Prayersfor Shelby Adams” on FB>

BraedenEstes (18,Ewings Sarcoma) Pray he continues to respond so well and recover from all thathe has been through! <http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/braedenestes>

AidenMcSpadden (3,AML relapse) Having a bone marrow aspiration today. Pray for clear results and they get him backto 100% donor cells! <"Angels for Aiden" on FB>

DanielaOwens (9,Ewing Sarcoma) – Tumors are spreading and causing her a lot of pain. Pray for her release from this cancer! <”Prayerfor Daniela” of FB>

TaylorPorter (15, AML) <”Team Taylor – Taylor Porter” onFB>

KayleaStewart (ALL,6) –<"Kure for Kaylea" on FB>

HudsonKadlecek (4,lymphoma) - <"Hope for Hudson" on FB>

LoganBrant - Please pray for wisdom and healing! <“Team Logan” on FB>

KylieOverton (2,Brain Tumor) – <”Prayers for Baby Kylie Overton” on FB>

Don't Miss It

2012-02-20T13:25:00.000-05:00

Who you are is not what you are going through.

Boy! For I had a nickel every time I thought myself to be the product of my circumstances! All throughout my twenties (it started in my teens), I was plagued with the idea that what others thought of me and how I was meeting those expectations defined me. That's not a bad thing, but over a fifteen year period, I never pursued who I really was. Those circumstances I was in formed and shaped me, but what I realize now is that, while situations in my life certainly influence me; they do not make me who I am.

(That line above by the way is from the song "He Said" by Group 1 Crew and I heard it for the first time on KSBJ last week. You can view the full lyrics here.)

I tried desperately to find the post I wrote, I think towards the beginning of Sophia's treatment, where I said I didn't want to be know as the Mom of the girl who had cancer. I never wanted those circumstances to define our family - I never wanted cancer to say "Yep, this is it! This is you!" Even if the rest of the world thought that, I never wanted Natalie and Sophia thinking they were damaged because Sophia got cancer. My desire all along was to maintain and strengthen our family as a FAMILY PERIOD. Because, as my husband said yesterday,

A family is the most important thing across all aspects of life, the world, and the hereafter. If we fail at the one thing that matters most, then what good are we?

This world likes to mess with us, and at times in big ways. I've said this before as well, but we thought we were strong as a family before Sophia got cancer. How we defined ourselves was put to the test.

It's true that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, but when you are first hit with something that rocks your little boat - it can really hurt. The wound created by the flaming arrows of our enemies, while they may not be as deep as they could be, we can still feel the burn.

Healing from seasons of trial and suffering takes time. Just like any flesh wound, you have to wait for your body to mend itself. But there is comfort in knowing that it is healing. Sophia, after her really intense chemo rounds, would get a shot of a medicine that would boost her bone marrow production. It was a kick start so she wouldn't have to be very susceptible to illness for very long. Like all good medicines, it had side-effects. This one caused her a lot of lower back and leg pain.

I never liked chemo because while it killed the cancer cells, it made her feel like such crap. But I liked this drug, even when it caused her pain. The pain was a sign she was healing and on the mend. It meant the medicine was working. But we couldn't rush it. We couldn't make it work any faster or her immunity to come back any sooner than her body could process. We couldn't rush the healing, it would come at the right time and then and only then.

When you take a shot to the jaw, or a big fall in your spiritual walk - when your values and beliefs are tested - you can't rush the healing; nor should you. It takes time and patience to process your emotions and to remember those situations don't define who you are. There is so much blessing in just being still, safe in The Father's arms, letting Him bandage our wounds and put a boo-boo bunny* on our bruises. Although most of us Christians want to rush past this point, to get back into service - we shouldn't or the healing will be incomplete.

It's in the middle of our brokenness where we learn what true worship is. Psalm 51:17 describes it perfectly:

My sacrifice, O God, isa broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.

Why do we want to give our broken hearts to The Lord? That's an easy one - so He can heal them. So He can make them new. I'm thinking about the families I pray for who are dealing with cancer. I'm thinking about my friend who went through hell with her oldest several summers ago. I'm thinking of my friend struggling to find an answer for her son's behavior issues and my friend who just lost her uncle. I'm thinking about all those people I know with physical, emotional and spiritual hurts. It doesn't matter how large or small we think they are, they are all important to The Lord.

The way to healing is always through brokenness.

In that space is where the comfort comes. It is where the healing begins and hope springs eternal. It is where the new creation can really be made new and you can remember who you really are - inside and outside your circumstances.

Don't seek to fly past the healing process to get on with life, you would be taking the cast off too early. Also, don't stay too long or you might prolong the restoration. It's like when they made me get up the same day I gave birth to Natalie and start walking around. That action let my body know it was time to get on the mend. If I would have stayed in bed longer, even though it hurt like hell to get up, I wouldn't have recovered fast enough to take care of my baby girl.

It is a fine balance - to know when to rest in His Arms and when to get up out of them. We have a limited understanding of our own hearts, so to know when the moment is right, we have to turn our faces to Him and His Word. We have to pursue the God of all peace and our Good Shepherd Who knows when His injured sheep is ready to rejoin the flock in the field.

No one can define who you are - only God can do that. And He can heal the hurts - even the ones that are scarred over and fading. Don't miss the joy in the healing because that is what you will take back into the field - the comfort and the confidence that He is there for you and He defines you!

(*a boo-boo bunny is a little ice pack, perfect for baby/toddler bumps. It's really cute, has ears and doesn't melt. I wish they made them in adult sizes....)

Do you want a miracle?

2012-02-17T14:44:00.002-05:00

For the last several months, I have had multiple conversations with friends and heard stories (all from Christians) about one thing in particular - Divorce.

I've decided I can no longer be silent. I've written an article I'm hoping to have published, based on what I've learned in our first ten years of marriage (and here is to sixty more plus). It is not a "to do list" that makes it possible to have a great marriage. A great marriage takes a lot of work and the reality of a great marriage is knowing that it is not always great. There are ups and downs but the long term perspective is more important than the day-to-day feelings.

I understand what I'm about to say is not popular or a widely-held belief in our culture. But the reason why I am going to say it anyway, is that I believe it to be God's honest truth and perhaps it is something someone needs to hear to be encouraged.

Divorce is not an option.

Early in our marriage, I thought "This isn't going to work." I had serious doubts, not in Dave but in my ability to be married. I bought hook, line and sinker into the idea that I needed to find my soul-mate and he should fulfill my every need. As most of you probably know, that was very naive of me and I soon figured out that soul-mates don't necessary exist. They are made, not born. So, what do you do? Keep looking until you find the right one?

This is when my wise husband stepped in. He told me divorce was not an option for him. He was raised to be loyal and he wasn't leaving so don't try and make him. That was in our first 6 months and despite all we have been through - I have clung to that. Even after we both became walking Christians, we both still made tremendous mistakes - but now we had another level of commitment.

Our marriage was ratified under the covenant of God.

So, if I walked away, the anointing of the Spirit over my house would be gone. It wouldn't be as strong in the lives of my children. I would have not only broken faith with Dave, but also with The Lord. And I could not do that, no matter what happened. I did not think my happiness was worth more than my children growing up in a family that was whole.

Maybe you are wondering "Wait a minute! Doesn't the Bible have provisions for divorce?" Yes, it does. From what I understand, there are two reasons divorce in a Christian marriage is acceptable - adultery and if one spouse is not a believer and wants to leave, you can let him/her go. But my perspective on employing these options have changed.

(Formal note, I'm talking to walking Christians here!)

Here is my two cents:
If there is a chance to let God restore and redeem your relationship, you should take it. If there is any chance for a miracle, to have the kind of marriage you always dreamed of and more, do everything humanly and divinely possible to stay together. You don't want to miss out on the blessing, because it will come. It will take a lot of work, sacrifice, change, surrender and hardship - but it will come. You DO NOT want to miss out on the freedom, grace and love The Lord will shower upon you for obeying His commands. No other relationship you could find will be as good as that.

I realize I'm counseling you to do the hard thing; to dig deep. We said it was for better and worse after all. But it always ends up better (way better) than you can find out there on your own.

It is NEVER too late, even if you are divorced now. When I went on my Walk to Emmaus six years ago, I met a woman who was recently re-married - to her first husband. They were divorced for 6 years and The Lord worked them back together. That is a miracle. And they got it because they were open to it.

You have to be open to God's will. You have to want His joy, not just happiness. You have to chase after peace because there isn't a lot of that to be found in a marriage and life in general. I know there are a lot of things we can do to our spouses that are unforgivable because I've done them.

I ask you today - if you are a follower of Christ, is there anything He won't forgive you for?

So it should be in our marriages. Grace reigns in our house because we are open to it and want it. That doesn't mean we don't get mad or fight - we do. But it is different because we forgive and ask for forgiveness, sometimes every day. Our marriages are to be living, breathing examples of Christ's relationship to His Church. That doesn't always mean chocolates and roses, it means thinking, saying and doing the hard things of grace. Being long-suffering (or patient) and kind; abounding in love and joy.

Let's get one more thing straight: You can't do this by yourself. You need Christ to do it in you and through you. You have to want His timing more than your own. He is already there, if you have a relationship with Him. Perhaps He has been dormant for awhile because He is letting you come to the end of your tether. So if you are there, and divorce seems like your only option - think again. There is another way out.

(Divorce isn't pretty either, by the way.)

Give the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit a shot. Don't hold anything back from Him. Surrender to His leading and be in communication with Him as often as possible. Pray for change.....not for your spouse, but for you. Pray FOR your spouse. Pray for the change in your heart and your behavior. Pray to know when to speak and when to be silent. Start small with respect and love because if you can be faithful in the small things, you will learn how to be faithful in the big. Besides, grace and mercy in small ways make the most difference.

You will only find real, abundant life in surrender. That is where miracles can happen. That is where God can work. I pray you will let Him!

TPT4KC This Week!

2012-02-14T13:32:00.000-05:00

Love. Love. Love. Love. Love. Love.

Love is all we need!

(Read that again with the Beatles tune in your head now. :))

I did just a quick search - because it's Valentine's Day - on the number of references in Scripture to love.

There are 533!!

That's one of my favorite things to do - regardless of the context - just look at and see how many times The Bible talks about something. It's fascinating.

And there are so many about God's love. So, that's our theme for today. Not cupid-warm-fuzzy-feeling kind of love or sexy-little-strappy-thing kind of love. But agape - the kind of love God has for us and these families of the kids in treatment. He LOVES them. More than we can ever imagine. In fact, that is one of the verses I want to highlight, where it talks about the dimensions of God's love for us....

You, being rooted and established in love, may have the power...to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge. (Ephesians 3:17b-19a, my paraphrase)

I like the reference to long. How long has God loved us? From before the foundation of the world! He who everything is created for and through loves us with an everlasting love. Here's another gem to dwell upon...

The LORD appeared to me in a faraway place and said, "I love you with an everlasting love. So I will continue to show you my kindness. (Jeremiah 31:3, GWT)

He will not stop loving us or being kind to us or caring about us or providing for us. And in that spirit, here is our third and final mediation on love for this Valentine's Day....

Love puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end. Love never dies. (1 Cornithians 13:7-8, MSG)

Don't look back on Valentine's gone past. Look to this one, because The Lord is doing amazing things in the lives of these families. They are together - which is a miracle in itself. They are stronger, even if they don't know it yet. They are being healed through His love. Christ took all their burden on the Cross because He loves them and He proved it when He rose from the grave.

Love Never Dies.

And Prayer Works!

Completed Treatment -Pray for them to stay cancer and illness free!
SophiaVogel(5, soft tissue sarcoma behind left eye) – Next Scan March 2^nd. Pray for healing from bad head cold! <"TeamSophia" on FB>

Anna Grace Dennis (7, ependymoma) – Doing great! Pray for headaches and stomach aches to goaway completely! <"Team Anna Grace" on FB>

Rylee Beard (5, Will's tumors inbladder/abdomen) – Doing great!

Matthew Lucas (5,Rhabdomyosarcoma) – Doing great! <"Team Matthew" on FB>

Gabbie Howe (12, ependymoma) – Pray for scans tobe free and clear on next scans later this month!

GrantMcTaggart (5,P+ ALL) Test results from beginning of the month were all good! He will go 3 months before the next tests, sopray he continues to stay cancer free! <http://www.prayforgrant.com/>

Hunter(1,Ewing Sarcoma) – In REMISSION & CANCER FREE! Pray that he stays that way! <”Cure Baby Hunter” on FB>

NickyGeorge (2, Ependymoma) – Currently in remission and nextscans on February 23^rd. Please pray he will remain cancer free! www.nickybear.com

CourtneyPette(16, lymphoma) –<"Team Courtney" on FB>
MaddieBriscoe (7,neuroblastoma) – Doing great! <”Prayers for Maddie Briscoe” on FB>

PattonJones (3,Burkitt's Lymphoma) – finished treatment but there were some concerns aroundswollen lymph nodes. Pray all his welland he is healed from cancer and any illness!

NatalieFraker (5,astrocytoma) – PRAISE THE LORD, the tumor is smaller!! Continue to pray for her recovery, in allareas (physically especially)<” PRAYERSFORNKF” on carepages.com>

Tristan Smit (3, ependymoma)

Mark Ochoa (2, Wilm's Tumor)

FightingIllness and/or Inpatient

BrennanScurlock (1,neuroblastoma) – Out of ICU! Still inthe hospital, but pray his appetite to return and they will have no more issueswith his meds<"Brennan Scurlock" on FB>

PrestonWinslow (4, AML) Please pray for this family – they arehurting so much!! www.prestonsleague.com

CarliSimmons (2, Brain Tumor) Inpatient at TCH, receivingtreatment

MaxLow (12, Leukemia) Readmitted to the hospital last weekbecause he is having lung issues. Praythe doctors identify it quickly and get him on the right meds to get him well! <”MightyMax Low” on FB>

InTreatment

AvaCaggino (4,ATRT Brain Tumor) Finished her last round of chemo and should be going home, ifnot home already. Pray for her body torecover quickly and that she complete the treatment cancer free! <"TheAva Caggino Fight Aganist Cancer Page" on FB>

AidenRideout (4, Non-hodgkins lymphoma) Tiring quickly, pray heis healed quickly so he can continue treatment! <”Prayers for Aiden” on FB>

LoganSinclair (5,Anaplastic Medulloblastoma) – Pray he is recovering from chemo dropping hiscounts and remains illness free! <”Pray for Logan Sinclair” on FB>

ThomasValerio (11,rhabdomyosarcoma in left hand) Wrapping up his inpatient round, hopefully to bedischarged today – pray he recovers quickly and his protected from illness.

NateDinoffira (2, Neuroblastoma) Finishing chemo today and gettingready for his stem-cell transplant! < http://supernatedinoffria.blogspot.com/>

KatieWagner(15, Rhabdomyosarcoma) Receivng chemo yesterday and today; pray her body willrecover and her counts will not drop drastically. No side effects to mess with her either! <”WagnerFamily support” on FB>

TynanChapa (5, ALL) On his make a wish trip to Disney! Pray it is a wonderful break for the wholefamily and no issues arise! <”Tynan’s Crusade” on FB>

BarrettBlake (5, Rhabdomyosarcoma) Pray for good health, no issues, quickrecover and to stay on course with treatment! http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/barrettblake

LucyWeber (3,ALL) – Finished with steroids, pray for recovery and her clinic visit this weekto be a good one! <"Team Lucy" on FB>

KayleeHamilton (6, ALL) – Just diagnosed last week and is homefollowing first round of chemo. Pray forthis family as they transition into life in treatment and praise God for alltheir support! <”Praying for Kaylee”on FB>

HoldenUnderwood (2,ALL/MLL) – Doing well with at home chemo! Pray it continues to go smoothly! <"Holden's Hope" on FB>

GunnarPeterson (5,Wilm’s Tumor) Going in for chemo and counts this week, pray all continues to gowell! <”Gunnar’s Team on FB”>

ZayleyOliver–Pray she stays healthy and that cancer is beaten back! <”Prayers for ZayleyJade Oliver” on FB>

LanceMcClain (ALL)– Got counts and a check up yesterday, feeling well!<”TeamLance McClain”on FB>

AddisonMarshall(18, ALL) – continues outpatient, maintenance chemp! <addiecake on Twitter>

CharlieHarris Beard (1,Leukemia) Went for a check up yesterday, pray all is still well! <”Help saveBaby Charlie Harries Beard” on FB>

IzzySlot (3,angiosarcoma) Had a check up yesterday and her foot is hurting. Pray for dr discernment on that issue as wellas the spot on her liver to have resolved so no cancer! <”izzyslot” oncarepages.com and “Princess Izzy’s Court” on FB>

RuelBobet(20, stomach cancer) – Please pray, he is not well and needs his pain issuesresolved! <”Sandy Bobet” (his Mom) on FB>

CallieCheer (3,AML) – Final bone marrow aspiration is Friday and she will also have hercentral line removed. Pray everything isclear and thank God for how great she feels! <”Cure for Callie” on FB>

Layton (3, ALL) Pray for her to have no side effectsfrom chemo and to continue on her treatment course till the end!

Shelby Adams (Langenhans CellHistiocytosis) – Doing well and her body continues to respond. Pray for no issues and her cancer is beaten,with no ill side effects! <”Prayers for Shelby Adams” on FB>

BraedenEstes (18,Ewings Sarcoma) Pray he continues to respond so well and recover from all thathe has been through! <http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/braedenestes>

AidenMcSpadden (3,AML relapse) Had some bloodwork done last week – pray for great results thatare 100% donor! <"Angels for Aiden" on FB>

DanielaOwens (9,Ewing Sarcoma) – Tumors are spreading and causing her a lot of pain. Pray for her release from this cancer! <”Prayerfor Daniela” of FB>

TaylorPorter (15, AML) <”Team Taylor – Taylor Porter” onFB>

KayleaStewart (ALL,6) –<"Kure for Kaylea" on FB>

HudsonKadlecek (4,lymphoma) - <"Hope for Hudson" on FB>

LoganBrant - Please pray for wisdom and healing! <“Team Logan” on FB>

KylieOverton (2,Brain Tumor) – <”Prayers for Baby Kylie Overton” on FB>

The 7 "I Wills"

2012-02-08T15:23:00.001-05:00

Last night, I spent some time with a dear friend listening to Beth Moore teach from Deuteronomy 8. It was amazing, I love the way she teaches. I know she polarizes people and critics like to pick apart her style, her training, her credibility. (Which by the way, is going to happen to ANYONE who decides to follow God's call and step out to teach His Truth.) I am one of those in her camp. I won't call myself a devotee, but I will call myself someone who really appreciates her teaching and learns a lot from it every single time I do one of her studies.

She pointed out in the ESV translation of Deuteronomy 8:7-10 that the Promised Land The Lord was bringing the Israelites in to from the wilderness was called good SEVEN times. That, to traditional Jews, would be no accident. The existence of the mention by the number associated with perfection (7 or any combination thereof like 14 or 49 or 70) would mean that the land was divinely appointed to be completely good and completely productive. There was nothing wrong with it, and the Hebrews just had to do the work alongside God to benefit; instead of having everything handed to them like in the wilderness.

So, in reading through Exodus this morning in preparation for my daily devotionals on fear (found here), I was shocked that I had previously underlined in my Bible 5 of another combo of 7. Only five were underlined because (a) perhaps I couldn't count correctly before or (b) I hadn't tied them all together just right or (c) my brain was not yet ready for what God had to reveal to me. I'm guessing a combo of all 3 is reasonable to assume!

In any case, let me share with you what I found out about God:

Therefore, say to the Israelites: ‘I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. And I will bring you to the land I swore with uplifted hand to give to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob. I will give it to you as a possession. I am the LORD.

So, this is Exodus 6:6-8, from the NIV. Count 'em up and you will find - 7 times God promises to do something for His people. 7 times He is on the move. 7 times He demonstrates His Will for this band of misfits. 7 times He promises to take them out of the bad into the good.

God perfectly demonstrates His perfect will for His not yet perfect people.

Sound familiar?

I love these little gems, they encourage me to keep trusting. They make me remember the truth of Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28, although God spoke those words in Exodus thousands upon thousands of years before Jeremiah or the Apostle Paul was ever a glimmer in His eye. When God promises something, when He speaks something into the formless void, the cosmos appears. That is the kind of power we are talking about. That same power that raised Christ from the dead, promised here for US!!! FOR OUR BENEFIT!! FOR OUR SANITY!! FOR US!!!

(Sorry about the yelling, I just can't get over how special this all makes me feel!)

Let's recap what God is promising here in these verses, so we can remember and ponder how He has already done those things in our lives:

1. He will bring us out of bondage (to sin, to our flesh, to this world);
2. He will free us from the slavery of our desires and that which keeps us from Him;
3. He will redeem us, make us whole and turn our ashes into beauty;
4. He will take us as His own children, never out of his sight and care;
5. He will be ours, always;
6. He will bring us into the land of Promise, here on Earth and in Heaven (full of all the riches His Spirit provides);
7. He will give to us in such a way that we should never doubt we have laid claim to every and all His promises.

We are more than conquerors, friends. Me, you and the whole Body of Christ are victors and God is just waiting to show us all the ways we come out ahead in any and every situation. Doesn't that make you want to put your face to the carpet for awhile?

What a gracious and holy God, so focused on His plan that is so beneficial to us.

Awesome.

TPT4KC This Week!

2012-02-07T15:22:00.000-05:00

I can't wait till February 18th! That is the Curesearch Houston Walk (sign up to join us at www.curesearchwalk.org) and SO MANY of our friends that we pray for every week (sometimes every day) will be there! It brings me to tears to think of hugging all these Moms and Dads I have so much in common with, seeing the precious faces of those kids we lift up to God. I pray The Lord will bless that day with great weather and even better fellowship. I pray I can lay hands on these kids and even if it is just a split second prayer, God will know my heart and know how much I want all of them to be well - totally healed by His Love, Mercy and Grace.

I don't have a lot of time today, so that's about all I can put together - but I did get the list updated! To God be the glory, forever, forever, Amen and Amen!

Completed Treatment -Pray for them to stay cancer and illness free!
SophiaVogel(5, soft tissue sarcoma behind left eye) – Next Scan March 2^nd. <"Team Sophia" on FB>

Anna Grace Dennis (7, ependymoma) – Doing great! Pray for headaches and stomach aches to goaway completely! <"Team Anna Grace" on FB>

Rylee Beard (5, Will's tumors inbladder/abdomen) – Doing great!

Matthew Lucas (5,Rhabdomyosarcoma) – Doing great! <"Team Matthew" on FB>

Gabbie Howe (12, ependymoma) – Pray for scans tobe free and clear on next scans later this month!

Hunter(1,Ewing Sarcoma) – In REMISSION & CANCER FREE! Pray that he stays that way! <”Cure Baby Hunter” on FB>

NickyGeorge (2, Ependymoma) – Currently in remission and nextscans on February 23^rd. Please pray he will remain cancer free! www.nickybear.com

CourtneyPette(16, lymphoma) –<"Team Courtney" on FB>
PattonJones (3,Burkitt's Lymphoma) – finished treatment but there were some concerns aroundswollen lymph nodes. Pray all his welland he is healed from cancer and any illness!

NatalieFraker (5,astrocytoma) – PRAISE THE LORD, the tumor is smaller!! Continue to pray for her recovery, in allareas (physically especially)<” PRAYERSFORNKF” on carepages.com>

Tristan Smit (3, ependymoma)

Mark Ochoa (2, Wilm's Tumor)

FightingIllness and/or Inpatient

BrennanScurlock (1,neuroblastoma) – Back on chemo again and is really struggling. Went into the ICU this weekend and is stillthere until they can regulate his breathing without concern. Pray for The Lord to heal this littleboy!! <"Brennan Scurlock"on FB>

PrestonWinslow (4, AML) They have been given notice that there isnothing more they can do for Preston. Pray for The Lord to intervene! www.prestonsleague.com

CarliSimmons (2, Brain Tumor) Inpatient at TCH, receivingtreatment

LoganSinclair (5,Anaplastic Medulloblastoma) – Inpatient doing chemo this week, has been sickand has damage to his vocal cords. Prayfor lessening of side effects and for his vocal cords to heal! Also, pray for no reaction to the chemo! <”Prayfor Logan Sinclair” on FB>

AvaCaggino (4,ATRT Brain Tumor) Admitted for HER LAST ROUND OF CHEMO!! PRAISE GOD! Pray it goes well and she recovers quickly and beats cancer!!<"TheAva Caggino Fight Aganist Cancer Page" on FB>

MaxLow (12, Leukemia) Having trouble from colds andmeds. Please pray for wisdom for hismedical team to know how to effectively treat any illness and long term sideeffects. Pray he will recover to get offhis feeding tube! <”Mighty Max Low” on FB>

AidenRideout (4, Non-hodgkins lymphoma) Having issues with hisbody chemistry and maybe fighting an infection – pray his body heals quickly! <”Prayers for Aiden” on FB>

InTreatment

ThomasValerio (11,rhabdomyosarcoma in left hand) Outpatient this week, pray for good numbers andrest!

NateDinoffira (2, Neuroblastoma) Doing well and pray for his bodyto be ready for his transplant procedure. < http://supernatedinoffria.blogspot.com/>

KatieWagner(15, Rhabdomyosarcoma) Has had a bad week with the chemo, pray she recoversquickly and that she will be able to tolerate the next round better <”WagnerFamily support” on FB>

TynanChapa (5, ALL) Received bone marrow aspiration last weekas well as first dose of new chemo, which he tolerated well. Pray his body tolerates 2^nd roundjust as well. <”Tynan’s Crusade” on FB>

WyattFoster (2,ALL) Received chemo and steroidslast week; having issues as a result of the chemo – pray for wisdom andhealing! Pray he continues to respondwell as they are coming up in April on the year anniversary of his diagnosis. Pray for peace and for The Lord to be allover him during his treatment and appointments this week! < http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/wyattfoster/mystory>

KristinaBarrett (9,sarcoma in lungs and arm) – Since seeing the GI specialist last week, feelingbetter – Praise God! Went in for acheckup today, pending results! <"Praying for Kristina" onFB>

BarrettBlake (5, Rhabdomyosarcoma) Received scans last week and thetumor is stable! Pray The Lord willallow the medicine to shrink it for the next scans! http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/barrettblake

LincolnDaniel Jones (3,ALL) – Received chemo last week, pray for protection around his body so thereare no side effects or illnesses! <"Pray for Lincoln Daniel Jones"and "Red Carpet Kids for a Cure" on FB>

LucyWeber (3,ALL) – Goes to clinic for chemo and steroids tomorrow. Pray for peace and calm over her as her bodyresponds and strength for her parents as this is a trying time! <"TeamLucy" on FB>

HoldenUnderwood (2,ALL/MLL) – Doing well at home and had an easy clinic day last week with greatcounts. Pray it continues to go smoothly! <"Holden's Hope" on FB>

GunnarPeterson (5,Wilm’s Tumor) Received chemo yesterday – pray for no side effects and that hecontinues to beat cancer!<”Gunnar’s Team on FB”>

ZayleyOliver–Pray she stays healthy and that cancer is beaten back! <”Prayers for ZayleyJade Oliver” on FB>

LanceMcClain (ALL)– At school, doing well! Pray fordiscernment on any pain he has! <”TeamLance McClain” on FB>

AddisonMarshall(18, ALL) – continues outpatient, maintenance chemo and he won the Rudy Awardlast week! Praise God for him and hisfamily! <addiecake on Twitter>

GrantMcTaggart (5,P+ ALL) Pray for his parents peace, as he has finished chemo! <http://www.prayforgrant.com/>

CharlieHarris Beard (1,Leukemia) Receiving outpatient treatment this week, Praise The Lord! <”Helpsave Baby Charlie Harries Beard” on FB>

LoganBrant - Please pray for wisdom and healing! <“Team Logan” on FB>

KylieOverton (2,Brain Tumor) – she has started chemo again, but the protocol from here on outneeds divine intervention to keep the tumors from coming back and no long termeffects on her body and mind. PleaseLord, come quickly into this situation! <”Prayers for Baby Kylie Overton” onFB>

IzzySlot (3,angiosarcoma) Home! And doing muchbetter! Still has fluid draining intoher chest, so pray that resolves and she gets stronger so her body will be ableto function normally! <”izzyslot” on carepages.com and “Princess Izzy’sCourt” on FB>

RuelBobet(20, stomach cancer) – Still having problems with pain, pray for that to beresolved quickly so he can eat consistently. Pray his cancer responds to the treatment and they continue to see signsof hope every day! <”Sandy Bobet” (his Mom) on FB>

CallieCheer (3,AML) – She is home! Pray her treatmentworked and she remains cancer free! <”Curefor Callie” on FB>

Shelby Adams (Langenhans CellHistiocytosis) – Doing well and her body continues to respond. Pray for no issues and her cancer is beaten, withno ill side effects! <”Prayers for Shelby Adams” on FB>

BraedenEstes (18,Ewings Sarcoma) Pray he continues to respond so well and recover from all thathe has been through! <http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/braedenestes>

AidenMcSpadden (2,AML relapse) Had some bloodwork done last week – pray for great results thatare 100% donor! <"Angels for Aiden" on FB>

MaddieBriscoe (7,neuroblastoma) – Doing great! <”Prayers for Maddie Briscoe” on FB>

DanielaOwens (9,Ewing Sarcoma) – Home now. Pray sherecovers and stays well! <”Prayer for Daniela” of FB>

TaylorPorter (15, AML) <”TeamTaylor – Taylor Porter” on FB>

KayleaStewart(Leukemia, 6) – Back at school and feeling well! Pray she is finally cured of her cancer!<"Kure for Kaylea" on FB>

HudsonKadlecek (4, lymphoma) - <"Hope for Hudson" on FB>

Come, Now is the Time to Worship

2012-02-01T18:07:00.000-05:00

It's been awhile sinceI'd felt an authentic worship feeling.

Ok, well, it's been awhile since I’d been to worship, period. It’s hard to get that feeling withoutactually GOING. But I just got lazy, itgot easy to sleep in and relax and not rush on Sundays. At first I had a burning desire to go, like itwouldn’t leave me alone, but that eventually cooled off. My heart chilled to God’s call to be with Himin His House among my Christian Family.

My Mom and my spiritualmentors will be glad to hear that I have been back. In fact, in the last 10 days, I’ve been toworship 4 times. The first was at achurch that is part of our “visit to join” plan. The second was at a Beth Moore BibleStudy. The third was the last part ofKSBJ’s Girls’ Night Out on Friday. And#4 was going with a friend to her church, so our kids could go to Sunday Schooltogether. I can tell you, all were anentirely different experience.

The first one – the "visit to join" church – I was pretty rusty. Oh, I knewall the words, but it took me a bit to get in the groove and flow of the churchservice. It wasn’t until towards the endwhen I felt a sense of freedom. Maybethat was when my heart finally warmed up from it’s ice bath of being absentfrom corporate worship. (They do say The Lord's Prayer there wrong, with the whole debt and debtors, instead trespasses but I won't hold that against them.)

The second at Beth Moore wasunreal. It was like I imagine Heavenwill be – with multitudes upon multitudes of saints all singing praises toChrist. Yet even in the middle of allthose people, Jesus can still pick you out of the crowd. I pictured Him smiling and whispering, “Justsing it all to Me– it’s all about Me.”

The third was like thatat the end, it just took a little getting over the rock concert effect. At one point, I could no longer sit andlisten to the singer – I had to stand up and praise. I’m pretty sure I was the only one who did,in a large crowd, so can we say, AWKWARD! (Plus I’m sure I was blocking someone’s view.)

Fourth and final – wasnot so much about actually worshiping, more like watching other people do it(it was a HUGE church). But I did getsome praising in at the end and heard a great message as well.

I do know that anyauthentic worship experience is not a habit. It is a choice to go there (wherever there is) and encounter God. You cannot remained unchanged when The Lordspeaks into your heart. It is likebeing brought out of the winter into the powerful Spring sunshine. You thaw and the more you go to worship – themore you grow in relationship to The Lord. It is easy to forget how important corporate worship is in the life of afollower of Christ – you forget that you need to be plugged in.

To God and to each other.

There is a level ofspiritual refreshment that you just cannot attain by yourself. Over and over again in the New Testament weare told to gather together for our own good – in Acts, Hebrews, 1 John, Romans, 1Corinthians, Colossians, and Revelation to name a few. So much of the Psalms are corporate praise and worship hymns. And let’s not forget our roots – in the OldTestament the Hebrews built their lives around times of getting together (first in the desert, then inJerusalem) to worship God.

Even though you are withother people – it is a singular experience to worship and encounter TheLord. He sees you, He wants to makesure you know Who you are to be worshiping and why you are there. It's not about the music or how you feel about the sermon or the people or the requests for money. Churches are businesses so they need that to run - but they are also the best kind of business because they are in God's business.

Going to church can be a habit, maybe even one you can write off. But when we do it in spirit and in truth –in the full knowledge of the Holy Spirit – we are reborn. We drink of the living water and the bread oflife. (See, all those church terms doapply!)

It can be a time ofchallenge as well. It can be a reminderof the choice you made when you started to call yourself a Christian. God can speak (and will if you have yourspiritual ears on) to motivate and encourage you in suffering, trial or justgrowth. God can speak to where He wantsyou to serve. Anything is possible forhim who believes – in what God will do in worship.

The one take away I hadfrom the fourth church was from the sermon. The pastor was speaking from Matthew 5:38, which says:

Simply say yes or no.Anything more than that comes from the evil one. (GWT)

This is Jesus telling us to tell thetruth, not with big, flowery promises, but simply. And follow through. It struck me that this was the heart ofworship – it is a yes or no to God. It is an affirmation of HIM, not ME (but I get affirmed in that process). Hedoesn’t want any more from than because a lot of times the more we do, the more it's not coming from the rightplace. Worship is so key, so essentialto who we are as a Body of Christ.

And I’m glad I’m saying Yes to and encountering God again.

TPT4KC This Week!

2012-01-31T12:46:00.000-05:00

On Friday night, I went to KSBJ's Girls Night Out. Lysa Terkheurst was one of the speakers and she told a story about how Matthew 5:8 (Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God) applies to her life. It struck me that I need to see more of God in my life. I spend a lot of time praying for what I need but not enough time looking to see how He is working in those situations. Since then I have been praying for my eyes to be opened.

In reading my devotional for today, it struck me what I needed to be on the look out for, specifically. I'm calling them the 3 P's: Provision; Preparation and Pointing Out.

You see, I needed to realize that even before I opened my eyes this morning, God has already provided everything I need to be significant and successful in His eyes today. He has already prepared the way I will walk today - going before me and covering me from behind. My job is to be ready to point out (to myself and others) when I see what He has done. His work is complete, mine is ongoing. It is a revolutionary thought that has taken years to formulate. And it came to fruition in one moment on an ordinary last day of January in the year 2012. I guess the point is that I never know where or when He will reveal Himself - but He will and I need to be looking for it!

In the same way, as the writer of my devotional lays out, pray these families will have the confidence to see that God will:

1. Remove them from their circumstances, or

2. Deepen their understanding of their circumstances, or

3. Give them wisdom to meet their circumstances, or

4. Give them the grace to live within those circumstances.

All of these things may happen at once or seperately. Each answer is different, depending on the day - but God does have the answer we need for that day. We must be confident in our faith to approach Him for it. We must rely on His provision alone, knowing He has prepared whatever comes to us and in faith, declare His great works.

I want to pray Hebrews 4:16 for our families today:

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Go forth in the confidence of your faith in the Risen One. Pray these families will find the peace from knowing they are securely in the Hands of their Maker, that He has a plan and a future for them and their children. I can't think of a better way to see Him work than through the lives of these kids!!!

God is good, all the time - so let's pray to Him on their behalf. Why?

BECAUSE PRAYER WORKS!

Completed Treatment -Pray for them to stay cancer and illness free!
SophiaVogel(5, soft tissue sarcoma behind left eye) – Next Scan March 2^nd. <"Team Sophia" on FB>

Anna Grace Dennis (7, ependymoma) – Doing great! Pray for headaches and stomach aches to goaway completely! <"Team Anna Grace" on FB>

Rylee Beard (5, Will's tumors inbladder/abdomen) – Doing great!

Matthew Lucas (5,Rhabdomyosarcoma) – Doing great! <"Team Matthew" on FB>

Gabbie Howe (12, ependymoma) – Pray for scans tobe free and clear on next scans later this month!

Hunter(1,Ewing Sarcoma) – In REMISSION & CANCER FREE! Pray that he stays that way! <”Cure Baby Hunter” on FB>

NickyGeorge (2, Ependymoma) – Currently in remission and nextscans on February 23^rd. Please pray he will remain cancer free! www.nickybear.com

NatalieFraker (5,astrocytoma) – Her next MRI is Feb 6^th! Pray for the all clear and that she recoversfully from any and all side effects! <” PRAYERSFORNKF” oncarepages.com>

Tristan Smit (3, ependymoma)

Mark Ochoa (2, Wilm's Tumor)

FightingIllness and/or Inpatient

BrennanScurlock (1,neuroblastoma) – The tumor they found is a totally different type – called anundifferientated sarcoma. They have atreatment plan, please pray his body will respond to it and the family willfind peace after dealing with this horrible setback. <"Brennan Scurlock"on FB>

IzzySlot (3,angiosarcoma) Removing her chest tube today so please pray the fluid buildup is over! Continue to pray for herhealth to recover as she will have a feeding tube placed in her belly button asshe still cannot eat by mouth. <”izzyslot” on carepages.com and “PrincessIzzy’s Court” on FB>

RuelBobet(20, stomach cancer) – Having several procedures this week, including nerveblock and had fluid removed from the wall of his chest yesterday. He has more appointments to come and apossible transfusion. Pray he covers sohe can start on/continue the chemo he needs to fight this cancer off! <”Sandy Bobet” (his Mom) on FB>

CallieCheer (3,AML) – Still inpatient but has finished chemo! They get results mid-February, so pray she is healed! <”Cure for Callie” on FB>

PrestonWinslow (4, AML) Having bone marrow aspiration this week, soplease pray the chemo worked and the stem cellsare doing their job as well and clearing out anything remaining, so he can beready for conditioning for his bone marrow transplant! www.prestonsleague.com

CarliSimmons (2, Brain Tumor) Inpatient at TCH, receivingtreatment

ReceivingTreatment this week

ThomasValerio (11,rhabdomyosarcoma in left hand) Please pray he recovers quickly at home and isprotected from any side effects or infections, as his counts are dropping thisweek.

NateDinoffira (2, Neuroblastoma) Home until next week when histransplant procedure will begin. Pray hestays healthy, continues to eat and The Lord makes him strong! < http://supernatedinoffria.blogspot.com/>

LoganSinclair (5,Anaplastic Medulloblastoma) – His counts were too low yesterday to receivechemo so going back in on Thursday to try again. Pray he will rebound to stay on plan!<”Pray for Logan Sinclair” on FB>

KatieWagner(15, Rhabdomyosarcoma) Starting 5 days of outpatient chemo, pray for no sideeffects and the cancer to be cleared out! <”Wagner Family support” onFB>

TynanChapa (5, ALL) At home! Pray The Lord protects him from sickness and that he is coming to theend of his journey with cancer! <”Tynan’s Crusade” on FB>

WyattFoster (2,ALL) Received chemo and steroids lastweek; having issues as a result of the chemo – pray for wisdom andhealing! Pray he continues to respondwell as they are coming up in April on the year anniversary of hisdiagnosis. Pray for peace and for TheLord to be all over him during his treatment and appointments this week!

KristinaBarrett (9,sarcoma in lungs and arm) – Having her GI system scoped today to hopefullyidentify the cause of her stomach pains. Please pray The Lord will protect her and reveal the issue! <"Praying for Kristina" onFB>

AvaCaggino (4,ATRT Brain Tumor) Her counts are too low to start chemo, so pray her bodyrecovers quickly so she can continue on plan to her last round!<"TheAva Caggino Fight Aganist Cancer Page" on FB>

LincolnDaniel Jones (3,ALL) – Did not make counts so will be in clinic this week to check and possiblespinal tap. Pray all goes well and hecontinues to respond and stay in remission! <"Pray for Lincoln Daniel Jones" and "Red Carpet Kidsfor a Cure" on FB>

LucyWeber (3,ALL) – Will be at the clinic so pray for good numbers, no issues with her bodyor chemo. <"Team Lucy" onFB>

HoldenUnderwood (2,ALL/MLL) – Turned two on Friday! Possible clinic and continuing oral chemo thisweek! <"Holden's Hope" on FB>

GunnarPeterson (5,Wilm’s Tumor) Clinic appointment for counts and chemo tomorrow – pray allcontinues to go very well and that his side effects will be minimal to none! <”Gunnar’s Team on FB”>

ZayleyOliver–Pray she stays healthy and that cancer is beaten back! <”Prayers for ZayleyJade Oliver” on FB>

AidenRideout (4, Non-hodgkins lymphoma) Has speech, OT and PTtoday! <”Prayers for Aiden” on FB>

LanceMcClain (ALL)– At school, doing well! Pray fordiscernment on any pain he has! <”TeamLance McClain” on FB>

AddisonMarshall(18, ALL) – continues outpatient, maintenance chemo and he won the Rudy Awardlast week! Praise God for him and hisfamily! <addiecake on Twitter>

GrantMcTaggart (5,P+ ALL) Is on oral chemo for one more week. Pray for his parents to have peace that he is cured and he will staythat way! <http://www.prayforgrant.com/>

CharlieHarris Beard (1,Leukemia) Receiving outpatient treatment this week, Praise The Lord! <”Helpsave Baby Charlie Harries Beard” on FB>

LoganBrant - Please pray for wisdom and healing! <“Team Logan” on FB>

On-breakor has Scans this week

AidenMcSpadden (2,AML relapse) Genetic tests were normal – no cancer! Pray the transfusion he got on Friday doesnot cause any issues and that the transplant continues to work! <"Angelsfor Aiden" on FB>

MaddieBriscoe (7,neuroblastoma) – Doing great! <”Prayers for Maddie Briscoe” on FB>

BraedenEstes (17,Ewings Sarcoma) Finished 5 day chemo round and is back to school. Pray for his energy to return and his spiritsto come back up after losing his hair again. Also pray for his brother who is to have shoulder surgery today! <http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/braedenestes>

Shelby Adams (Langenhans Cell Histiocytosis)– Doing well and her body continues to respond. Pray for no issues and her cancer is beaten, with no ill side effects!<”Prayers for Shelby Adams” on FB>

DanielaOwens (9,Ewing Sarcoma) – Had issues last week but is at home now. Pray she recovers and stays well! <”Prayerfor Daniela” of FB>

TaylorPorter (15, AML) <”TeamTaylor – Taylor Porter” on FB>

KayleaStewart(Leukemia, 6) – Back at school and feeling well! Pray she is finally cured of her cancer!<"Kure for Kaylea" on FB>

HudsonKadlecek (4,lymphoma) - <"Hope for Hudson" on FB>

TPT4KC This Week!

2012-01-24T11:05:00.000-05:00

It feels like the rug was pulled out from under you. Only there are a bunch of hot coals where the rug used to be.

That was my husband's wise comment on how it feels to go through the roller coaster of treatment. We were discussing one of our families on this list, we received some very unexpected and devastating news yesterday when they thought they were coming to the end of treatment for their sweet little boy. Dave's comment is exactly how I feel. The most painful part of being in this ministry to pray for these families are the ups and downs. We have, on one hand, families that are rejoicing as their kids recover and go into remission. We have others who are reeling from the word "Relapse." I feel the same way I did after the Harry Potter Ride at Universal Studios.

Sometimes, I just feel like I'm going to throw up!

When I feel this way, I always come back to the privilege of being a part of these families' lives. Some of them I know very well, some I've never met other than online; some I just get updates from caringbridge that a friend of a friend sent me. And sometimes, I know nothing at all, just a name and a diagnosis. But I am (we are) a part of the fabric of these families' lives, whether they know it or not, because we take the time to lift them to Heaven, in the midst of the most difficult experiences they will probably ever face.

It continually blesses me, every Tuesday morning (which used to be the worst day of the week for us because it meant chemo or counts or something treatment related), people stand with me before God, interceding for these families. You are truly what keeps this list going.

There in lies the challenge. I want to encourage you to further the love. I'd like to challenge you to invite one person this week to join our prayer team - whether by signing up for emails on this blog or liking the page on FB. Just have them make their presence known. When I started this, I had a vision of this prayer connection going global. It has - we have people from all over the world praying for these kids. And if you already do pray on Tuesdays for these families, leave a comment here or on the FB page.

I believe in funding research, I believe in medical wisdom. But I know that only God can provide these families everything they need and it starts with prayer. I'm still hungry for more people to storm the gates of Heaven when the situations are at their worst; and to praise and worship Jehovah Raphe when the news is at its best. Please ask a friend. Please share your story about how praying for these kids has changed you and invite them to change someone else.

Let's grow our prayer team because PRAYER WORKS!

Completed Treatment -Pray for them to stay cancer and illness free!
SophiaVogel(5, soft tissue sarcoma behind left eye) – Next Scan March 2^nd. <"Team Sophia" on FB>

Anna Grace Dennis (7, ependymoma) – Doing great! Pray for headaches and stomach aches to goaway completely! <"Team Anna Grace" on FB>

Rylee Beard (5, Will's tumors inbladder/abdomen) – Doing great!

Matthew Lucas (5,Rhabdomyosarcoma) – Praise The Lord, scans last week showed no new growth!! <"Team Matthew" on FB>

Gabbie Howe (12, ependymoma) – Pray for scans tobe free and clear on next scans later this month!

Hunter(1,Ewing Sarcoma) – In REMISSION & CANCER FREE! Pray that he stays that way! <”Cure Baby Hunter” on FB>

NickyGeorge (2, Ependymoma) – Currently in remission and nextscans on February 23^rd. Please pray he will remain cancer free!

Courtney Pette (16, lymphoma) –<"TeamCourtney" on FB>
Tristan Smit (3, ependymoma)

Mark Ochoa (2, Wilm's Tumor)

FightingIllness and/or Inpatient

BrennanScurlock (1,neuroblastoma) – He has relapsed and his family is devastated. He is having surgery today to biopsy thetumor blocking his abdomen and then they will determine course of treatment. Pray for peace, wisdom, steady hands and forThe Lord to work a miracle! <"Brennan Scurlock" on FB>

IzzySlot (3,angiosarcoma) Please pray for correct diagnosis on fluid and that theywill find ways to increase her nutrition that will help her recover FAST! <”izzyslot”on carepages.com and “Princess Izzy’s Court” on FB>

ThomasValerio (11,rhabdomyosarcoma in left hand) Should be finishing 5 day inpatient chemo roundtoday – pray for NO SIDE EFFECTS and restful time of recovery at home!

NateDinoffira (2, Neuroblastoma) Inpatient for a fever and havinga new line placed Thursday, so pray for no more bacteria to grow on the nextcultures! Also – our prayers for hisappetite were answered! Thank you Lord –he is eating great and gaining weight! <” SuperNate Dinoffria”on FB and http://supernatedinoffria.blogspot.com/)

LoganSinclair (5,Anaplastic Medulloblastoma) – Getting counts today and appointments all day –preparing for inpatient chemo admission on Thursday! <”Pray for LoganSinclair” on FB>

CallieCheer (3,AML) – Still inpatient but has finished chemo! They get results mid-February, so pray she is healed! <”Cure for Callie” on FB>

PrestonWinslow (4, AML) Getting home passes but they are stillstruggling with decisions on treatment. Pray for wisdom, straight from The Throne – for God’s will to be clearlydone in the life of this little boy! www.prestonsleague.com

CarliSimmons (2, Brain Tumor) Inpatient at TCH, receivingtreatment

ReceivingTreatment this week

RuelBobet(20, stomach cancer) – Still struggling with pain and treatment for the canceris daily. Please pray The Lord will gobefore them on every appointment so he will not be subjected to such long waitsthat exhaust him. Pray for his appetiteto return so some of the side effects he is experiencing will be remedied! <”Sandy Bobet” (his Mom) on FB>

KatieWagner(15, Rhabdomyosarcoma) Received outpatient chemo yesterday and her storycontinues to touch people, bring them to The Lord and display His glory! Praise The Lord for shining His light throughthem in such a dark time! <”Wagner Family support” on FB>

TynanChapa (5, ALL) Had BMT 4 months ago, but the cancer cellshave returned. Pray for this family asthey enter the roller coaster of treatment again and that they have faith hewill be healed! Praise God for his wonderfulspirit! <”Tynan’s Crusade” on FB>

AidenMcSpadden (2,AML relapse) Bone marrow aspiration this Thursday, pray for 100% bone marrowdonor cells! <"Angels for Aiden" on FB>

LincolnDaniel Jones (3,ALL) – Had low counts last week that made him feel awful. Pray he will recover and praise God it didnot develop into an infection! <"Prayfor Lincoln Daniel Jones" and "Red Carpet Kids for a Cure" onFB>

LucyWeber (3,ALL) – At the clinic today for chemo and counts, pray for no issues witheither! <"Team Lucy" onFB>

HoldenUnderwood (2,ALL/MLL) – Turned two on Friday! Possible clinic and continuing oral chemo thisweek! <"Holden's Hope" on FB>

ZayleyOliver–Pray she stays healthy and that cancer is beaten back! <”Prayers for ZayleyJade Oliver” on FB>

LanceMcClain (ALL)– Got spinal chemo and a bone marrow aspiration today to check for anycancer cells. PRAISE THE LORD, there arenone! Pray he continues to fight welland the doctors find an answer for the pain he’s had! <”TeamLance McClain”on FB>

AddisonMarshall(18, ALL) – continues outpatient, maintenance chemo <addiecake on Twitter>

GrantMcTaggart (5,P+ ALL) Is on oral chemo for the next 2 weeks. Pray for his parents to have peace that he is cured and he will staythat way! <http://www.prayforgrant.com/>

CharlieHarris Beard (1,Leukemia) Receiving outpatient treatment this week, Praise The Lord! <”Helpsave Baby Charlie Harries Beard” on FB>

LoganBrant - Please pray for wisdom and healing! <“Team Logan” on FB>

On-breakor has Scans this week

MaddieBriscoe (7,neuroblastoma) – Doing great! <”Prayers for Maddie Briscoe” on FB>

MaxLow (12, Leukemia) At home, on feeding tube and dealingwith a lot of pain. Please pray for alessening of the complications from all the meds he has to take!<”Mighty MaxLow” on FB>

AidenRideout (4, Non-hodgkins lymphoma) Feeling good and pray hestays in remission! <”Prayers for Aiden” on FB>

BraedenEstes (17,Ewings Sarcoma) Started his chemo round, only 14 more treatments to go afterthis week! Pray he will stay healthy andno side effects! <http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/braedenestes>

Shelby Adams (Langenhans Cell Histiocytosis)– Pray her body responds and the cancer is beaten, with no ill side effects!<”Prayers for Shelby Adams” on FB>

KristinaBarrett (9,sarcoma in lungs and arm) – Pray The Lord will show how to relief her abdominalpain! <"Praying forKristina" on FB>

AvaCaggino (4,ATRT Brain Tumor) Resting at home, prepping for next chemo round. <"The Ava Caggino Fight AganistCancer Page" on FB>

DanielaOwens (9,Ewing Sarcoma) – Doing great at home! <”Prayer for Daniela” of FB>

NatalieFraker (5,astrocytoma) – pray for her body to get strong enough to breath without theventilator and for her next scans, in early February, to be all clear! <” PRAYERSFORNKF” on carepages.com>

TaylorPorter (15, AML) <”TeamTaylor – Taylor Porter” on FB>

KayleaStewart(Leukemia, 6) – Back at school and feeling well! Pray she is finally cured of her cancer!<"Kure for Kaylea" on FB>

HudsonKadlecek (4,lymphoma) - <"Hope for Hudson" on FB>

PattonJones (3,Burkitt's Lymphoma)

Wyatt(2, ALL)

T(enacious) P(rayer) T(hursdays) 4 A(dult) C(ancer) - New List!

2012-01-19T10:16:00.000-05:00

It's been on my heart for quite some time - I know quite a few adults facing treatment for cancer and I just couldn't let it go any farther without publishing a prayer list for them! Prayer works, as we know, so I want to make sure everyone in my life and the lives of others has as many people praying for them as our kids do!

These folks face different cancers, different protocols and different challenges. But our God is Bigger and He will ensure to answer on behalf of these folks! Pray for their strength, the strength of their families, that they would draw close to The Lord in every situation - especially in waiting on appointments, results from scans, medication and of course, freedom from side effects. I will try and post updates weekly, so if you are reading this for one of your family members - please let me know what is going on!

My former pastor's father's, who is now with The Lord and who faced his own battle with cancer with the ultimate dignity, favorite verse is fitting to pray for these people:

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-40, NIV)

Let's pray, because PRAYER WORKS!

Mike Dunlap (Prostate Cancer) – had proscetomy and waiting on lymphnode results. At this point they thinkthey got it all and he will not need chemo. Please pray for great results!

Gordo Bobet (Liver/Stomach Cancer) – waiting results on MRI fromlast week to see how the last round of chemo has affected the tumors. Pray for release from pain and strength as heand his son (Ruel Bobet from TPT4KC) walk this path of treatment together!

Skip Teeple (Prostate/Bone Cancer) – continuing hormone treatmentand regular scans to monitor size/effect of the tumor.

Curtis Enos (Renal Cell Carcinoma) – underwent first round of chemothis week. Pray for no side effects andcontinued good health!

Linda Lummus (Breast Cancer) – completed chemo!

Savannah (Melanoma) – new tumor developed and she has been fightingthis for 3 years. Pray the experimentaltreatment she will be receiving in Maryland will work, with no side effects!

Bill Clark (Melanoma) – Had a basal cell removed from under righteye, which was one of the original four that was identified, and one to beremoved from his back. Has completedradiation and will continue to be watched for any new developments – but praythere is not!

Tricia Opincar (Breast Cancer)

Elizabeth Berry (Liver and Lymph Node Cancer) – Relapse, undergoingchemo therapy for three months and then surgery to remove affected lymph nodeand continued testing to see if it has spread anywhere else.

TPT4KC This Week!

2012-01-17T13:48:00.000-05:00

Cancer is hard. It's hard for everyone. I know I've said this before but it was in my face today. We went in for a check up with Sophia's oncologist today and being in the clinic, after you've been living in the "normal" world for a few months, is a stark reminder of what your reality, underneath the surface, really is. Yes, Sophia is in remission and I know she is going to stay that way (the Lord willing.) But when you sit down with the doctor who asks you if you have any questions or concerns, it's hard to not have a knot in your stomach and your throat close up because of how many times you've heard that question before in relation to cancer.

It's hard to look at those parents and children who have it worse off than you and not go around hugging and praying and crying (because not everyone is cool with that.) It is much easier, when you don't have to see it every week, to keep the emotion at bay. I remember daily what Sophia has been through, but distance numbs it for me. The clinic brings it all back.

I had several people while Sophia was in treatment, grown-ups who survived their own cancer, tell me I had it harder than them. At the time, I think The Lord had a iron curtain up over my heart to the impact of what they were saying - because I couldn't go there right then. (He protected me from a lot of things, for sure.) Now sitting here, 15 months from her diagnosis date, I can say that they were right. The pain, worry, anxiety, struggle and hardship a parent has to face when their child is ill, well, it's just the worst thing ever.

But then I wonder, if I could have traded places with her and undergone all her treatments - I'm not so sure I would have handled it as well as she did. I probably would be spending most of my time in bed, dwelling on the fact that I felt like crap. But Sophia hardly ever wasted any time feeling bad, unless she really, really, really, really felt bad. She had to feel completely awful to go to bed, but all it takes for me is a mild headache.

No - I'm sure I wouldn't have handled it anywhere close to as well as she did.

God knows better than I do what is right, even if it requires facing my worst nightmare.

That is the beauty of these kids - they are so much stronger than we, as adults, are. They can recover so much faster - The Lord having plugged them up with all those stem cells. There were many miracles we encountered, but just how quickly Sophia's body recovered after each round of napalm (oh, I mean chemo/radiation), is completely astonishing. My body, at 36, couldn't do that. Heck, I still have a cut on my hand from 3 weeks ago that isn't completely healed. I wouldn't stand a chance.

His hope shines through in them. It is His plan - to use the weak to shame the strong (1 Cor 1:27), to prove that His power is greater than anything in this world (1 John 4:4) and He continually shows me through my daughter and these precious, little children who fight and beat cancer. It is the paradox of His power.

These children are the answer to the question "Do miracles still happen?" And the answer is YES.

Keep praying for them because it is prayers, answered by The Good Lord, that heals them. PRAYER WORKS!!

Completed Treatment -Pray for them to stay cancer free!
SophiaVogel(5, soft tissue sarcoma behind left eye) – Checkup with oncologist wentfine! Scans now first week of March <"Team Sophia" on FB>

Anna Grace Dennis (7, ependymoma) – Doing great! Pray for headaches and stomach aches to goaway completely! <"Team Anna Grace" on FB>

Rylee Beard (5, Will's tumors inbladder/abdomen) – Praise the Lord for clear scans last week!

Matthew Lucas (5,Rhabdomyosarcoma) – Scans this week, Wednesday – Friday. Pray for the all clear! <"Team Matthew" on FB>

Gabbie Howe (12, ependymoma) –Pray for scans to befree and clear on next scans later this month!

Courtney Pette (16, lymphoma) –<"TeamCourtney" on FB>
Tristan Smit (3, ependymoma)

Mark Ochoa (2, Wilm's Tumor)

FightingIllness and/or Inpatient

RuelBobet(20, stomach cancer) – Praise God for the miracle worked through hisdoctor! Pray they will find relief frombureaucracy of treatment and freedom from fear! <”Sandy Bobet” (his Mom) onFB>

CallieCheer (3,AML) – Still inpatient but has finished chemo! They get results mid-February, so pray she is healed! <”Cure for Callie” on FB>

CarliSimmons (2, Brain Tumor) Inpatient at TCH, receivingtreatment

IzzySlot (3,angiosarcoma) Having issues regulating body chemistry, so please pray TheLord will keep His Hand of healing on her and they will be able to addressissues to cure and prevent future infection! <”izzyslot” on carepages.com and “Princess Izzy’s Court” onFB>

KatieWagner(15, Rhabdomyosarcoma) Completed round last week but facing another long 6 weekstretch – pray for safety from illness and good spirits! <”WagnerFamily support” on FB>

ReceivingTreatment this week

LincolnDaniel Jones (3,ALL) – Been feeling very bad, pray The Lord reveals why or he recovers. Pray his counts have recovered when he goesinto the clinic later this week, so treatment can stay on course. <"Pray for Lincoln Daniel Jones"and "Red Carpet Kids for a Cure" on FB>

LucyWeber (3,ALL) – Her blood counts came back up – praise God! She receives chemo today, pray she is freefrom side effects of this chemo and steroids! <"Team Lucy" on FB>

HoldenUnderwood (1,ALL/MLL) – Starts 2^nd cycle of maintenance with spinal chemotomorrow – pray he will be calm for sedation and wake up well, with no sideeffects from anesthesia or chemo! <"Holden's Hope" on FB>

GunnarPeterson (5,Wilm’s Tumor) Clinic appointment for counts and chemo tomorrow – pray allcontinues to go very well! <”Gunnar’sTeam on FB”>

ZayleyOliver–Pray she stays healthy and that cancer is beaten back! <”Prayers for ZayleyJade Oliver” on FB>

AddisonMarshall(18, ALL) – continues outpatient, maintenance chemo <addiecake on Twitter>

GrantMcTaggart (5,P+ ALL) Is on oral chemo for the next 3 weeks. Pray for his parents to have peace that he is cured and he will staythat way! <http://www.prayforgrant.com/>

ThomasValerio (11,rhabdomyosarcoma in left hand) Because of a reaction he had to one of hischemos, they are having to change up his protocol. Please pray for peace for his parents, thatthey trust The Lord will keep His Healing Hand on Thomas, and that The Lord willease the burden of more time in the hospital that the new protocolrequires. Also pray he stays healthy andhis body responds positively to the new meds!

LoganBrant - Please pray for wisdom and healing! <“Team Logan” on FB>

On-breakor has Scans this week

Hunter(1,Ewing Sarcoma) – Has scans this week – pray they show the cancer is gone! <”Cure Baby Hunter” on FB>

CharlieHarris Beard (1,Leukemia) At home! <”Help save Baby Charlie Harries Beard” on FB>

MaddieBriscoe (7,neuroblastoma) – God answered our prayers! Her scans showed all clear! <”Prayers for Maddie Briscoe” onFB>

MaxLow (12, Leukemia) At home, on feeding tube and dealingwith a lot of pain. Please pray for alessening of the complications from all the meds he has to take!<”Mighty MaxLow” on FB>

AidenRideout (4, Non-hodgkins lymphoma) Feeling good and pray hestays in remission! <”Prayers for Aiden” on FB>

NateDinoffira (2, Neuroblastoma) Still recovering – needs relieffrom nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Please pray for a supernatural appetite as well so he can gain someweight! They will be looking at the stem-celltransplant staging process at the end of this month. <” SuperNateDinoffria” on FB and http://supernatedinoffria.blogspot.com/)

Shelby Adams (Langenhans Cell Histiocytosis)– Received chemo Monday, pray her body responds and the cancer is beaten, withno ill side effects! <”Prayers for Shelby Adams” on FB>

LanceMcClain (ALL)– Doing well! <”TeamLance McClain” on FB>

KristinaBarrett (9,sarcoma in lungs and arm) – Praise God! No new growth in tumor! Themedicine is working! <"Prayingfor Kristina" on FB>

AidenMcSpadden (2,AML relapse) Doing well! Pray hecontinues to stay healthy! <"Angels for Aiden" on FB>

LoganSinclair (5,Anaplastic Medulloblastoma) – Pray for no issues as his counts have dropped andhe is vulnerable to infection! <”Pray for Logan Sinclair” on FB>

BrennanScurlock (1,neuroblastoma) – Pray his parents will continue to be guided to the righttreatment for him and the doors for access to that treatment will be opened!<"BrennanScurlock" on FB>

AvaCaggino (4,ATRT Brain Tumor) Home so pray for recovery before next round starts! <"The Ava Caggino Fight AganistCancer Page" on FB>

DanielaOwens (9,Ewing Sarcoma) – Doing great! <”Prayer for Daniela” of FB>

TaylorPorter (15, AML) <”TeamTaylor – Taylor Porter” on FB>

KayleaStewart(Leukemia, 6) – Back at school and feeling well! Pray she is finally cured of her cancer!<"Kure for Kaylea" on FB>

HudsonKadlecek (4,lymphoma) - <"Hope for Hudson" on FB>

PattonJones (3,Burkitt's Lymphoma)

Wyatt (2, ALL)