Just a glimpse...

I have so much swimming around my head that I decided to just write a "list blog" today. Perhaps it's a peek into "me"...it's at the very least a glimpse into my complex and always running thought process.

• LG is going to her second tumbling class tonight. I'm so grateful for my colleague, S, who offered the suggestion! S is taking LG home after school to play with her niece and daughter and then will take them on to tumbling where DH will pick her up.
• DH is such a great husband! He's been doing extra laundry duty with the arrival of another female in the house! I'm thankful for all he does for our family...I know it's a gift that I sometimes take for granted.
• DS 4 has really risen to the "big brother" title. He is quite aware of LG's whereabouts at school. I often get to see him check up on her to make sure she's OK. I love that.
• In other DS 4 news, some days I want to ring his neck! He is a chip off the old block for completing homework. Some days he does and other days he doesn't. I'm praying he gets the self-control he needs in this area before the big Middle School years hit!
• DS 2 hurt his wrist playing frisbee the other day. He's been dealing with doctors and MRI's all week. I hope there is no surgery involved, but we'll see.
• Today, my friend Sandy and I finish up a two day workshop at another school across town. It's always fun going and meeting other teachers and seeing similarities and differences in schools.
• Our church is hosting a HUGE block party this Saturday from 1:00 - 4:00, and I am in charge of it. I still have to shop for the food and handle the last minute stuff tomorrow afternoon/evening.
• The weather is finally not STEAMY HOT! I'm glad. I also have to admit, though, that I'd like to see just a teensy bit of sunshine today. It's been gray for three days now and that simply is not Florida norm. We love our sun here and I think I am in need of soaking up those vitamin D rays regularly to keep myself perky!
• LG commented at dinner last night that we were in for a FUN weekend! She is excited about the Fall Festival. Then Sunday night, we are having several friends from church over for supper. I'm glad she likes the hustle bustle that sometimes is our lives!
• Finally, I must comment about her nightly prayers. I love praying with my kids before they go to sleep. Every night I ask her if she has requests and she always mentions her Grandma (who has raised her). In the last few days, though, she has added Grandma and Grandpa N, Grandpa and Grandma C, and "Grammie". Last night I thought "Who the heck is "Grammie"? Then I realized...she hasn't met my Mom yet, but she's heard me call her "Gram". She translated that to a new name: "Grammie". SO CUTE and touching that she has already connected with our extended family this way!

When I take the time to just bullet list some thoughts, it reminds me of so many blessings! I could go on and on listing thoughts, ideas, feelings, observations here. But I won't. This is enough.

May we all find joy in the day-to-day happenings of our lives today!

Pink is in the Air!

If you've read this blog for any length of time, then you know that I feel 100% called to my job. I work in a school that has a very "needy" population. Among hunger and poverty, we also see kids and families that find themselves in foster care. All of our children absolutely tug at your heartstrings. It is a beautiful little learning community. Every once in a while, though, a child or family comes along that just holds a special spot in your heart.

One such family is a family of nine cousins that have been primarily raised by older relatives. They have quite a history. Let me also say that there is a HUGE network of extended family nearby as well. I have 13 cousins and I think it would be almost like having us all live in the same town and our children going through the same school.

Anyway, back to this family. I have worked with 6 of the 9 cousins over the years. In particular, I have worked with the oldest three in a sibling group of six. The oldest brother has a horrible illness and is in care for that. The middle brother is in the 6th grade and doing quite well. I taught him reading while he was in second grade. This is where my soft spot began to develop. Their younger sister, A, is 8yo and in the 2nd grade. Middle brother and A have tugged at my heartstrings since the day they arrived on our campus! I have always said if they needed a place to go, I'd take them in a heartbeat.

They are sweet, kind, loving children. Last year all the children were removed from the home for a time and farmed out to relatives. The only one who was not placed with relatives was the sister, A. She went to a foster home. This broke my heart! While they were dispersed, her brother called me on my phone (I had given him my number in case he ever needed anything) and said, "Just take care of A. I don't know where she is and I want to know she's OK." So so sweet! I did, in fact, watch out for her during that stint in foster care.

At that time, I thought I needed to look into what it would take to bring her to my home. DH and I were foster parents though in the 90's in another county, so I thought it would be too difficult to re-up our license so fast. I did nothing about it and she eventually was returned to her relatives along with her cousins and siblings.

Circumstances this week led them to be removed from their home once again. I cannot go into the entire situation here, but suffice it to say it's not good. Although she's with extended family, they are looking for a place for A to go.

While relaying this story to me, and knowing my connection to the family, the counselor at my school talked to me yesterday afternoon and asked if my foster care license was still good. It is not. It has lapsed---really lapsed. Our last foster child lived with us in 1993 in another city--before DS 3 was even born!

Still, I went home that night and talked with DH. It wasn't quite what he was expecting---but he was willing to see what the possibilities are. We talked to the boys in a family meeting after that. There wasn't one person in my house who wasn't willing to make A a part of our family!

I have to tell you my boys' reaction was so sweet. When we called him at school, DS 1 said, "Mom paint my room pink. She can have it. She needs a family and ours is a great one to go to." DS 3 said, "She might get scared at night. I'll move to DS 1's room so she can be closer to your room in case she needs you at night." I might add that DS 1's room is smaller than his room. DS 2 said, "I am just sad that I won't be here for all of her growing up years." DS 4 said, "Wow! I wonder if she's a 'girlie girl'?" followed by "I could help her with her homework!"

I have to also add that they ALL noted that it was quite a "sneaky way" for me to get a pink room! I love my boys so much!

We agreed to see what the possibilities are by calling the agency the very next day. I prayed that night that if this is what God wants for our family and for A, that it will happen. It will be nothing short of a miracle if it is able to all fall into place. I mean this is government. There is paperwork. There are hoops to jump through. If it happens, the placement could be a day, a week, a month, or a lifetime. We have no way of knowing that at this point. We understand the system and will have to work within it.

The next morning, I talked to our school counselor who talked with the case worker. She asked me to call her. I couldn't believe how FAST the entire thing sped up! It turns out that we can take her on a "non-relative emergency placement" with a few steps: fingerprints and a home study.

While on the phone with the caseworker, she gave me more history than I knew before. My heart broke even MORE for these kids. She even asked me if we'd be interested in adopting A--if it ever came to it!

DH came to my school that afternoon to at least intersect with her since he may not be here when she is placed with us. She walked with us and talked to us for quite a while. Wednesday we were fingerprinted.

Wednesday night, the boys and my FIL helped move all the furniture in the bedrooms to make it ready for her to come to our home. This included completely taking beds apart to get them out of one room and into another. Teachers at my school who know started bringing me "girl stuff". Yesterday, we had our home study. It seems that it will all happen early next week!

I'm amazed...simply amazed!!! The mountains have just moved this week in such big ways. I believe that is a beautiful picture of what we are supposed to do as Christians...reach out. So, I'm asking you, if you are a "pray-er", to continue to pray for our family. Pray for A. Pray for her family.

We are trusting that we can be her "for-now family". If it comes to the place where she is available for adoption, then we will seek to become her forever family. We can't see down the road at this time. We only see this step. And we are excited to make it together!

Earnestly Praying Today...

I have a prayer on my heart today. I cannot share the details and specifics here...but I am asking that if you are also a "pray-er" that you would just ask for God's will to be done in this situation. Let me assure you that ALL IS WELL. I know that HE does know the details and the specifics and that He CAN move mountains that need to move if necessary. Thanks, everyone!

Prayer Requests...and Our Response

I noticed something the other day. In the span of a few hours, I saw two different “prayer requests” hit the Internet between four different people. For the purposes of my observations, I’m going to call these four people by make-believe names:

Requa – requestor # 1
Questa – requestor #2

Cippy – recipient #1
Reci – recipient #2

Requa and Questa both put their prayer requests online to their respective group of readers and friends. In both cases, the requests were simple but non-specific.

Cippy responded to Requa’s request to “pray for her family” with this message: “I’ll pray, but names and specific situations are important and help greatly.”

Reci responded to Questa’s request to “pray for me” with this message: “I’m praying. Whatever your need is, God knows and He loves you. Let me know if I can help.”

I have seen responses like Cippy’s once too often when someone asks for prayer. The truth is, God DOES know. He doesn’t need US to give HIM specifics. In my opinion, Cippy’s response crossed a line. It is heading toward NOSEY. If Requa wanted to be specific, I’m sure she would have.

Reci’s response, in my opinion, is the one that ALL Christians should have when asked to pray. If, and when, Questa wants to share more about her situation, Reci has left the door open. More importantly, though, GOD does KNOW. And when we can honestly say we will pray even when we don’t know the specifics, I think it shows a certain level of faith and trust that HE CAN work in any situation. And that HE doesn’t need US to fill him in!

I confess, I have been in the situation where I was more curious than anything when someone asked me to pray, but didn’t “fill me in”. I try not to poke and prod, but I can’t say I have always been successful at this. I think, as I’ve grown in my faith, I work to respond more as the person who simply takes the request for what it is…a true heart-felt request. And, I DO pray for the requestor.

So, why am I writing this? I am not completely sure. It's simply what's on my heart and mind today.

I do believe that “prayer requests” have a very REAL danger of becoming gossip and meddling. I've seen many instances of this over my years in Christian circles. And I know when someone asks us to pray, we have a very real choice to make. We can be supportive of them where they are and offer to lend a true listening ear if, and when, it’s needed. Or, we can become meddlesome and possibly more damaging to a person in need.

It’s a fine line. May we all walk it well.

When the Glacier Melts...

For those of you who have been following our "pre-Alaskan Adventure", you may be surprised to learn that things took a new twist this morning.

DH made arrangements for our "Plan B" of travel. He rebooked airline flights, planned several daytrips, extended our hotel stay in Anchorage. I, on the other hand, took the kids to the Science Museum--determined to do some little "staycations" while we awaited our departure next week.

On my way to the museum, DH called and said, "She called, and we have a spot. Do you want to go tomorrow?" The glacier was melting, the only thing we had to see is if we were willing to CHANGE back all of our plans to "plan A" with the exception of finding a new flight, since , according to the original plan A, we'd be part of the way there by the time we found this out.

DH called her back to be sure we'd have a balcony and that the plane would work. When he looked online it looked like there is a flight leaving tomorrow morning at o'dark hundred, but it was pretty full, so he wanted to be sure I'd be OK not sitting together.

Now, are you ready for this?

The upgrade for our room is ONE UP from the original one I made that caused all this trouble to begin with and is LESS than the original upgrade cost. OK...it's m--eeee---llll--tt--ii---n--ggg.

The plane fare was able to be charged to DH's mileage plan at no cost...and he's able to have a credit for a future flight...much better deal than paying the high price to switch itineraries last minute. m--eeee---llll--tt--ii---n--ggg...

There are two seats together on all flights. AND we don't have to do the little prop job that he had originally booked. Rather than THREE planes to get there, it's only going to take two. (I think this is more than "melting"...it's like HUGE CHUNKS of ice falling right into the water.)

AND...he was able to get the hotel stay at the end of the trip, before we do the now infamous train ride, on points as well. MELTED!!

We're booked...we're leaving tomorrow...God is good...

And I'm thanking HIM in a big way!

Update

Here's the latest on our trip:

When I went to upgrade the room this past Spring, there was a SMALL charge. I thought the lady told me she took care of all of it via my account during the phone call, but apparently she did not. Therefore, it looked like we had an outstanding balance on our trip. If you don't "pay" by a certain date, then your trip is cancelled. This is what happened to us. (I will not go into just how teensy weensy the fraction of the cost of a total cruise this balance was, but suffice it to say, it was less than any one of you might believe.)

There are still no rooms on the ship. They have tried to switch dates, but we simply can't make that happen since we have a train trip that is non-refundable/transferable. Last week three customers canceled their cruise last minute (within 3 - 5 days of sailing). Today is five days before.

We are first on the waiting list to get in should anyone cancel their reservation. We have a new "friend" at Carnival who will be checking for us each and every day to see if someone cancels.

If they do not cancel, and we still have no room, DH and I will shift our dates and flight destination so that we can still do the train. Then we will take a cruise in the Gulf in July. With this plan, we'll still get to see a small part of Alaska...just for a shorter time.

All in all the cruise company is being as helpful as I think we could expect them to be.

I know it will all work out...and am thankful that we will be able to use our voucher for "something" even if this isn't it. Still praying for the "glacier" to move if it can.

Prayer Request

We have bumped into a "Glacier Sized" snafu in our cruise plans for next week. I know these notices on my blog send family into a frenzy to find out "what's going on". I'll elaborate later, but currently there is "NO ROOM in the CARNIVAL INN" with our name on it. The reason I am posting now is to ask for prayer from those of you who are "pray-ers". Please pray that the mountain will move and all will work out.

And if it doesn't move, then will you agree with me that we are able to figure out a realistic and amenable "plan B"?

Thank you!

Phantom Anxiety

It’s not uncommon to hear those who have lost a limb talk about phantom pain. This is that sensation that the limb is actually there and a part of the person. It’s even been reported that amputees often feel tingling, itching and other sensations from missing limbs. There is a body of research out there that indicates that this is not always “in the head”…but that there may be some physiological reasons for it.

I don’t know about you, but I think sometimes I assume “Phantom Emotions”. They, for me, are those times when I see or hear someone else going through something and automatically assume that I “might” have to deal with the same thing someday. Quite honestly, I think it’s WRONG. The Bible tells us that we are not to worry or be anxious. I know God has the number of hairs on my head counted out. He has a plan for me. He knows my thoughts, my fears and my dreams. And He loves me. Yet there are those moments when I find myself wrestling with “self” as I panic and worry without a real cause—it’s a type of “Phantom Anxiety”. It happens almost without warning when I hear of the tragedies of others.

Today is one of those days for me.

I woke up this morning to hear the radio announcer tell the listeners that we need to be praying for a local pastor and his family. The Pastor, it seems, went to visit his Mother for Mother’s Day in North Carolina. Then, he and his 13 year old son left early Monday morning in their small plane to head to Arkansas and pick up a friend on their way to Texas for a Conference. The person in Arkansas reported that they “never showed up” and thus the search and rescue started yesterday afternoon. Today, they found the wreckage of the plane and the bodies of the pastor and his son.

My heart breaks for the wife and mother that is left behind. She has lost one of her six children and her soul mate. I can only picture what five sisters and brothers must be asking today, “Why?”

And while I pray earnestly for her comfort and peace during this most difficult time, I confess that I tend to heap the “what if’s” into my thought life during this type of thing. It doesn’t take long until I am wallowing in a load of anxiety about my own husband and children.

This happens for me when the tragedy is something that I know could have just as easily happened to me or my own family. It surfaces when a young person is tragically injured or dies in a car crash, when a small child drowns in a pool, or when someone is severely mistreated by another. It happens when I hear about a bank robbery, a parade mishap, or a senseless act of violence. When I really dig down to find out WHY it happens, I realize that it is about control.

I know that I am not in control. I also know that sometimes awful things DO happen in our world to some really good people. While I try to cast my worry aside, it’s often easier said than done. But worry helps no one. It cannot add a minute to my life or yours.

So I must find a way to guard my heart from the speculation game and what-if’s that plague me. I must find a way to trust. And rest. And know that He IS God who can and will take away my phantom anxiety!

I cannot believe that I am the only woman who deals with worry. In fact, I would guess that most of us have experienced this to one degree or another in our lives. I don’t know of an instant remedy, but I DO know that Christians can rest in God’s promises. Because step by step and inch by inch I know I can be better today than I was yesterday. Today I choose to rest and reflect on scripture:

One I found on the church’s website: 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 8:38-39

And the other is simply an “old favorite” for me: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus Philippians 4:5-6

And such truth is not phantom at all!

Because some readers have inquiring minds...

First off, in regards to my last post, I DO have a cell phone charger. It wasn't working yesterday because I was in DS 1's car where the fuse blew. I'm happy to report my cell phone is making its way back to normal today--since I am in my own car that has a working plug.

Now, my post on Monday apparently sent a few of my family members into a bit of a flurry of wonder. In that post, I noted:

In the meantime, there are some big decisions being made here in our house
that I cannot discuss here yet. It's nothing "bad"...only a change in direction.
Please pray for our family as we help work through what steps to take in the
next few weeks.

I received several phone calls asking if everything was OK. And the answer is "Yes"! We are not sick, pregnant, or moving! Trust me, if any of those things were happening, I'd have said a lot more in my initial post! In fact, if either of the latter two were true, I probably would have been announcing my new "straight jacket" apparel! ;-)

In some ways, it feels a bit anti-climatic to share it...but here goes (with my DS 2's permission):

M came to us on Sunday evening at 10pm (gotta love the times they pick, don't you?) and said he needed to talk to us. My heart went back to normal when he told us that he was a bit unsettled about his decision to go to school in MI. He said, and I quote, "The two most important things to me are family and friends. I don't know WHY I'd move 1500 miles away from those." He had been praying and seeking direction and determined that he wanted to stay in Florida for school.

Of course, we were shocked, mainly because six months ago there were "no good schools in Florida!" (Sorry, son, I'm the Mom, and I had to get that one in!) And because of this former opinion, he had not applied anywhere else EXCEPT the one school in Michigan! Timing is sometimes everything...because the school formerly known as "U Can't Finish" (which is here in the Sunshine State)---but now being acknowledged with the rest of the collegiate world, as "UCF," was still accepting applications. We submitted Monday night.

In another turn of events, DS 1 has not been able to ship out and may not be able to go for quite some time. So, he has decided that he also will apply at "U CAN Finish" I mean UCF and perhaps go live with his brother. In one fell swoop I was taken back to a time when they were much younger, and sharing a room, and DS 2 announced, "I'm going to have to go to college with D, because we've never been apart." And pretty much he was (and is) right. They have been "friends" since we first brought DS 1 into the hospital to meet his brother.

Now, before I go all sappy and sentimental on you, let me say thank you for your prayers. I am thankful that we have such a fantastic family and so many supportive friends both IRL and here in blog world. Mostly I am so proud of "my guys" who are growing into such well-rounded and thoughtful human beings. I appreciate your continued prayers as they both seek out the next steps in their journey and we seek to provide guidance and wisdom.

Now everyone continue what you were doing....

Friday...Feeling Fine and Frustrated

I'm feeling "fine and frustrated" all at once! I am "fine" on the homefront, actually I'm ecstatic because I found my floor!! I ordered it and hopefully it will be in over the next week to ten days. Pray it gets installed by next Friday for me, will you? If not, then it will have to be the week after which isn't the "best timing" for me....but still better than May!

It's a very cool story, because when I "let it go" the other day, there was suddenly an entire new vendor added to the store that I have been using. She called me. I stopped by and I loved not ONE but FOUR! I was able to bring it home...felt one was a perfect match...AND it was cheaper than the one that we originally were going to select. God is good!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm frustrated because our county is going through HUGE budget cuts that will result in teacher lay-offs. There are people in my school who will not be able to work in our school next year. There are also people whose jobs will change drastically in the next year. I don't know how this will impact me or my job...but suffice it say that it WILL impact. It's hard, because I love my school and I love the people there. We are family. Please pray for this situation.

Specifically I am praying for peace for the administrators that have to make these huge cuts (at the district's direction). I'm praying for those who may not have a job next year--our youngest teachers. I'm praying for those whose jobs will change drastically next year and thus may choose to do something totally different.

Have a great Friday!

We Interrupt TT....

I was working on my "H" list when my DSs 1 and 2 called to say that DS 2 has been injured in the indoor soccer game tonight. They think it could be his ACL...DH is on his way to meet them at the hospital (an "ugly" H word) and I'll keep you posted.

In the meantime, please pray for my DS 2. He's had more than his share of injury this year.

Hugs,

Susan

(Update: The ER sent DS home and told him to see a Sports Med person if he's still in pain in a couple of days. Seems to be soft tissue.)

Pray for Jen

Melli posted a prayer request for Jen over at her blog and that made me think that it would be a good idea to spread it around for as many people as possible to pray for our friend today. Melli wrote:

Our beautiful Jen from ... a work in progress is in surgery first thing this morning - she is getting her 2nd Cochlear Implant today - and she's very excited about it! Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers this morning for a VERY successful surgery with NO complications. Thank you!

Here are Jen and I just after meeting at our Blogging Babes Tour last month. She is an AMAZING woman with an absolutely sweet spirit! She is the mother of five children and this past week she has been re-doing her house like a mad woman. I know I am impressed and blessed each time I go and read her blog.

So, if you can, pray for Jen as she goes through surgery this morning and then as she recovers over the next couple of days.

Thursday Thirteen #38

Thirteen Things I've learned about Heather!!

This is a special TT that Sally started for my SIL, Heather. Heather's fighting cancer right now and we're all believing that she is going to beat it. I decided to take a different angle to my list as I realize that I have learned and confirmed a lot about Heather since she started blogging (thanks again, for introducing me to this great vehicle, Heather!).
1. She loves the Lord and isn't afraid to share it with others.
2. She is determined far more than many people I know.
3. She loves her kids and works hard to give them wide experiences.
4. She loves her husband and sets an example for others.
5. Her ability to record her family's story via scrapbooking (and stay on top of it) amaze me!
6. She loves good music.
7. Family and friends are very important to her.
8. She enjoys participating and serving at church and in the community.
9. She's talented at making things (a la the dinosaur tote bags, blankets, and such she's made for my DSs.)
10. She's a life-long learner.
11. She enjoys the theater.
12. She's very close with her sisters--a special bond that many don't have.
13. She is a fighter...and I agree with Sally...she's going to beat this thing.

If you get a chance this week, would you whisper a prayer for Heather? Pray for her healing. Pray for her family as they move to Florida. Pray for her children as they watch their Mother go through this journey. Pray for strength and peace that passes all understanding.

Blessings, Heather.

More Prayer Requests

Last month, I put this request up on my blog. Today, I am asking you to please continue to remember my SIL, Heather and her family. Heather is facing more medical treatment and chemo. Of course, anytime, this would be stressful, but add the holidays in and I'm sure that doesn't make it easier. You can visit her blog to read a great post about the shock and awe she has experienced in the last couple of days.

Thank you, in advance, for your prayers on her behalf.

All is Well....

Thanks for your prayers. Dad came through his surgery fine. I am now thinking this is when the tough part starts.

It's nice to know there's so much support from so many people.

Sunday's Random Reflections...

As I indicated in my last post, my Dad will be having Open Heart Surgery on Monday. My brother came in from Texas and we will all be there during the surgery. Since the kids cannot go on Monday, my family all went up yesterday to see him.

I must say, they don't make hospitals like they used to!! This area (the heart center) is brand new. His room is huge. There is a monitor on a swing arm by his bed. On that monitor is the phone, the Internet, the TV, and the Remotes to run them all. He came out to the lobby to visit everyone (there's just too many of us for even a large room). He didn't have to push a monitor. The heart monitor is small and clips to his waistband.

Although they will do quite a few bypasses (4 - 6), it sounds like the doctor is confident that this will be relatively routine. As he said, "I'll have the equivalent of a brand new heart." That's a good thing. The doctor says (if he cooperates) that he can drive in two weeks and play golf in six. Now, I'd say that's progress. When my Grandparents each had their surgery, I KNOW they weren't doing stuff that quick.

I was thinking about that "brand new heart" thing on my way home last night. Isn't it true that if WE want a brand new heart (new attitudes, feelings, and ways of thinking) that we need to do about the same thing as a heart patient?

Dad is spending the weekend in the hospital so they can clean out his lungs. This means no smoking, no sodium, etc. If we're going to have new hearts, we too must "clean out" the junk that is there in preparation.

After the surgery, of course, there will have to be lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, etc.). The same is true for the non-surgical brand new heart, isn't it? We have to change our thinking, look through new eyes, and exercise love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control.

Keep praying for my Dad. But also, I'm hoping that for those of us who need a "change of heart" we'll ask for and receive one. It could transform our world!

Prayer Request

For those of you who pray, I am asking you to pray for my Dad. He is in the hospital waiting on heart bypass surgery on Monday morning. I talked to him this morning and he is saying they are looking at 4 - 6 bypasses.

I'll blog more updates later.

Prayer Requests

I'm going to ask anyone who reads this post, to send up a special prayer for my SIL, Heather. She's experiencing some health issues and could use some prayers. Hope you are feeling better soon, Heather.

Also, say a special prayer for my cyberfriend, Mary. She lost her 47 year-old Father-in-Law in a tragic accident this week.

Please pray for peace for both of these situations. Thank goodness we serve a God who loves us and wants to hold us when things are rough.

Blessings!

More Sad News....

OK...it seems like when it rains, it pours, you know?

I got a call this morning from a very dear friend of mine. Her daughter is 30 weeks pregnant. This has been a high risk pregnancy from the start due to many many health issues of the mother. She has miscarried several times in the past. This baby, though, little Ben, has "made it" to this viable part of the pregnancy.

Yesterday, Ben and his mother, were admitted to our local hospital. She was diagnosed with Toxemia and they began medication to lower the blood pressure.

I just got the evening update from my friend. The doctors are "not concerned" about Ben. They are pumping her with steroids in an effort to help develop his lungs for this early delivery. They are saying that Ben weighs 4 pounds. Now, they are VERY CONCERNED about Ben's mother. Her kidneys are starting to shut down and there is swelling in the brain.

PLEASE...PLEASE...PLEASE say a prayer for this family!!!!!! They need a miracle. My heart is heavy for all of them. Please pray that little Ben's delivery goes well and the doctors in the NICU are able to care for him. Pray for Ben's Mom.

I appreciate it. Thanks to all, in advance.

Prayer Request

This past weekend a family that I know had to deal with something that I know has been very difficult. Their middle son (they have three) was in a near fatal car wreck. He is in a coma in the hospital. Today, people here are conducting a 24 hour prayer vigil for David and his life. PLEASE, if you have a moment, stop and pray for this young man. There is no telling how long this will take and how much damage has been done as most of his injury seems to be brain trauma. I am pasting our latest update on David---from his mother---below:

Isiah 40:20 my friend gave me last night.
God give strength to the weary and power to the weak.
I GOT 7 HOURS SLEEP LAST NIGHT!! I am good to go. We are not allowed to be with David from 6p to 9P and then in the morning 6a to 9a... that is when Oscar sleeps. Otherwise one of us is there.

After talking to the police, paramedic and the Bayflight tech came in to see Oscar in the middle of the night. Then the trauma Dr. all told us yesterday that from the very on-site of the scence - David was posturing (sp) - which is a sign of dying. That's why they wouldn't let me anywhere near the scence, they were waiting for an advocate to come be with me to share the bad news.

This is almost day 5 - and the Life/Death situation he was in I believe is over. Today he has a cat scan to see if the brain is absorbing the blood, if it is they will take out the monitor that's screwed into his head.

He is still in a coma on the respirator and they talked about a trach maybe early next week (which would be more comfortable for him). He is still in a coma, and now we just wait to see how much of DAvid we have left. (of Course I believe we will have 100%).

He has big mittens on now because he got ahold of his tube and almost pulled it out.

Daniel and I were telling him last nigt that Bill McLain (his publix manager) has been calling and we told him he could "close" every night of the week". (David fights us all the time about working more, working later, he loves Publix) - He hasn't opened his eyes but for the first time he was blinking!!! We had to laugh. We told the lady if your trying to wake him talk about PUBLIX.

They keep telling us it could be weeks or months before he starts to come back to us. But they don't know David and his determination. Of all my boys, if you tell him he can't or isn't able to do something.... he does it in double time.

Ok, thanks everybody for keeping us up in prayer... we feel it. We are doing fine and feel loved. Oscar especailly has loved the e-mails and cards you have forwarded to my sister - it helps the night go a little faster. We love hearing all the "DAVID" stories.

Love,
Lisa

I can't even imagine what this family must be going through right now. I DO know that they have a VERY strong faith and are trusting God for a miracle for their son. Let's join them in believing that as well.

Thanks!!