Todd and I covet your prayers for Todd's dad Bruce. Bruce is in the hospital with several issues, the biggest one at this point being his heart. He had a heart attack, and we are awaiting the results of the echocardiogram to determine the extent of the damage to his heart. It is a possibility that if he regains enough strength they will put in stents.
I spoke with Betty (Todd's mom) this afternoon, and she sounded pretty good, but of course is wondering what lies ahead. Please pray that Bruce will regain the strength that he needs to get the best treatment for his heart, and that he and the doctors will have wisdom as they determine the best course of treatment. Please also pray for strength and rest for Betty as she spreads her time between home and the hospital.
Todd and Adam will be flying out to Phoenix for a few days next week to spend time with the family out there, so pray for safety for them as they travel as well. The Bible says that the prayers of a righteous man are powerful and effective -- Let's prove it right once again! Thanks so much!
Friday, January 25, 2008
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Patience and prayer
My women's small group just finished up "The Power of a Praying Woman." In the last chapter Stormie Omartian writes a wrap-up letter of encouragement and inspiration. There were two paragraphs that jumped out at me.
"Don't be discouraged if things don't happen as far as you would like them to. They never do. God wants you to learn patience. Our perspective is temporal. His is eternal. So don't be concerned if your are not seeing all that you want in response to your prayers. You will. If you draw close to God and do what He asks you to do, if you worship Him in spirit and truth, if you love others and give of yourself to them, if you speak God's Word in faith and pray, you will see God's blessings poured out on your life.
I believe that we are denied certain things for a time because God wants us to fervently pray and intercede for them. That's because He wants to do something great in response to our prayers. Do you remember how Hannah prayed long and fervently for a child (I Sam. 1:1-28)? When God finally answered her prayer, it wasn't just any child who was born. Samuel was one of the world's greatest prophets and most influential judges in Israel's history. If she had not prayed so fervently, that might not have happened. There may be things that won't happen in your life unless you are praying that long and fervently too."
So once again the "P" word (patience) crops up. I wish I'd hurry up and learn all I'm supposed to learn about it so I can move on... :)
"Don't be discouraged if things don't happen as far as you would like them to. They never do. God wants you to learn patience. Our perspective is temporal. His is eternal. So don't be concerned if your are not seeing all that you want in response to your prayers. You will. If you draw close to God and do what He asks you to do, if you worship Him in spirit and truth, if you love others and give of yourself to them, if you speak God's Word in faith and pray, you will see God's blessings poured out on your life.
I believe that we are denied certain things for a time because God wants us to fervently pray and intercede for them. That's because He wants to do something great in response to our prayers. Do you remember how Hannah prayed long and fervently for a child (I Sam. 1:1-28)? When God finally answered her prayer, it wasn't just any child who was born. Samuel was one of the world's greatest prophets and most influential judges in Israel's history. If she had not prayed so fervently, that might not have happened. There may be things that won't happen in your life unless you are praying that long and fervently too."
So once again the "P" word (patience) crops up. I wish I'd hurry up and learn all I'm supposed to learn about it so I can move on... :)
Monday, January 21, 2008
Amazing life
I am blessed. Every time I think about posting an update, my mind is full of ideas and wonderful things to share. Is everything always wonderful? No, of course not, I'm still human (though not forever!). I choose to focus on the things that bring me joy and peace, and here are a few of them.
Todd Jr. was home for Christmas break, which was wonderful. Now that he's gone back to
college, the house is a little quieter and a little bit emptier. I miss the frequent piano concerts, the long talks, and the "perfect" cup of coffee. I find great joy, though, in watching him live out his faith each day as he seeks after God's direction for his life. Ashley came to visit for a couple of days while Todd was home which was really fun. She is a wonderful young woman with a quiet confidence. We went to Bella's together, played Blokus, and shared her with our friends. Can't wait to have her visit again!
Adam is in his final term of high school. He's counting down the weeks. He is on two different indoor soccer teams that start this week, so we'll keep busy with those. He's working on his fundraising for his Kenya mission trip and looking forward to college life. He makes me laugh, sometimes way too hard, especially at myself, and I love our talks about serious things or nothing much at all. He went to Stardust last Saturday which is a girls-ask-the-guys dance with Lindsey who is a close little sister kind of friend. Our families know each other well, and so it was quite funny to show up to take pictures with Marc (Lindsey's dad) decked out in his camo attire with his shotgun. Lindsey is, after all, a freshman, and this was her first "date." Camo, shotgun, enough said. We had document it with a comical picture.
Daniel... If you haven't already, you just have to meet him and spend 10 or 20 minutes talking to him to know what a remarkable young man he is. His wisdom is beyond his years, and he keeps us all on the right track. He has the capacity to love so deeply and unconditionally and has a heart for his classmates that get "left out."
Todd. Where would I be without Todd? He gives me such love and encouragement. He loves to play Blokus (NOT), and has found a new best camping friend (ask him about him). I love to just spend time together, working on projects or just hanging out. He's a man's man and tackled that 250-lb oil tank in the basement this weekend and it is now in pieces on the driveway waiting to be hauled away. We now have a new place for coats and shoes (probably not too exciting for you, but it doesn't take very much to get me excited!). I am blessed to be his wife of 21-1/2 years!
Family... The more I live and speak to other people, the more thankful I am for my extended family. Wonderful parents, in-laws, brothers, sisters. God is so good!
Friends... We met Tom and Kerrie 12 years ago when we moved to Berne. We've shared times of joy and times of sorrow. It's so nice to have a friendship that it solid and secure. There is such freedom in our relationship to be who we are, together or apart, and know that there is always who is praying for us! I have acquired a whole new set of girlfriends over the year and a half who are in my small group. We just finished up "The Power of a Praying Woman," and are having a pajama party this week and then will be starting "Battlefield of the Mind" next week. It's a wonderful group of ladies, young and old, that God has brought together for this season. We laugh, we eat, we cry, we pray - we're women, what else do you expect?
Thank you, God, for my MANY blessings!
Todd Jr. was home for Christmas break, which was wonderful. Now that he's gone back to
college, the house is a little quieter and a little bit emptier. I miss the frequent piano concerts, the long talks, and the "perfect" cup of coffee. I find great joy, though, in watching him live out his faith each day as he seeks after God's direction for his life. Ashley came to visit for a couple of days while Todd was home which was really fun. She is a wonderful young woman with a quiet confidence. We went to Bella's together, played Blokus, and shared her with our friends. Can't wait to have her visit again!Adam is in his final term of high school. He's counting down the weeks. He is on two different indoor soccer teams that start this week, so we'll keep busy with those. He's working on his fundraising for his Kenya mission trip and looking forward to college life. He makes me laugh, sometimes way too hard, especially at myself, and I love our talks about serious things or nothing much at all. He went to Stardust last Saturday which is a girls-ask-the-guys dance with Lindsey who is a close little sister kind of friend. Our families know each other well, and so it was quite funny to show up to take pictures with Marc (Lindsey's dad) decked out in his camo attire with his shotgun. Lindsey is, after all, a freshman, and this was her first "date." Camo, shotgun, enough said. We had document it with a comical picture.
Daniel... If you haven't already, you just have to meet him and spend 10 or 20 minutes talking to him to know what a remarkable young man he is. His wisdom is beyond his years, and he keeps us all on the right track. He has the capacity to love so deeply and unconditionally and has a heart for his classmates that get "left out."
Todd. Where would I be without Todd? He gives me such love and encouragement. He loves to play Blokus (NOT), and has found a new best camping friend (ask him about him). I love to just spend time together, working on projects or just hanging out. He's a man's man and tackled that 250-lb oil tank in the basement this weekend and it is now in pieces on the driveway waiting to be hauled away. We now have a new place for coats and shoes (probably not too exciting for you, but it doesn't take very much to get me excited!). I am blessed to be his wife of 21-1/2 years!
Family... The more I live and speak to other people, the more thankful I am for my extended family. Wonderful parents, in-laws, brothers, sisters. God is so good!
Friends... We met Tom and Kerrie 12 years ago when we moved to Berne. We've shared times of joy and times of sorrow. It's so nice to have a friendship that it solid and secure. There is such freedom in our relationship to be who we are, together or apart, and know that there is always who is praying for us! I have acquired a whole new set of girlfriends over the year and a half who are in my small group. We just finished up "The Power of a Praying Woman," and are having a pajama party this week and then will be starting "Battlefield of the Mind" next week. It's a wonderful group of ladies, young and old, that God has brought together for this season. We laugh, we eat, we cry, we pray - we're women, what else do you expect?
Thank you, God, for my MANY blessings!
Friday, January 11, 2008
The Gift of Life
I just have to share this amazing testimony! We have had the privilege of praying for Owen for the past year and a half. Owen turns 1-year-old this month, and is the grandson of the children's director at our church.
Owen was diagnosed with spina bifida while in utero, and the doctor's prognosis was discouraging. He was also diagnosed with a cleft palate and possible genetic issues. From the day of the diagnosis, Owen's parents rallied the troops in prayer and learned as much as they could about his condition and treatment options for him. Over the past year, Owen has been through many surgeries and hospitalizations, and the doctors have admitted that he has far surpassed their expectations for him.
I had the privilege of seeing this precious little boy on Sunday, and his smile lit up the room. He is a living, breathing miracle!
Now for part two...
I received this e-mail from our children's director yesterday:
Our daughter received this email today and when I got done crying (I) just had to pass it on. God even works through little babies.
Subject: you helped me make the right decision
my daughter was diagnosed with spina bifida last friday. i was leaning towards terminating the pregnancy, but was very unsure. in a moment of desperation i did a search for spina bifida on youtube. i wanted to see what these kids really looked like. your video of owen 0-6months popped up and i watched the whole thing and cried my eyes out. then i watched it again, then made my husband watch it with me. i just want you to know that you and your beautiful little boy have inspired me and have helped me to see that my baby is not a freak of nature. she is a perfect little girl. and i am keeping my baby. god bless you and owen.
lola
Here is the link to her ultrasound video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXUuGsNLjWA
How cool is that! You never know what God will use.
Jen (Owens's mom)
We serve an amazing God!
Owen was diagnosed with spina bifida while in utero, and the doctor's prognosis was discouraging. He was also diagnosed with a cleft palate and possible genetic issues. From the day of the diagnosis, Owen's parents rallied the troops in prayer and learned as much as they could about his condition and treatment options for him. Over the past year, Owen has been through many surgeries and hospitalizations, and the doctors have admitted that he has far surpassed their expectations for him.
I had the privilege of seeing this precious little boy on Sunday, and his smile lit up the room. He is a living, breathing miracle!
Now for part two...
I received this e-mail from our children's director yesterday:
Our daughter received this email today and when I got done crying (I) just had to pass it on. God even works through little babies.
Subject: you helped me make the right decision
my daughter was diagnosed with spina bifida last friday. i was leaning towards terminating the pregnancy, but was very unsure. in a moment of desperation i did a search for spina bifida on youtube. i wanted to see what these kids really looked like. your video of owen 0-6months popped up and i watched the whole thing and cried my eyes out. then i watched it again, then made my husband watch it with me. i just want you to know that you and your beautiful little boy have inspired me and have helped me to see that my baby is not a freak of nature. she is a perfect little girl. and i am keeping my baby. god bless you and owen.
lola
Here is the link to her ultrasound video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXUuGsNLjWA
How cool is that! You never know what God will use.
Jen (Owens's mom)
We serve an amazing God!
Sunday, January 6, 2008
December Wrap-Up
I realize it's been far too long since I have posted. December just kind of got away from me. So I've decided not to belabor the issue and get back on track with a top-10 list for December, from where I left off on my last post, in chronological order:
6. Mom was able to come and spend two weeks back here. She arrived on Christmas Eve, and left earlier today. It was a wonderful visit!
10. Todd Jr turned 20. I know, it's so hard to believe, especially since I look 29, but yes, it's true! Where has the time gone?
9. Adam signed his letter of intent for Huntington College. He will be playing soccer with possible
majors in Youth Ministry or Recreation and Sports Ministry. He also found out that he has enough credits to graduate after three terms, so he'll be done with high school in March and then will work, and then graduate with his class on June 1st. http://www.huntington.edu/athletics/msoccer/0708/0708Results/McLaughlin_sign.htm
8. Daniel's on again, off again middle school Christmas program. The weather kept us guessing, but we finally caught a break and got to see it. My favorites -- the recorder band and the 12 days of Christmas - 4th grade style.
majors in Youth Ministry or Recreation and Sports Ministry. He also found out that he has enough credits to graduate after three terms, so he'll be done with high school in March and then will work, and then graduate with his class on June 1st. http://www.huntington.edu/athletics/msoccer/0708/0708Results/McLaughlin_sign.htm8. Daniel's on again, off again middle school Christmas program. The weather kept us guessing, but we finally caught a break and got to see it. My favorites -- the recorder band and the 12 days of Christmas - 4th grade style.
7. Todd came home from Bethel. The piano has had a work out, and the house has been filled with music. I've enjoy heart-to-heart talks and shopping trips.
6. Mom was able to come and spend two weeks back here. She arrived on Christmas Eve, and left earlier today. It was a wonderful visit!
5. Christmas was, of course, wonderful! If you haven't played Blokus, go get it. It's fun and addicting!
4. Bella's Restaurant on the lake. Come visit us, and we'll take you there!
3. Jigsaw puzzles. I helped mom with one at our house. I think she did about four over at Jeni's. She's a pro.
2. Not being a public speaker by nature, I survived presenting a 3-minute update on our prayer ministry at our church without passing out! Don't tell anyone, but I kind of enjoyed it!
1. New Year's Eve at home. Rachel came over to hang out with Adam, and Tom, Kerrie, Josiah came over to hang out with us. Although I did doze off briefly around 11:00, we decided to bring in the New Year with communion, and thanksgiving for a blessed year. Then we watched the ball drop... and were in bed by 12:10. We are party animals!?!
And so wraps up 2007. God is good!
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