Blessings - Laura Story

Update on our friends, Mary & Dave

As of the most recent conversation with Mary, Dave's pain was under control at a bearable level and he was home.  Losing his hair from the chemo, but considering everything, that seems to be the least of his worries.

Before Dave was discharged from the hospital, Mary attended our SS class cookout the Saturday preceeding the 4th of July festivities.  I actually caught some video of her running in and out of the sprinkler.  For those of us who know Mary, it's very difficult to catch her on camera at any time, so I know she was having a great time.

Please continue to pray for Dave.  I believe he has a good team handling his treatment and trust that God will help Dave get through this.  He is one of the most positive followers of Christ I know.

Dave, when you are well enough to meet with us again... I look forward to returning the favor of treating you to lunch and allowing you to talk while I eat!  I'm still working on listening more and talking less, but I have to admit that is a very bad habit that I have to break.  I'm waiting on my "buddy" to hold me accountable!

Please send up prayers for Dave & Mary (Froese) Whittaker

Mary called and could not talk for a long period because she was waiting for a call about Dave's pain. 

Since they have a multitude of friends across the country, I suppose we should not overwhelm them with phone calls right now.

Just pray for relief of Dave's pain and comfort for Mary.

Update 6/4: ~Lyn Coody~Flowers for a friend

6/4 (Fri)
Spoke with Marie.  She said Hospice told them Lyn would not live through Thurs night,
but she did!  It was Lyn's birthday and Marie told me so many friends sent Lyn, cards,
balloons and flowers.... so many beautiful flowers.

Darwin's procedure is rescheduled for this coming week.

Please continue to pray for Darwin, Marie and Marcia.  That's what Lyn would want.

Still not ruling out a miracle.  Only God knows his plan for us.

5/28 (Fri)
Marie said same news as last week, no change.  Darwin's procedure rescheduled for another week.
Please continue to pray for this family we love so much

5/21
Update on Lyn.... I spoke with Marie Friday afternoon.  It was not a good day.
Lyn was in severe pain. 

Hospice is doing everything possible to keep her comfortable.

Marie said they don't need any food, just prayer.  Lot's of prayer!

From my previous communications with Lyn, I know HER prayer is for her parents.

She is ready to see Jesus, but she is more concerned about the grief her family will experience...
Isn't that just like Lyn?

Darwin is having a heart procedure this week, so he needs prayer as well. 

It is very stressful for Lyn's parents to see her suffer this way.

I'm sure cards and letters would be appreciated.

Time heals all wounds - Tears are a language

Sometimes it seems to take forever for me to understand the purpose in my life.  Today, God answered so many prayers in spite of severe pain, that it was almost too much for me to take in.

The most significant answer came in a simple ride in a car my brother bought for Jenna.  Most of all, it was so wonderful to have about 15mins to quietly talk and enjoy the fresh air.

I really didn't pay attention to half of the places we passed.  I just enjoyed my best friend from childhood.

Song: Tears are a language (with lyrics)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5fdv2bMbJk

The Unknown Road

One night someone talked me into getting on a road we found and just keep driving to see where it took us, then try to find our way back.  I don't remember exactly where it took us, and I don't recall whose car we were driving... therefore, I do not even know which of us drove!  (I think she did, because she is the one that got the bright idea!)

Needless to say, being in my sophmore year of college, neither of us had a reliable car... at least the weather wasn't bad.  It was a crisp fall evening, my favorite season. 

Evening turned to black before we got back, but what an adventure!  We laughed as we curved around open roads with absolutely nothing around us... just barren land.  Maybe she remembers the exact location, but I do know it was north of Mercy Hospital and with the growth, it must have some new home or business there now.

I met her when I was in the third grade.  We had to move away from the east coast, but we moved back in the middle of my Jr year of high school.  She and I picked up like we had never been apart.  She had plans to attend the same college I decided on when I was in Texas... yep, good 'ole BNC/SNU!

We only had about 8 months before she would be leaving.  She lived in a 3rd floor townhouse in the town where I attended Vo-Tech school and I lived on a farm about 30 miles away!  We packed so much into those few months

We've had many "life lessons" and may have learned more, than through our education. 

We've been parted and reacquainted so many times since then.  We've laughed and cried, seen lives destroyed and miracles happen.  We shared experiences so different and yet similar during the same period of time, we prayed for Jesus to come back!

Song: I Know Who Holds Tomorrow
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mqx78xd8nU8&feature=related
(I don't know this artist, but I found it to be beautiful)

There is a long road behind us and more unknown roads to come, who knows what great adventures lie ahead? 

Can't wait to see you soon friend.

"He is with you"

As the rain continues to fall, and communities around us are effected by the tornado's that occurred Monday..... I realize we are only in one tiny corner of the world. 


I cannot think of a single person in this entire world that is not associated in some way with poverty, illness, devastation, loss.... the list goes on and on and on.  We ALL hurt.... whether it be physical pain, grief, stress, we all hurt in some way.


Sharing this video by Mandisa... "He is with you".  The words express the various hurts in this world, but assure us there is HOPE for everyone on earth.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2WRjwgsOdo&feature=fvw


Blessings!

Stained Glass Masquerade

I love stained glass. My favorite part of our church are the stained glass windows. 

When we first moved to Bethany, they gave tours of the church and told stories of how and why the windows were created.  I have forgotten the details, but I am reminded of the beauty.

Our choir, referred to as the "Cathedral Choir" sings with the windows reflecting behind them.  What a blessing!

My brother took the most beautiful picture of a stained glass window reflecting against a lit Christmas tree at our Uncle's Memorial Service...
http://www.lightsmithphoto.com/pixelpost/index.php?showimage=168

Recently, I have been blessed by two different ministries who tell stories of stained glass better than I ever could...

Stained Glass Masquerade ( Live ) - Casting Crowns
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvuB0ZPCnNE

Westmoreland Ministries... "Stain Glass" New Reformation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJim1EDfeGE

LeAnn... this reminds me of your beautiful artistry and how God has used you to bless my life!  God's blessings upon all of you who have used your gifts to minister to us!

Flowers for a friend ~ Lyn Coody (Updated 4/18)

We have been praying for you.

We want you to know we love you and wish we could be there, or better yet, that you could be here with us.

If you know Lyn and wish to leave a note, prayer or scripture, please post a comment. She will be seeing these notes periodically.

If you are in communication with Lyn some other way, please continue to use that method.

Tears are a language, God understands

Tonight so much is going on.  Too much to write about. 

I am well and blessed beyond measure tonight, but so many others are not.


All I can think of is this song...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5fdv2bMbJk

Song: I Surrender All (CeCe Winans)

This is CeCe's anointed and magnificent rendition of a powerful hymn entitled "I Surrender All". This is from her award winning debut album, "Alone In His Presence".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IAz9artoBw

God said "No" (received by a relative)

YOU HAVE TO LOVE THIS

I asked God to take away my habit
God said, No.

It is not for me to take away,
but for you to give it up.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.
God said, No.

His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary.

I asked God to grant me patience.
God said, No.

Patience is a byproduct of tribulations;
it isn't granted, it is learned.

I asked God to give me happiness..
God said, No.

I give you blessings;
Happiness is up to you.

I asked God to spare me pain.
God said, No.

Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares
and brings you closer to me.

I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said, No.

You must grow on your own,
but I will prune you to make you fruitful.

I asked God for all things
that I might enjoy life.
God said, No.

I will give you life,
so that you may enjoy all things.

I asked God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me.
God said... Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.

THIS DAY IS YOURS
DON'T THROW IT AWAY

May God Bless You,
'To the world you might be one person,
But to one person you just might be the world'

'May the Lord Bless you and keep you,
May the Lord Make his face shine upon you,
And give you Peace......Forever'

'Good friends are like stars...
You don't always see them, But you know they are always there.

Please turn to page 133 in the hymnal (original Nazarene hymnal)

If my memory serves correct, the page number was 133 (it may have been 333, I'm not sure)... but the song was "Grace, Grace, God's Grace".

I didn't pay much attention to the song because my name was Grace and I felt that somehow, focusing on my name would be disrespectful of God.

In more recent years, the book, "What's so Amazing about Grace" intrigued me.... but, again I placed it in the back of my mind thinking that reading this book would be focusing on myself instead of God.

How foolish am I!

My name is a reminder of some of the most beautiful times in my life and it is OK with God.

-I was named after my Grandmother Grace.
-One of my earliest rememberances is of that song, "God's Grace".
-My neice's middle name is Grace after both my grandmother and myself.

I'm sure I will be editing this list as time goes by. The name Grace is regaining popularity in this generation.

Check out Wikepedia for the definitions of Grace, or any other means you use to research.

God's Grace: A few hundred pupils proclaiming God's grace!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HfDmXyFN1Y

Amazing Grace: (The Blind Boys of Alabama)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pR1tOVd4PCk

Calm before the storm

'til the storm passes over, 'til the thunder sounds no more
'til the clouds roll forever from the sky
hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of thy hand
keep me safe 'til the storm passes by

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKWggfV2tVg&feature=related

Boastfulness

Oh, I know what the bible says but, she's my niece...

Jenna's "invention" was featured at the Science Fair yesterday.  Her invention was shown on the Channel 9 news last evening. 

I couldn't see her face, but I could recognize the voice and had some "inside" information about the project.

So proud and yet so sad, the lazy days of school vacations are over.  Gone is the time of trying to find something to fill up the time when we are together.  The time is so precious.

Now, her schedule is so full, I have to make an appointment to see her!  Friday evening we are going to dinner together and gladly her parents are tagging along. 

It's been so long since I've been together with Jim and his family.  I just can't wait!

Whenever you're in trouble

http://www.donny.com/video/all/whenever_youre_in_trouble

Nothing for me to say today.

Traveling Mercies

A friend is going on a trip...  the kind of trip I've never been able to make, but hope to someday.  If I don't hear your voice before you leave, I am praying for it to be everything you've been praying for. 

And, you know, when you return and I have the details I will be revealing your name here. (wink and smile)

For those of you who don't know who this is... just pray for safety and rest.  Before, during and after the trip.

Free to be me

Long day.... Cox tech repaired phone outlet in kitchen and I got one box unpacked.  Now this would take a normal person about an hour, but me, well...

If it has pictures in it, I can't stop looking at them.  This box contained the belonging off my desk from work, so there were many.  Buried in the bottom of the box was the only high school annual I have seen in years.  I put it aside to look at later.

No good, I couldn't go to sleep until I fanned through the pages.

I am so tired, but wanted to post something light before I go to bed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKSQjSdU8VA
(Francesca Battistelli - Free To Be Me)

Lymphedema

So I can stop explaining...

Definition: Lymphedema
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lymphedema

If you have lymphedema, I highly reccomend the following specialists...

Cardio-Vascular Specialist: Dr. Branislav Schifferdecker
Treats Lymphedema
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4GGLL_enUS314US314&q=dr+branislav+schifferdecker

Previously known as Mercy Heart Hospital: OCA
http://www.ocaheart.com/

Lymphedema Therapist: Don Landis
http://www.zoominfo.com/people/Landis_Don_34685495.aspx

http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4GGLL_enUS314US314&q=don+landis+lymphedema

Thanks for your prayers, Grace

Oooops! I forgot.