~Decisions, Change, and Prayer~

Where to start...except maybe to dive right in. Last August, I started a new job. Well, it just is not working out. So, after a lot of prayer and decisions, I'm looking for a new job.

I have a interview with an agency first thing Monday morning. Please pray that for this job search to be a smooth successful process.

Have a blessed week!

~Prayer~

Jan has been having problems with headaches. These started after her return from MD Anderson. Here is the link to Jan's blog where she is asking prayer. Grammy's Journey.

So, I'm asking for prayer for this to be nothing more than allergy or sinus problems, but also for peace of mind, courage, hope and love.

Thanks

Cheryl

Philippians 4:12-13 ~ "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

~Of Utmost Importance~ Tempt/Tuesday Below~

I wanted to ask a favor. A lot of you may be acquainted with, Tammy Nischan and her son, Nick who is fighting brain cancer. I've been communicating with Tammy some and have been receiving her updates on Nick. I've put a link to Nick and Tammy's blogs at the end of this post.

I asked Tammy if I could Nick's story on my blog, and she has told me I most certainly can. Nick is a 13-year-old young man. I've added Nick's picture also.

Since 2002 Nick has been battling brain cancer. He has had 5 brain surgeries and one spinal surgery since the age of 7. Now 13, Nick continues to face this giant called cancer with a smile and an attitude of victory!

Nick needs a lot of prayers right now. I'm going to insert a BIG portion of Tammy's latest update, so you can read first hand what Nick is facing, and also to see God shine through this young man, at what has to be an extremely difficult journey.

"Dearest, dearest prayer warriors,

I wish I could sit across from each of you and share about today face to face. It is so difficult to type the depth of our emotions at this time - the incredible sadness mixed with supernatural peace that fills our home.

First, I want to share about our weekend. Olivia had two basketbal games on Saturday in Morehead and Nick decided at the last minute that he would go along for the games and meet Evan there to ride home with him from college! I was so excited! I wish you could have seen the faces of the parents from Olivia's team (especially Hope's!) as we walked into the gym and Nick climbed the bleachers to the top! It was such a great day!

Secondly, Nick went to church for the second week in a row, and I was especially thrilled to notice that Nick was singing during worship. Last week he didn't sing, which was fine, but I just remember how much he used to LOVE to sing praises and it just made my heart jump to see him singing again! Sunday night the youth group came to our house again!...

The plan was for Nick to have an IV started at (Kenwood MRI) so that they could do the contrast for his MRI and then leave the needle in for our trip to Children's main branch for bloodwork. We are so happy when they got the needle in on the first try and it had a blood return, but as the nurse was preparing to tape it, she accidentally pulled it out! Ugh! She looked and looked for another vein and then after finding one discovered that their branch was totally out of tubing, so Nick had to go with just a needle for the contrast and then the knowledge of another needle coming at the hospital. He handled it all beautifully!

When we arrived at the hospital and were called back to a room, we waited for a bit and then Maureen (our nurse practitioner) came by to see Nick. In a while she came back and said they would really like to go ahead and put in an IV in case Nick needed a transfusion. This confused us and Nick was not happy. He didn't cry, but I could tell he wanted to. I really wanted to, too. I went out in the hall to find her and see if the needle would be as small as the contrast needle and when I did find her I asked why they thought this. She said she thought Nick looked pale and that she couldn't look me in the eye and tell me that Nick's MRI looked good. She said that Dr. Fouladi would want to talk to me and Tim alone. I had to keep my composure as I returned to the room and gave Nick an update and then I motioned for Tim to step out and told him what she had said. We stayed in the room a bit, and Nick decided he didn't want Emla cream. He just wanted to get it over with just like he had in the morning. Maureen came back to do a physical at some point and was very pleased with Nick's strength. Tim kept making eye contact with me and saying, "Stay strong," because I guess he could sense in my face that I was slipping. I held it together until they took us to the room next door. While they talked with us, we had some in and out conversations with Nick's nurse and determined that they would just do a finger prick and if Nick did need a transfusion we would just have it done at Bellfonte tomorrow. I am sure I am missing details here, but that is the gist of what happened. Anyway, Dr. Fouladi had print outs of Nick's MRI and she was so nice as she explained that the cancer is simply growing very, very rapidly and she fears that doing more chemo will make Nick's blood counts drop so low that it will cause other complications that are not good. The cancer is in his spine in a lot of places. It is all around his brain and going down into his brain....there is a blood clot at one place at the top of his brain from the cancer. Saying all of this, she is AMAZED at how Nick is doing! He rarely even uses Tylenol for pain, and he is totally funny and full of conversation. He is a miracle right this minute, honestly1

I kept from crying for a long time, and even as I began to ask questions, I said, "I don't want to cry," and she said, "It is okay." I think that was all I needed to hear.

After she had talked with Tim and me, she wanted to talk to Nick. She sent me to the bathroom which I couldn't find. I was walking down halls trying to hide the fact that I was crying and every door was an office. I went back the way I came and one nurse practitioner was coming out Nick's little hallway. I said, "I can't find a bathroom," and she took my arm and turmed me around, and it was right in front of me the whole time with the door open. She just said, "Love your heart." I went into the bathroom and literally doubled over sobbing. It was awful. I regrouped as quickly as I could and had another NP get my purse so I could powder my face...I hate when nick sees me cry. He is such a trooper.

Dr. Fouladi told Nick that there was definitely tumors growing and that she feared doing chemo because of his blood counts. We left it at that with him, and he said he didn't have any questions.

Tim and Nick went on out to get the van and then to pick up me and Donnette. Donnette waited in the waiting room while Dr. Fouladi pulled me into a patient room with a curtain and shut the curtain. She is so precious. She looked me straight in the eyes and said, "I want you to know that you have done EVERYTHING possible and right for Nick. I do not want you second-guessing yourself in the middle of the night. If you do, I want you to call me anytime." She hugged me and we both cried....again.

When I got in the van with Nick and Tim it was amazing. Nick was all set to stop at Graeters for ice cream and then he wanted to go home through Lexington and eat at the Good Foods Market Cafe!! He was in great spirits.....he said, "Well, we have some things to look forward to" and then he started listing upcoming tv shows and football games. It was unreal. Later when he got sleepy he said, "I'm tired. I've been up since 8 and gotten bad news three times today." Then he took a little nap. He just keeps such a great spirit about everything. I truly think there are angels all around him strengthening him and bringing a peace that passes understanding. That's all I can think.

I couldn't call mom. I knew I wouldn't be able to hold myself together. We texted back and forth for a long time, and I just ached for her not being with us, because I know how hard it is to NOT be with Nick when he has medical procedures much less receives troubling news. I love you, Mom!

Tonight Nick watched part of the football game while Tim helped Olivia with homework. Then after realizing that her backpack weighed 19 pounds Olivia decided she wanted a backpack with wheels. We knew we had one, but I did not know where it was. So I spent time in the attic and outside in the dark in a shed with a flashlight. Finally, after running out of places to look, I started back through the closets for a second look and sure enough I found it in the very back of a closet behind clothes.! Honestly, a backpack with wheels was the furthest thing from my mind, but in Olivia's world it was huge......balancing normal stress with the stress of Nick's cancer is so hard for me sometimes.

We then all sat down to watch The Amazing Race which we taped last night and Nick loves to watch! It was a great mind-releaser for about an hour. Nick was pretty tired after that, so I came on up with him to sleep. He is sleeping right next to me, and just the sound of his breathing comforts me.

As I lay here tonight, I have to try and find the words that are somehow tangled up in my mind.

First, NICK IS A MIRACLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He has defied the doctors time and time again. Even in July of this year after looking at Nick's petscan, Dr. Fouladi said that Nick should be incapacitated on a morphine drip already. Now, she is just blown away. And the fact that the big tumors are growing "out" rather than "in" means that Nick is still here with us! Thank you, Lord!

Oh, I still pray for a miracle. To wake up and see Nick's head perfectly round..................I just believe God could do it if He so desired.

I do not undertand God's plan. I truly don't. But, I do believe that God is with us............always has been, always will be!

Second, WE NEED YOUR PRAYER!!!!!!!!!!!!!! More than ever.

My eyes are starting to fall asleep as I write, so I will write more tomorrow.

God is still on His throne. Nick is still His child.

My heart is breaking tonight and yet I refuse to stop praying for a full-blown miracle.

Please keep praying with us.

Oh, I love you all so much, and as Dr. Fouladi said today, "Only God knows the time for Nick.....no man....." Isn't that true of all of us? I guess that is what is keeping me going is the reality that NONE of us knows about our tomorrow except for our Creator and He has everything "under control."

I love you all so much, and I have a favor to ask you.

If you have time, can you write a letter to Nick (not saying anything about this latest news) just simply telling him how his life has impacted yours.............

I want him to know how his life is impacting others (present tense) all over the world........"

CONTINUING WITH A SECOND EMAIL FROM TAMMY

"When I ended my email earlier, I just couldn't sleep. I found myself literally walking through our house and spending time on my knees by Olivia's bed crying and then by Todd's bed crying...............I didn't want Nick to hear me. I wanted to call someone, and I know so many of you have said to call you any time day or night, but honestly, the phone ringing at 1:30 in the morning is something I would never do to anyone. And truthfully, what could anyone say at this point.....that is an awful lot of pressure to put anyone under. So, I made it downstairs to our room and woke up Tim which was probably not the most sensitive option, but he is so kind. At first, I think I scared him when he heard me crying. But then, he realized I was just having a hard time. So, we made it out to the new room and I just cried and cried. And Tim just let me say everything I needed to say. And then he shared some thoughts with me that were on his heart and we prayed and then I cried some more.

Now, I am back in bed with Nick with a cold washrag on my forehead and very thankful I decided I couldn't sub tomorrow.

I am writing now simply to say that I am so thankful for the huge army of prayer warriors that Nick has out there in the world because of the Internet and KCU and churches and family and friends, etc. who care and love him so much. I don't think anyone could be more covered in prayer. I really don't.

God has been so evident throughout this entire journey of Nick's. I have to continue to trust and believe that He will not leave or forsake us now.

And I thank all of you for staying so connected to our family.

I guess I just had to write one more time to let you know that, although Tim and I are both brokenhearted to the core, we are NOT without HOPE. We are totally, securely, steadfastly, and unconditionally committed to God and His Son Jesus Christ.

And our prayer is that you are too. Please don't allow Nick's battle to be in vain. If you do not know Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, PLEASE email us so that we can find a church family in your area of the world that can help you become part of God's family.

Clinging to the Cross and Ready for His Return As Soon As Possible!"

We cling to the verse in Psalm 126 that says,
"Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy."

I would ask everyone who reads this, please pray for Nick and his family. Unless you have been there, you can only imagine what they are dealing with. And, if you know someone who does not have Christ in their life, please show this to them.

It is so very true, ONLY GOD, knows the number of our days. Nick is a miracle, pray that he will be healed to tell his story.

Nick's Blog
Tammy's Blog

Please also visit Nick and Tammy's blog. Read Nick's complete story. Let them know you are praying for THE MIRACLE!

And, thank you for taking the time to pray! Please also pray for Jan. She hasn't felt as good as she was for awhile. She is off the steroids. She feels weak. She has some swelling in her hands/feet. And, she has a personal prayer request. Pray for healing, peace that surpasses all understanding for Nick and Jan both.

~Update on Joyce~ TSMSS~ Just Below~

Update: 7:37 p.m. Central Time

Brianna just called. The message that I thought she left last night was an old message, I guess that I hadn't listened to.

Anyway, Joyce is doing better. Her body is absorbing oxygen. They are trying to find out what type of pneumonia she has. She seems much better tonight than last night.

In regards to her cancer, the treatment so far has worked on shrinking the lung mass. BUT, everything they have tried so far has not worked on shrinking the lymph nodes. And, she has an area, on her bottom where radiation burned her skin. I will not go into detail, but she has some serious problems from this also.

Thanks again for your prayers.

Hi All,

I missed a call from Brianna late last night. BUT, her Mom's condition has improved GREATLY. Brianna was on her way home.

I know Joyce still has a long road ahead, but we can praise God today for answering prayers. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

As I mentioned when Joyce was first diagnosed, she is NOT a Christian. So, please continue to pray for her health, but also that she will have a change of heart.

Have a blessed weekend!

~Urgent Prayer~

UPDATE: I have talked with Brianna via text messaging, and she said her Mom, Joyce's lung are not working properly. They are giving her antibiotics. Apparently the problem is her body is not absorbing oxygen. Joyce is aware of what is going on. I gathered at this time, they are trying to find the cause of why her body is not absorbing oxygen. If I find out any more, I will let you know.

Thanks for all your prayers.

Hi All,

Earlier this week, I talked to my friend, Bri, who is Joyce's daughter. She had been hospitalized for pneumonia. She had just started on her 3rd type of chemo, as she was allergic to the second one.

I just received a call that the family had been "called in." Please pray for Bri as she travels from Oklahoma to Texas. Brianna has 2 sisters. I think Shannon may be in Texas still. But, Lindsey just had her baby last week and has been dealing with problems with her blood pressure caused by the preeclampsia. I'm not sure if Lindsey is physically able to make this trip right now.

I have a call into Bri, and will give you an update if/when I talk to her.
I have a call into Bri, but haven't been able to talk to her yet.

I know these girls will appreciate the prayers said on their and their Mother's behalf.

~Tempt My Tummy Tuesday~Brunch Casserole~

Brunch Casserole

1 ½ pounds sausage
8 oz Crescent rolls
2 cups shredded cheese (½ cheddar and ½ mozzarella)
6 eggs, beaten
¾ cup milk
¼ teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Brown and drain sausage. Line bottom of 13x9 buttered dish with Crescent rolls (press perforations together). Sprinkle with sausage and cheese. Combine remaining ingredients and pour in dish.

Bake 15 minutes @ 425 degrees (maybe a little longer, until set). Let stand for 15 minutes. Serve.

For more great recipe finds go to Lisa/Lana's Tempt My Tummy and all the others joining in.

Recently I told you about my uncle with lung cancer. He was put in the hospital last week for a couple of days. He went home on Friday, but they had to bring him back this morning because the pain is so intense. I went to see him and my cousin today at the hospital. It doesn't appear to be much longer. The cancer has spread. He is 87 and has had a good life, but this is still difficult no matter what your age. Please pray for a reprieve from the pain, peace and no more suffering.

Also, my cousin from San Antonio is planning to come to visit tomorrow. Her Mom has Alzheimer's and things change from day-to-day. Please pray for traveling mercies, as she will be flying, Pray for peace for Sheila if it is the right decision that she gets away for a few days. Allow her to feel God's comfort, either way.

~Prayer~

I have an Aunt with Alzheimer's disease. She is at a very difficult stage in her disease. She still is at home and her 2 daughters and 1 son are taking care of her. She has progressed very rapidly and it may be coming to the time where, unfortunately they have to place her somewhere because she is so confused and mixed up. She also has problems ambulating, so this just adds to the difficulty in taking care of her.


My Mom told me this morning that this last week has been especially difficult. It has seemed these difficult times are occurring more frequently. So, I would ask that you pray for my cousins as they have some very hard decisions to make. They have tried to avoid this, but sometimes you do not have a choice.


I believe my Mom and sisters, and I know I would gladly help them anyway possible, but we live 500+ miles from each other.


Would you please join us, as we pray for God to give them Peace and Wisdom, as well as lead them to the right place, where their Mother can be cared for by people who are loving and kind.

JOHN 16:23-24 NKJ ~ ". . . Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full."

JOHN 14:13-14 NKJ ~ "And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it."

"Christ has delegated a certain amount of His authority in the earth to His Body, the church. Our decisions as believers -- which we can express in prayer -- make a difference in our lives and others' lives."

MARK 11:24 NKJ ~ ".. . whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them."

PSALM 50:15 NKJ ~ "Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me."

"God invites me(us) to pray and believe, so His will can be done on earth as it is in heaven. Our Father in Heaven is the God of all peace and the God of all comfort.

Sheila and Valerie, if I can't give you anything else right now, I can give you the gift of prayer. Know that you are ever present in my thoughts and that I love you.

Blessings!

~Gift of Prayer~

Most of you who’ve been to my blog know that my younger sister has been fighting an aggressive brain cancer since November 13, 2007. We have seen God’s hand at work in many ways since then. It is a desire that God will be given the Praise and Glory for EVERYTHING, as well as Jan having the support and love as she fights this cancer.

Jan’s blog was set up so that family and friends could check on her progress, as well as a place where prayer requests could be listed and to all Honor God.

I had created my blog in May of 2007, but never posted anything until last December. It is my desire that my blog not be about me, but one that reflects and honors Him.

Over the last several months I’ve asked prayer many times for Jan. There have been many who have come along side as we PRAYED AND PRAISED God. Prayer is very powerful! I’ve said many times in the last few months, “There is no better gift than the gift of prayer.”

In Matthew 18:20 NIV it says, “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." The Message puts it a bit differently, "Take this most seriously: A yes on earth is yes in heaven; a no on earth is no in heaven. What you say to one another is eternal. I mean this. When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I'll be there."

Anytime we Praise and Honor God satan gets angry! In saying this, over the last 8 months or so there are many occasions where Satan has been angry because of the actions taken to Praise and Honor God. It is satan’s goal to beat us down or set us up for failure. He has been attacking in many different ways. Even though God is walking with us, or maybe I should say God is carrying us, I(we) are human and it is hard not to get caught up, hurt and/or frustrated by these attacks on us by satan.

Satan is using these attacks to try to get our focus off of God. We know that we CAN’T give satan this power. But, as I said above, I(we) are human and its hard not to become involved or troubled by the circumstances. Satan has a way of causing worry, doubt, and question (just to name a few) to creep in our minds.

In saying all this, I would ask that you pray for Jan as she fights this cancer. I would also ask that you pray for OUR FAMILY that we will stand STRONG and FIRM in our belief. We have been blessed with the “gift of prayer” by so many. Pray that we will Honor God in all we do.

We spent the majority of the day in the hospital with our Mom. She woke up quite early; when she got out of bed she experienced left chest and back pain. We thought it best to have this checked. We were very fortunate that she was able to have all the many tests performed today. Everything on her heart has checked out with NO PROBLEMS, so she didn't have to stay overnight. It is possible she could have done something to her back. So, in saying that, I would like you to join me in Praising God for good results today and that this is something minor, such as a pulled muscle or THAT IT IS NOTHING. Update: Tonight this area where she was experiencing pain is very SORE.

I have been richly blessed to have you walk beside me (so to speak) and especially by all the prayers you have offered on my behalf and for my family.

Thank You!

Love,

~Prayer~

About 5 years ago I became friends with a single mom who was a manicurist at a salon where I used to go. At that time she had a 3-year-old boy and needed to work evenings a couple of days a week. We made arrangements for her son to go with me to church on Wednesday nights.


In the last couple of weeks her Mom has been having some health problems which has led to testing. They received the news Friday that her Mom has lung cancer. It is inoperable as there is a 3 cm mass that is around the aorta at the top of her lung.


Please pray for Joyce. She is facing some very big decisions. She has 3 daughters who are in their late 20's. She has a grandson, E. who is now 7 and one of her daughters is pregnant. And please pray for God to soften her heart. She is not a Christian and doesn't want any part of it. This is a very close family and they are really hurting.


They will be seeing a local oncologist Monday about treatment options and are considering treatment at M.D. Anderson.


This is an all too familiar place where they are, except they desparately need a relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. I can't imagine having to walk this journey without God.


I just recently put the following a few weeks ago when Jan was in the midst of all these tests and we were waiting for results. I think it is most appropriate to add again.


Faith is the belief that God is real and that God is good… It is a choice to believe that the one who made it all hasn’t left it all and that he still sends light into the shadows and responds to gestures of faith…


Faith is the belief that God will do what is right


God says that the more hopeless your circumstances, the more likely your salvation. The greater your cares, the more genuine your prayers. The darker the room, the greater need for light.


God’s help is near and always available, but it is only given to those who seek it,

From: Max Lucado’s “God’s Promises for You”

Please pray God gives this family an abundance of Peace, Faith and Hope. Also pray for treatment options. AND, please pray for God to work in their hearts and lives to bring a softening and a yearning to only walk this journey WITH CHRIST!

Please pray for E. He is so young and has had some hard times in his young life.

Blessings,

~Prayers Needed~

Here is my cousin's three adorable children, Tyler in the middle who is almost 3. And, Gracie on the left and Paxton on the right, twins who are 7 months old. Gracie had to phase I of II phases of heart surgery about 6-8 weeks ago. First, I want to add that she's doing fantastic from her recent heart surgery. The doctor told her Mommy and Daddy they would notice her growing overnight and sure enough she has. Isn't she beautiful? Well, aren't they all beautiful? I know Clint and Brooke, as well as the rest of their family are so thankful for the "3 blessings" God has entrusted them with.

Recently when Clint and Brooke took Paxton and Gracie to their pediatrician for a checkup, the pediatrician was a bit concerned about the size of Gracie's head. Gracie's pediatrician and cardiologist have discussed this and have decided to perform a routine CT scan to make sure everything from her recent heart surgery is working as it should.

With that being said, Gracie acts and looks like a normal beautiful 7-month-old baby girl should. It is also Brooke's feelings that all of her children have larger heads (They take after their Daddy who has a larger head). She has put her faith and trust in God.

I would ask you to join me, as I join Clint, Brooke and their extended family in praying for normal results on the CT scan. Pray for peace for Clint and Brooke, as well as their extended family. They have been through so much in the last year.

Our family has posted many prayer requests for Gracie on my sister, Jan's blog. So, please add Ms. Gracie to your prayers. I know Clint, Brooke, and their family would be very thankful if you prayed for this little blessing of theirs, as would I.

The CT is scheduled for today at 2:00 p.m. With the new machine at Children's the scan will only take 2 minutes. When the results are in, I will be sure to let you know, so you can praise God along with all of us.

MARK 11:24 NKJ "Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. Jesus says we must believe we receive our answer WHEN we pray,not wait until we see it. But no one can believe they receive without evidence. God's written Word is our evidence."

1 JOHN 5:14-15 NKJ "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. Bible-based prayer that works is not getting God to do something, but receiving by faith from God based on what He has already said and done.In other words, we do not need to change God's mind or get Himto do something. We just need to enter in by faith to receive what God has already decided and provided. So, find Scripture that promises what you need or want, then take that to God in prayer and believe you receive it when you pray.!"

~Details~

Would you please help me do something nice for someone else? There is a young boy, Emory who just received a bone marrow transplant. He and his mom are staying in Houston for the next couple of months until they can return to OKC. His mom, Laura, is trying to keep him busy, so they are doing a geography project. If you are from a state other than Oklahoma or Texas, would you please take a minute to sign their guest book? Their website is www.caringbridge.org/ok/emoryhood

Matthew 6:25-32
25 "So I tell you, don't worry about the food or drink you need to live, or about the clothes you need for your body. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothes. 26 Look at the birds in the air. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, but your heavenly Father feeds them. And you know that you are worth much more than the birds. 27 You cannot add any time to your life by worrying about it. 28 "And why do you worry about clothes? Look at how the lilies in the field grow. They don't work or make clothes for themselves. 29 But I tell you that even Solomon with his riches was not dressed as beautifully as one of these flowers.30 God clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today but tomorrow is thrown into the fire. So you can be even more sure that God will clothe you. Don't have so little faith!31 Don't worry and say, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear?'32 The people who don't know God keep trying to get these things, and your Father in heaven knows you need them.


What Matters to Us, matters to God. This includes the big stuff, such as death, disease, sin, and disaster. But what about the smaller things?


God does have a universe to run. He's got wars, famines, presidents, kings, etc to fix. Who am I to tell him about small things, such as an ingrown toenail?


We are an heir of God.
We are eternal.
We have a crown.
We are a holy priest.
We were chosen before the creation.

But more than any of the above - more significant than any title or position - is the simple fact that we are God's children. The Father has loved us so much that we are called children of God. And we really are His children. (1 John 3:1).


As a result, if something is important to us, it's important to God.


So we should go ahead. Tell God what hurts. Talk to Him. He won't turn us away. He won't think it's silly. "For our high priest is able to understand our weaknesses. When he lived on earth, he was tempted in every way that we are, but he did not sin. Let us, then, feel very sure that we can come before God's throne where there is grace" (Hebrews 4:15-16).


Does God care about the little things in our lives? You better believe it.


If it matters to us, it matters to Him.

Prayer ~ Hope

This Sunday, February 10 my sister and her husband head back to M.D. Anderson for testing on Monday, February 11.

I would like to ask anyone who reads this to please join our family in praying for peace, excellent results, wisdom for the doctors in the decisions for future treatment, wisdom for Gerald and Jan to know which treatment will be the best for her and lastly for safe travel.

Philippians 4:6-7"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."