Family update:
Myles is doing good. We finally got the hole in his arm to seal shut but it opened again yesterday while he was playing basketball. Other than that, his grafts have finally reached their peak and should start to soften now. It takes anywhere from six to eight months before the grafts "mature" and stop getting tighter, redder, and thicker. The doctors told us that it will get worse during this time and then start the slow progress of softening, yeah for buggies. He is doing good in school and seems to be back to normal but VERY popular. Thank goodness that Aaron can help him with his Algebra as I don't remember that much (very, very, very long time ago for me).
Aaron and Tuyet are doing well. They are both working a lot, Tuyet has two jobs right now and leaves at eight in the morning and doesn't get home until one am (youth!). The weekends are a welcome time for both of them to relax. They are going to get an apartment at the end of this month in town. We went and saw it today and it is beautiful. It's three levels with around 1200 square feet, two bedrooms, two baths, with the master bedroom in the loft. The complex is gorgeously landscaped with a lake, swimming pool, clubhouse, and complete gym (it even has an indoor basketball court). They are in total awe that it is under half of what they paid for in Orange County for a tiny one bedroom apt. This will be so good for them as this was the plan when they moved here over a year ago and got majorly delayed with all that has happened. Myles and I are going to miss having them live here but we know that it is time. It is time to get back to normal and all start living our lives again. They both want to go back to school, Aaron for his Masters and Tuyet to finish up her Bachelors degree. Hopefully they can buy a house in the near future. At least they are only going to be about twenty minutes away.
I myself am doing OK. I wasn't coping very well there for a while and finally went to the Dr's. They put me on some coping "meds" and I think that they are finally starting to work. I slept a lot the first week (much needed) while my body got used to them. I can definitely tell that my attitude toward life is getting much stronger and back to somewhat normal as I don't feel so defeated as I did. Rough year but I think that we might finally be turning the corner. We have one more thing to deal with for Aaron but I pray that all goes well. Love and thanks to all for your prayers, support, and love.
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21 comments:
Way to go Myles.. I am so happy that your wounds are starting heal like they are suppose too. I never ever stop praying for your wounds both inside and out. I am also happy that nothing gets you down. Keep living life to it fullest.
Sherry, I sometimes feel that I am a broken record, but, Never stop trusting in the Lord. He will get you though this all. He is there for you. Talk to him and he will answer your prayers. Embrace him. This is me hugging you (x) .
Love to you all
cecelia
The Pot of Prayer
Monday, September 17, 2007
“I will go to the altar of God, to God who is my joy and happiness.”
Psalm 43:4
Let’s say a stress stirrer comes your way. The doctor decides you need an operation. She detects a lump and thinks it best that you have it removed. So there you are, walking out of her office. You’ve just been handed this cup of anxiety. What are you going to do with it? You can place it in one of two pots.
You can dump your bad news in the vat of worry and pull out the spoon. Turn on the fire. Stew on it. Stir it. Mope for a while. Brood for a time. Won’t be long before you’ll have a delightful pot of pessimism.
How about a different idea? The pot of prayer. Before the door of the doctor’s office closes, give the problem to God. “I receive your lordship. Nothing comes to me that hasn’t passed through you.” In addition, stir in a healthy helping of gratitude.
Your part is prayer and gratitude. God’s part? Peace and protection.
God is good! We'll continue to pray for health, healing and HAPPINESS for all. We're all doing well, and enjoying the beginning of Fall . . .my FAVORITE season. Much love to all!
k8
Jesus Planned It All
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
“Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
John 1:29
Jesus planned his own sacrifice.
It means Jesus intentionally planted the tree from which his cross would be carved.
It means he willingly placed the iron ore in the heart of the earth from which the nails would be cast.
It means he voluntarily placed his Judas in the womb of a woman.
It means Christ was the one who set in motion the political machinery that would send Pilate to Jerusalem.
And it also means he didn’t have to do it—but he did.
Myles and all,
Unbelievable weather in No. VA. Love the crisp cool air of fall. I can't wait for the leaves to change. Hope all is well, school is going well, and you are learning lots and lots. Kaitlin had us up last night reviewing Latin words. That cracks me UP! That makes me miss my dad even more. She's in Latin III, he was fluent in Latin, and I can't even understand a word of it. She's WAY smarter than I will ever be. I'm sure you are too. Much love, and continued prayers,
Aunt K8
Hello all you out in Idaho. We are doing great in VA. The weather is perfect. It is in the 70's and you can smell the clean fresh air. Oh, how I love Fall, football and camping.
Brian is on two football teams this year. He made the Middle school team and is on a private team. Oh how Brian loves football. Dave went to pick him up from practice at the school and looked around at the other team members and realized Brian is the smallest kid on the team. But, he did hit and tackle the offensive line without a struggle and this guy was about a foot taller than Brian.
Marie is back doing her jump roping. She is really good. I am putting together a DVD of her jumpining and Brian playing football for you all.
Love you all,
Cecelia
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light not our darkness that frightens us. We ask ourselves 'who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?'
Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; its in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
Marianne Williamson
I love this poem. I first heard it when I watched the movie "Akeelah the Bee". If you've not seen the movie, I would encourage you to see it. Much love, and continued prayers!!
Aunt K8
A Pasture for the Soul
Thursday, September 20, 2007
“He lets me rest in green pastures.”
Psalm 23:2
For a field to bear fruit, it must occasionally lie fallow. And for you to be healthy, you must rest. Slow down, and God will heal you. He will bring rest to your mind, to your body, and most of all to your soul. He will lead you to green pastures.
Green pastures were not the natural terrain of Judea. The hills around Bethlehem where David kept his flock were not lush and green. Even today they are white and parched. Any green pasture in Judea is the work of some shepherd. He had cleared the rough, rocky land. Stumps have been torn out, and brush has been burned…
With his own pierced hands, Jesus created a pasture for the soul. He tore out the thorny underbrush of condemnation. He pried loose the huge boulders of sin. In their place he planted seeds of grace and dug ponds of mercy.
And he invites us to rest there.
Awesome message Myles. If only we would listen! It's hard to rest, and let things go . . . and heal. Remember you are loved and prayed for.
Aunt K8
At Home with His Love
Friday, September 21, 2007
“Abide in My love.”
John 15:9 NASB
When you abide somewhere, you live there. You grow familiar with the surroundings. You don’t pull in the driveway and ask, “Where is the garage?” You don’t consult the blueprint to find the kitchen. To abide is to be at home.
To abide in Christ’s love is to make his love your home. Not a roadside park or hotel room you occasionally visit, but your preferred dwelling. You rest in him. Eat in him. When thunder clasps, you step beneath his roof. His walls secure you from the winds. His fireplace warms you from the winters of life. As John urged, “We take up permanent residence in the life of love” (I John 4:16 MSG).
You abandon the old house of false love and move into his home of real love.
Now that's the promise of comfort. Much love to all. Enjoy the weekend. I'm running the Quantico 1/2 marathon in the morning. We'll see how that goes. Training to do the Disney Marathon in January and to see Aunt T at the same time. It should be fun. You get to run through all three parks, and of course be cheered on by all the disney characters, what more could an adult want!? LOL. Much love,and continued prayers for all.
K8
Get Over Yourself
Monday, September 24, 2007
“In humility consider others better than yourselves.”
Philippians 2:3 NIV
Columnist Rick Reilly gave this advice to rookie professional athletes: “Stop thumping your chest. The line blocked, the quarterback threw you a perfect spiral while getting his head knocked off, and the good receiver blew the double coverage. Get over yourself.”
The truth is, every touchdown in life is a team effort. Applaud your teammates. An elementary-age boy came home from the tryouts for the school play. “Mommy, Mommy,” he announced, “I got a part. I’ve been chosen to sit in the audience and cheer.” When you have a chance to clap and cheer, do you take it? If you do, your head is starting to fit your hat size.
Hey all! Hope all is well, and you enjoyed your weekend. I WAS having a great weekend, until the Redskins Game! OUCH!!! LOLOLOLO. Much love and continued prayers for ALL!
K8
Go the Distance
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
“Those people who keep their faith until the end will be saved.”
Matthew 24:13
Jesus doesn’t say if you succeed you will be saved. Or if you come out on top you will be saved. He says if you endure. An accurate rendering would be, “If you hang in there until the end…if you go the distance.”
The Brazilians have a great phrase for this. In Portuguese, a person who has the ability to hang in and not give up has garra. Garra means “claws.” What imagery! A person with garra has claws that burrow into the side of the cliff and keep him from falling.
So do the saved. They may get close to the edge; they may even stumble and slide. But they will dig their nails into the rock of God and hang on.
Jesus gives you this assurance. Hang on. He’ll make sure you get home.
That's awesome. Sometimes it takes claws to have faith . . . but keep hanging on! It's all worth it!
much love, and continued prayers!
k8
A Place to Heal
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
“Christ gave those gifts to prepare God’s holy people for the work of serving, to make the body of Christ stronger.”
Ephesians 4:11-12
He grants gifts so we can “prepare God’s holy people.” Paul reached into a medical dictionary for this term. Doctors used it to describe the setting of a broken bone. Broken people come to churches. Not with broken bones, but broken hearts, homes, dreams, and lives. They limp in on fractured faith, and if the church operates as a church, they find healing. Pastor-teachers touch and teach. Gospel bearers share good news. Prophets speak words of truth. Visionaries dream of greater impact. Some administer. Some pray. Some lead. Some follow. But all help to heal brokenness: “to make the body of Christ stronger.”
Don’t miss it. No one is strong all the time. Don’t miss the place to find your place and heal your hurts.
God Goes with Us
Thursday, September 27, 2007
“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.”
Genesis 28:15 NIV
When God calls us into the deep valley of death, he will be with us. Dare we think that he would abandon us in the moment of death?...Would the shepherd require his sheep to journey to the highlands alone? Of course not. Would God require his child to journey to eternity alone? Absolutely not! He is with you!
What God said to Moses, he says to you: “Me presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (Exod. 33:14 NIV).
What God said to Jacob, he says to you: “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go” (Gen. 28:15 NIV).
What God said to Joshua, he says to you: “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Josh. 1:5 NIV).
I love that! If nothing else, that gives me comfort that nothing else can. Have a great day!
k8
Receive God’s Hope
Friday, September 28, 2007
“Come near to God and God will come near to you.”
James 4:8
Your toughest challenge is nothing more than bobby pins and rubber bands to God. Bobby pins and rubber bands?
My older sister used to give them to me when I was a child. I would ride my tricycle up and down the sidewalk, pretending that the bobby pins were keys and my trike was a truck. But one day I lost the “keys.” Crisis! What was I going to do? My search yielded nothing but tears and fear. But when I confessed my mistake to my sister, she just smiled. Being a decade older, she had a better perspective.
God has a better perspective as well. With all due respect, our severest struggles are, in his view, nothing worse than lost bobby pins and rubber bands. He is not confounded, confused, or discouraged.
Receive his hope, won’t you? Receive it because you need it. Receive it so you can share it.
Is That All There Is?
Monday, October 01, 2007
“Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures.”
I Corinthians 15:3 NIV
Maybe you’ve gone through the acts of religion and faith and yet found yourself more often than not at a dry well. Prayers seem empty. Goals seem unthinkable. Christianity becomes a warped record full of highs and lows and off-key notes.
Is this all there is? Sunday attendance. Pretty songs. Faithful tithings. Golden crosses. Three-piece suits. Big choirs. Leather Bibles. It is nice and all, but…where is the heart of it?…
Think about these words from Paul in I Corinthians, chapter 15. “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures” (NIV).
There it is. Almost too simple. Jesus was killed, buried, and resurrected. Surprised? The part that matters is the cross. No more and no less.
I can NOT believe it is already October. Cool winds and wonderful weather have been blowing in NO VA. It's been awesome. Hope all are well, and you know that we hold you all in our thoughts and prayers,
Kate
HELLO,
How is everyone? We had a great weekend in VA. We went camping and had a super time. We all went on 3 different hikes (well over 4 miles total) and boy could we feel it on Sunday. The entire family was sound asleep by 8pm. Even on the trip we still kept you all in our prayers.
We hope you are doing well and enjoying school.
Cecelia
A Personal Invitation
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
“Come to me…and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28
When Jesus says, “Come to me,” he doesn’t say come to religion, come to a system, or come to a certain doctrine. This is a very personal invitation to a God, and invitation to a Savior.
Our God is not aloof—he’s not so far above us that he can’t see and understand our problems. Jesus isn’t a God who stayed on the mountaintop—he’s a Savior who came down and lived and worked with the people. Everywhere he went, the crowds followed, drawn together by the magnet that was—and is—the Savior.
The life of Jesus Christ is a message of hope, a message of mercy, a message of life in a dark world.
Hope all is well, haven't heard anything . . . I'm assuming all is good!!! Much love and continued prayers to ALL.
K8
The Journey to the Cross
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
“This was God’s plan which he had made long ago; he knew all this would happen.”
Acts 2:23
Jesus died…on purpose. No surprise. No hesitation. No faltering.
You can tell a lot about a person by the way he dies. And the way Jesus marched to his death leaves no doubt; he had come to earth for this moment. Read the words of Peter. “Jesus was given to you, and with the help of those who don’t know the law, you put him to death by nailing him to a cross. But this was God’s plan which he had made long ago; he knew all this would happen” (Acts 2:23 NCV).
No, the journey to the cross didn’t begin on Jericho. It didn’t begin in Galilee. It didn’t begin in Nazareth. It didn’t even begin in Bethlehem.
The journey of the cross began long before. As the echo of the crunching of the fruit was still sounding in the garden, Jesus was leaving for Calvary.
hey Myles! Hope all is well. Much love and continued prayers to all. We are all fine, enjoying the great fall weather. I'm extremely happy it's HERE!! This is my favorite time of the year.
Much love,
kate
An Uncommon Call
Thursday, October 04, 2007
“The Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving others.”
I Corinthians 2:7 CEV
You have one. A divine spark. An uncommon call to an uncommon life. “The Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving others.” So much for the excuse, “I don’t have anything to offer.” Did the apostle Paul say, “The Spirit has given some of us…”? Or, “The Spirit has given a few of us…”? No. “The Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving others.” Enough of this self-deprecating “I can’t do anything.”
And enough of it’s arrogant opposite: “I have to do everything.” No, you don’t! You’re not God’s solution to society, but a solution in society. Imitate Paul, who said, “Our goal is to stay within the boundaries of God’s plan for us” (2 Cor. 10:13 NLT). Clarify your contribution.
Don’t worry about skills you don’t have. Don’t covet strengths others do have. Just extract your uniqueness.
I love this devotion. Cause we are ALL special and unique in God's eyes. Much love to all. Hope all is well,
K8
He Was Reachable
Friday, October 05, 2007
“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”
John 1:14 NKJV
“The Word became flesh,” John said. In other words…he was touchable, approachable, reachable. And, what’s more, he was ordinary. If he were here today, you probably wouldn’t notice him as he walked through a shopping mall. He wouldn’t turn heads by the clothes he wore or the jewelry he flashed.
“Just call me Jesus,” you can almost hear him say.
He was the kind of fellow you’d invite to watch the Rams-Giants game at your house. He’s wrestle on the floor with your kids, doze on your couch, and cook steaks on your grill. He’d laugh at your jokes and tell a few of his own. And when you spoke, he’d listen to you as if he had all the time in eternity.
And one thing’s for sure, you’d invite him back.
That's the best part of him . . . when EVER you need him, he's there.
Much love and continued prayers for all.
K8
Jesus Dispels Doubt
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
“They were fearful and terrified…but Jesus said, ‘Why are you troubled?…It is I myself!’”
Luke 24:37-38
They had betrayed their Master. When Jesus needed them they had scampered. And now they were having to deal with the shame.
Seeking forgiveness, but not knowing where to look for it, the disciples came back. They gravitated to that same upper room that contained the sweet memories of broken bread and symbolic wine…
They came back. Each with a scrapbook full of memories and a thin thread of hope. Each knowing that it is all over, but in his heart hoping that the impossible will happen once more. “If I had just on more chance.”…
And just when the gloom gets good and thick, just when their wishful thinking is falling victim to logic, just when someone says, “How I’d give my immortal soul to see him one more time,” a familiar face walks through the wall.
My, what an ending. Or, better said, what a beginning
Hello to all. Hope all is well. It's been incredibly HOT HOT HOT in Northern VA. Ran the Army ten Miler this weekend. People were dropping like flies. It was so hot. A young man (25) died at the end of the race. It was sad. He must have had an underlying disease. What ever the case, it really made the event somber.
Much love to all. Hope all is well.
Kate
hey myles.......ur mom sent this relly old picture of us when we where little! like its me and u sitting,and im not smiling and ur not looking at the camera! :) its a little cute but well ya no...lol
so hows it?
Help from the Holy Spirit
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
“The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness.”
Romans 8:26 NEB
The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness. What a sentence worthy of a highlighter. Who does not need this reminder? Weak bodies. Weak wills. Weakened resolves. We’ve known them all. The word weakness can refer to physical infirmities, as with the invalid who had been unable to walk for thirty-eight years (John 5:5), or spiritual impotence, as with the spiritually “helpless” of Romans 5:6.
Whether we are feeble of soul or body or both, how good to know it’s not up to us. The Spirit himself is pleading for us.
Hello to all! Cool winds are finally blowing in Virginia, hope to have some normal fall weather. Haven't heard any news . . . .hope all is good, and you continue to 'feel' our love and prayers,
Kate
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