Family Times at Christmas

We were so blessed to have both of our daughters and their families with us to celebrate Christmas this year. Here are a few photos of our time together:

Mark and Maya cutting out gingerbread cookies...
Eli tastes a little dough while Erin and John help him cut out cookies...Jack and John do a little cutting out of cookies, too...It's a gingerbread cookies decorating party!
Sara, Mark and Maya...Erin, John, Eli and Jack...Me, Lauren, Erin and Sara...The JEMS in their new hats, ready for the snow!

Erin, John, Jack and Eli headed for Minnesota yesterday after a 1-day delay due to car trouble. They will get home today, hopefully before another Midwest storm! Sara, Mark and Maya live here, and they are enjoying some family time before Mark student teaches and Sara goes back to school. Lauren is back to work and I am recuperating from a very wonderful time together. We are so thankful for God's provision for us as a family, not only with our time together, but also because of His Son's birth, sacrifice and resurrection so that we may be forgiven and have a relationship with Him. He is our greatest Gift, and by His grace and mercy we are in His family.

A Few of My Favorite Things

Jan Karon is one of my favorite authors, and her Mitford series is beloved by many. I wanted to share a few snapshots of our Christmas books we have collected that she has written.
In Shepherd's Abiding, Jan Karon tells the story of Father Tim and Cynthia and their lives in Mitford at Christmastime. It focuses on Father Tim's discovery of an old nativity scene, and the "gift of giving of one's own heart". I am hoping to find time to reread this lovely book, and to share "The Mitford Snowmen" and "Esther's Gift" with my grandchildren as we snuggle up together for stories and Christmas "yummies", as Maya calls them!

MRI Results

When I started this blog in July, it was to be used as a way to share with family and close friends about an upcoming brain surgery I was to have in August, along with everyday goings-on here at Nana's (and Grandpa's) house. Today, I am so pleased to report that the follow-up MRI I had today and surgeon appointment right after it showed that the cyst (syrinx) in my spinal cord (that had developed due to the Chiari Malformation) look as if it has gotten smaller, and the results of the surgery on my lower cerebellum area are very good. The cerebellum tonsils are no longer on bone and have a good amount of spinal fluid around them - praise God! While it is possible that the cyst may never totally disappear, I am greatly encouraged that it looks smaller. My symptoms seem to be about the same, but have not gotten any worse, so this is good news, also.

I thank my heavenly Father for these results, and for the symptoms I have that actually have drawn me closer to Him. Because of this Chiari Malformation and the resulting syrinx, MRIs are not easy for me. I am not claustrophobic, but lying down on my back for over 1 hour causes me to have a sensation that is hard to describe, but it makes me feel as if I may faint, and I can't move or we have to start all over again. They offer music to listen to, but I think it would clash with the sounds of the MRI, so I just try to focus on music to go with the rhythm of the scan, and God is faithful and brings songs of praise and scripture to help me through it. One of the best scriptures is "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10 This helped me so much today when I wanted to move because of the sensation. The technicians were so very patient and after adjusting my knees on a higher pillow, I felt much better. I hope they know how much I appreciated their thoughtfulness.

This morning, I was reading Psalm 62, and it was a great comfort to me... "My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken." (verse 1-2) We all go through trials of a sort,and God offers to be our rest and comfort in all of them, and He alone is the fortress we can always go to; He will never leave us or forsake us. Perhaps these words were meant for you today, too. I hoped you are blessed by His Word today.

Heirlooms...a Christmas Memory

At Christmas time when our daughters were growing up, Erin would play Heirlooms by Amy Grant on our piano, and she and Sara would sing the lyrics in sweet harmony, with me sometimes joining in with them. The words made us all think of my grandmother, Margaret, and we loved the sweetness of those memories. Throughout the years, we have been blessed with creating many wonderful memories at Christmas and all through the year. It is the love we share that means so much, and the heirlooms are a way to evoke the memories we have. Most of all, this song reminds us of "our Precious Jesus being more than an heirloom" to us. It is nice to have nativity scenes, Christmas carols and the sharing of the Christmas story to remind us this most precious gift, God's Son.

Heirlooms
(Bob Farrell, Brown Bannister, Amy Grant)
Up in the attic
Down on my knees
Lifetimes of boxes
Timeless to me
Letters and photographs
Yellowed with years
Some bringing laughter
Some bringing tears

Time never changes
The memories, the faces
Of loved ones, who bring to me
All that I come from
And all that I live for
And all that I'm going to be
My precious family
Is more than an heirloom to me

Wiseman and shepherds
Down on their knees
Bringing their treasures
To lay at his feet
Who was this wonder baby yet king
Living and dying
He gave life to me

Time never changes
The memory, the moment
His love first pierced through me
Telling all that I come from
And all that I live for
And all that I'm going to be
My precious savior Is more than an heirloom to me
My precious Jesus Is more than an heirloom to me

The New Computer Honeymoon Period

It happened 3 days ago; the old Toshiba died, not without warning, but we kept hoping we could get by a little longer. I started it up Thursday morning and all I got was a black screen with TOSHIBA on it and instructions to press a couple of keys but nothing happened. I called Toshiba and spoke to 2 very nice guys, but nothing worked. So after 2 days of no internet,( I got a lot done at home!!), we took the big step and bought a new one last night. Merry Christmas! Happy Anniversary!(It's coming up soon!) I lost a lot, it seems, although I had backed up quite a lot on an external drive. I thank God that all of our pictures that were on that computer were backed up on disks. I am so forgetful that I will probably forget what I don't have anyway. Any, lets hope the honeymoon period lasts for a few years!! Now it is time to catch up on email and a few of my favorite blogs.

So, life goes on and tomorrow I hope we can get our Chistmas tree up. We got 2-3 inches of snow today and I am getting into the spirit. A few days ago (when the computer died) I got out a few Christmas decorations, movies and music adn children's books, and I think I will pop in one of the movies tonight. It's beginning to look a lot like Chistmas!

A Snowy Day with Lucy and a Squirrel

Just a little mosaic for Maya, Eli and Jack of Lucy playing in the snow! She chased a squirrel, but he got away and scolded Lucy from a tree. The game is on!

A Sleepover at Nana's House

Good morning! It is 6:45 AM and here is one of the 3 reasons I named my blog Nana's House: Maya spent the night at our house, so that I could watch her this morning while her Mommy, Daddy and Grandpa got up early and went shopping on Black Friday! (A very wild and crazy thing to do, I think!)
The pictures turned out blurry, partially because Maya was moving and partially because I was blurry from waking up at 3AM and not going back to sleep. (not Maya's doing; I have a nasty cold) I hope they bring me a vanilla decaf (yes, I know, decaf) latte when they come home! Maya is quite cheerful in the morning and was ready to have her milk and catch Curious George on PBS so that I could cuddle with her. (She is 19 months old and catching some cuddle time requires a little tv; I do not apologize!!) As for the other 2 reasons I named the blog Nana's House, they (Jack and Eli) live in Minneapolis and, God willing, they will be coming to Nana's (and Grandpa's) House for Christmas, where they will stay at Camp Nanapapa for a week of unapologetic spoiling!

Giving Thanks

In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Every Thanksgiving, my son-in-law John would talk us into watching the movie, Planes, Trains and Automobiles; not my favorite movie, as John knows, but it was more about tradition than the movie. They live in Minneapolis now, so I haven't had to watch it for a few years, but last week I experienced my own, real-life journey via planes, trains and automobiles; I was blessed to be able to fly to Minneapolis for our grandson Jack's 6th birthday, take the train to Wisconsin to visit my mom, sister and brother-in-law, and then return by train to MN to spend more time with our daughter Erin, son-in-law John, Jack and Eli. I flew home to MT on Saturday. Whew! It was a wonderful trip, and I am so thankful that my dear husband Lauren encouraged me to go, even though he needed to remain at home for his job.
Here are a few pictures of our Minnesota family and my Wisconsin mom and sister:
Jack and his Aunt Anne, who made his treasure cake for his pirate birthday party with his friends...
Eli and his new friend, Snickerdoodle, the Golden Retriever puppy from IKEA...

My mother, Doris, and my sister, Karilyn, at Karilyn's home in Wisconsin...
Erin and Eli at the park near their home...


I am so very thankful for my family, near and far. My husband and I have so very much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. We are grateful for all the Lord has provided for us and we trust in His promises and bask in His love. Happy Thanksgiving!

Honor and Honor Flights for Our Nation's Veterans

Today is Veterans Day, and I want to pay tribute to my father-in-law, Lawrence, who served in the Army during World War II. Recently, he had the privilege of going to Washington D.C. through Honor Flight Network, an organization that provides transportation and tours for World War II veterans of the war memorials in our nation's capital. Lawrence took his very first airplane ride early in the morning that day, with a total of 350 veterans on board. They arrived in Washington D.C., toured the memorials and flew back home, all in 1 day, a day that will be full of memories for this Iowa father of 4, grandpa of 8 and great grandpa of 13. Today, he did what he has done for many, many years, visiting a few area schools to share with the students what Veterans Day stands for, and I am sure all over America the same scene took place, along with Veterans Day observances with speeches and prayers for those who served our country.
Today, we thank and honor living veterans who served honorably in the military - in wartime or peacetime.

Waiting

Lucy, our Golden Retriever, loves to watch out our livingroom window at the goings-on outside when she cannot go out to explore it all. We can all relate at sometime or another to this waiting; waiting and watching for a loved one to come home, waiting for a baby to arrive, waiting for a phone call or an answer to prayer...we wait and we wonder why the wait seems to take so long.
A few years ago, I came upon this wonderful little book, a poem actually, written by Russell Kelfer. The description of this book is found on the back, as follows:
Every once in a while, a rare poetic treasure emerges and speaks to us in a profound and meaningful way...the kind of piece you keep close by to share its gentle wisdom. For more than 20 years, Russell Kelfer's inspirational poem, Wait, has ministered to countless individuals, yet the author's identity was always unknown until now. Russell Kelfer speaks to our human desire to hear God's plan for our life and our subsequent frustration when we feel we are met with His silence. What we often hear as God's "no", however, is God's "wait". "Wait...for My timing. Wait for Me to work in you. Wait while you learn to trust Me."
This wonderful poem has circulated the Internet, with the author listed as "unknown". But Marianne Richmond found the poem and contacted the late Mr. Kelfer's wife, Martha Williams Kelfer, for permission to create this "poetic treasure". It is a short, simple message that shares the heart of God, and how, when He asks us to wait, we in turn come to know Him so much better, so much sweeter, even in our times of pain and sorrow.
So, Dear Readers, if you are waiting for an answer to prayer, take a moment to read this poem, and if you know someone who is waiting, share this poem and this lovely book with them. You will be blessed and so will God.

Wait
by Russell Kelfer

Desperately, helplessly, longingly, I cried;
Quietly, patiently, lovingly, God replied.
I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate . . .
And the Master so gently said, "Wait."

"Wait? you say wait?" my indignant reply.
"Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!
Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard?
By faith I have asked, and I'm claiming your Word.

"My future and all to which I relate
Hangs in the balance, and you tell me to wait?
I'm needing a 'yes', a go-ahead sign,
Or even a 'no' to which I can resign.

"You promised, dear Lord, that if we believe,
We need but to ask, and we shall receive.
And Lord I've been asking, and this is my cry:
I'm weary of asking! I need a reply."

Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate,
As my Master replied again, "Wait."
So I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut,
And grumbled to God, "So, I'm waiting for what?"

He seemed then to kneel, and His eyes met with mine . . .
and He tenderly said, "I could give you a sign.
I could shake the heavens and darken the sun.
I could raise the dead and cause mountains to run.

"I could give all you seek and pleased you would be.
You'd have what you want, but you wouldn't know Me.
You'd not know the depth of my love for each saint.
You'd not know the power that I give to the faint.

"You'd not learn to see through clouds of despair;
You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there.
You'd not know the joy of resting in Me
When darkness and silence are all you can see.

"You'd never experience the fullness of love
When the peace of My spirit descends like a dove.
You would know that I give, and I save, for a start,
But you'd not know the depth of the beat of My heart.

"The glow of my comfort late into the night,
The faith that I give when you walk without sight.
The depth that's beyond getting just what you ask
From an infinite God who makes what you have last.

"You'd never know, should your pain quickly flee,
What it means that My grace is sufficient for thee.
Yes, your dearest dreams overnight would come true,
But, oh, the loss, if you missed what I'm doing in you.

"So, be silent, my child, and in time you will see
That the greatest of gifts is to truly know me.
And though oft My answers seem terribly late,
My most precious answer of all is still . . . Wait."

© 1980 Russell Kelfer. All rights reserved.

The Breath of God

As I have been working on our computer this morning, it would seem that it is just about on its last breath, wheezing and groaning and moving very slow. I am trying to back up our files just in case it dies one of these days. Even though it is only 4 years old, in computer years this is apparently ancient. We have done what we could to prolong its life, adding memory, a new battery, etc, but it seems to be on the way out. I am hoping it lasts awhile longer, as getting a new computer involves so much - money, time adjusting to a new computer and probably a new program.

Thankfully, God isn't like that. His word is alive and will live forever. "For the Word of God is living and active." Hebrews 4:12 The Word also tells us that, "All scripture is God-breathed..." As Beth Moore writes in "Voices of the Faithful", "...we might say that every breath comes to us still warm from the mouth of God. As if He just said it." Imagine this! I get very excited thinking about this, and even more so every time I read in the first chapter of the Book of John: "In the beginning was the Word, (Jesus), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning."..."The Word became flesh, and made His dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:1, 2 and 14)

I have long admired Ruth Graham, who went home to Jesus in 2007. A poem she wrote expresses the very nature of God, unchanging and eternal:

Unchanged
A poem by Ruth Bell Graham


Above the clouds
thick, boiling, low,
appear the peaks
she came to know
as Father, Son,
and Holy Ghost.
Often when she
sought them most,
they would be hid,
in clouds, from view.

Distraught by cares,
she always knew,
silent, unseen,
they still were there
like God Himself—
unchanged, serene;
and knowing this,
she gathered strength
for each day’s journey
—length by length.

It is very windy outside today; the leaves are blowing every which way in the street, and dust hides the mountains in the distance. But they are there, just as Ruth Bell wrote about the peaks in this poem. God Himself is always there, unchanging, and His Word is the one thing in this ever-changing world that is constant. Each time we read His Word, God speaks to us, His words "still warm...as if He just said it."

Handmade gifts web sites to check out

I must admit, I love the idea of handmade gifts, but I do not really have the "gift" of making gifts as much as I would like. But, alas, all is not lost; there are some great web sites to check out that have wonderful handmade gifts. Here are two sites to check out:
www.etsy.com
www.buyhandmade.org
(Click on the I Took The Handmade Pledge button to connect and check more out.)

Etsy is such a fun place to browse and the few things I have gotten from there have been very well made. There are also wonderful vintage finds to buy; I bought a vintage serving tray for a very reasonable price and it came just as it was described.

The Times They Are A-Changin'

For any of you who may have looked at this blog recently, I apologize for the many background changes I have made, but just when I think I like one, it seems too busy for me and I try another. I intend to keep this one through Thanksgiving. If you know me very well, you know that I tend to like things quiet and that apparently goes with my blog backgrounds!

I love the music addition, but if it drives you crazy, just mute it! It's fun to discover all of the things that can be added to a blog to share a little of what I like, and music is definitely one of them, although like everything else, I usually like it quiet. Sometimes I do like to crank it up though!

I love fall, and even though an early cold snap wiped out all of our fall colors and most of the leaves dropped green, it is still my favorite season. (If you have any photos of the fall colors around your area, please email them to me so that I can see what you saw this year!) I love looking for new recipes to try for fall comfort foods, and now I am on the hunt for Thanksgiving feast goodies. Tonight I made a potato gratin that I love, because it has sweet potatoes and Yukon golds.Here's the recipe along with another one for Apple Popovers:
Two-potato Gratin:Recipe: Two-potato gratin
Apple Popovers: Katie Brown - Where's Katie

I think I'll try making Butternut Squash Soup next!

Living With Confidence in a Chaotic World

I am in the process of trying to get off one of my medications that I was taking for pain, Lyrica, and one of the big benefits of taking it is that it really helps me sleep. I have been on a lower dose to wean off of it, but am now trying to go without it, and sleep eludes me, even though I take Tylenol PM. So last night, I was up about 3 AM and I read some of Dr. David Jeremiah's new book, Living in Confidence in a Chaotic World. I finished his other book, What in the World is Going On? a few days ago, and I must say, it is a must read. This new book is such an encouragement, and as I read each chapter I gain more and more insight. Chapter 4, Staying Challenged, was particularly encouraging, as it is about diligence, and I found the section on The Priorities of Diligence to be a very good list of seven traits to build on the foundation of faith God has given us. As I was reading last night, I wanted to jump up and tell you all about it, but I figured blogging at that hour wasn't going to be conducive to sleep.

Let me know if you have read the book and what you think, and, since I am having some sleeplessness, leave me a comment or send me an email on how I can be praying for you during the "wee hours of night" or anytime of day.

Feelin' Groovy and Playing with Barbies

Before I had surgery, I had forgotten what it is like to have enough energy to do more than 1 chore a day; baking cookies was just wishful thinking, washing laundry AND folding it didn't go together on the same day, cleaning house meant picking up and dusting, but not vacuuming, or at least, not vacuuming and mopping on the same day. Lack of energy and pain caused me to have limited activities. But that has been gradually changing, and I have noticed this week that I feel better than I have for a very long time. So today, I have been able to bake pumpkin bread, wash 3 loads of clothes AND fold or hang them up, hose off our outdoor wicker to bring in for the winter, make dry bread crumbs from an old loaf of bread, and sort my old Barbies!

Yes, I still have my old Barbie dolls, and they have been in the basement for over 20 years. Whenever I would think of getting rid of them, along with the Barbie car and Barbie doll cases and clothes and whatever else was in the boxes, I would think about selling them on Ebay or some antique shop in the area. Yes, it is hard to believe, but I have actually seen toys I played with as a child in ANTIQUE shops!! And so, yes, that means my Barbies are between 40-50 years old, probably. Yikes!

So, after I finally brought them up from the basement a couple of days ago, the boxes beckoned me to go through them today. The boxes themselves looked ancient, and the Barbies looked, well, of the Velveteen Rabbit genre. They were VERY played with; Ken was going bald (his fuzzy-not-plastic hair was almost worn off),and the Barbies looked dated with their 50s-60s makeup and hairdos (although 2 of them had assorted wigs!). Barbie's little sister, Skipper still looked youthful, and Midge and Allan, friends of B&K, looked pretty good, but then, those youthful freckles on Midge and plastic hair on Allan helped, no doubt. Every darn 1 of them had kept their shape; no potbellies, crows' feet or saggy chins in this bunch! (Maybe some of them had plastic surgery, ha!) The Barbie car had a flat (actually, broken plastic) tire. Sigh, the spoils of a well-spent youth!

There were lots of clothes and little plastic shoes, so I sorted through them all and got each doll dressed in something that wasn't soiled or torn, and put them in boxes and even in 1 original Barbie case. By the time I went through it all, there really wasn't much worth selling, so it will be off to Goodwill soon to donate, and if they can get something for them, a good deal for them.

It's been a full day, and it's only 3:30, so I think I will have a piece of pumpkin bread with a glass of apple cider and put my feet up. Tomorrow, Lauren and I are going to do the outside chores we didn't get to earlier this month since the high temps were in the 20s and it is going to be 70!!

Thank you, God, for the beautiful autumn days and for giving me the energy to enjoy it all!

Some Wise Words From a Wise Guy

A Call to Common Courtesy
by Max Lucado

Perhaps you’ve never placed the word courteous next to Christ. I hadn’t until I wrote this chapter.

But you know how you never notice double-cab red trucks until your friend says he wants one—then you see a dozen of them? I had never thought much about the courtesy of Christ before, but as I began looking, I realized that Jesus makes Emily Post look like Archie Bunker.

He always knocks before entering. He doesn’t have to. He owns your heart. If anyone has the right to barge in, Christ does. But he doesn’t. That gentle tap you hear? It’s Christ. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock” (Rev. 3:20 NASB). And when you answer, he awaits your invitation to cross the threshold.

And when he enters, he always brings a gift. Some bring Chianti and daisies. Christ brings “the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). And, as he stays, he serves. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45 NIV). If you’re missing your apron, you’ll find it on him. He’s serving the guests as they sit (John 13:4–5). He won’t eat until he’s offered thanks, and he won’t leave until the leftovers are put away (Matt. 14:19–20).

He is courteous enough to tell you his name (Exod. 3:15) and to call you by yours (John 10:3). And when you talk, he never interrupts. He listens.

He is even on time. Never late. Never early. If you’re checking your watch, it’s because you’re on a different itinerary. “There is a time for everything” (Eccles. 3:1). And Christ stays on schedule.

He even opens doors for you. Paul could preach at Troas because “the Lord had opened a door” (2 Cor. 2:12 NIV). When I asked my dad why men should open doors for women, his answer was one word: “respect.” Christ must have abundant respect for you.

He knocks before he enters. He always brings a gift. Food is served. The table is cleared. Thanks are offered. He knows your name and tells you his, and here is one more.

He pulls out the chair for you. “He raised us up with Christ and gave us a seat with him in the heavens” (Eph. 2:6).

My wife has a heart for single moms. She loves to include a widow or divorcée at the table when we go to a restaurant. Through the years I’ve noticed a common appreciation from them. They love it when I pull out their chair. More than once they have specifically thanked me. One mom in particular comes to mind. “My,” she blushed, brushing the sudden moisture from her eye, “it’s been a while since anyone did that.”

Has it been a while for you as well? People can be so rude. We snatch parking places. We forget names. We interrupt. We fail to show up. Could you use some courtesy? Has it been a while since someone pulled out your chair?

Then let Jesus. Don’t hurry through this thought. Receive the courtesy of Christ. He’s your groom. Does not the groom cherish the bride? Respect the bride? Honor the bride? Let Christ do what he longs to do.

For as you receive his love, you’ll find it easier to give yours. As you reflect on his courtesy to you, you’ll be likely to offer the same.

Grandjems

It has been a productive fall for the JEMS; cooking, picking out pumpkins and loosing teeth!

A Time for Goodbyes and Blessed Assurance

Lauren and I returned home from Iowa for his mom's funeral on Tuesday, and even though it was tiring to travel, especially for Lauren since he was there, came home and left again in 2 days, the days were filled with blessings from God. The time spent with family, the visits by family friends, and the funeral service for Gert were all a healing balm to our souls. The weather on the day of the funeral was beautiful; sunny with fluffy white clouds and mild, as if she ordered it herself. One of the pastors shared a message for the great grandchildren and adult grandchildren, bringing tears to all of our eyes as we sang "Jesus Loves Me" with them. The touching stories of Gert the adult grandchildren wrote were so very sweet, and Lauren read them each with the love they were written. The message of Christ's salvation shared byanother pastor was exactly as Gert would've wanted, sharing the hope and grace He has to offer us all.

Among the hymns we sang was "Blessed Assurance", and this was especially touching for Lauren, as he had listened to it with his mom in the hospital and in the car on the way home. He believes he was listening to it at the time when she passed away; God is so good. I can imagine Gert singing it as she met Jesus:
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
born if His Spirit, washed in his blood!
This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight,
visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
angels descending bring from above
echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, all is at rest;
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
watching and waiting, looking above,
filled with his goodness, lost in his love.
This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long.

Lauren's Mom, Gert, has gone Home to Jesus

Lauren's mom, Gert, went to her heavenly home with Jesus yesterday, Sept. 22. Lauren was actually almost home when he found out, but he had quite a few good moments with her before she pretty much became unaware of her surroundings on Sunday. She was transferred closer to home on Monday and was heavily sedated to keep her comfortable. Lauren and I will drive to IA on Thursday and Friday, and the funeral is on Saturday. Sara will fly to MN to ride to IA with Erin so that she can get back to MT sooner than Lauren and I will be coming home. We would all appreciate your prayers for Lauren's family, for our travels and for my health to stand up to the travel. I got the ok from the surgeon to travel on Monday, and I am doing better each day, it seems. Most noticeably, I continue to have double vision from my eyes wanting to cross slightly, I found out from the eye doctor yesterday, so I will have to get new glasses when we get home (bye-bye contacts).

Lauren's Mom, Gert Van Roekel

Lauren's parents, Gert and Lawrence, live in northwest IA, and Lauren left on Thursday to drive to Sioux Falls, SD where his mom is in the hospital. She was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma on Sept. 15, and was going to have chemotherapy on Wednesday, but she is too weak to have treatment. After visiting with the doctors, the family has decided the best thing they can do for her is to make her as comfortable as possible before she goes Home to be with the Lord, which could be in a few days or weeks. They hope to transfer her to the Orange City hospital on Monday, which is only 3 miles from their home in Alton for hospice care. Lauren's dad had surgery on Aug. 10 and has recently been cleared to drive, and it will be such a blessing for him to have Gert close. The Sioux Falls hospital is about 70 miles from their home, so Lauren will take his dad back and forth and he will stay in IA until Gert gets transferred and then drive home to MT on Tuesday. Of course, all of this is in God's hands and we hold all plans lightly, knowing in His infinite wisdom His plans are best. Lauren's mom knows of her condition and she is ready to go to be with Jesus. She has been ill for quite a long time and she is tired; how wonderful it will be when she tires no more and will "soar on wings like eagles; she will run and not grow weary, she will walk and not grow faint." Isaiah 41:31



Her family has put her story and information on her condition at http://www.caringbridge.org/; just type gertrudevanroekel where it says Visit a Website. Please pray for Gert and her family as they spend time together, for Gert to have God's peace and comfort, for her to be able to be transferred to Orange City on Monday, and for Lauren's 12 hour drive home on Tuesday.

Nurses from Heaven Part 1

So, I had promised I would write about the nurses I had in ICU, so I am finally getting around to that. I went into ICU following surgery, and my nurse that night was sent straight from Heaven. Her name is Julie, and after we spent a little time together, we discovered we are both Christians. Julie calls everyone endearing names such as Sweetie, Hon, and Beautiful, and I particularly got a giggle out of Beautiful, because my hair couldn't be washed for 48 hours and I had dried-blood ringlets on the back of my head! She has a very gentle nature and I was her only patient for awhile, as each nurse usually has only 2 patients at a time, since it is ICU. I was having trouble sleeping, and sometime after midnight when she came in to give me meds, she took my hand and prayed for me to be able to sleep. And God brought me some much-needed sleep. Julie is most certainly a nurse who practices the gifts God has given her in everyway possible, and I so appreciated her. She is the kind of person you like as soon as you meet her, and I will always remember her kindness and gentle care.

A couple of hours later, I heard a lot of commotion, and it was clear that a very serious case had come in, and this person became Julie's second patient. I never knew who the patient was or what the situation was, but I did hear about the helicopter flying in from Bozeman, 2 hours away, and I suspect it was a young girl or young woman, as I heard a girl cry out. I knew then that it was my turn to pray, for the patient, her family, the doctor treating her and for Julie, who became very busy with this patient. God had given me sleep and I was doing better, so now that a more serious case came in, I could go to Him in prayer. Julie's shift ended at 7:30 AM (no doubt she still had hours of paperwork to do), and then God sent me Virginia and Celeste, and I will tell you about these adorable women next time!

Health-wise, I think I am slowly getting better now that the headaches and fever are gone. My energy level is still very low, but I did manage to get in an old-dog walk this morning. What is that, you may ask?! Well, when our dog Molly and later Kiska got old, I would only be able to walk them a couple of blocks up and around our neighborhood, pass the Garnetts I wrote about earlier. That is what I did today, stopping and smelling Barb's roses again and then back home. My legs tend to hurt a lot and walking helps stretch them out. The back of my head still feels like a piece of plastic, but I somehow think that is preferred to a lot of pain. I do have some pain, but it varies and usually isn't too bad, and for that I am very grateful. We are having some much cooler weather this week compared to the heat of last week, and it feels wonderful to get outside and also to have the house opened up. The nights are in the upper 40s and low 50s, perfect sleeping weather!

On the upmend...is that a word?

Since I was on the mend and then had a downturn, I think upmend is a good word, and I am feeling better today and the fevers seemed to be done. I saw our family doctor yesterday and he had blood tests done that turned out fine as far as any infection. He was cautiously hopeful that I do not have an infection, although the fevers bothered him, but I do think things are looking better. I was concerned about swelling in my neck, and he checked and said there is some swelling and fluid there, but that is not uncommon with surgery in the head area. It didn't show up until early this week, either, so apparently going off the steroids has quite a few unlikeable symptoms. Now I hope to get some of my energy back and take things slow and easy.

(Jack's grandparents - Spoiler Warning - if you haven't talked with Jack yourself and want this first hand, do not read the following!! :) )

It is so hard for me to believe, but Jack started Kindergarten today! I chatted with him yesterday and he was quite excited about it all, and Erin said this morning that he got up at 6:00 all excited to go! He told me he has a camo backpack and that his locker is #10. I asked him what he liked when he went to the orientation and he was most pumped about the table with the power tools on it - I sure hope he gets to play with those today! It really is a big day for parents; I remember Lauren had to take the girls because I was teaching kindergarten myself, which is just as well because I would've cried too much. When we visited the Dailey's last month, I gave Jack a few books about going to Kindergarten, and we read them together each night. He had lots of good questions and even asked me what my room looked like and what we did, so when Erin came after surgery I sent a few photos home with her so he could see Nana's K classroom, quite a long time ago! I'm sure Grandmama MaryBeth, John's mom, has told him a lot about going to school, too, as she is also a teacher! He is surrounded by teachers; Erin has a degree, their friend Tiffany taught K for a few years, Mark and Sara are now going back to school to get teaching credentials, my sister Karilyn taught for several years and Bruce is in education, my niece Andrea is a teacher and my Aunt Sandy was a longtime teacher. Wow, if I forgot anyone I apologize, but we do have a lot of teachers in the family!

Erin just sent pics, so here are 2 of Jack on his big day, and 1 of Eli with his own version of a pacifier, a toy piece, I believe!! His mysteriously has disappeared!

I didn't get a pic of Maya smelling the roses, but here are a couple of her in July tending some of Nana's flowers:

Praise and Prayer

The headaches were better today, praise God, and I hope I am going to be done with them and not have to go back on the steroids. I talked with the surgeon's nurse today - he is out of town - and she was going to discuss it with his associates and try to get back to me tomorrow, but she, too, thought that if I could stand the headaches it would be better than going back on the meds. I have also had a slight fever on and off and achiness, so I have an appointment with our family doctor tomorrow to check and see if I may have an infection. The surgery area looks fine, but I would like him to check and see if there is infection somewhere. Lauren found out today from a coworker that having a fever coming off steroids isn't unusual. I am getting lots of rest and trying to eat well and drinking lots of water, so hopefully, I will turn a corner for the best soon. I do so appreciate all of your prayers. God is so good!

Stop and smell the roses

We had such a nice weekend, spending time with Sara, Mark and Maya, webcaming with my mom, Doris, and sister Karilyn in Wisconsin, webcaming with Erin, Jack and Eli, and even going to an open house. It felt a little more "normal" than recent days. But there were signs that maybe things were not all good; tiredness, dizziness and some body aches, and then came the headaches. I was finished with steroids on Friday, and by Sunday I started to get the headaches I was warned about by my doctor. Yigh, yigh, yigh they are like lightening shooting out of the top of my head, but if I lay really still, not so bad. Moving causes lots of shooting pain, so I spend a lot of time lying down. Last night, I also got a fever, so I called the doctor on call and he said it wasn't high enough to be infection, so take 2 Tylenol and call in the morning! Literally! Well, I had already taken lots of Tylenol all day, as well as Tylenol PM, so I just went to bed. I slept ok and this morning the headache isn't too bad, so I plan on moving as little as possible and, you guessed it, taking Tylenol. I would rather not go back on the steroids and so I hope this ends soon.

It is hard to describe what my head feels like, but I once had a Tiny Tears doll that I adored, and I washed her hair and the top of her head came off. It was a bit of a shock to me; here was this chunk of rubber with hair coming out of it in my hand, and I probably cried, but I do remember that my dad did his best to glue it back on. Well, my head feels like the back is like that chunk of rubber, sort of like a tight cap, because it is numb and tingly, only I am pretty sure it won't come off. But I am more aware of the back of my head than ever before, so hence, I am reminded of Tiny Tears. I do think, however, that some Super Glue was somehow involved with the electrons that were attached to my head during surgery, because I have chunks of dried gunk that will not come out and they catch and snarl and that hurts. A couple of nights ago I thought I could carefully comb it out; well, I did comb some out, along with chunks of hair! So I asked Lauren to cut some of it out and he relunctantly did and I think that most of it is gone now.

So, today I will stop and smell the roses, as Maya did when Lauren and I took her for a walk on Sunday. We stopped and bent down a large rosebush branch at our friends the Garnetts, and Maya loved it. She sniffed and smelled, and a few petals fell on her lap, so she sniffed and smelled those petals all the way home, brought them in the house and sniffed some more! She and Grandpa danced to Momma Mia and life began to seem more normal. It really was such a nice weekend, and I will not let a few headaches take that away.

Dr. visit today

Lauren and I went to see the surgeon, Dr. Meyer, today for my post-op checkup, and he took the sutures out and said everything looks good. I feel better each day and I do not think I am having the pressure in my head I had before surgery. The back of my head is partially numb and tingly from surgery, and I have minor pain, but no headaches. We had to wait for 1 hour for the appointment, and my neck didn't hurt that whole time, so that is great news! Now that the sutures are out, I must be careful for the next week or so to keep pressure off of the back of my head, so I will still have to continue to sleep with a couple of pillows and on my side, which I do anyway. All in all, I am very encouraged at how things are going. I will return to the doctor in 1 month and have MRIs done in about 3 months. My prayers are that the syrinx in my spinal cord will have gotten smaller, and hopefully the symptoms lessening that were caused by it.

Please also pray that I will start to sleep sounder; I think the pain meds are interfering, making it seem as if I am awake most of the night, but I do have dreams so I know I am getting some sleep and I feel rested. Oh, one more prayer request: I will be off the steroids by Thursday, going through a weaning-off time since coming home from the hospital, so please pray that I do not get any rebound headaches. Dr. Meyer warned me that it could happen and that he would have to put me back on the steroids, but I haven't been having headaches even with cutting back each day on the dose, so I am hoping that all goes well. As I said, each day gets better and I feel stronger, and I have your prayers and God's grace and mercy to thank for that. We serve a great God and He is ever faithful!

So thankful

My new normal is slow and easy, and I am grateful for each night that I sleep and each day that has less pain. The meds work well and the pain varies; it is the stiffness and numbness in my head that feels odd, but my neck is fine. I feel like I am wearing a tight cap on the back of my head, but I know this will pass. One thing that is very irritating is the stiff substance that was used with the electrodes attached to my head during surgery. I can't get it out of my hair, and it snags and pulls. I thought I was getting a small chunk a minute ago, and I did, along with a clump of hair, so that's not good! But I am so thankful that the surgery went as it should, and I know as time passes I will be able to tell what the results are.

I am so encouraged by the cards, visits, emails, calls and food, of course, that so many people have showered me (us) with. God is with me through you, and that is how I feel His presence now. His promises remain true and He uses His people to fulfill them. I have never felt alone nor have I felt sorry for doing this, because He gives me comfort and strength.

Erin, Sara and Lauren; thank you for being here always. Your love and help have been like a comforting shawl wrapped around me. Erin is back in Minneapolis now; thank you, John, for going it solo with the boys while she was here. Seeing the boys on the webcam is the best medicine - so is having Maya here. She keeps me smiling!

My sister, Karilyn, is headed to AZ today to get our mom, who is moving across the street from Karilyn and Bruce in Wisconsin. Please pray for my sister as she travels and for them both when they fly back to WI in a few days. Please pray for our mom, Doris, as she adjusts to her new, much cooler climate and new home that Karilyn and Bruce have prepared for her. Thanks to Gary and Chuck, our brothers, and their wives, as they helped collect a few things to make her house a home. What a relief it is to know she will be well taken care of now.

Fifty-five alive: 55 Things I love (with no rhyme or reason); Updated to 59!

Fifty-five Alive: 55 Things I love (with no rhyme or reason) Updated to 59 as of Feb. 1, 2013

59. All of our children and grandchildren now living nearby ~ thank you, Jesus!
58. Our grandson Ben, number 4 grand!
57. Snowfalls that don't stick around too long but are so pretty when they happen
56. Our new home, a cottage in a lovely new neighborhood
55. The sound of our grandchildren's voices, their sweet smiles, and their hugs and kisses
54. The smell of autumn leaves
53. Freshly-baked Pumpkin Bread
52. Sunday dinner after church
51. Apple Cider
50. the first pot of chili for the chilly weather
49. fall-scents candles warming the rooms
48. the first snowfall
47. Visiting a pumpkin farm
46. Getting the ok by the doctor to lift Maya!
45. Crisp fall days
44. Hallmark movies that make me cry
43. Sunday afternoon naps (somehow different from just regular naps)
42. Crickets chirping - a sign of fall weather on the way!
41. The Mitford series by Jan Karon
40. zucchini bread
39. Lucy just howled in her sleep!
38. watermelon on a hot day
37. The first day of school
36. Tylenol
35. Skyping with Mom and Karilyn - thanks, girls!
34. going for a morning walk
33. the Black-eyed Susans blooming by our garage
32. celebrating the removal of sutures with a brownie and a glass of raspberry lemonade!
31. sweet corn
30. cello/piano music
29. PBS "As Time Goes By"
28. airplanes that bring loved ones close
27. the comfort of my own bed
26. the smell of food wafting upstairs that Erin and Sara are making for the freezer; yum!
25. pillows
24. Home Sweet Home
23. webcam - I tell all the grandparents I know about it!
22. snowmen (it's in the 90s here today)
21. Lavender, any time, any place
20. The sunflowers dancing in our garden
19. "ZuZu's petals! Zuzu's petals!" (Jimmy Stewart, "It's a Wonderful Life")
18. the smell of rain
17. naps
16. Rocky Road ice cream
15. reading, hearing and praying the Word of God
14. getting mail
13. Focus on the Family (without it, my kids would've probably joined a circus)
12. fresh, cool breezes that waft through our windows, blowing the lace curtains
11. picture frames (they hold the ones I love when I cannot hold them in my arms)
10. garden tomatoes and mayo on whole wheat toast
9. CampNanaPapa (the grandkids' room at our house)
8. baby handprints on our mirrors and windows
7. slumbering in the hammock with a soft breeze
6. wicker furniture on our porch and patio to relax in
5. freshly washed bedding on a summer night
4. brownies, for their scent and taste!
3. a good night sleep (let me here the Amens!)
2. peonies, for their scent and beauty
1. the wall paint in our bedroom

There'a no place like home

I got home today before noon, and it feels so good to be here. Sara and Maya came by for lunch and I was able to get a much-needed nap in this afternoon. I see Lauren has done a good job keeping up the blog! I hope he can rest in the days ahead, too. It will be so good to have Erin come in tonight. My head hurts, of course, and I don't really feel like doing much, but as the days improve, I will tell you about the wonderful women in ICU and at the floor I was on. I praise God also for my surgeon, Dr.Meyer. Thank you for all of the prayers, emails, calls and food. We are so blessed.

Monday the 17th

Good evening,
Laurie remains in the hospital. The Doctor saw her this morning shortly after 8. All is looking good. She was able to have no bandage today. She showered without help (other than the shower chair to sit on). We took a couple longer walks and the blood sugar levels seemed to be more stable. Her spirits continue to be good. I think it is likely that she will be discharged on Tuesday. Tuesday evening (late) Erin will arrive from Minneapolis. Her sister (Sara) will be at the airport to meet - greet and drive Erin here. The hospital was busy today (I'm pretty sure it had something to do with it being Monday). I think I prefer the hospital atmosphere of Saturday and Sunday. I find myself this evening a bit tired and ready to wrap things up so I can get to bed. I'd like to be at the hospital before 8 tomorrow morning so I'm with Laurie when her Doctor arrives to see her. Sleep well.
Lauren

Sunday

Hello,
This morning Laurie was okayed to have a shower and wash her hair (obviously with help). Sara was with me so she was able to help her mom with drying and brushing her hair. Much better to have Sara's assistance than mine. I think the pain and discomfort was a bit less than yesterday. Monday she will be seen by her Doctor and will learn if she goes home Monday or Tuesday. I'm voting for Tuesday. Even though she is doing quite well, I think she could benefit from a longer stay. She did get a decent night's sleep last night, so we'll hope and pray for that again this night. Take care one and all,
Lauren

Today was a good day

Good evening,
Laurie was moved from ICU to a regular room on the 5th floor about 3:00 pm. She is doing quite well considering the surgery she had. She is needing sleep. Last night with her pain and the activity of an ICU, she had little sleep. Laurie is looking forward to tomorrow when hopefully her hair can be washed. The Doctor ordered that the surgery area needed to be dry for at least 48 hours. Again Laurie was blessed with nurses that were caring beyond belief (found out they are Christians) Praise the Lord! Thank you one and all for your thoughts and prayers!
Lauren

To my daughter's

Erin and Sara,
Thank you for your love and care expressed and shown today. Love ya lots,
Dad

Praise God

Good evening to family and friends,
The Doctor says surgery went well with no surprises. Surgery was nearly 3 hours. I was able to see her in the ICU a little after 12 noon. As the afternoon hours moved along, Laurie was more alert and seemed to be doing okay. I am thankful for everyone's prayers, kind thoughts and warm wishes. Laurie will be in ICU overnight and if things check out in the morning, she will be moved to a regular hospital room. The Doctor says she could maybe go home Monday or Tuesday. As I think about the details of the day, I am very thankful for God's hand in all the details. Each nursing and medical staff person working for Laurie were a perfect match! The volunteer staff hosting the surgery waiting room was kind - caring - and easy to visit with. The waiting rooms had coffee that was alright. I had a great parking spot (when you arrive by 5:45 there are many good choices). Thank you Steve for coming in the 8:00 hour to visit and pray. Thank you Julie for coming this afternoon. Our Lord is Awesome, Our Creator is indeed the One and Only Wise God!
Lauren

It is what it is

"It is what it is" has been going over and over in my head lately, with a Biblical perspective. Tomorrow is surgery day, and I am very much at peace with it. God has heard the prayers of the Saints and He has given me "the peace that passes all understanding, in Christ Jesus" So no matter what, I am ready to go through with this. Lauren and I met with the surgeon yesterday, and he went over everything about the surgery, including the risks. While hearing that was sobering, it is not what I purpose to focus on, nor am I focusing on being a Pollyanna (who I loved, by the way) but to focus on what God has been teaching me throughout all of this. I do not intend to be preachy, but to instead just pass on what He gave me this morning, in the words of my Jesus: "Love each another as I have loved you." This is profound in itself, but what I really love is before He said this, He told us "As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Now remain in My love. If you only obey My commands, You will remain in My love, just as I have obeyed My Father's commands and remain in His love. I have told you this so that My joy may be complete." John 15:10-12

I can't help but quote Dr. David Jeremiah again, for God has been using his writings for me lately. He says, "The center of joy for the Christian is Christ. The joy is Christ's joy. It is simply the life of the Lord Jesus Christ being lived out in an individual. Christian joy is letting Christ live his life through you so that what He is, you become." When I was saved, God gave me this truth in Philippians 1:6; He who began a good work in you, will be faithful to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus. I am far from complete, but my job here on earth is to obey His teachings and love others as he loves them, and He takes care of the rest. My joy cannot come from my circumstances, but from the joy that is in Christ Jesus.

I write all of this to process it myself, and if it gives you insight, then He is doubly blessed. We may make plans for our lives, but God is ultimately in control and He alone is sovereign, so I say "It is what it is" because I give this surgery and recovery to Him; I have no expectations except that which is in His hands. I certainly hope to feel better eventually, and I know there will be way too many days when I complain about it all, but it is still in his hands. (As the boy's father in the Book of Mark said, "I believe; help me in my unbelief!"

That all said, thank you for all of your prayers. I can't tell you how much they mean to me. Maya and Sara came by this morning and I was so happy to be able to lift her up, since I won't be able to do that for awhile. But I told Sara that when I am home I will teach Maya how to climb up on the sofa! Oh yes, I showed Lauren how to update the blog, so I know he will give it a try when he gets a chance. Sara took a "before" picture so we'll put that on w/ an "after" picture eventually.

P.S. I have to be at the hospital at 5:45 a.m. Friday and surgery will be around 7:30, lasting about 2 1/2 hours. I will be in ICU overnight and then in a room, hopefully being able to go home Monday.
P.P.S. Aunt Sandy, "thank you to you" and your Bible study ladies for the card and prayers!

A Jack-Be-Little Pumpkin growing on the vine for the JEMS

A beautiful day

This morning I woke up with energy (thanks, God!), which is not how I usually wake up, considering the meds it takes to help me sleep! So I got up at 6:30 and Lucy and I went out to deadhead the flowers that have been crooking their fingers at me for weeks. It was (and is) an absolutely beautiful morning, cool enough that I needed a sweatshirt at first. We got right to work, me with my shears and Lucy with her nose, and we both got a lot done in a couple of hours. As I was finishing up the deadheading and trimming, I noticed that my little corner of the garage where I keep my gardening things was quite messy and dusty, so I straightened and swept and now I can at least see what's there; I love clay pots and saucers and gardening tools and gloves. If I could have my own shop, it would be a gardening shop. I would love a gardening shed, where I could putter with plantings and sit in a wicker chair and sip lemonade - ah, the things of dreams! This has been a particularly good summer for all things growing, and we have been so very thankful to God for the recent rains!

The picture I put in my header is of the view from our kitchen window. The window boxes there are such a pleasure to see, and I have Lauren to thank for keeping them well-watered this summer, along with all of the other pots and plants. He has been tending the vegetable garden, too, weeding and picking the few prizes we have so far, mostly zucchini. Jack's pumpkins, called Jack-Be-Little, of course, have tiny little pumpkins growing, and this fall we will save some for him, Eli and Maya to have. Lucy seems to have taken our other Golden Retriever Kiska's fancy for cherry tomatoes; Lauren caught her eating one yesterday. (Lucy does eat a lot of things, a lot of them not food!)

Thank You, God, for giving me this great peace today. It is like a gift, one that is the kind you want to keep tucked away so that you can savor it slowly (like chocolate, which, to be honest, I never eat slowly!). I know the Saints are praying, and I love you all for it.

I put these prayer requests on the GBC prayer chain this weekend, and I want to share them here and ask you to go to the Father on my behalf. Thank you, thank you.
What to pray for today:

• Peace, not panic ("Peace, I leave with you, My peace I give to you.")
• To be able to let things go that I feel like I want to hurry and get done, since I won't be able to lift things or do a lot for quite awhile ("Be still and know that I am God.")
• To trust God that He has directed me to this particular neurosurgeon (I never thought that I would have to see a brain surgeon!) at this particular time ("For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you...")
• God's guidance for the surgeon and the rest of the surgery team (He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.)
• Healing and protection from infection or unforseen problems (You stretch out Your hand against the anger of my foes, with Your right hand You save me.)

Praise God that He alone is Sovereign!

Summer Fun! (click it)

The Dog , The Motorcycle, and The Pond

I've thought about how to keep this short, but I don't think that is possible, so bear with me. A few days ago, we decided to make a quick trip to Minneapolis to help John and Erin out with the new patio they are creating in their backyard. Erin and John had previously done the ground work of digging out the dirt and then John and his Crew of Mighty Men had put down the paving stones. When we arrived, there was still a lot of finishing work to do, so Erin, John and Lauren got to work and I played with Jack and Eli - a big job but someone has to do it, right? :) I was happy for the chance to be with all of them before surgery sidelines me for awhile.

In the afternoon, Erin and Lauren decided to take a break and walk their dog Maisy and our dog Lucy. Lucy is an extremely shy dog; we knew this when we got her last fall at age 7 months, and she has come a long way since then, but she is very much afraid of loud noises. They were just outside Erin's house going toward the corner when a motorcyclist was riding by and saw them, and he "popped" it, making a very loud noise. Lucy took off in the opposite direction, pulling loose from Lauren and dragging the leash behind her, running at top speed. She headed toward the park that is only a block or two away, and Lauren took off running after her. Jack and I soon followed, but she was nowhere in sight.

We searched, we called, we prayed, but there was no sight of Lucy. After John and I drove around the neighborhoods, I asked him to drop me off back near the park. I walked along the creek that borders it, calling her name over and over, but no Lucy. As I rounded a bend and came along a pond, some people were at a high end of the pond and pointing and looking. They saw me and called, asking if I was looking for a dog. After I said yes, they told me she was in the pond! I I called and called, but I couldn't see her because of the tall reeds and grass surrounding the pond. So I waded in, not sure where the ground was going to drop, getting wet halfway to my knees. I reached the edge and looked, and there, about 20 feet or so was Lucy! I called her and she swam to me and I was able to get her. out, so glad to see her and I'm sure she was glad to see me! Soon, the rest of the gang was there and we were able to get Lucy home, where she got a bath (Maisy got one, too, even though she stayed home!).

All of this excitement gave us a lot to talk about, needless to say. Jack and I were talking about it later that night when I was tucking him in to bed and reading him stories. We prayed and thanked God for bringing Lucy home, and Jack told me he got scared when I cried as we were looking for her. I was able to tell him that as hard as it was to have Lucy lost, it would be so much harder if he or Eli or Maya got lost, and that they mean even more to me than Lucy. We talked about how much God loves them, even more than I do, and that God is always with us.

There were many Bible passages that came to mind as we searched and after Lucy was found. I thought about the parable of the lost son, and how his father rejoiced when he returned. I thought about the parable of the lost sheep, and how the shepherd will leave his flock to find one lost sheep and when he finds it, joyfully puts it on his shoulder and carries it home. I know that Jesus taught these parables to show how much God rejoices when someone who is lost comes to Him and repents, and I am so glad He could use a lost dog to remind me this. I wish I could say I shared all of this with Jack that night, but he was drifting off to sleep, safe at home where he is loved and cared for. But we will, no doubt, have the opportunity to talk about it all in our future chats on the phone or a web cam, and I am grateful for the windows God gives us to share about his love for us.

The patio is looking good; Erin and I had a chance to get a few shrubs to put in, and it is going to be a wonderful space for them to relax and play with the boys and Maisy. We are back home and Lucy is napping - no doubt glad to be home. I have a doctor appointment tomorrow for pre-op tests so I would love your prayers that all is well so that I can have surgery on the 14th. I'll keep you posted, and I so appreciate your prayers. As you pray for me, please also be reminded to pray for those you love who are lost and need a relationship with Jesus. God is so amazing that He can use a lost dog to remind us that He desires us to pray for those who need him.

What Chiari Malformation and Syringomyelia Are

Update on August 4, 2010
The following post was originally written in July of 2009 when I was first diagnosed with CM and SM. I had surgery on 8/14/09 and I continue to have symptoms even though MRIs in April 2010 show that the decompression surgery was and still is a success. My symptoms vary and thankfully do not often hit all at once. I have pain in my head that is not like regular headaches, and it can be just a an achy feeling or quite nasty. Other symptoms include a feeling of pressure in my ears and face, double vision, neck pain, and weakness in my arms and legs. It is believed that the syrinx (cyst) in my spinal cord may have caused irreversible damage, but I remain hopeful that in time, the syrinx will get smaller and perhaps disappear. No matter what happens, I continue to trust my Lord and Savior to keep me in His presence, and it is my heartfelt desire to grow ever closer to Him.

Lord, You have assigned me my

portion and my cup;

You have made my lot secure.

The boundry lines have fallen for me

in pleasant places;

surely I have a delightful inheritance.

Psalm 16:5-6

July 22, 2009

From Dr. John Oro's book, The Chiari Book: Chiari (pronounced kee are ee) Malformation is an uncommon, congenital, neuroskeletal deformity of the lower compartment of the cranium called the posterior fossa that results in the crowding of the brainstem and the cerebellum. The lower part of the cerebellum, known as the cellebellar tonsils, protrudes down the base of the skull and into the spinal canal. This results in tissue compression and decreased spinal fluid flow.


Although I was probably born with this, it often does not present symptoms until people are in their 20s and 30s. This actually fits for me, because my first symtoms that I can recall began as far back as my late 30s. The symptoms I had resulted in being diagnosed with fibromyalgia, but this winter and spring I began to notice new symptoms, with the most concerning being numbness and pain in my face, increased pain and weakness in my legs, and shortness of breath. After seeing a doctor this spring, I was sent to a neurologist, who ordered MRIs of my head and neck. It was then that Chiari Malformation was discovered. What also showed up was Syringomyelia, which is a syrinx, or cyst, that has formed in my spinal cord. This syrinx is defined as "an abnormal fluid cavity (something like a long blister) inside the spinal cord." In Dr. Oro's book, he goes on to say that spinal fluid should be in the spinal canal and outside the spinal cord, not inside the spinal cord. The syrinx has formed because the natural flow of spinal fluid is partially blocked by the chiari. The syrinx causes pressure and the disruption of the normal function of the nerves that travel in that area of the cord. The syrinx I have starts at C1 in my neck and goes down to T9 in the thoracic in my back, so it is a long one.


It is because I have the syrinx that I need to have surgery, because it is causing quite a few neurological problems for me, and it is best to have the surgery before these symptoms get worse and may become irreversible. The surgery is called posterior fossa decompression, and I will explain that in another post. The surgery is scheduled for August 14, and I will probably be in the hospital for 2-4 days.


I would love your prayers in these days leading up to surgery and for the surgery itself. My prayer requests presently are that I do not fall into doubts or fears, and that nothing gets in the way of surgery unless it is God-given.


(A good resource on CM and SM is this website: http://www.conquerchiari.org/)

Two approaches to life

This morning I was reading a message by David Jeremiah, and this was a simple yet profound statement he made: "There are two approaches to life. We can focus on Jesus and acknowledge the storm, or we can focus on the storm and acknowledge Jesus. By keeping our eyes on the Lord, we can live above the circumstances and have an attitude of joy..." As the weeks go by and surgery approaches, I know it would be easy to sink into fear and focus on the storm. I am grateful for family and friends who will help me to focus on Jesus instead, and this storm will pass, as all storms do. Sometimes they leave after effects that need to be overcome, but through Christ healing does come. I ask today that you pray that the appointments I need ahead of surgery will all fall into place, and that nothing will get in the way of the surgery date.

You can get your mom to blog!

I am going to start this blog, despite the fact that I said I would never blog, because I thought I might want to express my feelings about the Big Brain Squeeze surgery coming on Aug. 14. I am looking forward to it (surgery) even though there is the promise of a funky new hairdo that I am pretty sure I am going to hate, but my thanks to Sara and Maya, who helped me pick out a rather cute headscarf to cover the sutures, the scar to follow, and the sure-to-happen bad hair days. I'm not sure how much I will have to say, but I thought it would be easier to say in this 1 place rather than several places.

But I am not going to just write about the surgery - whew! - I heard that collective sigh of relief! As you may be able to tell by the name "Nana's House", there will be countless entries about our 3 adorable grands, occassional tidbits about their "rents", and sporadic tales about Lauren, me and our dog, Lucy. For now, let's see where this thing goes in the days ahead. One thing I know, God is always with me, as He is with you, too.