Sunday, May 31, 2009

Double the Fur...

Just over a week ago, Scott came home with a little grey kitten. The poor little thing had been abandon at our church. He could barely walk and was very, very hungry. We think he was about 3 weeks old. The very next day Scott found another kitten ( same place, different bush) and the two brothers where reunited. Over the past week and a half we have enjoyed bottle feeding this little pair. They have gone from being weak and frightened to strong and playful in no time at all. We still have yet to officially name these two-so if you have any fun ideas...please feel free to post a comment with your suggestion.


Some possibilities are Mike and Ike, Jazz and Taz

or

Moses and Aaron?


Thursday, May 28, 2009

Holding on to HOPE

Update on my Dad: The infection in my dads hip has been determined to be non-life-threatening. However it is very serious and is being aggressively treated with high powered antibiotics (IV drip for at least 8 weeks) and ongoing antibiotics for the rest of his life. It's frustrating and so unfortunate that before the doctors figured out what was going on, several infectious disease specialists had given him nothing but worst case scenarios. This kind of news was just enough to tip my dad over emotionally. He said perhaps he would just be better if they just took his leg. To say the least it has been a tough week. It was such a huge step backwards after struggling to hold on to hope and work so hard to gain strength and get back on his feet and walk again. He is now down again and the road just got longer. The end of the tunnel out of reach without and clear view of the light at the end. The light is still there dad, you just can't see it right now. Hold on...Press on...NEVER GIVE UP! There is a grieving process that continues as the trail twists and turns. The highs very high and the lows very low. My heart breaks for my parents and I daily surrender them into God's care. My HOPE is in Christ alone. For those of you that have been so faithful to visit my dad. He is back at Ida Culver. Please call to make sure he is up for company before you go. Thank you so much for your love and continued prayers.

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Today I read somthing that was posted on a friends facebook page. It was a timely reminder of God's truth and promises. I love it when God gives us just what we need, right when we need it. HOPE!
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Question: "Why does God allow us to go through trials and tribulations?"

Answer: One of the most difficult parts of the Christian life is the fact that becoming a disciple of Christ does not make us immune to life’s trials and tribulations. Why would a good and loving God allow us to go through such things as the death of a child, disease and injury to ourselves and our loved ones, financial hardships, worry and fear? Surely, if He loved us, He would take all these things away from us. After all, doesn’t loving us mean He wants our lives to be easy and comfortable? Well, no, it doesn’t. The Bible clearly teaches that God loves those who are His children and He “works all things together for good” for us (Romans 8:28). So that must mean that the trials and tribulations He allows in our lives are part of the working together of all things for good. Therefore, for the believer, all trials and tribulations must have a divine purpose.
As in all things, God’s ultimate purpose for us is to grow more and more into the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). This is the goal of the Christian, and everything in life, including the trials and tribulations, is designed to enable us to reach that goal. It is part of the process of sanctification; that is, being set apart for God’s purposes and fitted to live for His glory. The way the trials accomplish this is explained in 1 Peter 1:6-7: "In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

The true believer’s faith will be made sure by the trials we experience so that we can rest in the knowledge that it is real and will last forever. Trials develop godly character, and that enables us to "rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us” (Romans 5:3-5). Jesus Christ set the perfect example. "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). These verses point out aspects of His divine purpose for both Jesus Christ's trials and tribulations and ours. Persevering proves our faith. "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).

At the same time, we must be careful never to make excuses for our "trials and tribulations" if they are a result of our own wrongdoing. "By no means let any of you suffer as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler" (1 Peter 4:15). God will forgive our sins because the eternal punishment for them has been paid by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. However, we still have to suffer the natural consequences in this life for our sins and bad choices. But God uses even those sufferings to mold and shape us for His purposes and our ultimate good.

Trials and tribulations come with both a purpose and a reward. "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him" (James 1:2-4,12).

Through all of life’s trials and tribulations, we have the victory. "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord, Jesus Christ." These verses encourage us to see that although we are in a spiritual battle, Satan has no authority over the believer in Christ. God has given us His Word to guide us, His Holy Spirit to enable us, and the privilege of coming to Him anywhere, at any time, to pray about anything. He has also assured us that no trial will test us beyond our ability to bear it, and “he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Recommended Resource: When God Doesn't Make Sense by James Dobson.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

The Refiner's Fire

There is an update added to the end of this blog...scroll down to read the most current news as of tonight 5/23/09. Please Continue to Pray for my mom and dad. Blessings Always...no matter what! God is in control!


This is an image I have been meaning to share. It is a picture of a plastic container that survived my mom and dad's house fire on January 8th, 2009. It contained some treasured memorabilia from my dad's Husky basketball days...It was found in an old steamer trunk, unharmed and all it's contents in perfect condition. Below is a picture of the trunk that protected it.

I have reflected upon these images and a certain verse over the past few months... They have reminded me of the sacrifice Jesus made for us in order for us to be saved. His body broken, so we could have life.

" When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you." (Isaiah 43:2)

Well- It's been a long time since I've made any mention of my dad's recovery. My apologies to those of you who have been tracking this blog for updates. I spoke to my dad yesterday and he informed me that my non-communication scared some people. So with that said...let me catch you up to speed. My dad had surgery on April 17th and within days he was a complete mess. He said he has never been in such pain...and let me tell you, the man has an incredible pain tolerance. Turns out, the surgery failed. The appliance placed in his hip came detached and his right leg was 3 inches shorter than his right. At the point he was released from the hospital, he had a hip that was unattached and no one new it. Ugh!

After allot of pain, tests and failure to do anything the physical therapists where asking him, it was determined that he would need to go under the knife again. So back to the hospital he went for surgery #4 (since January). The surgery was to reattach and hopefully lengthen his right leg. (He's always loved being tall!) The concerning part has been that he had to keep "going under" again and again. Infection, blood clots and extremely low blood pressure have been a risk every time. I did not travel up to Seattle this time around, instead we all went straight into prayer mode trusting God with the outcome once again.

God has been faithful even when our faith has wavered or when we found ourselves working through doubt and fear. It is then when we have come to understand more fully the meaning of our weakness and God's strength. He has carried and comforted our family through this season and continues to do so. He hears our hearts cry and he has heard the prayers of many on our behalf and we are humbled. My dad told me to tell everyone that he is thankful for each and every prayer and he has needed every single one.

There is such a bigger picture here than all the drama, pain and fear we have felt at the thought of losing a loved one before the time seems right. It has been an intense testing of faith and walking through the process of refinement. The Refiners Fire in the end produces that which is beautiful for God's glory! I pray that through this season each and every member of my family has grown in their walk with the Lord who loves us so dearly.

"Consider it pure joy, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:2-4)

My dad had his 4th and hopefully final surgery on May4th. So far so good. The new hip is reattached and his leg only has about a 1" difference now. He is back at the care facility, working very hard to rehab and do all he can to gain strength after being bed bound for the past 4 1/2 months. He was up on his legs days after surgery and is walking daily on a walker.

My mom spent the last month in Seattle and is now back tending the farm. She has been busy packing up the city apartment and making the once, (Guest house) their new home. Dad hopes to join her within the month. There is still a long road of recovery ahead for my father and many decisions to be made as my parents rebuild there lives after the loss of so much that once was. Last week we received news from the insurance company that the cause of the January house fire was deemed as undetermined. We don't know how or why the fire started but we do know that God allowed it and we choose to trust that He knows best... always has, always will.
It is a fact that all of us will face trials, Gods word is clear: we will go through adversities in our lives. We may not like or understand it. All I know is His ways are above our ways and His thoughts are above our thoughts and He knows best. To God be the Glory in and through all of whatever "it" may be in our lives.

UPDATE:
As I was finishing the above post, I got a call from my sister and then my mom. I just received news that my dad has been transferred back to Swedish Hospital today 5/23/09. He is running a high fever and there is infection in his body once again. Please continue to pray for complete healing, comfort and peace for my dad. Also that the rest of us would be covered in God's strength as we continue to face the Refiner's fire.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Day at the ZOO!

Luke's desire for his 4th birthday was to go to the zoo!

It was a day of discovery, sunshine and fun...


even the bears seemed to be having a good time!

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Happy 4th Birthday Luke!

Luke you bring so much joy into our lives and we thank the Lord for you.... you are sweeter than....


and we love you!

Happy 4th Birthday Luke'ster!