Summer has Begun!

Our family has a favorite place that has blessed us with refreshment and family time over the past several years. The creak that runs right through our neighborhood, just two blocks from our home has been a place of retreat, reflection and solitude from me as well as a place of adventure and discovery for our children.

The above pictures where taken just a few days ago and the following photos are from last summers fun, that I just never got around to posting.

They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.

Jeremiah 17:8

Wishing you all a blessed summer as you drink from the living water that will refresh, restore and bring forth new life. To God be the Glory in our lives and yours!

Life is so Random Sometimes!

As some of you have already heard...we had a visitor in our neighborhood last week.

First it was a kitten rescue then it was a rooster...

Life indeed is random at times. The kittens and rooster have been a fun distraction from the norm and it makes us keenly aware of Gods awesome sense of humor.

The rooster found a good home by nightfall and the neighborhood is more connected because of his visit. God can use anything to bring people together.

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?

Miss Mollie 09' Graduate

Congratulations Mollie!

Class of 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.

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.

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!

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!

Sunshine, Mamma and Me!

"Later Gator"

What does a dad say to a daughter when he fears he may not make it through an impending surgery. "I love you and later gator!" These are the words I prayed would not be the last I would ever hear my dad say, this side of heaven. As the kids and I drove up to Seattle Thursday evening, I spoke with my dad on the phone. It was obvious that we were both intentional to keep our conversation, light , upbeat and hopeful as to not let those deepest fears gain any foothold in our hearts and minds.

It was requested that we stay at my in laws the night before surgery, do to the fact that mom and dad needed to get to Swedish Hospital by 5am. It was difficult not to see him pre-surgery, but he said he looked forward to seeing our smiling faces when he woke up! After a five hour surgery and a six hour recovery, we where finally able to wrap our arms around him and give him the comforting smiles he was so hopeful to see. Can I just say I love kissing my dads forehead!

The surgery went as well as could be hoped for. Although the surgeon said to keep our fingers crossed. He was able to place a new hip, but it was difficult due to the fact that there was so little bone to attach it too.

Mom and I both asked about possible future infection and the surgeon, said "you just never know". So as of now our prayer requests are that my dad stays infection free and that healing is swift and without unforeseen problems ( such as blood clots, drop in blood pressure, fevers, falls and etc). Also that the hip will take and that dad will be patient with himself and others as he tries to learn how to walk again. Please also pray for pain management and peace of mind.

Dad was not up for visitors on Saturday, but we plan to see him today. Mom just spoke with him and he said he has already stood on his leg. Amazing! All of us are having tears of joy and relief all over again. Especially dear ol'dad! Thank you for your prayers once again. We'll keep you posted on the progress!

Our little Darlins.. Easter Morning!

Happy Easter!

Visit to Tillamook

Just a short day trip to the Tillamook Cheese factory...does a family good!

7 & 3

and happy as could be!

Thank you Bessie!

All the calcium has made us big and strong!

We Flew the Coop!

We flew the coop for Spring break and it turns out we weren't the only ones sent flying! Not just the seagulls and the eagles where soaring about, but my dad was given an unexpected shove out of his nest as well!

Our Spring Break is complete as we just arrived home from another trip to Washington. This time we were able to travel together as a whole family and arrive home together. Our first stop was to visit my dad at the care facility in Seattle. The kids were so happy to see grandpa Doug and especially loved the ice cream cups that the nurse brought for all to enjoy. It's hard to believe my dad has been in a hospital since early January. A lot has happened since his life was nearly taken from us due to Septic Shock. Since than he has had two months straight of non-stop antibiotics to rid his body of infection and is now scheduled for another surgery on April 17th. Septicemia seams to be a concern of the past and now only time will tell the final outcome of my dads current circumstance. Will he be able to receive a new hip? Is there enough bone and muscle left? Is the infection really gone? Will infection return? Will they be able to save his leg? Will dad be able to walk again? How long will healing and rehab take? What is all of this going to look like? The questions in all of our heads seam endless. I am grateful for close friends who whisper softly - "One day at a time, Sweet Jesus....One day at a time."

The newest and most exciting, yet totally un-nerving news is that my dad was unexpectedly released from the care facility last Wednesday. We got the news of his impending dismissal on Monday (ya gotta love how insurance works) Yes, a man who nearly died several times over and who has no hip in place, (oh and did I mention he is 6'6" and 240 lbs.) was suddenly released to be cared for by my mom full time. As if she didn't have allot on her plate already. To say the least it put us all into a mad scramble. The logistics alone of transporting was stressful, not to mention trying to find the proper bed, chairlifts, walkers, wheel chair etc..etc on such short notice. Once again my uncle came to the rescue and helped with the transfer. The kids and I were able to lend a hand and hugs as you can see from the picture above, my dad made it safely to the back seat of my uncle's car. Dad was released at 10am and was on the noon boat to Orcas Island. He was in his own bed by 2pm. Unbelievable! It was a difficult and somewhat emotional for my dad to return to the farm after having left two days after the house fire.

My uncle drove my dad down the long driveway to where their home used to be. The rubble has been cleared now and only the foundation remains. My parents are now living in what used to be the guest house for Island vacationers. What a blessing to have a home to go to.

In the midst of all the transition for my parents the rest of us where busy tending to horses and various farm chores. One of which was mommy and daddy pretending to be horses and pulling the kiddos around for a ride in a horse carriage. As you can see from the looks on their faces the kids loved being in the drivers seat.

All in all it was a good trip and one step closer to some sanity and peace of mind. There is still a lot of clean up and work to be done on many different fronts. It is going to be a long, slow process that will take a lot of love, strength, patience, determination, communication, understanding, forgiveness, perseverance, faith, hope, trust and prayer.

The road is long and there are sure to be some unexpected waves. If only we could remember to give God the reigns one day at a time! He is sure to make the journey worth while!

Presence,Wisdom,Power

May the presence of our God refresh you

May the wisdom of our God guide you

May the power of our God protect you

May the holiness of God change you

And may the love of God, oh the love of God

Constantly, gently reassure you

So be it for us all!

A Winding Path

It's obvious I took quite a break from blogging. I apologize to those of you who really where tracking with me on this journey and have wondered what the heck is going on. It really has been a holding pattern for the past month. I personally hit quite a wall on my return home to Oregon and have spent much of my time laying low at home with my family. Being on the front lines in Washington was where I was needed and where I wanted to be, but I really had allot to process when I finally was able to step away and realized all that had happened in such a short amount of time. My emotions got the best of me for a few weeks and I am just now feeling kind of normal...what ever that is?

So as for an update....
My mom has not wasted a day. She hired an island contractor to clear the fire debris. There's still much work to be done on the farm, but it's a start. Mom has been traveling back and forth to visit my dad and is trying her best to plan ahead for his arrival back to his Seattle apartment and future return to the farm. Most likely my dad will be in a wheel chair or crutches for some time after his mid April surgery. Dad's body is still fighting infection and the doctors have opted to keep him on antibiotics up to the surgery date and after. We are hopeful that they will find no infection and that a new hip can be placed. Our biggest fear is of losing dad while in surgery or due to possible future infection. Second to that, is the loss of his leg or mobility. There is an underlying anxiousness about what the future will look like on many fronts. I think all of us are doing our best to trust God daily as we wait and allow the story to unfold in our lives. Some of us have had a harder time coping with the stress than others ( yes- I'm speaking for myself)....My dad is doing his best to be patient as he sits in a room being a full time patient. He admits some days are better than others. His biggest complaint as of late is the obnoxious 3am wake up's of bright lights and a rude nurse, who has since been dismissed from his care. The reality that he will most likely walk with quite of a limp for the rest of his life and that he has a long recovery ahead of him is tough news to hear, but is quickly put in perspective with the gratitude he and we all have to just still be alive!

We are headed back up to Washington soon and look forward to helping them pass the time. The picture of my parents above is one of my favorites. It was taken this past November right before life got so complicated in the start of the new year. We had all just walked 1/4 mile hand in hand down a dark path to the SunRiver lodge to go find Santa. Makayla was holding hands with Scott, Luke with Grandma and I will forever treasure walking hand in hand with my dad on life's path.

May we all remember to hold on to our strong, mighty and heavenly father's hand no matter where the path may lead! May God be blessed as we trust Him to lead us.