New Beginnings

Thank you for all the powerful prayers. My dad is waking up to new beginnings today. Surgery went well yesterday. It was a 4 hour procedure ( much shorter than expected ) and a very long wait in recovery. The long and the short of it is that the doctors removed all of dad's artificial hip and also a spiral wrap and any bone that was infected. The spiral wrap seems to be the main source of infection, so with a continued regiment of antibiotic drip for another 6-8 weeks...hopefully the infection will subside completely. My dad still has a long journey ahead of him to try to adjust to life on crutches, a walker or wheelchairs. This is it...There is no future plan to but a new hip in...he has his life and all limbs to help him balance, he has a strong spirit and the athlete within him is still very much ALIVE! He is ready to press on and do the best he can. Knowing my dad this is just one more challenge that he will rise too. I can just see the upper body strength now!

Again thank you for all the love and support...Praise be to God for his mercy and grace.

Current Prayer Requests:

That recovery would go smoothly , that he will gain weight and strength in the days to come, his protien levels would rise, that he would be able to do what the phyisical theripist ask of him, that he would qaulify to be placed at Cherry Hill Rehabilitaiton Center, that he would be patient with himself and others in this process. That God would cover, protect and provide in all financial matters. Continued wisdom, strength and guidance for our entire family.

Blessings, Peace and Love to you and yours-

The Smart and Totten Family

Major Surgery Today...Please Pray

Just wanted to let everyone know that my dad will be in surgery today at 3pm-on (possibly a 5-6 hour procedure). It is considered to be a major and very lengthy surgery. Your prayers would be appreciated as we continue to hope for God's best.

God Gives...God Takes Away

It has been a difficult week for my dad and family. Doug Smart's time at home was brief and he was rushed back to Swedish hospital last Friday. He had spiked a fever and the infection in his leg was causing havoc once again. My dad went back into surgery Saturday morning ( I think this is #5, but quite honestly - I have lost count). It was determined that if the infection was so bad, the doctor had signed permission to remove the entire appliance and bone from dads body. My dad does not want an amputation of his leg and opted to keep it even if it would not be of much use to him. My dad had no idea what he was going to be faced with when he awoke from surgery. It turns out that the doctor left the appliance in and felt that there was still a fighting chance to control infection and get dad back on two legs again someday. It has been a horrible ordeal in every which way-mentally, physically and emotionally. It has been a time of reflection and deep gratitude as well as surrender and testing of faith. Our family continues to covet your prayers. I have spent the past few days typing out the beautiful eulogy that my dad wrote for Bob Tate's memorial service. In doing so I have come across some fun pics and stats about my dad. Praise the Lord his story is not over yet.

UPDATE: As I was writing this my mom just called with the news that the infection is to much and a new bacterial has taken hold. The appliance needs to be removed and life is forever changed for my dad. I will keep you updated as best I can...The next surgery will take place within the next few days. This will be the beginning of a new song for all of us as dad faces life in a wheelchair or crutches. A rehab facility will be his home for several more months to come, as we work together to support and encourage him through this life change. For those of you close to my dad. He is needing space and time to grieve.

Amazing God knows what we need, right when we need it.

This was a scripture and prayer sent to me today that I believe is timely and meant just for my dad in his greatest time of need.

Isaiah 40:31

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and will not be faint.

Thoughts on today's verse
It is easy for us to live victoriously for the Lord when we soar on eagles wings. It can be exciting when we run and don't grow weary in the work of the Lord, buoyed by his power and presence. But it often takes heroes to keep walking and not faint when trying times come. Keep on walking, brother and sister. The Lord is there when you most fear he has forgotten you!

Prayer:
Majestic God, whose voice holds together our universe, give those who can barely walk under the stress and assault the strength to continue. I specifically want to pray for those I know personally who are facing trying times. Please, dear LORD, give them strength and meet their most pressings needs.

DOUG SMART Garfield1955A 6-7 forward who scored 30 on Wilt Chamberlain in college and still holds Washington records for rebounds in a season and a career. He is ninth in career scoring with 1,478 points.

STATE OF WASHINGTON
SPORTS HALL OF FAME

"Recognizing Talented Sports Figures Around Washington"

Doug Smart
Inducted: 1994
One of the University of Washington's premier basketball stars, he starred for the Huskies in the 1950's. He won numerous all-star honor, gaining All-America recognition in his junior and senior seasons. He led his Garfield Bulldogs to a state high school championship in 1955. He is now a prominent Seattle dentist.

Doug Smart DDS
Dr. Doug Smart is a 1963 graduate from the University of Washington School of Dentistry.
He brings his patients over 40 years of practicing dentistry in the Seattle Northgate area. He enjoys his family and love of horses in his leisure time.
He was one of the UW's premier basketball stars and starred for the Huskies in the late 1950's. He won numerous all-star honors, gaining All-America recognition in his junior and senior seasons. Dr. Smart still follows his alma mater closely.

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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

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!
----------------------------------------------------------------

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!