Friday, January 28, 2011
Rocks, Rocks & More Rocks
One morning this week we decided to get out of the house right away and head down to see a rocky beach near the house. It was a quick trip but Jack really enjoyed "rock climbing." Watching the waves was phenomenal and something I could probably do every day while we are here! The waves in Florida that I am used to are nothing like these waves.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Fighting the cancer beast through prayer
My heart has been so heavy this week as I have thought about and prayed for the many people who's lives have recently been touched by illness, most specifically cancer:
My Uncle Pete has been fighting a valiant battle against prostate cancer. He is living life to the fullest each day and giving this disease a run for it's money! Love you Uncle Prissy!
Morgan, who is a daughter, sister, mother, and my Uncle Pete & Aunt Geri's niece, has been battling stage IV mestastatic Melanoma this past year. Thankful for her supportive, loving family! Encourage her this week, if you have a chance.
A young husband and father, Andy Meadows received his cancer diagnosis in December and is just beginning his battle with stage IV metastatic melanoma. If you think of him this week, pray for him to feel well enough to begin a clinical trial at Vanderbilt!
A sweet college friend, Shannon Reynolds Smith, officially became the mommy of a sweet little boy named Will. Just as she and her husband Justin were celebrating Will's adoption, Shannon learned her cancer has returned for the third time. She has just begun chemo and is looking to the future with hope in her Savior. In the last few days Shannon has learned that her mother, Pat has cancer......Adenocarcinoma. Pray for the Smith & Reynolds families, as they not only fight the cancer battle but also navigate the details of taking care of Shannon's mom and making sure Will is taken care of each day. This family would covet your prayers.
I received word this weekend from several close Chattanooga friends, about a precious 3 yr old, Seth Carpenter, whose family has learned that he has leukemia. They are also trusting their Savior for strength and guidance to face what's ahead. This family has already endured a health battle this year with Seth's sister, as she had brain and back surgeries. Little Seth had his port put in and begins chemo this week.
Before I even finished this post, my dear friend Sarah, informed us of a little girl, Piper, who is my sweet Henry's age and is battling leukemia.
The list doesn't end here.....there are so many more lives being touched by cancer and illness each day. I'm sure you could list people in your own lives who are facing the Cancer Beast. In no way, am I able to comprehend what these families face each day, or understand what trials/struggles/heartaches they face.
Having no idea what the future holds in my own life, I am forever grateful that I know the One who holds the future in His hands and enables me to face the future with eternal hope.
Maybe you can take a few moments to encourage these families this week. Visit their caringbridge or carepage and sign their guestbooks. All of their names should link to a page, except Pete & Andy. Will you also commit to pray these verses, or any others that come to mind, this week, for these families:
My Uncle Pete has been fighting a valiant battle against prostate cancer. He is living life to the fullest each day and giving this disease a run for it's money! Love you Uncle Prissy!
Morgan, who is a daughter, sister, mother, and my Uncle Pete & Aunt Geri's niece, has been battling stage IV mestastatic Melanoma this past year. Thankful for her supportive, loving family! Encourage her this week, if you have a chance.
A young husband and father, Andy Meadows received his cancer diagnosis in December and is just beginning his battle with stage IV metastatic melanoma. If you think of him this week, pray for him to feel well enough to begin a clinical trial at Vanderbilt!
A sweet college friend, Shannon Reynolds Smith, officially became the mommy of a sweet little boy named Will. Just as she and her husband Justin were celebrating Will's adoption, Shannon learned her cancer has returned for the third time. She has just begun chemo and is looking to the future with hope in her Savior. In the last few days Shannon has learned that her mother, Pat has cancer......Adenocarcinoma. Pray for the Smith & Reynolds families, as they not only fight the cancer battle but also navigate the details of taking care of Shannon's mom and making sure Will is taken care of each day. This family would covet your prayers.
I received word this weekend from several close Chattanooga friends, about a precious 3 yr old, Seth Carpenter, whose family has learned that he has leukemia. They are also trusting their Savior for strength and guidance to face what's ahead. This family has already endured a health battle this year with Seth's sister, as she had brain and back surgeries. Little Seth had his port put in and begins chemo this week.
Before I even finished this post, my dear friend Sarah, informed us of a little girl, Piper, who is my sweet Henry's age and is battling leukemia.
The list doesn't end here.....there are so many more lives being touched by cancer and illness each day. I'm sure you could list people in your own lives who are facing the Cancer Beast. In no way, am I able to comprehend what these families face each day, or understand what trials/struggles/heartaches they face.
Having no idea what the future holds in my own life, I am forever grateful that I know the One who holds the future in His hands and enables me to face the future with eternal hope.
Maybe you can take a few moments to encourage these families this week. Visit their caringbridge or carepage and sign their guestbooks. All of their names should link to a page, except Pete & Andy. Will you also commit to pray these verses, or any others that come to mind, this week, for these families:
"But you, Israel, my servant,
Jacob, whom I have chosen,
the offspring of Abraham, my friend;
you whom I took from the ends of the earth,
and called from its farthest corners,
saying to you, “You are my servant,
I have chosen you and not cast you off”;
fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
(Isaiah 41:8-10 ESV)
Jacob, whom I have chosen,
the offspring of Abraham, my friend;
you whom I took from the ends of the earth,
and called from its farthest corners,
saying to you, “You are my servant,
I have chosen you and not cast you off”;
fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
(Isaiah 41:8-10 ESV)
"For I, the LORD your God,
hold your right hand;
it is I who say to you, “Fear not,
I am the one who helps you.”
Fear not, you worm Jacob,
you men of Israel!
I am the one who helps you, declares the LORD;
your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel."
(Isaiah 41:13-14 ESV)
hold your right hand;
it is I who say to you, “Fear not,
I am the one who helps you.”
Fear not, you worm Jacob,
you men of Israel!
I am the one who helps you, declares the LORD;
your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel."
(Isaiah 41:13-14 ESV)
Remember your word to your servant,
in which you have made me hope.
This is my comfort in my affliction,
that your promise gives me life.Your hands have made and fashioned me;
give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,
because I have hoped in your word.
I know, O LORD, that your rules are righteous,
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
Let your steadfast love comfort me
according to your promise to your servant.
Let your mercy come to me, that I may live;
for your law is my delight.
(Psalm 119:49-50, 73-77 ESV)
in which you have made me hope.
This is my comfort in my affliction,
that your promise gives me life.Your hands have made and fashioned me;
give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,
because I have hoped in your word.
I know, O LORD, that your rules are righteous,
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
Let your steadfast love comfort me
according to your promise to your servant.
Let your mercy come to me, that I may live;
for your law is my delight.
(Psalm 119:49-50, 73-77 ESV)
Power Gliding 101
Even though the boys have been feeling bad, we did get out with everyone for a few hours yesterday morning. We actually got out before Henry was really doing poorly.
We drove across the island to the North Shore area. The waves are amazing over there and I could see why it's a surfer's paradise!
At a small airport, a couple began a Power Gliding company. It's very similar to hang gliding but has an engine. Gorgeous views & so relaxing!
The boys enjoyed watching from the "tower." Jack asked several times why Mr. Aaron wasn't in there watching the planes. (Our good friend is an air traffic controller in Chattanooga, but Jack thinks that means he watches ALL planes everywhere.) Here are a few pics from our day at the airstrip -
We drove across the island to the North Shore area. The waves are amazing over there and I could see why it's a surfer's paradise!
At a small airport, a couple began a Power Gliding company. It's very similar to hang gliding but has an engine. Gorgeous views & so relaxing!
The boys enjoyed watching from the "tower." Jack asked several times why Mr. Aaron wasn't in there watching the planes. (Our good friend is an air traffic controller in Chattanooga, but Jack thinks that means he watches ALL planes everywhere.) Here are a few pics from our day at the airstrip -
Kites
On any given day since we've been here on Oahu, we've seen people flying kites in a grassy area near the beach close to our house. It always looked like the people were having such great success with their kites, so we thought it would be worth a shot! I must admit that I was a bit skeptical. All I could think about was how many times I had one of those $5 kites from the store as a kid and I was the one providing the wind power while constantly running! Repeating that with two small kids didn't seem too appealing. I was pleasantly surprised and thrilled that we experienced kite flying together!
Becky was giving a little instruction even though Jack was really interested in "doing it by himself."
Henry enjoyed running around with Rufus (Art & Becky's dog), but he also attempted flying the kites.
Art's taking a break!! If you know him for more than five minutes, you'll learn that it's a rare occasion for him not to be on the phone or the computer! Thankful he got to enjoy some down time with us!
The boys and their new best buddy, Rufus. Although Jack is allergic to dog saliva (yes, saliva, not hair!), Rufus is a great companion and playmate. He loves a ball almost as much as Henry and also likes resting in the afternoon sun or laying down to read books with Jack!
He said it was easy to fly kites and he could do it sitting down!
A day in the life of a little boy is never complete until he's spent time with some mud!
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