Do Others See Jesus In You?

Do others see Jesus in you?

"... He chose them to become like his Son... " Romans 8:29 NLT

Bill was a drunk, converted in a Skid Row mission. Before his conversion he had gained a reputation as a tramp and an alcoholic for whom there was no hope.

But when he gave his life to Christ everything changed. He became the most caring person at the mission. He spent his days there doing whatever needed to be done. There was never anything he was asked to do that he considered beneath him. Whether it was cleaning up vomit left by some sick alcoholic or scrubbing toilets used by men who had left them filthy, Bill did it all with a heart of gratitude. He could be counted on to feed any man who wandered in off the streets, undress him and tuck him into bed when he was incapable of taking care of himself.

One evening after the mission director delivered his evangelistic message to the usual crowd of solemn men with drooped heads, one of them came down to the altar and kneeled to pray, crying out for God to help him change. The repentant drunk kept shouting, 'O God, make me like Bill! Make me like Bill! Make me like Bill!'

The director of the mission leaned over and said, 'Wouldn't it be better if you prayed, "Make me like Jesus"?' After thinking about it for a few seconds, the man looked up and asked, 'Is He like Bill?'

Live, so that others see Jesus in you!

Taken from The Word For Today with Bob Gass at The Vine Today

The Holy Ghost

Away in the province of Shansi, and in the station of Ho-tsin, I met two men, one a scholar, and the other a farmer.

There was a great contrast in their appearance and in their whole bearing; the scholar, a thorough gentleman, the older farmer, just a rough countryman.

I travelled with them both along the road for two or three days together, so that I had a fair opportunity of seeing them.

When the old farmer preaches he has very little to say, whereas the scholar is really a beautiful preacher; but it is that old farmer who has been the means of leading most of those who are now members of the church at Ho-tsin to a saving knowledge of Christ.

I was told that he had got practically only one prayer, and every time he prayed he repeated it. His prayer is always, "Oh, that the power of the Holy Ghost may be with us."

This is his prayer; and the power of the Holy Ghost is always with that simple old man.

Taken from the book "A Threefold Cord", compiled by Helena Garratt, Pg 278

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 5:5

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May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

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May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:14

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Find Something To Praise God For

Find Something To Praise God For

"If there is anything praiseworthy --- meditate on these things." Philippians 4:8 NKJV

General Robbie Risner described the seven years he spent as a prisoner of war as "the essence of despair." He said, "If you could have squeezed the feeling out of the word despair, it would have come out lead-coloured, dingy and dirty." What's amazing is how he survived. He pried the cover off a floor drain in his cell and lowered his head into the opening. There he noticed a solitary blade of grass, the only smidgeon of colour in his colourless world. Calling it a blood transfusion for the soul, Risner began each day in prayer, lying on the floor of his cell with his head down the drain, focused on that single blade of grass.

Jesus said, "Your eye...provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light. But when your eye is bad, your whole body is filled with darkness" (Matt 6:22-23 NLT). What are you looking at? Each day you get to decide where you'll focus. And you won't have to look hard to find things to complain about: war, gas prices, the economy, global warming, and crime. God gave Adam and Eve everything they needed in the Garden of Eden, but they chose to focus on the one thing they couldn't have. He divided the Red Sea, sent signs to guide the Israelites in the wilderness and provided food so they'd never go hungry. Initially, "They...sang his praise. But they soon forgot what he had done" (Ps 106:12-13 NIV). Don't be like that. The Bible says, "If there is anything praiseworthy --- meditate on these things." Surely you can find something to praise God for today!

(above taken from The Word For You Today
by Bob & Debby Gass - Sunday, July 5, 2009)


Consider starting your own Gratitude Journal. For good tips on how to start, click here.

To check out my own personal Gratitude Journal, click here.

Now go and praise God for something!

Psalm 8 - How Majestic!

Psalm 8



(New International Version)
A psalm of David.








O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.









From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.








When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,







what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?






You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.







You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet:








all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field,









the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.








O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!






(all photos from Google Images)

The Bible

THE BIBLE

This book contains: the mind of God, the state of mankind, the way of salvation, the fate of sinners, and the happiness of believers.

Its doctrine is holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy.

It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveller's map, the pilgrim's staff, the soldier's sword, the pilot's compass, and the Christian's charter. Here heaven is open, and the gates of hell disclosed.

Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet.

Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, health to the soul, and a river of pleasure. It is given to you here in this life, will be opened at judgement, and is established forever.

It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labour, and condemn all who trifle with its contents.

Text from

Canadian Bible Society

Toronto, Ontario

www.biblesociety.ca

O Praise Him

I haven't posted a video in a long time, and I thought this would be a great one. I like the boldness and bravery of this young fellow. Oh that we could have a fraction of this courage!

And in keeping with the "praise" theme, ponder this thought:

"Praise is more spontaneous when things go right;
but it is more precious when things go wrong."

It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night. Psalm 92:1-2 NIV




O Praise Him - David Crowder Band

Psalm 50

Psalm 50


(New International Version)
A psalm of Asaph.








1 The Mighty One, God, the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets.
2 From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth.

3 Our God comes and will not be silent; a fire devours before him, and around him a tempest rages.
4 He summons the heavens above, and the earth, that he may judge his people:
5 "Gather to me my consecrated ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice."
6 And the heavens proclaim his righteousness, for God himself is judge. Selah

7 "Hear, O my people, and I will speak, O Israel, and I will testify against you: I am God, your God.
8 I do not rebuke you for your sacrifices or your burnt offerings, which are ever before me.
9 I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens,
10 for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.

11 I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are mine.
12 If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it.
13 Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats?
14 Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High,
15 and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me."

16 But to the wicked, God says: "What right have you to recite my laws or take my covenant on your lips?
17 You hate my instruction and cast my words behind you.
18 When you see a thief, you join with him; you throw in your lot with adulterers.
19 You use your mouth for evil and harness your tongue to deceit.
20 You speak continually against your brother and slander your own mother's son.

21 These things you have done and I kept silent; you thought I was altogether like you. But I will rebuke you and accuse you to your face.
22 "Consider this, you who forget God, or I will tear you to pieces, with none to rescue:
23 He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God."

Consider starting your own thank offering by way of a Gratitude Journal. Ann shows you how to start one by clicking here.






Or visit Michelle's Gratitude Journal by clicking here.

Queen of Grumps

You ever read this Scripture before?







Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife.
Proverbs 21:19 (NIV)








Well, I'm thinking I need to find Jon a camel because I think the safest place for him is in the desert!









I do NOT know what is wrong with me lately but I am the Queen of Grumps, along with some OTHER fine adjectives.









I searched some other versions of that Scripture reference besides just the New International Version. Wanna hear some of the adjectives they use in Proverbs 21:19?




Get a load of these:









* quarrelsome









* ill-tempered









* angry









* impatient









* peevish









* irritable









* petulant









* cross









* annoying









* contentious









* vexed









* distressing









* fretful









* anxious









* nagging









* hot-tempered












Mmm-hmmmmm.... yup.... those words pretty much describe me right now.












And if you check your Oxford Dictionary, my name is likely printed after each of those words!

Now after telling you all this, could I interest anyone in joining me for a cup of coffee????

hahahahahhhaa

Scaredy-cats!

Blake's Health Update 2009/09/20

My Blakey's comin' home.

Doctor C will pay him a visit in his hospital room sometime around noon-ish tomorrow (Monday), and then he'll be heading home.

Today, all meds were administered orally. No Saline has been given since last night (Saturday). He only had painkillers twice today (once in the morning and once before bed) and the ones this morning were just Extra Strength Tylenol! That's good! Not sure if they gave him Extra Strength or #3's before bed, but I have a feeling it was just Extra Strength.

I found out a few things today. Some things are making sense, some aren't.

The two antibiotics that he has been taking (Cipro and Flagyl) are not being administered to fight an infection; apparently they are assisting to heal the ulcered intestines. I guess these drugs have been proven to help with the healing. That's good! That is under the "making sense" category.

Hemoglobin levels (red blood counts) are working their way back up to normal. (Makes sense).

White cell count has apparently been a little higher than normal this week (this was news to ME!), but Doctor C indicated that it's normal for that to happen while on Prednizone. (Makes sense).

Blake will remain on Flagyl & Cipro for another week to ten days. (Makes sense).


And here's what confusing me:

Uhhhh, let me start by saying....
-that it's very confusing to me,
-that I'm not going to give ALL the details yet
-that I don't understand a lot about this and therefore cannot express it properly to you.

We will be seeing another specialist in the near future... a rheumatologist. I touched on this lightly in one of the earlier posts, I think. Doctor C found something in Blake's bloodwork in the early-on stages of Blake's illness regarding rheumatoid. She thought it best to refer us to a specialist (whom we have not seen yet).

Tonight during our conversation, Doctor C indicated to me that she didn't want to say a lot to me about it because she does not want to give me any inaccurate information. What she HAS indicated to me is that it is very rare to be diagnosed with two chronic diseases at the same time. She wants to be sure that symptoms from one disease are not diagnosed in error when they actually could be tied in with ANOTHER disease. I'm sorry if that sentence is confusing.... I'm not sure how else to explain it.

We DO know that Doctor B (colonoscopy doctor) did some analyzing of some ulcers that he found in Blake's intestines. He confirmed that at least one ulcer is Crohn's. However...

[pausing here for a second while I try and get my tired head wrapped around this....]

...it appears to me that something else could possibly be going on. Doctor C has asked that we be patient with them as they really look into Blake's situation. They want to ensure that they are diagnosing him properly so that he can be treated properly. She is hesitant in saying too much to me until we can see the rheumatologist, Doctor T, who will be more familiar with what is actually going on.

It's all confusing to me right now because
(a) I'm very tired
(b) I'm not understanding all these medical terms and conditions
(c) I'm very tired
(d) We've been a relatively healthy family, so all this is so new and mind-boggling
(e) I'm very tired.

I need to go online and check out this rheumatoid stuff and I need to ensure that my husband doesn't flip his lid. He was a basket-case until we found out it was Crohn's; so... Jon, if you're reading this, just CHILL! Don't spaz out on me. Let the doctors do their job! Don't borrow trouble. God is still on the throne!

Things may turn out that it ends up being Crohn's and nothing else, but I just want y'all to be aware that something else is possibly being mixed into the brew here.

We ask for your prayers to give the doctors and specialists wisdom as they work to fine-tune their diagnosis.

Blake doesn't seem too alarmed.... he is only concerned with the fact that he's able to get to New Brunswick for the January semester.

Today he had a really good day. Of course he's tired, but he really felt good and had an amazing appetite. I'd say this has been his best day in the last four months or so.

And me? I'd say this day has been my most tiring day. I'm really zonked. And I'm going to sign off now and hit the hay, but I just wanted you all to be aware of what's happening. The only scheduled appointments are October 9th with Doctor B (colonsoscopy doctor). Doctor C is around this week and then she's off for two weeks; however, she'll be leaving me her cell phone and home number to call her anytime! Can you believe that???? I told her, "You don't have to give me your personal numbers!" And she quickly replied that she didn't mind at all. That just amazes me, folks. God love 'er. And hopefully Doctor T, the rheumatologist, will have an appointment for us soon.


And just before I close, no word from Wannett in Africa, so all must be well. Please pray for one of her children who had a fever yesterday. Also, Don, who is suffering from Jakob's Disease, continues to reach the end of his life here on earth. Today they needed to suction his lungs (he is getting full of fluid). Pray for Helen, that she leans on the Lord for the strength she'll need during this trial.

He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed. 1 Peter 2:24

Pass me not, O gentle Saviour,
Hear my humble cry,
While on others Thou art calling,
Do not pass me by.
Saviour, Saviour,
Hear my humble cry,
While on others Thou art calling,
Do not pass me by.

Blake's Health Update 2009/09/11

Here's the latest scoop.....



HOWEVER........



.... this information was just quickly relayed to me through Doctor C's receptionist. It is not official. I am intentionally going to be VERY sketchy here so that no one misinterprets and starts giving out information that may not be accurate.



We currently have an appointment with Doctor C on September 21st to discuss the results of the abdomenal ultrasound (that has already been completed) and the colonoscopy (which will be completed this coming Monday, September 14th).



In talking with the receptionist, she confirms that:

All of Blake's organs, in the ultrasound, showed to be in good condition with the exception of his liver, which shows to be slightly enlarged. Whether this is a concern or not, I do not know, and at this point I refuse to speculate. Please do not scare me with any diagnosis for an enlarged liver! I'm sure Doctor C will do her best to explain to me what is normal, what is not, what (if anything) is done with a slightly enlarged liver.



The receptionist quickly read through a report from Doctor B (gastroscopy and colonoscopy doctor) which uses bigger words than I'm used to. What I got from it was that because of the bleeding Blake experienced, he is wondering if we are dealing with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), NOT to be confused with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)..... they are two completely different conditions. He will know more when we get the colonoscopy. He is also doing tests to rule out Celiac Disease.



You now have as much information as I do. Again, please no diagnosing until all tests are done, reports are typed, and Doctor C explains everything to me in kindergarten language.



I am hesitant in even typing the above information; however, I want to be as honest with you as possible regarding Blake's condition.



If it is Inflammatory Bowel Disease, we are, I'm guessing, looking at Crohn's or Colitis, depending on where the inflammation is happening. I am planning on googling all of these things later when I have five minutes to do so; but I wanted to get this information to all of you.



Again, NO DIAGNOSIS HAS BEEN MADE. I am simply relaying information as it was given to me BY the receptionist OVER the phone using BIG words that are OVER my head!



Continue to pray for Blake, especially on Sunday. Apparently this laxative cocktail is pretty wicked; and, it's wicked enough that they recommend taking Gravol before each dose (two doses). His colonoscopy is Monday afternoon.

We're getting closer, folks.







But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God." My times are in your hands... Psalm 31:14-15

Remembering Nine-Eleven

My heart is always so full this time of year in remembering those who experienced the tragedy on September 11, 2001.

Actually, in some way, we ALL experienced it. Just like our parents all remember exactly where they were when President John F. Kennedy died, we too recall where we were and what we were doing on the day of what's been referred to as 9-11.

I remember my Mom calling to tell me a plane had hit a building in the States. So I turned on the television, thinking it was a computer problem in an airplane or perhaps an air traffic controller's error in calculations.

After watching the television for a bit, I called my husband who was trucking in Western Canada. I was telling him of the horrific scene of what I was watching. All of a sudden, I saw plane #2 smash into the second building. I remember trying to relay those visions by words to Jon as I tried to process what I was seeing on the screen.... Live! My stomach was sickened, my mind confused, my mouth struggled to find the proper words. I sat, awestruck.

And the rest of the day was truly history in the making.

We grieved and prayed for our American neighbours and our fellow Canadians as we watched many perish, many suffer, many literally run, or jump, for their lives, or in some cases, their deaths. I remember being nauseated while watching a woman, who was terrified of burning to death, leap from a window of one building. I can't imagine that she survived the hundreds-of-feet fall. It all seemed like a dream.... a terrible confusing nightmare.

And as the day unfolded, and we heard of other planes that had crashed in a field and rumours of a plane crashing into the Pentagon, the world seemed to stop. The skies were off limits for absolutely every metal 'bird'. Every airline shut down. Every plane and helicopter grounded. Every single heart heavy.

The following days turned out every emotion..... sadness and grief, pain, heartache, fear, anger, confusion, wonder. We had all been violated.

But there was also this amazing sense of love as strangers embraced one another and offered support. We saw and heard stories of an outpouring of love; we heard reports that the churches couldn't hold the number of people who were pressing in to get answers from The Almighty; we saw people putting others ahead of themselves.....

And all the while, God was still on the throne.

Some will argue that a "good" God would not allow this kind of tragedy to happen. As Christians, we know that everything that happens to us, or around us, happens for a reason. We can't understand it now, but someday we will.

And perhaps we don't HAVE to understand what happened with 9-11. Might we just need to trust that our Lord knows what HE's doing? That HE's still in control? That in the end, all will make sense?

It's hard for us to not question God, but if we can just remember that our days were all ordained for us and were written in His book before one of them came to be (Psalm 139:16). We need to keep trusting in Him with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding...(Proverbs 3:5), because our own understanding is really SO limited.

I wanted to share these two videos. They're both the same song, by Alan Jackson. The first one is of Alan singing the song for the very first time at the Country Music Awards, just after the 9-11 tragedy; I remembering hearing it, live, that evening. I bawled through the whole thing, and I still shed tears every time I hear it.

The second video shows pictures and news reports of that day. Perhaps some of you don't care to see some very descriptive images; that's why I've posted the first video as well.

Today as you go out into the world, embrace others with the love that you felt that day for the victims and their families, for those who suffered injuries, for the emergency response folks who sacrificed their very lives for the lives of others.

And thank you to radio station UCB Canada 102.3 for your songs and words and reports this morning in memory of September 11th.

God is still on the throne. Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty. To Him be all glory and praise and adoration. Amen.

Blake's Health Update 2009/09/08

....and the questions have already started to roll in!





This morning was Blake's abdomenal ultrasound.




And the answer is........





....I DON'T KNOW THE RESULTS YET.





The technician did not share anything with Blake as to whether she found anything of any interest or not. At this point, test results will go to our Doctor C and she will let us know. And since her office is closed on Wednesdays, I'm bettin' (IF, of course, I was a betting kind of gal) that I won't hear anything until Thursday.





That's the latest scoop, folks. You now know all that I know.





So.... please keep praying. He's had a rough last few days with some pain and weakness. He says if he can lay still and not move, then the pain subsides somewhat. But as soon as he gets up to visit the Little Boys Room or gets up to grab something to eat, he experiences pain.





I am not, for the most part, delivering his food to him as he lays sprawled out on the couch because I am not wanting him to get NO exercise! I figure he needs to be SOMEWHAT mobile or else he's gonna seize up.


He said sometimes he feels so weak that there is pain shooting down his legs when he starts walking. I'm wondering if that's just a matter of not enough physical activity; however, we will mention that to Doctor C on our next visit.





In the meantime, I will let you know as soon as I get the ultrasound results. Please be in prayer for the upcoming colonoscopy on September 14th.
'


And I'm bettin' (IF, again of course, I was a betting kind of gal) that you're all wondering WHAT kind of picture I'll be posting on Colonoscopy Day. Well.... won't THAT be.... ummmm...... keeping you at the edge of your seat. HAHAHAHAAHAHA ~ Oh, I'm so sorry... I just couldn't resist that pun. HAHAHA
'
'





Cast all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)

Blake's Health Update 2009/09/03

There are many things I appreciate about the blogging world. It's a channel to keep you updated in someone's life, to view some amazing photos, to read some amazing testimonies and Scripture references....

...and the one thing I've noticed it's most used for is keeping people posted on the health of a loved one.



With Blake's health going downhill lately, it seems there are some days that the phone just doesn't stop ringing, and I find myself repeating the same old story over and over to caring loved ones who are calling to find out how our dear little fella is feeling.

Don't get me wrong, folks... I am most appreciative of your care and concern and am glad that you care enough to stay informed and up-to-date on his 'progress'....

However, I thought it might be easier for those of you with computers, or those of you who must dial long distance, to check in here at our family blog and get updates.

However, that being said typed, don't think that you can't ever call. We know you care and we know you're concerned, and we ask for your prayers as Blake goes through this valley..... 'through' being the key word.... there WILL be a diagnosis and treatment, and we WILL get THROUGH this and come out on the other side! I have such peace about that.




Now to get y'all up to speed.....

You might recall this post, Praying For My Blake, where I gave a bit of information to you. Right now, I'd like to just give a quick review of where things started and where things stand now. Then as more appointments and progress are made, I can keep you informed on a regular basis via this blog.

Blake - July 4th, 2009

Here's a review of the past year and a half:



Late Winter/early Spring 2008 I noticed Blake just not feeling himself, not wanting to eat much, a little thin (but nothing alarming), a little bit of moodiness (a.k.a. giving Momma attitude!), fatigued. Blake was planning on going to Brazil on a missions trip July 2008, and I was concerned that his health was going downhill and he wouldn't be well enough to go. As it turned out, he went. All was well.

Same symptoms happening over the next few months. Made appointments with Doctor W. She suggested he get more sleep and eat better. [insert something-not-sitting-right-in-Momma's-gut here!]. Oh well, what do "I" know... she's the doctor, right?


Things still not getting better. Blake is now planning missions trip to New Orleans, USA for March 2009. Hmmm.... Momma still concerned about his travelling with health slowly going downhill. Son ignores Momma and continues with 'attitude'. Momma told by other parents "it's a teen thing... you're lucky you're experiencing it at 18 years old, most parents go through this when their child is 14". Hmmm.... this is just not sitting right with Momma's gut.


Blake goes to New Orleans, but comes back feeling worse. Small rash started before departing to New Orleans, but is worse upon his return. Go to doctor. Betaderm fixes up the rash over time; however, other symptoms are still getting worse. "Get to bed earlier and choose healthy foods, [Insert Mom's under-her-breath-growling here] and, let's get some bloodwork done again."


Over the balance of the Spring, his health is going downhill at Whistler-Mountain-speed. Going to take him to Doctor C, who is our main doctor. She suggests more bloodwork and is concerned, knowing she is not looking at a normal Blake, who she has known since his birth.



Fast forward a bit to approximately July 2009. Food, or even water, goes in Blake's mouth and comes out the other end in practically minutes. A lot more weight loss. A lot more fatigue. A lot more weakness. A lot of stabbing stomach pain. A lot of back pain.


More bloodwork.


Then more bloodwork and stool samples.

(and don't think THAT wasn't fun! The kids were all "grossed out" at the thoughts of THAT! hahahaha. Then to top it off, the nurse at the doc's office didn't indicate to me that it was time sensitive and had to be at the lab within 24 hours! We FINALLY got the MANY samples done on a Friday afternoon and took to the lab on a Monday....... "No, no, no," said the technician, "I hate to tell you this, but you'll have to do it again!" oh joy. oh bliss. Blake-Not-Impressed. (Trust me, neither am "I"!) I said to the technician, "BUT I KEPT IT COLD over the weekend!". "Doesn't matter... you'll need to do it again... sorry!"


Results of bloodwork are showing some "goings-on" with rheumatoid. Nothing to panic about; however, Doctor C wants to ensure that things are checked out a little more carefully by a rheumatologist. She feels we are possibly dealing with more than one scenario here, but is confident we will get a diagnosis.


The problem? No one is doing operative procedures/testing because it's summer time. Everyone is on holidays. Doctor can't get response from rheumatologist's office. Uhhhhh.... we're trying to beat the clock here for college in Eastern Canada, folks!


So, I make appointment at doc's office because Blake is having major pain in his stomach and is extremely weak. We see Doctor C at 6:30pm in her office and she's getting concerned. She gets on the phone herself calling all hospitals in the area and asking to speak to radiologists on call. She's gonna get somebody movin' on this! (Thank you, Doc)


It was kind of funny because one person that our doctor spoke with was very abrupt and rude to her. She firmly said "THANK YOU!" and somewhat slammed the phone receiver down and let out a HUGE frustrating sigh. I started laughing, and she looked up at me and laughed. Then she said, "Sometimes I really don't like people in the medical profession!" hahahaha. God bless her.


She said, "Leave it with me. Tomorrow I will make some more calls myself and get SOMEONE to check out this boy!" This lady is a "mover and a shaker" in this community and I knew that things would now begin to roll along.


The doctor DOES suggest to Blake that he reconsider starting school in September. (Oh, my prayers are answered! I'm thinkin' the same thing but worrying that Blake and others will just think I'm an over-reacting Mom who just doesn't want to accept the fact that one of her little birdies is ready to leave the nest! Of course I hate to see my son go away, but right now it's a concern over his health! I don't need a call from the college telling me they found my son unconscious in bed or, worse yet, DEAD!)

So, as it turns out, my doctor IS a "mover and a shaker"; she called me the next day and said she'd arranged an appointment for him to see Doctor B and their office would be calling us with an appointment for a gastroscopy. Sure enough, a paper showed up in the mail indicating a date had been set. Problem was, it was scheduled for later in September.... when Blake would be a couple of provinces away! Obviously Doctor C became aware of this and the appointment was moved up to the very next week! Then a second hospital called to confirm the same procedure.... we had been booked twice for the same appointment on different days. The kind lady on the phone said, "Pick which date you'd like!" haha. I LOVE it. We chose the earliest appointment for August 25th.

Blake - 2007




On the morning of August 24th, Jon's and my stomachs dropped to our feet as Blake told us how he had just been to the bathroom and passed a significant amount of blood in his bowels. He had experienced this the night before, as well, when Jon and I were at our "adopted son" Justin's house; but Blake was in bed when we got home, so we didn't know. I realized we had just "reached a new level of severity" and I could tell Blake now realized how serious this was becoming.


Doctor C had instructed us in the past that if he ever found blood in his stools, we should let her know. Well, she wasn't in the office that day, so I made the decision to take him to the emergency department. I figured at this point, visiting emerg. wouldn't be such a bad idea. Maybe they'd do more tests while we're there.


During triage, the nurse indicated that Doctor C was the one on emerg. that morning anyways, so I was pleased I would not have to go through the long ordeal of what Blake had been experiencing the last year. Doctor C ordered more bloodwork and an x-ray of his back, due to severe pain he was experiencing in that area.



Back x-rays = no problems.



Bloodwork = no problems.




I indicated to Doctor C that Jon was very concerned of the possibility of cancer, due to the painful endurance of multiple myeloma that Jon's late Mom experienced from 2000-2002; and also the leukemia that Jon's late cousin Bobby experienced when Jon & Bobby were around 14 years old. Jon is getting very worried at this point. Doctor C confirmed that his white cell levels are perfect. In the all-is-good range of between 4 & 11, Blake was smack-dab in the middle at 7.7. Good News! Hemoglobin is really good as well, so those little red cells are doing what THEY're supposed to be doing. [insert sigh of relief]


Doctor C suggests we will get more answers from the gastroscopy, which is the following day.


Guess what.......?


No answers from the gastroscopy. Doctor B talks with me after the procedure and indicates that everything looked really good. He has taken a few biopsies anyways, but doesn't expect to find anything. He suggests because of the previous days' bleeding that we get a colonoscopy done. He said his office would call to arrange the procedure within the next week or two.


Fast forward a week. Blake wants to spend a few days with Grandpa & Grandma who live just up the road. Blake arrives there Monday night. I remind him on Tuesday that either his Grandma or I need to get him into town for bloodwork to be done for Doctor B before the colonoscopy. My Mom pulls in my driveway Wednesday morning (I'm assuming to pick up the bloodwork requisition) and she's worried that Blake is very weak and that I should come and look at him and possibly make another trip to emerg.

We get him up and dressed and head to town, after calling the doctor's office to tell them what we're doing.


In triage they weigh him. He's lost three more pounds over the last week.


Doctor N is on duty and suggests...... (any guesses, anyone?....)


......more bloodwork.


Now I'm curious, because I'm bettin' his hemoglobin is down due to last week's bleeding.

After a couple of hours, Doctor N returns to indicate hemoglobin IS down.... probably from bleeding last week as well as being malnourished. (Even though Blake is able to get food down, it doesn't stay very long in his system before he visits the Little Boys Room).

I question whether an I.V. would give him a boost, but she said he is not dehydrated, so she recommends getting him on Ensure, those protein drinks. She said it might help until we get a diagnosis. She also said she wants to schedule him for an abdomenal ultrasound (yeah! Blake has been wanting one of those! My sister experienced same symptoms as Blake when she had problems with her gall bladder, so Blake has been wanting one of these tests! I don't think, however, the doctors feel it's a gall bladder scenario, but his symptoms sure do match Danielle's before she had the gall bladder removal.)


Doctor N will send a report to Doctor C and also she'll ask Doctor C to push harder for that appointment with the rheumatologist, Doctor T. She said there could be a tie between Blake's symptoms and rheumatoid, so she suggests we get in to see this specialist a.s.a.p.


And so, as it stands right now, I have purchased some Strawberry Protein Drink for Blake to "wolf down". He said it doesn't taste good. I told him to just not breathe, then to wolf it down. He said, "CLEARLY, Mother, you do NOT understand that part of my stomach problem is that I CANNOT wolf ANYTHING down!!!!".


Well!


Sorry!




CLEARLY I am out in left field. [wink, wink]



As of today, we have an ultrasound scheduled for September 8th and a colonoscopy scheduled for September 14th.

THAT should bring y'all up to speed. Sorry it's a long post, but many are asking for details. Future posts regarding Blake's health will be shorter, I promise. Remember I'm trying to cram one and a half years into this one post!




I would covet your prayers for Blake as he walks through this valley. I think, deep down, he understands that God must have a reason. Perhaps this will be a time of learning to trust in our Saviour. All the days were ordained for Blake before one of them came to be (Psalm 139:16), so we rest assured in knowing that the Lord is still in control and knows what He's doing!



Also please pray that the Lord helps me retain this sense of peace I am experiencing. I don't understand it one bit because I am definitely a worrier and a fretter. But God has not given us a spirit of fear (Romans 8:15). So I must continue to trust in Him.

Also, before I sign off here, I want you to know that our doctors are WONDERFUL. Absolutely WONDERFUL. I've heard of some pretty uncaring docs out there, but they're not here, thank Goodness. We have always been treated wonderfully and with great care and respect. Hats off and three cheers to our medical profession. And that goes for the AMAZING nurses and technicians out there too! Yes, things are sometimes at a snail's pace, but it helps when they truly care about you... and they do. We also have the Great Physician watching over us. You remember Him, right? The One who never slumbers nor sleeps (Psalm 121:4). We are well cared for!


"But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds," declares the Lord (Jeremiah 30:17)



Thank you for your concern. Thank you for your prayers.


I'll update as things go along. Please leave Blake a comment. Click on the Comments button at the bottom of each post and enter your message. It's that simple. He'll appreciate your words, encouragement, and prayers, I'm sure.



Blake - July 2009

Another Chapter

The beginning of a new month....



The beginning of another autumn season....





....and thus you have it....



....the beginning of another school year.










Early-set alarm clocks....





Wake-up showers....




Non-holed shirts and jeans....





Same-old, same-old lunch....

You can't measure their school days....

....for the time has flown too quickly.

It was just yesterday they climbed into the big yellow bus.

I remember those "first days" of kindergarten..... hadn't these babes just come from my womb? How can they be pulled from my arms to start their new adventure?

And now another page turns....

Another map is coloured....

Memories are recorded at the end of a pencil....

Mistakes are sometimes made.....

....some they can erase....

And some mistakes they will not be able to erase.

They might try and cover them up....

But, as time passes, they'll learn from those mistakes.....

....and, before my eyes, somehow,




they'll grow up.





I am thankful that the Lord watches over them....

....and that He neither slumbers nor sleeps (Psalm 121:4).

Although my mind is constant on them, I can't watch over them all the time. I rest knowing my Lord has His hand upon them.

And so turns another page in MY book....

....another page

....another chapter




....and we continue to turn the pages until we reach The End.



And THAT's the day we begin a whole new book, an eternity of never-ending pages.





Yes, today is a new season...



There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1)


.... and so begins another chapter.....