Hello, All my Dear Family and Friends,
(sorry for the length but each of you are so special to me, I want to let you feel my experience)
I am just getting on my email this morning (Sat). I came home from the hospital Thursday afternoon. I THANK EACH OF YOU for your LOVE, SUPPORT & PRAYERS!! I felt each one of them. I also greatly thank my Mom for everything she has done and is doing, including keeping everyone informed - a special thank you to Mary Lou as well for sending this to so many of you.
Dr. Porterfield felt the surgery was successful. Additionally, our prayers for my post-op nausea worked! I thank the Lord and praise Him for His mercy that He has heard all of our prayers and blessed me so abundantly through this stage of the process! The Lord sent wonderful RNs and CAs to care for me - all that I can remember were Believers in Christ. I had my Christian books on my bed and as they saw them it opened up great conversations about how mighty our Lord is in all situations. One of the RN's mother is a missionary - she, Susan Velez, and I prayed together, a CA who had me for several shifts teaches Bible Study at FAU with her Pastor and we had great Godly conversations. Even pre-op when I met the Anestsiologist, we shared that we were praying for him and he said, "we try, He guides." He had an intern and several of us prayed with both of them and a Surgical Nurse who would be in the operating room with me who shared that she is also a devout Christian. This was awesome support for me. I felt His presence all around me!
As most/all of you know, my next phase is Chemo (about 4.5 months) then radiation (7 weeks). With my cancer having spread into my lymph nodes, the Chemo is especially critical to my complete healing because its purpose is to attack and kill any cancer that may be floating elsewhere in my body. The Radiation treatment thereafter returns to my breast area to kill off any remnants that might be there from my mastectomy. I will know exactly what chemo regimen I will do at my Jan 29th meeting with my Oncologist, Dr. Vogel, who is very highly regarded in his field. Please continue to pray for Dr. Vogel to have the Lord's Wisdom for my particular case and me to have His wisdom and discernment in what Dr. Vogel advises. Please know, while I talk of these treatments, I know the Lord is the True Healer and it is in His Sovereignty that I will be healed.
As for me physically, I am very grateful as to how I feel considering I have had two surgeries (lumpectomy then mastectomy within 2 weeks - 1/4 then 1/16). I also praise God for the advancement of medicine. I now have two drains post surgery (possibly to be removed next Wed) and feel some pain, mainly in the drain area, but the pain medication has reduced that significantly. I felt high energy when I came home but found by the next morning that I need to limit my activity to ensure that I have enough quiet time and rest. I plan to try to work some next week based on my body - I work for Michael Dunford who is a true blessing from the Lord to me! As some of you know, when I start chemo, I will have low immunity so will have to limit interaction with my dear friends/family, especially anyone not 100% healthy so my interaction at that point will likely be more by email/phone or through my Mom. I will also be very tired and very likely nauseated for several days around my chemo infusions. I plan to work during that time.
As I've shared, I am taking one day at a time as Jesus tells us to do in His Living Word (Matt 6:34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.") Interestingly, as I looked at my situation...where I'm at and where I still must walk with the Lord through this journey and the unanswered questions ... certainly not where I would have put myself, I said to the Lord, I know I am to be thankful for everything but it is hard right now to thank you for this ... and, the Lord laid on my heart Psalm 118:24 to help me "This is the day the Lord has made; We will be rejoice and be glad in it." I can be thankful for the beauty of the day and so many blessings within the trial - like all of you! Every morning I start my thoughts with these two verses, then remember many others like Psa 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God", Matt 11:28 "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest..." Rom 8:28 tells us "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." He does not say we will like it or it will be pleasant but we can trust that all things are working together for His purpose and plan. Then I pray and find His strength. I know the Lord is in control - this is where my hope and peace comes from! I continue to persevere but only with His strength and try to remain open for the Lord to use me to spread His glory through this trial.
I THANK GOD DAILY FOR EACH ONE OF YOU! Your prayers have helped me keep my eyes focused on Him, helped me to stop my mind from wondering too far down the unhealthy paths of "what ifs." I ask humbly that you keep praying for me to have His strength and peace and for my complete healing if it be His Will. I thank each one of you for the calls, emails, hospital visits, gifts, all the different manners in which God has used you to bless me during this time. "Thank you" is not a big enough sentiment - many of you don't even know me but have received this through prayer chains and have lifted me up - what a blessing!!! I pray that God blesses each of you for your intercessory prayers! I send my love, my deep thank you from the bottom of my heart ... Love, Lori
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Patmos has started.
Well folks it has been almost 8 months since we talked about starting this boot camp. The students are here and they all know what they have signed up for, most of it. Sunday (22nd) was the kick off day. They were woken up (at 5 am), for a prayer walk, (around the Camp). Then at 7:15am., was time for some breakfast. At 8 am (all staff) plus, went up stairs (Barn) and Pastor Chet, welcomed all and he did a name game. This was, take your first name letter, T for me. Then put a word that begins with that T, before your name and after it. Example, Happy Heather Hops. Mine was Trying Tom’s Time. If you know me I am always trying to fix it and I am consner about time. So now the game begins, Heather started and every student had to remember everyone’s name and what they said. It was a great time to meet all of them, and remember their names. By Gods grace, Pastor Chet came to me and just asked me what my name was. It is so funny how during all this time I was really trying to remember what they all said. Then after that we had a time to reflect on the rules and why we are all here. That night Pastor Fidel, taught on Rev. 1:9, this is the area that John is taken to Patmos and why God did what He did. There are so many places that he went to, and used a lot of items that we all can understand. Example, tea bag, the only way to know what kind of tea is in there is, boiling the water and sticking it in. Most of the time God does this with us. No Lord I don’t want to do that or it is to hot. But when you put the bag in the water then you can enjoy the flavor. Another example nail and hammer, the nail cries out don’t hit me, but if you don’t hit him you can not make a great looking piece of future. It is the hand you need to look at. That is example God’s hand making something. So next time you feel the water getting hot or the way people hit you. That is God trying to shape, sand and mold you. Well I have talked enough now. See you later on.
Well folks it has been almost 8 months since we talked about starting this boot camp. The students are here and they all know what they have signed up for, most of it. Sunday (22nd) was the kick off day. They were woken up (at 5 am), for a prayer walk, (around the Camp). Then at 7:15am., was time for some breakfast. At 8 am (all staff) plus, went up stairs (Barn) and Pastor Chet, welcomed all and he did a name game. This was, take your first name letter, T for me. Then put a word that begins with that T, before your name and after it. Example, Happy Heather Hops. Mine was Trying Tom’s Time. If you know me I am always trying to fix it and I am consner about time. So now the game begins, Heather started and every student had to remember everyone’s name and what they said. It was a great time to meet all of them, and remember their names. By Gods grace, Pastor Chet came to me and just asked me what my name was. It is so funny how during all this time I was really trying to remember what they all said. Then after that we had a time to reflect on the rules and why we are all here. That night Pastor Fidel, taught on Rev. 1:9, this is the area that John is taken to Patmos and why God did what He did. There are so many places that he went to, and used a lot of items that we all can understand. Example, tea bag, the only way to know what kind of tea is in there is, boiling the water and sticking it in. Most of the time God does this with us. No Lord I don’t want to do that or it is to hot. But when you put the bag in the water then you can enjoy the flavor. Another example nail and hammer, the nail cries out don’t hit me, but if you don’t hit him you can not make a great looking piece of future. It is the hand you need to look at. That is example God’s hand making something. So next time you feel the water getting hot or the way people hit you. That is God trying to shape, sand and mold you. Well I have talked enough now. See you later on.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
STILL PRAYER NEEDED, Thank you so much.
To all of you prayer warriors:
Lori's surgery went well. The doctor said now we must pray for the chemo and radiation to do the job of killing any cancer cells anywhere so she will have a complete recovery. The oncologist will go over all options with her on Jan. 29. and chemo treatments will follow when the doctor determines she is ready. Her oncologist is Dr. Charles Vogel. Lori will follow this with seven weeks of radiation then follow up medication for several years. The treatments altogether will probably be about 25 weeks or more. Much to go through but we know she is not alone. God is with her.
Dr. Porterfield, her surgeon, said she can come home in a day or so depending how she feels. She was not sick after the operation or suffer a headache after surgery this time but did have pain. The nurse gave Lori some pain medicine soon after she got to her room and will have it for the next day or two. Her spirits are good and her faith strong. We were comforted with the support of many of you at the hospital and we thank ALL OF YOU EVERYWHERE you for your concern and prayers. God bless you all. Please, PLEASE, PLEASE keep up those prayers in faith for a complete recovery. She has a long way to go and the success of these treatments are vital.
Love and God's Blessings, Lori's Mom, Carol
To all of you prayer warriors:
Lori's surgery went well. The doctor said now we must pray for the chemo and radiation to do the job of killing any cancer cells anywhere so she will have a complete recovery. The oncologist will go over all options with her on Jan. 29. and chemo treatments will follow when the doctor determines she is ready. Her oncologist is Dr. Charles Vogel. Lori will follow this with seven weeks of radiation then follow up medication for several years. The treatments altogether will probably be about 25 weeks or more. Much to go through but we know she is not alone. God is with her.
Dr. Porterfield, her surgeon, said she can come home in a day or so depending how she feels. She was not sick after the operation or suffer a headache after surgery this time but did have pain. The nurse gave Lori some pain medicine soon after she got to her room and will have it for the next day or two. Her spirits are good and her faith strong. We were comforted with the support of many of you at the hospital and we thank ALL OF YOU EVERYWHERE you for your concern and prayers. God bless you all. Please, PLEASE, PLEASE keep up those prayers in faith for a complete recovery. She has a long way to go and the success of these treatments are vital.
Love and God's Blessings, Lori's Mom, Carol
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
BIG PRAYER REQUEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is about Lori, she is a friend of mine from Calvary Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Hello, Dear Family & Friends,
I just received a call from Boca Raton Community Hospital. My surgery for a left breast mastectomy is scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, January 16, at 11 a.m. I have to be there at 9:30 a.m. for prep. Again, I am so grateful for all of your prayers up until this point. I thank your from the depth of my heart for your continued prayers tomorrow (for Dr. Porterfield the breast surgeon, the Nurses, the Anestsiologist, and every one in the surgery room and who care for me that they may have the Lord's Hands and Wisdom in what they do; I was very sick after the surgery last time and prayful that the Anestsiologist can adjust what was done to help that be reduced; also, that I can be an excellent witness to all who meet me, and He gives me His strength for my body, soul and mind) and throughout my treatment. I am expected to stay at the hospital for two days (Wed/Thur), but that is largely determined by how I am doing.
This is about Lori, she is a friend of mine from Calvary Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Hello, Dear Family & Friends,
I just received a call from Boca Raton Community Hospital. My surgery for a left breast mastectomy is scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, January 16, at 11 a.m. I have to be there at 9:30 a.m. for prep. Again, I am so grateful for all of your prayers up until this point. I thank your from the depth of my heart for your continued prayers tomorrow (for Dr. Porterfield the breast surgeon, the Nurses, the Anestsiologist, and every one in the surgery room and who care for me that they may have the Lord's Hands and Wisdom in what they do; I was very sick after the surgery last time and prayful that the Anestsiologist can adjust what was done to help that be reduced; also, that I can be an excellent witness to all who meet me, and He gives me His strength for my body, soul and mind) and throughout my treatment. I am expected to stay at the hospital for two days (Wed/Thur), but that is largely determined by how I am doing.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Prayer request!!!!!!!!
Hello, All, This is a good friend of mine from Calvary Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
I just returned from my follow-up appointment from surgery. The breast surgeon, Dr. Porterfield, just received the pathology report. It was not good on two accounts ... One: It had 7 of my 15 lymph nodes removed as testing cancerous - the less the better so 7 is not great. Dr. Porterfield said, however, that he is treating women 10 years out who had more than 7 infected. The main impact this has is that my chemo will be more aggressive. Second: the satellite lesions they removed around the main tumor all came back cancerous - 4 of them. They are smaller but cannot be ignored. He said they are very close to the margin he cut out, and therefore, there could easily be others still there that the MRI did not pick up just outside the margin. Additionally, since I have this cluster, it means there is a good probability that I could have other clusters in that breast that are too small for the MRI to pick up. He had told me before surgery if these lesions were malignant that a mastectomy would likely be in order. This is what he said today. I have a call into my Oncologist to get his opinion, but it appears 90% that I will be going back for surgery next Tuesday (1/16/07) again at Boca Raton Community Hospital to now have a mastectomy.
Of course, this is not the news I wanted to hear or that the Doctor wanted to give me. However, the facts are the facts. I know my health is not a surprise to the Lord - just to me. I remain strong in my faith that He is in control. I had prayed before the appointment that the Lord would give me peace no matter the results. I know He was there with me because I was very calm and peaceful as the doctor gave me the news. I do not know the Lord's plan in all of this; I only know that I am called to trust that He will not give me more than I can handle and He will be with me through all of this. I am taking this one day at a time, Matt 6:34 says "Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." The Lord does not promise us a life without trials on earth - He saves that for Heaven. I do not know the day the Lord will call me home to be with Him - it could be soon or in many years - I just need to keep my eyes on Him. As Eph 2:10 shares, "For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God has prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." I would greatly appreciate your continued prayers ... both for my complete healing if it be His Will and to stay steadfast in my walk with the Lord because I love Him and want to serve Him through this to help others...I greatly thank you again for ALL of your prayers up until this point and going forward.. I send my love to each of you, Lori
I just returned from my follow-up appointment from surgery. The breast surgeon, Dr. Porterfield, just received the pathology report. It was not good on two accounts ... One: It had 7 of my 15 lymph nodes removed as testing cancerous - the less the better so 7 is not great. Dr. Porterfield said, however, that he is treating women 10 years out who had more than 7 infected. The main impact this has is that my chemo will be more aggressive. Second: the satellite lesions they removed around the main tumor all came back cancerous - 4 of them. They are smaller but cannot be ignored. He said they are very close to the margin he cut out, and therefore, there could easily be others still there that the MRI did not pick up just outside the margin. Additionally, since I have this cluster, it means there is a good probability that I could have other clusters in that breast that are too small for the MRI to pick up. He had told me before surgery if these lesions were malignant that a mastectomy would likely be in order. This is what he said today. I have a call into my Oncologist to get his opinion, but it appears 90% that I will be going back for surgery next Tuesday (1/16/07) again at Boca Raton Community Hospital to now have a mastectomy.
Of course, this is not the news I wanted to hear or that the Doctor wanted to give me. However, the facts are the facts. I know my health is not a surprise to the Lord - just to me. I remain strong in my faith that He is in control. I had prayed before the appointment that the Lord would give me peace no matter the results. I know He was there with me because I was very calm and peaceful as the doctor gave me the news. I do not know the Lord's plan in all of this; I only know that I am called to trust that He will not give me more than I can handle and He will be with me through all of this. I am taking this one day at a time, Matt 6:34 says "Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." The Lord does not promise us a life without trials on earth - He saves that for Heaven. I do not know the day the Lord will call me home to be with Him - it could be soon or in many years - I just need to keep my eyes on Him. As Eph 2:10 shares, "For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God has prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." I would greatly appreciate your continued prayers ... both for my complete healing if it be His Will and to stay steadfast in my walk with the Lord because I love Him and want to serve Him through this to help others...I greatly thank you again for ALL of your prayers up until this point and going forward.. I send my love to each of you, Lori
Monday, January 08, 2007
May today there be peace within you. May you trust your
God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
"I believe that friends are quiet angels who lift us to our feet when
our wings have trouble remembering how to fly,
Hope you are drinking from your saucer, I've never made a fortune,
and it's probably too late now.
But I don't worry about that much,
I'm happy anyhow
and I go along life's way,
I'm reaping better than I sowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.
Haven't got a lot of riches,
and sometimes the going's tough
But I've got loving ones all around me,
and that makes me rich enough.
I thank God for his blessings,
and the mercies He's bestowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.
I remember times when things went wrong,
My faith wore somewhat thin.
But all at once the dark clouds broke,
and the sun peeped through again.
So Lord, help me not to gripe,
about the tough rows I have hoed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.
If God gives me strength and courage,
When the way grows steep and rough.
I'll not ask for other blessings,
I'm already blessed enough. And may I never be too busy,
to help others bear their loads.
Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.
When I think of how many people in this world have it worse than I do, I realize just how blessed we really are. Don't be too busy, Share this inspiring message with friends and family, Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endure. Happy New Year!
God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
"I believe that friends are quiet angels who lift us to our feet when
our wings have trouble remembering how to fly,
Hope you are drinking from your saucer, I've never made a fortune,
and it's probably too late now.
But I don't worry about that much,
I'm happy anyhow
and I go along life's way,
I'm reaping better than I sowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.
Haven't got a lot of riches,
and sometimes the going's tough
But I've got loving ones all around me,
and that makes me rich enough.
I thank God for his blessings,
and the mercies He's bestowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.
I remember times when things went wrong,
My faith wore somewhat thin.
But all at once the dark clouds broke,
and the sun peeped through again.
So Lord, help me not to gripe,
about the tough rows I have hoed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.
If God gives me strength and courage,
When the way grows steep and rough.
I'll not ask for other blessings,
I'm already blessed enough. And may I never be too busy,
to help others bear their loads.
Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.
When I think of how many people in this world have it worse than I do, I realize just how blessed we really are. Don't be too busy, Share this inspiring message with friends and family, Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endure. Happy New Year!
GOOD MORNING
While you have your first cup of coffee,
set back and listen to some music and read about HELLO.
Have you ever thought what this word stands for? Read on..
Do you know that a simple "hello" can be a sweet one?
The word H E L L O means:
H =How are you?
E = Everything all right?
L = Like to hear from you
L = Love to see you soon!
O =Obviously, You are my friend...
So, HELLO!
It has made me smile every time I say hello since then
so send this message the people you care about.
This is from a friend of mine.
While you have your first cup of coffee,
set back and listen to some music and read about HELLO.
Have you ever thought what this word stands for? Read on..
Do you know that a simple "hello" can be a sweet one?
The word H E L L O means:
H =How are you?
E = Everything all right?
L = Like to hear from you
L = Love to see you soon!
O =Obviously, You are my friend...
So, HELLO!
It has made me smile every time I say hello since then
so send this message the people you care about.
This is from a friend of mine.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
I pray that this Christmas is the BEST EVER
The Night Before Jesus Came
Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house
Not a creature was praying, not one in the house.
Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care
In hopes that Jesus would not come in there.
The children were dressing to crawl into bed,
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And Mom in her rocker with babe on her lap
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.
When out of the East there arose such a clatter,
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here!
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray
I knew in a moment this must be The Day!
The light of His face made me cover my head
It was Jesus! returning just like He’d said.
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.
In the Book of Life which He held in His hand
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;
When He said "It's not here" my head hung in shame.
The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without sound
While all the rest were left standing around.
I fell to my knees, but it was too late;
I had waited too long and this sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;
Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.
In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;
The coming of Jesus is drawing near.
There's only one life and when comes the last call
We'll find that the Bible was true after all!
Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house
Not a creature was praying, not one in the house.
Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care
In hopes that Jesus would not come in there.
The children were dressing to crawl into bed,
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And Mom in her rocker with babe on her lap
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.
When out of the East there arose such a clatter,
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here!
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray
I knew in a moment this must be The Day!
The light of His face made me cover my head
It was Jesus! returning just like He’d said.
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.
In the Book of Life which He held in His hand
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;
When He said "It's not here" my head hung in shame.
The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without sound
While all the rest were left standing around.
I fell to my knees, but it was too late;
I had waited too long and this sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;
Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.
In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;
The coming of Jesus is drawing near.
There's only one life and when comes the last call
We'll find that the Bible was true after all!
Just a note about some trees
Three Little Trees
Once upon a mountain top, three little trees stood and dreamed of what they wanted to become when they grew up. The first little tree looked up at the stars and said: "I want to hold treasure. It want to be covered with gold and filled with precious stones. I'll be the most beautiful treasure chest in the world!" The second little tree looked out at the small stream trickling by on it's way to the ocean. "I want to be traveling mighty waters and carrying powerful kings. I'll be the strongest ship in the world!" The third little tree looked down into the valley below where busy men and women worked in a busy town. "I don't want to leave the mountain top at all. I want to grow so tall that when people stop to look at me, they'll raise their eyes to heaven and think of God. I will be the tallest tree in the world."
********* Years passed. The rain came, the sun shone, and the little trees grew tall. One day three woodcutters climbed the mountain... The first woodcutter looked at the first tree and said, "This tree is beautiful. It is perfect for me." With a swoop of his shining axe, the first tree fell. "Now I shall be made into a beautiful chest, I shall hold wonderful treasure!" The first tree said. The second woodcutter looked at the second tree and said, "This tree is strong. It is perfect for me." With a swoop of his shining axe, the second tree fell. "Now I shall sail mighty waters!" thought the second tree. "I shall be a strong ship for mighty kings!" The third tree felt her heart sink when the last woodcutter looked her way. She stood straight and tall and pointed bravely to heaven. But the woodcutter never even looked up. "Any kind of tree will do for me." He muttered. With a swoop of his shining axe, the third tree fell.
The first tree rejoiced when the woodcutter brought her to a carpenter's shop. But the carpenter fashioned the tree into a feedbox for animals. The once beautiful tree was not covered with gold, or treasure. She was coated with saw dust and filled with hay for hungry farm animals.
The second tree smiled when the woodcutter took her to a shipyard, but no mighty sailing ship was made that day. Instead, the once strong tree was hammered and sawed into a simple fishing boat. She was too small and too weak to sail on an ocean, or even a river; instead she was taken to a little lake.
The third tree was confused when the woodcutter cut her into strong beams and left her in a lumberyard. "What happened?" The once tall tree wondered. "All I ever wanted was to stay on the mountain top and point to God..."
Many many days and night passed. The three trees nearly forgot their dreams.
But one night, golden starlight poured over the first tree as a young woman placed her newborn baby in the feedbox. "I wish I could make a cradle for him." her husband whispered. The mother squeezed his hand and smiled as the starlight shone on the smooth and the sturdy wood. "This manger is beautiful," she said. And suddenly the first tree knew she was holding the greatest treasure in the world.
One evening a tired traveler and his friends crowded into the old fishing boat. The traveler fell asleep as the second tree quietly sailed out into the lake. Soon a thundering and thrashing storm arose. The little tree shuddered. She knew she did not have the strength to carry so many passengers safely through the wind and the rain. The tired man awakened. He stood up, stretched out his hand, and said, "Peace." The storm stopped as quickly as it had begun. And suddenly the second tree knew she was carrying the king of heaven and earth.
One Friday morning, the third tree was startled when her beams were yanked from the forgotten woodpile. She flinched as she was carried through an angry jeering crowd. She shuddered when soldiers nailed a man's hands to her. She felt ugly and harsh and cruel. But on Sunday morning, when the sun rose and the earth trembled with joy beneath her, the third tree knew that God's love had changed everything. It had made the third tree strong. And every time people thought of the third tree, they would think of God. That was better than being the tallest tree in the world.
Once upon a mountain top, three little trees stood and dreamed of what they wanted to become when they grew up. The first little tree looked up at the stars and said: "I want to hold treasure. It want to be covered with gold and filled with precious stones. I'll be the most beautiful treasure chest in the world!" The second little tree looked out at the small stream trickling by on it's way to the ocean. "I want to be traveling mighty waters and carrying powerful kings. I'll be the strongest ship in the world!" The third little tree looked down into the valley below where busy men and women worked in a busy town. "I don't want to leave the mountain top at all. I want to grow so tall that when people stop to look at me, they'll raise their eyes to heaven and think of God. I will be the tallest tree in the world."
********* Years passed. The rain came, the sun shone, and the little trees grew tall. One day three woodcutters climbed the mountain... The first woodcutter looked at the first tree and said, "This tree is beautiful. It is perfect for me." With a swoop of his shining axe, the first tree fell. "Now I shall be made into a beautiful chest, I shall hold wonderful treasure!" The first tree said. The second woodcutter looked at the second tree and said, "This tree is strong. It is perfect for me." With a swoop of his shining axe, the second tree fell. "Now I shall sail mighty waters!" thought the second tree. "I shall be a strong ship for mighty kings!" The third tree felt her heart sink when the last woodcutter looked her way. She stood straight and tall and pointed bravely to heaven. But the woodcutter never even looked up. "Any kind of tree will do for me." He muttered. With a swoop of his shining axe, the third tree fell.
The first tree rejoiced when the woodcutter brought her to a carpenter's shop. But the carpenter fashioned the tree into a feedbox for animals. The once beautiful tree was not covered with gold, or treasure. She was coated with saw dust and filled with hay for hungry farm animals.
The second tree smiled when the woodcutter took her to a shipyard, but no mighty sailing ship was made that day. Instead, the once strong tree was hammered and sawed into a simple fishing boat. She was too small and too weak to sail on an ocean, or even a river; instead she was taken to a little lake.
The third tree was confused when the woodcutter cut her into strong beams and left her in a lumberyard. "What happened?" The once tall tree wondered. "All I ever wanted was to stay on the mountain top and point to God..."
Many many days and night passed. The three trees nearly forgot their dreams.
But one night, golden starlight poured over the first tree as a young woman placed her newborn baby in the feedbox. "I wish I could make a cradle for him." her husband whispered. The mother squeezed his hand and smiled as the starlight shone on the smooth and the sturdy wood. "This manger is beautiful," she said. And suddenly the first tree knew she was holding the greatest treasure in the world.
One evening a tired traveler and his friends crowded into the old fishing boat. The traveler fell asleep as the second tree quietly sailed out into the lake. Soon a thundering and thrashing storm arose. The little tree shuddered. She knew she did not have the strength to carry so many passengers safely through the wind and the rain. The tired man awakened. He stood up, stretched out his hand, and said, "Peace." The storm stopped as quickly as it had begun. And suddenly the second tree knew she was carrying the king of heaven and earth.
One Friday morning, the third tree was startled when her beams were yanked from the forgotten woodpile. She flinched as she was carried through an angry jeering crowd. She shuddered when soldiers nailed a man's hands to her. She felt ugly and harsh and cruel. But on Sunday morning, when the sun rose and the earth trembled with joy beneath her, the third tree knew that God's love had changed everything. It had made the third tree strong. And every time people thought of the third tree, they would think of God. That was better than being the tallest tree in the world.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
It is that time of the year.
CHRISTMAS
I am so happy to be able to say MERRY CHRISTMAS. I know is some parts of this world that is not a thing to do. But we still live in a free country and I feel we should all take this time to wish everyone we know and even some we don’t.
There is a picture above of me, during a Christmas party for our Home Bible Study. That night we ate and sang Christmas Carols and ate some more, plus played a couple of games. We broke up in small groups and we had to fill up this stocking with balloons and then we were judged.Sorry to say I didn’t win, but it was still a lot of fun.
I will be in Fort Lauderdale, Dec. 18 to Jan. 2. So if you would like to contact me or what ever. Please e mail me (toms@alcbahamas.org)and when I get in town I will give you my phone number. Sorry to say I have phone for over there but I am not sure of the number. I will not be sending out cards this year.
Well at this time I just want to wish ALL of you MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.
CHRISTMAS
I am so happy to be able to say MERRY CHRISTMAS. I know is some parts of this world that is not a thing to do. But we still live in a free country and I feel we should all take this time to wish everyone we know and even some we don’t.
There is a picture above of me, during a Christmas party for our Home Bible Study. That night we ate and sang Christmas Carols and ate some more, plus played a couple of games. We broke up in small groups and we had to fill up this stocking with balloons and then we were judged.Sorry to say I didn’t win, but it was still a lot of fun.
I will be in Fort Lauderdale, Dec. 18 to Jan. 2. So if you would like to contact me or what ever. Please e mail me (toms@alcbahamas.org)and when I get in town I will give you my phone number. Sorry to say I have phone for over there but I am not sure of the number. I will not be sending out cards this year.
Well at this time I just want to wish ALL of you MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.
Friday, December 01, 2006
Hello, My Family In Christ
Hey, it is me again!
This time, I am writing to you about our classroom above the Barn. This is going to be the student’s Sanctuary, away from the rest of Centre. This room will have computers, desks and sofas so that the atmosphere is perfect for relaxing and studying the Word of God. There is still some work that needs to be completed here. The picture you are looking at is where we stand now. By seeing this, you can see the potential. We are still in need of about $20,000 to finish this room. The Patmos students will be here on January 21, 2007. There is a lot to do by then! For the bathhouse, we have received about 5% ($2,500) of the funds needed for completion. So, there are still some funds needed for that as well.
I am so proud to call you all my family in Christ. By looking at the world’s standards, we as believers have so much to be happy about. Just think about how we all know Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savor. Simply knowing that when we leave this earth we will be in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ is mind boggling! I love these verses that are in Book of John. Chapter 3 verses 16-17 say, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” Isn’t that just so neat to know and to be able to go to the bank with that?
Fellow believers, please take this time to thank Him for what He has done for you. Plus, remember that this Christmas is all about Him. Please don’t go through this year not giving thanks and praise for what He has done for us. Thank you for your prayers and time.
Bye for now,
Tom
Phil 4:5-6
P.S. Would you like to write to me, E Mail address is
toms@alcbahamas.org
Plus if you would like to see my blog
http://tombahamas.blogspot.com
Hey, it is me again!
This time, I am writing to you about our classroom above the Barn. This is going to be the student’s Sanctuary, away from the rest of Centre. This room will have computers, desks and sofas so that the atmosphere is perfect for relaxing and studying the Word of God. There is still some work that needs to be completed here. The picture you are looking at is where we stand now. By seeing this, you can see the potential. We are still in need of about $20,000 to finish this room. The Patmos students will be here on January 21, 2007. There is a lot to do by then! For the bathhouse, we have received about 5% ($2,500) of the funds needed for completion. So, there are still some funds needed for that as well.
I am so proud to call you all my family in Christ. By looking at the world’s standards, we as believers have so much to be happy about. Just think about how we all know Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savor. Simply knowing that when we leave this earth we will be in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ is mind boggling! I love these verses that are in Book of John. Chapter 3 verses 16-17 say, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” Isn’t that just so neat to know and to be able to go to the bank with that?
Fellow believers, please take this time to thank Him for what He has done for you. Plus, remember that this Christmas is all about Him. Please don’t go through this year not giving thanks and praise for what He has done for us. Thank you for your prayers and time.
Bye for now,
Tom
Phil 4:5-6
P.S. Would you like to write to me, E Mail address is
toms@alcbahamas.org
Plus if you would like to see my blog
http://tombahamas.blogspot.com
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Hey all of you out there
This is the blog that I have talked about before. Patmos Team, the picture you are looking at is that team. Just think of it, January 21st 2007, is just around the corner. Pastor Chet as been having us work on the different areas that are needed by that time. Here is a run down on what is going on. Our old laundry room has been made into an apartment for one of the team members, (Dustin). Then the kitchen at the centre has been expanded to two areas now. There is an industrial stove; regulator stove too, two refrigerants, two freezers. Plus more shelving so that, Miss Ada can feed the Patmos students and the 50 to 80 kids that come in for program at the ALC. I am so excited about these things that are happening around here. It has been such a blessing to have the Patmos team here working and getting things done. The big guy Matt, he has been doing most of the work around here, that is in new construction. We have had some others come in and help out, they were a real blessing. There main job was the kitchen area. Sanding down all of the walls and then again, sanding even more. The other people you see in the picture are, Meredith, she will be over seeing the girls while here. Plus Ashley and her take care of any office work. The web page, paper work things, All the things we don't see because they do such a good job at it. Then you have Giovanni, his main thing is getting the student ready to come and make sure that all things are in order. Matt and him will be doing some of the teaching too.
The clock is running down to the final minute. Will the place be ready or not? By what I have seen done up to this point, that would be a Big 10/4 big buddy. I have written another newsletter about our needs and what is going on. That should show up in my blog next weekend. Well I just wanted to stop by and say hello and let you all know what has been happening around here. Please keep us in your prayers and if you would like to help us out with funds, please e mail and I will give you the information that you will need. Thank you again, Tom, Phil 4:5-6. A new one for this time of my life.
This is the blog that I have talked about before. Patmos Team, the picture you are looking at is that team. Just think of it, January 21st 2007, is just around the corner. Pastor Chet as been having us work on the different areas that are needed by that time. Here is a run down on what is going on. Our old laundry room has been made into an apartment for one of the team members, (Dustin). Then the kitchen at the centre has been expanded to two areas now. There is an industrial stove; regulator stove too, two refrigerants, two freezers. Plus more shelving so that, Miss Ada can feed the Patmos students and the 50 to 80 kids that come in for program at the ALC. I am so excited about these things that are happening around here. It has been such a blessing to have the Patmos team here working and getting things done. The big guy Matt, he has been doing most of the work around here, that is in new construction. We have had some others come in and help out, they were a real blessing. There main job was the kitchen area. Sanding down all of the walls and then again, sanding even more. The other people you see in the picture are, Meredith, she will be over seeing the girls while here. Plus Ashley and her take care of any office work. The web page, paper work things, All the things we don't see because they do such a good job at it. Then you have Giovanni, his main thing is getting the student ready to come and make sure that all things are in order. Matt and him will be doing some of the teaching too.
The clock is running down to the final minute. Will the place be ready or not? By what I have seen done up to this point, that would be a Big 10/4 big buddy. I have written another newsletter about our needs and what is going on. That should show up in my blog next weekend. Well I just wanted to stop by and say hello and let you all know what has been happening around here. Please keep us in your prayers and if you would like to help us out with funds, please e mail and I will give you the information that you will need. Thank you again, Tom, Phil 4:5-6. A new one for this time of my life.
Monday, November 20, 2006
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On Saturday we flew back home. Sept. 5thn 2026
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