Sam was baptized on Sunday, July 19th. His dad was able to baptize Sam and another sweet lady. It was a blessed day for sure. Sam has been so hesitant, but he met Helen at church. She was a little hesitant too, but she desperately wanted to be baptized. So they talked (which was huge for Sam), and they decided they could do it on the same day. That was before Pete had his strokes. So we had to put it off a few weeks.
It's wonderful knowing that all of my boys have been baptized. And though things are far from perfect right now, it's one of the best feelings as a mother.
Thanks for all who pray for us.
Thursday, July 30, 2015
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Andrew WON The Bear!
It has been such a blessing to see this and be a part of it. It's way too much for me to explain! We are so happy and thankful. Andrew is happy, and it is an encouragement to some of us who are weary! God is good. He is faithful! It would have been a great night if Andrew had run the race. But he won. That is bigger than I had hoped. I just wanted a good race to encourage him!
Thanks to all of you who pray. What a special night!
Well, I cannot help it. I have to write something to explain why this is so big - so HUGE!
Andrew has so many health issues. You can read back through the blog if you want to see some of them. His biggest issues right now (trying to share without making Andrew cringe) are seizures and immune system issues. He had a couple of days in the last week where he suffered with double vision and dizziness. Of course it was over a holiday weekend, so we did not go to the doctor since it all went away. I had talked to one of our doctors, and he said to keep Gatorade in him; and that seemed to really help. I know something was off. And I was hating that a seizure might be lurking. It's been since October this time, and we are so thankful for that. We don't want any more seizures. Ever. At all.
Then he has been doing his infusions every two weeks. He does them himself now and has for a while. And yes, it's stuff a nurse should do. With a pump and needles and extremely expensive medicine that has to be primed. This keeps his immune system pumped up to ward off upper respiratory infections. He can get bronchitis any time. Suddenly. It can mess with his running and training.
His lungs are great. They should not be. They have suffered bad infections and a lot of them. And because his infections could not be diagnosed for what they actually were, he had them longer until other issues were discovered. His pulmonologist tells us his lung function is great and not that of someone with his history. A miracle and a praise. We just went to his doctor a couple of weeks ago, and he reminded us again. And I let that praise to God roll over me. I needed that reminder in the midst of all else going on.
For these reasons and others, I call Andrew my miracle runner. He has run (and won) races after nights that would have put me in bed for a while. And Pete has said he himself would not have lived through nights Andrew has had. It's all God. He gives Andrew strength and makes a way that seems to not be there. Andrew has run when he should not have been able to run. He works hard, but it's God. He makes that way. We are blessed that Andrew runs for Appalachian, just like his dad did. He is coached by one former Appalachian runner who ran with his dad and also one of his dad's coaches. He was a Sun Belt Conference contributor this spring in the 10,000 meters in Outdoor Track in Gulf Shores, AL. He ran a PR a couple of days after Pete suffered a stroke. I wanted to be there so badly, and Pete had his stroke just a few hours before I would have been on the road to Alabama. I am so thankful I had not left, and I am so thankful Coach Curcio texted me right after the race to let me know the great news and to check on Pete.
There are so many other reasons that made his win a wonderful encouragement to those of us who have known him through these rough times. What a testament to God's mercy and grace and healing and love.
And one more little thing. To hear his dad's voice over the phone. What a wonderful thing to hear. Going up to Grandfather would have been too much for Pete (still recovering from that last stroke). But he was so happy when Andrew talked to him. It was a wonderful boost for him. Pete ran The Bear when there were only 70 runners He has worked the race for many years. So it holds a special place for him.
Thanks for praying for us.
I need to try to round up some Bear t-shirts to send to some doctors who had a hand in this. I know God has guided us to special ones. And I wish I could send a Bear t-shirt to all of Andrew's faithful prayer warriors! We appreciate those prayers so much ~ every single one is heard and matters! We know that firsthand and without any doubt at all.
One of our doctors' wives left this verse on my desk last week. I love the reminder. What a wonderful thing to know.
" The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing."
Zephaniah 3:17
Thanks to all of you who pray. What a special night!
Well, I cannot help it. I have to write something to explain why this is so big - so HUGE!
Andrew has so many health issues. You can read back through the blog if you want to see some of them. His biggest issues right now (trying to share without making Andrew cringe) are seizures and immune system issues. He had a couple of days in the last week where he suffered with double vision and dizziness. Of course it was over a holiday weekend, so we did not go to the doctor since it all went away. I had talked to one of our doctors, and he said to keep Gatorade in him; and that seemed to really help. I know something was off. And I was hating that a seizure might be lurking. It's been since October this time, and we are so thankful for that. We don't want any more seizures. Ever. At all.
Then he has been doing his infusions every two weeks. He does them himself now and has for a while. And yes, it's stuff a nurse should do. With a pump and needles and extremely expensive medicine that has to be primed. This keeps his immune system pumped up to ward off upper respiratory infections. He can get bronchitis any time. Suddenly. It can mess with his running and training.
His lungs are great. They should not be. They have suffered bad infections and a lot of them. And because his infections could not be diagnosed for what they actually were, he had them longer until other issues were discovered. His pulmonologist tells us his lung function is great and not that of someone with his history. A miracle and a praise. We just went to his doctor a couple of weeks ago, and he reminded us again. And I let that praise to God roll over me. I needed that reminder in the midst of all else going on.
For these reasons and others, I call Andrew my miracle runner. He has run (and won) races after nights that would have put me in bed for a while. And Pete has said he himself would not have lived through nights Andrew has had. It's all God. He gives Andrew strength and makes a way that seems to not be there. Andrew has run when he should not have been able to run. He works hard, but it's God. He makes that way. We are blessed that Andrew runs for Appalachian, just like his dad did. He is coached by one former Appalachian runner who ran with his dad and also one of his dad's coaches. He was a Sun Belt Conference contributor this spring in the 10,000 meters in Outdoor Track in Gulf Shores, AL. He ran a PR a couple of days after Pete suffered a stroke. I wanted to be there so badly, and Pete had his stroke just a few hours before I would have been on the road to Alabama. I am so thankful I had not left, and I am so thankful Coach Curcio texted me right after the race to let me know the great news and to check on Pete.
There are so many other reasons that made his win a wonderful encouragement to those of us who have known him through these rough times. What a testament to God's mercy and grace and healing and love.
And one more little thing. To hear his dad's voice over the phone. What a wonderful thing to hear. Going up to Grandfather would have been too much for Pete (still recovering from that last stroke). But he was so happy when Andrew talked to him. It was a wonderful boost for him. Pete ran The Bear when there were only 70 runners He has worked the race for many years. So it holds a special place for him.
Thanks for praying for us.
I need to try to round up some Bear t-shirts to send to some doctors who had a hand in this. I know God has guided us to special ones. And I wish I could send a Bear t-shirt to all of Andrew's faithful prayer warriors! We appreciate those prayers so much ~ every single one is heard and matters! We know that firsthand and without any doubt at all.
One of our doctors' wives left this verse on my desk last week. I love the reminder. What a wonderful thing to know.
" The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing."
Zephaniah 3:17
Friday, July 3, 2015
Update - July 3, 2015
We don't have any really big news. We have been fighting with blood sugars with Sam on some days - highs and lows. He goes back at the end of July. It's just a little bit discouraging to know they will tell us that we are doing a good job staying on top of things while his blood sugars are not where they should be with the effort we all put in. But he is doing well at his reading clinic and doing well with Andrew while I am at work.
Andrew is doing well. His knee has been hurting off and on some, but he has been running 9-10 miles most days. He biked a couple of days when his knee did not feel right. The Bear is next week, so he is excited about that. I don't know if I can get Pete up there. If I did get him close to the finish, the waiting and standing and late night would probably be too hard on him. I just hope Andrew has a great race. He could use the encouragement, and we could too!
Peter's shoulder is hurting him, but it's probably from overuse - working out, mowing, weed eating, painting, etc. We are keeping an eye on that. It's fun to see him outside playing with his brothers and Lucy. They have such a great time laughing. It's so good for all of them - and us to see it.
We still miss Will. We pray for him constantly. But missing him is so hard still. God knows my heart. He is faithful. I have to learn to be okay with him not being home right now. I have been working in his room as I clear out stuff in the house.
Pete is doing much better. He is more himself again this week. That comes and goes, and he is quiet sometimes. Sometimes it's just because he is so tired. He is still doing PT and OT. He is doing "explosive" moves now to help him get in shape to run. It's hard to imagine not being able to just run across the room or down the hall. So he is anxious to get that back. He wrote out all of his sermon notes last week and was happy to show me he could read them! We take writing for granted too.
I moved around some furniture and am now trying to get rid of more and more stuff. It's in the way - of a lot of things. A lot of people from my office are participating in a yard sale at a daycare in a couple of weeks. I realize that after our neighborhood yard sale and donating tons of stuff that I still have lots to get rid of. Julianna (Peter's girlfriend) came up last night. So Sam and I have been working in his room (where she stays). Bless his little heart. He gave me about five boxes of toys to sell or donate. We kept Legos and Playmobil and GI Joes and matchbox cars. He is a good little worker and helper. I felt like we were on one of those organizing/clutter busting shows. And he was great!
In getting rid of clutter and trying to better organize our home, I have realized that it's the same inside of me. I need to get rid of a lot of petty clutter and organize my priorities. We seem to know that but sometimes don't get around to doing it. I am making more of an effort this week. Just this morning, I heard an old Casting Crowns song. I will praise Him in this storm. In these storms. And I will trust Him. And I will keep trying to be okay in this waiting room and dance and live in spite of circumstances. And I will remember that this is a temporary home.
My mansion is above. And I don't need the best house or best cars on this earth. We cannot take any of that with us. Pete has been going through the book of Acts on Wednesday nights. Paul kept going back to places where he was run out - if that is where he thought God wanted him to share about Jesus. He was not worried about a house or clothes or a car. He wanted to tell people about Jesus. Give them a chance to make a decision to have eternal life. And he suffered for that - greatly. Jesus suffered. Others suffer to tell about Him. I don't suffer. And I need to be more willing to share about Him. To put Him above my material wants and needs. The only only only thing I can take with me to Heaven is people. I don't feel that urgency enough - to share when it's literally eternal life. Literally.
Wednesday night Pete shared a video he said we had seen in FCA. I don't remember it. It's about some guys in a car that wrecks. They are all killed. Then they are waiting in line, and people ahead of them either happily get on the escalator going up or are told their name is not on the "list". There is one Christian in the group. The guy in front of him turns around and asks him what is going on. The Christian explains it to him. The first guy is scared and cannot seem to believe the Christian knew this day would come and had not told him about it! Our reasons of offending people or being a little uncomfortable would seem ridiculous at that point.
My point is that I need to look to Heaven more. I need to not get bogged down on this earth. And while I need to live the life He gave me the best that I can, it needs to be because I am motivated to share Him. Not to be the best in earthly terms. Have the best house. The best car. The best wardrobe. The biggest bank account. The most athletic children. The most successful business. And whatever else can motivate us instead of eternal things.
I know God is speaking to me. He is not punishing me or trying to make me miserable until I see things His way. I believe He is merciful and loves me and wants what is best for me. And I believe it is the same with everyone else. So when Pete is fighting to get his strength and abilities back, God loves him and is helping him. When Andrew tries so hard to do what is right and do his best, God loves him and is right there. When Peter has difficulties and has to put up with so much going on in his family**, God cares about every single one. When Sam has trouble reading or remembering his school stuff or doesn't feel well with his diabetes, God loves him and provides for him. When Will is gone from his family who loves him, God knows where he is and continues to work in his life even when we cannot see. And when I am so tired and cannot seem to catch up on anything, God sends what I need - people or things to help me. He has already been there and knows what we need before we need it. I love this song by Casting Crowns. It reassures me and reminds me that He is in control. I don't need to understand everything but trust. And though it's hard sometimes, I know it deep in my soul - that He loves me and is sovereign (which means He is stronger than anything I fear).
Thanks for praying for our family,
Wendi
**Peter just finished a CPR class. They had four categories from which to choose for a group presentation. The first was CPR for heart attacks, the professor explained. The second was for people with diabetes. So Peter thought that would be a good fit (Sam). The third was for people who suffered seizures - Peter thought about that and how he could easily learn in two groups. Then Peter said the third group was for people with ...(Peter said he knew it was coming) strokes. I think it was an eye opener for him that he could learn in three of the four categories how to help someone in his own home. We are thankful he took the class and learned so much.
And Happy 4th of July! We live in a great and free country and need to pray for our country and leaders every single day. We are not immune from horrible things that happen in the world and need to be so thankful that we pray that our country looks to Him for guidance. Prayer changes things. Talking to myself here!
"Already There" Casting Crowns
From where I'm standing
Lord it's so hard for me to see
Where this is going
And where You're leading me
I wish I knew how
All my fears and all my questions
Are gonna play out
In a world I can't control
Oh, oh
When I'm lost in the mystery
To You my future is a memory
Cause You're already there
You're already there
Standing at the end of my life
Waiting on the other side
And You're already there
You're already there
Oh, oh, oh, oh
From where You're standing
Lord, You see a grand design
That You imagined
When You breathed me into life
And all the chaos
Comes together in Your hands
Like a masterpiece
Of Your picture perfect plan
When I'm lost in the mystery
To You my future is a memory
Cause You're already there
You're already there
Standing at the end of my life
Waiting on the other side
And You're already there
You're already there
One day I'll stand before You
And look back on the life I've lived
I can't wait to enjoy the view
And see how all the pieces fit (x2)
One day I'll stand before You
And look back on the life I've lived
Cause You're already there
You're already there
When I'm lost in the mystery
To You my future is a memory
Cause You're already there
You're already there
Standing at the end of my life
Waiting on the other side
And You're already there
You're already there
You are already there
Andrew is doing well. His knee has been hurting off and on some, but he has been running 9-10 miles most days. He biked a couple of days when his knee did not feel right. The Bear is next week, so he is excited about that. I don't know if I can get Pete up there. If I did get him close to the finish, the waiting and standing and late night would probably be too hard on him. I just hope Andrew has a great race. He could use the encouragement, and we could too!
Peter's shoulder is hurting him, but it's probably from overuse - working out, mowing, weed eating, painting, etc. We are keeping an eye on that. It's fun to see him outside playing with his brothers and Lucy. They have such a great time laughing. It's so good for all of them - and us to see it.
We still miss Will. We pray for him constantly. But missing him is so hard still. God knows my heart. He is faithful. I have to learn to be okay with him not being home right now. I have been working in his room as I clear out stuff in the house.
Pete is doing much better. He is more himself again this week. That comes and goes, and he is quiet sometimes. Sometimes it's just because he is so tired. He is still doing PT and OT. He is doing "explosive" moves now to help him get in shape to run. It's hard to imagine not being able to just run across the room or down the hall. So he is anxious to get that back. He wrote out all of his sermon notes last week and was happy to show me he could read them! We take writing for granted too.
I moved around some furniture and am now trying to get rid of more and more stuff. It's in the way - of a lot of things. A lot of people from my office are participating in a yard sale at a daycare in a couple of weeks. I realize that after our neighborhood yard sale and donating tons of stuff that I still have lots to get rid of. Julianna (Peter's girlfriend) came up last night. So Sam and I have been working in his room (where she stays). Bless his little heart. He gave me about five boxes of toys to sell or donate. We kept Legos and Playmobil and GI Joes and matchbox cars. He is a good little worker and helper. I felt like we were on one of those organizing/clutter busting shows. And he was great!
In getting rid of clutter and trying to better organize our home, I have realized that it's the same inside of me. I need to get rid of a lot of petty clutter and organize my priorities. We seem to know that but sometimes don't get around to doing it. I am making more of an effort this week. Just this morning, I heard an old Casting Crowns song. I will praise Him in this storm. In these storms. And I will trust Him. And I will keep trying to be okay in this waiting room and dance and live in spite of circumstances. And I will remember that this is a temporary home.
My mansion is above. And I don't need the best house or best cars on this earth. We cannot take any of that with us. Pete has been going through the book of Acts on Wednesday nights. Paul kept going back to places where he was run out - if that is where he thought God wanted him to share about Jesus. He was not worried about a house or clothes or a car. He wanted to tell people about Jesus. Give them a chance to make a decision to have eternal life. And he suffered for that - greatly. Jesus suffered. Others suffer to tell about Him. I don't suffer. And I need to be more willing to share about Him. To put Him above my material wants and needs. The only only only thing I can take with me to Heaven is people. I don't feel that urgency enough - to share when it's literally eternal life. Literally.
Wednesday night Pete shared a video he said we had seen in FCA. I don't remember it. It's about some guys in a car that wrecks. They are all killed. Then they are waiting in line, and people ahead of them either happily get on the escalator going up or are told their name is not on the "list". There is one Christian in the group. The guy in front of him turns around and asks him what is going on. The Christian explains it to him. The first guy is scared and cannot seem to believe the Christian knew this day would come and had not told him about it! Our reasons of offending people or being a little uncomfortable would seem ridiculous at that point.
My point is that I need to look to Heaven more. I need to not get bogged down on this earth. And while I need to live the life He gave me the best that I can, it needs to be because I am motivated to share Him. Not to be the best in earthly terms. Have the best house. The best car. The best wardrobe. The biggest bank account. The most athletic children. The most successful business. And whatever else can motivate us instead of eternal things.
I know God is speaking to me. He is not punishing me or trying to make me miserable until I see things His way. I believe He is merciful and loves me and wants what is best for me. And I believe it is the same with everyone else. So when Pete is fighting to get his strength and abilities back, God loves him and is helping him. When Andrew tries so hard to do what is right and do his best, God loves him and is right there. When Peter has difficulties and has to put up with so much going on in his family**, God cares about every single one. When Sam has trouble reading or remembering his school stuff or doesn't feel well with his diabetes, God loves him and provides for him. When Will is gone from his family who loves him, God knows where he is and continues to work in his life even when we cannot see. And when I am so tired and cannot seem to catch up on anything, God sends what I need - people or things to help me. He has already been there and knows what we need before we need it. I love this song by Casting Crowns. It reassures me and reminds me that He is in control. I don't need to understand everything but trust. And though it's hard sometimes, I know it deep in my soul - that He loves me and is sovereign (which means He is stronger than anything I fear).
Thanks for praying for our family,
Wendi
**Peter just finished a CPR class. They had four categories from which to choose for a group presentation. The first was CPR for heart attacks, the professor explained. The second was for people with diabetes. So Peter thought that would be a good fit (Sam). The third was for people who suffered seizures - Peter thought about that and how he could easily learn in two groups. Then Peter said the third group was for people with ...(Peter said he knew it was coming) strokes. I think it was an eye opener for him that he could learn in three of the four categories how to help someone in his own home. We are thankful he took the class and learned so much.
And Happy 4th of July! We live in a great and free country and need to pray for our country and leaders every single day. We are not immune from horrible things that happen in the world and need to be so thankful that we pray that our country looks to Him for guidance. Prayer changes things. Talking to myself here!
"Already There" Casting Crowns
From where I'm standing
Lord it's so hard for me to see
Where this is going
And where You're leading me
I wish I knew how
All my fears and all my questions
Are gonna play out
In a world I can't control
Oh, oh
When I'm lost in the mystery
To You my future is a memory
Cause You're already there
You're already there
Standing at the end of my life
Waiting on the other side
And You're already there
You're already there
Oh, oh, oh, oh
From where You're standing
Lord, You see a grand design
That You imagined
When You breathed me into life
And all the chaos
Comes together in Your hands
Like a masterpiece
Of Your picture perfect plan
When I'm lost in the mystery
To You my future is a memory
Cause You're already there
You're already there
Standing at the end of my life
Waiting on the other side
And You're already there
You're already there
One day I'll stand before You
And look back on the life I've lived
I can't wait to enjoy the view
And see how all the pieces fit (x2)
One day I'll stand before You
And look back on the life I've lived
Cause You're already there
You're already there
When I'm lost in the mystery
To You my future is a memory
Cause You're already there
You're already there
Standing at the end of my life
Waiting on the other side
And You're already there
You're already there
You are already there
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