While we had a great time with our grandchildren last weekend, it was also a hard time. My dad has been in the hospital for almost two weeks. He has multiple health issues, but I found out Friday that he has skin cancer, and it may have become invasive. We will find out more (maybe) when we go to the University of MN hospital next week.
On Thursday night Craig's mom was taken to the hospital after fainting. We found out on Saturday that she has a cancerous tumor in her intestines. On Sunday she had surgery to remove the tumor. They took out 2 inches of small intestine and 6 inches of large intestine. She will find out tomorrow if ther cancer was contained in the tumor, or if it had started to spread.
Craig and I couldn't believe that both of our parents were in the hospital, two different hospitals, with cancer.
Please pray for our parents. Thanks!
Sometimes it's hard to understand why all this happens. We tend to go along, believing nothing bad will happen to us, that we'll live forever and never get sick or old, we'll never be out of a job or have heartache of any kind. I was talking to a friend about this recently, and we decided that in part this in an American problem. If we lived in another country we wouldn't have the beliefs that we should have everything and that nothing bad will ever happen to us. And I think we would accept trouble and death as a more natural part of life. We would be happy with less, and we would trust God more.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Busy Weekend
Craig and I had a busy weekend. We babysat our grandchildren. I drove to their place after work on Friday and stayed there Friday night. Brenton made supper before going off to work. Stephanie was coaching basketball and didn't get home until late in the evening, so it was my job to put the kids to bed. I fell for the line, "Last night mom let Andrew and me sleep together." After listening to the play and giggle for quite a while, I had to go in and put Andrew in his own bed. Thankfully, they both fell asleep quite quickly.
Saturday morning came quickly as the kids bounced out of bed about 7 AM. And I mean bounced! Stephanie warned me that they had a lot of energy in the morning. She was there to make breakfast before she headed out to Scrap Camp. A bit later the kids and I headed for the city, and the Maple Maze in Maple Grove. I forgot that the maze would be a zoo on a Saturday. There were so many kids there I worried that I'd lose Andrew, but we were there over the lunch hour so the place cleared out a bit. Each of the kids enjoys a different part of the maze, although they all love the ball pit. Andrew and Izzy like being up higher in the maze, and both came down the tallest slide. Jake was more interested in finding someone else to play with.
Andrew napped on the way home to our house. Craig got home shortly after us, and the kids were thrilled to see Papa. The afternoon and evening was spent playing legos, coloring, using Play Dough, watching a movie while eating popcorn, and taking a bath. I think they also got in a game of hide and seek, and Izzy and Jake played War with Craig. It was so much fun watching them play cards. Izzy really wanted to have both jokers, so she tried to deal them to herself. She pouted for a bit when Craig dealt the cards fairly, but really perked up when she started to win. One of my favorite memories is of Andrew trying to keep up with Jake and he said, "Jacob, I coming!" And another is of Izzy dancing in the livingroom while a little stuffed duck plays the song, "You are my sunshine!" I will also remember waking up Sunday morning to the kids peeking into out bedroom.
We made pancakes with faces and little smokies for breakfast. We played some more - more legos, more Play Dough and coloring, more card games. Jake built a big house out of Legos. We watched The Donut Man and then we packed everything up and headed out to meet Stephanie.
Andrew did not want to go home with his mom. He wouldn't look at her, and he wouldn't say good bye to us. Even when I talked to Stephanie later in the afternoon he was still sad about having to be home.
We sure had a fun time with Jake, Izzy and Andrew - but it took the rest of the day to recover :)
Saturday morning came quickly as the kids bounced out of bed about 7 AM. And I mean bounced! Stephanie warned me that they had a lot of energy in the morning. She was there to make breakfast before she headed out to Scrap Camp. A bit later the kids and I headed for the city, and the Maple Maze in Maple Grove. I forgot that the maze would be a zoo on a Saturday. There were so many kids there I worried that I'd lose Andrew, but we were there over the lunch hour so the place cleared out a bit. Each of the kids enjoys a different part of the maze, although they all love the ball pit. Andrew and Izzy like being up higher in the maze, and both came down the tallest slide. Jake was more interested in finding someone else to play with.
Andrew napped on the way home to our house. Craig got home shortly after us, and the kids were thrilled to see Papa. The afternoon and evening was spent playing legos, coloring, using Play Dough, watching a movie while eating popcorn, and taking a bath. I think they also got in a game of hide and seek, and Izzy and Jake played War with Craig. It was so much fun watching them play cards. Izzy really wanted to have both jokers, so she tried to deal them to herself. She pouted for a bit when Craig dealt the cards fairly, but really perked up when she started to win. One of my favorite memories is of Andrew trying to keep up with Jake and he said, "Jacob, I coming!" And another is of Izzy dancing in the livingroom while a little stuffed duck plays the song, "You are my sunshine!" I will also remember waking up Sunday morning to the kids peeking into out bedroom.
We made pancakes with faces and little smokies for breakfast. We played some more - more legos, more Play Dough and coloring, more card games. Jake built a big house out of Legos. We watched The Donut Man and then we packed everything up and headed out to meet Stephanie.
Andrew did not want to go home with his mom. He wouldn't look at her, and he wouldn't say good bye to us. Even when I talked to Stephanie later in the afternoon he was still sad about having to be home.
We sure had a fun time with Jake, Izzy and Andrew - but it took the rest of the day to recover :)
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Where's Your Focus?
With all the negative news in the media it is easy to get fearful about the future. It is so good to now the God is in control. He knows the future. He has already won the battle over sin and death. When we have given our lives to Him we become joint heirs with Christ - we can claim the victory too. We do not need to fear the future.
So, it all boils down to focus. What are you looking at? Are you looking at the darkness or the light? Are you looking at the enemy advancing, or are you looking to your Saviour?
I have been told that the Bible talks about fear 366 times. Joshua was told many times "Be strong and courageous." Jesus said, "Do not fear, for I am with you." And Psalms says, "The name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous run into it and are saved." So, dear friends, when you feel fear creeping up on you: check your focus - what are you looking at? Run to Jesus, and be strong and courageous.
So, it all boils down to focus. What are you looking at? Are you looking at the darkness or the light? Are you looking at the enemy advancing, or are you looking to your Saviour?
I have been told that the Bible talks about fear 366 times. Joshua was told many times "Be strong and courageous." Jesus said, "Do not fear, for I am with you." And Psalms says, "The name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous run into it and are saved." So, dear friends, when you feel fear creeping up on you: check your focus - what are you looking at? Run to Jesus, and be strong and courageous.
Monday, February 16, 2009
God is Good - all the time
The Bible says that God's loving kindness is new every morning. And it's so true.
It's a new day. Not much has really changed - my dad is still in the hospital, Craig's truck is still not running perfectly, and I have no new job leads, but what has changed is my attitude.
Craig and I started out the day together in prayer, and God showed up - just as He promises to do every time 2 or 3 are gathered in His name. Today I have expereinced His peace. I have not worried about things. I was able to say goodbye to Craig without tears as he headed back on the road. It has been a good day. Thank you, God!
It's a new day. Not much has really changed - my dad is still in the hospital, Craig's truck is still not running perfectly, and I have no new job leads, but what has changed is my attitude.
Craig and I started out the day together in prayer, and God showed up - just as He promises to do every time 2 or 3 are gathered in His name. Today I have expereinced His peace. I have not worried about things. I was able to say goodbye to Craig without tears as he headed back on the road. It has been a good day. Thank you, God!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
No Words
I have been silent in my blog, because I just haven't had words to say. Craig and I have been experiencing some trials - small ones, to be sure, but enough to make it too hard for me to find words to write. I have been given notice that I will be laid off from my job at the end of the school year. I applied for another job, but did not get it after going through two interviews. Craig has had truck problems and it's taken a week to get it fixed. Now that he got it back he's found out that it hasn't been fixed completely. We are so discouraged. We have prayed for my job, and for Craig's truck to be fixed right. So now we wonder, why haven't our prayers been answered? How do we handle the discouragement? How do we have joy in the midst of trials?
And then my dad went into the hospital. He is being treated for dehydration and a UTI. I think he's gettting better, but he has become somewhat confused. It has been so hard to see my dad, once so sharp, so smart now confused. I am hoping (an d praying) that as he heals his mind will clear - and that when he gets back home to his place he will be even better.
God is faithful. He has met all our needs. Craig's truck can be fixed. And my dad knows Jesus - so whether he gets better or not, he's always in God's hand. I will hold on to the One who will not let me go - and look for the ways He will take care of us all.
And then my dad went into the hospital. He is being treated for dehydration and a UTI. I think he's gettting better, but he has become somewhat confused. It has been so hard to see my dad, once so sharp, so smart now confused. I am hoping (an d praying) that as he heals his mind will clear - and that when he gets back home to his place he will be even better.
God is faithful. He has met all our needs. Craig's truck can be fixed. And my dad knows Jesus - so whether he gets better or not, he's always in God's hand. I will hold on to the One who will not let me go - and look for the ways He will take care of us all.
New Book
Are you a fan of Al and Johanna Lacy? They have written a new book, and John “The Stranger” Brockman is back by popular demand!
A good deed grants outlaw Whipley Langford early release from prison and a friendship with Chief U.S. Marshal John Brockman. Another good deed gets Whip framed for murder and looking at life through a hangman’s noose. John arrives just in time to reveal the true murderers and lead Whip to Christ.
A new man and a fast draw, Whip becomes Brockman’s deputy. Life is still fast and dangerous, and there’s a pretty lady Whip would like to get to know better too. Before he admits his love, Whip is shot in a bank robbery. Survival looks slim until he awakens to hear his lady confess her love. Weeks later, they are married.
Readers who are familiar with the Journeys of the Stranger and Angel of Mercy series reunite with well-loved characters John and Breanna Brockman. Western history buffs will enjoy a wholesome, fast-paced story where the Gospel is presented clearly. Christian readers will learn how to lean on the Lord in times of trial and non-Christians will have the opportunity to make Christ their Savior.
About The Authors:
Al Lacy is an evangelist and author of more than one hundred historical and western novels, including the Journeys of the Stranger, Angel of Mercy, and Mail Order Bride series, with more than three million books in print. JoAnna Lacy, Al’s wife and longtime collaborator, is a retired nurse. The Lacys have been married over forty years and live in the Colorado Rockies.
A good deed grants outlaw Whipley Langford early release from prison and a friendship with Chief U.S. Marshal John Brockman. Another good deed gets Whip framed for murder and looking at life through a hangman’s noose. John arrives just in time to reveal the true murderers and lead Whip to Christ.
A new man and a fast draw, Whip becomes Brockman’s deputy. Life is still fast and dangerous, and there’s a pretty lady Whip would like to get to know better too. Before he admits his love, Whip is shot in a bank robbery. Survival looks slim until he awakens to hear his lady confess her love. Weeks later, they are married.
Readers who are familiar with the Journeys of the Stranger and Angel of Mercy series reunite with well-loved characters John and Breanna Brockman. Western history buffs will enjoy a wholesome, fast-paced story where the Gospel is presented clearly. Christian readers will learn how to lean on the Lord in times of trial and non-Christians will have the opportunity to make Christ their Savior.
About The Authors:
Al Lacy is an evangelist and author of more than one hundred historical and western novels, including the Journeys of the Stranger, Angel of Mercy, and Mail Order Bride series, with more than three million books in print. JoAnna Lacy, Al’s wife and longtime collaborator, is a retired nurse. The Lacys have been married over forty years and live in the Colorado Rockies.
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