Journal History
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Friday, May 25, 2007 9:15 PM CDT
I know it's been way too long. I will be updating very soon.
I have some very exciting things to share! Please please bare with me!
Love,
Becky
Saturday, September 9, 2006 8:06 AM CDT
The Grace of God continues to abound in our lives!
I know it has been a very long time since I’ve posted. I won’t even attempt to make excuses. Yes we’ve been busy, but I think my problem is( and has always been) painting a picture into words. That is when the struggles are minimum. It’s easy to describe pain. Yet JOY is often unspeakable!
Mitchell finished 1st grade ( this time) in May with honors. He had a great year and was pretty uneventful.
In June he finished his summer league swim season with many awards. Here’s the list:
Most valuable swimmer( for his age group, boys).
Team record in the backstroke
Meet of champs record in the fly
Freestyle relay team record
Medley team record
Meet of champs free relay record
Meet of champs medley relay record
Needless to say ( I’ll say it anyway) he was pretty weighted down with medals. I’ll post new pictures soon.
That was just summer league!
He also finished his first year in USA swimming with a bang!
In March he was moved up to the next competitive level ( called the Stingrays). His time really improved while he was in this group.
I must remind you that USA swimming is much more competitive than out neighborhood summer league. Mitchell competes with kids all over the greater Houston area and the gulf.. Many of the events he swam in includes 9& 10 year olds.
In July Mitchell finished 1st ( gold medal)place in the 50 meter backstroke and top nine in 4 out of five events at the Gulf Champs long course meet. He went on the finish with the High Point 8 & under boy trophy ,4 medals ( 1 gold ,1 silver and 2 bronze) at the Gulf Champs II short course yards meet.
He started the new season this week in the next level called the Barracudas. This group practices 4 days a week for 1 ½ hours.
He has also started 2nd grade with a bang! He has really taken off with his reading and thus far has straight A’s.
Socially Mitchell is doing much better too. He is still in scouts and is now a “Bear.” The swimming has made Mitchell pretty popular and this gives him a little social boost. Kids sort of look up to him. We call him “ Mitchell McMartin Fly” because he is known for his beautiful butterfly stroke.
Through it all we have NEVER forgotten God. We continue to give God ALL ( every single bit) of the glory for all of Mitchell’s success. I truly believe God shines the light on us because he knows who will bring him glory. Please continue to pray for us that we never forget where the Lord has brought us from and where HE is leading us.
There have been times James & I both believe it’s as if the Lord just “blew “on Mitchell. The victory’s have not come without a cost or struggles. Satan always uses people to be “joy robbers” but praise God,…… when the enemy comes in like a flood, the spirit of the Lord will raise a standard against it.! REMEMBER this, Satan cannot stop the plans God has made for us or our children! We must remember WHO WE ARE IN CHRIST and not hold the wrongs to anyone’s charge.
I am so thankful for all of you who continue to check on us and hope we have been an encouragement to those who don’t know what the future holds.
There’s a song which goes…. “ There is a name, There is a name , there is a naaaaaaaaaame of JESUS. There is a name, there is a name, there is a name….” It just keeps going like that. Some days all I know is THAT NAME. THAT NAME IS KEY TO VICTORY! NEVER FORGET THAT NAME. The FULLNESS of the Godhead is ALL in HIM. ( Christ Jesus ). SAY THE NAME! Many people mention God but what is his name? JESUS is the name of the Lord that I serve! It’s in HIM we live , move and have our being! HE IS OUR REASON FOR LIVING!
Blessings in Christ Jesus,
Becky, James and Mitchell
Sunday, April 16, 2006 7:09 AM CDT
Matthew 28:2-6 (New International Version
2There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
5The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.
That first Easter morning
by John Fischer
(Part III of a three-part series of historical fiction around the events of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.)
The sun rose that first Easter morning on an entirely different world than the one that had existed hours earlier. For most people, to be sure, it was the same. Birds twittered as they usually did in their pre-dawn revelry. Lazy dogs barked at the sound of the first early risers. In his penthouse in downtown Jerusalem, Pilate rolled over in bed and moaned at the mockingbird making a racket on his veranda. He could feel his wife’s stiffness next to him. He didn’t even have to look to see her wide, sleepless eyes locked on a crack in the ceiling for fear of the dreams that might come back if she closed them.
In the nearby barracks, a soldier snored on in thick oblivion. Soon his comrades would wake up to wicked hangovers, a usual Sunday morning experience. Things were always quiet on the Jewish Sabbath, so Saturdays became party time for the Roman soldiers.
Out in the courtyard, roosters crowed, and Peter, curled up next to a stone wall, was sure he heard every last one of them. He hadn’t been sleeping, either. All those great plans and dreams for himself and his nation had vanished with three denials and two rooster crows. Roosters had been rattling and cackling in his brain for two nights. They wouldn’t let him sleep, and they wouldn’t let him forget that look on the Savior’s face that left him frozen in his betrayal.
On the edge of town, three women made their way quietly through abandoned narrow streets, clutching vials of sweet-smelling perfume. In the hazy light of early morning, they were headed for Joseph’s garden, where the remains of the man they pinned their hopes on as the Son of God laid without proper respect. There had been no time on Friday to anoint the funeral wrappings, and such activity was forbidden on the Sabbath. Nicodemus and Joseph had done a credible job with limited time and little preparation, but it fell to the women to complete the burial requirements – as much for their own sake as for the sake of the custom.
Just when they started to wonder who might help them move the huge stone over the face of the tomb, they found, lo and behold, that the stone had already been moved away. The soldiers guarding it shifted on the ground in a deep sleep; the wrappings that should have been around the body lay limply on the rocky shelf inside. And an angelic being, bright and glorious, asked a question that would change them and the world forever: “Why do you seek the living among the dead?”
May your Easter celebrations be filled with the same joy and wonder these women experienced on that first Easter morning!
Saturday, April 15, 2006 9:38 PM CDT
Part II of a three-part series of historical fiction around the events of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.)
Better late than never, Nicodemus thought as he waited for Joseph of Arimathea to return from his meeting with Pilate. The sky was black with night, and the torches around the crosses cast long flickering shadows over the hillside. Only the shadows danced. The bodies were still, none stiller than the one in the middle.
They had found each other, Joseph and Nicodemus: two wealthy Jews. Too well-connected to risk following Jesus in life, they had finally risen to the occasion now in his death and were prepared to ensure proper care and burial for the body.
Nicodemus had watched the crucifixion the way he followed Jesus for the last three years – from a distance. Now in the darkness, he ventured closer. Suddenly, a tear-stained face filled his vision as if out of nowhere.
“Aren’t you … ?”
“Nicodemus.” He finished it for the man. “I have followed from afar. I wanted to come closer, but I’ve been foolish and afraid. Now I am too late.”
“No, you aren’t. You are here,” said John, newly named son of Mary. “Come.”
John gently took Nicodemus’ arm and guided him closer to the women who were still huddled near the cross. They were in shock, out of touch with everything, even grief. Nicodemus had first resisted John, but once he was in the light and the company of the others, he broke into a thousand pieces inside and started to cry uncontrollably. Suddenly he was touched and held and surrounded by people he did not even know, and they all seemed thankful for a fresh supply of tears.
Nicodemus looked into the faces of people he would have judged hours earlier and wondered at what he saw in their eyes. These were unlearned peasants, but they seemed so much wiser than he.
Then he looked at the body of Jesus, and in the lifeless form on the cross he saw himself – a tired old self-righteous man, weary of justifications and the foolish arrogance that kept him from people. He saw the ugliness of his pride and the lies by which he tried to maintain his superiority. He saw it all and hated himself in that moment, and he wept bitterly, alternately abhorring and longing for the touch he was receiving from those around him.
“He spoke of you often,” said John with his arm on Nicodemus’ shoulder. “He said you were one of the few in your position who could see.”
“He did?” Nicodemus raised his wet eyes and wiped them with the sleeve of his robe. “I didn’t know myself ... until just now.”
Up until now, Nicodemus had been dealing with Jesus and the prophets and the nation of Israel and the Gentiles in his mind – each part fitting like clues to a mystery that drew him closer and closer to the cross as if he were following a long shadow toward its source. But now that he was there, right to it, standing right in front of God’s intervention in human history, with all his knowledge and the new revelations he had gained, all he could see was Nicodemus and the sin of Nicodemus. And all he could do was weep, but not the bitter tears of self-pity and remorse he was used to. This was a longed-for release – strangely sweet, cleansing tears, the first blush of forgiveness, in the process of being won by the man on the cross.
Friday, April 14, 2006 8:27 AM CDT
The most precious drops in the world
by John Fischer
(Part I of a three-part series of historical fiction around the events of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.)
The wounds on his hands bled slowly. Pressure from the weight of his body held back the flow. If there had been no other sounds that afternoon, it probably would have sounded like the slow, steady drip off the eaves of a mountain cabin on a damp, foggy night.
But there were many sounds. Taunts from the soldiers, weeping and wailing from the women near the feet of Jesus, even careless laughter from children playing haphazardly around the perimeter of the crucifixion hill, oblivious to the significance of this particular execution. Small dark puddles would gather briefly under the top beam of the cross, only to be covered by the shuffle of a guard’s feet. And then it would start in again: drip … drip … drip – little droplets seen but not heard.
Mary saw them. She stared at the puddle through her bloodshot eyes while his life flashed before her, and it seemed to her that the earth swallowed his blood as if it had been created for this. As if it were drinking its fill and would thirst no more.
Then she slowly turned her eyes up to his face, and her breath failed her. He already had her in the grasp of his eyes. It was the first time he had looked at her from the cross, and suddenly it seemed as if she were falling into a bottomless abyss. She looked until she could bear it no more and turned her eyes away so she could catch her breath again. Once more her gaze went to the small puddle in the dirt, and it seemed now that she, and only she, could hear the droplets landing, loud enough to shut out all other sounds.
Then she heard his words spoken to her: “Dear woman, here is your son.” And to the disciple he loved, “Here is your mother.”
Soon after that, the dripping stopped, right after the earth shook and Jesus cried out with a voice that nearly shut down Mary’s heart for good. And all was still except for the sucking, sporadic breathing coming from the other two criminals.
“This one’s already dead,” said one of the guards. “Can you believe that?”
“No need to break his legs, I guess,” said another.
“Well, just to make sure …” One of them approached the dead body of Jesus with his spear, and before Mary could scream out, “No!” he thrust its tip up into the torso of the Son of God just under the ribs. Her scream and the sudden flow of blood and water came out at the same time.
Disgusted, the guard wiped a few drops from his face and walked away, oblivious to the fact that these were drops of blood that could set him free forever.
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Words cannot express how this series moves me!
As unfaithful as I am to update this page I'm surprised you've come here today. I'm here to tell you today, "GOD IS FAITHFUL!"
I will post Part2 tomorrow.
I know that it has been a very long time since I have updated this page. I hope to be able to fill you in on what has been going on with us soon. Mitchell is doing SOOOOOOOOOO well! Still thriving and living his life abundantly as Jesus intendesd for him to do when he came to this earth.
We are so very Blessed!
Blessings to all!
Becky
Saturday, January 7, 2006 8:56 PM CST
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Well It’s another year, another chapter, another clear scan (and the end of scans I might add), and a final end (in everyone’s view) of this rhabdo saga for Mitchell. Now the doctors and medical science can finally call Mitchell a success story in their protocol and hopefully learn from Mitchell’s case.
Even though I have known the cancer wouldn’t be returning there was a strange sense of a fog lifting when all of the sudden “it’s all over but the shouting.” Of course I have been shouting for a long time but today it’s different. The mri confirmed what the x-rays revealed in October. The hipbone is indeed being restored. There is evidence of new bone growth where Mitchell received radiation. This area was where the lymph node involvement was and where he received the 42gy dosage.
This brings me to my belated Christmas message. I am so glad the Lord gave me this message. It has shown me how crazy I am not and how crazy the world is and their way of thinking and doing things.
Luke 2:19
“ But Mary kept all these things and PONDERED them in her heart.”
I do not worship Mary or give her glory but I do hold her in very high esteem. What little I read about her in scripture tells me she was very courageous, God fearing and trusting young woman. I believe she felt and dealt with all the things we moms are faced with today. I surely draw from her demeanor when it comes to my child.
Luke 2:19 says Mary “PONDERED. Ponder means to think a lot in some depth. In other words pondering is not a passing thought but a lasting reality one wants to hold onto and search for more truths through this act. I believe this is what Mary was doing. She had just had a baby in a stable which she conceived as a virgin and now the wise men and shepherds alike were bowing down to this promised child.
Personally I cannot imagine what this was like for Mary. Nevertheless, she PONDERED.
Oh how the pondering must have produced more faith as Mary and Joseph had to flee to Egypt because of King Harrods’s decree to destroy all of the male babies in Bethlehem.
I am almost certain Mary’s pondering was beneficent as she watched her precious baby being nailed to a cross and suffer a horrible death FOR OUR SINS. Oh how much Mary the mother of Jesus has taught me!
Perhaps some of the moms reading today have suffered such a loss as Mary and will forever ponder the good, happy and memorable times.
I am convinced we were made to “PONDER.”
Here are some of the synonyms for PONDER I have pulled up:
1) consider
2) contemplate
3) cerebrate
4) cogitate
5) mull over
6) meditate
7) muse
8) reflect
9) study
10) think over
11) weigh
12) take thought
13) dwell on
I believe goodness , mercy and grace are by products of healthy pondering.
If Mary the mother of Jesus did it, it must be the thing to do.
I can’t help but think of King David as A PONDERER.
There are too many scriptures to list verbatim but here are some references:
Psalms 48:9 “ We meditate on your unfailing love.”
Psalms77:12 “ I will meditate on all your works.”
Psalms 119:15 “ I meditate on your precepts.”
Psalms 119:23 “ Your servant will meditate.”
Psalms 119:27 “ then I will meditate on your wonders.”
Psalms119:48 “ And I will meditate on your decrees.”
Psalms119:97 “ I meditate on it all day long.”
Psalms 119:99 “ For I meditate on your statutes.”
Psalms 119;148 “ That I may meditate on your promises.”
So My friends there is no doubt ‘ WE ARE TO PONDER.”
We are to do more PONDERING and less worrying. God help us all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If we spent all of our time PONDERING there would be no time to worry.
PONDERING leads to worship, worship leads to praise , and as the praises go up , the blessings come down! Why, it’s the law of gravity!
Psalms 132: 3-18
“ O Lord, remember David and all the hardships he endured. He swore on an oath to the Lord and made a vow to the Mighty one Jacob, “ I will not enter my house or go to my bed_ I will allow no sleep to my eyes, no slumber to my eyelids, till I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob.”
Read the rest for yourself.
This particular Psalm petitions God to bless David’s sons as they rule Israel.
This takes us to 2 Samuel 7:8 -29.…
JESUS CHRIST AND THIS COVENANT. This was one aspect to God’s covenant with David which was unconditional- that the Kingdom of David would ultimately be established forever.
The apex of God’s promise was that from the Davidic family line would come a descendant who would be the messianic and eternal king. This king would rule over the faithful of Israel and all the nations( cf Isa (:6-7; 11:1,10; mic 5:2,4). He would come out of the city of Bethlehem ( Mic 52;4), and his rule would extend to the ends of the earth ( Zech 9:10). He would be called “ The Lord Our Righteousness” ( Jer 23:5-6) and would bring salvation from sin ( Zec 13;1). The fulfillment of the Davidic promise began with the birth of Jesus, ANNOUNCED BY THE ANGEL GABRIEL TO MARY, A DEVOUT DAUGHTER FROM DAVID’S family( Luke 1: 30-33 ; cf. Ac 2:29-35).
Mary was a descendant of an infamous PONDERER. PONDERING RUNS IN THE FAMILY! How interesting.
Do you suppose God chooses PONDERERS to use for his glory and to do great thing through?
I certainly have done my share of PONDERING these past five years. Every time scan times came I PONDERED, every time I read something negative which caused me fear, I PONDERED, every time the doctors told me what to expect, I PONDERED.
My PONDERING will continue as we continue to dream for and search for ways to bring God glory whether it is through our testimony or another avenue.
Let our New Year’s resolution be to PONDER EVERTHING God has given us through our journey, through financial difficulties, cancer and many other unspoken issues.
God gives us all things to PONDER so that we can fulfill our destinies, It’s called “Grace” to carry out his plan.
We will Continue to FIX (our eyes on Jesus the Way , The Truth
,and the Life. John 14:6) IN 2006.
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Thanks for being out there today and taking the time to read. I am so thankful for the opportunity ( finally) to write my thoughts which have been brewing for weeks now.
Mitchell was off for 3 weeks for the holidays and It just seemed like there never was a moment to catch all of this.
As I type James and Mitchell are at a Monster Truck Rally in Houston at the Astrodome.
I’m home alone and it is really nice for a change.
I am “ Miss organization” lately trying to widdle away all the clutter. Man, sometimes it seems like no end is in sight! Where does all this stuff come from?! Do I throw it away or put it away where I’ll forget about it or forget where I put it? Decisions decisions. The answer is becoming a” no brainer!”
Mitchell swam the 500 yard free on Jan 4th. His time was 10 min 15 sec. Not bad huh?
Until next time my friends!
I Love you all out there!
Becky
Monday, December 19, 2005 11:20 PM CST
Mitchell told all of us the other day " This is going to be the best Christmas ever!" Know what? We think so too! Not just because Mitchell says so but because God has given us so much more insight and revelation of who he is and what it means to be a christian in this "late hour" in which we live!
We have never been more sure of who Jesus is, why he came to this earth, why he died, rose again, ascended to heaven and sent the Comforter ( Holy Ghost and fire Acts 2:1-4) so that we could not only be empowered to witness effectively, but he said "greater things than this shall you do for I'm going to make intercession for you," John 14:12.
The Gift God sent of himself robed in flesh is a package deal. The birth of Jesus was just the beginning of the never ending promise of life more abundantly.
My God, when I look at how far Mitchell has come just from a year ago all I can say is "only God could do that!" One would not know he is the same first grader from last year. The Lord truley has restored the years the locusts and the cankerworms have eaten! A little faith goes a long way! Thank you Jesus!
Yes Jesus is not only the reason for the season , He's just the reason!!!!!!!!!! Can I get a witness!!!!!!!? You see we don't just celebrate Jesus once a year. His death burial and resurrection is new everyday.
Everyday I live, I'll give him the glory! Without him we can do nothing. We can get more done for the kingdom of God ,on our knees, than we can with all our planning, scheming and "business!" Help us Lord to wait on you and let The Spirit do what He does best!
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Mitchell won his first USA swim metal on Dec 3rd. How exciting that was! It was the 200 medely relay. He and three of his team mates swam their way to a 1st place victory!
You should see the shoulders on our boy. He is only seven yrs old and He is wearing size 10-12 shirts! It must be that butterfly stroke pumping him up!
We are truley blessed to have another year to worship and bring glory to The Lord Jesus!
Merry Christmas to all and to all "Good night!"
Becky
PS We are embarking on the 5 yr mark since Mitchell was diagnosed and he will have his final set of scans on the 30th of this month. Thought you all might like to know. We appreciate all of your prayer love and support. We look forward to ringing in the new year with praise (to the one who's worthy)on our lips!
Friday, November 4, 2005 6:11 PM CST
MOM - JOB DESCRIPTION
If it had been presented this way, no one would have done it!!!!
POSITION :
Mother, Mom, Mama, Mommy, Momma, Ma
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an,
often
chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication
and
organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will
include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some
overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites
on
rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities.
Travel
expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The rest of your life. Must be willing to be hated, at least
temporarily,
until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly.
Also,
must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from
zero
to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from
the
backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face
stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair,
mysteriously
sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain
calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must
have
ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages
and
mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an
embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing
of a
half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices. Must
always
hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final,
complete accountability for the quality of the end product.
Responsibilities
also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the
facility.
POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT &PROMOTION:
Virtually none. Your job is to remain in the same position for years,
without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so
that
those in your charge can ultimately surpass you
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE :
None required unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a
continually
exhausting basis.
WAGES AND COMPENSATION:
Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon
payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college
will
help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them
whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is
that
you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.
BENEFITS:
While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition
reimbursement,
no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies
limitless opportunities for personal growth and free hugs for life if
you
play your cards right.
Hey how about adding a cancer diagnosis somewhere in the mix,as if parenting isn't hard enough WITHOUT that!
My friend Colleen sent me this. I have laughed so hard. This is so true but we love it don't we?
I'm just thankful the Lord spared Mitchell's life so I could experience this wonderful job description!
Makes me think of a song.....
" I CAN'T SAY THE ROAD'S BEEN EASY, BUT IT'S BEEN WORTH IT ALL. JUST TO KNOW THAT HE IS WITH ME AMD HE HEARS EACH TIME I CALL. JUST TO KNOW THAT HEAVEN'S WAITING JUST AROUND THE NEXT BIN, JUST ONE GLIMPSE OF HIS PRECIOUS FACE WILL BE WORTH IT IN THE END."
Thanks for being out there.
I'm just thankful! So so thankful for the joys in my life!
New pictures are coming I promise!
Love,
Becky
Monday, October 31, 2005 9:41 AM CST
I am so glad John Fischer clarified somethings to me about tonight.
Mitchell is very aware of trick or treating now and is looking forward to being "Batman." Yeah we've been into this character since this summer.Our neighborhood started 2 traditions a few years ago.First we always get a poster that says "BOO!" with a note telling us to "BOO" somebody else, treats and cute little favors. Then on the 31st we always have a parade and hayride to start the night. A fire truck comes and leads the procession. It's supposed to rain on our parade tonight so I'm not sure how much we'll be able to be out.
We'll post some pics new pics soon!
Happy ,Safe,"No fear" night to all and "BOO"!
Love,
Becky
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Turn On the Light Tonight
by John Fischer
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear…
1 John 4:18
Today is a day that comes with a good deal of confusion and too much fear in some Christian circles. It has not always been the case. When I was a child in the 1950s as part of a very fundamental church, Halloween came and went with ne'er a thought of concern. We couldn't play cards, dance, go to movies or listen to rock and roll, but we could trick-or-treat our little candy bags full every October 31.
All that changed about fifteen years ago when the word spread rapidly in Christian circles that Halloween was actually not dress-up day after all, it had been Satan's holiday all along since its origins as All Hallows' Eve, and something that Christians should have nothing to do with. (Studies actually show major discrepancies on the origins of Halloween, making a truly definitive conclusion dubious at best.)
Something about these inconsistent Halloween experiences indicates that the issue here may be more one of perception than actual truth. Granted satanic activity may be an issue on this day, but I wonder if we actually give Satan more regard today than we should, while ignoring his reality the other 364 days of the year.
This much I know: Regardless of where you land on the trick-or-treating thing, if there is anything believers should not participate in today, it's not trick-or-treating: It's fear. Christians have no business being afraid today or any day. We worship the God of the universe who is over all powers and authorities and rulers on earth, above it or “below” it. If we as Christians show fear to the world, it comes as a disgrace to God. What does it say about the reality of God in our lives when we allow fear to motivate us?
We currently live on a street that has a reputation of being the best trick-or-treating street in town. Our house is right smack dab in the middle of a two block area that is so crowded with kids each year, the police put up barriers to keep vehicles out. We bought 6,000 pieces of candy last year and still ran out. As I see it we have three choices. Darken our door and hunker down inside. Plan to be gone for the evening. Or stock up on candy, put our chairs out in the front yard and enjoy the parade while we mingle with our neighbors.
Given our mission to love the world as Christ loved it, I'd say it was time to turn on the light. There is nothing that will stifle hope more than fear, and nothing that will overcome fear more than love.
Friday, October 21, 2005 2:32 PM CDT
I love I love that man from Galilee .For he has done so very much for me. He’s forgiven all my sin and placed the Holy Ghost within . Oh how I love this man from Galilee!
In case you don’t know him , His name is Jesus!
Do you know there is power in the name of Jesus? Sickness MUST bow to the name of Jesus. He’s as close as the mention of His name, Jesus. Fear must go in the name of Jesus. Faith must rise, in the name of Jesus.
I have so much to tell you since my last entry. We are still working on putting everything back that we had to put away from the threat of Hurricane Rita.
It has been very busy around here ! Let me tell you “Tenacity of Purpose” pays off.!” When God gives you a dream/vision of something he also gives you a drive to be tenacious. I will share one of my dreams with all of you today.
I do have dreams of Mitchell being an Olympic Champion Swimmer for the glory of God! This doesn’t mean it will be easy. This doesn’t mean there won’t be discouraging times. It just means “I have a dream.”
Mitchell is now on a USA Swim Team ( you can visit it and see him listed as one of their athletes at
katyaquatics.org ).It took three, yes three grueling evaluations and tryouts before he made it on this team but, “I have a dream.”
I can see the day he becomes an Olympian.
Can you see your dream coming to pass?
He had his first swim meet the 1st of October. Something I never would have dreamed in a million years( NOT THIS SOON ) was the fact that he not only won 1st place in two events, but he placed ( meaning top 8 swimmers in his age group) in every event he swam in. Oh my, the joy we felt!
Our capacity to receive joy is soooooooo much greater than it would have been had there not been such sorrow in our lives before this day. Until one has experienced Jesus in midst of their sorrow he/she will never have such a capacity for the joy we have today. I am so thankful that the Lord loved us enough not only to allow the sorrow in our lives but to let us experience the joy which was and is set before us!
Several entries back I prophesied that Mitchell would greatly improve academically and continue to surprise the professionals in the areas he seemed to be lacking. Well I’m here to tell you “the day has come!”
First of all his reading level is 60 words per minute (which is where they want second graders to be at the beginning of the year).
Secondly, he scored 100,s on all of his TPRI testing.
Thirdly, he is a little writer. He can write about things and tell stories.
His comprehension is there!
They do not believe Mitchell is autistic and they want to have him evaluated again soon.
He no longer needs a helping teacher.
Everyone of his spelling, phonograms, and Math tests have come back A’s. And most of them are 100’s!
Can somebody shout
hallelujah!!!!!!!!!????????
I’m not finished yet!
You better put your dancing shoes on for this one!
If you scroll back in the journal back in September of “04’ time frame you will note that we told about a visit with a pediatric orthopedic surgeon. Mitchell’s oncologist wanted us to see him and get his opinion on what was going on with his leg and hip bone where he got the radiation.
We were ( at the time of radiation in "O1")told that because of where Mitchell received the radiation on the hip bone that his growth plate might be damaged to the degree that his right leg could be several inches shorter than the left( like 3 or more). I hope I do not have to tell you all by now what I had to say about that little tidbit of info.
I’ll tell you anyway. I refused it! I spoke....
“ The fire of radiation will not harm my son, he will walk THROUGH this fire and NOT be burned!”
I urge every mom, dad , sister ,brother, aunt and uncle to believe this for your loved one who is going through this kind of thing, to open up your mouth and
“SPEAK THOSE THINGS WHICH BE NOT, AS THOUGH THEY WERE!” According to Romans 4:17.
Anyway, on this visit in sept of “04’ the orthopedic doctor said he expected to see the condition of the hipbone to deteriorate with a particular bone disease which most often occurs after radiation. Because he had no x-rays to compare ( at the time)to, he said he couldn’t really tell if the ball in the hip socket was COMING or GOING. Well we believed it was coming! Anyway, at this time Mitchell’s leg was about a half of an inch shorter than the other one, which is NOT a significant differential. We got Mitchell a little heel lift and he was good to go. The doctor told us he wanted to see us in a year.
Well that year had fully come and we took Mitchell back to see him a few weeks ago.
Ya know, I knew we were going to get good news but what I didn’t realize was the impact it would have on us.
The first thing we did was get x-rays again. Then we went to the room to wait for the doctor. The doctor came in saying “hasn’t he grown at all in a year”?
James and I kind of looked at him like “what are you getting at?” He went on to say “ there has been NO change to the hip bone and Mitchell’s leg is still just a half inch shorter.”
O.K, what does this mean “, we said. The doctor went on to tell us he rarely sees this in ONE out of TEN cases. He went on to say that if the growth plate was damaged we would have seen the signs by now and furthermore he expects the ball of tissue to return to the socket! HE FULLY EXPECTS! Well hallelujah!!!!!!!!! We have yet another doctor agreeing with US! The difference is, THEY HAVE TO SEE IT TO BELIEVE IT!
I asked the doctor if there was or could have been anything in particular we did or didn’t do to get what we got. His answer was “ KEEP GOING TO CHURCH.” I guess that was the best he could muster up short of calling it a MIRACLE! By the way, Mitchell HAS grown THREE yes THREE inches since a year ago!
I tell you today “OUR GOD IS FAITHFUL! When we ask Him for bread He WILL NOT give us a stone!
Just recently I happened on a little girl’s web page www.caringbridge.com/visit/sydneyabigail
Her story is very much like Mitchell’s. However, she was just diagnosed in July. Please go to her page, sign her guest book and keep her in your prayers. I know her Mom would especially like to hear and be encouraged by all of you Moms out there who know where they are walking today.
Our experience through this journey of childhood cancer has taken us to and THROUGH every emotion imaginable and then some. One thing is for sure( and I quote from Tommy Tenney's book "God Chasers"),
"A man with an experience is NEVER at the mercy of a man with an argument."
If there's a miracle to have, it's
ours!
If God said it, it has to be true! You can stand on His word.
I love you my friends,
Becky
Saturday, September 24, 2005 8:59 PM CDT
I am COMPLETELY overwhelmed with all of the beautiful guestbook entries. I never knew many of you were out there! I promise to write each and everyone of you personally. I'm just so tired right now!
James just now hooked our computers back up so I wanted to let you all know we are home but we actually never left! We got as far as 2 miles from our house in four hours and decided to come home and hunker down. Well if you watched the news there wasn't much hunkering going on around here. Matter of fact I slept through Rita's arrival! When I woke up I didn't know if I'd died and gone to heaven or what! Not only did we not lose our roof, we hardly got any rain and we didn't lose our power!! I spent most of my day today getting duck tape and packing tape off my windows thanks to Aunt Karen and her bright ideas (You know I love ya)!Trust me I'm not complaining!
Those of you who called my cell , I can't retreive your message because it's not working. Very strange ah? This was key to us not getting on the road Wednesday night. I didn't want for us to go in separate cars at night without being able to communicate with James. We did have a place to stay though which was nice. James work had a conference room ready for us at their office in Austin.
I will elaborate on all of this hopefully tomorrow. You know me, I can't leave God out of such a thing that he was in COMPLETE control over. I love my Lord sooooooooooo much!
I love how he watches over us. I love how he leads and I love how he guides and I love how he provides us with friends that care! What a gift!
Thank you all so much for your prayers! I know they made a difference!
Love,
Becky
Wednesday, September 21, 2005 11:30 AM CDT
Please Pray for us and all of our neighbors here in Houston and surrounding areas. We live a few miles west of Houston in Katy.
We are planning to head out soon toward San Antonio/Austin area. Since there are no hotels available we will have to sleep in our car for a couple of days unless someone reading knows of a place where we could stay.
If so please call our cell#'s at 281-543-8415 or 281-543-1655.
Love you all and I will update as soon as possible.
Thank you for your prayers!
Becky
Thursday, September 8, 2005 9:50 AM CDT
Hello all,
I subscribe to a Purpose Driven life daily devotional. I thought I would share it with you today. Enjoy!
That Great City
by John Fischer
But the Lord said, "You have been concerned about this vine, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?" Jonah 4:10,11 (NIV)
These are the last verses of the Book of Jonah in the Old Testament, and they are important when considering those who are suffering the aftermath of hurricane Katrina.
We often think of Jonah as the story of a runaway prophet and how God used a big fish to get him back on track. But that's just the main story line. There is a subplot to this story that is just as important and it reveals to us a lot about the compassion of God.
Jonah had nothing but contempt for what God calls “that great city” of Nineveh. The reason he didn't want to go preach there was that he was afraid the wicked people of Nineveh might actually listen to him, repent, and God would spare them. That's the last thing he wanted to have happen. He really wanted God to destroy them for their wickedness. He felt so righteous about this that he went off and pouted after preaching to them, sitting on a hill overlooking the city waiting for God's wrath that never came.
While he sat there in the hot sun getting madder by the minute, God caused a vine to grow up and give shade to him, but no sooner had He done this than the plant withered and died leaving Jonah once again exposed. This angered Jonah no end, and that was when God brought to his attention the 120,000 people and many cattle in the city of Nineveh who were worth a lot more than Jonah's silly little plant, and his poor self exposed to the hot sun. “Should I not be concerned about that great city?”
I have picked up a similar Jonah-like contempt for the Big Easy among some who feel that sinful party city is getting what it deserves. This is a dangerous attitude to have, in that wishing for anyone to get what they deserve means that you must get what you deserve, too, and believe me, no one wants to be in that position, because no one is righteous enough to not deserve the judgment of God.
Jonah's only hope was the grace of God. That was Nineveh's hope, too, but Jonah had a hard time seeing it applied to someone he despised. Should God not be concerned about a great city like New Orleans? It has more people than Nineveh, and many animals, too.
Thursday, September 1, 2005 10:32 AM CDT
Can I share my heart again today?
I know, I know two times in a week is unprecedented for me.
My perspective on the recent Hurricane Katrina may be a bit different than the average person. I realize that.Thatis why I felt I should tell you up front.
I am moved with compassion for the people who’s lives have been torn apart by this “ACT OF GOD.” When things like this happen the question always arises “why would a loving God do this?” Some shake their fists at God and some are turned toward him in desperation. I believe the latter is why these “Acts of God” are allowed” by God” to happen. This loving God loves us so much that he will go to great lengths to show that love. Good parents discipline their children because they love them but the children often can not see the love in it.
When disasters like this happen I cannot help but read Mathew 24:1-51.
In his private teaching with the disciples on the mount of olives , Jesus responded to three questions. 1) the destruction of the temple 2)his second coming 3) THE END. These topics are interwoven and sometimes it is difficult to determine which event is being described. This difficulty is partially resolved with the realization that most prophecy is capable of both near and remote fulfillment. Jesus uses the destruction of the temple in 70 A.D as a picture of conditions preceding his own return. Keep that in mind when reading this chapter.
24:4-14 In warning the disciples against false signs , Jesus sketches the prevailing conditions of the present age down to the very end and states their continuing task. There will be religious deception, social and political upheavals, natural calamities, disloyalty and persecution- all of which are precursors of the end times. In the midst of the difficulties, the Lords followers are to persevere in spreading the gospel. I a cannot think of ANY of the prevailing conditions that are NOT going on today.
I liken our own personal tragedy in January of 2001 to this disaster from Hurricane Katrina. Personally, if I had been given a choice of which disaster I would choose, I would have chosen the hurricane.Yes I would have done like many others did and fled the scene! The way I see it, we would have had more of a chance in staying out of harms way. We had NO warning of “our storm.” Thank you Jesus for speaking "PEACE" to our storm since we could not run from it.
Just as there was PURPOSE in our tragedy THERE IS PURPOSE IN THE LATEST TRADGEDY in the gulf.
II PETER 3:9 reads
“ THE LORD IS NOT SLACK CONCERNING HIS PROMISE, AS SOME COUNT SLACKNESS , BUT IS LONGSUFFERING TOWARD US, NOT WILLING THAT ANY SHOULD PARISH BUT THAT ALL SHOULD COME TO REPENTANCE.”
This is what I believe Hurricane Katrina is about, REPENTANCE. BELIEVE ME WHEN I SAY, “ I am not trying to minimize this terrible tragedy." According to scripture we haven’t seen ANYTHING YET! When I here about these people trying to shoot relief efforts helicopters down all I can think of is “ that must be what “hell” is like." Why would ANYONE do that except a completely demonic controlled person!
If our God wasn’t LONGSUFFERING He would have wiped all of us out along time ago. Our God is so merciful and slow to anger.
Let us heed the warnings ! God is not only trying to wake his people up but he wants to come back for as many people as he can.
We want mercy? Here’s the answer- II Chronicles 7:14
“ If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and TURN from their wicked ways, then I WILL hear from heaven and WILL forgive their sins and HEAL their land.”
I know many of you are probably having a hard time accepting what I am saying here. You may be saying,
“ But not all the people effected by this are bad/ wicked.”
I say, “ that may be true but according to scripture "THE RAIN FALLS ON THE JUST AND THE UNJUST" just as in Jobs situation. Why Job was even a righteous man!”
I am so grateful for the opportunity ( to what capacity is unknown at this time)to help some of the victims of the hurricane through Mitchell’s school. Apparently several of them have relatives who live here therefore will be staying here and trying to pick up the broken pieces of there lives here. Please pray that God would use us in a special way to bring HIM glory.
Please pray for ALL to come to repentance and realize that apart from Him we can do NOTHING!
Pray, Pray, Pray!!!!!!!!!
Prayerfully,
Becky
Tuesday, August 30, 2005 12:35 AM CDT
Greetings to all
Hope this entry finds you all with a song in your heart and a spring in your step!
Mitchell started the new school season aug 10th. He has had a little hard time accepting the fact that he is still in first grade, at first. But now I think he’s settling in just fine! He loves his teacher and I think that has helped tremendously! She told him she needed him to stay in her class this year and that she would miss him too much if he left.
I see things now, which confirm our decision to hold Mitchell back, was the RIGHT one. By holding him back we have helped him make great strides in moving forward. He is doing A LOT of reading( for him )and on his own. I am just amazed at where he is compared to this time last year. It is such a joy to watch him grow!
I hope to get some new pictures up soon. I also want to put together a little collage which represents how far Mitchell has come. Because we did not start this website journal until almost a year after his cancer treatment we never posted any pictures of him while he was in treatment. I would like to start scrap booking too and start with a book of the period from January 2001 - January-2002. What a pivotal time in our lives!
As we approach September which is “CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH” I have some thoughts. As parents of children who have or who have had childhood cancer we want others to be aware that it’s there and( though rare) it could happen to you. Through MY EXPERIENCE with childhood cancer I would like to declare an EVERY MONTH, WEEK , DAY, HOUR, AND MINUTE AWARENESS of JESUS CHRIST, HIS PRESENCE, HIS HEALING POWER,(EMOTIONALLY, PHYSICALLY, AND SPIRITUALLY)! In other words GOD IS FULLY AWARE OF ALL SICKNESS AND DISEASE. THE QUESTION IS , ARE WE AWARE OF HIM IN ALL OF OUR CIRCUMSTANCES?
There has been a lot of talk about the lives changed through author Rick Warren’s writings in his book “ THE PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE.” Though it has been a while since I read the book I am continually thinking about “THE PURPOSE” of everything and everyone in my life and everything that happens in my life. “PURPOSE” is a HUGE word!
Just recently, Suzi (Cooper’s mom at www.caringbridge.org/mi/cooper) ask how she could see our testimony(which was given about a year ago at our church). This request caused me to go back and watch the video myself on the church’s website. As I watched it, as usual, I became very critical of myself thinking how I should or shouldn’t have said this or that. Pretty soon the Lord rebuked me. He reminded me of not only the “PURPOSE” of our testimony but the “PURPOSE” OF WHAT LEAD TO OUR TESTIMONY IN THE FIRST PLACE.! Yeah , there I go again. ME, ME ,ME! Not realizing, IT’S NOT ABOUT ME! After the Lord rebuked that “CRITICAL SPIRIT” in me I began to focus on “ THE PURPOSE.”
As I watched the video of our testimony, there was a point where I said ( referring to when I stood up to Mitchell’s doctor and made a declaration) “THAT TUMOR WILL BE GONE THE NEXT TIME THE MRI IS DONE.” Following that statement I told everyone that was not like me to do or say something like that. I went on to say “I’ve been through so much in my life but I was the same afterwards but” I’ve come through this and I’m NOT the same.”
I realize through many of my circumstances today how “I’M NOT THE SAME” HOLDS SO TRUE FOR ME! Most of my life I have been a compliant / passive person. God knew in order to fulfill his PURPOSE IN ME, he would have to use circumstances to bring it to pass.
I had NO idea when I became a mother I could love sooo much or have so much compassion. I also didn’t understand the PAIN associated with it. One/I would think that “ other mothers’ or fathers", (because they are parents too) could feel what we feel when we tell our story and as a result, CHANGE THEM. NOT SO! The truth is,
“MY TRIALS ARE FOR GOD TO FULFILL HIS PURPOSE IN ME AND HE KNOWS WHAT THAT TAKES. Some of us are HARD NUTS TO CRACK”! We have lots of pride. The Lord says “ I will not walk with the proud or the scornful.” He knows what it takes to humble everyone of us . He starts with our hearts.
I realize today I am neither superior or inferior to anyone. This is a harsh reality for some especially if you come from a legalistic background. The Pharisees thought they were “ALL THAT.” But Jesus had a HUGE problem with them! Just read Luke 18: 10-14.
Yes, we must know who we are in Christ Jesus and USE THAT KNOWLEDGE TO SAVE A LOST AND DYING WORLD. Not to be like the church in Revelation 3;14-22. After all ,didn’t Jesus in JOHN 13:35 say we are to be known by our LOVE for one another? WHAT IS LOVE? See Galatians 5:22-26.
I Corinthians 13:1 “ THOUGH I SPEAK WITH TONGUES OF MEN AND OF ANGELS AND HAVE NOT LOVE, I HAVE BECOME A SOUNDING BRASS OR A CLANGING SYMBOL.” Please read the rest of that chapter!
It’s clear, LOVE IS THE KEY! Lack of love is WHY WE FEAR even what God has called us to do.
BACK TO PURPOSE
One of my favorite scriptures is ROMANS 8:2 reads,.
“ AND WE KNOW THAT ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD TO THOSE WHO LOVE GOD, TO THOSE WHO ARE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE.”
As a NEW CREATURE IN CHRIST “I’M TAKING THAT SCRIPTURE TO THE BANK!”(I do not mean that literally By the way). How comforting to know there IS purpose in what seems to be the most painful time in our lives!
I’m reminded of “THE PRAYER OF JABEZ” FOUND IN CHORONICLES 4:10.
This is truly a prayer God loves to answer! In the midst of extended genealogies, the Holy Spirit stops to relate the prayer of one man. Why? Because Jabez’s prayer points to the divine answer for all human difficulty, not withstanding years of pain and problems-clearly, a prayer God loves to answer!
We may learn:
1) God longs to bless his people who desire a life that prospers with the fullness of God-” OH THAT YOU WOULD BLESS ME.”
2) GOD IS READY to fulfill people with a vision for a life that extends beyond status quo-“AND ENLARGE MY TERRITORY.”
3) GOD IS READY TO EMPOWER ALL WHO INVITE HIS WORKS AND RESOURCES OF POWER-”THAT YOUR HAND WOULD BE WITH ME.”
4) GOD WILL GRANT DELIVERANCE FROM PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL DESTRUCTION TO ALL WHO CALL-” KEEP ME FROM EVIL.”
God enlarges our territory as we get OUT of ourselves and reach out to others.. Many times God sees no other way to fulfill his purpose in us accept to allow PAIN and SORROW. Our eyes are washed with tears so we can see the PURPOSE and destiny God has for our lives! It’s the only way. The way of THE CROSS. The sooner we realize it the sooner we will receive our capacity to receive joy. There is no other lasting joy than the joy and presence of the lord! again, I quote Pastor Heard
"THE GREATER THE SORROW THE GREATER THE CAPACITY TO RECIEVE JOY."
We must turn OUTWARD and become God pleasers. Not people or self pleasers.
The reason I live, my PURPOSE in everything I do or go through is to worship and bring glory to Jesus Christ!
As a human I often fail. However, I realize if I allow myself to be completely controlled by the HOLY SPIRIT( HOLYGHOST POSSESED) HE WILL EMPOWER ME TO BE USED BY HIM IN WAYS I NEVER KNEW I COULD. It may not be ways which are GRANDIOS AND SEEN BY ALL, NEVERTHELESS, ACCORDING TO MATHEW 6:6, WHAT’S DONE IN SECRET OUR HEAVENLY FATHER REWARDS OPENLY.
I love you all out there! I know many of you come here often for updates. I am sorry I’ve not been real faithful in sharing my heart with you. Please pray for me!
Please continue to lift up Mitchell in prayer. I’m teaching him THE LORD’S PRAYER and incorporating it so it fits where he is in his young life. God is truly ENLARGING HIS TERRITORY by giving him a love for reading! I am so thankful for what HE has done in Mitchell’s life. I wish everyone could experience Mitchell. He is so precious! So accepting of ALL!
Be blessed all of you today.
Find your PURPOSE and let the Lord ENLARGE YOUR TERRITORY!!!!!!
Love,
Becky
Friday, July 15, 2005 10:32 AM CDT
Let me begin this entry by thanking EVERYONE who continues to visit this site and and thank you twice for blessing us by signing the guestbook! It is wonderful to know who actually checks on Mitchell.
Mitchell continues to thrive and flourish LIKE A PALM TREE! I cannot begin to tell you how blessed we are to have so much love in our hearts for our little boy! I thank MY GOD everyday for his mercy and goodness he has bestowed on us. "Unmerited Favor" is the only way I know how to explain it. The odds were stacked against Mitchell. I know that now more than ever. I read about studies which statistically prove that regional lymphnode involvement is the single most predictive factor in relapse for stage 3 Rhabdomyosarcoma.That is not including the size at diagnoses and the location of the tumor. I now realize how much JUST PURE FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST had to be the single most predictive healing/ cure factor for any stage of any disease, or any problems we face in the future.
Many children continue to be diagnosed and die with the deadly disease called "rhabdo." I could NEVER NEVER , EVER imagine what it would be like to lose Mitchell. The love I have for him is unmeasurable. I realize The Lord gave him to us and put that love in our hearts for him and the only way I could ever begin to understand Gods love for me is to feel the Love I have for Mitchell. Nothing melts my heart more than when Mitchell is IN MY FACE hugging and kissing me. Though I know when he does that he is just "wanting something" most of the time, I don't care! I love him IN MY FACE! I guess that is why the Lord wants us to seek his face and NOT his hand.
Mitchell and I participated in our first Relay for Life walk back in April. Mitchell was recognized on stage for being the youngest survivor.Thanks to our neighbors The skopaks and my parents for sponsoring us! It was a very moving moment.Mitchell will soon be( in january) 5 yrs out from diagnoses and I am soon to be seven yrs ( in Feb) out. My how time flys!
We just finished a wonderful swim team season at the end of June. Mitchell did so well! I believe we just might have an olympic champion on our hands here. He needs to have more of a drive. Hopefully that will come as he matures. He was in the first heat ( which means top three swimmers in his age group) for freestyle and all but one meet on backstroke. He then got to go to the MEET OF CHAMPS where he swam both strokes.Not bad for a child who is missing the largest muscle out of his right thigh. I am definitely sold on the swimming year round like we did this past year. It has really helped Mitchell improve his speed and form. How proud we are of him! I think at times I might have been a little too obsessed and caught up in "winning" rather than just enjoying watching our thriving son have the time of his life! Pray for me in this area please!! I tend to push him too much at times. This reminds me of a sign I used to have posted for my clients in my office in California. It read "I only have two speeds and if you don't like this one , you sure won't like the other one!" I think the harder I pushed Mitchell the worse he got at times. Sometimes I think I live my life through him because I did not have the opportunities he has because of the small podunk town I grew up in. Don't get me wrong it wasn't all bad. I just wish I could have been on a swim team. I was a very good swimmer myself and a swimm team just wasn't offered.
I do however appreciate my upbringing and the knowledge I achieved about my Lord and Saviour that I might never have known otherwise. I do however believe there is alot to be said for getting out into the " real world" to experience the Lord in a greater way and grow in him, not be of this world, and show the "real world" we can live here but our real home is ultimately heaven. I don't know about all of you out there, but I've got more to go to heaven for than I had yesterday!
School will be starting here in less than a month. By the way, we decided to retain Mitchell in the first grade. Though he made straight A's his last grading period we feel it really did not reflect the fact that he is still not as mature as he should have been and his reading comprehension is not at all where it should be. It's probably due to lack of interest in the subject at hand. If it where always SpongeBob I don't think it would be a problem! We are looking forward to another wonderful first grade year.
Mitchell is now enjoying the company of his cousins Baylee and Sydney. I really wish they lived here! Mitchell loves them so very much! They all know they are more than "just friends." They watch out for each other and are very protective. It's so cute to watch.
We celebrated Mitchell's 7th birthday on June 26th. We had a huge spongeBob luau at the new fitness center here! It was a blast! Mitchell has wanted to be seven for at least six months! Now all he can talk about is when he turns 8. I tell him not to wish his life away!
We spent a week in Branson Mo. over the 4th of July. We took in a couple of great shows and enjoyed celebration City, Silverdollar City and Whitewater. we also rode the Ducks which I highly recommend and went on the Dinner showboat. It seemed a little silly to go all that way since houston offers all the same kinds of things. I guess it was just nice to get away. All in all it was a great vacation but I was glad to be back home! I guess I'm just a homebody. James and Mitchell are too.
I apologize for not updating sooner.I am sure I have left out a few things. I think I've highlighted most of the events.
Please note " WE ARE STILL HERE PRAISING OUR LORD AND GIVING HIM ALL THE GLORY FOR MITCHELL'S HEALING."
UNTILL THE NEXT UPDATE ( WHICH MAY BE SOONER THAN YOU THINK) WE LOVE YOU ALL OUT THERE AND LOVE HEARING FROM YOU!
GOD BLESS YOU!
Becky
Thursday, May 12, 2005 7:56 AM CDT
Hello to all our caringbridge friends and beyond!
There will be an update soon.
So much to write.... so little time!
I guess that means we're busy.
I'm so glad everyone isn't as terrible updating as I am!
Monday, March 21, 2005 8:38 AM CST
DRAW ME NEARER, NEARER PRECIOUS LORD TO THE CROSS-WHERE THOU HAST DIED. DRAW ME NEARER, NEARER PRECIOUS LORD, TO THY PRECIOUS BLEEDING SIDE.
SO MANY TIMES I'VE QUESTIONED CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES. THERE’S CERTAIN THINGS I JUST DON’T UNDERSTAND.
MANY TIMES THROUGH TRIALS, WEAKNESS BLURRS MY VISION . THEN MY FRUSTRATIONS GET SO OUT OF HAND.
BUT IT’S THEN I AM REMINDED, I’VE NEVER BEEN FORSAKEN. I’VE NEVER HAD TO STAND ONE TEST ALONE.
AS I LOOK BACK AT ALL THE VICTORIES
THE SPIRIT RISES UP IN ME.
IT’S THROUGH THE FIRE MY WEAKNESS IS MADE STRONG!
I KNOW WITHIN MYSELF THAT I WOULD SURELY PARISH.
BUT IF I TRUST THE HAND OF GOD HE’LL SHEILD THE FLAMES AGAIN!!!!!!!!!
HE NEVER PROMISED THAT THE CROSS WOULD NOT GET HEAVY AND THE HILL WOULD NOT BE HARD TO CLIMB.
HE NEVER PROMISED OUR VICTORIES WITHOUT FIGHTING BUT HELP WOULD ALWAYS COME IN TIME.
JUST REMEMBER WHEN YOU’RE STANDING IN THE VALLEY OF DECISION AND THE ENEMY SAYS “GIVE IN,
”((((((( JUST HOLLLLLLD)))))))))) ON,
OUR LORD WILL SHOW UP!
AND HE WILL TAKE YOU THROUGH THE FIRE AGAIN!
I have taken a good hard look at my life’s circumstances and trials and I always, always come to the same conclusion. THE OLD RUGGED CROSS-MAKES THE DIFFERENCE!
I WILL CLING TO THE OLD RUGGED CROSS !
It’s the roughest AND MOST DIFFICULT times in my life that have drawn me nearer to the cross where my Lord has died.
FALL TOWARD THE CROSS.NOT AWAY!
THE WAY OF THE CROSS IS HUMBLING BUT WHAT OTHER WAY IS THERE?
I CAN’T HAVE VICTORY IN MY LIFE WITHOUT THE CROSS!
DEFEAT IS ALWAYS LURKING, TORMENTING AND MOCKING ON THE WAY AND AT THE CROSS. BUT JUST AS JESUS DID NOT FORGET HIS PURPOSE WE CAN’T FORGET OURS!
JESUS KNEW WHO HE WAS. THE BIBLE SAYS HE MADE HIMSELF NO REPUTATION, HUMBLED HIMSELF, ENDURED THE CROSS, AND THE SHAME. ALL OF OUR SHAME I MIGHT ADD.
WE MUST KNOW WHO WE ARE THROUGH HIM.
WHAT DID HE TAKE ON HIMSELF FOR US?
HE WAS
DESPISED, REJECTED, MOCKED, BEATEN, TORMENTED, RIDICULED, NAILED TO THE CROSS WITH A CROWN OF THORNS FOR YOU AND ME.
IT’S AT THE CROSS WHERE I FIRST SAW THE LIGHT AND THE BURDENS OF MY HEART ROLLED AWAY. HOW CAN WE FORGET THAT?
LIFE BEGINS AT THE CROSS WHERE WE DIE TO OUR FLESHLY
DESIRES OUR OWN WILLS AND AMBITIONS.
IT’S AT THE CROSS WHERE WE ARE GIVEN “HEAVENLY DREAMS” BY THE ONE, THE LORD GOD OF HEAVEN WHO ROBED HIMSELF IN FLESH AND BECAME SIN FOR ME SO THAT I MIGHT HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT MORE ABUNDANTLY. WHEN GOD GIVES US A DREAM IT WILL BE ACCOMPLISHED.
ALL OF OUR GOD GIVEN DREAMS ARE “KINGDOM BUSINESS.”
YOU SEE, THE REASON I LIVE IS TO WORSHIP THE KING OF KINGS AND THE LORD OF LORDS!!!!!
ARE THERE ANY WORSHIPERS READING TODAY?!!!!!!!!!
CAN YOU JUST TO LIFT UP YOUR HEAD AND YOUR HANDS FOR YOUR REDEMPTION DRAWETH NIGH!
(((((((((((CAN YOU GIVE SOME PRAISE TO THE ONE WHO IS WORTHY!!!?)))))))))))))
I DARE YOU TO PRAISE YOUR WAY OUT OF YOUR DEPRESSION, OUT OF YOUR SICKNESS, OUT OF YOUR DOUBT, OUT OF YOUR FEARS, OUT OF THE PIT YOU’RE IN AND OUT OF ANYTHING THAT HINDERS YOU FROM YOUR VICTORY IN JESUS.
GO TO THE CROSS. LAY EVERYTHING AT THE FEET OF JESUS.
I’M TALKING TO SOMEONE TODAY.
HEAR THE VOICE OF THE LORD TODAY AND HARDEN NOT YOUR HEART!
LET CLEANSING COME FORTH!
PSALMS 121
“ I WILL LIFT UP MY EYES TO THE HILLS- - FROM WHENCE COMES MY HELP? MY HELP COMES FROM THE LORD, WHO MADE THE HEAVEN AND EARTH. HE WILL NOT ALLOW YOUR FOOT TO BE MOVED; HE WHO KEEPS YOU WILL NOT SLUMBER. BEHOLD, HE WHO KEEPS ISREAL SHALL NEITHER SLUMBER OR SLEEP, THE LORD IS YOUR KEEPER; THE LORD IS YOUR SHADE AT YOUR RIGHT HAND . THE SUN SHALL NOT STRIKE YOU BY DAY, NOR THE MOON BY NIGHT. THE LORD SHALL PRESERVE YOU FROM ALL EVIL; HE SHALL PRESERVE YOUR SOUL. THE LORD SHALL PRSERVE YOUR GOING OUT AND YOUR COMING IN FROM THIS TIME FORTH, AND EVEN FOREVERMORE.”
THE LORD SAYS, “DO NOT FORGET TO FACTOR ME IN YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES!”
MARK 8:34
“ WHOEVER DESIRES TO COME AFTER ME, LET HIM DENY HIMSELF,AND TAKE UP HIS CROSS , AND FOLLOW ME.”
AS THE DEER PANTS FOR THE WATER SO MY SOUL LONGS AFTER YOU MY GOD! BETTER IS ONE DAY IN COURTS THAN A THOUSAND ELSEWHERE! I’D RATHER BE HERE, WITH MY CIRCUMSTANCES, THAN GO BACK TO MY LIFE WITHOUT YOU IN IT!
LORD YOU HAVE NOT GIVEN UP ON ME AND AS LONG AS THAT IS TRUE I WILL CONTINUE TO
“PRESS ON TOWARD THE MARK OF THE HIGH CALLING WHICH IS IN CHRIST JESUS!”
I REALIZE YOU COULD HAVE CALLED ON LEGIONS OF ANGELS TO TAKE YOU OFF
THAT CROSS BUT YOU STAYED FOR ME SO THAT I MIGHT BE ABLE TO CALL ON THOSE ANGELS IN YOUR NAME. THANKS FOR STAYING LORD.
I WILL STAY HERE AND DO WHAT YOU TELL ME TO DO. I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST, FOR IT IS THE POWER OF GOD TO SALVATION FOR EVERYONE WHO BELIEVES.
FINISH THE WORK YOU HAVE STARTED IN ME!
LET EVERYONE READING THIS ENTRY REALIZE THIS IS THEIR SEASON TOO,
FOR A BREAKTHROUGH!
GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU TODAY.
I AM SO THANKFUL YOU HAVE COME HERE TODAY!
LOVE,
BECKY
Friday, March 18, 2005 2:00 PM CST
THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD IS HERE!
THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD IS HERE!
I CAN FEEL IT IN THE ATMOSPHERE!
THE PRESENCE OF HERE!
THE POWER OF THE LORD IS HERE!
THE POWER OF THE LORD IS HERE!
I CAN FEEL IT IN THE ATMOSPHERE!
THE POWER OF THE LORD IS HERE!
THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS HERE!
THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS HERE!
I CAN
FEEL IT IN THE ATMOSPHERE!
THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS HERE!
REPEAT ABOVE ABOUT 20 TIMES
EVERYBODY BLOW THE TRUMPET AND SOUND THE ALARM! BECAUSE THE LORD IS IN THE TEMPLE AND EVERYBODY BOW.
LET ALL THE PEOPLE PRAISE HIM NOW!
THE(((((((( LOOOOOOOOOOOORD))))))))))) IS HERE!
I CAN FEEL THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD AND I'M A GONNA GET MY BLESSING RIGHT NOW!
I CAN FEEL THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD AND I'M A GONNA GET MY BLESSING RIGHT NOW!
I CAN FEEL THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD AND I'M A GONNA GET MY BLESSING RIGHT NOW!
I CAN FEEL THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD AND I'M A GONNA GET MY BLESSING RIGHT NOW!
I CAN FEEL THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD AND I'M A GONNA GET MY BLESSING RIGHT NOW! REPEAT 5 MORE TIMES!
CAN'T YOU SEE HIM WORKING ON THE OUTSIDE?!
I CAN FEEL HIM MOVING ON THE INSIDE!
SO COME ON AND ENTER IN AND CAST YOUR
CARES ON HIM !
HE'LL OPEN UP THE WINDOW AND POUR YOU OUT A BLESSING!
BECAUSE WHEN THE LORD STEPS IN HE BRINGS EVERYTHING YOU NEED,
HEALING,
POWER
AND
V-I-C-T-O-R-Y!
SO IT'S ALL UP TO YOU. WHATEVER YOU NEED to do!
JUST ASK IN FAITH BELIEVING AND BY FAITH YOU WILL RECIEVE!!
I CAN FEEL THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD AND I'M A GONNA GET MY BLESSING RIGHT NOW!
I CAN FEEL THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD AND I'M A GONNA GET MY BLESSING RIGHT NOW!
I CAN FEEL THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD AND I'M A GONNA GET MY BLESSING RIGHT NOW!
I CAN FELL THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD AND I'MA GONNA GET MY BLESSING RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!
RIGHT NOW! RIGHT NOW! RIGHT NOW!
IN THE NAME OF JESUS I PRAY OVER THESE AIR WAVES RIGHT NOW.
LET EVERYONE WHO COMES HERE FEEL THE PRESENCE OF YOUR SPIRIT , YOUR POWER, AND WHAT I FEEL RIGHT NOW.
LET THEM SPEAK WITH NEW TONGUES AND PROPHESY.
LORD, THIS WORLD NEEDS A MIGHTY MOVE OF YOUR POWER AND YOUR BLESSINGS. WE ARE HELPLESS WITHOUT YOU. YOU ARE OUR VERY BEING. CONSUME EVERY FIBER OF OUR BEING. LET YOUR HEALING VIRTUE COME FORTH. JUST AS YOU SPOKE "LAZERUS COME FORTH" LET YOUR RESSURECTING POWER COME FORTH.
IN THE NAME OF JESUS I SPEAK HOPE. IN THE NAME OF JESUS I SPEAK " YOUR BLOOD COVER EVERY SIN, SICKNESS, AND DISEASE.YOU ARE THE MIGHTY GOD! THERE IS NONE, NONE LIKE YOU!
BLESS EVERYONE READING THIS MESSAGE TODAY AND LET THEM FEEL YOUR PRESENCE.
FOR IT'S ONLY IN YOUR PRESENCE WE FIND ALL WE EVER NEED.
IN THE NAME OF JESUS!
Sunday, February 13, 2005 10:04 PM CST
March 14th, 2005
Paiging doctor Mitchell!!
Update coming soon!
Hello Dear Ones,
So much has happened in so many different areas since my last entry that I don’t quite know where or how to begin. How about “GOD IS GOOD!”
I know there are some that come here who are just spectators, maybe role your eyes and say, “Here we go again.” For those people, I’ll give the good (actually it's all good) news first. That way you can move on.
By the grace of God, Mitchell is, what THEY CALL “REMISSION” but what WE CALL “HEALED!” There is no such thing as remission in the kingdom of God .You are either healed or your not. There is no “wait and see” it’s either done or it’s not. Jesus said, “It is finished.” Praise God he’s alive and I’m forgiven. Heavens gates are open wide!
Now for those who really care and are blessed when you come here, I wanna talk to ya!
I have been having some serious GROWING PAINS. God , by his grace is taking me to a” new level” in him. To be honest I do not like some of the places I have to go to get “there.” I just want to stay “here.” But if I stay “here,” I will die. If I stay “here,” I won’t grow. If I stay “here,” I will not fulfill my destiny. If I stay “here,” I won’t go “there.”
I know grief. No, I did not lose my child but ,I have experienced death. Yes, death to a dream. My dreams for Mitchell when I gave birth to him where nothing like what he/we have experienced in his short span of 6 years and 8 months. In many ways it has been a struggle to get Mitchell where he is today. Oh but I love him just the way he is! He is beyond his years in many ways due to his being accustom to hospitals and medical staff, shots and all that fun stuff. I could learn a lot from our little boy. One thing is to be content.
Yes, I know grief. Grief is something you feel no matter what you believe, what you see for the future,or whether or not you are a positive person. Grief is a process we have to go through. Jesus grieved yet he knew whom he was and what he was called to do. Well, I’m not Jesus and there are many days I have to ask him , “are you sure you really want me to do that? “ It just seems like life’s turns are going a completely different direction from what I believe you said you wanted me to do.
” He says, “ It’s ok my child, this is just a necessary detour. Don’t worry, I’ve got it all under control.”
“But God,” I say, “ I was going up the mountain at such a good pace, I could even see the top of it from where I was.”
Yes, “ I know” says the Lord. “But you see there is some scenery on this detour I need you to see. Oh, it doesn’t look pretty, the road is very bumpy, and it makes you weary. Just remember, “ MY STRENGTH IS MADE PERFECT IN YOUR WEAKNESS. Just remember my child there are others on the bumpy roads that I want you to help along the way. I want them to see me through you and if you do not go where they are , how will they ever get to the road I want to take them? Many do not make it through this particular detour. Many people do not know how to trust me. Many people do not really know me. They know about me but they don’t REALLY know me. I want you to tell them .”
Welllllllllll, what can I say to that? I’ve got to let THE JOY OF THE LORD BE MY STRENGTH. I’ve got to draw on all the “detours” the Lord has brought me through already and remember this one is no different.
Never the less I HATE DETOURS! I HATE BUMPY ROADS! I DO NOT LIKE GROWING PAINS!
There are days when Jeremiah 29:11 is all I know. Matter of fact there is a song that every one of you should hear. Go to www.marthamunizzi.com
If I knew how to put it on this page I would do it! Go to the web page and click on “sights and sounds.” The album is called “The Best Is Yet To Come.” The song is called “ I know The Plans I Have For You.” I just sing this song all day!
Ya Know, I may not like the detour I am on but I KNOW the plans HE has for ME and for MINE! I KNOW WE WILL MAKE IT TO THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN!
Many people may not realize the scripture reference in Jeremiah was a time when God was actually punishing his people. I don’t always look at everything that comes my way or the detours we must take in our journey as being punishment but just part of "THE PLAN."
WE MUST SEE THE “BIGGER PICTURE IN OUR DETOURS.
It will be worth it all when we see Jesus. Life’s trials will seem so small when we see Christ. One glimpse of his dear face, all sorrow will erase. So bravely run this race until we see Christ.
There is another song after
“ I Know The Plans I Have For You” called
"Your Latter Will Be Greater.” I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT! Between singing those two songs all day I rarely get through with a dry eye. I promise it’ll heal ya! Trust me on this one!
More than ever before, Lord I love you. More than ever before, Lord I need you. More than ever before I want to tell you. I love you now, MORE THAN EVER BEFORE.
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!
JESUS LOVES YOU AND SO DO I!
Becky
Saturday, January 8, 2005 3:01 PM CST
Hello Everyone,
I just wanted to give you a quick entry today. It is a beautiful sunny day in Texas and we are getting ready to take Mitchell to a friends' birthday party.
Mitchell had his three year off treatment annual scans yesterday. Besides the fact that it is just "protcol" to do the scans I realized as my beautiful 6 yr old boy lay in the mri machine for 1 hour WITH NO SEDATION , that the Lord had something to show me. James and I had not stayed with Mitchell in the room where the mri is done since Mitchell was first diagnosed. He was always asleep anyway so we figured it was a great time to grab a cup of coffee.
As Mitchell lay in that machine all we could see was his little feet( with his socks that did not match) sticking out. I began to get very overwhelmed with joy and thankfulness to the Lord. As the tears weld up all I could think was " THERE IS NOTHING I WOULD NOT GIVE OR DO FOR THAT LITTLE BOY!" We had promised him that " if he would lay still we would take him shopping and buy him anything he wanted." HE TOOK US AT OUR WORD, BELIEVED US AND LAYED STILL. Then the Lord spoke to me and said:
" YOU KNOW, THAT IS EXACTLY HOW I FEEL ABOUT YOU. THE DIFFERENCE IS THAT I ALREADY GAVE YOU EVERYTHING 2000 YEARS AGO AND YOU DECIDED TO TAKE IT. BY MY STRIPES MITCHELL WAS HEALED OF CANCER , YOU BELIEVED IT AND YOU HAVE GIVEN ME ALL OF THE GLORY."
All the Lord wants us to do is BELIEVE, Take him at his word, and (a very important AND) PUT OUR FAITH TO WORK. THEN AND only THEN will we RECIEVE all he suffered and died for to give us.
The Lord always, always, does something very sweet to let us know he is with us the day before scans. This time was no different. Thusrday evening I was sitting with Mitchell at his study table while he did his homework. Mitchell had already eaten and I had made myself a little salad. At first Mitchell kept taking croutons off my plate and eating them which is not unusual for him to eat those. Pretty soon he said " Mommy I want some salad too." OK, Mitchell is (or has been should I say) a very picky eater all of his life (nothing but junk, no fruits, no vegetables ect...) and when he said he wanted some salad one can only imagine my mouth. This salad had baby greens, grilled chicken, mexican cheeses, and croutons with a chipolte green salad dressing. I never, never, would have thought in my wildest dreams that Mitchell would have not one , two, three, four, but five bites of this salad.
I believe the Lord wanted us to see how much progress Mitchell has made. Not just "coming through cancer" but in just "growing up" and expanding his horizons and ENLARGING HIS TERRITORY (AND BOY IS HE)!
I DON"T THINK WE COULD BE ANYMORE BLESSED THAN WE ALREADY ARE!
WHEN I THINK OF THE GOODNESS OF JESUS AND ALL HE HAS DONE FOR ME, MY SOUL CRIES OUT HAL-LE-LU-JAH !!!!! PRAISE GOD FOR SAVING ME!!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I want to thank Helen for making and posting Mitchell's banner on this web page. Didn't she do a wonderful job?!
Helen you are so sweet!!!!! We love you!
Thank you everyone for checking in on us!
Love,
Becky
Saturday, January 1, 2005 8:33 AM CST
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!
The new year always means a fresh start , a chance to re-group and put into perspective all of the things which have transpired throughout the past year.
Every year with Jesus is sweeter than the year before! Every year with Jesus, I love him more and more!
I am so thankful for what the Lord teaches me , not only through his word but through life's situations and often struggles. I always come to the same conclusion in a song:
" I HAVE SEARCHED ALL AROUND IN THE HUSKS THAT ABOUND BUT I FOUND NO NOURISHMENT THERE. FOR MY STRENGTHS' ALMOST GONE, I CAN FEEL THE PULL OF DESPAIR. BUT MY FAITH DRIVES ME ON AS I STUMBLE ALONG OVER GROUND SO BARE AND SO DRY, BUT THERE'S A STREAM JUST AHEAD OF LIVING WATER, FLOWS FREELY I FIND.....
MORE OF YOU , MORE OF YOU. I'VE HAD ALL BUT WHAT I NEED, IS JUST MORE OF YOU. OF THINGS I'VE HAD MY FILL, YET I HUNGER STILL. EMPTY AND BARE, LORD HEAR MY PRAYER, FOR MORE OF YOU.
I'M NOT TRYING TO FIND SOME NEW FRAME OF MIND OR TO CHANGE MY WHOLE POINT OF VIEW. FOR I'VE BEEN THROUGH IT ALL, NOTHINGS' CHANGED AND I'M NOT NEW. I'M NOT ASKING FOR MORE OF THINGS THIS WORLD CAN AFFORD BUT THIS ONE THING I'M LONGING TO DO, IS TO JUST LIFT UP MY CUP AND LET YOU FILL IT UP WITH...... JUST YOU."
So many search for Jesus and they know not what they search for . Oh how they long for Jesus and they know not what they long for. But when you find him you will search no more for he fills that longing down in your soul. NOTHING, NOR ANYONE CAN TAKE HIS PLACE!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am serving notice on the Devil.For what he has meant for evil , to hurt, to discourage, to harm , to tear down, and to destroy, GOD WILL turn it around for good!
As Paul Harvey says " here"s the rest of the story."
The last four years we have been so caught up in the miracle of Mitchell's healing and the rejoicing and telling everyone everywhere we see about what we have been through that the thing at the forefront now has taken a back seat.
Just the day after Christmas we were watching video of Mitchell before and during his treatment and we could see what we could not see before. That is how delayed Mitchell's speech was at 2 and a half years old. Because we had no other child to compare to we did not know this was not " normal." Everyone kept saying " he'll talk eventually." One year later we found ourselves in the very same place only Mitchell was now 3 and a half.
We were just so happy Mitchell was alive that the delay was a minor detail. Mitchell was put in a ppcd class at our local elementary school where he recieved speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. One year and two months later in March of 2003 Mitchell was still considered SEVERELY speech delayed and his skills were very scattered and through an evaluation done by an MD through the school was diagnosed with PDD(nos) ( pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified).PDD is in the ASD (autistic spectrum disorders). Although PDD is the mildest form ASD there are still many challenges beyond recovery from cancer. At the time of this ASD diagnosis our understanding was that it was just "a lable" to get Mitchell the help he needed . However, today James and I look back and see WHY we were always so tired . Everything that seemed to be so natural for others was and still is a challenge for us. Going through the cancer treatment made it extra difficult because Mitchell couldn't tell us what was wrong or where he hurt and much of the time all he would do is cry.
We see Mitchell today as just being an immature 6 and a half year old and only just recently have we come to terms with this ASD diagnosis. Afterall, how can you find a solution if you do not acknowledge ther is a problem? We are now ready to hit this head on and in the same manner as the cancer. That is with the weapons of our warfare!
We have learned through the cancer diagnosis that while others may try to do everything in there own strength, accept and fear what the world says is reality about their situation through research and case studies, we will NEVER NEVER stop prophesying over our son! HE'S THE HEAD AND NOT THE TAIL, ABOVE AND NOT BENEATH! HE WILL EXCELL IN HIS CLASS AND THE VERY THING HE STRUGGLES WITH TODAY WILL BE THE THING IN WHICH THERE WILL BE GREAT IMPROVEMENT! WE DO NOT ACCEPT MANS IDEAS AND PHILOSOPHIES WHICH DO NOT LINE UP WITH THE WORD OF GOD!!!!!
IN Ezekiel 37 the Lord told Ezekiel to prophesy over the valley of bones. What could seem more hopeless than a valley of dry bones? But the Lord said to prophesy over them. Verse 7 says " SO I PROPHESIED AS I WAS COMMANDED; AND AS I PROPHESIED THERE WAS A NOISE, AND SUDDENLY A RATTLING; AND THE BONES CAME TOGETHER, BONE TO BONE." VS 8 " INDEED AS I LOOKED, THE SINEWS AND THE FLESH CAME UPON THEM, AND THE SKIN COVERED THEM OVER, BUT THERE WAS NO BREATH IN THEM." VS 9 " ALSO HE SAID TO ME, " PROPHESY TO THE BREATH, ( EXCUSE ME WHILE I SHOUT!) THUS SAYS THE LORD GOD: COME FROM FOUR WINDS, OH BREATH AND BREATH ON THESE SLAIN, THAT THEY MAY LIVE." VS 10 SO I PROPHESIED AS HE COMMANDED ME AND BREATH CAME INTO THEM, AND THEY LIVED, AND STOOD UPON THEIR FEET, AN EXCEEDINGLY GREAT ARMY."
DON'T TELL ME "THINGS ARE HOPELESS!" DON'T TELL ME " THERE IS NO CURE!" DON'T TELL ME "THERE IS NO SOLUTION!"
I'M TELLIN YOU TO READ THE SCRIPTURES! IF YOU BELIEVE THIS WORD YOU MUST BELEIVE ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE TO THEM THAT BELIEVE!
MY HOPE IS IN THE NAME OF THE LORD WHO MADE THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH! THERE IS NO GOD LIKE MY GOD.
PROPHESY, PROPHESY, PROPHESY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I hope everyone's new year is getting off to as good of a start as mine. No I can't see with my physical eyes the things that are going on in the heavenlies on my behalf but my FAITH DRIVES ME ON AS I STUMBLE ALONG OVER GROUND SO BARE AND SO DRY! I KNOW THER IS A STREAM JUST AHEAD OF LIVING WATER, IT FLOWS FREELY I FIND!!!!!!
I WANT TO THANK MY NEW AND VERY SPECIAL FRIEND MACHELE AKERS FOR BEING SUCH AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO ME TO CONTINUE TO WRITE IN THIS JOURNAL. GOD JUST PUTS HIS PEOPLE IN SUCH STRATEGIC PLACES TO BUILD UP AND ENCOURAGE.
ONLY GOD REALLY KNOWS WHAT ANY OF US ARE DOING IN AND FOR HIS KINGDOM BUT I DO BELIEVE HE GIVES SOME OF US A GLIMPSE. THANKS MACHELE! "HAPPY NEW YEAR" TO YOU MY FRIEND AND SISTER IN CHRIST. MAY GOD RICHLY BLESS YOU AND YOURS!!!!
LET'S ALL STRIVE TO THRIVE IN 2005!
CONTINUING TO GROW IN GRACE,
BECKY
Friday, December 24, 2004 10:30 PM CST
Luke 1:38
" THEN MARY SAID, " BEHOLD THE MAID SERVANT OF THE LORD! BE IT UNTO ME ACCORDING TO YOUR WORD." AND THE ANGEL OF THE LORD DEPARTED FROM HER."
" BE IT UNTO ME ACCORDING TO YOUR WORD."
That is what we must say when we are dealt difficult circumstances. That is what we must say no matter what lot in life we are dealt.
When Mary accepted that she would have Jesus and an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph and squared him away on the plan I wonder if they were surprised that he was born in a stable?
Jesus did not come into this world like his people thought he would.They didn't think he would die either much less die the way that he did. As much as his disciples knew him, walked with him, they still could not understand why Jesus was dying.
To put it simply, "His ways ARE NOT our ways."
Often I wonder why my life has to take such turns for the Lord to fulfill his destiny in me and through me. The turns to that destiny often puzzle me. It is then when I have to remember.... " BE IT UNTO ME ACCORDING TO YOUR WORD."
I am so very glad that Mary said that! What a wonderful example to us as we face difficult situations that WE KNOW are for the Lords' purpose yet there are only a SELECT few who REALLY can understand why we walk the way we do when it seems so much easier to BE LIKE EVERYONE ELSE, GO ALONG WITH THE PROGRAM, NOT BULK THE SYSTEM, AND JUST SUBMIT TO WORLD VIEWS AND THEIR LIMITED UNDERSTANDING. CAN YOU JUST IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF MARY WOULD HAVE DONE THAT OR JOSEPH? WHAT IF THEY WOULD HAVE SAID " OH THIS WILL NEVER FLY."
TRUTH IS, THE LORD ALWAYS CAN FIND SOMEONE WHO IS WILLING TO FULLFILL HIS PURPOSE. QUESTION IS, WHO IS WILLING TO PAY THE PRICE?
I love that song " MARY DID YOU KNOW?" In the song Mary is asked if she knew her baby boy was Lord of all creation, would give sight to a blind man, would walk on water, would heal our sons and daughters. Mary did you know that your baby boy was heavens perfect lamb?
I am sure many of us moms can relate to Mary in that her hopes and dreams for Jesus were so much more than death on a cross. Oh but then her hope came back to life when he rose again and ascended into heaven!
I wonder what my song will be when Mitchell is grown?
Let's see.... Becky did you know that your baby boy would be the next Billy Graham? Did you know that your baby Boy would be the scientist to discover major breakthroughs in cancer research. Did you know that your baby boy would be a modern day Isaiah? How about that?
I do not know how the song will go but there is one thing I do know.With all of the opposition, all of what seems to be working against us, Mitchells' life will continue to impact people in a mighty way! There is so much destiny in his eyes and in his life!
Believe that for you and yours ! No matter what things LOOK LIKE, IT'S NOT ALL OF WHAT YOU SEE.
Please keep the spirit of Christmas alive in your hearts today and everyday the whole year through. God has a plan and he's looking for those who will say " Be it unto me according to your word."
Merry Christmas to all. Love on all of your babies, spouses , friends neighbors and pray for our soldiers and their families who can not be together this Christmas season.
I would like to say a special prayer for one of my dearest and best friends who lost her husband in a tragic snowmobile accident.
" DEAR LORD BE WITH PENNIE. COMFORT HER THIS DAY. PLEASE LET HER KNOW YOU ARE WITH HER IN A MIGHTY WAY TODAY AND IN THE DAYS AND WEEKS AHEAD. LEAD HER TO THE ROCK THAT IS HIGHER THAN SHE IS! HELP HER TO FIND PEACE IN THE STORM AND GIVE HER WISDOM IN HER THOUGHTS AND DECISIONS IN THE DAYS AHEAD. TOUCH SWEET JAQUELYN AND BE HER LORD. COVER THEM WITH YOUR GRACE AND CARRY THEM AS THEY BURY THEIR HUSBAND AND FATHER ON A VERY COLD WINTERS' DAY. ALL OF THE GLORY AND HONOR BELONGS TO YOUR NAME, THE NAME OF JESUS, AMEN."
PEACE TO ALL AND TO ALL, GOODNIGHT!
BECKY
Monday, December 6, 2004 11:31 AM CST
Thanks so much for stopping by to check on us today!
O.K , It's serious folks, SpongeBob has been kidknapped. We've just got to find him!
Doesn't the new picture just depict the epitomy of a thriving six year old? We are so very thankful for the restoration our God promises and provides!
I do not know who is reading today but I just want you to know " It is no secret what God can do, what he has done for us he can and will do for you!"
It has been a year since Mitchell's last scans which means per protcol it is time again. I have to say I do dance with the thought of not doing it since we know thier findings will be the same "nothing" as before.
It will be four years since diagnosis next month! There are times when that seems so long ago and others that it seems like yesterday.I must say I saw THIS DAY in Jan 01 because I knew by faith we would be here. I knew almost four years ago, shortly after Mitchell's diagnoses not only would we testify of God's grace and healing power but that he would channel it in a specific forum and direction. He has done that.The direction has been from hearing and listening to the voice of my Lord (his confirming it was his voice) and through dreams.
Habakkuk 2:1-3 gives five keys to hearing God's voice.
hearing the voice of God is the birthright of the born-again. Like Habakkuk , we can take a posture before God that enables us to hear His voice.
1)MEET with the lord in a special place of prayer: "I will stand my watch." 2) LOOK for God to speak to you in dreams and visions: I will "watch to see." 3) LISTEN for the word of the Lord:" he will say to me."4) KEEP a journal of things that God says: "write the vision." 5) WAIT for God to bring it to pass: "it will surely come."
John 10:27 " My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."
Acts 2:17-18
Revelation 3:20 " Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with me."
I love this verse in Revelation. It says "if he hears My voice AND opens the door, then HE WILL come in and dine with him."
So many of us want to hear from God but we do not want to do what he tells us to do when it is too uncomfortable. He gave us his word and he gave his life! What more could he give!!!!!! What more do we need to hear. Why can't we just GO THROUGH the crucible like Jesus did? We are so afraid of what others might think if we start just STANDING ON THE WORD OF GOD. I believe that is called PRIDE or, perhaps FEAR. Neither one of them come from God.
The vision God has given us is "yet for an appointed time."
It will bring ALL the glory and honor to the Lord and IT WILL benefit those who are walking where we have walked. We have received this vision with patience. Scripture says "wait for it, it tarries"- but it's fulfillment is certain.
We are waiting ,watching and looking in anticipation. In the mean time we are "writing the vision."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mitchell stayed all night with Nana and Papa saturday night. My Mom was telling me later about something Mitchell said that was so sweet.... A few days back my mother told Mitchell she had a doctor's appointment (to have cateracts removed)to have her eyes "cut on" to remove something from her eyes. Since Mitchell is really into dates and times she told him when her doctor's appointment was. Well Sunday morning Mitchell was studying the calender as he normaly does and he reminded Nana that she has a doctor's appointment for him to cut on her eyes. Then he proceeded to tell Nana about the doctor cutting on his leg and taking his muscle and all about it. Nana said "yes I know Mitchell I was there that day when the surgeon came out and told us there was no more cancer."
We don't think Mitchell really remembers the actual day of the surgery but he comments often about his scar and that the doctor hurt him. Boy I remember! Everything went so well they considered sending him home that same day. Instead we spent the night but came home early the next day. I also remember how TWO DAYS LATER he was up walking and climbing.
I have to admit there are times I wish we would have journaled throughout Mitchell's treatment yet I know it was not meant to be. I believe God knew what was best and though there is much support throughout these web pages there is also much fear. Though Mitchell did not have a web page throughout his treatment we did read about other children and other information on rhabo. The Lord convicted my heart many many times and told me I was spending too much time reading about all of that and not enough time in his word. It's called too much INFORMATION and not enough REVELATION. When God gives you a vision/revelation all of the information in the world will not change it. We chose to dwell on the REVELATION instead of the INFORMATION. Our results have been simply MARVELOUS.!!!!!!!! So we continue to live by faith as the "JUST" do and continue to believe the Lord will see us through. My prayer is all of this and heaven too for everyone of you!
I love that ole song " HEAVEN FOR ME , HEAVEN FOR ME , JESUS WILL BE , WHAT MAKES IT HEAVEN FOR ME , ALL IT'S BEAUTY AND SPLENDOR I'M LONGING TO SEE, BUT JESUS WILL BE WHAT MAKES IT HEAVEN FOR ME."
May all your days be merry and bright!
In His grace,
Becky
Thursday, December 2, 2004 11:02 AM CST
Hello To All Of Our Dear Friends And Family,
In reference to my last journal entry I must say I have been a little " bent over." I actually was starting to bend when I posted the last entry but did not realize how sick I was until I started to get better. Does that make sense? I think if I could just cut my head off it would have been much easier to get through. I have really been in a "fog." If any of you had had this allergy/sinus infection stuff you know what I am talking about. I went to bed last night at 9:00pm and struggled to get up at 7:00 am. This sickness caused me to miss so much of my sleep because of drainage and coughing all hours of the night. After two weeks of it , it begins to take it's toll. Anyway, I am happy to say I'm COMING BACK STRONGER, I HAVE NEW KNOWLWDGE AND UNDERSTANDING , which I believe will make this my last bout with this awful stuff.
Mitchell and I have started "Juice Plus." Juice Plus is unlike traditional vitamins and supplements. It contains the wide array of protective antioxidants and other phytonnutrients found in 17 raw fruits and vegetables and grains. It's the next best thing to eating those 17 raw fruits and vegetables everyday.
Since Mitchell has not touched a fruit or vegetable practically since the day he was born so this is a God send!
I am not much on the fruits and vegetables myself so it's not difficult to understand why my immune system has been so low! JAMES IS IN THE "WAIT AND SEE" MODE. Being considered a "diabetic" in the medical field I believe it would be beneficial to him too!
I have thrown out all of my sugar and I only buy things that have very little if no sugar at all in them. Yes my grocery bill is more but this is really a "pay me now or pay me later deal." I would rather spend my money on "preventatives" than copays, deductibles and prescriptions. How about that?!
All I can say is that I am so thankful for the GRACE OF GOD.
This GRACE is greater than ALL of our sin and sicknesses. This GRACE covered us/ Mitchell until I was able to find the natural GOD'S WAY solutions to our sicknesses and diseases!
I read about so many who are not/have not done well and some of them are not even with us now .
All I can say is "IF NOT FOR THE GRACE OF GOD , THERE GO I."
There is a reason "GRACE ON DEMAND" IS IN THE INTODUCTION OF THIS PAGE! The first letters of each of those three words spell GOD. This "GRACE ON DEMAND" IS/ WAS THE MOST EFFECTIVE PART OF MITCHELL'S TREATMENT.
You see, one can have alot of "head knowledge" about natural cures for our ailments BUT WITHOUT GOD IN THE MIDDLE OF ALL OF YOUR TRIAL AND ERROR YOU ARE DEAD IN THE WATER! WE CANNOT RELY ON OURSELVES FOR OUR CURES WE MUST RELY ON THE LORD. HE WILL NOT SHARE HIS GLORY WITH ANYONE!
One definition of GRACE IS "UNMERITED FAVOR." We can not do ANYTHING to deserve Gods favor! However, DESERVING and OBEYING are two very different things. I want to take you to a scripture passage which I say over Mitchell Daily. I believe this is for EVERYONE who will OBEY the word of the Lord.
BLESSINGS IN OBEDIENCE
DEUTERONOMY 28:1-14
"NOW IT SHALL COME TO PASS, IF YOU OBEY THE VOICE OF THE LORD YOUR GOD TO OBSERVE CAREFULLY ALL HIS COMMANDMENTS WHICH I COMMAND YOU TODAY, THAT THE LORD YOUR GOD WILL SET YOU HIGH ABOVE ALL NATIONS. AND THESE BLESSINGS SHALL COME UPON YOU AND OVERTAKE YOU, BECAUSE YOU OBEY THE VOICE OF THE LORD YOUR GOD. BLESSED SHALL YOU BE IN THE CITY, AND BLESSED SHALL YOU BE IN THE COUTRY, BLESSED SHALL BE THE FRUIT OF YOUR BODY, THE PRODUCE OF YOUR GROUND AND THE INCREASE OF YOUR HERDS, THE INCREASE OF YOUR CATTLE AND THE OFFSPRING OF YOUR FLOCKS. BLESSED SHALL BE YOUR BASKET AND YOUR KNEADING BOWL. BLESSED SHALL YOU BE WHEN YOU COME IN AND BLESSED SHALL YOU BE WHEN YOU GO OUT.THE LORD WILL CAUSE YOUR ENEMIES WHO RISE AGAINST YOU TO BE DEFEATED BEFORE YOUR FACE; THEY SHALL COME OUT AGAINST YOU ONE WAY AND FLEE BEFORE YOU SEVEN WAYS.THE LORD WILL COMMAND BLESSING ON YOU IN YOUR STOREHOUSES AND IN ALL TO WHICH YOU SET YOUR HAND, AND HE WILL BLESS YOU IN THE LAND WHICH THE LORD YOUR GOD IS GIVING YOU.
Now I could go on and on here but I believe it is important for you to turn to these passages and read them for yourself. This is a HUGE promise to them that OBEY. Vs 15 talks about the CURSE on those who DISOBEY.
So often are prayers are not answered as we would have them answered because of DISOBEDIENCE. I believe SOME because of their lack of KNOWLEGE/MEANING/APPLICATION of the word of God are in disobedience without knowing they are. This is a TRADGEDY!!!!!!!!!!!!
Salvation is by GRACE through FAITH AND I BY NO MEANS WANT TO IMPLY HERE THAT A PERSON WHO HAS BELIEVED ON THE LORD JESUS IS NOT SAVED.
What I am trying to get accross here is that we can be SAVED and not be living a victorious life ( perhaps through disobedience) here on earth. That scripture " MY PEOPLE are destroyed because of LACK OF KNOWLEDGE." (Hosea 4:6) rings in my ears!
Yeah some of us think we have so much knowledge yet it is the knowledge from human wisdom ( always trying to be wise without the word of God or his presence or his annointing) spoken of by King Solomon ( the wisest man that ever lived). Human wisdom in Ecclesiastes 1:12-18.
I want the wisdom from above which can only come through prayer and the word of God. In our pursuit for wisdom and knowledge we CANNOT lose our focus on God and his mighty power!
As I reflect back on the year 2004 I am so thankful for the GRACE OF GOD! "RESTORE IN 2004" HAS CERTAINLY COME TO OUR HOUSE. NOT ONLY PHYSICAL RESTORATION BUT SPIRITUALLY AND EMOTIONALLY TOO!
As we embark on the new year I think the motto in which a very dear friend of mine (Janine) hepled me with for 2005 is, "THRIVE IN 2005."
I believe the coming of our Lord is right at the door. This is a very exciting time for those who are ready ( the bride of Christ).
I do not think that all of the latest findings EVERYWHERE in which people are discovering natural remedies to sickness and disease is just by chance. How about all of these "cancer centers of america" ( go to www.cancercenter.com)popping up all over the country?
I am taken back to when the Lord delivered the CHILDREN OF ISREAL out of Egypt there was no sick among them. Could this be what is happening just before his glorious return? I don't know but I AM EXCITED!!!!!!!!!
God Bless you!
Love,
Becky
Tuesday, November 16, 2004 3:02 AM CST
GOD GAVE ME A SONG....THAT THE ANGELS CANNOT SING....I'VE BEEN WASHED IN THE BLOOD OF THE CRUCIFIED ONE....I'VE BEEN REDEEMED...THE LORD HAS BEEN SO GOOD TO ME, HE'S OPENED DOORS I COULD NOT SEE... SOMETIMES WHEN I AM WEAK AND LOW, NO ONE TO CARE , NO PLACE TO GO....MY FATHER IS RICH IN HOUSES AND LANDS, HE HOLDS THE POWER OF THE WORLD IN HIS HANDS.
Be encouraged today! Yes The Lord has given US, THE REDEEMED and THE RIGHTEOUS a song that we can "SING IN THE FIRE!" PRAISE GOD?!!!!!!!!!!!
PSALMS 92:12
" THE RIGHTEOUS SHALL FLOURISH LIKE A PALM TREE, HE SHALL GROW LIKE A CEDAR OF LEBANON."
If anyone knows the nature of a PALM TREE, it is known for many things. When I gave thought to these things it was no wonder why we chose to put THREE, YES THREE PALM TREES IN OUR BACK YARD. THERE'S THOSE THREE'S AGAIN ( check out past journal entry dated January 24th, 2004 to see what I'm talking about)!
Since we put those palm trees in about a year and a half or so those things have done nothing but flourish. There's even a large one for James, a little smaller one for me , and an even smaller one for Mitchell.
Here's what I know about the nature of a palm tree.
1) Their roots go deep. Once a palm tree is planted and takes root, IT'S IN ! Bless God IT'S IN and NOT easily uprooted.
Once we are ROOTED and GROUNDED in THE WORD OF GOD WE cannot be separated from WHAT WE KNOW TO BE TRUTH IN SPITE OF WHAT IS GOING ON ALL AROUND US. WE ARE ROOTED IN THE WORD OF GOD WHICH TELLS US " NO HEIGHT, NO DEPTH, NO POWER, NO PRINCIPALITY, NOR THINGS PRESENT , NOR THINGS TO COME CAN SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF GOD WHICH IS IN CHRIST JESUS.
Jesus spoke of the grain of a mustard seed. The seed if planted IN PROPER SOIL will grow to be VERY LARGE. As we water with the "WATER OF THE WORD" our SEED takes root AND GROWS TO BE VERY LARGE. JUST LIKE A PALM TREE!
2) Palm trees even if cut down, will grow back because of the "INNER CORE." DOES ANYBODY ELSE WANNA SHOUT!
What are we made of? We were made in the image of God. The Bible talks about the "inner man." 2 CORINTHIANS 16-18
" THEREFORE, WE DO NOT LOSE HEART. EVEN THOUGH OUR OUTWARD MAN IS PARISHING, YET THE INWARD MAN IS BEING RENEWED DAY BY DAY. FOR OUR LIGHT AFFLICTION, WHICH IS BUT FOR A MOMENT, IS WORKING FOR US FAR MORE EXCEDING AND ETERNAL WEIGHT OF GLORY, WHILE WE DO NOT LOOK AT THINGS WHICH ARE SEEN, BUT AT THE THINGS WHICH ARE NOT SEEN. FOR THE THINGS WHICH ARE SEEN ARE TEMPORARY, BUT THE THINGS WHICH ARE NOT SEEN ARE ETERNAL."
3)STORMS CAN BEND EVEN A PALM TREE BUT IT WONT BREAK!
2 CORINTHIANS 4:7-9
" BUT WE HAVE THIS TREASURE IN EARTHEN VESSELS, THAT THE EXCELLENCE OF THE POWER MAY BE OF GOD AND NOT OF US. WE ARE HARD-PRESSED ON EVERYSIDE, YET NOT CRUSHED; WE ARE PERPLEXED, BUT NOT IN DESPAIR; PERSECUTED, BUT NOT FORSAKEN; STRUCKDOWN, BUT NOT DESTROYED."
4) YES PALM TRESS BEND SOMETIMES AND STAY BENT FOR A WHILE BUT WHEN THEY COME BACK STRAIGHT UP THEY ARE STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE!
OUR TRIALS ARE ONLY TO MAKES US STRONG AND TO MAKE US GROW. IT IS ONLY THROUGH TRIALS THAT SOME OF US CAN GROW AND WALK IN OUR DESTINY TO FULFILL WHAT GOD HAS PUT US ON THIS EARTH TO DO! I KNOW THIS IS TRUE FOR JAMES AND I.
PRAISE GOD, YOU MAY BE BENT OVER NOW BUT " YOU'LL BE BACK!"
STAND YOUR GROUND!
Yes, THE RIGHTEOUS KNOW THEIR REDEEMER LIVES! WE HAVE AN ADVOCATE WITH THE FATHER. WE KNOW THAT WE KNOW THAT WE KNOW!
5) THE ONLY WAY TO KILL A PALM TREE IS FOR IT TO GET TOO COLD. PALM TREES DO NOT THRIVE IN COLD CLIMATES.
NEVER LET THE TRIALS OF LIFE MAKE YOU BITTER, HAVE A HARDNESS OF HEART, OR DEVELOP UNFORGIVENESS. THIS WILL MAKE YOU COLD .
KEEP THE FIRE. EVEN IF IT IS JUST A FLICKER GET AROUND OTHERS WHO CAN FAN THE FIRE. COME ON, YOU CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS YOU!
WE ARE THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD. WE ARE LIKE A PALM TREE.
SINCE I REALIZED THIS TRUTH, EVERYTIME I LOOK OUT IN OUR BACKYARD I AM REMINDED OF HOW "HIS STRENGTH IS MADE PERFECT IN MY WEAKNESS."
IAM, WE, YOU ARE LIKE A PALM TREE.
WE ARE OVERCOMERS THROUGH CHRIST!
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PLEASE PRAY THAT MY HUSBAND WILL FIND THE TIME TO CHANGE OUT THE PICTURES ON THIS PAGE AND ALSO POST THE BEAUTIFUL BANNER MS HELEN MADE FOR MITCHELL. IT WAS SO SWEET OF HER! THANK YOU HELEN!
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MITCHELL HAS BEEN ENJOYING HAVING NANA AND PAPA AROUND ON A REGULAR BASIS. HE HAS SPENT THE NIGHT WITH THEM A COUPLE OF TIMES ALREADY. WE CAN TELL HOW EXCITED HE IS ABOUT HAVING THEM HERE AND IN HIS LIFE ON A REGULAR BASIS. HE'S NEVER KNOWN THAT AND WE ARE SO THANKFUL THAT GOD HAS OPENED THE DOOR FOR MY MOM AND DAD TO MOVE HERE.
GOD JUST CONTINUES TO OPEN DOORS FOR US AND WE JUST "WALK THROUGH" THEM.
WE LIVE IN ANTICIPATION EVERYDAY IN WHAT THE LORD IS GOING TO DO/ AND IN WHAT HE IS ALREADY DOING! WE ARE SOOOOO EXCITED!
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MITCHELL AND DADDY HAD A GREAT TIME CAMPING WITH THE CUB SCOUTS THIS PAST WEEKEND. DADDY WAS SO PROUD OF HOW MITCHELL COULD KEEP UP WITH THE REST OF THE BOYS. HE IS SO HEALTHY AND STRONG! THANK YOU JESUS!!!!!!!!
OUR MITCHELL IS LIKE A PALM TREE TOO!
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GOD BLESS YOU TODAY!
LOVE,
BECKY
Tuesday, November 2, 2004 9:15 AM CST
The month of November has always been a month of being ESPECIALLY THANKFUL.
I think it is very interesting that my husband JAMES GREGORY MARTIN was born on this day in 1955. The Lord knew he would be my covering BEFORE I was formed in my mothers womb. He ordained and created my husband with ME in mind. That just "blows my mind!"
That saying "opposites attract" is so true in our case. We have learned so much from each other's differences and now we celebrate them.
Though we have come from different backgrounds there is and has always been that "certain something" that made us the same. Let's see here... I wonder what that could be?
The first day James and I met our spirits connected.
James (jokingly) says today " I finally changed you into the woman I said I would , from the beginning." I say the same thing about him. The truth is THE LORD has molded us into what we both saw in each other from the beginning . This is through our struggles, disappointments and trials.
I can stand here today and say " we are the ONENESS we vowed to be 12 and a half years ago."
James is a fast car, fast engine, and rugged horse and I am the decorator and clothes horse.
Of course we are both GOD CHASER HORSES!
We are one IN CHRIST yet different parts of his body.
James was one of the first MIRACLES in my life as a result of fervent prayer. That saying "it's always the darkest before the dawn" was invented with me. Why just before James walked into my life I was starting to think I might just wait and be the "bride of Christ." Afterall, having to give my dates money for gas and the Bay Bridge was not my idea of financial security or answered prayer.
YES, we have had our struggles, but there has never been a doubt that James was/IS the person whom God created ( for me ) to be my husband.
My husband has taught me unselfishness. James gave me his first pay check after we were married. Just gave it to me!
Several years ago James risked his own life to save another. Recently, as we were reminiscing, I believe the Lord spoke to me and said " I recorded that good deed and took it into account when I healed your son."
It's wonderful to know that God remembers and records our good deeds and erases our sins when we repent. God is good ALL THE TIME!!!!
Happy Birthday my precious. I thank God for you today! God has blessed me so by giving you to me! I LOVE YOU! Without YOU my love, Mitchell would NOT BE , MUCH LESS be Mitchell. You were born first my sweet and the Lord foreordained us to be a family.
Together, through our trials and victories we have vowed to give Mitchell the heritage (in Christ) given to us.
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We are so thankful for my Mom and Dad. They are on their way here as I type. Though they were very torn in their decision to MOVE here they feel it is the Lord's will for them to be here with us! We know IT IS the Lord! Thank you Jesus for another answered prayer!
We had NO extended family with the exception of a few weeks throughout Mitchell's treatment and the majority of the extended family who came were my Parents. The Lord seemed to say " I've got you covered, I've got your back."
We found we did not need anyone BUT THE LORD.
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We were fortunate enough to have the privilege of giving our testimony to our beautiful church a few weeks ago. That day was a day we had always dreamed of. We did not exactly know WHERE but we knew God was going to use it for his glory!
We would love for you to be able to see the video! All you have to to is click on the top link below, ctab.org and then click on " enter site without flash intro." You will then see the message in a square box labled " Elevation- Thanksgiving, Kingdom Keys September 26th, 2004."
There were 3 testimonies on that day and all of them were such a blessing!
You will soon see why we are finally where we belong. I so hope you are blessed!
BE THANKFUL UNTO HIM AND BLESS HIS NAME!
With Love,
The Martins
Sunday, October 31, 2004 9:00 AM CST
HAPPY HALLELLUJAH !!
HAL-LO-WED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD!
I PRAY EVERYONE WOKE UP WITH A SONG ON YOUR HEART AND A PRAISE ON YOUR LIPS!
THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HATH MADE I WILL REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT FOR GREAT IS OUR GOD AND GREATLY TO BE PRAISED!
Well it is a beautiful summer/fall day today in the city of Houston. Would you all believe I have not had to buy a winter coat in almost 20 yrs?! Well believe it!
In 1987 I moved to the San Francisco Bay area and after my first year there I realized it just didn't get cold enough for a winter coat. Of course coming from southern Illinois one could see how I could feel that way!
I saw a lady at the YMCA yesterday who had just moved here to Houston from Pennsylvania. She said she keeps thinking she's gonna need a winter coat. She said that she was in a department store recently and asked a clerk when fall usually arrives here in Houston. The lady replied " Oh about January." I told her that sounded about right!
I think the temperature is supposed to arrive at about 87 degrees today.
Mitchell is still swimming! He had his friend Ryan over yesterday and they were in and out of the pool all day. Because of the humidity it's really too hot to do much else.
James is going to church without Mitch and I today. Mitchell has had a terrible allergy cough and seems it has steadily gotten worse. I finally gave him some Robitussen w/ codine and that seems to have helped. However it makes him a little groggy.
We had a wonderful teachers conference with Mitchell's teacher Friday. Mrs Hines is an absolute "God send" to us!
I was reminded many times (during and after the conference) of the journal entry I made on Feb 4th of this year ( just click on journal history and scroll down).
The prophecy (made by faith) is unfolding before our eyes! Praise God! Mitchell excels in math and is moving right along with reading, phonetics, and rhyming. Mitchell is still having trouble decoding words and COMPREHENDING what he is reading yet he reads 27 words per minute which is seven more than the required amount for first graders at this stage.
You must remember, Mitchell has far exceeded the expectations of the professionals. At 3 and a half years old(in Jan. of 2002) when he arrived in the special education realm he had the vocabulary of an 11 month old. Though his communication skills are still not "the best" he was able to move to kindergarden at the appropriate time and age when many people would hold a BOY born at the end of June BACK for lesser reasons. Now he is in first grade EXCELLING in areas, right with his class in other areas, and perhaps lagging in one, YET VERY IMPORTANT AREA.
Before the Teachers conference James and I were really not sure where Mitchell stood in respect to "Where he should be." We went in the meeting very open and prepared to discuss the possibility of holding Mitchell back in first grade. To us this DID NOT MEAN backing off of our prophetic utterances. We were and are just open as to HOW the Lord will bring it all to pass. What I am about to share with you is the meaning of Mrs Hines (1st grade teacher) being a God send....
When Mrs Hines told us about Mitchell not being able to comprehend what he was reading she did not allow me to "go there. When I made even the slightest notion of him repeating first grade she looked me straight in the eye and said " HE WILL by the end of first grade." I said to myself " WOW, WHAT'S UP WITH THAT?"
"God's even got her AGREEING with us!"
You see, we have had the opportunity to share Mitchell's story and our faith with his teacher (VIA THIS WEB PAGE) and she being the intuitive Christian that she is , recognizes GOD'S HAND in all of this! What a blessing you are to us Mrs Hines!
CAN SOMEBODY SHOUT R-E-S-T-O-R-A-T-I-O-N!!!!!!!!!!!
It is vital to whoever reads this web page to understand "this is for you!"
According to Romans 4:17-18
"I have made you a father of many nations in the presence of him whom he believed- God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things WHICH DO NOT EXIST AS THOUGH THEY DID; WHO CONTRARY TO HOPE, IN HOPE BELIEVED, SO THAT HE BECAME THE FATHER OF MANY NATIONS, ACCORDING TO WHAT WAS S-P-O-K-E-N " SO SHALL YOUR DESCENDANTS BE!!!!!!!!!
CAN YOU, WILL YOU SPEAK LIFE TO YOUR SITUATION? I KNOW YOU CAN, BUT WILL YOU?
MATTEW 23:37
" OH JERUSALEM, JERUSALEM, THE ONE WHO KILLS THE PROPHETS, AND STONES THOSE WHO ARE SENT TO HER! HOW OFTEN I WANTED TO GATHER YOUR CHILDREN TOGETHER, AS A HEN GATHERS HER CHICKS UNDER HER WINGS, BUT YOU WERE NOT WILLING!"
ARE YOU WILLING TODAY TO PROPHECY OVER YOUR LIFE AND SITUATION IN FAITH TODAY?
I AM HERE TO TELL YOU; "IF YOU WILL, GOD WILL. HE IS WAITING ON YOU TO TAKE YOUR RIGHTFUL PLACE IN HIS KINGDOM. THE WORK WAS FINISHED ON CALVARY. NOW IT IS UP TO YOU!"
WILL YOU OR ARE YOU "THE JERUSALEM" JESUS WAS SPEAKING TO?
ISAIAH 61:1
"THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME, BECAUSE THE LORD HAS ANNOINTED ME TO PREACH GOOD TIDINGS TO THE POOR; HE HAS SENT ME TO HEAL THE BROKENHEARTED, TO PROCLAIM LIBERTY TO THE CAPTIVES, AND THE OPENING OF THE PRISON TO THEM WHO ARE BOUND."
IT'S A NEW SEASON, IT'S A NEW DAY. A FRESH ANNOINTING IS COMING MY WAY. IT'S A SEASON OF POWER AND PROSPERITY. IT'S A NEW SEASON COMING TO ME. IT'S ALREADY HERE!
I HAVE SO MUCH MORE TO SAY BUT I MUST GO FOR NOW.
We love all of you and are here FOR YOU because the Lord has called us here. We are just like you and have walked where you are walking or perhaps where you have already walked. Do not be afraid or intimidated to sign this guestbook we want to know who you are!
We have NOT forgotten where the Lord has brought us from!
God Bless you!
Becky
Thursday, October 14, 2004 10:07 AM CDT
Six years ago(6/17/98) I stood with my husband 9 months pregnant in a California bankruptcy court. If anyone would have told us THEN what we would be doing today we probably would not have believed them.
Little did I know Mitchell would be the only child I would give birth to (physically speaking) due to cancer in my own body. Little did I know 8 months after Mitchell's birth I would face a radical surgery taking all of my reproductive organs except my ovaries.
Little did I know 31 months (Mitchell's age) later my only child would battle his own bout with cancer.
Yeah, we did ask the Lord "WHY"? We believe the answer Has come in what we are doing today.
We also feel God has shown us in what has happened in the past six years that had we had another child today things would have been much more difficult to go through. In this, we have learned that God REAlly DOES know best and CAUSES ALL things to work together for good to them that LOVE HIM AMD ARE CALLED TO HIS PURPOSE.
Even though Mitchell is healed from rhabdomyosarcoma he has "special needs" quirks and the largest muscle is missing from his right thigh where the cancer originated. Therefore his physical activities are somewhat limited. For instance he is not secure in riding his bicycle without training wheels yet. He favors his left leg. We just recently took Mitchell to an orthopedic surgeon where he took x-rays of Mitchells thigh and it appears his right leg is 1/2 inch shorter than the left. The doctors believe it is due to the radiation. Because he did not have prior x-rays the surgeon could not tell looking at the hip/pelvic bone whether the bone was improving or deteriorating.
WE KNOW BY FAITH IT IS IMPROVING!
The reason we are sharing all of this info with all of you is because we want you to know we still have issues even though Mitchell is healed. God knew because of these issues and because of the glory he knew we would give him another child would have made things more difficult. We have accepted the Lord's will for our lives. We know he has great things instore for Mitchell. MOSES HAD A SPEECH IMPEDIMENT AND WAS GREATLY USED OF GOD!
CHILDREN IN MITCHELL'S CLASS HAVE STARTED TO MAKE FUN OF HIM BECAUSE OF HIS LITTLE QUIRKS (quirks which started while he was in treatment). YES IT HURTS BUT I KNOW GOD'S GONNA WORK THINGS OUT.
WE HAVE LEARNED TO WALK BY FAITH AND NOT BY SIGHT. BOTTOM LINE.
We could never testify to the word of God today without TESTING GOD AND PUTTING HIS OWN WORD TO THE TEST.
I (UNLIKE MY HUSBAND) am somewhat reserve/shy ( by nature) when it comes to speaking out. HOWEVER, THE MORE I LEARN TO WALK IN THE SPIRIT MY "OLD NATURE" (BEHOLD OLD THINGS ARE PAST AWAY AND ALL THINGS BECOME NEW WHEN THE OLD MAN IS PUT TO DEATH) HAS TAKEN A BACK SEAT.!
I just recently recieved a prophecy in my spirit FROM THE LORD which said:
" YOU WILL RECIEVE A NEW BOLDNESS, YOU WILL ALLOW NOTHING TO RESTRAIN YOU, YOUR DIRECTION WILL BE CLEAR AND PRECISE,YOU WILL EVEN SURPRISE YOURSELF AS YOU WILL ALLOW NOTHING TO HOLD YOU BACK AS YOU MOVE TOTALLY AND COMPLETELY BY MY SPIRIT."
I have spoken many many times here that everything that we share is from a heart of love. We are giving everything we have been given, to people who are walking where we have walked. Interestingly enough, my husband and I have recieved many e-mails from people whose trials are not the same yet they are encouraged the same in that what is given here in principle, is the same.
I say "I speak the truth in love."
1 JOHN 4:17-18 I QUOTE
" LOVE HAS BEEN PERFECTED AMONG US IN THIS: THAT WE MAY HAVE BOLDNESS IN THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT: BECAUSE HE IS, SO ARE WE IN THIS WORLD. THERE IS NO FEAR IN LOVE BUT PERFECT LOVE CASTS OUT FEAR. BUT HE WHO FEARS HAS NOT BEEN MADE PERFECT IN LOVE."
We must speak the truth in love. Truth sets us free! Whom the son hath set free is free "indeed" or "in deed." One could use this both ways.
We are here today to tell everyone who comes here,
" YOU CAN BE SET FREE AND MADE WHOLE TODAY BODY, SOUL, MIND AND SPIRIT!!!!!!!
GALATIONS 5:16 :
" WALK IN THE SPIRIT SO YOU WILL NOT FULFILL THE LUST OF THE FLESH ( YOUR THINKING)."
LET THE MIND OF CHRIST BE IN YOU!
MATTHEW 11:12
" THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN SUFFERETH VIOLENCE AND THE VIOLENT TAKE IT BY FORCE."
The idea in the scripture above is that the kingdom of heaven which Jesus set up as a powerful movement or reign among men (suffers violence)requires of them an equally strong and RADICAL reaction! The violent then who take it by force are people of keen enthusiasm and commitment who are willing to respond to and propagate with radical abandonment the message and dynamic of God's reign. This is an allusion of Jesus ministry and to those who are participating in it by following him.
Yes God has done much in us in 6 yrs and continues to deliver us out of our trouble as we KEEP OUR EYES ON HIM.
HE HAS BROUGHT US OUT OF DARKNESS INTO HIS MARVELOUS LIGHT!
MANY ARE THE AFFLICTIONS OF THE RIGHTEOUS BUT THE LORD DELIVERETH THEM OUT OF THEM ALL.
WE ARE SO VERY THANKFUL FOR OUR WONDERFUL GOD GIVEN AND ANNOINTED PASTOR, SHEPHERD, TEACHER , AND SPIRITUAL FATHER , ( RICHARD HEARD) WHO IS PREACHING TEACHING, AND WALKING " THE TRUTH" JAMES AND I WALK IN TODAY. WE LOVE HIM AND OUR CHURCH FAMILY. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CLICK ON THE TOP LINK BELOW AND LISTEN TO THE POWERFUL TRUTHS SHARED. WE KNOW YOU WILL BE BLESSED AND INSPIRED!
ALL THE GLORY,
HONOR,
AND PRAISE BELONGS TO
JESUS CHRIST!
LOVE, BLESSINGS, AND PEACE TO ALL,
THE MARTINS
Tuesday, October 12, 2004 2:07 PM CDT
Hope everyone is having a blessed day today! I'm blessed today as I am everyday.
I rejoice when I read of the victories and I am sorrowful for the depths of despair for some of our children on caringbridge and their parents. For this reason I have had several non restful nights. No one really understands my grief except our very special caringbridge family which includes the people who so faithfully come to encourage all of us!
Today I would like to share and bring to your attention today a woman by the name of Rizpah. This woman can be found in the book of 2Samuel 21st chapter.
Out of all of the women in the bible Rizpah is and was my inspration through our ordeal with Mitchell. Her two sons with King Saul were crucified along with five other of Sauls sons. They were crucified as atonement for the wrong Saul had done to the Gibionites.
The intent was to leave the bodies of Sauls seven sons and either let them decay or be eaten by vultures.
This hanging took place at the beginning of the barley harvest. The bible says that Rizpah took sackcloth and spread it on a ROCK. HALLELLUJAH!!!!!!! (I DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU BUT THAT ROCK REPRESENTS JESUS MY ROCK).
I don't think I would put my sackcloth on a rock if I had ANY intention of sleeping. WOULD YOU?
THE BIBLE TELLS US THAT FROM THE BEGINNING OF HARVEST UNTIL THE RAINS FROM HEAVEN POURED ON THOSE BODIES RIZPAH DID NOT ALLOW THE BIRDS OF THE AIR TO REST ON THEM BY DAY AND SHE FOUGHT THE BEAST OF THE FIELD BY NIGHT.
CAN'T YOU JUST SEE THIS WOMAN? YOU TALK ABOUT TIRED! I DON'T KNOW HOW LONG SHE WAS THERE BUT I KNOW ONE THING A COUPLE OF DAYS AND NIGHTS WAS ABOUT ALL I COULD HANDLE, PHYSICALLY SPEAKING!
I RELATED TO THIS STORY SO MUCH. AS MANY OF YOU KNOW IF YOUR CHILD ENDS UP WITH FEVER IT'S MOST OFTEN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. THEREFORE BY THE TIME YOU GET A HOSPITAL BED IT'S 5 O'CLOCK THE NEXT EVENING. WHO CAN SLEEP ON A GURNIE WITH THEIR SICK CHILD AND 250 POUND HUSBAND?!!!!! BY THE TIME WE GOT OUR ROOM I WAS ALWAYS TOO TIRED TO SLEEP.
ANYWAY BACK TO RIZPAH. SHE MUST HAVE BEEN GOING ON ADRENALIN AND SUPERNATURAL POWER! THE BIBLE SAYS SHE STAYED UNTIL THE RAINS CAME. DO YOU KNOW WHAT THE RAINS MEANT?
THEY MEANT ATONEMENT WAS MADE!!!!!!!!!
I DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU BUT WHEN I READ HOW RIZPAH, SAULS CONCUBINE GOT KING DAVID'S ATTENTION AND BECAUSE OF WHAT SHE DID, NOT ONLY HER TWO SONS, BUT THE OTHER FIVE GOT A PROPER BURIAL, IT GIVES ME HOPE THAT , WITH TENACITY OF PURPOSE I CAN GET MY KINGS ATTENTION TOO AND HOPEFULLY BY SHARING, HELP SOMEONE ELSE ALONG THE WAY.
I JUST HAVE TO THROW THIS IN . WHEN MITCHELL WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF HIS RADIATION TREATMENT IT WAS IN JUNE OF 2001 AND THAT WAS WHEN HURRICANE ALLYSON CAME IN AND FLOODED METHODIST HOSPITAL WHERE MITCHELL RECIEVED HIS TREATMENT. I BELIEVED ALL ALONG THAT MITCHELL REALLY DID NOT NEED THE RADIATION AND I FELT IN MY SPIRIT THAT THE FLOODING WAS SOME HOW A SIGN FROM GOD. SO WHEN I READ WHAT THE RAINS MEANT HERE IN SCRIPTURE I KNOW NOW THAT IT WAS CONFIRMATION FROM THE LORD!
((((((((((((FOLKS)))))))))))))))))))))))))!!!!!!!!!!!
DOES IT GET ANY BETTER THAN THAT?!!!!!!!!!
RIZPAH MAY NOT HAVE GOTTEN ALOT OF NOTORIETY BUT SHE WENT DOWN IN HISTORY AS SOMEONE WHO FOUGHT FOR HER BABIES AND GOT THE ATTENTION OF THE KING. MOMS AND DADS, WE MAY NOT LOOK PRETTY. WE MAY BE LAME AND MAME AND SLEEP DEPRIVED BUT BY GOD WE GOT THE ATTENTION OF THE KING.
I SAY TO THOSE STRUGGLING TODAY. GET UP AND KEEP FIGHTING THE ENEMY OFF YOUR BABIES (in the spirit)!!!!!!!!!!!! Let the HIGH PRAISE(SPIRITUAL WARFARE) OF GOD ME IN YOUR MOUTH. IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW TIRED WE ARE PHYSICALLY, WE CAN STILL LET THE "HIGH PRAISE" OF GOD FIGHT IN THE SPIRIT BECAUSE THE WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE ARE NOT "CARNAL" BUT "MIGHTY" TO THE PULLING DOWN OF ENEMY STRONGHOLDS!
I MAY NOT BE POPULAR AND I MAY NOT GET ALOT OF NOTORIETY BUT PRAISE GOD I'VE GOT MY BABY!!!!!!!!!
THIS IS WHAT I WANT ON MY TOMBSTONE:
" SHE FOUGHT THE BIRDS OF THE AIR BY DAY AND THE BEAST OF THE FIELD BY NIGHT OFF HER BABY."
IF I AM NOT REMEMBERED FOR ANOTHER THING I WANT TO BE REMEMBERED NOT ONLY DID I LOVE THE LORD ANDI DID HIS WILL, BUT I WANT TO BE REMEMBERED AS I REMEMBER RIZPAH.
MAY THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD REST ON YOU!
LOVE,
BECKY
Monday, October 11, 2004 9:48 PM CDT
As my beautiful little boy lays in the bed beside me tonight I just can't help but cry. All I can do is cry. I am so thankful! Jesus, I'm thankful for your grace and mercy! There is no one else like you!
I've had my share of lifes ups and downs. God's been good to me the downs have been few. I know you can say that "God has blessed me!" For there has never never been a time in my life that he didn't seem me through. If anyone should ever write my lifes story for whatever reason there might be, JESUS will be there between each line of pain and glory. That's why I can say " JESUS IS THE BEST THING THAT EVER HAPPENED TO ME!"
No one ever cared for me like Jesus. There's no other friend so kind as he. No one else could take the sin and sorrow from me. Oh how much he cares for me!
Friendship with Jesus fellowship devine. Oh what blessed sweet communion. Jesus is a friend of mine.
You don't know, like I know , what he's done for me!
He let's me walk down roads of disappointment. He watches and he knows what's best for me. The more I yield the better he can mold me. Change my life completely to fit his perfect will.
That's just his way of telling me he loves me. Love beyond all human understanding. So I'll (try not)not question trials that bring me to my knees. That's just his way of telling me he loves me.
If I'm successful walking through the valleys he'll give me strength to climb the highest hill. My greatest strength comes through my darkest trial and my greatest Joy is knowing that he can trust in me.
I know my redeemer lives! This redeemed is sayin so!
Could it be that this would be the day that starts eternity the day that we've been waiting for so long. Could it be that yet today the King of Kings would turn and say "pick up that trumpet blow it loud and strong." Could it be the soul of me can sense that soon it will be free. Is that my soul that's telling me to "LOOK UP" in the sky and see THERE'S SOMETHING IN THE AIR , I can feel it everywhere yes there's something in the air.
Oh what a day that will be! When my Jesus I shall see, When I look upon his face, the one who saved me BY HIS GRACE. And when he takes me by the hand and leads me through the promised land. What a day, glorious day that will be.
Just want to tell you " Im thankful" for ALL that you have done. For the stars and the moonlight and the setting sun. And when my work on earth is through, I'm coming home to be with you. Just want to tell you, "I'm thankfull." That's all.
I love you I love you, Lord I love you. What more can I say but that I REALLY LOVE YOU! I WILL TRY TO LIVE MY LIFE SO THAT IT SAYS IT TOO. I LOVE YOU, I LOVE YOU, I REALLY LOVE YOU.
The Comforter has come. The Comforter has come. It's the Holyghost from heaven. The Father's promise given. So spread the tidings around where ever man is found . "The Comforter has come."
Peace , peace, wonderful peace. Coming down from the father above. Sweep over my spirit FOREVER I pray in fathomless billows of love.
Just to walk with you means everything to me. Just to your loving arms are leading me. Though the world pass me by, go their way , let me be. Just to walk with you means everything to me.
I'll say "YES Lord YES" to your will and to your way. I say "YES LORD YES" I will trust you and obey. When your spirit speaks to me , with my WHOLE HEART I'll agree and my answer will be "YES LORD YES"
Tuesday, October 5, 2004 2:41 PM CDT
Hello Dear Ones,
FIRST I WOULD LIKE TO SAY " THANK YOU" TO SOME NEW GUESTBOOK SIGNEE'S. YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW MUCH YOU HAVE BLESSED ME WITH YOUR ENTRIES. I AM HUMBLED BY YOUR REMARKS YET THANKFUL YOU SEE ME THE WAY YOU DO. YOU KNOW I AM NOT DOING THIS FOR "MY HEALTH." THIS IS A CALLING ON MY LIFE AND I AM JUST TRYING MY BEST TO PLEASE MY LORD. I CAN NEVER, NEVER, NEVER DO ENOUGH FOR HIM!
Mitchell is such a blessing! He has just lost his first tooth and knows about the tooth fairy. When he awoke the other morning he was very worried about where that tooth went!
2CHORONICLES 7:14 " IF MY PEOPLE WHO ARE CALLED BY MY NAME WILL HUMBLE THEMSELVES, AND PRAY AND SEEK MY FACE, AND TURN FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS, THEN I WILL HEAR FROM HEAVEN, AND I WILL FORGIVE THEIR SIN AND HEAL THEIR LAND."
I will warn you today this entry is very lengthy. It is very necessary though. The Lord has shown me many of you who come here do not know how to pray.
I did not really learn how to pray until I was in my 20's. I listened to a sermon series call "COULD YOU NOT TARRY ONE HOUR?" It changed my life! When I began to pray the model prayer in detail, not just a rigid ritual but as a guide to prayer I began to see the hands of the Lord move on my behalf. There is no greater Joy than knowing you have moved the hands of almighty God in prayer.
"His word also tells us in Hosea 4:6
"My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge."
Please remember, this is not MY word I stand on today but THE WORD OF GOD!
The Lord's prayer is found in the book of Matthew 6:9 an also Luke 11:2
"OUR FATHER WHO ART IN HEAVEN , HOLLOWED BE THY NAME."
"HOLLOWED" establishes the principle of prayer on the precept of worship.
PSALMS 100:4 Says to "ENTER his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise."
What is his name or names? WHO is he to you?
Isaiah 9:6 prophesied his name would be called WONDERFUL, COUNSELOR, MIGHTY GOD, EVERLASTING FATHER, AND THE PRINCE OF PEACE.
HE IS MY HEALER, PROVIDER, PEACE, BANNER, ALPHA OMEGA, EMANUEL (GOD WITH US), "I AM" .
Before you know it you are in his presence! Praise , worship and adoration are what ushers you into his presence where you can make your requests known AS IN HEBREWS 4:16.
This takes you into the next phase of....
" THY KINGDOM COME THY WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN ."
COVER THE EARTH WITH YOUR GLORY LORD!!!! COVER THE EARTH WITH THE SOUND OF HEAVEN!
Think about what Jesus came to do. I believe he came that we might have life and have it MORE abundantly! This tells me what his will is for me.
3JOHN 1:2 " BELOVED I WISH ABOVE ALL THINGS THAT THOU MAYEST PROSPER AND BE IN GOOD HEALTH AS THY SOUL PROSPERS.
JEREMIAH 29:11 " FOR I KNOW THE THOUGHTS I THINK TOWARD YOU, SAYS THE LORD, THOUGHTS OF PEACE AND NOT OF EVIL, TO GIVE YOU A FUTURE AND A HOPE."
What is the kingdom of God?
1)RIGHTEOUSNESS - WHAT IS RIGHT IN THE EYES OF GOD ACCORDING TO HIS WORD.
2)FORGIVNESS
3)HOLINESS
4)HONESTY AND INTEGRITY
5)JOY
6)PEACE
WHAT IS HEAVEN? IT IS A PLACE OF SPLENDOR, NO SADNESS, NO SICKNESS. A PLACE OF BEAUTY.
"BEULAH LAND" IS HEAVEN ON EARTH WHERE THE LORD TAKES "DELIGHT" IN YOU. ISAIAH 62:4 TALKS ABOUT IT.
THIS IS THE PLACE IN PRAYER WHERE I REMIND THE LORD OF HIS PROMISES HE MADE TO ME THROUGH HIS WORD. BY THE WAY, HE JUST LOVES TO HEAR HIS WORD!
THERE ARE MANY MANY PROMISES BUT MANY ARE CONDITIONAL TO "OUR WILLS." FOR INSTANCE, THE SCRIPTURE AT THE TOP OF THIS ENTRY "IF MY PEOPLE WILL" THEN I WILL .
IF WE WILL, HE WILL.
I CHALLENGE YOU TO SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES FOR YOURSELF.
ACCORDING TO HEBREWS 11:6 "HE IS A REWARDER TO THEM WHO DELIGENTLY SEEK HIM."
"GIVE US THI DAY OUR DAILY BREAD"
Whether it's a word from him or a financial need his word says he shall supply all of our needs acccording to his riches in glory. I know he owns it all anyway, the cattle on a thousand hills. He has clothed the lillies of the field, how much more will he care for us.
His grace is sufficient.
We must take one day at a time.Tomorrow will take care of itself.
The key to prosperity is to GIVE. YES YOU READ IT RIGHT. GIVE, GIVE, GIVE! THE BIGGER THE NEED , THE MORE YOU NEED TO GIVE.
IF YOU SOW SPARINGLY, YOU WILL REAP SPARINGLY BECAUSE YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW.
ACCORDING TO LUKE 6:38
YOU SHOULD "GIVE"
AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN UNTO YOU GOOD MEASURE PRESSED DOWN, SHAKEN, AND RUNNING OVER SHALL MEN GIVE UNTO YOUR BOSOM."
MALACHI 3:8 ALSO TELLS US TO STOP STEALING FROM GOD. VS 9 SAYS YOU ARE CURSED WITH A CURSE IF YOU DO. VS 10 AND 11 SAY TO "TRY HIM" AND SEE IF HE DOES NOT OPEN THE WINDOWS OF HEAVEN A POUR OUT A BLESSING AND THAT HE WILL REBUKE THE DEVOURER FOR YOUR SAKES.
ONE DEFINITION OF "DEVOURER" MEANS "SEED EATER." TO ME THIS DOES NOT JUST MEAN "FINANCIAL SEED."
THIS MEANS OUR CHILDREN!!!!!!!!!
OUR CHILDREN ARE OUR SEED!!!!!!!!!!
CANCER MAY VERY WELL BE DEVOURING YOUR SEED AS YOU READ THIS.
THE LORD SAYS TO "TRY ME."
"FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS."
This does not just mean creditors we owe money to. More than that this it means to forgive in your heart those who have wronged you.
Harboring bitterness, envy and strife is a SURE WAY to have unaswered prayer and UNDESIREABLE OUTCOMES!
Just look at MATTHEW 6:14 AND 18;18-35.
My friend, if you have unforgiveness in your heart you might as well HANG UP YOUR PRAYERS.
IF YOU CAN NOT FORGIVE YOUR BROTHER OR SISTER OR ANYONE FOR THAT MATTER MATTHEW 5:24 TELLS US TO....
"LEAVE OUR GIFT AT THE ALTER AND BE RECONCILED TO YOUR BRO, THEN BRING YOUR GIFT."
WE WERE TOLD TO FORGIVE 70X7.
(((((((((forgive))))))))))!!!!!!!!!!
" LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL"
Stay on the straight and narrow path!
This is where we should come against the forces of darkness!
There are so many temptations out there. They are traps to decieve us therefore detain us from our goals.
What did Jesus do when he was tempted?
Read Luke 4:8. Matthew 16:23 and Mark 8:33.
You see, Jesus knew what he was on this earth to do. He knew he had a destiny to fulfill. So he was wise to the Devil's tactics and rebuked him.
We can do no less.
Spiritual warfare is necessary. Come against the spirit of fear! Come against the spirit of infirmity in the name Jesus.
Romans 8:26 "LIKEWISE THE SPIRIT ALSO HELPS IN OUR WEAKNESS. FOR WE DO NOT KNOW WHAT WE SHOULD PRAY FOR AS WE OUGHT BUT THE SPIRIT HIMSELF MAKES INTERCESSION FOR US WITH GROANINGS WHICH CANNOT BE UTTERED."
In other words when I can't find anymore words when I have prayed every prayer I know to pray the spirit takes over. I call this my prayer language. I'm refering to the Acts chapter 2 experience.
I DO NOT BELIEVE I WOULD HAVE EXPERIENCED THE VICTORIES IN MY LIFE WITHOUT THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLYGHOST!
"FOR THINE IS THE KINGDOM AND THE POWER AND THE GLORY FOREVER, AMEN."
Hopefully by the time you are here you have entered into a true spirit of worship and praise! Your faith is strong and you are confident the Lord is going to show up in your storm.
Perhaps you're not in a storm today. You still need to pray.
Much prayer is needed EVERYWHERE!
I GUARANTEE YOU, YOU ARE ONE OF THREE PLACES...
1) YOU HAVE JUST COME OUT OF A STORM
2) YOU ARE IN A STORM
3)YOU ARE ABOUT TO ENTER A STORM
Wherever you are, I want to tell you to get to know The "PEACE SPEAKER" by name.
HE CONTROLS THE WINDS AND THE WAVES.
WHENEVER HE SAYS
"PEACE BE STILL," THEY HAVE TO OBEY!
LEARN HOW TO PRAY.
GET YOURSELF TO A FIVE FOLD MINISTRY CHURCH AS SPOKEN OF IN EPHESIANS 4:11.
IF YOU HAVE BEEN A CHRISTIAN FOR A LONG TIME IT'S TIME TO GET OFF THE MILK AND ON TO SOLID FOOD AS APOSTLE PAUL SPOKE OF IN 1CORINTHIANS CHAPTER 3.
I am confident this entry was necessary today and thankful the Lord allowed the time for me to give this to you.
ISAIAH 55:11 " SO SHALL MY WORD THAT GOES FORTH FROM MY MOUTH WILL NOT RETURN TO ME VOID, BUT IT SHALL ACCOMPLISH WHAT I PLEASE AND IT SHALL PROSPER IN THE THING FOR WHICH I SENT."
BLESSINGS TO YOU AND YOURS!
BECKY
Wednesday, September 22, 2004 6:30 PM CDT
I know it is rare as of late for me to be writing so often in the journal but I have to RAMAH (for now) word.
I have been experiencing some difficulties ( yes, it's called a trial) Some has to do with Mitchell and the other is closely related.
One thing I have learned in my short span of 41 years is that I cannot stay in my heap very long because the heap keeps growing and growing and before long that thing (whatever it is) if left to my own thoughts and my own devices will grow into something much larger than it started out to be.
I took some POISON into my spirit yesterday. It was because I had been entertaining thoughts and the Devil's lies. Thoughts like " Now that Mitchell is healed maybe you should go back (somewhat) to your old way of thinking. Afterall, no one understands what you share nor can they could possibly understand what your journey was /is like. It's all behind you now and you need to focus on making sure Mitchell has friends. Oh, you can still put on your little smiley face. No one notices anyway. Besides everyone already thinks your weird because of all that crazy stuff you share . Who gave you the notion you need all that. You know Mitchell's healing was because of medical science. Just continue to be grateful he's alive and just go with the program which tells me to accept the fact that Mitchell is different, will never have any friends,and will continue to struggle in certain areas of his education."
Don't worry. I did not let those thoughts stay . However, I awoke this morning really seeking the Lord for an answer to some questions. You know what? To my surprise and amazement HE MET ME THERE! I can't fathom the fact that HE WAS WAITING FOR ME! LITTLE OLE ME!
The word the Lord gave me was Psalms chapter 1. Here it is...
" BLESSED is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord. And he MEDITATES on it DAY AND NIGHT, He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that brings forth fruit IN IT'S SEASON, whose leaf shall not wither, and whatever he does shall prosper.The ungodly are not so, but they are like chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore ungodly shall not stand in judgement, Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish."
Now I have known that passage for a long time but today it meant something to me. I read the study part of the passage underneath in small print. This is what it said.
" Blessed is the word that not only begins this psalm, but it lies the essence of what is promised to those who READ AND MEDITATE on all the psalms. In the Hebrew it is plural (blessings)and is equivelant to the greek word "blessed" or "happy." The influence one ALLOWS others to have determines to a large extent one's spiritual destiny. The WALKS-SITS-STANDS seem to suggest a progression of INFLUENCE that results form initially turning ones attention in this wrong direction. If a child of God can "pray without ceasing" (1Thess5:17) and "thank God without ceasing" ( 1 THESS 2:13) THEN IT IS ALSO POSSIBLE TO MEDITATE DAY AND NIGHT on GODS TRUTHS. This suggests a constant state of communion with God. CHAFF, the empty husks of grain has no weighty substance to stabalize, but it is easily blown by winds of adversity."
I came accross some notes I had written a while back which said, " Please do not curmise the worst after you have been through so much for so long. When the SON OF MAN comes, will he find faith?"
I was also reminded of in the book of Acts 12th chapter the New testament believers faced persecution with FERVENT PRAYER. The situation looked impossible. Sound familiar?
James had already died and Herrod had Peter in the custody surrounded by sixteen soldiers. Yet, the early church lived by the conviction, " the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" ( James 5:16). They prayed intensly and steadily over Peter's situation. Here's what happened Acts chapter 12 vs 12. " So when he had considered this , he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying. AND AS PETER KNOCKED AT THE DOOR OF THE GATE, A GIRL NAMED RHODA CAME TO ANSWER. WHEN SHE RECOGNIZED PETER'S VOICE BECAUSE OF HER GLADNESS SHE DID NOT OPEN THE GATE, BUT RAN IN AND ANNOUNCED THAT PETER STOOD BEFORE THE GATE. ( NOW THIS IS WHERE IT GETS GOOD) VS 15 " BUT THEY SAID TO HER. "YOU ARE BESIDE YOURSELF! YET SHE KEPT INSISTING THAT IT WAS SO. SO THEY SAID IT IS HIS ANGEL. NOW PETER CONTINUED KNOCKING AND WHEN THEY OPENED THE DOOR AND SAW HIM THEY WERE ASTONISHED!"
Ever heard of the expression "Be careful what you wish for?" In this case, "be careful what you pray for." Don't be surprised when your victory comes ! Don't be surprised when your answer comes! Don't be like the people praying for Peter. No, EXPECT that any moment your "knock at the door" is comin!
My " knock at the door" came in a TIDAL WAVE today THROUGH THREE PHONE CALLS AND AN E-MAIL. THESE ALL CONFIRMED THAT THE INFORMATION THE DEVIL HAD BEEN TRYING TO FEED MY MIND WITH WAS A LIE AND THE REVELATION GOD HAS GIVEN ME IS REAL .
THANK YOU JESUS!
GOD IS RE-AL-ITY!
Rest assured my friend if what you are believing (or the Devil is trying to make you believe) does not bring you peace, IT'S NOT OF GOD!
I'm so thankful for the lamp unto my feet and the LIGHT unto my pathway! Without it how else could I share what I share? What other way is there to encourage?
I was on a so called support group for a while but soon learned they didn't allow anyone to use scriptural references to encourage people. So I had to wipe the dust off my feet AGAIN. The one thing that did come out of it was how much more of a miracle Mitchell's healing is. This was through studies they have done on rhabdo since Mitchell's diagnoses. I will elaborate on that another time.
I love you all. Whoever you are that stops by but do not sign the guestbook. Encouragers like to be encouraged to encourage. Just thought you might like to know.
Sweet Dreams,
Becky
Monday, September 20, 2004 10:31 PM CDT
Well it's starting to feel like fall around here. It's strange... it's still as hot as blue blazes yet it feels like fall. I know, I know, it's just my melancholiness!
Well Mitchell is getting off to a great start in the first grade. He has a great teacher and a good group of classmates. And.... he is officially a little "Tiger Cub." James is the den leader. As soon as I get a picture of both of them in their uniforms I'll have James put them on. I wish I knew how to do that stuff. I know I'll learn one of these days. I always have been a late bloomer. At least I know there is always hope. Better late than never. Right?
Yes, I had seven little Tiger Cubs in my house last week. Now that was a riot! In two minutes they had Mitchell's playroom looking like hurricane Ivan had been through. Let's see.... they are six now, when does all the messing stop. Why can't they just play neatly? I just don't understand!!!!!!!!
Mitchell is also doing some swimming with Katy Aquatics twice a week to condition him for swim team next year. He loves to swim!
The good news is the obsession of Thomas the Tank Engine has stopped. The bad news is Sponge Bob has taken over. So much so that I've had to redecorate his bathroom and playroom. Mitchell told me the other day that Sponge Bob is his best friend. How sad is that?
Every Tuesday I take lunch to Mitch and eat with him at school. He just loves that. He seems to be happier overall this year with school. He comes home so happy every single day. He just chatters all about his day. He gets home right at 4pm and goes straight to the t.v to watch Sponge Bob Squarepants.
James thinks we should open up a Crabby Cakes restaurant down on the Galveston beach. Wouln't that be cute in a pineapple? Anybody got any capital? I said we would have to serve chicken fingers because kids like Mitchell would never eat crabby cakes!
James and I got go see the Astros play the Brewers friday night. Now, we did not just sit in any seats. We sat in the diamond Box. With these special tickets we entered in a special entrance and sat down to a wonder buffet dinner before the game. I had never even heard of such a thing. I'm not a baseball fan but I could become one real quick with the kind if treatment we received! Thanks BMC! It's funny, I never really appreciated professional baseball until the other night. Those guys are some strong athletes! They are so good! I couldn't help but think of how proud their Mothers must be of them. At one point my mind wondered back to Mitchell and t-ball. Boy what a change of pace! I'm still very proud of my boy!
James got to meet Chuck Norris. Chuck was at the game for the make a wish Kids. I love how my husband can just walk up to anyone and introduce himself. He has truley never met a stranger.
I know I don't write much about our day to day stuff . I think I'd like to start. Ya know , we're not world travelers but I think our life is about as interesting as the next guys.
We do love the Lord but we are real people. We're not so heavenly minded that we are no earthly good. We struggle like everyone else . We just handle our struggles differently, perhaps. Then maybe we don't sometimes.
We gotta be who we are!
We've got alot to smile about so that's what we're gonna do!
Glory hallelu, this is what we've come to do, tear down strongholds , break the chains , bind the Devil in Jesus name! Tonight, it's alright, to shake the foundations with PRAISE! Praise him!
O. k. I think I've rattled on enough tonight!
Night, night,
Becky
Wednesday, September 8, 2004 5:51 AM CDT
September 10th , 2004
As our country's 911 anniversary approaches, let's pray for our protection all over the world. Trouble is brewing but Jesus said,
"IN THIS WORLD, YOU WILL HAVE TROUBLE, BUT BE OF GOOD CHEER FOR I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD!!!!!!!!" ((((((((((WOOOOOOOHOOOOOOO))))))))))))
As Many of you know,the month of September is recognized by many as CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARNESS MONTH. I would probably not be aware of this had we not had our own experience.
No , since 9-11-01 most people are probably more aware of the attack on our country the month of September. I think it is perfectly fitting though. We not only grieved with the country on 9-11-01, but some of us had already had, were in the midst, or perhaps were newly diagnosed with a PERSONAL 911 called CHILDHOOD CANCER.
It's really a shame CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS doesn't get more focus than it does.
I believe cancer and terror attacks come from the same source. They are much alike really. If the enemy cannot take our children one way , he will find another. If he cannot kill our children through abortion, attacks (like the one recently in Russia), he then goes to sickness and disease.
Since the enemy is the same, the weapons we should use to fight are the same. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty to the pulling down of enemy strongholds!
We MUST fight for our children, IN THE SPIRIT. They ARE the next generation. The generation that Satan is trying so hard to snuff out and sift like wheat. Oh but praise God! when the enenmy comes in like a flood, THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD, will raise up a standard against it!
I guess for some this month is a time to reflect back on their journey through childhood cancer. Personally, I don't understand why this is limited to one month out of the year. Furthermore, since childhood cancer, I am more aware of alot of things.
I am more aware of my dependence on my God in my everyday living. I need him to guide me in my daily journeys no matter how mundane they seem. When I feel anxiety, I look around me or inside me to see what's " going on."
I am more aware , compassionate, and sensitive to people around me than I ever was before childhood cancer.
I look at the world more through rose colored glasses because I see through my heavenly Father's eyes, since childhood cancer.
My outlook since childhood cancer is a perfect example of God working ALL things together for the good to them that love HIM an are CALLED TO HIS PURPOSE.
You see, God knows just how to line us up to HIS PURPOSE.
I have more joy in my life since childhood cancer. Each day we live is a gift and should never be taken for granted. Everyday that I live I'll give my Lord ALL the glory for the things he has done for me.
It has been a process since childhood cancer. There were days early on (is still have them sometimes) when I wanted to shout from my roof top or stand on the street cornor and say " do any of you people have a clue what it is like to be me?" " Have you given much thought as to how your lifestyle would change if your child or grandchild was diagnosed with a deadly disease which there was a chance, if the disease did not kill them , the poison would.?"
It's at those times I remember not too long ago , I was the person I am shouting at.
I don't think I realize all those little bald heads I walked passed and never noticed, much less gave a thought too. Then again, I wasn't aware of the presence of God around me either much less CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH!
How then, can I blame others for not being aware of childhood cancer. If they're like me before, they're just NOT AWARE PERIOD!
How can I expect others to appreciate the solemness and the gratitude in my heart when my little boy says or does things that is just common place for their children. For instance, Mitchell hadn't said much up to about a year to 18 months ago. One day all of the sudden, out of the blue, he said, " I love you Mommy." Does anyone know , care, or appreciate how long I waited to hear that?" The other day, out of the blue, Mitchell and I were just driving along and he said, " I'm blessed and highly favored?" That's a mouthful for him!
*************UPDATE******************
SEPT 9TH 2004: SPEAKING OF MOUTHFULS, MITCHELL JUST RECITED THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG! WHY WERE WE SURPRISED? THIS REALLY IS THE YEAR OF RESTORATION!
By the way, I was told yesterday that Mitchell got 100 on his phonograms test WITH NO HELP!
RESTORE, RESTORE, RESTORE LORD!
Ya know, I could go on and on telling how the LORD has changed us through childhood cancer and how Mitchell continues and WILL continue to beat the odds of the so called LATE EFFECTS of cancer. If we hadn't spoken that "The fire of radiation and chemotherapy will not harm Mitchell, but that he WILL WALK THROUGH THE FIRE AND NOT BE BURNED," it might not be so. Since we believe we have what we say we have, it has to be so!
Yes, the chilhood cancer experience has made James and I very wealthy. But not as you suppose. We are rich in compassion, we are rich in mercy, we are rich in love which only comes from above. These things are far more valuable than monetary riches! To us, this is what it means to be blessed!
I'll close with HEBREWS 12:1-2
" Therefore we also , since we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy which was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has set down at the right hand ( power) of the throne of God."
For me, to be aware of Childhood Cancer is to be aware of THE HEALER of all our diseases. They go hand in hand. With out the valleys, how can we appreciate the mountain tops? After all it's IN THE VALLEY he restores our souls, NOT on the mountain tops.
Be blessed today!
Becky
Tuesday, August 24, 2004 7:11 PM CDT
PLEASE CHECK OUT ANOTHER LITTLE BOY WHO IS BUSY KICKIN CANCER'S BUTT AT:
www.caringbridge.org/mi/cooper
He is just precious! He was diagnosed with the same translocation (t1;13) of arms and he is the same age Mitchell was when diagnosed. We are so blessed to know him and his family.
PLEASE, HAVE A HAPPY SAFE LABOR DAY WEEKEND. COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS AND PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR SOLDIERS ALL AROUND THE WORLD WHO DO NOT HAVE THEIR FAMILIES AROUND THEM TO HOLD, HUG AND LOVE ON.
LUKE 21:13
" AND IT SHALL TURN TO YOU FOR A TESTIMONY."
Hello Dear Ones,
I know it has been a long time since Mitchell's journal has been updated and I am deeply sorry for that. One thing still holds true that saying when God gives you a mandate he moves heaven and earth to make it happen.
I have to say there are also many, many distractions like kids and summer vacation to keep us delayed from our goals.
Mitchell is doing wonderful God is just restoring that child! I was in his class today helping out and I was able to see how far he has come since kindergarten. His interaction with other kids is just so incredible. Thank you Jesus for doing what you said you would do! Thank you all for your prayers!
Mitchell had a great summer with swim team ( 2 blue ribbons by the way) Sydney and Baylee and day camp at the ymca camp grounds!
We are just so proud of Mitchell. I believe I say everyday " I don't think I can love this child any more than I do." God says the same thing to us! He gave his life, what more could he give? For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son. It's then I realize how small my love is compared to God's.
Without a "test" there is no testimony. According to REVALATION; 10-12 We overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony. If we overcome by the word of our testimony it is not difficult to understand that our testimony should lead us to our destiny.
PSALMS 78:5 AND 81:5 tell us that both Jacob and Joseph's trials came to them for a testimony.
There is nothing that happens in our lives that God did not know would happen BEFORE WE WERE FORMED IN THE WOMB! This is according to Jeremiah 1:4-10.
There is nothing allowed to come our way unless it passes God's desk first and gets his stamp of approval. Read the book of Job. It's not hard to understand where we get that saying "the patience of Job." Satan went to God to ask his permission to "test" Job.
God said "yes" but you can not kill him. Satan's mission was to get him to curse God and die. Did he get the job done? Read for yourself. He restored Job 7 times more than he had before.
I know there is NO replacement for the children we have but my point is JOB WAS TESTED. Job was a righteous man but, the rain falls on the just and the unjust and sometimes that's all I can say.
So realize what you are going through, as terrible as it may be, GOD ALLOWED IT TO HAPPEN! And, he knew it would happen. You have been appointed a devine destiny BY GOD. Perhaps it's the "refiners fire" spoken of in Malachi 3:2-7. You will come forth as pure gold!
Things just don't happen. They happen for a reason! Read ROMANS 8:29-30
" FOR WHOM HE FOREKNEW, HE ALSO PREDESTINED TO BE CONFORMED TO THE IMAGE OF HIS SON THAT HE MIGHT BE FIRST BORN AMONG MANY BRETHREN. MOREOVER WHOM HE PREDESTINED, THESE HE ALSO CALLED, WHOM HE CALLED, THESE HE ALSO JUSTIFIED, THESE HE ALSO GLORIFIED."
So, If he knew me before I was in my mothers womb (foreknew) that means I am predestined and if I am predestined I am also called, justified and eventually glorified. CAN SOMEBODY SHOUT HALLELLUJAH!!!!!!!!!!!
I don't know about you, but I take comfort knowing that God has entrusted us enough with our circumstances knowing we will bring him glory.
This is why we are able to smile even when we feel like we are dying inside. This is why we are able reach out to someone else hurting even when we are too!
The two verses above OUTLINE A SEQUENCE OF EVENTS AND INDICATE THAT EVERYONE WHO HAS BEGUN THE SEQUENCE WILL COMPLETE IT. Where's that scripture, " He who began a good work in you is able to complete it?"
Many things come in our life that we do not understand. I do not understand why cancer/ sickness takes people. Especially when they have done ALL according to EPHESIANS 6:10-18.
ALL as in calling for the Elders of the church to lay hands on whoever is sick acccording to JAMES 5:14
ALL is adding fasting to prayers Daniel 9:3 and Matthew 17:21.
ALL is being like the woman with the issue of blood Let's look at that. MARK 5:25-31
" NOW A CERTAIN WOMAN HAD A FLOW OF BLOOD FOR TWELVE YEARS, AND SUFFERED MANY THINGS FROM MANY PHYSICIANS. SHE HAD SPENT ALL THAT SHE HAD AND WAS NO BETTER, BUT RATHER GREW WORSE. WHEN SHE HEARD ABOUT JESUS, SHE CAME BEHIND HIM IN THE CROWD AND TOUCHED HIS GARMENT. FOR SHE SAID IF ONLY I MAY TOUCH HIS CLOTHES, I SHALL BE MADE WELL. IMMEDIATLY THE FOUNTAIN OF HER BLOOD WAS DRIED UP AND SHE FELT IN HER BODY THAT SHE WAS HEALED OF THE AFFLICTION. AND JESUS IMMEDIATLY KNOWING IN HIMSELF POWER HAD GONE OUT OF HIM TURNED AROUND IN THE CROWND AND SAID" WHO TOUCHED MY CLOTHES?" BUT HIS DISCIPLES SAID TO HIM " YOU SEE THE MULTITUDE THRONGING YOU, AND YOU SAY ' WHO TOUCHED ME?'"
This woman pushed her way through the crowd! There was obviously a rather large crowd But her faith drove her on and when she touched him , her faith touched him and she was healed! What does "pushing through the crowd" mean to you? This woman, as sick as she was, as broke as she was, made her way to Jesus because she believed she would be healed. Do you think she gave a rip what anyone thought of her?
Does this sound like anyone you know today? The passage above was (aside from the fact that the Lord told us to do it) why we drove to a church( Pentecostals of Alexandria on one of the links below) 5 hours away to have Mitchell prayed for. Some may believe it didn't matter. We do.
I am convinced that obedience to the Lord's word is one of the kingdom keys. Do you want to unlock some doors to your victory today? If so, click on ctab link below and listen to Pastor Richard Heard and hear what he has to say about "KINGDOM KEYS"
ALL is to stand and believe inspite of what things LOOK like.
Many are beating their heads against the bricks because they CAN'T SEE desired results when they think they SHOULD be.
Something my precious husband has always said to me in our almost 13 yrs of marriage is,
" YOU CAN'T KEEP DOING THE SAME THING AND EXPECT DIFFERENT RESULTS."
Perhaps we keep going around our mountains because we are not learning what God intends for us to learn. On the other hand , maybe you haven't done ALL.
Prayer is the best thing we can do and I do not mean that to be what I speak of as "the same thing over." Quite the contrary." We should do more praying and LESS worrying. According to 1THESSELONIANS 5:17 WE SHOULD PRAY WITHOUT CEASING.
We gotta put legs on those prayers and not be HEARERS of the word only but DOERS TOO!
ROMANS 3:28 states that "faith without works is dead." Are you walking in what you see or are you walking in what you hear?
What you can see with your human eyes are not ususally what is going on in the heavenlies. In the heavenlies, there is no sickness or sorrow. If we can get to a point where we can see our life through heavens eyes and walk in it on earth we are on our way to victory after victory. From glory to glory.
You see, sometimes the manifestation of what is real is just DELAYED.
What you can hear is great if it came from the Lord via his word or a word from someone else (only if it lines up with the word of God).
I heard directly from the Lord " IT'S DEAD AT THE ROOT." This was regarding Mitchell's cancer the week of his diagnosis. Trust me when I say,
" THERE WAS MUCH SAID WHICH DID NOT LINE UP WITH THAT WORD."
Oh yes, and the "wait and see" attitude. All I could and can say is "I KNOW WHAT I HEARD." My friend when one hears directly from the Lord himself, THEY KNOW IT.
Check out John 10:26-77. My sheep hear my voice and another they will not follow.
Can't look to the left, can't look to the right but straight to the finish line!
When you get a word from the Lord, does it matter what man says. Does God have the last say? Doesn't he get the last lick?
IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT ANYONE SAYS , DOES, OR BELIEVES ABOUT US AND OUR FUTURE. GODS KINGDOM IS COMING, HIS WILL WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN IN OUR LIVES.
Remember your TESTIMONY
Remember the peace in having done ALL
Remember you have a DESTINY to fulfill
God IS on the throne, He IS in control and
I'm LOOKIN for a miracle, I EXPECT the impossible, I FEEL the intangable, and I SEE the invisible for You , for me, and for ALL who beleive.
No matter what, GOD IS STILL GOD. No matter what, GOD IS STILL A HEALER!
I realize this was a lengthy entry. I guess I'm just trying to make up for lost time. I felt an urgency to get this out. Hopefully it has blessed someone out there needing a WORD.
Thanks a bunch for stopping by!
Love,
Becky
Tuesday, June 8, 2004 9:12 PM CDT
ON CHRIST THE SOLID ROCK I STAND
ALL OTHER GROUND IS SINKING SAND!
PSALM 20:7 " SOME TRUST IN CHARIOTS, AND SOME IN HORSES: BUT WE WILL REMEMBER THE NAME OF THE LORD."
Let me put it this way:
" SOME TRUST IN PHYSICIANS, AND SOME TRUST IN PROTOCALS , TREATMENT AND MEDICINE: BUT WE WILL REMEMBER THE NAME OF THE LORD OUR GOD."
In case you do not know his name it is....
J-E-S-U-S! PERHAPS YOU DO NOT RECONIZE HIM AS THE "Great Physician." Instead of having your HOPE and eyes on Jesus you're looking at the water ie; others fate, others situation and you are wondering if you or your child is next! I BEG YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS TO STOP IT! Don't you know you have an adversary who goes about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. He terrorizes just like our modern day terroists only he uses your MIND if you let him. Yes he roars, yet he has no teeth. I dare you to stand up to him just like David did Goliath in 1Samuel 17:45-47
" THEN DAVID SAID TO THE PHILISTINE, " YOU COME TO ME WITH A SPEAR, AND A SWORD AND A JAVELINE. BUT I COME TO YOU IN THE NAME OF THE LORD OF HOSTS, THE GOD OF THE ARMIES OF ISREAL, WHOM YOU HAVE DEFIED." THIS DAY THE LORD WILL DELIVER YOU INTO MY HAND, AND I WILL STRIKE YOU AND TAKE YOUR HEAD FROM YOU. AND THIS DAY I WILL GIVE YOUR CARCASSES OF THE CAMP OF THE PHILISTINES TO THE BIRDS OF THE AIR AND THE WILD BEASTS OF THE EARTH, THAT ALL THE WORLD MAY KNOW THERE IS A GOD IN ISREAL. THEN ALL THE WORLD MAY KNOW THAT THE LORD DOES NOT SAVE WITH SWORD AND SPEAR; FOR THE BATTLE IS THE LORD'S AND HE WILL GIVE YOU INTO OUR HANDS."
What does the sword , spear and javeline represent to you? Is it cancer, fear of relapse, or death? How do you suppose little ole David knew that He would kill Goliath? What do you suppose gave him such confidence? Think about it. A little sheperd boy, probably the most insignificant of all most would choose for the task. This giant in your life has tormented you way too long. You feel like you have done everything you could to beat him but he is just too powerful. He/cancer ir what ever it is, is just soooo big and it just keeps on roaring and tormenting you. Well IT'S TIME TO GET UP AND DO WHAT DAVID DID! SAY "SATAN, YOU COME TO ME WITH CANCER, FEAR AND HOPELESSNES BUT I COME TO YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST MY LORD , THE LORD OF HOSTS. I HAVE TAKEN ALL I'M, GOING TO TAKE OFF OF YOU AND THIS DAY YOU SHALL BE DELIVERED INTO MY HANDS AND GIVE ME BACK WHAT YOU HAVE STOLEN FROM ME, THE WORD OF GOD DECLARES "NO WEAPON THAT IS FORMED AGAINST ME OR MINE SHALL PROSPER." I KNOW WHO I AM IN CHRIST AND I CAN STAND UP AGAINST YOU BECAUSE HE HAS GIVEN ME THE AUTHORITY IN HIS NAME TO DO SO. I TAKE MY RIGHTFUL PLACE AND AS ESTHER SAID IN ESTHER 4:16 "IF I PARISH I PARISH." I'D RATHER BE A FOOL FOR JESUS THAN A JUST A FOOL.
RELEASE YOUR FAITH! QUIT SPENDING ALL YOUR TIME WRINGING YOUR HANDS. The only way to abolish fear is by continually proclaiming the word of God.
Please do not broadcast your fear. That does absolutely nothing but create more fear. Job 3:25 "FOR THE THING I HAVE FEARED HAS COME UPON ME. AND WHAT I HAVE DREADED HAS HAPPENED TO ME. I AM NOT AT EASE NOR AM I QUIET, I HAVE NO REST FOR TROUBLE COMES."
Does it make you feel better to talk about how fearful you are?If you say "yes" I don't believe you!
ZECHARIAH 4:6
" NOT BY MIGHT,NOR BY POWER, BUT BY MY SPIRIT SAYS THE LORD."
TO REPHRASE: "NOT BY CHEMOTHERAPY, RADIATION OR PHYSICIANS, BUT BY MY SPIRIT SAYS THE LORD."
Yes god uses human efforts such as physicians and medicine but we must never forget he is the potter/creator and we are the vessels/clay We can do NOTHING without him. He makes it work.
I made a promise to the Lord when he healed Mitchell that I would never stop giving him ALL the glory. I must keep my vow even if it means being an outcast! My flesh really does not want to write all I write in this journal. Most people really don't believe it, don't undertand it, don't want to take the time to understand much less RECIEVE. Neverthless, there is a burning desire in my spirit to see people with sick kids( or whatever their problems might be) grab a hold of something solid, real and sure!
Please know, whoever you are reading this entry today, it comes from a heart of love. I speak THE TRUTH in love as the word of God tells me to do.
Jesus is bidding you to get out of the boat (comfort Zone) and come and walk on the water with him!
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Can't put an entry in without telling you what a wonderful summer we are having thus far. Alot has transpired (answered prayer) since my last entry. Mitchell's Nana and Papa have purchased a home just two miles or so away and will be moving here very soon. They are bringing cousins Sydney and Baylee to stay for a good part of the summer! Mitchell is so excited! Mitchell needs his Nana and Papa and I need reinforcement to do what God has called me to do. We are very excited about the future and the present. God is moving greatly in and around us and we are just amazed!
I marvel at the grace of God every time I look at my beautiful little boy! Everytime I here his voice first time in the morning or hear the pitter patter of his little feet I am reminded of the miracle he truley is. He is having so much fun being on the swim team. He has practice mon - fri for thirty min and has had 2 meets already. We just have a blast watching him and his team. It brings me such joy to see the restoration GOD has done in him! He is so full of life and vigor. He can keep up with the best of them. I thank God everyday for the privalege to train him up in his ways. The most important thing to me is that he knows Jesus as his personal savior (the one who healed his little body). ABOVE ALL ELSE HE MUST BE SAVED! Right now he's a little obssesed with Thomas The Tank Engine.
Goodnight and God bless you all!
Becky
Friday, May 14, 2004 10:52 AM CDT
Hello Everyone,
As we approach the point of Mitchell being considered a "long term survivor'" alot of things are surfacing "inside me." I really did not realize, until now, that cancer, (no matter what the outcome) brings sorrow and pain. Even though Mitchell is a survivor, the truth is, we will never be able to escape "sorrow and pain" because of the people IT has brought in our path. Yes, there has been alot of joy, but that joy has not come without a price.....sorrow and pain. It is a viscious cycle. Some of the people we have met and grown to love are STILL SUFFERING! jUST KNOWING THAT BRINGS MUCH SORROW AND PAIN. Yet we are so thankful for the healing and restoration ,not only for Mitchell, but IN us. I have never felt so torn with emotions in ALL my born days! WE HAVE GONE FROM THE "ROLLER COASTER" TO THE "MERRY GO ROUND." It just keeps going round and round and round. Yes, you can get off but you can not leave the park! You can not escape the fact that cancer (once expirienced) is a part of your life in one way or another.
There is a little boy by the name of Connor age 9, who was diagnosed the same year as Mitchell with the same cancer.
He has just relapsed for the second time. I find much "sorrow and pain" in that! What brings me joy is the hope, courage and faith (inspite of what things look or seems like) his mother displays and also describes about him. They are still gonna fight and we're still gonna fight with them! Please pray for this family. Most of the people who visit this page already know of him . But in case you don't, you can visit him at: www.caringbridge.com/tn/connorhunley
Ther are still many others on the "roller coaster" and many of them can be found on Connor's site.
A couple of them that may not be, are as follows:
www.caringbridge.org/tx/codyjohnson
www.caringbridge.org/mi/gabriella
www.caringbridge.com/tx/alexiaflory
www.caringbridge.org/tx/noahpaulard
Each and everyone of these children have a unique story. They are not STATISTICS, they are CHILDREN in need of much prayer!
Isaiah 53:3 describes Jesus as " man of SORROW aquainted with SUFFERING.
If we want to be like Jesus we can not escape PAIN AND SUFFERING. Phillipians 3:10 "THAT I MAY KNOW HIM IN THE POWER OF HIS RESSURECTION, AND THE FELLOWSHIP OF HIS SUFFERINGS."
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What brings me joy is to see Mitchell doing all the things a 5 yr old SHOULD be doing ie: swim team, t-ball and playing with friends. The sorrow comes in that, this is not true for all the others. This is the "MERRY GO ROUND EXPERIENCE."
As soldiers fighting a war , "we have battle scars!" Even JESUS has 3 scars. I love what his scars represent..... VICTORY OVER SIN, DISEASE AND SICKNESS!!!!!!!!!!!! HALLELLUJAH!
I can't forget my sweet Chance at: www.caringbridge.org/ga/chance
Chance has battle scars from a brain tumor many years ago. He suffers so from seizures. Neverless he cares so for so many. He always has a praise on his lips and an encouraging word. If you ever run out of people to pray for, Chance is the hub!
God bless you all! Thanks for stopping by!
Love Becky
Wednesday, April 28, 2004 2:26 PM CDT
Hello Everyone,
First of all I need to apologize for not telling you what I'm about to tell you sooner. I know how I feel when I come to a web page hoping for an update and nothing, nothing ,nothing. well, truth is, "there is nothing" to report other than the "nothing" that will be found when we get the scans. We did not get the scans on Monday. We post poned them mainly because they wanted to make issue about the sedation Mitchell receives and add an echocardiagram to a cat-scan mri and x-rays. I appreciate their concern for Mitch, bless their little ole hearts, but there is just NOTHING wrong with Mitch and we feel he has been through enough in his young age without CREATING unnecessary issues. We agreed to x-rays, cat-scan and mri. to top it all off, HE DOES NOT NEED ANY OF IT RIGHT NOW! He Got the cat-scan of his chest in Dec which was a month short of his final six month schedule. He got that cat scan because of what they saw (to be nothing) on the 3 month behind scans in oct. and they were just following up on that. At any rate, in January, if he had been on schedule with his scans he (according to protocol wouldn't get scans for 1 yr. Do we make up scans? I don't think so. Bottom line is we are not going to get scans now and turn around and do them again in January. Besides the fact that he does not need them the fact that they are making issue about the sedation Mitchell gets causing heart problems, why give him the sedation anymore than he needs it by doing unnecessary scans? Can you tell I am irratated?
I did not want to tell you all of this until we had another plan. We have not spoken with Mitchell's oncologist since before the scans were postponed. Bottom line here is, we either do scans again now and then scans again a year from now or we do x-rays now and all the scans in January. We are not doing scans now and again in January. I know I am opposite of most parents when their child goes from semi annual to annual. Most parents would be happy in my situation. Truth is, I would be happy if they told us "no more scans." Can I help it if I just believe the cancer is "dead at the root" and NOT coming back.
Just so you all are clear on all this here is the protcol as we have followed it.
Jan 2002 scans first scans after treatment
April 2002 scans 3month
august 2002 scans 3 month
Nov 2002 scans 3month
march 2003 scans 3 month
oct 2003 scans 1st semi annual scans
Dec chest follow up from oct because of tiny spot which was infection
april 2004 we were scheduled to have these scans which had we been on schedule would have been in january and the last of the semi annual scans.
I know it's all confusing. We know who is NOT the author of confusion don't we?
I have spoken back in January 24th entry about the 3's and year to dates always coming up. welllllllll, April 26th, the day Mitchell was scheduled for his scans was 3 years to date from the scans in the induction phase of his treatment which showed NOTHING. TWO DAYS LATER, TODAY, IT WAS DECLARED A COMPLETE RESPONSE! WOW!!!!!! I THINK WE NEED TO GO OUT AND CELEBRATE TONIGHT! Wouldn't it be neat if we indeed waited to get the scans again in January as protocol schedules. That would make another 3 year mark from when Mitchell finished treatment. I just love how these three's and year to date things come up because I had nothing to do with them. It always reminds me...
GOD IS IN CONTROL
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The pictures of Mitch are at the school carnival last month,
Mitch fishing for crawfish at the blue barn farm with his classmate Maddie and also on the blue train at the blue barn farm with some of his buds. I chaperoned for the class field trip that day (friday 23rd).
Oh and the cover picture is sitting at the kitchen table and to show I never can get him to smile and more lucky if I can get him to look at the camera. God forbid he do both in the same picture!
God bless all of you and LET THE GLORY OF THE LORD SHINE UPON YOU!!!!!!!!!!!
Becky
Wednesday, April 21, 2004 2:24 PM CDT
Well, I am finally surfacing. Sorry to go so long without updates.
We had a great visit with our friends Cindy , Pennie and Pennie's daughter Jacquelyn. I could not have asked for better friends nor could I have done better if I would have hand picked them myself. Every good and perfect thing comes from above.
Mitchell thinks he is supposed to entertain when company comes. I don't know what gave him that idea. He actually got to be with us one school day becuse he contracted what's called FIFTHS DISEASE.This is when a child runs fever and has what appears to be an unraised rash after the fever breaks. Of course I thought the rash and fever were allergy related. I tend to relate everthing to allergies these days.
Mitchell will be getting his semi annual scans on monday april 26th. Yes we are about four months behind schedule and no it does not worry me in the least. As a matter of fact scans are and have always been an irritant to me because I have believed so strongly for so long Mitchell was not just in remission but in fact HEALED. I LOOK AT SCAN TIME AS CONFIRMATION FOR THE DOCTORS AND OPPURTUNITY FOR US TO SHARE OUR FAITH AND OFFER PRAYER AND ENCOURAGEMENT TO OTHERS. I hate for Mitchell to miss school. Please pray that everything goes smoothly , as many of you know how long and frustrating scan days are. Mitchell recieves a different drug to put him to sleep than most and they have to order it from the pharmacy which can take a long time. According to protocal after these scans Mitchell does not have to get another one for 1 year but since we are 4 mos. behind schedule Mitchell's doctor wants to do them again in January. Bummer!
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The only thing many of us have in common is the fact that we have children that have been diagnosed with cancer at sometime. There are also many , many feelings associated with this horrible lot in life that are shared.I might even challenge that it is a horrible lot in life, at times, because I have learned sooooooo much about the world and how cruel it can be even in the midst of our greatest trial. But more, I have learned about the tender mercies of my Lord and his grace that follows me all the days of my life.
The feelings I believe we share are natural by the worlds standards but as true Christians we can NEVER rely on feelings for our peace and security. Feelings of anxiety or anger are in fact for me "red flags" which make me run to the word of God for my answers as to how to deal with my feelings. My feelings DO NOT change God's word. No, God's word stands the TEST of time! According to Phillipians 4:8 we are to think on things that are lovely , noble, pure, praise worthy, and of a good report. I can not rely on my feelings.
It's not our feelings that get us in trouble. It's what we do with those feelings. It is how we choose to respond. Feelings go into our thought process and if left there, good or bad, will eventually be spoken. We know life and death are in the power of the tongue. We can not rely on our feelings!
I must confess. My first few weeks of journaling here on Mitchell's page became very frustrating at first. Because my intentions from the beginning have only been to encourage others going through the same or a similiar circumstance. My frustration came from not getting immediate results from doing what God called me to do. Truth is, I may NEVER see all who are touched here and furthermore God never promised me that I would. Perhaps only eternity will tell. My pride was causing me to get angry. I am happy to announce I have asked for forgiveness and am "over it." Sometimes we take on more than God intended or even told us to expect. I no longer believe it is my job to make people get the biblical and proven concepts shared here. I am a messanger and an encourager.
I have met many through the web pages and face to face who do not seem to grasp what I share here. Nevertheless I still love them.
Philosophies which are unbiblical are just that, "philosophies." Minds that have not been renewed have "philosophies" Philosophies are ideas which come from a carnal mind. According to Romans 8:7 the carnal mind is imnity against God. Philosophies are sending people to the grave "lost." Philosophies do not bring joy. Philosophies do not heal. Philosophies do not save. philosophies do not bring peace.
Col 2:8 " Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the principles of the world and not according to Christ."
Contrary to what some may believe, prayer IS enough. The problem is we don't pray enough. We are too busy doing "God's work" to take the time to pray. Our prayer life should be the most important part of our lives.Prayer is our DIRECT connection to our Lord and saviour. Without prayer we are DEAD IN THE WATER. Prayer moves the hands of God. Prayer and studying the word of God brings revelation. From the looks of things around me I can see ALL OF US could use more revelation and insight into our circumstances. Revelation and insight is and was the most important to me from the time Mitchell was diagnosed. Gifts for Mitchell were nice,nice gestures were very thoughtful and appreciated but, for someone to look me in the eye , write to me or even call and say "I'm prayin," was and is the greatest gift of all. I like a saying my Mom told me once, " you can give without loving but you can't love without giving." Thanks Mom. It is easy to give monetarily for some but to give of your time in intercessory fervent prayer is REAL giving to me. Prayer changes things. Nothing else. Those and only those who understand and know the power of prayer can understand the value. Yes, a toy and a thoughtful gesture is nice and those things may bring a smile in the short run but I was and am looking at the long run. It was O.K. if Mitchell never smiled (wasn't the case) the whole time he was in treatment. The treatment was short compared to a lifetime of smiles and joy we have now. What am I saying here? As a parent with a child who was diagnosed with cancer the most important thing one could EVER do for me is PRAY. NEVER, NEVER, MINIMIZE PRAYER. PRAYER IS OUR VERY LIFELINE!
We ALL are called to prayer. We are all called to repent therefore to salvation then to go make diciples and tell others the Good News and to use the gifts God has given us for ministry. What those gifts are and how , and where they are to be used is between the individual and God.
I believe some of the most judgemental people are the ones who accuse others of being that way. Judgementalism comes in more forms than one and is not to be confused with discernment. God sees what we all do and he is the final judge. I don't know about you but that is encouraging to me. I am soooooooo glad man did not make me but it certainly explains why he does not always understand me.
Peace, Joy and Blessings to all,
The Martins
Wednesday, March 31, 2004 2:04 PM CST
I STAND IN AWE OF HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Isn't the name of Jesus a beautiful name? When I think about all of the names of God I see HIM for WHO HE IS. He's the Alpha and Omega ,The Beginning and the End, My Lily of the Valley and Bright Morning Star. He's my Jahova Rhopha( my healer). Jahova Jirah (my provider), Counselor, Prince of Peace, EVERLASTING FATHER. Jahova Shalom (my peace). Can't forget The Mighty God!!!!!! When you really consider WHO HE IS AND WHAT ALL OF HIS NAMES REPRESENT, DOES THIS SOUND LIKE A GOD THAT FAILS? Ohhhhhhhhh, We fail, big time, but JESUS NEVER NEVER FAILS! Ohhhhhhhhh yes, we go through stuff, but when you consider all of his names, HOW CAN WE DOUBT THAT HE WILL NOT SEE US THROUGH?
Now frankly, between me and you and the world, "I'm really sick of this world and what it has to offer!" I'm tired of sickness, I'm tired of struggle, and I'm tired of people dying all around me. I am looking for my heavenly groom to come and TAKE ME AWAY!!!
I KNOW WE ARE NOT TO BE WEARY IN WELL DOING, I know that the whole world (perhaps) has not heard the gospel and I also know the Lord is just plain HOLDING OUT, ( because of his wonderful grace) his coming, because it is not his will that ANY should parish. I know I know I know!!!!!!!
I just want to see JESUS. I'M LOOKING FOR HIM! That is when he said he would come.
I hope everyone reading this page is not one of the five foolish virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet their groom without any oil in their lamps. The foolish virgins wanted some of the wise virgins oil. The wise virgins could not give away their oil so the foolish virgins had to leave to find their own oil and while they were gone the bridegroom came and took th 5 virgins who were ready. Mathew:25:1-13. The oil in the parable represents TRUE FAITH, RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND THE ABIDING PRESENCE OF THE HOLYSPIRIT. Be watchful. Do not be distracted by situations, circumstances, or other people. We must have our own oil!!!!!!!! Be sure your anchor holds and grips the solid rock!!!!!!!!!!! That rock is Jesus!!!!!!!!
I am in such a praise mode!!!!!!! I just feel like praising my Lord!!!!!!!! He has done ssooooooooooo much for me, I cannot tell it all!!! I have told alot, but he just keeps it coming so fast I canot keep up. Oh yes, there is the dumb Devil, who always tries to distort the truth. Just tell the slew-foot slim to get behind you and not to push. He knows the word of God more than we do and he absolutely trembles ( right along with all of the demons) at THE NAME OF JESUS! TELL SATAN TO GO AND TAKE THE "SPIRIT OF INFIRMITY" WITH HIM AND OH, WHILE HE IS AT IT HE CAN ALSO TAKE THE "SPIRIT OF FEAR". THE DEVIL IS A LIAR AND THE TRUTH IS NOT IN HIM . YOU CAN BE SURE WHEN DOUBTS START TO SET IN IT'S HIM. REBUKE HIM, IN THE NAME OF JESUS! DO NOT BE IGNORANT OF HIS DEVICES.
ALL OF THE GOOD OUTWEIGHS THE BAD. I'M GONNA PRAISE MY WAY OUT. I'M GONNA PUT ON THE GARMEWNT OF PRAISE FOR THE "SPIRIT OF HEAVINESS!" THERE IS A "SPIRIT OF HEAVINESS"(IT'S DEPRESSION) YOU KNOW? IT CANNOT STAY WHEN OUR PRAISES GO UP, CAUSE WHEN THE PRAISES GO UP, THE BLESSINGS COME DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!! HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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In the last journal entry I spoke of the annual ARD meeting concerning Mitchell's education and whether he would get the helping teacher. I want everyone to know...WE GOT THE HELPING TEACHER! We did not have to say anything! Some more of that Faaaaaaaaaaaa-vor!!!!!! Mitchell's teacher just kept emphasizing how far Mitchell has come. James and I have stood on the scripture in Joel at the top of this web page which promises RESTORATION!!!!!!!!
Every day as Mitchell gets on the bus we tell him.... "YOU'RE BLESSED AND HIGHLY FAVORED, YOU'RE THE HEAD AND NOT THE TAIL, ABOVE AND NOT BENEATH, YOU'RE BLESSED IN THE CITY, YOU'RE BLESSED IN THE FIELD YOU'RE BLESSED COMING IN AND YOU'RE BLESSED GOING OUT, YOU'RE BLESSED YOU'RE BLESSED, YOU'RE BLESSED!"
IS THERE ANY WONDER WHY HE IS SO BLESSED?
DECLARE THE WORD OF THE LORD IN YOUR SITUATION! DECLARE IT, DECLARE IT DECLARE IT, IN THE NAME OF JESUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SPEAK LIFE INTO YOUR CHILDREN, SPEAK LIFE INTO YOUR SPOUSE, SPEAK LIFE INTO YOUR BROTHER AND SISTERS, SPEAK LIFE INTO YOUR FRIENDS. SPEAK LIFE, SPEAK , THE WORD OF GOD, IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT YOU THINK , IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT YOU FEEL, AND IT CERTAINLY DOES NOT MATTER WHAT THINGS LOOK LIKE..... OPEN YOU'RE MOUTH AND SPEAK THE TRUTH, THE WORD OF GOD! DON'T WAIT FOR A DOCTOR'S REPORT.
OPEN YOUR MOUTH AND LET-ER RIP!!!!!!!!!
DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW MUCH THE LORD LOVES TO HEAR HIS WORD SPOKEN AND DECLARED? DID YOU KNOW HE MEANS WHAT HE SAYS?
DECLARE THE WORD OF THE LORD, SPEAK IT AND BELIEVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!
BE STRONG IN THE LORD AND THE POWER OF HIS MIGHT!!!! GET UP, GET UP, GET UP!
OUR LORD IS ON THE THRONE AND WE HAVE AN ADVOCATE WITH THE FATHER, WE HAVE AN ADVOCATE WITH THE FATHER AND WE CAN COME BOLDLY BEFORE THE THRONE OF GRACE AND MAKE OUR REQUESTS KNOWN AND REMIND THE LORD OF WHAT HIS WORD SAYS!
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Business is really picking up around the Martin household. We had the school carnival Friday night. Mitchell really had a good time. Every year each class does their own theme basket and they raffle them off at the end of the night. Guess what. Mitchell's name was drawn. We won the cajun basket. This basket had hundreds of dallars worth of spices, cookbooks a turkey fryer, marinades and gift certificates, to name a few. Let's here it for some faaaaaaaaa-vor!!!!!!!! One small problem, I got this big tin tub and haven't a clue what it is for. Let me know if you would like to come for cajun.
Mitchell had his first t-ball game on Saturday. He will be playing until close to the end of May. I'm pretty sure there is a place for him on the swim team too, which will start May 3rd.
I am getting ready for two of my very dear and best friends to come for a visit on Sunday. Pennie and Cindy and Pennie's daughter ,the lovely Jaquelyn. They were in our wedding and the kind of friends who you can go for months without talking to and it is like we just pick right back up! God has not made friends like them , for me, since. I am so thankful to have them in my life!
I would like to give a special thanks to my girfriends in my weekly bible study. It is such a blessing to have friends to share with about Jesus of course, but also life's situations ,struggle, and prayer requests.Lisa, Thank you for inviting me to join the group.These special friends have prayed and probably left special messages on some of your guestbooks.
Just want all to know how much you are appreciated. I do not get to the guestbooks as often as I would like but it does NOT mean I do not pray for you.
I may not get to post again for a couple of weeks because of company and schedule.
We love you, , Jesus loves you and HAPPY EASTER! May this Easter bring more meaning than EVER BEFORE OF WHAT IT REPRESENTS AND THE HOPE WE HAVE IN JESUS!
HE'S ALIVE! I'M FORGIVEN! HEAVENS GATES ARE OPEN WIDE!
GOD BLESS YOU!!!!!!!!
JAMES, BECKY, AND MITCHELL
Wednesday, March 24, 2004 8:50 AM CST
Hello dear friends and family,
~~~~ URGENT ~~~~~~ URGENT~~~~~~ URGENT
PLEASE VISIT CODY AT :
www.caringbridge.org/tx/codyjohnson
We met Cody, mom Keely ,and brothers shortly after mitchell was diagnosed with cancer. They really could use some extra prayers and support.
I would like to thank my caringbridge family so much for this. You are our other family and it really reaches beyond caringbridge as there are sooooo many foundations and supporters who have walked the road we've been on and there is NOTHING that compares to someone who HAS been there. Whether the outcome is life or death we know it is Gods grace that see's us through, nothing else, except , he uses us by his grace to support and pray for others. Thank you ,thank you, thank you!!!!!! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo's
CODY NEEDS A MIRACLE!!!!!!!!!!!
I would like to extend a special thanks to CHANCE www.caringbridge.com/ga/chance
Chance is an incredible young man whom I have had a very difficult time believing he is real. In the midst of his own problems you will find him caring so deeply for others and making sure the word is out to pray for them.
This is truley a ministry!!!! I would like to encourage anyone and everyone to SOW into Chance especially if you have recieved from his ministry! Let the Lord lead you! I believe in sowing and reaping. Chance has sown into many many lives! If you have not done so already please prayerfully take it into consideration. God is using this 14 yr old young man in a mighty way!!!!!
WE MISSED ALL OF YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, we are back and stronger than ever! Spiritually that is.
Physically, I have been under attack. We did face some demonic opposition on our trip but it was really no surprise. When one declares the word of the Lord as much as we have one might as well count on opposition. Say what you will about me but when you come against my Lord I will not keep silent. My God has proven himself time and time again to us and I'm going to make sure the whole world knows it! Devil, Hey Devil, you'll not shut me up!
I WILL BLESS THE LORD AT ALL TIMES! HIS PRAISE SHALL CONTINUALLY BE IN MY MOUTH! I HAVE NEVR SEEN THE RIGHTEOUS FORSAKEN OR HIS SEED BEGGING BREAD.
Thank you everyone for your prayers for us for a safe trip. That, we had! The Lord showed us favor from the very begining.From the moment we stepped off the shuttle which brought us to the airport from long term parking the Lord assured us he was with us and watching over us. We had no sooner got off the shuttle and there was a skycap with a long carrier on wheels right there at our service. I looked around me and believe me, there where many people who needed that kind of service. When the sky cap walked over to the luggage checkin counter I couldn't help but notice the very long line of passengers waiting to check their luggage in. This puzzled me for a brief moment then, James and I just looked at each other, smiled , and said "FAVOR". You see, when you have the Lords favor and he makes it known and obvious his hand is on you, THERE IS ABSOLUTLEY NOTHING THE DEVIL CAN DO! HE CAN NOT CURSE WHAT GOD HAS BLESSED! THERE IS NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST US THAT SHALL PROSPER! IF GOD IS FOR US, TELL ME, WHO CAN BE AGAINST US? THERE IS NO HEIGHT, NO DEPTH, NO POWER,NO PRINCIPALITY, NO THINGS PRESENT, NO THINGS TO COME THAT CAN SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF GOD WHICH IS IN CHRIST JESUS! HE IS IN ME AND I AM IN HIM AND GREATER IS HE WHO IS IN ME THAN HE THAT IS IN THE WORLD.I AM THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD!
Big tears welled up in my eyes as we entered through the security check.It just seemed like everyone was looking at us with love and admiration. I think perhaps it is because not only is Mitchell very cute, his manorisms make him even cuter. I catch people just staring at him in such love and sweetness and they don't even know us, much less know what Mitchell has gone through. All I can say is that it must just be Gods way of showing us his glory and devine favor. That's the only way I can explain it.
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We Got to Brian and Betty's house around 6:45 pm on Sat. the 13th. Betty was hard at work preparing the food for the family get together on Sunday. Boy... did they put out a spread!!!!!! I know it was very hard work and we appreciate them so! Sunday just happened to be James and my 12th wedding anniversary and after lunch betty brought out A beautiful cake in honor of our special day. James and I had almost forgotten about it. It was very nice. Thank you betty and Brian for opening your home to us. Thanks Brian for the wonderful bible studies and devotional time and........the wonderful fresh squeezed orange juice waiting for me as soon as I awoke every morning. It was a very special time. Mitchell had a very fun time playing with his cousin Casey.
Mostly what we did was alot of "hanging out." We made it down to the ferry boat in Vallejo which took us in to San Francisco. We had lunch at pier 23 right on the water. It was absolutely beautiful that day and warm too. Northern California was expierincing record highs for that time of the year. Mitchell loved the ferry boat ride back and forth.
After we got back to Vallejo from the ferry we drove by our neighborhood we used to live in and where Mitchell was born. we took some pictures of our home and three of the homes my parents had purchased and fixed up.
I am so glad we live in Texas now. California just seems like a foriegn country to us.
On Wednesday we went to the train station and museum. Uncle Brian and Cousin Casey went with us. That was really interesting seeing many of the trains which dated back to the early 1900's. We were able to go inside a dinner train which dated back to 1937. The menu was up and dinner for two was only $2.50. My, how times have changed. This was very fine dining then. Mitchell and Casey loved playing with all the THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE AND FRIENDS.They had three very large and diverse tables of the engines and track. Needless to say, Mitchell was in "Train Heaven."
Overall, Mitchell had a great time and that was what was important to us. I can not say the same for James and I. Without going into detail, I will say relationships were severed because of "THE NAME OF JESUS." Jesus said we would be persecuted for his names sake. So, it really came as no surprise. I say " If that's the best the devil can do, I'd hate to see the worst." Hey, I just know the more opposition we recieve the more the indication were are doing serious damage to the kingdom of darkness. GOD'S KINGDOM IS COMING AND HIS WILL IS BEING DONE NO MATTER WHAT THE DEVIL THROWS OUR WAY!
Mitchell has had very little , if any allergy issues since my last entry. Praise God! Thank you EVERYONE for the prayers you have sent our way. Mitchell will recieve his last allergy injection, leading up to full strength on Thursday. Praise God!
Tommorrow we will have Mitchell's ARD (admission, review and dimissal)at the school. I had volunteered to do the Jr achievement program for Mitchell's Kindergaten class this year. Yesterday was the final lesson on that and while I was doing that Mrs Rankin and Mrs Hart were going over the things to be covered. They just shake thier heads in amazement at how far Mitchell has come. I say FAAAAAAAAA-VOR!! She also said she wants to shoot for keeping a helping teacher for Mitchell for first grade but since they are really limiting that more and more she's not sure we can get that for him. I say "IT'S OUR TIME FOR FAAAAAAA-VOR!" God is in control and he will have the final say! HALLELUJAH!!!!!!
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Thank you for stopping by today. I know I was long winded today. We will be posting new and more recent pictures of our trip soon. We purchased a digital camera before our trip and we are still in the process of learning all the bells and whistles.
God Bless all of you today and every day!
In Christ's Love and Grace,
James ,Becky and Mitchell
Tuesday, March 9, 2004 2:55 PM CST
I want to thank everyone for checking in on us today. I was not sure if I would be able to put another entry in before our trip or not. Well, here I am again!
I don't know how it happened this way but it seems that my day to put a new entry in is always on Tuesdays and that is one of my busiest days.
I'm trying to think about what to pack for our trip. It's pitiful. I lived in the bay area of California for 12 years and I cannot remember what the weather is like this time of the year. I was thinking it is like it is here in Houston right now 60's and 70's. We lived in Vallejo most of the time which is right on the bay so sometimes it could be 10 degrees colder than more inland. I hate taking too many clothes. Hey, I'm just a typical woman though. It seems I always have more "just in case stuff" than any. Oh well, pray for me!
We are looking forward to a great time! We have not seen James folks for almost 2 years. Mitchell was only 3 at the time. Two years makes a huge difference when you are that young. I know they will be shocked!
We will also be seeing James two sisters and hopefully their husbands and kids.
We hope to get some sight seeing done too. We know Mitchell will love old Sacramento and riding the ferryboat over to pier 39 from Vallejo. It's kind of a bummer because we lived right there in Vallejo for years and finally when Mitchell is at the age to enjoy that, we're not there any more. Trust me, I'd still rather live here. I always told everyone who came to visit us that living in California is much different than visiting. I like being a visitor there.
Thank you for praying that we have a safe trip.
Please pray for Mitchell's allergy situation. He developed what seem to be serious allergies about a year ago and his oncology doctor attributes it to the chemo suppressing his immune system in that area. Mitchell is getting the injections however he is not at full strength yet and I can't seem to get him there because every time he gets a big flare up we have to take him off the injections until his horrible cough goes away. Then he gets impetigo under his nose from the drainage, he can't go to school because that is contagious and on and on. It's a vicious cycle. I know it's minor compared to cancer. I guess I'll just have to stop "putting up" with it and rebuke it.
I think the situation with Mitchell goes to show how WE MUST STAY DESPERATE FOR GOD ALL THE TIME.
I NEED JESUS, I NEED JESUS, AND I NEED JESUS EVERYDAY. I NEED HIM IN THE SUNSHINE HOURS AND I NEED HIM WHEN THE STORM CLOUDS ROLL. EVERYDAY ALONG MY WAY, I NEED JESUS.
Yes, if we would keep the desperate mentality all the time no matter what is going on in our life, when the seasons come that we REALLY have a need we can draw from the "prayer power" we have stored up.
A scripture in Luke comes to mind. Luke 18:8 " When the son of man comes will he find faith on the earth? 18:7 says: "And will God not bring justice for his chosen ones who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?
I believe the whole 18th chapter of Luke about the widow going before the unjust judge is about being tenacious about our prayers and staying "desperate" all the time. Ya know, when Mitchell was diagnosed with cancer there were nights that I prayed almost all night long until I could not stay awake any longer. I know the Lord heard my cry. I often wonder what my life would be like if I would do that more often, even when there is no crisis. We must always cry out to him no matter what is going on!!!!We must stay desperate all the time.
Folks, on our own, we fail every time. But with Jesus
(who is the peace in the storm and brings peace to the storm) in our boat, we will never never sink! He's always there to pick us back up when we fall. Amen?
Let's stay desperate!!!!!!!!!
We truly love all of you!
James, Becky and Mitchell
Tuesday, March 2, 2004 2:21 PM CST :Revised, Thursday,March 4,2004
PRAYER REQUESTS:
www.caringbridge.com/tx/alexiaflory
www.caringbridge.org/tx/hannah
www.caringbridge.org/mi/gabriella
www.caringbridge.org/mn/laplafcan (Lakota)
FOR MANY OTHERS PLEASE SEE:
www.caringbridge.com/tn/connorhunley
www.caringbridge.com/ga/chance
PLEASE PUT THESE ADDRESSES IN WITH YOUR FAVORITES! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!!!!!
I am so glad you are my Dad!You have had many obstacles to overcome in your life but, by the grace of God you have overcome them! Your determination and passion to overcome has always been my inspiration. If personality can be genetic I know I recieved my determination from you!
Yes, DETERMINATION is necessary to recieve ALL Jesus died for. I am determined to be invincible until he has finished his purpose in me. My purpose today is to encourage the broken hearted and help bring liberty to the captives. Actually, it's already done, it's just a matter of "who wants to come and drink!"
Who wants to come and drink and never thirst again?
John 4:10 Jesus made an offer to the Samaritan woman at the well.
" If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."
Jesus made this statement after the woman commented on, how could he ask her for a drink of water when the Jews do not give the Samaritans the time of day. She went on to tell him he didn't have anything to draw with and the well is too deep.
" Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself?"
Are you smiling yet? JOHN:13-14 " Jesus answered , "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed the water I give him will become IN him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
Hum..... What do you suppose he means by" Will be in him?
JOHN 14:15-20 " IF YOU LOVE ME, YOU WILL OBEY WHAT I COMMAND. AND I WILL ASK THE FATHER, AND HE WILL GIVE YOU ANOTHER COUNSELOR TO BE WITH YOU FOREVER- THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH. THE WORLD CANNOT ACCEPT HIM, BECAUSE IT NEITHER SEES HIM OR KNOWS HIM. BUT YOU KNOW HIM, FOR HE LIVES WITH YOU AND WILL BE IN YOU. BEFORE LONG, THE WORLD WILL NOT SEE ME ANYMORE, BUT YOU WILL SEE ME. BECAUSE I LIVE YOU ALSO WILL LIVE. ON THAT DAY YOU WILL REALIZE THAT I AM IN MY FATHER, AND YOU ARE IN ME, AND I AM IN YOU." WHEWHEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Get a load of Jesus in John 4:13-14 "The water I give." Who is this guy? Who does he think he is? I'll tell you who he is!
2Corinthians 3:17-18 says:
"NOW THE LORD IS THE SPIRIT, AND WHERE THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS, THERE IS FREEDOM. AND WE WHO WITH UNVEILED FACES ALL REFLECT THE LORD'S GLORY, ARE BEING TRANSFORMED INTO HIS LIKENESS WITH EVER-INCREASING GLORY, WHICH COMES FROM THE LORD, WHO IS THE SPIRIT."
Jesus proceeded to tell the Samaritan woman all about her five husbands and the man she was with at the time was not any of the five. Jesus told her three times in JOHN 4:10-26, who he was.I think she was finally convinced. This leaves me wondering "how many people TODAY, do not know WHO HE IS WHEN THEY WON'T EVEN DRINK THIS WATER."
What IS this living water?
Jesus speaks about the water again.
JOHN 7:37
" ON THE LAST AND GREATEST DAY OF THE FEAST, JESUS STOOD AND SAID IN A LOUD VOICE, IF ANYONE IS THIRSTY, LET HIM COME TO ME AND DRINK." VS38" WHOEVER BELIEVES IN ME , AS THE SCRIPTURE HAS SAID, STREAMS OF LIVING WATER WILL FLOW FROM WITHIN HIM."
VS39 "BY THIS HE MEANT "THE SPIRIT," WHOM THOSE WHO BELIEVED IN HIM WERE LATER TO RECEIVE. UP TO THAT TIME THE SPIRIT HAD NOT BEEN GIVEN, SINCE JESUS HAD NOT YET BEEN GLORIFIED."
You MUST believe as , "the SCRIPTURE has said, then , "streams of living water will flow from WITHIN." Well, what did the scriptures say? Go back up to vs 39:
"By this he meant the" SPIRIT," whom those who believed in him were LATER to recieve. When was this later? Well let's see here.....
I believe John 7:38-39 makes it VERY clear that the WATER IS the "HOLYSPIRIT."
Up to this point the "Holyspirit" was with them, but according to VS38 it was soon going to be WITHIN THEM.
Joel 2:28-29:
" AND AFTERWARD, I WILL POUR OUT MY SPIRIT ON ALL PEOPLE. YOUR SONS AND DAUGHTERS WILL PROPHESY, YOUR OLD MEN WILL DREAM DREAMS, YOUR YOUNG MEN WILL SEE VISIONS, EVEN ON MY SERVANTS BOTH MEN AND WOMEN, I WILL POUR OUT MY SPIRIT IN THOSE DAYS."
Peter identified "it" on the "DAY OF PENTECOST." Acts 2:16-18 " THIS IS WHAT WAS SPOKEN BY THE PROPHET JOEL:
"IN THE LAST DAYS I WILL POUR OUT MY SPIRIT ON ALL PEOPLE.YOUR SONS AND DAUGHTERS WILL PROPHESY, YOUR YOUNG MEN WILL SEE VISIONS, YOUR OLD MEN WILL DREAM DREAMS EVEN ON MY SERVANTS, BOTH MEN AND WOMEN, I WILL POUR OUT MT SPIRIT IN THOSE DAYS, AND THEY WILL PROPHESY."
Jesus told them in the 1st chapter of Acts vs 4, "Do not leave Jeruselum, but wait for the gift my father promised which you have heard me speak about." Vs 5, " FOR JOHN BAPTIZED WITH WATER, BUT IN A FEW DAYS YOU WILL BE BAPTIZED WITH THE HOLYSPIRIT."
What happened when they recieved the " BAPTISM OF THE HOLYSPIRIT?
"LET'S GO BACK TO CHAPTER 2 OF THE BOOK OF ACTS VS 4:
" ALL OF THEM WERE FILLED WITH THE "HOLYSPIRIT AND BEGAN TO SPEAK IN OTHER TONGUES AS THE SPIRIT ENABLED THEM."
Since that day speaking in tongues has always been the outward sign of the baptism of the holyghost! Acts 2:39 makes it VERY clear it is for EVERYONE! Read it for yourself!
MARK 16:17-20
" AND THESE SIGNS WILL ACCOMPANY THOSE WHO BELIEVE: IN MY NAME THEY WILL DRIVE OUT DEMONS: THEY WILL SPEAK IN NEW TONGUES: THEY WILL PICK UP SNAKES WITH THEIR HANDS: AND WHEN THEY DRINK DEADLY POISON, IT WILL NOT HURT THEM AT ALL: THEY WILL PLACE THEIR HANDS ON SICK PEOPLE, AND THE WILL GET WELL."
I have experienced this "HOLY SPIRIT" and all I know is that IT IS REAL. A quote from TOMMEY TENNEY'S BOOK "GOD CHASERS", "A MAN WITH AN EXPERIENCE IS NEVER AT THE MERCY OF A MAN WITH AN ARGUMENT."
You may say "O.K..... what does that have to do with this encouragement page." I say, "EVERYTHING!"
Considering the fact that I did not plan to put this ENTRY in the journal TODAY, but was lead by this "HOLY SPIRIT," and the fact that I believe with all of my heart the indwelling of the "HOLYSPIRIT" is what kept me from going insane , gave me revelation into my circumstance, gave me confidence to believe as I do, gave me the power to speak to my mountain "IN THE NAME OF JESUS AND TELL IT TO GO!" The greatest thing about that is "IT WENT!" PRAISE GOD!!!!!!!
REVELATION 12:11
"THEY OVERCAME BY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB AND THE WORD OF THEIR TESTIMONY; THE DID NOT LOVE THEIR LIVES SO MUCH AS TO SHRINK FROM DEATH."
You may say "WHO DIED AND GAVE YOU THE AUTHORITY TO SPEAK AS YOU DO?" My answer "JESUS DID! "HE MADE US TO SIT IN "HEAVENLY PLACES" according to Ephesians 2:6. The problem for most is that they WILL NOT take their rightful place and TAKE AUTHORITY IN JESUS NAME, AGAINST ALL THAT IS COMING AGAINST THEM.
HAVE YOU RECIEVED "THE PROMISE, THE LIVING WATER" SINCE YOU BELEIVED?
I hope everyone still loves me after this entry! I know some of the things I speak of are not popular and to some even controversial, but it's all CLEAR to me and I'm JUST SPEAKING " THE TRUTH IN LOVE." I am a GOD PLEASER not a people pleaser and an "EAR TICKLER."
GOD IS GOD AND HIS WORD IS EITHER TRUE OR IT ISN'T!!!!!
IF YOU HAVE NOT HEARD MY CHOIR SING PLEASE SCROLL BACK UP AND DO SO! IT'LL BLESS YOU SO!!!!!
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Spring break starts for us March the 12th so we are gearing up to go to California to see Grandma and Grandpa Martin and much more of our family and hopefully friends too! This may be my last journal entry before we leave. We will be flying in to Sacramento and going on down to the bay area to show Mitchell where he was born. Should be a great time!Please pray for us to have a safe trip. Thank you everyone for visiting us today!
WISHING ALL HAPPINESS, HEALTH,PEACE AND PROSPERITY!
LOVE,
BECKY
Tuesday, February 24, 2004 7:28 PM CST
Feb 25th
Happy Birthday to my CANCER SURVIVOR Aunt Nonie!
I am so thankful that you are still living to tell the glories of what the Lord has done for you!
Against all hope, you still had hope. You were diagnosed almost 10 years ago with leukemia and beat the odds of your 5urvival prognosis.
Today you are living proof that miracles still happen!
You are now enjoying all the wonderful things in life such as watching your children be married and your second grandbaby just came into this world!
Thanks for having hope so others can too! your birthday card will be late. I hope you can forgive me!
ROMANS 4:18-24
" AGAINST ALL HOPE, ABRAHAM IN HOPE BELIEVED AND SO BECAME THE FATHER OF MANY NATIONS, JUST AS IT HAD BEEN SAID TO HIM, "SO SHALL YOUR OFFSPRING BE." WITHOUT WEAKENING IN HIS FAITH, HE FACED THE FACT THAT HIS BODY WAS AS GOOD AS DEAD-SINCE HE WAS ABOUT 100 YEARS OLD-AND THAT SARAH'S WOMB WAS DEAD. YET HE DID NOT WAVER THROUGH UNBELIEF REGARDING THE PROMISE OF GOD, BUT WAS STRENGTHENED IN HIS FAITH AND GAVE GLORY TO GOD, BEING FULLY PERSUADED THAT GOD HAD THE POWER TO DO WHAT HE HAD PROMISED. THIS IS WHY IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS. THE WORDS "IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM"
WERE WRITTEN NOT FOR HIM ALONE, BUT ALSO FOR US TO WHOM GOD WILL CREDIT RIGHTEOUSNESS-FOR US WHO BELIEVE IN HIM WHO RAISED JESUS OUR LORD FROM THE DEAD."
Against all HOPE, Abraham IN HOPE BELIEVED.Wow!!!!!!
I can not think of a better example than Abraham of someone who walked by faith.
Genesis 22:5 reveals Abraham knew that though God told him to offer Issac up for a burnt offering that Issac would come back down from the mountain."He said to his servants, "stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you." How did he know that? The same way I knew Mitchell's cancer was "dead at the root." God gave me that personaly.
Every time the doctors would say something that did not line up to the Lords report all I could say is "I know what I heard. When other children were jumping on trampolins, my sons platlets are too low, and it was at those times the doubt would creep in and I would wonder if Mitchell would be around to play t-ball ,go swimming, be on a swim team ,start kindergarten,ride the bus or just go to chuckee cheese! Other parents were purchasing those "rainbow playsets" for their children and we're spending our money on gas driving back and forth to texas childrens,parking ,eating out, prescriptions, and doctor bills. Other parents are talking about school carnivals, vacations,their kids got the snifuls or some other "trivial thing" and I'm talking about blood counts ,gcsf shots,mri's ,cat scans,anc and on and on and on .And at the same time sleep deprevation has taken it's toll kids are dying left and right all around us and we're left to wander "who's next?" Just like a holacaust. All I could say is "I know what I heard!
The Lord just seemed to say to me at this time. I'm not taking other people where I'm taking you and that is why they are not walking the same path you are on. Joseph was sold into slavery, put in prison, treated unfairly and falsely accused, but that was because God was taking him to a place of "greatness." Yeah everybody wants that place of "greatness" but do they also want to go where we have to go to get there? I don't think so! Joseph's story was another great example of what the Devil meant for evil God turning around for good! I clung to that word too.
And you know, when treatment is all over, I think the feeling (at least it was for me) is much like the refugees after the holacaust. Where do we go from here. How do you re-enter the "real world" after your reality for a year(alot more than that for some) Has been pushing an I.v. pole around the hospital day after day and week after week, watching your child be pocked and prodded, and all the other things mentioned above. I realize there are some who would just like to get to THAT point.
Today, after a little over two years of being off treatment I look back and see where my Jesus has brought us from! Everyday when I watch my little boy get on that bus all I can say is "thank you Jesus." When I signed him up for t-ball, "thank you Jesus!" When I sign him up for the swim team, "thank you Jesus." But the greatest day will be when he becomes what God is grooming him now, to be, "Thank you Jesus!" It's been prophesied that he will go to the nations. If so, He's the Lord's "Thank you Jesus."
The things others take for granted, we hold very dear.
Because Mitchell is my only child and the circumstances to which he was born I am reminded of the shunammite woman in 2 Kings 4:8-37. This woman took Elisha in and he prophesied that she would have a son . She did. Verse 18 says the child grew and one day complained his head hurt and the next thing we know the child is dead in her lap. Well the mother did exactly what I would do and headed out to find Elisha.When Elisha saw her in the distance he told his servant to run toward her and ask if everything was o.k. Everything was alright. Alright? Why would she say that? Her son fell dead in her lap and everything is "alright?"
She knew she had to get to the man of God and who knows what she went through on a donkey to get to him but SHE GOT TO HIM! The story goes on and Elisha raised the boy from the dead.Was this "a test of faith" like Abrahams?
The woman ran toward the source.This principal is required today.We either fall toward the cross or fall away.
Psalms42:5 "WHY ARE YOU DOWN CAST O MY SOUL? PUT YOUR HOPE IN GOD, FOR I WILL YET PRAISE HIM, MY SAVIOR AND MY GOD."
Just begin to praise the Lord today inspite of what your human eyes can see!
Isaiah61:3 " PROVIDE FOR THOSE WHO GRIEVE IN ZION- TO BESTOW ON THEM A CROWN OF BEAUTY FOR ASHES, THE OIL OF GLADNESS INSTEAD OF MOURNING, AND A GARMENT OF PRAISE INSTEAD OF A SPIRIT OF DESPAIR."
I don't know why us parents of cancer kids have such a hard test.Could it be that we are going to a higher level?
Lord you know I need a new touch. New manna for today. A fresh annointing of your spirit living inside of me.That spirit is what brings comfort to me when I am weary.That spirit is what intercedes for me when I can't find the words. That spirit is what gives me boldness to speak your word in season or out.That spirit is what gives me the victory.
I WILL WORSHIP YOU LORD , IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH.WITH MY WHOLE HEART , MY SOUL MY MIND AND ALL THAT IS WITHIN ME I WILL BLESS YOUR HOLY NAME!
Zechariah 4:6
" Not by might nor by power, but by my spirit says the Lord Almighty."
Tuesday, February 17, 2004 7:55 PM CST
"THE GREATER THE SORROW AND PAIN, THE GREATER YOUR CAPACITY FOR JOY."
JAMES 1:2-4
CONSIDER IT PURE JOY, MY BROTHERS, WHENEVER YOU FACE TRIALS OF MANY KINDS, BECAUSE YOU KNOW THAT THE TESTING OF YOUR FAITH DEVELOPS PERSEVERANCE, PERSEVERANCE MUST FINISH IT'S WORK SO THAT YOU MAY BE MATURE AND COMPLETE, NOT LACKING ANYTHING."
ROMANS 5:3 "BUT WE ALSO REJOICE IN OUR SUFFERINGS, BECAUSE WE KNOW THAT SUFFERING PRODUCES PERSEVERANCE, PERSEVERANCE, CHARACTER, AND CHARACTER, HOPE. 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."
James4:7
"SUBMIT YOURSELVES, THEN, TO GOD, RESIST
THE DEVIL AND HE WILL FLEE FROM YOU."
What does it mean to submit to God? To me, it means to do what his word tells you to do when adversity comes. It means to give him thanks in EVERTHING,not just the in GOOD times. It means to trust him with all of your heart and LEAN NOT to your own understanding. In all of your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths. REJOICE for the steps of a RIGHTEOUS man are ordered of God. In the times of trouble God will UPHOLD, PRESERVE, AND SUSTAIN.
Our Lord told us that in this world, you WILL have trouble but, be of good cheer for I have overcome the world!!!!!
When I think about what he did for me on calvary, I have to question why I doubt him at times in my life. "He was wounded for my transgressions , bruised for my iniquities, the punishment that brought us peace was upon HIM and by his stripes we are healed." Isaiah53:5.
Can any of us REALLY understand what he did for us? What he took upon himself so we might HAVE joy, peace, salvation, healing, The baptism of the holyghost and fire!!!!!!!! My God!!!!!! He gave us everything so WE could conquer DEATH, HELL, AND THE GRAVE. And, so we could have life more abundantly here on earth! Yes, he is sovereign, yes, he's hard to understand at times, yes, his ways are not our ways. Thank God!!!!! He is the most patient an kind God/person I know.
I don't know if I can bare to watch the Mel Gibson movie coming out soon. I can hardly watch what they show on television. I know he was unrecognizable, my bible tells me that. I have no doubts of what he did for me. that's just it he already healed me 2000 years ago . He saved me, he cleasnsed me he sought be and he bought me!!!!!!! He made me MORE THAN A CONQUERER THROUGH HIS B-L-O-O-D. I've Got it on my door post. And Honey, let me tell ya, he gave me the gift of the BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GHOST, I SPOKE IN TONGUES WHEN IT CAME AND I AM NOT ASHAMED OF IT. IT IS WHAT HAS GIVEN ME THE POWER TO OVERCOME ANY OBSTACLE THAT COMES MY WAY. I NOT ONLY WANT TO BE KNOWN IN HEAVEN, BUT I'D BETTER BE KNOWN IN HELL!!!!!! I want the minute my feet touch the floor in the morning to send the devils running! They tremble at the NAME OF J-E-S-U-S!!!!!!!!
Did you know sickness comes from the pit of hell? Do you know if you are a righteous Christian YOU HAVE POWER AND DOMINION OVER THAT! TAKE AUTHORITY AND QUIT TAKING OFF THE DEVIL. SUBMIT TO GOD, RESIST THE DEVIL, AND HE WILL FLEE!!!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today, my thoughts drifted back to the time frame Mitchell was starting his radiation therapy. Because of the complete response in the induction phase of his treatment, (which means "no tumor" and "clean margins") there seemed to be some confusion as to whether or not he would recieve radiation to his thigh. So....when he was simulated it was for his pelvic region only but at reduced dosages 41gy(I think). Now simulation was no picnic for Mitch. We were NEVER accomodated very well by the wonderful people at Methodist Hospital. It seemed like everyone else got the early slots and we were ALWAYS kept waiting at least 30 min past our appointment time.
Wel-lllll, things were not getting off to a good start at Methodist. Because, I believe, they were not used to seeing a "complete response" they really weren't sure what to do.
Thanks to an INTERN who read the protocol, it WAS determined that they needed to radiate Mitchell's thigh afterall!! Ohhhhhh , I was so upset! If there was a brief time when the devil appeared to be stealing my victory , it was this time!
The radiologist explained, though they would be radiating the thigh it was the lowest dosage at 35gy and they would be using the peacock laser which would 99.9hance that the right thigh would not grow shorter than the left. Considering that in the beginning, they thought it was very possible that they would have to amputate Mitchell's leg and where we were at present, I thought, "we've certainly got the better alternative. I soon calmed down, but was not happy about yet ANOTHER simulation. Yes, I whined alot about those people at Methodist. I just think the devil was using them to steal my joy and take my strength.
Well as our Lord would have it, there was yet one more little gliche' in the radiation saga. I don't think I was "getting it." At least not as the Lord saw it......
We were on the 14th day of the 23 of radiation when "tropical storm Allyson" hit Houston.
By this time, my thankfullness for the "complete response" was edging it's way to the backseat. I just WAS NOT GETTING THE FACT THAT " I WAS NOT IN CONTROL" OF ANY OF THIS SITUATION. I WAS NOT LOOKING ON THE BRIGHT side of things.
Well guess who was flooded out. Yes, you guessed it! Methodist Hospital's basement. Bet you can never guess what was in the basement. Yep....radiation equipment and all the trimings incluuuuuuding, that's right, the simulation casts for all radiations thus a third simulation for poor little Mitch.
Thankfully M.D. Anderson was willing to take us in. However we were delayed a week of therapy.
This is where my attitude began to change. The "light bulb" came on and I began to THINK differently. I had to look at things as that "God is in control!"I began to think he brought the flood just for ME to teach me some things such as PATIENCE and ENDURANCE. As (just ask my mother) neither one of those were my better virtues.
The radiologist (Dr Chu) had to explain that the peacock laser would not be available and therefore there would be an increased risk of the right thigh being shorter because M.d. Anderson used the "conventional method."
By now I had had ENOUGH of the devil! I stood up, looked Dr Chu right in the eye and said "The fire of radiation will NOT harm my child, my God is the 4th man in the fire of the Hebrew boys in the firy furnace!"No, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendego did not even smell like smoke. Daniel 3
You see God had to shake me a little to show me "He is in control."But, if we are not submitted to him we WILL continue to struggle. When we can begin to , STAND UP AND DECLARE THE WORD OF THE LORD inspite of our circumstances or what things LOOK LIKE, the Devil WILL flee!
The rest of Mitchell's radiation at M.d. Anderson went sooooo smooth.
Trust me, we had our share of obstacles to overcome but the GRACE was always there and ALWAYS the greater!
Thank you Jesus, for allowing me the time to share these truths with people I love. Please remember Lord, We are human and humans forget. Roll back the curtain of memory, now and then, please show us where you brought us from and where we could have been . Amen
Sunday, February 15, 2004 9:40 PM CST
AS PART OF THE HUMAN RACE
I'M FINDING IT HARD TO KEEP THE PACE
I HAVE SO MANY THINGS TO DO
BUT LORD, IT'S HARD TO DO THEM WHILE OTHERS
ARE SO BLUE
THEY ARE MY DEAR CARINGBRIDGE FAMILY
TO THE WORLD THEIR ISSUES ARE SO RARE
BUT, I KNOW WHERE THEY ARE AND I REALLY CARE
PLEASE LORD, COMFORT THEM
AS ONLY YOU CAN DO
THANK YOU FOR BEING THERE TO TAKE OUR
PROBLEMS TO
LORD, YOU KNOW RIGHT WHERE WE ARE
YET, SO OFTEN YOU SEEM SO FAR
THEN I REMEMBERED HOW YOU PICKED ME UP
WHEN I WAS DOWN
AND PLACED MY FEET ON SOLID GROUND
YOU WALKED ON THIS EARTH AND WANTED TO PASS THE CUP
BUT SOON AGREED TO BE LIFTED UP
HIGH AND LIFTED UP YOU WERE
SO SALVATION AND HEALING COULD OCCUR
FOR THE JOY SET BEFORE YOU
YOU TOOK IT ALL
SO THAT WE WOULD BE ABLE TO ANSWER YOUR CALL
LORD I'M ASKING YOU TO REACH DOWN AND TOUCH
ALL OF MY FRIENDS YOU LOVE SO MUCH
IN THIS LIFE THERE IS SO MUCH UNCERTAINTY
PLEASE LORD HERE MY PLEA
TAKE AWAY ALL THE SORROW
REPLACE IT WITH JOY
GIVE US HOPE FOR TOMORROW
LORD I WORSHIP YOU BECAUSE YOUR YOU
NOW PLEASE DO WHAT ONLY YOU CAN DO
Saturday, February 14, 2004 4:37 PM CST
UNTIL YOU'VE KNOWN THAT LOVING HAND
THAT REACHES DOWN TO A FALLEN MAN
AND PICKS HIM UP FROM OUT OF SIN
WHERE HE HAS TROD
UNTIL YOU'VE KNOWN JUST HOW IT FEELS
TO KNOW THAT GOD
IS
REALLY REAL
THEN YOU KNOW~~~~~~~~~~NOTHING
UNTIL YOU'VE KNOWN
THE LOVE OF GOD
CANT'T HAVE LOVE WITHOUT GOD.
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!!!!
LOVE,
JAMES,BECKY AND MITCHELL
Saturday, February 7, 2004 2:06 PM CST
Warning: Today’s entry is “full of it”.
I’d like to start by thanking everyone who has responded to past entries. Your thoughts and expressions have been so kind, God keeps confirming that I’m doing as he has lead.
As I wrote a few entries back, God has put a burning desire in my heart to touch a very special group of people in a unique way. I have walked where they have walked and that makes me one of them. I am thankful for the anointing that he has given me to draw others toward him. For his word says: “I can do nothing without him, but I can do all things through him who strengthens me”.
You do not have to have a good prognosis to be cured of cancer. All you need is faith, faith and more faith. Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”. You might ask, faith in faith? No, faith in Jesus; that he is who he said he is and his word will do what it says it will do. Psalms 107:20 “he sent forth his word and healed them: he rescued them from the grave”.
So if your doctors give you a 30% prognosis, then God is willing and able to pick up the 70% slack. If you are walking by faith and not by sight, then you already believe he’s picked up the slack and are waiting on the manifestation of his truth. Miracles are just as rare as the disease or illness they are intended for. If you have a rare disease or illness, maybe you just need some rare faith to receive your rare miracle. Is there any thing too hard for God? Jeremiah 32:27
Forget about practicality; forget about what things “look like” around you. The world does not understand the ways of God, nor do they give a radical Christian much thought or place stock in what we have to say. Therefore, why should we care what the world has to say if it does not line up with the word of God? I care what God thinks and I know where my hope and strength lye.
It’s time to get radical, spend your time searching the word of God for your answers. When you spend time with him, you begin to think like he does. When you think like him he will speak to you and you’ll know it is he when he does. His word says: “and be not conformed to this world; but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is good, acceptable and perfect will of God”. Romans 12:2
Loved ones, you need to know that there is a necessary ingredient beyond chemotherapy, radiation, surgery or any other treatments prescribed by the medical community. It’s faith, faith in the one who made us, saved us and walks with us as we seek him.
What you are thinking, saying and writing does make a difference, because you can call upon him and his promises.
Isaiah 54:17 “But no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper…”
Wednesday, February 4, 2004 8:32 AM CST
"HE WASHED MY EYES WITH TEARS
SO I COULD SEE."
PSALMS 30:5
"WEEPING MAY ENDURE FOR A NIGHT
BUT JOY COMES IN THE MORNING"
God sees,knows and records in writing all our toubles, distresses,and sufferings.Every tear shed by a faithful believer is treasured by God and carefully preserved in his memory;he keeps a recordso that he can comfort and reward us according to our suffering on earth.
PSALMS 56:8
"Record my lament;
list my tears on your
scroll
are they not in your record?"
Something "HUGE" I have learned over these past years is
TO WALK IN THE "PROMISE."
In other words if God promised it and I'm "IN COVENANT"
with him, IT'S MINE whether the manefestation is there or
Not.I live as though IT IS manefested.My praise then begins
to come forth,BLESS GOD,he just can't help himself!!!!!!!!!
When I "PRAISE HIM" INSPITE OF MY CIRCUMSTANCES OR WHAT
THINGS "LOOK LIKE,"GOD IS MOVED!!!!!!!
We REALLY believe we are "BLESSED AND HIGHLY FAVORED"
therfore,WE ACT LIKE IT!!!!!!!
It doesn't matter what things "SEEM LIKE" around us.
I realize this is a completely different realm by the
The worlds standards.The world is sad when the sun doesn't
Shine.Well,If the SON was shining in their hearts they
probably wouldn't even notice!
If we could just see the SPIRIT REALM" and how the angels
are at work for us.This is why our Lord is referred to as
"THE LORD OF HOSTS."THE ANGELS ARE ENCAMPED AROUND ABOUT
US!!!!!!
We had a teacher conference yesterday , with mrs Rankin (Mitchell's
teacher)and mrs Lynhart(special ed Rep).
Overall,they are very happy with the strides Mitchell
has made.When we looked at where Mitchell was at this time
last year,it's plain to see, things can change very quickly!
Mrs Shivers(ppcd teacher)wasn't sure if Mitchell would be
ready for kindergarden this time last year.According to Mrs
Rankin,Mitchell was not,at all, what she expected to see.
She went on to say how much Mitchell has helped the class
learn how you can be weak in some areas and strong in others.
Where you are strong you can help others and where you are
not as strong,others can help you.
Mitchell is very strong with anything that has to do with
numbers,yet very weak in Language arts."Phonetics"which is
the sounding and blending of letters,is not his strong suit.
He does not understand the concept of rhyming either.
So.....,what they are planning to do is take him out of
class (how often,I don't remember)several times weekly and put him with a small group with the same issues.
Mrs Rankin couldn't stress enough how "wonderful" Mitchell is doing.
Texas does not require Kindergarten.However,where we live,
(Katy ISd),the school system has VERY HIGH standards.
Also,where we live( within Katy ISD),has even higher
standards.
Now, with that said,two years ago Mitchell had very little words for a 3 yr old.
At the time the thought of him being ready for
kindergarten at his appropriate age ,especially in a very
"high standard school system" was or seemed like a "pipe dream."
As time went on we saw sooooo much progression.Yet,less
than a year ago Mitchell was still considered.
"severely speech delayed."
We are so confident, after all Mitchell has overcome,HE WILL
continue to do "BETTER" than expected,by the professionals.
We, howeverexpect him to do better according to the word
of God and the promises we stand on!!!!!!!
We are "walking in the promise."
GOD IS RESTORING MITCHELL TO WHERE HE WOULD HAVE BEEN HAD
WE NOT LOST A YEAR TO "CANCER TREATMENT AND ALL THE SIDE
EFFESTS!!!!!!!
PLEASE STAND IN AGREEMENT WITH US!!!!!!!
Thanks for stopping in!!!!!
Love and Blessings to all,
Becky
Saturday, January 24, 2004 7:22 PM CST
Dear loved ones,
Well tommorrow; it will be three years since we drove five hours, from here in Houston to Alexandria, Louisiana to have Mitchell prayed for.
Thursday was three years since he spoke to me and told us to go. At first everyone kind of hum hawed around about driving that far and thought there was surely some place closer.
My reply is found in 2 Kings chapter 5. Naaman was told by the prophet Elisha to wash in the Jordan River 7 times and his flesh would be restored from leprosy. Verse 12 ...
" ARE NOT ABANA AND PHARPER, THE RIVERS OF DAMASCUS BETTER THAN ANY OF THE
RIVERS IN ISREAL?"
The point wasn't what was better the point was and is, what does God say to do.
Needless to say, when I came back with that reply, everyone agreed to go to Alexandria.
Now, for those of you who do not know about this church, it's not your " average" church. Click on to their link at the bottom and listen to their web cast Sunday nights at 6 o'clock, and you'll know what I mean.
The experience in Alexandria is very near and dear to my heart. I have just realized within the past three weeks, this is when the Lord put a" hook in my jaw."
The church was packed that day. When we took Mitchell to the front to be prayed for there were a lot of people gathered around. Later James, Mom and Dad told how so many of those people were shouting, dancing and praising God. I was oblivious to all of it.
I was on a mission and I was determined to get my miracle come "hell" or "high water."
Vesta Mangun pointed her bony finger at me and said "You're gonna have to fight!" Little did I know what the full meaning of that would be until much later. She was talking about "the Fight of Faith."
There is much fear, hand ringing," why me" and "death" all around you in the hospital and believe me we saw it all.
On two occasions I was actually in the Intensive care unit with children with tubes and breathing machines to keep them alive. One with his head blown up 3 times his normal size from a brain tumor. Now that'll shake you up! This was early in Mitchell's treatment too.
The other one was an 8-week-old baby. We were in McDonalds at the hospital. All of the sudden a young woman stood up and asked for everyone’s attention. She asked all of us to pray "in the name of Jesus" for her baby who is dying from cancer. So here I go again, hand in hand, with a woman I had never met but perhaps in the spirit. The sight was just horrific. The baby died the next morning.
Now if that doesn't test what you are made of. Nothing will!
Vesta also prayed that the Lord would make Mitchell whatever he wanted him to be, just not take him. At that moment, I vowed to the Lord to give Mitchell back for "his service" He had already told me that the tumor was "dead at the root." But the moment I made that vow to God, he put that "hook in my Jaw."
That night I would get up continually pull the covers to look at Mitchell's leg to see if the tumor had disappeared. I guess that was not how God chose to work his plan through us. I believe in "DEVINE HEALING" BUT I ALSO KNOW GOD CREATED THE TREATMENT AND HE'S THE ONE THAT MAKES IT WORK!
I STILL BELIEVED IT WAS "DEAD AT THE ROOT."
An interesting thing happened the next day after our trip to Alexandria. We met a pastor by the name of T.L Smith. He pastors a church that we actually passed coming and going from Alexandria. He and his wife were there for one of the young ladies in their church who had been diagnosed with "Ewing's Sarcoma" a few weeks earlier. We explained to him our situation. He touched Mitchell's Leg and said" I just want you to know, I've never been wrong when I do this, I tell you "I feel no evil when I touch his leg." My reply " Well, That's because it's "dead at the root."
I love it when a plan comes together!
As I've said before, I have just realized within the past three weeks, during the three year anniversary, what direction God wants us to go." I know it's him. He has put a "hook in my jaw", a dream in my heart, a burning desire do his will and SOMETHING TO SAY.
During this three-year anniversary the Lord has revealed to me how important and necessary it was for him to take us down the path HE CHOSE for us, in order for us to fulfill our destiny. I would not be doing what I am doing today had we not gone through what we did. We've also got to leave the legacy for Mitchell to fulfill his. He must know and be taught about THE GOD who healed his body.
OH BUT FOR THE JOY THAT IS SET BEFORE US WHEN WE ENDURE OUR CRUCIBLES AND DRINK THE "WHOLE" BITTER CUP!
I asked God ", why three's?" His reply it represents my death my burial, and my resurrection." I thought about it and it made perfect sense.
The "death " for us represents the death of our life as we new it when Mitchell was diagnosed. It was a 3 week period from the time our research began to the time Mitchell received his first "Chemo cocktail." 01/15/01 to 02/02/01.
The "burial". Buried was our old walk, buried was our old talk, buried old thoughts, buried was a "deaf ear" to God/s voice.
I feel like back in October, when the small spot showed up on Mitchell's lung it was God's way of saying, "you are not going the direction that I have ordained for you." He pulled the "hook in my jaw” another direction. We made several changes and now we are attending a "five fold ministry church" and loving every minute of it. Please click on the CTAB link at the bottom of this page and listen to a couple of Bro. Heard's messages. We're talking "anointing" now honey child!
The resurrection; He has said to me " this is the way, walk ye in it." I believe God has revealed to James and I what he wants us to do for him. We will walk through the doors as they open. Read Phil 1:6...
" Being comforted of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
How I pray that everyone will find the Lord and the destiny he has for him or her, in their own situation. Remember that it's not about us anyway. IT'S ALL ABOUT HIM! It's all about fulfilling the purpose we were put on this earth for!
James 4:8 "Draw near to God...and he will draw near to you."
I want to close with the words to a song written by one of my favorite artists, Darlene Zschech.
"I draw near to you"
I DRAW NEAR TO YOU, YOU DRAW NEAR TO ME, YOU’RE CALLING ME ON TO A HIGHER PLACE. AS CHILDREN RUN TO THEIR FATHERS VOICE, GIVE ME OPEN EARS TO HEAR YOU CALL. THAT I MAY LIVE BY YOUR WORD, TO BE ALL I'M CALLED TO BE. I CALL ON YOUR NAME, I NEED YOU MY GOD.THAT I MAY LIVE BY YOUR WORD, WHOLLY DEVOTED TO YOU.I CALL ON YOUR NAME, I NEED YOU MY GOD.I DRAW NEAR TO YOU, YOU DRAW NEAR TO ME.LET ME HEAR YOU SPEAK TO ME, LORD.
WE LOVE AND BLESS ALL OF YOU EVENTHOUGH WE MAY NOT KNOW WHO YOU ARE.GOD DOES! PLEASE LET US KNOW YOU VISITED BY SIGNING OUR GUESTBOOK!
LOVE,
BECKY
Tuesday, January 20, 2004 6:12 AM CST
Dear Loved Ones,
Mitchell and I had a wonderful day together yesterday.We started with our allergy injections. Then Mitchell wanted to go to the bk steak lounge to eat and play.On the way home his scetcher broke so we decide to get him another one.We went to Toys R us.As a parent anyone knows that can be a dangerous place to take a kid.He did pretty good though.We got what we came for.He also ended up getting a "dinosaur" monopoly game.I was thinking how tired of "The Veggie Tale game" we are getting.After one more stop we were home playing the new game.I had so much fun just spending the day with my little boy!He is at such a fun age now.He is just now at the point that we can actually communicate effectively with him.Those of you who know us ,know what I mean.His "language" has been "a long time comin" Oh but when I looked back to three years ago yesterday 1/19/01, our day was dramaticaly different...
Mitchell had gotten the Biopsy in which led to his cancer diagnosis.
As I walked in to the recovery room where Mitchell was lying, I saw many chidren and the sight was not pretty."I wanted out!!!!!" the sight was not pretty.It was not delightful.This was disrupting "my little world."
Then I remembered Jesus in the Garden when he asked the father to "let this cup pass from me,never the less,not my will,but thine be done."Mathew 26:39. Jesus drank "the whole bitter cup" for the joy that was set before him.I am so glad he did! Aren't you?
No less is expected of us. The crucibles in our life are painful, yet necessary for us to fulfill our destiny.
Apostle Paul's desire was to "know him" at any cost.Phillipians 3:10 "Oh that I may know him, not just in the power of his ressurection,but in the fellowship of his sufferring.
I knew he was with us in the fire! I knew we were gonna come forth as pure Gold!
I also knew I wanted to "pass this test"! I was determined we were NOT going around this mountain again!
I promised God EVERYTHING! MY ALL! Let me tell you friend, "when you make a vow,before God, you had better keep it! He knows when he can trust us!
All of the sudden I was telling everyone about my God! I found myself comforting others when my own child had just been diagnosed with cancer!That is nothing short of "grace."
That was confidence that could only come from God himself.
You see...I knew from the beginning "it was only a test."
I just recently saw Natalie Cole on the TBN net work. She spoke about her husband,(who is a bishop,somewhere in Nashville,Tn)."When God tests you,you must be quiet and you cannot cheat." The good news is,It's an OPEN BOOK TEST."Insn't that somthin!!!!!!!
I have much more to share today,but I have to go for now.I have to get Mitchell ready for school.
I'll pick back up later today,hopefully.
Love,
Becky
Thursday, January 15, 2004 1:24 PM CST
Well, today marks excatly three years since our Journey with rhabdomyosarcoma began. It was today that we took Mitchell to his pediatrician to have her look at the big lump in his leg. We were sent to get an x-ray and that determined ,what ever it was,was not on the bone.That was good news.Unfortunately that was the extent of the good news for that week ,as by friday the 19th,we had the diagnosis.
My parents were here visiting us from illinois (thank God!!!!) so my mother and I were able to fast and pray together that whole weekend.I tell you we were desparate! Desparate people must take desparate measures! Our neighbors,(bless their hearts were so precious) I surely seemed like a "crazy person" to them.They brought meals over but the only ones eating were my Dad and James.I remember sitting in the rocking chair saying "I do not want you all to feel sorry for me."And "I do not want any "fear" walking through that front door."You see ,I knew, then,why God allowed Mitchell to get the cancer, but most people could not comprehend that.I do not believe God puts sickness on anyone,but just as he took the hedge away from Job(the book of Job in the bible) he took the hedge away from us.Yet he restored to Job and gave him more than he had before.The difference from Job and us is that Job was in "Righteous" standing,we were not.You see I believed according to Malachi 3;8-12 "will a man rob God? yet you have robbed me. But you ask ho wdo we rob you?In tithes and offerings.You are under a curse- the whole nation of you- because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse,that there may be food in my house.Test me in this,says the lord almighty and see if I will not throw open the flood gates of heaven and pour you out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit,says the lord almighty.Then all nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land."
Well I didn't see much of my neighbors after the first month or so.I know I am probably too radical for most. But you know what,They still love us. I know they have seen the hand of God on us.
The passage I quoted in Malachi, I know seems very harsh and I think because " the love of money is the root of all evil" is why the LOrd deals with it so sternly. Tithing is a huge part of the covenant. We must be " in covenant" with God in order to recieve covenant blessings.
I was seeking after things. We had moved to Texas a year earlier and God had given us a much larger and more beautiful home. I was busy ,busy,decorating. Don't get me wrong,I still love to do that, but God gets his first.Anyway I was not doing what I knew to do. In other words I was like Jonah in the belly of the whale. We were not serving God.
The word of God was and is instilled in me from the time I was a little girl.I knew spiritually what to do.We did according to Ephesians:6;10-20 "
"Finally bretheren,be strong in the Lord,and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,but against principalities,against powers,against rulers of darkness of this world,against spiritual wickedness in high places.Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day,and having done all,Stand. Stand therfore,having your loins girt about with truth,and having the breast plate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of peace; Above all,taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit,which is the word of God;Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, and watching thereunto with all perserverence and supplication for all saints. And for me ,that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly,to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassadorin bonds;that there in I may speak boldly as I ought to speak."
Loved ones,If you do not realize you are in a war, you need not read any more of this web page again. Hang it up right now and just go with whatever out come you get.The devil has you right where he wants you.
Notice the passage above says above all,taking the shield of faith,wherewith ye shall be able to quench the fiery darts of the wicked.I don't beleive that can be interpreted any way but one.
I am only sharing what i believe beyond a shadow of a doubt, gave us the victory! This stuff is according to the word of God ,not my own ideas,not my own thoughts,not what the doctors said,not what statics said. We chose to believe the "report of the Lord."You can chose whatever you want for your children.Thank God he gave us our own will and we live in America where we can confess our faith freely!
The intent of this page is to #1 bring glory to our lord and savior "Jesus Christ". My bible says in Hebrews 13;8 "Jesus christ is the same yesterday,today and forever." That means what he did yesterday he will and is willing to do today.And what he did today, he will do tommorrow,and what he does tommorrow he will he will continue to do forever.
Much of Gods promises depend on our wills according to 2choronicles 7:14,Jeremiah 12;16,15;19,Nehemiah 1;9,Exodus 8;21,8;8 to name a few scriptures,from which I state this case.
#2 to share Mitchell's story (our story) past, present and (prophetic by faith)future.
Mitchell is living proof that the promises of God are true. Our hope and prayer is that someone ( even if it is only one)can recieve this "truth in Love."Not only recieve it, but apply it to thier own situation.
#3 to reveal what we know (with all that is within us)why Mitchell is still alive and well today.
We have had to stop worrying and wandering why everyone did not or has not gotten the same results we have.No one really knows (but God) how we have struggled with this issue.
Lord knows our "flesh" would like to just move on with our life,like most people do when their children are cured .But no,we have a God given passion and calling to write these pages.The scripture always comes to us,Luke 21;13 "And it shall come to you for a testimony."Lord only knows how far reaching our testimony will go,but we have made up our minds to do what he tells us to do.
The bible based books we read throughout the year of Mitchell's treatment are as follows;"grace" by Joyce Myer,"Battlefield of the mind",by Joyce myer,God Chasers,by Tommey Tenney"combat faith",by Hal Lindsay ,"Stess Fractures" "by Charles Swindol and "Mourning to Morning", By Cheryl Pruitt,Salem." Mourning to morning " helped me realize that though we do everything we know to do in the natural and in the spirit,the Lord sometimes decides to take them anyway.
Ther is no place we would rather be, than in the" will of God."
Blessings to all,
James,Becky and Mitchell
Tuesday, January 13, 2004 10:04 AM CST
Fiftey nine years ago today my best friend,confidante,constructive critic,spiritual guide,my mother was born.I can only hope and pray that I can be half the Mom she has been to me, to Mitchell.Though we are miles apart today, we celebrate her entrance on this earth.I thank my grandmother for having her,and giving to her, so she could in turn give to me,the wonderful heritage in Christ I have today. Now I have the wonderful opportunity to give the same heritage to Mitchell,now fifth generation.I believe the prayers of my great grandmother still live today.I am the same number of generations to which my heritage began as Joseph was from Abraham.Though I do not claim to be as great as Joseph I relate to him because my life has taken some of the same turns as his. Then I look at where Mitchell falls in that mix and I read Genesis 48:5 "Now then,your two sons born to you in Egypt before I came to you here will be reckoned as mine; Ephriam and Manasseh will be mine,just as Reuben and Simeon are mine."Jacob considered Joseph's two sons as his own,thus giving Joseph a double portion of the inheritance.Now look with me in Genesis 26:3-5.This pertains to God's covenant with Abraham ,Issac and Jacob.
"Stay in this land for a while,and I will be with you and bless you.For to you and your descendantsI will give all these lands and will confirm the oath I swore to your father Abraham.I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because Abraham obeyed me and kept my requirements,my commands,my decrees and my laws."
These scripture passages mean so much to me in so many ways.
#1 it proves that blessings are carried from generation to generation because of the covenant.It proves that how we live and our faithfulness to God affects future generations,(our offspring).
#2 It proves that despite what the Doctors might say about Mitchell being "sterile",My god is a covenant keeping God and he will decide, because his word makes the final descision.Ephraim and Manansseh both had their own tribes,didn't they? God promised it ,didn't he?
I think you can tell how fired up I am! If we can not take the word of God and apply it to every aspect of our lives and believe and yes, expect it, why have it!
I urge and encourage everyone to get a hold of the word of God,(not what others say,not your own ideas,not your own thoughts)and stand on it! God loves for us to put his word to the test.He loves for you to speak his word,despite your feelings.Professional pilots learn to fly by their instruments, not by what they can see in front of them.The word of God is our instrument,not by our feelings or what things look like.
I pray that everyone who reads todays journal entry can grab a hold of these truths.
Mitchell's doctor appt. went very well last week.Our God has brought that child such a long way! Tears are streaming as I write this.She ( Mitchell's doctor) was very happy and pleased that Mitchell was and is doing so well. She told me she made a call to Mitchell's original oncologist(doctor Ginsberg,who moved to chop) to tell her how well he is doing. In the course of our conversation I asked Dr Bertuch(mitchell's current oncology Dr),if she is surprised Mitchell is doing so well.She really didn't answer me so I gathered the answer was "yes".She said "We just really never know." Take note,those were a doctors words.They don't know. We do, because it is written in the word of God!
Mitchell is 44 inches tall and weighed 56lbs.He is 50% in his height and a whoppin 95% in his weight.Dr Bertuch has finally said something about Mitchell's weight gain. Always before they were just happy he was eating good,now she's telling us to cut back! Such problems,I think we can live with them.We will follow her instructions though. I already knew and had already took action before she had to tell me to.I blamed Daddy (sorry honey) for buying too many poptarts and hitting the BK steak lounge too often.At any rate we're doing better.
By the way Mom......"Happy Birthday!" I got on a little roll there.Where have all the years gone? It seems like yesterday you were just my age!
Praise God for his faithfullness!!!!!
Love to all and prayers for all,
Becky
Tuesday, January 6, 2004 8:22 AM CST
Good Morning,
Please pray for the Price family today Jan 8th as they remember their precious son Andrew's Birthday. He would have been 6 yrs old today we know,the rest of the "would have beens" are unknown. Andrew and Mitchell played together at Texas Childrens when we were their together.Our hopes and dreams for our children are so much more than being taken at such a young age.Eventhough we know he is in a much better place, the ones left behind are the ones that grieve.You can visit Andrew's web page at www.caringbridge.com/tx/aprice
to find his story.
There are many Children and their parents out there who need our prayers.I'm speaking specifically of "cancer kids."
I have been through my own "cancer" ordeal and I can truley say "It is nothing to compare to watching the child you have carried and nurtured go through such pain and suffering.Yes,Mitchell is over it. When I say "we will NEVER be the same," I mean it! I can not describe the mixed emotions which surround us.There's the "sweet" in the knowledge that Mitchell is CURED, then there is the "bitter" knowing there are other children diagnosed before and after Mitchell still fighting various childhood cancers.No words can describe what goes on inside a parent when they lay their child down on the mri table or cat scan and "wait" for the results.I never knew about this "world" nor could I ever comprehend it until we went through it.We will always gravitate toward those who have walked this road because "we speak each others language".I do not expect people who have not walked this road to possibly know what this experience is like nor would I wish it on my worst enemy (exept the devil). I have felt from some of our friends that they would rather not hear any more about it when you really can't help it because the experience is a part of you . It's who we are and if people don't like "who we are"they must not understand the expirience that made us "who we are".I thank God for the experience,BUT,I would NEVER want to go through it again!
That is exactly what these children and their family's I'm about to mention, are going through,ALL OVER AGAIN! Yes,we could just move on with "life as usual" but it's just not that simple.
I have an aunt who knows exactly what I am talking about.At 38 yrs old she was diagnosed with Leukemia.The form of it she had gave her ,maybe, a 5 percent chance of survival.Praise god she is way out , I believe 7 yrs or so in remission/ cured,but the scars still remain.I want her to know how much I admire her today and what an inspiration she has been to me.We are a surviving family aren't we! By the way her name is Noni and she has signed Mitchell's web page often.
Now here are the names of some of the children who really need our prayers; Alexia Flory( fighting neuroblastoma relapse), Connor Hunnley (almost finished with relpse treatment from rhabdomyosarcoma).And Cody Johnson ( fighting second or third relapse from ewings sarcoma).I saw Cody's mother yesterday at the clinic and did not get to speak to her very long.Her faith has been VERY STRONG throughout the 4 yrs of fighting but I know she is very weary.Back this summer when he relapsed he was given 2 mos to live . Praise God for that!It's been way longer than that. As long as there is breath there is hope . As a matter of fact as my Grandma Caldwell always brings in, "when Jesus Showed up even the dead came back to life!!!!!!!" He never preached a funeral!
Lexy and Connor both have web pages and I'm hoping Cody will have one soon.You will find Connor's an Lexy's in Mitchell's guestbook, which you need to sign anyway to let us know you're on the prayerbandwagon.
Please know for us this is great God given compassion and Love for these families.A calling for all christians.
This is nothing more than a holocaust. If satan can't steal our children with abortion or drugs and alcohol he tries disease.Our Children are the next generation and we must plead the blood of Jesus over their lives, Sick or not!
Please pray!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Becky
Thursday, January 1, 2004 9:43 AM CST
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!
Well another year has passed and another year ahead! We know our future is bright because we know who holds our future! That alone is so encouraging!Hope everyone had a safe and happy new year celebration as we did. Mitchell enjoyed some fire works just before the sand man came.
Well we made it home safe and sound from our trip. Thanks to Jesus.Mitchell had a wonderful time! I don't think he remembered being there in march of 2002.He was only 3yrs old at the time.He seemed to enjoy and notice much more than before.Some of you have eluded to that perhaps this was our "make a wish trip." It was not. We actually have not taken advantage of that, eventhough I know it is not just for the terminally ill children.
Mitchell got to see his cousins Sydney and Baylee.We feel they really bonded this time.Mitchell really had a hard time saying "good-bye" to them.They are his only 1st cousins close to his age.Baylee is 8 and Sydney is 4.I sure wish we lived closer.
Mitchell got out a picture album a couple of days ago which had several pictures(in the order of events) taken during his treatment. He was really studying them but didn't seem to remember any of it.Boy I did!The tears just rolled.Though it has been three years, at times it just seems like yesterday.Later James and I looked at them together and James commented on one of the pictures taken early on.He thought I had a special look of joy and confidence while holding Mitchell. You know, I really did! God's grace is so amazing!The natural mind cannot begin to understand it! I am able to walk in boldness today living from glory to glory because of what Jesus has done for us.I am his and he is mine and his banner over me is "love."I know who I am because I know who Jesus is.I am who I am because of what he has done for me and because of who he is. Nothing more.The joy of the Lord is my strentgh to walk through any dark valley I have to walk through. I know he is with me and his rod and staff comforts me!! To this day we refuse to let ANYTHING,ANYONE,OR ANY CIRCUMSTANCE steal our Joy.Satan knows if he can steal our joy he will take our strength along with it. Oh but "greater is he who is within me , than he that is in the world." It will be worth it all when we see Jesus, won't it?
My precious parents were also in many of the photos.This journal is probably the closest we will get announcing to the world the gratitude in our hearts to them.
Others in the photos were James sister Betty and her husband Brian, James mother, and his sister Gayle.We cannot thank them enough for all of thier prayers and support.
My aunt Karen and Ucle Gene also went out of their way to be here for us.the were also in the photos.
I plant to acknowledge my others in the journals to come. These "thankyou's" are way overdue!
2003 brought many new developments and situations which we have grown from. We are so thankful for all of them. Every day is a "happy day" when you put it in the hands of the Lord. Things may not turn out as we plan, but knowing GOD is in control ,is a great comfort to us.So often ,we try to take control and it just messes everything up!
I'd like to close with a word of encouragement for all.
Pleasssssssseeee never let the past dictate your future, regarding past failures, bitterness, and strife.Paul, in Philipians 3:13 said ,what I want to say; "Brothers,I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
Paul sees himself as a runner in a race exerting all his strength and pressing on with intense concentrationin order not to fall short of the goal christ has set for his life. You see, Gods grace is centered around OUR determination to press on.Please do not let distactions and temtations such as life's worries,riches and evil desires choke off your commitment to the Lord.
Our prayer for all is the Lord's. That his kingdom will come (which is rightousness,joy and peace) and his will (It's his will that we prosper and be in good health as our souls prosper)be done on earth,as it is in heaven.
we wish you happiness, Joy ,peace, and more in 2004!!!!!!!
Blessings to all!
Love,The Martins
Friday, December 19, 2003 9:22 PM CST
Hello all,
Hope all is well with everyone! I did not get Christmas cards sent out this year.Am I forgiven?I feel like I have just been tredding water.
We are headed to Disney world first thing in the morning! Needless to say Mitchell is very excited.I have packed and unpacked several times.I just can not travel light.I guess I'm not one of those "seasoned travelers."
We really have alot to celebrate.First and formost our Savior's Birthday.Secondly,the first week of this month was 2 years since Mitchell's last chemo.My,how time flys.Next month will be 3 yrs since diagnosis.For those of you who do not know about Rhabdomyosarcoma,this 3 year mark is a major milestone in the statistical world.Of course you know we never have cared about statistics.I just thought I would mention it since there are some who NEED that.
We look at each day as a gift now.When God assured us that Mitchell was healed it was like he was born to us all over again.
I intend to share (next month) the events as they happened three years ago.I did not keep up a journal then but it all is still very vivid in my mind.I feel James has done a great job,but there are some very important details I want to share and it has been bit and pieced here and there,and I want to put it out there once and for all.
I feel we are entering a new season in our life and I think we will need to move on from talking about the past so much.
James and I have really got to pray that God will give us wisdom as to how to manage Mitchell.Besides the fact that he is an only child,everything he has been through makes it very easy to spoil him,not discipline him properly/consistently,and give in to his every little whim.
The treatment for the cancer was a year but it did not end there.the first year were monthly doctor's appointments,quarterly scans,speech therapy,and trying to carry on with a somewhat"normal life". whatever that is!
We and Mitchell's teacher are very pleased with how well Mitchell is doing in kindergarten.We are not surprised he is doing well because we have stood on the word of God found in the book of Joel chapter 2:25,"I will restore to you the years that the locusts have eaten." Mitchell was severely speech delayed at two and a half years old when he was diagnosed.He went that whole year of treatment with no help and really,no change even on his own.we had to basicly pick up where we left off.Unless one has had a child with this problem,I will tell you,that alone is very difficult to deal with.It's frustrating for the parent and the child.
When I say I want to move on ,I mean the direction of what we want to zero in on in prayer.We need prayer warriors to stand in agreement with us that God will restore (bring him to the level for his age he should be) the time we have lost, focusing on cancer "STUFF."I KNOW time can't be restored,but what was lost during that time can.we're looking for a double portion here.We want to see the glory of God in this situation.We have believed and spoken in to existence that Mitchell will not only catch up,but will excell in his class.I know this will happen!
Thank you for stopping in.Please feel free to let us know you were here if you are up to it.
Please pray for a safe trip for everyone traveling this Christmas Season.May your days be merry and bright!
Merry Christmas,We love you!
The Martins
Sunday, December 14, 2003 10:26 PM CST
Dear Friends and Loved Ones,
I would like to take this opportunity to wish my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, “ happy birthday “. It’s all about you Lord.
Joy to the world the Lord is come, let earth receive her king, Let every “ heart “, prepare him room. I often wonder if the innkeeper would have made room for Mary and Joseph, had he known Mary was carrying the Savior of the world.
Many still have no room today for the king of kings. They have room for others and for other things. Room for houses, lands and pleasure and for things that pass away, but for the one who reigns forever; there’s still no room today! It’s sad but true for lots of people. If Jesus is not Lord of everything, then he is not Lord at all!
1st Kings 8:61 reads “ But your “ hearts “ must be fully committed to the Lord our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands.” There is no such thing as half a gift.
Mathew 6:19-21 “ For where your treasure is there your “ heart” will also be. Psalms 14:1 reads “ The fool says in his “heart “ there is no God. They are corrupt, their deeds are vile: there is no one who does good.” I have always thought of this scripture as saying, “ the fool says there is no God.” But that is not what it says. No, it says “in his heart”, a big difference.
How does one say something in his heart; by word or by deed? It is one who rejects Gods revelation, for they do not really believe what the bible says about God. They scorn moral principles of Gods word and rely on their own ideas to determine right from wrong. They do not seek God or call on God in prayer for his presence and help. This describes a person who believes in God but he is not real in their life.
Acts: 26-27 reads “Go to the people and say “you will be ever hearing, but not perceiving.” For this peoples “heart” has become callused; they hardly hear with their ears and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise, they might see with their eyes hear with their ears, understand with their “hearts” and turn, and I would heal them.
What kind of condition is your heart in today? Do you make room for Jesus everyday? Is he who you think about most? Do you really take the time to pour your “heart” out to him? If you do not, I bet you have not given him your heart.
I know all of this is heavy but, my “heart” was heavy and I needed to unload some of it. I still have joy and peace. I’ve got something the world did not give me and the world can’t take away. No, no, this happy face I wear, my Jesus put it there to stay. The Joy of the Lord is my strength. I have given Jesus my whole heart but it hasn’t always been that way. This web page represents what turned our lives around. I just want to help someone else.
What we went through with Mitchell has everything to do with where we are in Christ today. As the song goes; “so I thank him for the mountains and I thank him for the valleys and I thank him for the storms he’s brought me through, cause if I’d never had a problem I’d never know that he could solve them, I’d NEVER KNOW WHAT FAITH IN HIS WORD COULD DO”!
Is there ANYBODY OUT THERE! CAN I GET A WITNESS TO THIS STUFF! If you have not given him the gift of your commitment to his eternal purpose, “your heart”, please do so!
Ho, ho, ho, off to Disney we go and thank you Jesus; you go wherever we go!
God bless you all and Merry Christmas,
James, Becky and Mitchell
P.S. Please donate to Caringbridge if the Lord lays it on your heart!
Saturday, December 13, 2003 10:43 AM CST
Dear Friends and Loved Ones,
I have to tell you a cute story.This past Sunday when I went to pick Mitchell up from children's church, he was standing in line with the rest of the kids to be prayed for. Now, if any of you know Mitchell, you know he doesn't stand in line for anything unless he is at school or it's "Thomas the Tank Engine". He just stood there and let the teacher pray for him, when I got there he was second to the last in line so I know he stood there for a long time. He knew I was there too and you know how kids can be when parents show up!
Mitchell has also found a hymnal we've had for years, and he calls it his "bible" even though I've told him it is not a bible but a song book. He has been sleeping with it all week and the last two days really put up a fight to take it to school. It came down to either him miss the bus or I give it to him, so we chose the latter. I have to choose my battles these days and that was just not one I needed to fight.
Today I got a him nice little note from the sub teacher that the hymnal has been a distraction for him and really causing a problem in class. Well, I just happened to be up there today and it looked like he was distracted by more than a hymnal. Oh well, sorry bitI thought it was cute! Mrs Rankin, we miss you !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pleassssssssssseeeeeeeeee get well soon, the class is a mess without you. I was originaly going to help watch the kids because there was a teachers luncheon but when I got there the homeroom mom told me Mrs Rankin wasn't there. So we told the sub to take a break. Well that was the longest (but funnest hour) I have had for a long time! I mean, 22 kids, one has to go the bathroom, another one wants to get a drink, another gets a paper cut and I don't know if we send her to the nurse or not, somebody else has a question, then somebody else has to go to the bathroom , all at the same time aaaaaaaaaaa !!!!!!!!!
The homeroom mom sent one of the other kids to check on another one who had gone to the bathroom. I guess the kid was still in there and he just announced to the class "he's pooping". Don't ya just love it!!!! Mrs Rankin ,my heart is out and hat is off to you; I do not know how you do it.
Mitchell also had a little spokesman for him in the class. When I got to the school, I had brought Mitchell's library book because he had brought it home again on Thursday (Thursday being library day) I aked he why he brought the same library book home. He told me he worked on the computer instead. I thought something did not sound right. So I thought I would get to the bottom of it since I was coming in on Friday anyway. Well it explained a whole lot when I saw Mrs Rankin was not there. Anyway, his little spokesman named Trent, before you know it , has Mitchell up out of his chair telling me that Mitchell needs to go to the library right now, to get another book. I'm trying to keep him quiet because the sub teacher is in the middle of class. The sub comes over and wants to know what's going on and boy ole Trent proceeds to tell him "Mitchell is going to the library to get another book". Poor little Mitchell is just standing there and looks up at me and says "I wanna go home". You really had to be there!! As I said before it was the most funfilled hour I have had in a long time!
I am having so much fun writing in this journal! I'm not really concerned about how many people read it or not, but it is a great outlet for me. I laugh and cry as I type. I know I have been a little "heavy" in my last few entries so I thought I would "lighten up a little".
I am so very excited about what God is doing in our lives! I believe he is coming very soon! I don't know about you; but I'm lookin for him everyday! But until then, my heart will go on singing, until then with joy I'll carry on, until the day, my eyes behold that city, until the day he calls me home.
Love to all,
Becky
Saturday, December 13, 2003 7:06 AM CST
Dear Friends and Loved Ones,
I have to tell you a cute story.This past Sunday when I want to pick Mitchell up from childrens church, he was standing in line with the rest of the kids to be prayed for.Now, if any of you know Mitchell, you know he doesn't stand in line for anything unless he is at school or it's "Thomas the Tank Engine".He just stood there and let the teacher pray for him.when I got there he was second to the last in line so I know he stood there for a long time.He knew I was there too and you know how kids can be when parents show up!
Mitchell has also found a hymnal we've had for years. And he call it his "bible"I have told him it is not a bible but a song book. He has been sleeping with it all week and the last two days really put up a fight to take it to school.It came down to either him miss the bus or I give it to him.so we chose the latter.I have to choose my battles these days and that was just not one I needed to choose. Today I got a him nice little note from the sub teacher That the hymnal has been a distraction for him and really causing a problem in class.Well I just happened to be up there today and it looked like he was distracted by more than a hymnal.Oh well, sorry,I thought it was cute! Mrs Rankin, we miss you !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Pleassssssssssseeeeeeeeee get well soon. That class is a mess without you. I was originaly going to help watch the kids because there was a teachers luncheon but when I got there the homeroom mom told me mrs Rankin wasn't there. So we told the sub to take a break. Well that was the longest (but funnest hour) I have had for a long time! I mean,22 kids, one has to go the bathroom, another one wants to get a drink, another gets a paper cut and I don't know if we send her to the nurse or not, somebody else has a question,then somebody else has to go to the bathroom , all at the same time aaaaaaaaaaa !!!!!!!!! The homeroom mom sent one of the other kids to check on another one who had gone to the bathroom. I guess the kid was still in there and he just anounced to the class "he's pooping". Don't ya just love it!!!! Mrs Rankin ,my heart is out and hat is off to you. I do not know how you do it.
Mithchell also has a little spokesman for him in the class. When I got to the school, I had brought Mitchell's library book.Since he had brought it home again on thursday (thurday being library day) I aked he why he brought the same library book home.He told me he worked on the computer instead.I thought something did not sound right. So I thought I would get to the bottom of it since I was coming in on friday anyway. Well it explained a whole lot when I saw mrs Rankin was not there. Anyway, his little spokesman named Trent, before you know it , has Mitchell up out of his chair telling me that Mitchell needs to go to the library right now,to get another book. I'm trying to keep him quiet because the sub teacher is in the middle of class. The sub comes over and wants to know what's going on and boy ole Trent proceeds to tell him "mitchell is going to the library to get another book". poor little mitchell is just standing there and looks up at me and says "I wanna go home". You really had to be there!! As I said before it was the most funfilled hour I have had in a long time!
I am having so much fun writing in this journal! I'm not really concerned about how many people read it or not,but it is a great outlet for me. I laugh and cry as I type.i know I have been a little "heavy" in my last few entries so I thought I would "lighten up a little".
I am so very excited about what God is doing in our lives! I believe he is coming very soon!I don't know about you, but I'm lookin for him everyday! But until then,my heart will go on singing, until then with joy I'll carry on, until the day, my eyes behold that city,until the day he calls me home.
Love to all,
Becky
Wednesday, December 10, 2003 10:21 AM CST
Dear friends and loved ones,
Did youknow our God is a covenant keeping God?Somebody shout yeahhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!! Somebody shout Hallelujah!!!!!!!!!
I know at some point I may loose some of you.Especially those christians who aren't so radical.
As sure as I heard the Lord say "It's dead at the root" I heard him say something else a few months later.It was the week of Thanksgiving 2 yrs ago. Mitchell's treatment was about over and we decided after several months of our Big screen T.v. needing repair we should do it, since Nana and Papa (my mom and dad) were coming in for the holidays. The proplem was when we turned the t.v. on it would turn right back off.So the repairmen came and picked it up and a few days later brought it back and it was working properly. I remember being irratated because they didn't want to hook all of our componets back up the way they were.At this point I was already needind an attitude adjustment!So.... we finally got it all hooked back up only for it to do the same thing a week later.Well, the work was under warranty so they said they would come out the following Monday to check it out.Guess what, they stood me up By this time my attitude was needing some major surgery!i was driving Mitchell to his clinic appt at Texas Children and just fuming. They finally came the next day .I was watching the christian channel in the front bedroom when they arrived.The speaker was talking about "grace".It was just what I needed for my attitude adjustment. They came into the familyroom and we went over the fact that the tv had the same problem as before.Mind you, James and I had tried several times over the weekend to turn the tv on and IT WAS NOT WORKING !!!!! the repairman walked over to the tv , pushed the button and wallah!The tv stayed on. Well I felt about as big as a fly! My thought for all this was that I was supposed to witness to the repairmen since the same program was on the big screen when he turned it on. So I asked them them if they knew about the "grace of God". One of them answered "well my mom watches Benny Hinn". So they went away and I'm standing there amazed! About this time the spirit of the Lord came in and said " I sent My angels to repair the tv ,I wanted to surprise you.Just as I Fixed the tv I've healed Mitchell and just as I made a covenant with Noah I've made one with you.The rainbow represents my covenant that I will never destroy the world by flood and every time you turn your tv on I will remember my covenant with you! I've healed Mitchell and Rhabdomyosarcoma will not be back!" So now everytime we turn our tv on we are assured that Mitchell is completely healed! I know this sounds crazy to some But the bible says "god uses the foolishness of this world to confound the wise". I really think he has alot of fun with his children. He laughs and cries with us. Please read genesis chapter 9.
please read Malachi 3:8-12. Something which stands out in this passage to me is "devour".I have heard on definition as meaning "seed eater". Well Mitchell is our precious seed and psalms 37:25 reads "I have never seen the righteous (those in right standing) forsaken or his "SEED" begging for bread. Praise God! The "seed" of the righteous shall be delivered !
Love to all,
Becky
Monday, December 8, 2003 10:02 AM CST
Good morning,
update:Dec 9,2003
The doctors report has confirmed the Lord's report! We have clean scans once again! It's still dead at the root!
I love the lord,he heard my call,he heard my cry for mercy.I love the lord, for he has turned his ear to me and I will follow him as long as I live!
I am so thankful for the old songs that we used to sing in church that mean so much more to me today. "Learning to lean on Jesus".Learning to lean ,Learning to lean,I'm learning to lean on Jesus, finding more power than I ever dreamed, I'm learning to lean on Jesus. What a song!!!!!!!!!!! Another one is what have I to fear , what have I to dread leaning on the everlasting arms I have blessed peace with my lord so near leaning on the everlasting arms. This is how we walked the corridors of the hospital for a year without losing our minds.His word promised to keep us in perfect peace if we keep our minds stayed on him. This is how we do it! Constantly thinking of his word and songs that lift our spirits. I think of apostle Peter, as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus he was able to walk on the water, but when he looked down at the water, (where he was, his circumstances ) he began to sink. We must keep our eyes on Jesus! Come on and walk on the water with me. He will not fail.
When I think of the goodness of Jesus and allllllllll he has done for me , my soul cries out HALLELUJAH , praise God for saving me.
I was sinking deep in sin far from the peaceful shore, very deeply stained within, I was sinking to rise no more, but the master of the sea heard my despairing cry and from the waters lifted me , now safe am I. Love lifted me when nothing else could help "love lifted me".My husband and I were on a wrong road 3 years ago. Caught up in the cares of life and deceitfulness of riches. We believe God allowed all that happened to bring us where we are today. He causes all things to work together for good to them that love him and are called to his purpose.To him that know to do good and do it not, to him it is sin. I knew it was a wake up call,just a test.You wanna watch somebody straighten up and fly right real quick, attack their child. The rain falls on the just and the unjust.But for christians the book of James tells us to " count it all joy" it's for the perfecting of our faith. "call on me in the day of trouble and I will answer and show you great and mighty things which thou knowest not"!
Here I go again!I have quoted many scriptures throughout this entry but I don't know exactly where they are found. I have found www.biblegateway.com is a great way to find scripture.So please read it for yourself.I just had to release some more because I feel like I will explode if I don't! I f I take the time to find the scripture not only will I lose my momentum but others may not read and find it for themselves.
I realize I may seem a little strange to the unreal world. God is the reality.His word says " we are a chosen generation a royal preisthood and a holy nation a PECULIAR people that you should show forth the praises of him who has called us out of darkness into his marvelous light.Come out from the world and be ye separate ,sayeth the lord.
Mitchell needed so sedation for the ct on thursday! We are so proud of our little boy! God has great things in store for him!
Blessings to all,
Becky
bab70@swbell.net
Saturday, December 6, 2003 2:11 PM CST
Dear friends loved ones and fellow Christians,
“ I know “ in whom I believe and “I know “ in whom I put my trust. It’s not the doctors, who would not even have the knowledge they do have without him, but it’s the creator of the doctors, it’s the creator of the science they study.
Christians, we must understand, doctors and medical science are wonderful, but they only have as much knowledge as God will allow, earthly wisdom and knowledge. Beyond that, we can only know things “by the spirit of God”. That comes by seeking his face, sackcloth and ashes, fasting and fervent prayer. Our carnal minds are of no use to God. Romans 8:5-7.We are to walk by faith and not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:6-8,trust in the Lord with all thy heart and Lean not to our own understanding. Proverbs 3:5.
We must apply these scriptures to every aspect and situation in our lives! In Matthew 9:20-22,The woman with the issue of blood knew if she could touch the hem of his garment, she would be made whole. Jesus them told her that it was her faith that made her whole because virtue went out of him. The same thing happens today! The way we touch him is through fervent prayer, fasting, worship and praise! Colossians 4, Hebrews 4:11-16, Psalms 35:13, Daniel 9:3, Mathew 17:21, Mark 9:29, Luke 2:37. He is touched by the feelings of our infirmities and his Love is unfathomable! John 3:16 and John 15:13.
The first thing the lord showed me when Mitchell went through all of his initial testing and scans, was his love for me. As they had to pour the awful contrast down Mitchell’s nose (because it was the only way to get it down him. He would not drink it), Mitchell was screaming and I’m holding him saying “it’s gonna be alright”. At the same time I’m talking to the Lord and telling him that “I love Mitchell so much and I don’t know if I can do this”. His reply to me was “my child, your love for Mitchell is but a portion of my love for you and I’m holding you just as you are holding him and I’m telling you, ”It’s gonna be alright”.
I knew I had heard from the Lord! There was an immediate peace and confidence that I can’t explain. James knew it too because of a glow on my face. You must understand the glow was not from make up because I had cried every ounce of that off and it wasn’t because I was rested, many nights I lay awake and half asleep all night praying in tongues. This is how we hear from him, his word says ”If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, seek my face and pray, then, I will hear from heaven and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:13-15.
We believe in the lying on of hands and we do it! Acts 28:7-9,Mark 16:17-18. We drove 5 hours to have specific elders pray for Mitchell and lay they’re hands on him. We built a memorial as Cornelius did in Acts 10:4. We believed God and his word and that he had already healed Mitchell. You’ve got to put that faith to work! “And these signs shall follow them that believe”. Mark 16:17-18. Sometimes we got to do more than quote a few scriptures and hope for the best. First, you must believe Mathew 12:57-59, Mark 6:6, Romans 4:20 and 11:19-21. Secondly, We must do what the scriptures tell us to do. James 1:21-23.
I would never ask anyone to believe me, but I would ask one to believe the word of God! Believe you can do what it says you can do and have what it says you can have! In Hosea 4: 5-7 is says “ My people parish for lack of knowledge”.
This is the first time I have actually written in Mitchell’s journal I feel like the prophet Jeremiah “ it’s like fire shut up in my bones”. Jeremiah 20:8-10.I can’t keep it to myself I’ve got to tell somebody else. My prayer is that someone can receive from the things I share, now and in the future.
All I want to do is bring glory to Jesus!
It’s so important for us to teach our children “the word of God”. Proverbs 26:6. I strongly believe my child is alive today because of what I was taught. We have come this far by faith leaning on the Lord, trusting in his holy word. He’s never failed us yet! There is no testimony without a test.
The baptism of the Holy Ghost is what gives us the power to overcome! Luke 9:1 and 10:19, John 1:12, Acts 1:8 and 3:12-16 and 6:8 and 10:34-38.That same spirit which created the heavens and the earth, robed himself in flesh, died and rose again lives in me. Matthew 21:21 tells me: I can speak to the mountain: ”be thou removed” and it has to Go! Matthew 11:12 “The kingdom of God suffer by violence and the violent take it by force”. If you are reading this today and you or a loved one is sick; get violent in the spirit with the devil! He puts afflictions in our bodies and lies to our minds, but the bible says in Isaiah 59:18-20; when the enemy comes in like a flood, the spirit of the Lord will raise a standard against it! Praise God! We have authority in “the name of Jesus”. Acts 3:6 and 4:29-31.
I could go on and on, the scriptures are just rolling, I’ll save some for the next journal entry. For all the anonymous inquiries; just in case you are still wondering, it’s “by faith” we know Mitchell will not be plagued again with Rhabdomyosarcoma, not the doctor’s report. It’s by faith now, just as it was three years ago. I dare you to believe the word of God and I double dare you to do what it tells you to do!
We love and thank everyone for past and continued prayers for Mitchell! I thought it was time for you all to hear from me, where I stand in all this. There’s much more to share and I will!
In his love and grace, Merry Christmas!
Becky
Tuesday, November 18, 2003 11:28 AM CST
Today is such a beautiful day in east Texas, the sky is bright blue and the air is fresh. Most people would think typical following a storm like we saw yesterday; but yesterday was different. The Lord Jesus Christ received Hannah Grace Henson into heaven and threw quite a party as the heavens opened and tears of joy rained down on earth like none lately. When you read her story you’ll understand my heart.
www.caringbridge.org/tx/hannahgrace
Our little man is so blessed; yeah our whole family has the favor of God. We are in awe of just how much he loves us, how much he watches over us, and how much he leads our paths. I’ve been reminded how much others needs to see our blessings, how many need to hear our testimony or just a word of encouragement and how I’ve robbed them of that by not keeping this page current. Lord please forgive me.
Mitchell is doing well, working hard at Kindergarten and playing hard when we let him. He’s becoming such a normal boy of five. We used to think there would never be normal again; it’s just different, very different. Those of you who have been this way understand what I’m saying; time passes and you adjust to new routine but normal things have an asterisk beside them.
Mitchell completed treatment in early January 2001 and has clear scans for nearly two years. His latest scans were back on October 1st and all was clear with exception of a minor spot on a chest CT. The doctors agreed that there was no cause for alarm but wanted to rescan at six weeks as a precautionary measure. Well they were right, the allergist found a sinus infection and we’ve been fighting that for a month now.
His follow up was scheduled for this Thursday but has been postponed for a couple more weeks. This is what I mean, normal with an asterisk. We stand on God’s word and we cling to it’s dead at the root! My son is at school, Hannah is in heaven, I’m at work and God is on the throne! Normal with an asterisk.
I praise Jesus for all I have, for what he has provided and what he offers me freely. Bless you for reading and signing if you feel lead to do so.
Monday, June 30, 2003 5:57 PM CDT
Yes, it's been a long time since our last update and yes it's been a long time since we were at the clinic or hospital for anything related to treatment. Today was our first six month interval visit and we are happy to report it went great.
Mitchell is weighing in at 46+ pounds and still just 42 inches tall but a picture of health. He turned 5 years old last Thursday and was happy to finally have "his birthday" party. It may sound strange but this is the first year I think he understood what a birthday was and that it was a party for him. We celebrated with a party at McDonald's followed by a swim at the house. I thought afterwards that McDonalds was appropriate in rememberance of our stay at the Ronald McDonlad house during radiation therapy.
Mitchell shows no signs of looking back and has really begun to speak with authority; he can throw orders with the best of them, just ask his mother. He's very busy this summer with speech lessons and swimming pools, but the biggest news is that he's becoming a computer nerd!
The Reader Rabbit series has captured his imagination and he really enjoys "learning the games" or the computer. We're trying to decide how much of this is good without letting him spend too much time indoors. He still has his motorcycle, bicycle, tractor, car, wagon and sand box toys to play with!
Next visit is at the end of September when we'll do scans again. Maybe we can teach him to lie still before then. Good luck!
Thanks for checking in; we appreciate your thoughts and prayers, not to mention your notes. We're especially thankful for God's grace and mercy, without it we would have never made it this far.
The Martin family.
Tuesday, March 11, 2003 3:43 PM CST
Thanks for checking in on us; we've just completed another set of scans and they're all still clear! The doctors gave us a report of 15 months in remission; they're still eight months behind the Lord's report but they are keeping pace.
Life is so much different on this side of treatment; some actually found solace in the treatment and proxsimatcy of the doctors but we've found solace in the word of God. His promises and provisions have given us peace and allowed us to enjoy each day without fear.
Mitchell is really thriving in remission; he's healthy and active and doesn't show any side effects of chemotherapy, radiation or surgery. He's almost 41.5 inches tall and just a hair over 40 pounds with a litle over three months until his fifth birthday. He's signed up to play t-ball this spring and already making new friends. Kids seem to communicate equally well with verbal, non-verbal skills at this age and so his lack of speech/language skills doesn't seem to hurt his ability to engage others.
We're looking forward and enjoying every step he takes.
We offer you hope and love in Jesus' name. The Martin's
Friday, January 31, 2003 at 02:08 PM (CST)
Hello all,
It's been awhile since I wrote an update; it's harder than you think to replay memories that are now two years old. Some of that comes from just the joy of not having to live the life day in and day out and partly age.
Mitchell is still doing great, scans and appointments have all been clear and the doctors happy with his growth. He continues to attend pre-school and a special-ed class every day. His teachers think he's coming along fine just behind and hopeful that time will bring him up with his peers.
We're beginning to look at whether he will be ready for kindergarten, the expectations are high here in Texas and right now he seems to not be ready but 7/8 months from now who knows.
He's happy, healthy and growing and that's all we can ask for. He's cancer, chemo and shot free which means everything to kids having walked this path. I asked him the other day if he remembered the hospital, being sick and the doctors and he said yes but he wouldn't look at me. He remembers more than he will talk about and it amazes me that he can put that behind him.
Thanks for checking in on us; we've been celebrating 2 year anniversaries of something significant almost everyday for the past two weeks, the most significant was when Becky heard "It's dead at the root". God is good!. Bless you and yours.
Thursday, December 26, 2002 at 12:45 PM (CST)
Merry Christmas from the Martin family.
I'm in tears today; joy and sorrow fill my heart with the realization of our "first Christmas". This was the first year that Mitchell had a clue what Christmas was or about. Cancer and Chemo free can give a four year old alot of energy and a new lease on life.
Two years ago, we didn't know anything about childhood cancer or any of the beautiful little children we've met since. Mitchell was so young then he didn't talk and we couldn't tell if he was understanding any of it. Little did we know that within three weeks we would be tested with our understanding of Christmas.
Tears of joy roll down my face as I see my son, opening gifts expecting "more Thomas"; ie Thomas the train engines, cars and track... or playing with "Lucas" my in-laws puppy. Knowing that he is here by Grace, an example of his love for us and a reminder of how faithful he is. I'm grateful for my family, neighbors and friends both near and far and for the new friends that are related because of cancer.
The tears of sorrow are for those families, friends who are spending this holiday season without their child and suffering from that loss. I beg Jesus to comfort them and lead them to peace where they can heal and nuture the memory of their loved ones.
I got my Christmas present and that was my family healthy for another day. My wish for you is that you will take today as your last and love those in your life. Today Mitchell is healthy, active and full of giving.
Merry Christmas, James
Tuesday, November 12, 2002 at 05:22 PM (CST)
Hello All,
If anyone is watching for status they're "Beautiful". I really do praise the Lord for the gift he's blessed us with. Mitchell is weighing in at just over forty pounds and 40 inches; that may not be in the top ten percent but the docs and nurses are all happy with how he looks.
He's now ten months out of treatment; nineteen months and six sets of scans since he had surgery that found no cancer. We're counting our blessings and posting the good news for all to read. It's dead at the root!
Our visit to the clinic today was smooth; I can't remember that ever happening last year. We've got one more set of scans in February and then they come six months apart. All functions and vitals are normal with no evidence of side effects.
It turned out that today was the Christmas celebration. The Cancer League put on a great surprise for all of the kids; complete with gifts, food and Santa and the Mrs. Singing, Facepainting and clowns were also part of the gala. This was very nice for the kids and the Cancer League folks really enjoyed the giving.
Until next time, may the Lord bless and keep all of you.
Wednesday, November 06, 2002 at 09:09 AM (CST)
Please stand in agreement with us today.
Lord our eyes are fixed on you as we go today for our next set of scans. We trust you and believe you healed Mitchell almost at the same time he was diagnosed two years ago on 1/19/01. Our 911
We look to Psalms 91:1 “He who dwells in the shelter place of the most high will rest in the shadow of the almighty”. Lord according to Proverbs 3:5, we will “ Trust in the Lord with all of our hearts and lean not to our own understanding.” Our own understanding is the worlds, or what a physician might know through science or studies.
Oh Lord, you are the great physician and that is why we trust in you and your word. “Our faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God”, found in Romans 10:17.
Lord we declare your word boldly before men and we know your word will not return void. Romans 1:17 “ The righteous shall live by faith”. Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. Lord, help us be a blessing to someone else today, and let us be a living testimony of your faithfulness. In the name of Jesus we pray.
Tuesday, October 15, 2002 at 05:59 PM (CDT)
Today, I am reminded of why I created this webpage. To encourage those who cross it's path and remind us all just how precious and delicate life is. As you read this entry I would like to ask that you pray silently for all of the children, teens, adults and families touched by this dreadful disease called cancer.
Today my house is blessed by the almighty with strength, courage, health and bright futures. Today I need that strength as I've learned of yet another relapse of a friend. I say friend, yet it feels more like family as I am brought to tears over the sad news of someones struggle. I refuse to accept defeat into my spirit and I pray even harder that God will yet prevail.
What stress life can bring to the heart when faced with the blessing of good health for mine and relapse for another. Today I honor my friends; Sabrina Bolton, Andrew Mizzoni and Justin Hilligoss. They and their families are an inspiration to me and I want to do for them all I know to do. I pray for them and ask that you do so also.
Our son, Mitchell does not yet understand what he's been through but he's experienced the things Sabrina, Andrew and Justin have and will live to tell of it. Until then I will carry the word for him and share it with you.
Today Mitchell is healthy, spirited and very active. He is a very busy four year old with afternoon special-ed five days a week, morning pre-school and private speech therapy twice a week. He still finds time to swim; yes swimming in October, this is Houston. And he plays with his new favorite toy "Thomas the Tank Engine Train".
His next scans are on 11/6/02 which will give him eighteen months of cancer free life. Our rock was and is: "It's dead at the root".
Praise be to God for all he has done. Bless you all.
Tuesday, October 15, 2002 at 05:27 PM (CDT)
Today, I am reminded of why I created this webpage. To encourage those who cross it's path and remind us all just how precious and delicate life is. As you read this entry I would like to ask that you pray silently for all of the children, teens, adults and families touched by this dreadful disease called cancer.
Today my house is blessed by the almighty with strength, courage, health and bright futures. Today I need that strength as I've learned of yet another relapse of a friend. I say friend, yet it feels more like family as I am brought to tears over the sad news of someones struggle. I refuse to accept defeat into my spirit and I pray even harder that God will yet prevail.
What stress life can bring to the heart when faced with the blessing of good health for mine and relapse for another. Today I honor my friends; Sabrina Bolton, Andrew Mizzoni and Justin Hildigoss. They and their families are an inspiration to me and I want to do for them all I know to do. I pray for them and ask that you do so also.
Our son, Mitchell does not yet understand what he's been through but he's experienced the things Sabrina, Andrew and Justin have and will live to tell of it. Until then I will carry the word for him and share it with you.
Today Mitchell is healthy, spirited and very active. He is a very busy four year old with afternoon special-ed five days a week, morning pre-school and private speech theraphy twice a week. He still finds time to swim; yes swimming in October, this is Houston. And he plays with his new favorite toy "Thomas the Tank Engine Train".
His next scans are on 11/6/02 which will give him eighteen months of cancer free life. Our rock was and is: "It's dead at the root".
Praise be to God for all he has done. Bless you all.
Friday, August 02, 2002 at 02:50 PM (CDT)
Score: SAINTS 15 - DOCTORS 6 (# months w/clean scans)
Today we have excellent news to report from Mitchell's complete scans Monday. The doctors continue to report clear and clean scans.
The story behind the SCORE. LAST YEAR Mitchell's initial scans at diagnosis (1/18/2001) showed a large solid tumor on his leg and small possibly pelvic lymph nodes involved. A second MRI of the pelvic region on 1/25/2001 showed a concern near the bowels and so a third MRI on 1/29/2001 was taken to clarify. The result was the doctors felt he had another single lymph node that needed to be biopsied. This node was far enough away from the primary tumor site that if found positive for the cancer meant metastatic disease.
Following the biopsy, the surgeon met us in recovery and said he removed two(2) lymph nodes and IT was positive. I asked which one was positive because I understood only one was suspect and he said it didn't matter. We held our breath and clung to the Lord's word "IT'S DEAD AT THE ROOT".
The next day we met with the oncologist and found that it did matter. The deep node they went after was NEGATIVE and one that the surgeon took from near the surface and close to the primary tumor was the positive one! This meant Stage III instead of Stage IV.
We understood all along that the plan was to take the deep one but God directed the surgeon to see and take the second one that was positive with cancer. Praise be to Jesus for using the doctor's eyes/hands for our benefit. God led the surgeon to the right node even though it didn't show up on their scans!
The next full set of scans were on April 23rd 2001 and the main tumor was gone, shrunk, poof vanished! Dr. Johnson removed one of Mitchell's quad muscles as the origin of the main tumor and the pathology reports were NO ACTIVE CANCER!
We celebrate clear/clean scans as of this date. The doctors don't start counting until January 2002, so they are behind 15 to 6.
Jesus is still in the healing business, don't give up on your miracle and cling to his word.
Tuesday, July 30, 2002 at 11:24 AM (CDT)
This page is being built as what is hoped will become an inspiration to many childern and families of children afflicted with cancer and blood disorders. This story is about Mitchell Martin now four who was diagnosed with a childhood cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS); more specifically stage III Alveolar RMS with the genetic markings of (T1;T13).
On January 19, 2001 at the tender age of 30 months Mitchell we were floored with the news that our son, our only child was diagnosed with cancer. Thank God for family, Becky's parents just happened to be visiting at the time of diagnosis. The news was numbing and the air was thick with confusion but the light from an old lighthouse shown in the darkness. We did the only thing we knew to do and that was to pray and fast.
For the next days and weeks we prayed and fasted and asked others to join us until a ray of hope, a life line in troubled waters, the answers to our questions would come. The doctors ran multiple tests and scans to measure the extent of the invasion so they could determine their course of action. We prayed for God's will to be shown to us and believe it came in a message; "it's dead at the root".
To my limited understanding, faith is a muscle and it only strengthens and grows through exercise. This trial got me in the gym and reading the book of life. The Bible!
The doctors said Mitchell was border line stage III/IV because of pelvic node involvement but the treatment schedule would be the same. I trusted God and prayed that he would lead me with regard to the treatments. We never heard not to do the treatment so we followed, still listening for the Lord to give us the next instructions.
Mitchell underwent 42 weeks of chemotherapy, five weeks of radiation and surgery to remove the tumor. It wasn't until later that we were told the tumor was too big to operate on and that the hopes were that the chemo would shrink the tumor for removal.
The plan was to complete 12 weeks of chemotherapy and rescan for surgery. In those first few weeks God's words became manifest as we began to see the tumor and leg reduce in size. The doctors said it was swelling but we believed differently. We asked about the chances of the tumor disolving and while the doctors appreciated our enthusiasm, they didn't change the scan date. On April 23, 2001 Mitchell was sedated and scaned again; the tumor once 7x3x3cm was gone! MRI pictures showed a small mass that the surgeon called scar tissue from the biopsy. Praise be to God. The pathology reports were negative, no active cancer found and clean margins.
Skip forward 15 months... Yesterday, Mitchell underwent his seventh set of scans and marks what we count as 15 months of no active cancer. This is by faith and not by sight, the doctors are only convinced that he is in remission since January 2002. They will have to wait until Thursday for their good news.
Their are too many stories to share about the way God answered pray and confirmed his promises for this first entry on Mitchell's page. Let me know your interest in hearing them.
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