Whether you turn to the right or the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." Isaiah 30:21

My special family and friends,

I'm always in awe....and yet I shouldn't be....how God puts people, thoughts, events and words in my life on this journey.

This morning in my devotional in a book called: "365 Days of Hope" I read this written by Joni Eareckson Tada.

The Way

Isaiah 30:18-21

I've always enjoyed maps. I feel good when I have a decent idea of where I'm going and how to get there. A map allows me to mark off progress, to help me see how much farther I have to go.

That's why I enjoy my walk with Jesus. His Word is just like a map. Pick a verse, any verse, and you're on your way. God orders your steps. He points to the narrow road rather than the broad one. He says, "I am the way," and you certainly can't get lost when you tailgate the Lord. And if you're a little unsure of your directions, Isaiah 30:21 read just lkie a road sign.

Look at the road ahead today as though it were a journey full of adventure. Remember that heaven is your destination. Just keep your eye on the Way. That's all the direction you need....by Joni Eareckson Tada.

I wanted to share this for 2 reasons. First because it touches my heart and renews my thought this morning that God is in control....all I need to do is tailgate....actually I'd rather think of walking beside Him and His arm around my shoulders. :}

The 2nd reason is to tell you about the "Out Reach Of Hope" that I have posted on my blog on the right of the screen under "Links". "Out Reach of Hope' is a ministry formed by Dave and Jan Dravecky. Lloyd and I met Dave at a convention in Grand Rapids, Mi. As some of you might know Dave was a pitcher for the "Giants" (I think...not into sports much). Dave lost his pitching arm to cancer a few days after we meet him.

He and Jan started this ministry for people with cancer or major illnesses. Have you ever wondered how to help a friend or family member who has just learned of cancer in their life?? Check out their website. Send in the persons name....either on line or call. They will send them a ton of material for free!!! Included is the "Encouragement Bible". This is the NIV bible and on each page in the right and left margin is a few words about the scripture and encouragement from either, Dave, Jan or Joni Eareckson Tada. I ordered one for myself 2 years and really love it. The "365 Days of Hope" devotional I just wrote from above I bought on the website!! It is awesome and each day holds words that encourage folks with cancer, major illnesses or broken hearts.

The material they send to the person whose name you give them is free. However if you can, a donation is greatly appreciated. Dave and Jan do not draw any funds from this ministry. One day I ask how much the materials cost that they send each person and the secretary said over $45. We have heard from lots of friends and family who we have sent their name in and their comments are so wonderful. A cousin said,"I'll treasure this bible forever!"

Well the day holds much and I must go. I wish I could find another word beside "Thanks" for not only your prayers...but for putting my name on your church prayer chain. Blessed again and again!!!

Trusting Our Faithful God,

Donna

Repair Shop for the journey is open June 16- 7:30 a.m.

Hello Everyone,

We just received word today that the repair Drs. have me scheduled Friday June 16 at 7:30 a.m.
We are to be there at 5:30 a.m.....Yikes......I didn't know there was such an hour!!! They said it will take about 4 1/2 hrs for the new tune up!! The news is that I will stay 2 - 3 days for some tender care from the nurses before hitting the road for home!!

I'm sure we will spend the night of the 15 th at Michele & Derek's to make the trip a little shorter Fri. morning. The plans are that Teresa will be flying in from Tx. on Wed. evening the 14 th. The 15 th will be a crash course for her to learn to run the resort with her Dad's help! Sure glad she is a fast learner!! :}:} Then Michele will take command the following week!! Michele already know most of the ropes!! Now how blessed can I be..... again??? God is certainly supplying my every need!!

I'm not sure how much more there will be tell you until the major overhaul!! In the mean time I'll be pressed close to Jesus side! I'm reminded of the song we sang as little kids.....when we are weak He is strong!! I truly feel that now!!

Bea Behnke, a special friend sent me a quote out of one of Robert Schuller's books... You never promised, Lord, that I would be forever sheltered from stormy times in my life. You have promised that the sun would out last the stroms!! I DO SEE THE BRIGHT SUNSHINE ON THE ROAD AHEAD!!

Make each day count,
Donna
P.S. I can feel your prayers! Thanks sooooo much!

A few wrong turns on the road today!!

Hi Family and Special Friends,

Oh my goodness....Denver is easy to get lost in!! Next time we go...I'm even going to print a set of directions to get back home from the St. Luke's Hospital!!

Other than those little side trips.....I have great news!!! God put 2 great surgeons in my life today. Lloyd and I are both very pleased with meeting them both and what we learned!!
Dr. Young the surgeon and Dr. Baker the plastic surgeon were both great!! I now truly understand the question I was wrestling with of "Why Now God"....because He had special help and surgeons here for me!! Blesssed again!!!

I'll have to share a chuckle with you....Dr. Baker the plastic surgeon "check me out" and then said they needed to take come pictures....we went to another room and there were big lamps with white umbrella around them and a camera. I guess I was kind of nervous so I said ..."Oh is this were you make the secret movies?" He shot 6 or 8 pictures while I was turning all different directions and I asked him if I could have copies. He said, "Do you really want them?" I said "Well yes...I would start a creative memory book....I told him I was even thinking about have a going away party for "them"...after all I had become pretty attached to them the past 64 years"!! I couldn't believe I said that...but he and the nurse got a good laugh....guess that was the before and then we get pictures of the "new improved models later!! Oh my what an adventure!!

We were really hoping to know the date for surgery before we left....but all the office girls had left (5:30p.m.). They will call us tomorrow with the date. Dr. Young is out of the office the week of June 5 :{...so we are trying for June 12. I'll keep you posted.

We truly can't begin to thank you all for the sweet notes and cards you are sending....we are just blown away!! We value your friendship,love, prayers and concern!!

Make each day count,
Donna

....I have good plans for you....I will give you hope....Jeremiah 29:11

The Road Signs Say--"Straight Ahead"

I hadn't planned to write until after I saw the Drs Thur.....but I feel the need to share what developed since I wrote. More blessings!!

First let me say....the comment about 9 churches was far from correct---only God knows the number. So many e.mails today just touched my heart that you were lifting me up to the Lord and sharing my name with your church prayer chains! Thank you... Thank you...Thank you!!
Also a special e.mail from our great nephew, Justin Claypool praying for us while serving in Iraq!! Isn't modern technology great!!

1st sign post: Barry checked out my surgeon Dr. Young. He didn't know Dr. Young....but he did knows another Dr. in that same group! And was impressed how his patient was handled from that group. Barry is an oncologist in Longmont. I'm guessing his patient had surgery in Denver and probably lived in Longmont and saw Barry for his chemo or radiation! Thanks Barry!

2nd sign post: Exciting news! Ed Otto is a special friend in K. C. Ed is hired by hospitals and practices to actually check out Drs. who are applying for a position. Ed sent me a report and it's a go for both surgeons! Thanks Ed!!

That was your prayers from yesterday that God answered...I see His hand every where I turn with more blessings!!

Doesn't that sound like "straight ahead" to you?

Psalm: 90:12 says, "Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." When we think of numbering our days, we can't help but know there will some day be an end.
So make each day count!!!

Beth Rudy gave me permission to use these words that she wrote on my card:

A Hug from Him,
Donna

Next Stop on the Journey

Another blessing today.

I called the plastic surgeon this morning and I have an appointment Thur. May 25th at 1:00 with Dr. Baker who Dr. Mindy Haws suggested Sat. when I talked with her. Dr. Baker is in Denver!!
Dr. Baker has a recommended surgeon, Dr. Young that he works with. So I cancelled the appointment I did have with a surgeon at the U.of Co. tomorrow.

Now what's the chance I can see Dr. Young the same day as Dr. Baker so we don't have to make two trips down the mountain to Denver......slim....first opening they had was Monday May 30th.
After much discussion.....another prayer answered....I can see him the same day...Thur. at 4 p.m.....
Who can explain the blessings!!

Now the prayer request will be for them to have schedules open for my surgery in the next couple of weeks!!

I'll be back on line Thur. night late or Fri. after seeing them both.
Thanking you for all your prayers.
Loving Him and each of you,
Donna

I close today with this praise! Ephesians 3:20...Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us!!

His Wonderful Peace

What can I say....blessed beyond measure.

My dear "new" friends Beth Rudy wrote in a note she gave me yesterday..."As I sit by this beautiful rushing river this morning seeking God this is what the Lord said to me..."Tell Donna I will extol peace to her like a river." Isa. 66:12. Praise the Lord...IT'S MINE!

This morning at the YMCA Church of the Rockies, from where I sit the cross in the front of the church was shining in front of a huge window with the snow capped mountains behind it. I truly felt God saying...I'm here...I'm with you and I give you my peace!!

I thank each and everyone of you who is lifting me and my precious family up to the Lord! I know that there were 9 churches doing that THIS VERY MORNING.... that I know of for sure:
Clarksville Baptist, Marshall Christian, Martinsville Baptist, my sister Linda's church, my sister Jeanette's church, our church Canyon Creek Baptis church, Sun City church in Tx., the YMCA of the Rockies and the Methodist church here of Estes Park....I'm sure there are other I'm missing.

I wonder if I could find a better word to use other that "thank you" ....it just doesn't seem enough.

My prayer request for tomorrow: I will be calling Dr. Baker's office at 9 a.m. (Co. time) who is the plastic surgeon I want to do the reconstruction. Pray that he will have an opening soon and the details will be worked out!!

If you are sharing my blog with anyone else....please tell them to start at the bottom!! It must be really confusing if you start on today!!

Must close and get some rest....THANK YOU JESUS....NO HOT FLASHES! What peace and sleep!!

Loving Him and You,
Donna

I Need An Umbrella---God is pouring blessings on me!!

I'm just speechless with how to explanin all the blessings that are happening EVERY DAY!!!

I special friend, Linda Stephens from our little town of Clarksville and a childhood freind replyed back when I sent her my e.mail this morning that I wrote Thur. night about my new journey.
I called her, and she is in California with her daughter Mindy who is a "famous plastic surgeon" from Nashville, Tn., where Mindy is hosting a medical conference. I has asked Linda if Mindy might know a good plastic surgeon here...YES SHE DOES!! One that even trained under Mindy. While I was on the phone with Linda....Mindy called Matt Baker (the surgeon she knows) in Denver and HE SAID...HAVE HER CALL MY OFFICE MONDAY AND I'LL TAKE CARE OF HER!!!

Do you see what I mean??? It's raining blessings!!

Our daughter Teresa just called and her husband Tabb answered the only question I have with God. I had been struggling with the "Why Question"!!! NOT WHY ME....but WHY NOW! Seven months of my life is really free...."Why NOW God" during the 5 most busy months of my year? I was so focused on the concern of taking care of the resort I couldn't see what Tabb knew...IT'S BECAUSE I NEEDED TO BE HERE WHERE GOD WOULD HAVE SUCH SPECIAL PEOPLE TO TAKE CARE OF ME!! Barry Bblyton has been such a help guilding me to the right Drs, Radiologist and Pathology team. Mindy know a REALLY great plastic surgeon in DENVER that says"I'll take care of her"....happy tears of joy is streaming down my face!!

It's 10:45 and the day holds much...I must get busy...the phone and guests are streaming in and out and I don't even have my make-up on...Shock..Shock....and even bigger shock...I don't really
care!!! Can't wait to see what's happening next!!

Thanks for your prayers and love....and God's mercy and grace!
Donna

Blessings Today

Where do I begin....How true when it says, "His blessings are new each morning"!!
Let me share the blessing today with you!

1.So many wonderful e.mails and calls from you our friends and family with words of encouragement!!

2. A decision to not do the other biopsy on the left breast was made, and to go ahead with a second opinoin immediately. That was a blessing for my left breast...yeah!!

3.Barry, our new Dr. friend... and special friend of Michele and Dereks, took the time to view my mammogram films and pathology report. After seeing them he was inclinded to believe that a double mastemoty was the right step especially with all the calcification in the left breast. He guided me to search for a surgeon at the U. of Co. Hospital for the second opinion!!

4. A friend, Martiza gave me the name of her oncologist. When I called their office they gave me a name of a Surgeon at the University of Colorado Hospital Breast Center. We have an appointment Tues. May 23rd at 1:00!!! Wow so quick! Which as you can imigne...we need to get this done....busy season here at the resort starts the middle of June!!

5. The U. of Co. hospital is an approved PPO Provider of our insurance company!!

6. But probably the hugest blessing today for me is----NO HOT FLASHES! I have been on a natural hormone cream for several years. I knew if this was cancer I would have to stop using it. Normally if I forget to apply it around 10 p.m when I'm ready for bed...by 1 a.m. I'm having horrible night sweats! Last night I threw the cream in the trash and said aloud..."God help me" I can't do this with out you! It's almost 10:00 p.m. ....24 hours and NO HOT FLASHES! That is a praise beyond words!!

7. Beth Ruby had supper with us tonight and she made my Blog site. I have to admit I wasn't even sure what a Blog was or where to find it! I;ll send out the web location tomorrow to you all.
Please feel free to make comments and write back with any question or suggestions!! Beth is one of those great people God drops in our lives at the right moment!! She's the author of the "prayer pal"....check the link that I asked her to put on our site.

There may or may not have new information here each day....but I wanted to have a chronicle of this journey and Beth convinced me this was a great way!
Thanks always for your prayers!

Joyfully His,
Donna
P. S. the spell check isn't working and I have to admit I'm heading to bed...there's much more to life that spelling in my book tonight!! Please forgive!

A New Journey Ahead

May 18, 2006

Good Evening My Special Friend,

I wanted to thank you for your prayers for me the last few days. Dr. Miller called me at 5:00 this evening. She is a surgeon that I saw on the 9 Th of May who ordered 2 biopsy of my right breast. The results are in and it is cancer! But let me share the real blessings from this:

God has a plan for this in my life. I had just read that nothing comes to us before it has passed His permissive will. I know He is with me and my family each step of the way. He is the Lord of my life and I’m blessed by His unfailing mercy and grace each and every day of my life!! Blessed I Am! Imagine this: Psalm 139:8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me; your right hand will hold me fast! BLESSED WE ALL ARE!!

In 1977 when He touched me with a miracle of healing I felt my mission in life was to minister to others who were ill and suffering….which I have tried to fulfill. I can’t wait to see what He has in store for me now…the 2nd chapter is about to open. I’ll certainly be able to relate more to others with cancer!! Blessed because I couldn’t really understand what they were dealing with! Now I will know just a little better.
Other good news is that it appears to be stage 0!!! Yes I said 0! Now how blessed can I be? It appears to be contained in the milk ducts.
Dr. Miller’s words…”this is something that we can take care of”! Blessed I am!!
Michele and Derek have a REALLY GREAT friend here. His name is Barry and he is an oncologist. God knew at Christmas time when he ate dinner with our family that I would need him. BLESSED AGAIN!!
Barry was there to help me find the best surgeon, radiologist who did the biopsy and especially important to me….. That when I asked him tonight….he called both our daughters to explain more to them about this. Blessed Again!!
5 minutes after I received the news one of our guests Beth Ruby, who some of you may know because she writes the “Prayer Pal”, is staying here 4 nights while she attends a Christian Writers Conference up at the YMCA. After I made some calls to the family, I went down to see her and we sit AND prayed by the beautiful roaring river. Peace is mine! Blessed Again! Don’t you just love the way God puts people in our lives and knows the plan before we even have need of it? What an awesome God!!
And really blessed I am to have the love of my life by my side!! LLOYD!! :}
-
THE PLAN
1. Hope this isn’t more than you want to know….guys just pass this to your wife if it is. I thought I was normal and all gals had calcifications in their breasts. Well I’m finding out most gals don’t know what I’m talking about! Gals you have probably seen your mammograms. Right? If you have calcifications they show up in mammograms like little shining diamonds! (Thought I was blessed….maybe not!) Tee Hee! Well they are fine unless a bunch of them sort of cluster together…big diamonds on the mammogram are not a goal!! Taking too much calcium does not cause it…they don’t know why some women have it or its cause.
2. Next week we will biopsy some calcification in the left breast and see if any of them have decided to need attention.
3. When the report is back we meet with the surgeon. Will have to do a mastectomy (gosh don’t’ even know how to spell it—Another Blessing!) on the right one and maybe left one…I asked Lloyd what he thought about a Dolly Parton size!!! I don’t think he found that too funny and after thinking about that I decided a back ache wasn’t worth it!!
4. Decide if we get a second opinion and where to go to get it.

Prayer Requests

PLEASE PRAY FOR PEACE FOR LLOYD, OUR PRECIOUS DAUGHTERS AND OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS.
For wisdom about a 2nd opinion and whether to do the double mastectomy if the other one doesn’t show cancer. If it isn’t cancer today….it possibly could be down the road and then I would have to go through it again….and my goodness… it seems like a good idea to get matching pair!! :}:}!
That I would find the best surgeon and reconstruction surgeon in this area.


Well that’s about it….because we love you and count you as special friends we wanted to share this with you. We value your prayers and would ask you to put us on your church prayer list. We will keep you posted.

I know I can trust our sovereign God who works all things for our good and His glory! Tonight Psalm 91:9-16 holds special meaning to me!! I have a peace that comes only from our Lord! Thanking you in advance for your prayers today and in the tomorrows ahead!!

Joyfully His,
Donna