Yeah..I Can Still Drive!!

Hello Prayer Warriors,

5:30 this morning found Linda and I up and heading down the mountain at 6:15 to see Dr. Baker and Dr. Young. First appointment was at 9....thought we might have lots of rush hour traffic...arrived there at 8.a.m ! A whole hour to kill in the cafeteria eating donuts and tea....thought we deserved that!! Tee Hee!

Good News......both Dr.s were impressed with me!! I should get a gold star!! They were impressed how well I was feeling, range of motion and how well the inscisions were healing! Dr. Baker took off the tape and I can now start using Vit. E oil on the inscision to help scaring and healing!! Sure not ready for a beauty contest....but really pleased that it didn't look as bad as I had thought! Thanks You Lord! I go back July 6th to start blowing them up!! Watch out Dolly....here I come.....JUST TEASING!!!

Linda was scheduled for a 5 p.m. flight and we were back to Longmont so early... she caught the shuttle to the airport and is now with her family getting ready for vacation in, I think it's Tyler. Tx., in a a condo this Fri. YOU CAN ONLY IMAGINE WHAT A BLESSING IT WAS FOR BOTH OF US TO SHARE THESE PAST TWO WEEKS. I even found out I could drive from Longmont up the mountain to Estes Park...with no trouble! My guardian angels was shooooing everyone out of my path! :} Thank you again Lord!

Thanks for the prayers for my other sister Jeanette's husband Don. God was hearing all your prayers and he's home and looking forward to driving from Little Rock, Ar. with the rest of the family for the reunion in Tx!!

It's gushing blessings all over our family. His mercies are indeed, new each morning. Can't wait to see what He has planned tomorrow!

Hugs and Prayers,
Donna
"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayers." Romans 12:12

A new companion for the next 5 years on my journey!

Good Morning Special Family & Friends,

I had planned to write last night....but was to exhausted when we got back from seeing the Dr.

I was "loaded for bear" when we went to see Dr. Sedlacek..my new oncologist. I was sure I wasn't going to put and "meds." in my body....unless he could show me a good enough reason.

Well he was a heck of a 'salesman'! First 'hole' in my thinking was it turned out to be stage 1 instead of 0. I had read lots on Tamoxifen and was sure I didn't want it....can cause ovarian cancer and blood clots. Well...Dr. Sedlacek recommended Arimidex which doesn't have those side effects. Thank the Lord!! So for the next 5 years my daily compaion will be this drug!!

Even though it had gone to stage 1 it was a tiny spot and I won't have to have chemo or radiation!! I am so blessed.

I would like for you all to whisper a prayer for my brother-by-love ..Don Morgan. He had been having chest pain over the week-end. They admitted him to the hospital yesterday and was doing a chemical stress test this morning. I pray they won't find anything. Jeanette and Don and Linda, Wayne (both my sisters) and their families and grandkids...plus Teresa and her family were checking into a condo in Tx. this Friday. Praying their time together will happen.

Thanks for your continued prayers and love,
Donna
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And this is what we are! 1 John 3:1 (We are all blessed!!)

A Smoother Ride on the Journey Today

Hello Friends and Family,

Just had to let you know blessings continue to rain down on us. Teresa just called and she arrived back in Tx. There were 3 guys waiting to welcome her home! Having here the past 10 days has been such a blessing!!

Sharon Sailsman, a special friend, ask a question....did they start constructive surgery. Guess I didn't make that clear in any of the previous e.mails. Yes they put the expanders in and even 100 cc's to start "blowing them up" process!! So I'm back in a "training bra"!! Tee Hee! Each week I'll go back to blow them up more!! The Dr. said it's kind of like braces...they just get comfortable and you tighten them up again!! Well...this too will past!!

I also had to share a letter with you from Barry, (Michele and Derek's AND NOW OUR'S) SPECIAL FRIEND. I forwarded my pathology report to Barry, who is an oncologist, and asked him to take a look the report....which he did. Another blessing....Barry knows the oncologist that I will see in Denver that works with the group of surgeons there!!

I'm doing MUCH, MUCH better since the Dr. gave me meds. for nausea that I take when I take my pain pill....I just THOUGHT Tynold could hold the pain in check....not yet ...but soon I hope. I haven't had temp. yet tonight. It was 101.1 on Thur. and 100 last night. I keep puffing on my machine to increase my lung capacity and walking and eating healty....well some of the time!!

Hope you week-end is special....hug the folks in your life lots each day!

Now here's Barry's note:


Sent: Saturday, June 24, 2006 1:24 AM
Subject: Re: Donna's Path Report.
Hi Donna,
I read through your path report. You are correct that it is an excellent report with an expectation of a cure in the 93-95% range. You can increase those numbers a few more percentage points by taking Tamoxifen or Arimidex. You have Stage I (pT1a, pN0(i-), M0) Grade II infiltrating ductal carcinoma of the right breast which is ER+, PR-, and Her2neu amplification undetermined (the focus of invasive disease was so small that it could not be reliably tested). You have indications to consider adjuvant hormonal treatment for 5 years, but nothing else. You should do great!

Dr. Sedlacek is a great doctor. Please tell him I said hello! He will help you decide if Tamoxifen or Arimidex might be best for you. I think you will like him. If you have questions about anything, please feel free to ask.

Congratulations on a great report. You definitely made the right decision having the mastectomy. In addition to the invasive focus, there were also separate areas of DCIS. You would not have been a good candidate for breast conservation.

Have a good weekend,
Barry

Isn't that a blessing to get such a great report!

Joyfully His,
Donna
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteious fall. Psalm 55:22

Mom Needs Extra Prayers and Great News from the Doctor Today!

Mom had such a good day yesterday that we were surprised about how rough she is feeling today. She had to go back on her pain medicine late yesterday which has caused a lot of nausea. Today Aunt Linda had to take her to the doctor in Denver, Mom does not do well coming out of the mountains anyway (car sick) add pain medicine to the picture which makes her nauseated and you have a rough day. She is also running a fever right now.

The great news is that she got the final pathology report today and the cancer had not spread into the lymphnodes!! She will meet with an oncologist next week to see if any preventive medicine will be needed.

So our Faithful Prayer Warriors we are calling on you again! Praise God for the protection of her lymphnodes from cancer and pray for her nausea to subside, her appetite to return, her fever to reduce and that an infection is not setting in.

Thank you for your continued prayers, each of you are a blessing to us!
Teresa

He Maketh Me To Lie Down In Green Pastures, By the Big Thompson River

My Dear Prayer Warriors,

I just had to get on here to personally thank you for all your prayers for me and my family. It is soooooo great to be home and away from the hospital. I am doing great! THANK YOU LORD!! I'm so thankful I'm off pain pills since morning and Tylenol is keeping the pain away...so blessed!!
It's hard to find better and more meaning full words than "Thank You"...the meals, call, cards, and e.mails are so beautifully written with such warmth and encouragement.

The other reason I wanted to share with you was what happened when I opened my devotional this morning and saw the title: Heal Me!! It's written by Joni Eareckson Tada:

Heal Me

Read Jeremiah 17:12-18

"Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise." Jeremiah 17:14

In the early days of my injury my father would come to the hospital every day and whisper to me with wet eyes, "In every day and in every way, you're getting better and better and better."

He'd say it every time he came. (Donna's note....if you don't know... Joni as a teenager jumped in a lake and broke her neck.)

But my body never did shake off the paralysis. The pragmatist would say, "See , your father's words were wishful thinking. You didn't get better, Joni; instead you got stuck with a wheelchair."

That's not the way I choose to look at it. Daddy was right. Every day I did get better. Maybe not on the outside but on the inside. My soul became settled. My hope became clear. This is the sort of healing described here: "Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise." God is interested in healing the inside of a person. For me, a healed and happy heart is the best "better". By a long shot!

Path to Prayer: Pray that the Great Physician will bring healing to you, whether in mind, body or spirit or all of these. Praise him for his goodness and kindness to you and for keeping you in his presence. Thank him very specifically for the blesings he has brought into your life!!

Oh my....specifically.....let me count the ways.....God's love, peace and mercy for each of us, family and friends like you, and ONLY GOD COULD PLAN THIS DEVOTIONAL FOR ME TODAY!!

I'm thankful I"m keeping the pneumonia away...just a very low grade temp at evening. I'm drinking tons of water and taking lots of vitamins and blowing in my breathing machine to inflate my lungs. Dr. Baker would be proud of me!! He came in the second day and say, "Vacation's over it's out of the bed, walking and blowing in my machine!!

My main prayer request now is that when the final pathology report is back (maybe tomorrow) there will not be any other cancer in the breast tissue that wasn't expected!

Gotta close for know and rest for the night!

God loves you and so do WE!!

Thank You for Your Prayers!!

Mom was released from the hospital this afternoon! We are back in Estes and she is resting. There really has been a great improvement in the past 24 hours!

We have shifted gears from spending all of our time at the hospital to now taking care of Mom and the daily needs of the resort, so our updates will be limited, until Mom is feeling better and ready to share.

Please continue your prayers, as pneumonia is still a possibility, but the doctor felt like she would rest much better here, than at the hospital. It was so good to see her bright smile today when we picked her up!

Praise be to God!
Lloyd, Teresa, Michele & Linda

Sunday Afternoon Update

Mom rested well through the night and she has been fever free since last night! This was an answer to prayer! She will be staying again tonight and the plastic surgeon said he would have to see a big improvement in her breathing capacity with the little "machine" before he will let her go home tomorrow.

He said she will have to be aggressive today to get the lungs cleared up and keep pneumonia away. That is his main concern. She has to stay in a chair all day or walking the halls. She is pretty exhausted and currently taking a short nap, then we will keep pushing her more this afternoon.

Aunt Linda will be staying again tonight, Dad and I will be going to the resort tomorrow to relieve Derek who has been there since Thursday. Michele has also been taking care of the details at the resort yesterday and today and will return back to work tomorrow.

Please pray for Mom's strength, breathing capacity and lungs to all improve over the next 24 hours.

Thank you for your coninued prayers, support and words of encouragement.

God's blessings to each of you,
Teresa

This Evening's Update

Mom enjoyed eating her first real meal in a couple of days! She has walked 3 different times and seemed to have a short, but restful nap. Our concern right now is that she has developed a temperature of 101.3 and when the nurse listened to her lungs, Aunt Linda asked if they were clear and he said no----there is some "crud" in the lungs.

Please pray for the lungs to clear and her temperature to go down. Her breathing treatments and walking will improve this situation, so she is pushing hard to do her part.

Overall she is doing much better than when we arrived at the hospital this morning. We will update you in the morning.

Keep on praying!
Lloyd, Teresa, Michele & Linda

Praise God for Answered Prayers!

Aunt Linda and I arrived at the hospital at 10:30 this morning, Mom was still in great pain and very nauseated. They changed her nausea medicine and was going to try a different pain medicine after her nausea eased. The plastic surgeon arrive around 12:30 and discovered that her localized pain pump was not turned on, thus the cause of all her extreme pain.

Praise God that in about 20 minutes there was an amazing difference in how Mom was feeling! Her pain and nausea improved, she was ready to try and eat something and at 2:00 was willing to get up and walk! They were also able to remove her oxygen, she is resting now and her oxygen levels are staying up.

Thank you for your continued prayers, we definately know that God is listening and providing for all of our needs.

Trusting Him,
Teresa

Update This Morning for Mom

Dad spent the night last night at the hospital, we spoke with the nurse at midnight and they had to add another pain medicine. We called Dad this morning and he said she had a rough night, the pain level is still high and she is fighting nausea.

Dad will return to Michele's today to get some much needed rest. Michele is heading up to the resort for the day to be with Derek and I believe our cousin Gretchen has taken the day off from her job at the YMCA in Estes Park to help at the resort too.

Aunt Linda and I will return to the hospital for the day and Aunt Linda will spend the night tonight. Plans are that Mom will be released sometime tomorrow.

We anticipated the pain to be tough but it is so hard to see a loved one in such pain. Please continue to lift her up in your prayers today. We will try and update later tonight.

Love,
Teresa

Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow!!

We feel so blessed because Mom's surgery went extemely well! The lymph nodes appear to be clear from cancer, the prelimnary test is 90% accuarate, but pathaology reports will confirm in the next few days.

Mom's surgery lasted 5 hours and the recovery was about 2 1/2 hours before they moved her to her room. It was a long day for all of us!

When we left the hospital at 4:00 pm Mom was having trouble staying awake and breathing deeply enough to receive more pain medicine.

Our specific prayer requests for this evening are that she continue to breath deeply to work the anesthesia out of her system, so that she can receive more pain medicine. Pray that God will keep her free from pneumonia, blood clots and nausea as she is recovering.

If Mom could write, she would be praising God for the results of her surgery and thanking each of you for your prayers. We are all truly blessed!

Thank you for being our prayer warriors!
Lloyd, Teresa, Michele and Linda

It's My "Red Letter Day"--I'm Off To The Repair Shop

June 16, 2006

Dear Loved Ones,

We are leaving for the hospital in a few minutes, but I had to share with you the “hug from God” in my devotional this morning June 16, 2006 …..Only God's timing!!

In God’s Arms
“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.” Isaiah 66:13

Ah, a child’s life, wrapped in a warm blanket, sleeping peacefully in his mother’s arms. Worries aren’t his responsibility. A baby seems to know that mother will always be close by, tending to every need.

Do you ever wish your life were like that? If so, God has a reminder for you: “I will extend peace to her like a river…you will nurse and be carried on her arm and dandled on her knees. As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.”

That seems an odd description for our heavenly Father, but God paints this tender picture to remind you that his breast is a place of comfort. In him, you can be satisfied. You, too; can rest peacefully knowing that Someone will always, be close to you, tending to your very need.

The Lord is your father, friend, husband, and brother. And according to Isaiah 66, He is also your mother. He is everything to you, just as a parent is to a child. And in his arms, you will find rest!!

PATH TO PRAYER: O God, you are father and mother to me; hold me close in your gentle arms. Comfort me as I long to be comforted. In you I will put all my trust in you; knowing that you will care for me as a parent does a child. I love you; help me to love and serve you more each day. Amen Joni Eareckson Tada

I know you all are praying for me and my precious family. Thank you for lifting up Dr. Young and Dr. Baker for wisdom, focus and skilled hands… and for the nurses that will be caring for me.

Our daughters will be posting an update as soon as they get a chance. It may be tonight before you hear if they can't get there wireless computer to work at the hosptial!

Trusting our Faithful God,
Donna
“Be Still and know that I am God”---Psalm 46:10

I'm Soaring Tonight with Holy Spirit Power!!

Hi Family & Friends,
We are now 'down the mountain' and spending the night with Michele. Teresa and Michele have just left to pick up my twin sister Linda at the Denver airport! More Blessings.....she was able to get on an even earlier flight than we had hoped for!! God is so good!! Thanks for your prayers for her!!

Tuesday when I read the Prayer Pal....I knew I wanted to share it with you tonight because it speaks from my heart the prayer I have. This verse in Isaiah is a "family" verse and means a lot to our family. When Michele was in High School track she broke her sister Teresa High School record. She qualified to go the the State track meet near Chicago. Lloyd and I were in Fl. speaking at a big convention with a broken heart that we couldn't be there with her. My parents and my twin sister went with her. Aunt Linda (my sister) gave her this scripture to put in her track shoe!
SHE PLACED 3RD IN THE WHOLE STATE OF IL!!

Wonder if they would let me wear one shoe in the morning to surgery so I can carry this verse with me?? Well you never know till you ask!! Guess I'd better memorize it just in case!!:}:}

I love what Beth says below about using the turbulance in my life..it's my heart's desire!!

Please hold my precious family in your prayers....I know we are all feeling those prayers tonight and in the days ahead!!

Enjoy this wonderful hug from God below in Beth's letter!!


Subject: Prayer Pal
Isaiah 40:31
Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Everlasting God~
You are the Creator of everything. Because You have unlimited power, You never grow tired or weary. You are always available to re-energize me and refresh my strength during the seemingly hopeless storms of life. Like an eagle, in the midst of the storm, I’ll spread my wings of faith to embrace the wind. Placing my dependency on You and You alone, I’ll experience quiet wonders:
Your bliss will balance my burdens
Your power will pick up my problems
Your peace will pacify my pain
Your tenderness will touch my troubled heart
Soaring will become an adventure of discovering just how faithful You are. It will be an exhilarating experience to fly above the worrisome world! Free to fly, I’ll trust You to carry me through chaos and confusion.
Please use the turbulence in my life:
To take me higher in my relationship with You
To fall deeper in love with You
To grow stronger my faith in You
To walk more vigorously with You
To bear more fruit for You
Use the wicked winds of doubt to grow my wings of faith. Just as strong gales make it possible for the eagles to soar, so sin, suffering and sorrow make it possible for me to rise above troublesome storms. Please dear Lord, just give me more confidence to wait through the mourning with renewed strength, and not grow weary. As I fly, I will focus on my final destination, Paradise, where I’ll live happily ever after because of Jesus. Amen.
What storm are you facing? Are you soaring through it with Holy Spirit power?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Feel free to forward the Prayer Pal to your friends as the Spirit leads you. The Prayer Pal can be found on the web at www.dailyprayerpal.blogspot.com. To be added to the email distribution send an email to prayerpal@comcast.net with Subscribe on the subject line. If you wish to be removed from the distribution please reply via email with Unsubscribe on the subject line. My prayer is that you will fall in love with Jesus as you read, reflect on, and respond to God's Word. May the prayers of my heart richly bless you and give you a hunger and thirst for more of Jesus. Love, The Prayer Pal

© 2005-2006 by Beth Rudy. All rights reserved.


Good Night and God Bless
Donna & Family

2 More Nights in the "Rest Area" of This Trip!!

Good evening everyone,

As crazy as it must sound, I'm excited for Friday to come!! Our daughter Teresa landed in Denver at 8 p.m mountain time tonight! Thank You Lord!! Now we pray that my twin sister Linda will arrive tomorrow night on time also.

My day has been so busy there hasn't been time to worry....but as I typed that sentence it wasn't "the busy" that kept me from worry....it's a "God Event". As the days have been flying by, there were times when I thought...surely I can't have this peace clear up until the day of surgery....but now I'm reminded that our God can do anything in the lives of his children!! I'm claiming this peace even as they wheel me into the operating room Fri. morning!!

Thank you for the prayers for my health...no temp and no cold! Thank You Lord!!

I've had lots of calls today, cards in the mail, e.mails and people stopping by with hugs and prayers. I'm blessed beyond measure!

Gonna stop and head to bed and sleep on my tummy 2 more nights....but who's counting! Tee Hee! If you want to add an extra prayer, I might really need that to learn to not sleep on my tummy. I remember after the delivery of our two girls when I was brought to my room....over I went and slept 'like a baby'!! Oh well...I'm sure I won't want to EVEN THINK about sleeping on my tummy Fri. night....or lots of nights to come!!

Praying God is blessing your lives as you extend your love and concern to our family!
Watch for those very day blessings He's sending your way!!

Receiving Love From Above,
Donna
Deuteronomy 31:8 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (WHAT AN AWESOME PROMISE WE ALL HAVE....THANK YOU DEAR LORD!!)

Why I Chose the Path I'm Taking!

Dear Ones,

First let me thank you for the prayers of continued health! Feeling great tonight...no temp or cold! Thank You Lord!!!

Second....PLEASE PRAY THAT MY SISTER LINDA WILL GET ON THE FLIGHT THUR. NIGHT FROM LOUISVILLE TO DENVER. SHE IS ON STAND-BY!!

A call yesterday from my sister in law, Marge and a niece, Bev made me think about sharing their questions they had with you. I had never thought about how strange it might sound to you to know that my cancer is "stage 0"and yet I'm having such radical surgery by doing a double mastectomy!! Because I've been in the middle of all this and have learned why....I want to share it with you so you won't think I'm totally crazy!! :) No comments on that please!! Tee Hee!!

While I'm thinking about it.....girls get your mammograms yearly if you are over 40!! I've had several e.mails from gals who are reading my blog, that have already e.mailed me back... that it was a reminder for them!! We found this in my annual mammogram April 19 th. There was no mass or tumor.....just microcalcification. They called me back a few days later and wanted an other magnifing view.. which we did on April 25. Said I had 3 places in the right breast that should be checked out. They told me it was 90% chance it was not cancer....in 1993 I had a biopsy and it was not cancer...so I'm just sailing along thinking this won't be either. After all... there isn't any cancer in my family that I know of for sure!

When we got to Co. I saw a surgeon who said lets biopsy 2 of the spots...if 2 are cancer then the 3rd one would probably be also...and 2 in one day was all she recommended...RIGHT SHE WAS!! Well it came back cancer...both of them. Our daughter Michele's friend Barry who is an oncologist was so great to personally take a look at my film. I think he was suprised to see how much calcification was in both breasts.

Most calcifications can be removed by a lumpectomy...however a couple of reasons made us decide on a mastectomy! The pathology report came back and said I was 'High Grade"(Grade III) ....not what is best in this case...plus my cancer is spread in wide locations apart. Women with grade 3 are at a higher risk of invasive cancer and also higher risk of coming back within the first 5 years. We might remove the three areas of concern and miss a bunch of others that weren't biopsy....so goodbye 'boobs' and hello a new improved modle!!!

So....dear ones...that's the reason....hope it makes more sense. Hope it wasn't more than you wanted to know. When I went in for my pre-op tests at the hospital last week, the lady taking my health history said ,"That must have been a really hard decision to make?" I said, "No, it was very easy to make." "Not difficult at all!!" The good Lord willing, I hope to live another 30 or 40 years and I don't want to worry every morning what is growing inside of them!! I had God's peace immediately when the words came out of my mouth....mastectomy...let's do it!!

Thankfully my 'big day' is coming closer....a month of waiting has been really long...yet I'm so blessed to have such peace. How may times can I tell you 'Thank You' for the prayes that you are speaking to the Lord about me and my family. Teresa mentioned today that she also has peace about coming for 10 days. She said her work is covered by others in the office, the boys have care while Tabb is working and I'm sure Tabb has been wonderful support for her! A true blessing for us all!

Well gotta close and get some rest!!

Good Night Dear Ones,
Donna
Cornithians 1: 20-22..."For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guarnteering what is to come!! (Thank You Lord)!!!

P.S. I'm scared to death to hit spell check...last week I wrote something 3 times because it disappeared twice....so please forgive if there are mistakes....some how spelling doesn't come 'high on my list' tonight or really any time these last few weeks! Hugs, Donna

A Sweet Visit In the Lord's House Today

Dear Loved Ones,

Just a short note tonight to tell you that God's blessings are on me today....my throat isn't sore and not temp!! He is awesome!!

I went to church this morning at the YMCA. It was a great "'booster shot" of JOY!! The music was great.

The sermon was "No Fear, No Dread....and the 11th Commandment". I'm sit there thinking...I'm so thankful that doesn't feel like me! By the way....the "11th Commandment" Don't sweat the small stuff!

Thank you in advance for your continued prayers....that the cold stays away.

Hugs,
Donna
Jermiah 33:3 "Call unto Me, and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know!!

Prayerfully only a small speed bum on the trip yesterday.

Good Morning My Special Loved One,

On the trip down to St. Luke's yesterday for all the pre-op tests I learned I have a low grade temp.
Last night before bed my throat was a little scratchy! I can usually stop a cold in it's track by taking echinacea, Vit. C and garlic several times a day! Only problem now that I'm in the one week window of surgery...no more than 1000mg of Vit. C daily!! Oh my....I usually take 1500 mg. 3 or 4 times a day!! I'm taking the Echinacea and Garlic....so I'm praying it will still work.

I also know our Lord doesn't need anything to stop it!! SO I ASK THAT YOU, MY PRAYER WARRIORS, WILL HELP ME TO SEEK HIS WILL AND I WON'T MISS THE SURGERY DATE NEXT FRIDAY.

Thank you dear Lord there isn't a temp. this morning! I never know when it's just my allergies or a cold kicking in!!

I pray you have a really blessed week-end and watch for times you can be God's "hands and feet" with the people He puts in your life today!!

"If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday." Isaiah 58:10

Receiving Love From Above and You,
Donna

HOW CAN I NOT HAVE PEACE???

Greetings Dear Ones,

Today I replied to a sweet note from friend, Deanna Campbell and thought to myself I need to share this with you. I said to her in the note….Deanna….it’s so strange…..I know (well maybe I don’t know) that what lies ahead for me in 8 days, is probably an awesome task to recover….there must be huge pain ahead…but God is giving me such peace and I know with His help and the wonderful help of my family I will be fine!! Again….as I reread that I thought….IT ISN’T STRANGE AT ALL!!

All the prayers that are being given for me and my family are holding me together!!
My new favorite words are….”How Blessed Can I Be!!! Each morning as I study His word I see again His promises. Each day the devotional in the “365 Day of Hope” must be written for me. Cards and e.mail EACH and every day are such encouragement.

God has put awesome people here at the resort these past few weeks. Starting with Beth Rudy, author of the “Prayer Pal”. If your are looking for a gift (free) for someone you know who has struggles in their life for what ever reason… send them Beth’s address:. prayerpal@comcast.net. In the subject line write subscribe. Each morning, Mon-Fri….its like a hug from God when I see in the subject line: “Prayer Pal”. Sign up your self and see what I mean. Beth’s message and prayer echo’s my heart cry to God each day! Last week there was a sweet gal, Lou Gorski, who was such an encouragement and it can only be a “God Thing” that a family has 5 cabins booked for a 50th anniversary this week and the gal who booked it is Cathy Mallow. Cathy is a surgical nurse who has answered my many questions!! Now how else can that happen….Only God!! Plus many more “angels” He sent to stay…to many to name...but what sweet blessings!!

My peace is completed by the friends and family of our daughters. A couple of week ago Teresa already had friends who will look after Dustin and Luke while Tabb is working and she stays 10 days with us. I’m praying God will supply Tabb and the boy’s needs while she is here. Michele’s sister-by-love, Kim Westmoreland, is taking care of Haley and Kallie so she can be with us. And of course, Derek is “holding down the fort” here at the resort while I'm in the hospital. Gretchen Claypool, our great niece, is working a summer internship at the YMCA just a mile up the road and she arranged her days off so she can help Derek over the week-end. Then another “God Thing”….Linda, my twin sister, is on a bus tour next week with a group from their church to Louisville, Ky. They will be staying just 3 miles from the airport there! She has a friend who is retired from the airlines helping her with a ticket. She arrives in Denver Thur. night at 9:45! I know this is a sacrifice for her and Wayne…but such a sweet blessing for me to have her with me!!

HOW CAN I NOT HAVE PEACE?? I see God’s hand every where I turn. Tomorrow I “head down the mountain” to Denver for pre-op tests and another appointment with Dr. Baker, the plastic surgeon.

My dear readers, please know that you are in my prayers also! I know everyone has something in their life, at any given time, that is a concern or worry…and also joy and praise. I pray you will see God working in your life. May you know and feel the comfort and peace that only He can give!! Be sure to watch for those “every day blessings” God’s sending your way!!

Loving Him and you,
Donna

Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus!!

P. S. If you are new to blogs, as I was….be sure to go to the Archives first, and find the entry May 18th. That’s the start of my journey….and it will help you see how God’s hand is on me and directing each and every day from the very start of this journey!!

I'm in the "Rest Area" Until June 16th!!

Good Morning my dear family and friends,

I'm shocked to see how many days have passed since I posted a note!! Everyday I've thought I must stop and share all the enormous acts of kindness that you have sent my way. The cards, e.mails with words of encouragement and prayers, phone calls and new Christian guests at the resort that God has sent me these last few days.....it is incredible!!

My heart & spirit are indeed in a "rest area" being nourished by all these events. I'm so blessed though to be so busy at the resort I don't have time to think or worry. The times I do worry, are about "how will everything get done at the resort"!! My dear son-in-law said with a grin....it might shock you to know it will be here when you get back!! I know you are right Derek!

I'm so blessed to have Teresa flying in from Tx. on the 14th and Michele lives "down the mountain" and they will be here to help. Some of you may know I have a twin sister, Linda Ewbank. We both longed to be together on this journey....another blessing....she will be here too!!

Let me share a small "detour of decision making" that I've been praying and searching answers for. Our dear daughter Teresa and others have posed a question to me a few days ago. I know Teresa didn't want me to go through with this surgery... if I could know that GOD HAD HEALED ME!! WELL LET ME TELL YOU THIS....I HAVE PERSONALLY KNOW ABOUT GOD'S MIRACLES HAVING BEEN TOUCHED BY HIS HEALING HAND IN 1977 FROM A MAJOR ILLNESS! I won't go into that...but if you would like to know more about that just hit 'comments' and ask me about it. I would LOVE TO SHARE it with you! I know with all the hundreds of people praying for me that indeed it is possible that when they do surgery there will BE NO CANCER!!

We talked with our friend Barry (oncologist) yesterday and he took the final road detour from my mind. ( I truly wasn't looking forward to another biopsy to find out if it was gone!) He explained that will all the calcification I have through out the breast that these spots could be healed and yet the way my body seems to make this calcification in a year or two there could be others that turn to cancer. Sooooo....IF THERE ISN'T ANY CANCER ....THEN THAT'S GOD'S AWESOME GIFT TO ME SHOWING ME AGAIN THAT HE'S IN CONTROL AND KNOWS THE ROAD HE HAS PLANNED FOR ME!! AND IF THEY FIND LOTS OF IT...I'M BLESSED THEY FOUND IT EARLY!! Thank you dear Lord.... I have peace about this now!
BUT...please continue the prayers for my family, and for healing and a quick recovery for me.

My hearts desire is that God can use my journey and blog to help others who are on similar journeys. I pray for all of you who are reading this that are facing very difficult events...for various reasons. I pray you will seek God and his peace and comfort. You are never alone...there is one who is crazy in love with you more than anyone could possibly understand.....Christ the Lord. You are one of His children and He loves YOU!! Reach out to Him and let him hold you in your time of fear and decisions.

Well the day holds much and I must close. I value your love and prayers more than I can tell you!

Have a Son-shiney day, (thanks Beth for those words!)
Donna

Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you!