One More Thing to Look Forward To!

I guess it's really TWO more and they're not things! Got these pictures in the mail today. Claire and Hannah will be arriving in Gatlinburg on Tuesday.


These are my two favorite nieces who live in Indiana!! (I have two favorite nieces in California and two more favorite nieces in Tennessee).

P.S. We have decided to leave the laptop at home - so McMoments and Memories is officially on vacation, too! Happy Thanksgiving y'all!!

Tennessee Here We Come!

Our vacation has finally arrived! We leave bright and early tomorrow, which means laundry and packing today! Things I'm looking forward to:

Visiting the First Church in Nashville where Les grew up and seeing many friends.


Cracker Barrel!

Chattanooga!


Cold Weather! The highs have been in the 40s and 50s and the lows are in the 20s! I get to wear a coat, gloves, scarf, and boots!!! I'll actually NEED to drink hot chocolate!


Bennett's BBQ!


Gatlinburg!


LOTS of Family! The latest count is about 50 - ages 1 to 85!


And of course, Thanksgiving dinner! I received an email with all the details on our dinners for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday! We'll be feasting, feasting, feasting!





I don't know how much I'll be able to post next week, but look for lots of pictures the following week!

P.S. Looks like I'll be eating my way through Tennessee, doesn't it?!? I will have my running shoes with me and plan to run in the Smoky Mountains once we get settled in Gatlinburg.

Give Thanks

Gratitude is a seasoning for all seasons.
- Mom's Bible

I realize today is not actually Thanksgiving, but I'm posting this a week early because it's on my mind! In Second Timothy chapter 3, Paul takes four verses to list attributes of men in the last days. In the middle of that list, after disobedient to parents, and before unholy, is the word "unthankful".

If I started listing all that I am thankful for this year, I would take up pages and pages. My life is FULL of blessings! God has been so good to me. He has been by my side through some tough times, but He's also been with me on the good days, the normal days, the boring days! He just keeps blessing, saving, and healing!

So on the top of my list - God! I'm so thankful for His hand in my life. I'm thankful for the Word of God, for salvation, for the hope of heaven.

Les - what a rock he is in my life. Always steady. Faithful to me. My best friend. The one person on the planet that I'd rather be with than anyone else! Whether it be a hospital room or a cruise ship, we're in this together to the end! I'm so thankful that he has been able to eat a few more normal foods this week - mashed potatoes, baked beans, tortellini, bread, and donuts to name a few!

Family - I'm so glad for family! They're part of my life whether they like it or not! I'm thankful for Dad's improving health. Kim, I'm thankful for the relationship I have with you. Krysten and Lauren - you are two of the sweetest young ladies in the world and I love you to the moon and back! I'm thankful for all my nieces, nephews, extended family - in-laws and out-laws!

Friends - I won't even list a single name, that way no one gets their feelings hurt! Friends of old from Fresno, scattered hither and yon, newer friends in Burbank, friends across the country. Friends from camps, conferences, and Bible quizzing. Friends that read my blog that I haven't met yet! I'm thankful for you all!

I also want to add that I'm so thankful for my health. I ran 13 miles this morning and I don't take those steps for granted. I know there are many who are too sick to walk across the street.

I've been blessed with many material things - but "things" don't know if you appreciate them or not - only God and people do!

I hope wherever you spend Thanksgiving, you'll take time to Give Thanks!

Good Nurses

During Les' eight day hospital stay, we met quite a number of nurses. While their personalities were varied, there were traits that some possessed that gave us the assurance the Les was in good hands. It reminded me of the importance of our role in the church when hurting souls come our way.

Young was Les' night nurse for three nights. She was precious and her touch very gentle. Les had to have his IV changed twice and Young took great care in changing it and making sure he was comfortable. What kind of touch do we have towards the hurting? Are we gentle and careful, or are we hurried and a bit rough? Only the patient knows how much they are hurting, no matter what the nurse has seen in the past. What may appear to be a hardened soul, may be someone on the verge of complete surrender to God in their life.

Kim, who was the charge nurse for several days, and Les' nurse for one day, looked for ways to make Les more comfortable. Since he was on "nothing by mouth" for seven days, that included no flavor. Kim brought flavored sponges on a stick that Les could run through his mouth for a minute or so. It was little things like that, that made the stay bearable. It's not unusual for a first time visitor to feel uncomfortable in our service. It's not our job to point out things they need to change - only God can change the heart. A welcome handshake, a smile, "thanks for coming", go a long way in getting visitors to return. And give up "your" pew if needed!

Kim also took the time to understand Les' situation. She was aware of the swelling, discoloration, pain levels, etc. It takes time to get to know a newcomer. But when they return and hear, "How are you, Joe? Is your son over the flu?" they know we've taken the time to learn about them and we really do care.

There was one nurse who hurried through everything she did. I saw Les wince more times during her single shift than any other day. I don't know what she was rushing off to, but I do know I am guilty of rushing to my next duty before service, or visiting with my friends after service and not taking the time to greet our guests.

Lucy was our day nurse for the weekend. She has been in nursing for 28 years. We talked about the hours that nurses work - 12 hour shifts, for 3 days. She said it is not uncommon for a nurse to take an additional shift, or even work for a second hospital, to earn extra money. But, it is very important that the nurse take time off, or they will become less patient and their work will suffer. How about it musician, Sunday school teacher, usher, hostess? Do you agree to do your duty even when you're worn out, then become a drag on the service because of your lack of enthusiasm for what you're doing? It really is okay to take a service and "just" be part of the congregation. We all need refilling so we can go back to work with renewed energy.

Then there were the smiles. Smiles when Les could get sound out, smiles when he was up walking around, smiles when he came back from the Barium study knowing the tear was closed up, and smiles when he knew he was going home. I hope smiles break out when we hear a new soul speak in the heavenly language for the first time. For there is great joy when a sinner repents!

And remember, doctors (pastors) can treat, but only God can heal.

There's Only ONE Sis. White!

I was going to post this a couple weeks ago, but that was before our world turned upside down and daily hospital updates took over my blog! During Les' hospital stay, Sis. White was once again there for me - the many phone calls while out of town, her visit to the hospital, and her prayers meant the world to me!

With P.J. and Megan's marriage, we now have 3 ladies in our church named Sis. White - our pastor's wife and her daughters-in-law (or daughters-in-love as she calls them!). Chantelle and Megan are married to the White "boys", but truly there is only one Sis. White!

I really don't know anyone who works harder than our pastor's wife. Sis. White is involved in every aspect of the church (except the actual preaching!) When someone doesn't know what is suppose to happen next or who is responsible for whatever, Sis. White is the person to ask! If she doesn't know, she'll make a decision and go with it!!

One of the greatest things that Sis. White has done for our church is in developing musicians. When I married Les and became part of Victory Tabernacle, Sis. White was our only organist, with no one playing the piano/keyboard. It wasn't until Pastor and Sis. White were gone one Sunday that I realized how much we needed help. At that point, with much encouragement from Les, I secretly began taking Class Piano at our local community college. At some point, Sis. White got wind of this and said it was time for me to start playing in church!! Oh My!!! I certainly wasn't ready (sometimes I still feel unready) but she said Do It!! In time, I began playing loudly enough that people could actually hear me. But Sis. White didn't stop with me. She has repeatedly pushed, prodded, and thrown musicians into the waters of playing. We now have many talented, capable musicians and it is thanks to her vision.

Sis. White loves the saints of Victory Tabernacle. She rejoices with us in times of victory and weeps over losses. She is so much fun and a tremendous blessing to our church and me personally. Sis. White, if you're reading this, I love you!!

Back to Normal?

I feel like my life is starting to settle back down. We attended two awesome church services yesterday that could both take up a full post. I got up today at 5:25, ran 10 miles, came home, sent Les off to work (not sure he'll make it all day, but he's giving it a go), and now I'm working on a grocery list. That trip will be followed by some housework.

I also talked to Dad this morning (our normal Monday morning chat) - he had a follow-up with the surgeon in San Francisco last week. She said he is progressing normally, not to get in a rush, just let his back continue to heal.

Normal. What a nice little word. I thought I'd look it up on Webster's:

Main Entry: ¹nor·mal
Pronunciation:\ˈnȯr-məl\
Function: adjective
Etymology:Latin normalis, from norma
Date: circa 1696
according with, constituting, or not deviating from a norm, rule, or principle; conforming to a type, standard, or regular pattern; of, relating to, or characterized by average intelligence or development; free from mental disorder

Yes, I've spent the last couple of weeks deviating from my norm, but I'm so glad to know "Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and today, and forever." He never changes, no matter what I'm doing, He's the same.

I had to chuckle when I read the etymology of normal - "from norma." A certain teenager from long ago use to call Mom (Norma) "Normal"!

Her Price Is Far Above Rubies

(I temporarily interrupt the blog normally appearing in this cyberspace to bring you this important blog.)

It’s interesting that the author of Proverbs 31:10 chose to elevate the price of a virtuous woman to a point “far above rubies”. And I know why.

A little research yields the fact that the Bible contains the word “gold” or “golden” 483 times in 422 verses. However, the word “rubies” is found only 6 times in 6 different verses. Even more research shows the value of rubies to be over 3,000 times that of an equivalent amount of gold. The ruby is considered to be the “king of gemstones”, exceeding the value of all other gems (yes, even diamonds) and precious metals.

So, a virtuous woman’s value is far above the most valuable substance on earth. In other words, she’s priceless.

Having just gone through one of life’s unexpected adventures, I share the opinion of the Writer. When a routine corrective surgery went awry, turning a 1 night hospital stay into 7 nights and 8 full days of agonizing imprisonment, I could only helplessly watch in wonder and awe as my precious wife proved her love and devotion throughout the ordeal.

She’ll never really know the comfort she brought when she stepped into the room each morning. And she’ll never know the loneliness that replaced her each night when she left. She’ll never know how meaningful were her little acts of kindness, tending to details overlooked by nurses. And she’ll never know how much brighter the room was with her in it. She’ll never know how slowly the second hand traveled its arc through the night, and she’ll never know how swiftly her smile made the days pass.

The song sung at our wedding over 17 years ago remains true today, only more so. You are the sunshine of my life, Kathy, and I love you. Far above rubies? Yep, not even close.

~ One fortunate Dude.

(Thanks for reading. You will now be returned to your normally scheduled blogs.)

November 15th Weather Report

We are 12 days away from Thanksgiving and here are our current weather conditions:

Current temp: 82.5
Expected high: 88
Humidity: 7%
Winds: Gusting to 39 mph

There are two fires burning in Southern California - the largest being driving by 70 mph winds! One minute the sky is blue, the next it is orange, the winds are changing that much.

I would rather it be cloudy and rainy, but I still have joy! I am a very blessed lady and I never want to forget it. My personal weather report won't change with the outside temps, and I am so excited to be going to church tomorrow!

Preparing for Our Easter Drama

For those of you who may have wondered about Les' facial hair, we covered that in the following conversation:

Me: We can just tell people you're growing a beard for the next Easter drama.

Les: Who would I play?

Me: The man Jesus healed.

Les: Which man?

Us: This man!

P.S. The "fur" is now gone, except near his incision.

There's No Place Like Home

It feels so good to be home again. Les and I have both rested so much today! We both slept all night and have each had a couple naps. His pain levels continue to decrease, he's enjoying his liquid diet for another day or so, and I'm hoping to fatten him up a little! He lost about eight pounds during this ordeal, so I've got my work cut out for me! May need to buy him some suspenders...

Free At Last

Free at last! Free at last! Thank God, Almighty, we're free at last!!

We have been set free from the hospital and are now at home.

Les feels that God did more than just close up the tear in his esophagus. Prior to his surgery, swallowing ANY thing was work and many things were painful. He has less discomfort swallowing now than he did before the surgery. So, even though the doctor was unable to close up the diverticulum, we feel that God did!

On a humorous note: a couple days ago, Les said, "I vow to fast until I'm healed. . . " After a seven day fast, he was able to eat today!

This picture was taken earlier today - Les' first time outside in over a week!

Good News At Last!

Les had his follow-up Barium study at 11:45 this morning and was able to have his first drink of water at 5:00 p.m.!! Woo Hoo!! We are so thankful for all the prayers and for God's great healing power.

When Les came back to the room from the Barium test he was singing in his wheelchair: "I will bless the Lord at all times, for He's good!" He knew immediately that the work was complete.

Dr. Waldman was here at 7:30 this evening and confirmed what we already knew. He was very relieved that a second surgery was not needed.

The plan is, starting tomorrow, Les will be on a clear liquid diet, eventually adding thicker drinks, purees, etc. for about a week before he can go to a less restricted diet. If all goes well, Les will be going home from the hospital tomorrow, probably late in the day, after they have had a few hours to observe him. They will also be removing his IV tonight.

Also, today for the first time, one of our favorite nurses noticed that Les has an Adam's apple! That means the swelling is really going down.

I'm planning on my next post to be from home with my sweetheart with me.

Thank you to our friends and family for your many prayers! and thank You, Jesus, for answering!

Sunday Update

Dr. Waldman was by around 2:00 today. He is pleased with the progress. The drain has slowed and what is now draining the doctor feels is normal fluids, unlike fluids that are supposed to stay in the esophagus.

Dr. Waldman has ordered the followup Barium Study for tomorrow. So our specific prayer request is that the tear will completely close up between now and then.

Les is looking forward to being able to drink anything in the near future, including Barium milkshakes! A chocolate shake or cream of wheat both sound good right now!

Les says a big thanks for all of the visits, emails, calls, thoughts, and prayers up to this point.

Thy Word Have I Hid in Mine Heart

I read an interesting article in the LA Times the other day about the preservation of religious scrolls by Jews during the Holocaust.

During World War II, Jewish inmates of the Yanov labor camp in occupied Poland defied their Nazi guards, secretly conducting religious services inside their darkened barracks.

To observe their ritual, the Jews had cut religious scrolls into sections, bound the parchment pieces around their bodies and walked them through Yanov's front gate. They hid the fragments wherever they could: beneath the floorboards of their barracks, inside hollow bedposts, even in a camp cemetery.

After the camp's liberation in 1945, one survivor collected the scattered pieces. He assembled them into a single ragged scroll, the Yanov Torah.

This really touched me as I have carried the Word in my heart this week. I was never a Bible Quizzer, but there have been dozens of scriptures that have come to my mind this week while praying. "Ask and ye shall receive", "whatsoever ye ask in my name", "Let not your heart be troubled", "my times are in Thy hands", "great peace have they which love thy law", "He giveth his beloved sleep", "I know the thoughts I think towards you, thoughts to peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end." God's Word has reminded me that He is completely aware of our situation and He is going to be our "help in time of trouble."

It is such a privilege to own a Bible, but more importantly I want to carry it in my heart always.

Better News

Les had a wonderful night's sleep last night. He slept solidly for about 10 hours, only waking for a few minutes a couple of times. He was up for quite a while today. Took a couple laps around the floor. Worked on his computer. Took a picture of his sleeping wife!


I have obviously needed more rest and the 30 minute power nap did me a lot of good!

We had a little scare this evening. His drain started leaking at the site. The nurse came in and felt that it was just clogged. We were concerned that the drain (and fluids) would get backed up into his body, but the problem seems to be corrected now. He has had very little drainage since then and we're believing that his tear is closing up.

We're hoping the doctor will order a follow up Barium Study tomorrow. Please continue praying that the tear closes up completely. He's finally feeling good enough to be bored with the hospital.

I am now posting from the hospital - we have wireless internet access and Les is starting to enjoy contact with the outside world!

When God Surprises Doctors

What a difference prayer makes! 24 hours ago we were concerned that Les might need a second surgery. This afternoon the nurse said she updated the doctor on Les' vitals, amount of drainage, etc. and the doctor was surprised! Dr. Waldman came by at around 6:00 this evening and his expression was one of relief and surprise. He said it appears the tear is closing on its own. Les will remain in the hospital for a couple more days, but mostly for observation. We don't want him to go home before the tear has completely healed and risk reopening it. Les is feeling so much better today, healing is definitely taking place and we are trusting for the work to be completed.

We also had the opportunity to meet a very nice student nurse this morning named Natalie. She spent some extra time with us, asking questions for a paper she is working on. Many of the questions were regarding our religious beliefs and our beliefs about prayer. We were happy to answer her questions and also gave her the abbreviated version of Les' miraculous healing from Muscular Dystrophy (another time when God surprised the doctors!)

Toward the end of our conversation, she asked our religious affiliation. We told her Pentecostal. She then mentioned a fellow student who is also Pentecostal. "Apostolic, she wears a skirt." We do not know the student, but we're thankful for her witness and believe that God can work in Natalie's heart to bring her to the truth.

Les also received this get well "card" via email today from his Tennessee nieces and nephews!

Friday Morning Faith

I had a very restful night and woke with renewed faith. I can feel the prayers of so many. Here are emails I received from Les' parents:

From Les' Dad (the man God delivered from a kidnapper just a couple weeks ago):

Kathy and Les,

I just returned from a very good prayer breakfast with 24 men, very faithful and committed Christian men who believe in prayer. We passed a prayer list around and I put your name on it which will go out in an e-mail. I explained your situation to the group and told them it was an urgent request. Try to maintain a positive attitude so the negative does not direct you toward depression. Remember that I've realized in the past few years is that there is always some good that comes out of adversity, and I've experienced this personally in the past five years through some of my health problems. That good will be revealed sometime in the future. We will continually petition the Lord and ask for his mercies in your situation.

Love, Pops

From Les' Mom:

Les and Kathy,

My very first thought this morning was of you. I sent an e-mail to Bennie to loosen some of his Brazilian prayer warriors onto your problem -- those people love all-night prayer meetings, and I believe some fervent prayers from righteous men will going heavenward on your account. The Nashville ladies Monday night prayer group will be praying, too, and other of my friends.

There come times when we must believe our beliefs no matter how dark and seemingly impossible the situation is. This is one of those times for you. I wish I could wrap you both up in a huge hug, but it will have to be a figurative one for now.

Love and fervent prayers,

Mom

I know there are many more and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am truly believing God that a second surgery will not be necessary.

The "Bennie" that Dolly mentioned is Bro. Bennie DeMerchant, missionary to Brazil for more than 40 years. If God be for us, who can be against us?

Thursday Non-Progress

I posted this poem in July, but it is what I need tonight.

Sure, it takes a lot of courage

To put things in God's hands,
To give ourselves completely,
Our lives, our hopes, our plans,
To follow where He leads us
And make His will our own,
But all it takes is foolishness
To go the way alone.

- Mom's Bible

Today has been another day of having my trust tested. I told Kim on the phone this afternoon that I've enjoyed being an encourager through my blog, but finding that encouragement for myself has been a bit harder. I am trying to follow David's example and encourage myself in the Lord. The comments, emails, and phone calls from friends and family have been a great blessing.

Les' current situation is not what we were hoping for. Since his surgery on Tuesday he has had a drain about two inches below his incision. This should just be blood. Since sometime Wednesday, the drain has had an unusual color and the texture has been too thick. The liquid was sent to the lab this morning and it appears to be saliva. How can saliva be draining from his collarbone? The doctor felt he probably had a tear in either his esophagus or the diverticulum. The first step was a CT Scan and Barium Swallowing Study at approximately 5:30 this evening. When he was being wheeled from the room his pain, on a scale of 1-10, was 2. Upon his return, this pain level was 10.

The doctor's earlier comments were if the tear was small enough, they would leave it alone and let it heal on its own. If the tear is large, then we are probably looking at another surgery. I had hoped to know the answer before coming home tonight, but I left the hospital at 9:00 and had not heard anything from the doctor and the nurse did not think he would be back tonight.

I will say that my specific prayer request from last night was partially answered, as the swelling in Les' neck has gone down considerably and his pain levels (for the most part) have also dropped. They did not allow him anything by mouth today because of concerns with the tear. So... please pray that the tear is small enough that an additional surgery is not needed and pray for Les' spirits, he is very down right now, especially with the thought of another surgery.

Added at 10:30 p.m.
Les talked to the doctor a few minutes ago. He does have a small tear in his esophagus, BUT they are going to wait a couple of days to see if it repairs itself. I am believing God for that very thing!

Is It Only Wednesday?

I came home alone from the hospital again tonight. Les' progress is very slow, while his pain level is extremely high. He did have a couple of really good naps today after almost no sleep last night due to pain, but eating is practically impossible. He got two drinks of Ensure down this evening, but each drink took about 3-4 swallows to get it down, and his pain skyrocketed with each swallow.

I'm going to be very specific in my prayer request: please pray that the swelling in Les' neck goes down and his swallowing improves. As long as he is unable to take in nutrition, he will remain in the hospital. And I want him home soon!

Thank you to everyone that has called, emailed, commented, and PRAYED! I know prayer works and that is what is keeping me going. I have shared your comments and emails with Les and he appreciates them as well.

During my prayer time this morning, as I was working through a mini pity party, one line of a song came to mind. "I've never been disappointed in Jesus." I believe Sis. Ronda Hurst wrote the song, and I have not been able to come up with any of the other words, but I truly feel this way. Jesus has never disappointed me and He never will. Yep, I've got my galoshes on, and I'll trust God through this rain!

Surgery Update

Well, I am finally home and the news is not great.

Here's the background:

Les had a double cervical fusion on August 1, 2006. About a year later he began experiencing pain while swallowing. About 8 months ago a Barium Swallowing Study was performed and it was discovered he has Zenker's Diverticulum. The solution was to go back in to the same incision from the cervical fusion and close up the pocket.

So back to today:

We arrived at Los Robles at 5:30 a.m. Les was taken to surgery at 7:30. Dr. Glen Waldman came out to see me at 11:15. When Dr. Waldman went back in to Les' neck, there was a lot of scar tissue from his cervical fusion. After moving it around, he found the diverticulum. Unforunately, part of the diverticulum is trapped beneath the titanium plate that was inserted for the cervical fusion. Therefore Dr. Waldman was not able to repair/close up the pocket.

Final result:

Les had a 3 1/2 hour surgery, is currently in a lot of pain, will be coming home in pain, and the problem is not resolved. Ugh!!! Dr. Waldman said possibly an orthopedic or neurologic surgeon could repair it, but at this point I don't see Les going back for another surgery.

We are both extremely disappointed. It's been a long, stressful day. This was not an option that had been considered when making the decision to have surgery.

I'm trying to keep it all in perspective. We didn't get a diagnosis of a terminal illness, like many before me have. I still have a wonderful husband who will persevere. I only cried part of the way home!

Please remember Les in prayer.

P.S. If you know any good recipes for someone on a liquid diet, please feel free to send them my way.

Let God Arise!

For the past few weeks I've noticed something that rabbits do when I run towards them. If there are two or more together, as I get closer, they always run in different directions. I'm sure it's a God given instinct that is used to confuse predators, giving them a few extra seconds to make their escape.

Seeing those rabbits "scatter" reminded me of Psalm 68:1 "Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered:"

What does it mean when God arises? I seriously doubt that means He's getting out of bed!

The Hebrew definition of arise is: to rise (in various applications, literally, figuratively, intensively and causatively): - abide, accomplish, be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, remain, establish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed.

In spite of what the media has been telling us, we do not know how today's election will turn out. But whether it's McCain or Obama, Yes or No on 8, Democrats or Republicans, or any number of other issues, we can let God arise in our lives. He can become clearer, He can confirm, He can help and establish, and most of all HE will remain.

Let God Arise!

P.S. I'll be spending the day at Los Robles Hospital in Thousand Oaks. Les' surgery is scheduled for 7:30 this morning, please remember him in your prayers. I'll post an update when I get home tonight.

Reception for P.J. and Megan White

Our eldest pastor's son, P.J., married Megan (formerly Davies) in McMinville, Oregon on October 10th. I was unable to attend the wedding due to Dad's surgery. Last Friday night, Sis. White hosted a reception for them at our church. The food was great, we got to visit with friends, and we got to see Megan in her wedding dress - very beautiful! We are happy to welcome Megan to Victory Tabernacle!

Megan's parents were with us in service yesterday. Bro. Davies preached and they also blessed us with singing.

Here are a few pictures from Friday night.