Well, here we go again!

at 03/09/10 7:37PM *

First, thank you ALL for the incredible out pouring of love and prayers on my last post. It has been mighty encouraging to see all your comments and know that we have such a loving family in Christ. What blessings!!! If I had the time and the addresses, I'd send each of you a thank you note. ;) Your kindness astounds me.

Second, Mom is recovering quite well. She still remains rather tired and weak to some extent, but she is making progress and getting stronger daily, for which we are very grateful! Thanks for your thoughts and prayers regarding her health and continued wellness. It is much appreciated!

Third, Dad had another doctors appointment today. After a week of complete vocal rest and some very strong medication, there was no improvement to speak of. Still no official diagnosis either, but here is what we know: there is a lesion on one of his vocal cords (this is what has caused his vocal cord to become rigid which has cause the poor voice quality...). The doctors want to do a biopsy ASAP, meaning that dad will be having surgery on Friday (March 12). (Yes, another surgery in our family within two weeks.) The wonderful doctors who have been taking care of Dad haven't ruled out cancer, (though, it would be quite strange if it actually were cancer since the signs don't really point to such) but the possiblity hasn't been ruled out just yet.

On the bright side, Jon is home for a bit (as FCs spring break is this week) and we now get to enjoy hearing dad speak for a few days before his surgery.

Wow.

Please feel free to mention this to others or refer folks to this post. We would appreciate the prayers of any who would be willing to do so. Lord willing, I'll get to update on the results of this endeavor. Thank you all again for your continued thoughts and kind words! You all are greatly loved!!

Prayerful,
Heidi

It's great that your mom's getting better. To God be all the glory!

by sr15min at 03/09/10 10:37PM
Still praying! Love you! :)

by august28rose at 03/09/10 10:38PM
Thinking of you and praying!

by 7laughinghardmans at 03/10/10 6:43AM
Still praying for you throughout the week. Give your parents hugs for me! I hope your dad's voice returns well and strong: he's a good man with many good thoughts and words... and anything he has to pass on in any situation is worthwhile and good.

by laurar209 at 03/10/10 6:56AM
Still thinking of you all and praying! Very glad for your mom's improvement!

by onelittlecandle at 03/10/10 7:38AM
Please tell your parents that I am praying for them. Very glad to hear that your mom is improving and happy to hear that your dad does not have cancer. Love to your family!

by crazy_mama at 03/10/10 2:46PM
Heidi--how encouraging to know that we are on the same page on this topic! It is so important and so few are with us! I was so concerned about the fall out, but decided to share it (and demand no negative public comments. LOL) because I felt this voice needed to be heard. The feedback has been so encouraging!! THREE PAGES of comments. Wow! Not all agree with every point and some shared their ideas (positive first and then a small but)...I think the differences are generally small and I think that the best part was that even those who place an importance on college-just-in-case or to-fill-the-time still respect the ones who *just* want to seek a career in homemaking.
Hannah had another good experience at the optomitrist--he was an eager listener about her future plans. It's been an encouraging week!
Please send your parents my love! We have the three McClannahan 'children' (now in their 20's and 30's) for a visit this week...their first time out of Green Bay in 1.5 decades at least :)...nice how you can pick up with brethren after 7 years apart! God's family is amazing, huh?

by sallyanne at 03/14/10 3:26PM

God, Give Me Strength

at 03/02/10 12:15PM

More and more recently I find my prayers filled with things like, "God, help me get through this" or "Lord, please help me endure...." And that may be a good thing from a certain perspective. We all should rely on God more. Most of us, I fear, see asking for help as a sign of weakness. But I don't think it is. I usually feel really needy when I finally break down and ask for help or prayers. But I think God is currently teaching me a number of important lessons on this subject.

Lessons Learned:
1)We should definitely lean more on our Brethren. God's family is a wonder!
2)We should REALLY see trials in this life as mere steps on the way to see God.
3)I can't do everything. No, really, I can't.
4)I have abundant respect for folks who take care of their elderly/sickly parents. Wow.
5)Paul's words to the Philippians never meant quite so much as they do now. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
6)Be humble enough to actually ASK for help.

On that note, I have few things to ask of you. :)

As some of you know, mom just had surgery to remove her parathyroid. It had been causing elevated calcium levels in her blood and was actually not allowing her bones to retain calcium either. There were several other symptoms that seemed to have been unrelated at first, but were all connected to her thyroid issue. She had the surgery yesterday (March 1st), is doing well at home, and is now resting. We are glad that every thing went well and the doctors seem to be pleased with her progress. We continue to be thankful for your prayers on her behalf.

However, the most pressing news at the moment is regarding dad. For several months now dad has been struggling with his voice quality and has had trouble projecting enough sound to be heard. The first doctor he saw basically told him to just be careful with his voice...but we have seen almost no improvement in him in the last couple of months. And while mom was in surgery, dad was able to see some voice specialists (who were recommended to him by mom's doctor). These new doctors ran a few tests, did some blood work and took some picture of his vocal cords. They have NOT given an official diagnosis yet, but they have put him on COMPLETE voice rest for the next seven days and have given him a steroid to take for at least that long as well. Dad does not like for his doctors to "beat around the bush" and he point blank asked them what the worst case scenario would be: worst case is cancer to be treated by radiation therapy; best case is that complete voice rest and the medication will take care of things. This is a really watered down explanation of what's been happening to him and I will post more as I know more.

And then to top it all off, one of our cars decided (this very day) that its transmission didn't want to work temporarily (we hope).... ::sigh:: When it rains it pours, I guess!!! :)

Now more than ever, my family needs your prayers...especially my parents. They have alot to handle just now. I know that with the Lord's help we will get through this season of life, but it is certainly taking some special strength to do so...for all of us.

And lest I sound like I'm complaining, we continue to feel very blessed in all this!! These health issues couldn't have come at a better time (if health issues are allowed to come at a 'good' time...). Mom and Dad finally have health insurance through Dad's work (which they would not have if we hadn't sold the business a year ago). Without this insurance, we would be in a heap of financial trouble right about now. So, we can be VERY thankful to our Father for taking such good care of the details. We praise God to have brought us this far and we have the greatest confidence that He will continue to do so!!

Today, I feel rather like Esther. Perhaps for "such a time as this" I am here in this place. Another lesson I've learned is that sometimes God brings us to a place to serve others so that we can got over pain in our lives. So maybe, just maybe, God knew I needed to be here right now; to help my parents get through a difficult time and be here to comfort them.

And so, my prayer for today (and most likely many days to come) is:

"Lord, make me strong to serve."

Keep us in your prayers and others like us, where ever they may be.

Thankful for you,
Heidi

praying for you all ♥

by sonya05 at 03/02/10 12:18PM
Heidi, I'm so sorry to hear this news, but I know that you guys will get through it. Especially if you keep that positive outlook :). We'll be keeping you guys in our thoughts and prayers.

by apbooklover04 at 03/02/10 12:42PM
That's funny you used that quote from Esther, as I, too, have been reflecting on that quite a bit this last week. Perhaps it is "for such a time as this" that I am home when some parts of my home seem to be falling to pieces (perhaps that's a bit exaggerated, but it rather feels like it this week).

Part of me thinks it's arrogant of me to think that I'm the one who fits that qualification and part of me is scared that maybe it is so. But I think really that no matter where we are, we are there "for such a time as this," to do our part in God's work with all the strength He provides us.

I don't know if those thoughts are helpful to you in your situation or not. They've been helpful for me to reflect on this past week. You and your family are in my prayers.

by august28rose at 03/02/10 1:28PM
I will pray for you and your family. We've been through a lot of "when it rains it pours" times over the last year. Just keep your eyes set toward heaven and God will take care of you :)

by desi at 03/02/10 1:39PM
Definitely praying for your family Heidi.

by eladea at 03/02/10 1:41PM
**hugs and prayers

by metzgermom at 03/02/10 3:33PM
Heidi, you are such an encouragement to me. I will most certainly pray for your family, and that God will give you the strength to make it through this. And I SO agree with you on number 4 of your lessons learned list. I love you, girl! Please let me know if you ever need anything.

by anna6689 at 03/02/10 6:18PM
Oh dear Heidi! I am praying for you all! Please continue to keep us posted. Tell your mom and dad that I said hi, and that I hope they feel better. I love you soon to be cousin! Give me a call if you need anything or want to talk or whatever :)

by tabycat at 03/02/10 6:28PM
Oh Heidi! You are always so cheerful and giving! I'm glad to that you are there to help your parents! I know they are grateful and that you are giving them your all :) Love you bunches!!

(give your mom, dad, and yourself a hug for me!)

by snoopy at 03/02/10 6:45PM
Praying for each one of you... and wishing I could give you a backrub and hug right now. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate you and your parents (and to think that a year ago I didn't know them!) -- you ALL have been and are such a blessing and encouragement to me. Sending lots of love and prayers your way, dear!

by laurar209 at 03/02/10 7:26PM
Was it really only a year ago we first knew you and your family? No, I think we've known one another almost forever. You are such a special part of our thoughts and our lives. We are praying for you already and we appreciate the updated info for more specific prayers about your dad. And Heidi I wish we lived next door. Please know we are hugging you all in thoughts too.

by mr_and_mrs_berry at 03/02/10 7:50PM
ps - I just saw your feast photo above or just noticed it was the feast photo - I love that picture :)

by mr_and_mrs_berry at 03/02/10 7:51PM
Dear, dear Heidi. You have the promise of my prayers, and our sincere concern and love. Please send our regards to your folks. Let us know anytime we can do anything for Jonathan. Will he be coming home for spring break?

by motherofall at 03/02/10 9:48PM
I love your attitude! You have such a good outlook, and I love it.

by allie_may4 at 03/02/10 10:02PM
I love you, Heidi. Remember that worst-case scenarios are just that -- not necessarily fact. Praying here.

by lori_in_pa at 03/03/10 9:07AM
I have a saying that I use quite often these days (as my own world comes crashing down): Everything is from God to help us grow and to let us better glorify Him. And there are always sunny spots in a dark room. Just recently, I prayed to God to help me with a weight problem (I felt petty as all get-out), but with every single "problem" in our lives, God can be there to help. With my children, I have learned that the relationship that I want with my children is the exact relationship that God wants with me. Now, Elijah cannot tell me what his problems are (and Sam certainly can't tell me, seeing as he/she/them have not yet breathed air yet), but there are days when I really long to know why he is being fussy and how I can help. I know that the same pertains to God. Of course, He could choose to look into our lives and figure it out, but He WANTS for us to go to Him with all of our problems, and work it through together. It's easy to go to God with the big problems, the life-altering difficulties, but the little ones are just as important as well.

by smallgreenbug at 03/03/10 10:58AM
Hi Heidi. I'm Ashley. I believe we met at RYC winter camp! I'm sorry to hear things are going so bad, but I will be praying for you! :)

by dawsonlover10 at 03/03/10 10:50PM
I'll pray. I had to go on voice rest for a month a few years ago. It was so hard!

by sallyanne at 03/03/10 11:26PM
Sorry to hear about your parent's health problems. Thanks for the reminder of allowing others to be there. May God be will you all.

by blondechick89 at 03/07/10 2:32PM
I will definitely pray for your family, and for *you*. I wish I could say I was always the kind of daughter that you are.

And- I just found out that there is a new Jane Eyre movie in production. Not sure when it is coming out. Later this year, I think. So there is something to look forward to!

by matermagistra at 03/09/10 5:32PM

So Complicated

at 10/29/09 8:45PM *

And while trying to "uncomplicate" my life, I ran across the following quote. Enjoy!

"We are called to *live* by faith. Everything that happens, God's word tells us, falls into a pattern for good to those who love Him. The more intimately we walk with Him, the more faithfully we trust His promises and keep His commandments, the simpler and the happier we will be. Life will "uncomplicate" itself." -- Elizabeth Elliot

This was certainly a blessing to me to day and I hope it is for you too!

To God be all the glory!

Heidi

Good thought. Thanks for sharing it!

by engelishgentleman at 10/29/09 9:16PM
:) Thanks for that Heidi. It seems like I can always use being reminded of how much God takes care of me, no matter how many times I've been reminded before.

by eladea at 10/29/09 11:37PM
Good quote! Hope you can 'uncomplicate'!!

by sallyanne at 10/30/09 2:24AM
Thanks for sharing. That quote is very true.

by hmjmom at 10/30/09 7:13AM
Very good quote. I like it! I hope things "untangle" quickly for you. :)

by onelittlecandle at 10/30/09 7:22AM
It seems sometimes that life is a series of complications, with short spans of peace in between. I, too, am in the middle of complications, and this quote is helpful. Thank you!

by tryphena at 10/30/09 7:38AM
2 Cor 5:7! :)

by rundrummerrun at 10/30/09 7:53AM
It is so neet whenever you come across a quote or a verse in the Bible that has to do with whatever is the problem.

by miqueias at 10/30/09 8:01AM
Oh, I like that quote!

by lizzbeth at 10/30/09 11:37PM
was fun to see you yesterday!

by worker_at_home at 11/02/09 9:23AM
I absolutely LOVE Elizabeth Elliot! She has so many wise things to say!

(Did you see my comment on your Facebook about when our next singing is?)

by tabitha at 11/02/09 1:27PM
I'd love to help fix your dress! Let us know when you can come :)

by tabitha at 11/05/09 10:35AM

Discourse on Trust

at 03/23/09 8:20PM

This has been on my heart lately. Enjoy!

"For the Lord your God is testing you, to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear Him and keep His commandments and obey His voice, and you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him."
Deuteronomy 13:3-5

"Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who keep His commandments, to a thousand generations."
Deuteronomy 7:9

"Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!"
Psalm 27:14

"Oh , taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!"
Psalm 34:8

"Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act...Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him."
Psalm 37:3-5,7

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths."
Proverbs 3:5-6

"The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord."
Lamentations 3:25,26

I know that there are many more scriptures on this subject, but I just wanted to provide a small sampling of what God has to say.

Making better commitments,
Heidi

Happy Things:
-Gary Henry
-Sleeping in four different houses in four nights. Oh yeah.
-Talking with old friends.
-Pot lucks (or Pitch-ins).
-Shout out's from the pulpit. (Thanks Tim!!)
-Rejoicing in God's blessings.
-Praising God for simply being God.
-Realizing that being selfish causes spiritual blindness.
-Finally understanding exactly what having trust in God actually entails and putting that into action. It's a bigger job than I ever thought.

the verses you posted from Lamentations are some of my favorites, even though it's the hardest thing to me at times... waiting for whatever I think I need right now!

by laurar209 at 03/23/09 8:28PM
That verse in Lamentations is one of my favorites, too. Look forward to catching up sometime!

by onelittlecandle at 03/23/09 9:53PM
Good thoughts. I like the Lamentations one a lot. It's helpful to remember that God works in His time.

by noby_wan at 03/24/09 1:00PM
Oh, and with the potluck/pitch-in, it depends on whether you're from OH or IN. Or, I've heard that in IL some people call it a scramble?

by noby_wan at 03/24/09 1:02PM
I say pitch-in. :)

by noby_wan at 03/24/09 1:02PM
A scramble? A scramble is a large golf outing.

by kendrad at 03/24/09 1:17PM
Ummm... wow. "Scramble" is definitely a new one.

by heidiw at 03/24/09 2:24PM
Don't forget to add me :)

by ladymustang_08 at 05/26/09 8:07AM
AHHH still no updates. haha

by ladymustang_08 at 05/29/09 8:15AM
hi heidi! i havent met you, but im so excited to spend time with you and laura this summer! we are both really looking forward to it! cant wait to meet you!

by dukie at 06/21/09 3:50PM
Hey Heidi! This is Krystal; we met at the Whitsitt's last night :) It was great meeting you!

Nice post! Here is a verse that I've recently been trying to keep in mind: "For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed."
Is 50:7

by tabitha at 07/11/09 7:36PM
Great post!

by create_a_way at 08/27/09 9:09AM
It was nice to meet you, Heidi!

by tbs_hosts at 02/06/10 10:47PM

Suggestions???

at 03/05/09 12:06AM

I need a bit of help and I thought that I would ask you guys seeing as you are generally helpful people.

I was asked to give a devo in the next couple of weeks (to a group of girls), and I am at a loss about what to talk about.

Basically, if you have any helpful thoughts/ideas/suggestions/quotes/favorite scripture passages/ etc. I would really like to hear them. So, please, bombard me. The more the better.

Thanks!
Heidi

I just taught a ladies' class on regularly studying/praying... which was good because it showed me how lacking I was in in both of those areas! It's a BIG pet peeve of mine that we girls/women think that we don't need to *really* study (because after all, we're just going to be teaching the baby classes, right?) since the men are the ones who do the preaching and hard teaching. But how are we to be lights if we don't know the Truth... ALL aspects of it? How will we become Titus 2 (older) women if we don't know the spiritual foundations of the practical applications? How can we avoid false teachers who captivate weak-minded women (2 Tim 3) if we have no real knowledge of the doctrines of Christ?

Anyhoo, those are some thoughts of mine; if you want, I can send you my outline and verses.

by laurar209 at 03/05/09 11:09AM
not sure...I'll get back to you

by horselover13 at 03/05/09 2:32PM
age group?

by paradise_ray at 03/05/09 2:35PM
yes, what age?

by onelittlecandle at 03/05/09 2:53PM
and are they christians or not?

by onelittlecandle at 03/05/09 2:54PM
Perhaps a lesson on how God's presence is the most fulfilling joy we can ever be blessed with. Psalm 16:11 is a favorite, but obviously many verses could go with this topic. Many songs too!

by paradise_ray at 03/05/09 8:09PM
what's your email address, oh Heidi-ho?

by laurar209 at 03/05/09 8:25PM
:)

by laurar209 at 03/05/09 8:25PM
"God Takes Care of Us"

by desi at 03/05/09 10:53PM
How old are the girls, what is the setting?

by lovnprayers at 03/06/09 12:19PM
Well I'm sure I could make suggestions, but me being a guy they might not be that helpful. :) How old are the girls going to be that you're talking to?

by wheelman at 03/06/09 2:19PM
Convertable! I'm so glad you still remember! Yes, I am learning to put my trust in God and wait for something to happen. It is hard, but I am encouraged by you and so many other girls who are in the same situation. I love you!

by ktay at 03/07/09 1:48AM
Thank you, Heidi! :) I love you too! And I will most definitely be keeping you in my prayers.

by paradise_ray at 03/09/09 1:46PM
I need to look for Kenosha on the map, we take 1-94 to I-39 to I-80 are you in that general area?

by nickkrumrei at 03/09/09 11:23PM
How about talk about what God thinks about when life begins, abortion, t-cell experimentation. I like to start every study with a study of God's authority. You would be amazed at how many "Christians" have no idea about the exact inspiration of the scriptures.

by nickkrumrei at 03/10/09 7:14PM
Frogs. One of the plaques was frogs everywhere. Moses told Pharaoh to let the people go. Pharaoh said, "tomorrow, I will get back with you tomorrow" Most people don't mind wallowing in the mire for a few extra days, we know what to do, we know we ought to do it, but, maybe tomorrow.

by nickkrumrei at 03/11/09 8:01AM

51-55 of 55 entries « prev 1 2 … 7 8 9 10 11 next »

Well, here we go again!

God, Give Me Strength

So Complicated

Discourse on Trust

Suggestions???

heidiw

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