Always there

Dearest friends and family,

We had our visit with the specialist today (Tuesday) and as we both thought, we would be meeting with a team at the new Christiana Hospital Transplant Center. Jim's specialist, Dr. Slater, is proactive in his kidney disease and for this we are SO thankful. We are not sure when we will meet with the team, this is all set up through the Nephrology Associates. The possibility of "things beginning" toward the transplant are (at this point) a few years away, but getting "in" and "on the list" for donors is crucial and proactive. When we meet with the team we will then begin testing (a simple blood test) for living donors. There are 6 criteria for possible donors (bloodwork) and that can be discussed when living donors offer to be tested.

As I mentioned, we are VERY thankful for the wisdom of Dr. Slater and Dr. Mawn for referring us to the Nephrology Associates as well as the benefit of a Transplant Center in our area, which is proactive in the fight against kidney disease. Jim has consistently been losing kidney function over the last few years, he is at a "level 3" (there are 5 levels--last total dyalsis/transplant) and even with the change in diet and blood pressure under control, the kidney is wearing down.

What a wonderful GOD, who gives human beings gifts of medical advances. Thank you for your prayers and keep them coming. We love and appreciate you!

Tina


The above note I sent on Wednesday to friends and family. We are entering into a stage of our lives as a husband and wife, that we knew would eventually come (after discovering there were some medical problems), but when the "time arrives" it is a test on many levels. We are blessed to have a very solid, loving relationship and know that with God and each other, we will come out of any circumstance stronger and more blessed.

We did find out today (Thursday) that the Nephrology Associates sent the request for the Transplant center team to begin the process and we should hear from them in about 2 weeks. After that the process will be alot of paperwork or personal progness notes on Jim's condition from our primary and specialist doctors, Dr. Mawn and Dr. Slater. We will then meet with the team (possibly in 6-8 weeks), at that point, we believe, that testing can be started for possible live donors. Our understanding is that Jim will be on the donor list at the beginning of all the process so that is a very good and proactive move.

As mentioned above, we are very blessed with the care in our area in regards to our situation personally. Jim is very healthy and is very compliant with all requests that the doctors have made throughout several years of finding out that his kidney is not functioning properly. This is all in "our favor" so to speak.We ultimately know that God is the Great Physician and He is working through these specialists and teams here in Delaware. He is also working in our family and us as individuals as we accept what we will be experiencing in the next few years.

I personally request your prayers for strength to continue to be the encourager for our family as well as prayers for inner peace and discernment with events that come our way in every day living as well as decisions for what is best at this "stage" of this event. Also for prayers to continue to see the daily blessings that God so richly gives us and not lose sight of those precious moments because of an ongoing event.

This uncertainity in our lives is only a stepping stone to what God has in store for us as a couple to serve Him with more vigor and strength in years to come. Jim is blessed because when he experiences the transplant, he will be "brand new" so to speak. we know what a gift life is and frankly, that is why I entitled my blog as Living R Lives Together and realizing that every day we live is a day to give God the glory. I know that we will have "down"days and I ask that you pray for us for those days as well as days of being afraid of the unknown. But, I can truly say that God's peace is with us and His presence is always there and when we are feeling down, He is caring for us when we can't care for each other. He is the Great Physician. What a wonderful Savior we have.

Have a blessed weekend.

Rules to live by

Today I received the following email. I do send more forwards then I should, but not as many as most. I try to weed out most of them. This forward was worth putting on the blog. There are 7 rules to use as a personal guide for your daily walk. I loved it and wanted to share it with you. See how this coming week goes with applying the "rules to live by". Have a blessed week -Tina


Daily Rules from God for 2008

1. Wake Up!! Decide to have a good day.
"Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalms 118:24

2. Dress Up!! The best way to dress up is to put on a smile.
A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart." I Samuel 16:7

3. Shut Up!! Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. "He who guards his lips guards his soul." Proverbs 13:3

4 . Stand Up!! For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10

5. Look Up!!To the Lord. "I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me." Phillippians 4:13

6. Reach Up!!For something higher. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, And He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6

7. Lift Up!! Your Prayers. "Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING." Philippians 4:6

Setting Priorities

Setting Priorities!!! Too much of a good thing is not a good thing!

This was our next chapter of study for my small evening Bible Study!!! It was held at our home, which means that I was the facilitator for the evening with this particular study. God is a great God and knows when we are in need of a "kick in the pants" so to speak. I say this because this particular week of study was just what I needed and with facilitating the study, I had to make sure I could keep the class flowing and moving as well as connecting the important points of the chapter.

The "lies" that were discussed this study were: 1) has to do with our many activities and involvements. 2) concerns the priority we place on our personal relationship with Christ. 3) addresses a conflict between our culture and God's Word--the value of being a wife and mother.

Day 1 we were asked in our workbook to circle numbers indicating if we were peaceful, calm or stressed and frazzled (ranking 1-5), well ordered or out of control, purposeful use of time or reacting to life, good steward of time or waste a lot of time, balanced priorities or overwhelmed by demands, fulfilling His "to-do" list for me, or frustrated by unfinished tasks, relaxed spirit or uptight spirit, putting "first things first", or "Majoring in the minors", Led by the Spirit or driven by others or circumstances.

These above choices I personally did more than once through the two week between studies and dated the times I did them. Some stayed the same and some changed. I also saw a consistency in some of the answers and frankly I didn't like what I saw, so I asked God to help me with the issue. My "lower score" consistently was the fact that I don't let the Spirit lead me in my life as I should, I allow others pull me in decision making because I am a "pleaser". I worked on this study before Christmas and I have been praying daily for being able to hear the Spirit more and more. God is a great God as I mentioned before and I do see that He is making me more aware of my daily "calls" from the spirit. I always had the spirit with me day in and day out, but I was not listening to His welcoming voice. Truly focusing on the Spirit as my helper in all times of my life is a comfort and a humbling experience.

We shared that we learned that fulfilling God's "to-do" list is our only list that we should strive to do. In discovery that list for all of us as individuals is just that an individual personal list. The author shared a profound example that all of us in the group agreed that gave us the confidence to change our priority lists :-D Nancy DeMoss stated, "The Lord Jesus Himself was given only a few short years on earth to accomplish the entire plan of redemption. Talk about a long "to do" list! Yet, at the end of His life, Jesus was able to life His eyes to His Father and say, "I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gave me to do (John 17:4)" That statement put us all in our place and we all saw that it is our choice to do what is important to "us" or what is really important. The conclusion of this was that when I/we allow ourselves or let others determine the priorities for our lives, rather than taking time to discern what it is that God wants me/us to do, I/we end up buried under piles of half-finished, poorly done, or never, attempted projects and tasks. The result of this type of prioritizing, is guilt, frustration, and haste, rather than enjoying the peaceful, well-ordered life that He has always intended for us all!!! The major thing to remember is that we are all individuals and we are all in different stages, so "our lists" are well different. That's okay and that's how it should be, so what's right for me, may not be right for you at this time and so on.

The next day or so we had the privilege to dig into the Word about verses of Jesus' example while He was on earth, some of the verses that we dealt with our, John 17:4, Acts 20:24, Eph. 2:10. Then we were to list our typical week of activities and responsibilities that we were involved in on a regular basis. The next step was to consider which of the list were "negotiable" and if this activities fit in with your and God's priorities and share why or why not!!! Very good and very eye opening to some degree. It should us how to re-prioritize and make wise choices regarding our daily activities.

We then were challenged about our daily study in the Word, not communing with God throughout our day, but taking the time to "be still and know Him" and how we fit that into our daily activities or do we or do we justify doing it or not doing it? Another great discussion.

Our study ended with the discussion of the role of mothers and wives and how we all can fall into the deception of the role of being a help mate. We discussed submission and we also discussed balancing work and home. It was a great study this week.

I have given you alot of "food for thought" and I'm sorry this entry was so lengthy, but this study as I have said before is an excellent study and one worth sharing.

I pray you find time to recheck your priority lists and then share that list with God and your family and see if you are able to say in the evening of a day, Thank you Lord for the opportunity to do the activities I did today and thank Him for showing you how to choose wisely so you finished all the activities that were on your list for that day.

Happy prioritizing!!!!

Thanks for the prayers

Friday night (Ladies Laughter Night) went "hilariously" well. All the ladies laughed until we cried and then laugh some more. It was a wonderful evening of smiles, giggles, and bonding--Woman style :-D


This morning, Saturday, I had the privilege to mentor to some young mothers and I previously asked for your prayers as I prepared for my talk. THANK YOU for your prayers on my behalf to direct the young mothers and share God's word on "loving your children". The lecture went well, but our discussion time was very good. They shared and asked many questions. We ended our day together with prayer and fellowship and hopefully doors were opened for these ladies to contact me anytime with questions on motherhood and relationships with their husbands and children. It was a very humbling and rewarding morning.

Have a great week.

She's not right... and that's a good thing

The title says it all. Friday night, I am planning a relaxing ladies night at our church building. It is totally a night of LAUGHTER!!! We will be enjoying more outrageous sayings and stories and songs from a great Christian comedian that I have had the privilege to see in person.

If you in "our neck of the woods" come on by. The dress is VERY casual and we're all bringing a snack to share (you can't get women together without some goodies, even if it is the month after the Christmas holiday).


The video starring, Anita Renfroe begins at 7:00 p.m.

http://www.anitarenfroe.com

Prayers for the right words

I have been blessed with the opportunity this week to share some information with young mothers on "loving your children". I have worked hard on my lecture and have prayed daily that I may represent the correct biblical view of mothering. It is always a privilege when I'm asked to share thoughts with this group. I am asking for your prayers on behalf of my upcoming talk. I am reminded of many scriptures that show me God will direct my ways as I keep my focus on Him.

I am also counseling some other women with various concerns and they are in different stages of their lives, spirituality as well as physically. I covet the prayers of my friends that I may be the example that God wants me to be to these women. He gave me this awesome responsibility and I take it very seriously when I mentor with others.

Have a great week and thank you for your ongoing prayers.

Tina

2008 is gonna be great!!!

It is the 3rd of January already. At my last blogging, you met our soon-to-be son-in-love :-D We are thrilled, but since that time we have seen several possible locations for the actual ceremony as well as several places for the reception. Some of the reception places didn't have the available date (11.8.08) and it was the end of December. We have been working on the place for the wedding and reception (WE GOT THE PLACE), colors (WE GOT THE COLORS), size of the wedding party, photographer, DJ, and the dreaded guest list (STARTED DWINDLING IT DOWN ALREADY). As the mother-of-the-bride, I plan to keep in mind that the guest list is family, very close friends of the bride/groom and immediate family. There will be some disappointed, but hopefully they will understand if not at the present time in time. Jim says this is not going to be a problem...he'll "handle any disappointments", so I'm leaving that part to him!!

This is a very exciting time in our household. In fact this Sunday Megan and I and possibly her grandmother are going to a bridal shop to try picking out the wedding dress. I tear just writing the words wedding dress!!!

I pray daily that all the hustle and bustle of this preparation for this wonderful day I can "treasure and ponder in my heart", rather than be hurried, rushed, and anxious. My relationship with our daughter is one that is a deep friendship and we have always enjoyed doing things together and so far, the wedding preparations have been this way. I am so thankful for my relationship with Megan and pray it is always strong.


Have a great week.