Well 2009 is nearly here. To say that my posting has slacked off is an understatement. I hope to do better next year in my prayer requests. However I will give a quick prayer request here on this blog....
As my last (Lord willing) prayer request for 2008 is that may God continue to bless us as He so richly has this past year. Even though parts of 2008 has been very hard, there have been other parts that have been filled with joyful events. The fact that we have our health, jobs, a roof over heads, family, and other blessings - we are so blessed to have what we do and I'm very thankful to our Heavenly Father for those blessings.
Love to all.....
Jack
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Update on my grandmother
Sorry that this has taken so long for me to update everyone on the status of my grandmother. To say that it's been a busy week with my grandmother being in the hospital, Thanksgiving, catching up at work, and taking care of other personal things would be an understatement.
The long and the short of it is that my grandmother does NOT have cancer. She instead has pneumonia.
To help explain this drastic change of events below is a timeline of last week, I've included a description of each day and the events that transpired. Please note that this is from my perspective and does not include things said both verbally and non-verbally to others in the family.
Sunday - Granny falls (again) and burst open a cut on her knee (for the 3rd time). While there and getting everything figured out, the medical staff learns her white blood cell count is over 33,000. Normal is 4,500-10,000 (according to www.nlm.nih.gov). Word is that they think that she has pneumonia.
Monday - An x-ray of her chest shows a "spot" the size of a baseball on her lungs. If memory serves me correct, the doctor said "I've never seen a spot this big that wasn't cancer" and "you need to be looking for a nursing home with hospice and she will never leave the state of". Mom & dad leave to go where my grandmother is. A CT scan is done to get a better look at the spot on the lung.
Tuesday - Things are a little clearer, and I find out that she might not have cancer. A biopsy is taken to see if the spot is cancer. Doctor (not same one as on Monday) who took the biopsy says that symptoms of pneumonia are not present (green junk in lungs, fever, cough, etc); however the x-ray report says it is a mass and the CT radiologist calls the place an infusion. So, we are told she either has pneumonia or cancer. We are also told the results of biopsy will not be back until Friday (normally would be Thursday but since Thursday is Thanksgiving it will be Friday).
Wednesday - First doctor tells us that the white blood count has gone down to 8,000 (within the normal range). Because of this the doctor is now thinking that she has pneumonia instead of cancer. However won’t say for sure until the results come back from the biopsy.
Thursday – Thanksgiving …….no news.
Friday – We leave home to travel to where Granny D is. Results come back from the biopsy and my grandmother does NOT have cancer! A BIG sigh of relief is experienced throughout the family.
So that’s the timeline of events. Writing it down makes it not seem as big of a deal, but when you are dealing with the “c” word, in real time people get worried really fast. Since Friday she has been dismissed from the hospital, staying at my cousin's house for the time being, and hopes to come back home next weekend.
I apologize for the last post and making the outlook look so bleak, however hopefully by reading this post you will understand why the post was worded the way it was. I also hope that this helps clear up some of your confusion. My family and I really do appreciate all of the prayers, comments, and concerns expressed by several of you throughout the past week. I can’t explain how much they touched all of us.
The long and the short of it is that my grandmother does NOT have cancer. She instead has pneumonia.
To help explain this drastic change of events below is a timeline of last week, I've included a description of each day and the events that transpired. Please note that this is from my perspective and does not include things said both verbally and non-verbally to others in the family.
Sunday - Granny falls (again) and burst open a cut on her knee (for the 3rd time). While there and getting everything figured out, the medical staff learns her white blood cell count is over 33,000. Normal is 4,500-10,000 (according to www.nlm.nih.gov). Word is that they think that she has pneumonia.
Monday - An x-ray of her chest shows a "spot" the size of a baseball on her lungs. If memory serves me correct, the doctor said "I've never seen a spot this big that wasn't cancer" and "you need to be looking for a nursing home with hospice and she will never leave the state of
Tuesday - Things are a little clearer, and I find out that she might not have cancer. A biopsy is taken to see if the spot is cancer. Doctor (not same one as on Monday) who took the biopsy says that symptoms of pneumonia are not present (green junk in lungs, fever, cough, etc); however the x-ray report says it is a mass and the CT radiologist calls the place an infusion. So, we are told she either has pneumonia or cancer. We are also told the results of biopsy will not be back until Friday (normally would be Thursday but since Thursday is Thanksgiving it will be Friday).
Wednesday - First doctor tells us that the white blood count has gone down to 8,000 (within the normal range). Because of this the doctor is now thinking that she has pneumonia instead of cancer. However won’t say for sure until the results come back from the biopsy.
Thursday – Thanksgiving …….no news.
Friday – We leave home to travel to where Granny D is. Results come back from the biopsy and my grandmother does NOT have cancer! A BIG sigh of relief is experienced throughout the family.
So that’s the timeline of events. Writing it down makes it not seem as big of a deal, but when you are dealing with the “c” word, in real time people get worried really fast. Since Friday she has been dismissed from the hospital, staying at my cousin's house for the time being, and hopes to come back home next weekend.
I apologize for the last post and making the outlook look so bleak, however hopefully by reading this post you will understand why the post was worded the way it was. I also hope that this helps clear up some of your confusion. My family and I really do appreciate all of the prayers, comments, and concerns expressed by several of you throughout the past week. I can’t explain how much they touched all of us.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Pray
Please pray for my Grandmother. Dad's mom. We just found out that she likely has advanced lung cancer that is very advanced. Tests are still being ran to confirm the diagnosis and more details to come later, however please pray for me and my family. What would I like for you to pray for? I don't know. I really don't know. But please just pray for God to work His Will in this matter.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
November 16 - 22, 2008
Special thanks to those of you who sent comments last week letting me know you appreciated this work. I hope that it uplifts you and helps you as much as it has been helping me. I really don't have any additional prayer requests this week, save one, so I decided not to include the long list in this post. If I get a couple of more prayer requests / praises then I probalby will include the list but for now here is the one request.
* Fran & I - as we travel to her national conference in CA. Pray for safe travels and a enjoyable time with old friends. Also pray that the conference goes smoothly. Their organization has had some turmoil lately as the owner provided funding for Proposition 8 in CA and that made several people within the national organization very upset.
* Fran & I - as we travel to her national conference in CA. Pray for safe travels and a enjoyable time with old friends. Also pray that the conference goes smoothly. Their organization has had some turmoil lately as the owner provided funding for Proposition 8 in CA and that made several people within the national organization very upset.
Monday, November 10, 2008
November 9 - 15, 2008 - 11/11/08 UPDATE #3
Another week another week of Prayer requests. I truely hope that people are reading this and it's not a waste of my time.
I am looking for some input, but have yet to receive anything from anyone. I'm also having some problems with my posting. I would REALLY like to just copy paste, but when I do that it doesn't bring the formatting over to the new post.
Finally please note the first prayer request. This is a couple that we were really close to in a town that we use to live in. Please pray that God works in that situation.
Prayer Requests:
* Friends from another town - separated and getting a divorce. Couple is wonderful people with two great children. Pray that they are able to find the love that they have for each other. Pray that they can put aside their issues and work together toward reconciliation. Pray that God will help remove their hatred for each other right now. Pray for the extended family that this is affecting. Pray for those working with this couple (both together and individually) for the words to help them through this difficult time and to help bring back the family together. Pray that both of them will not lose their faith over this issue. However above all pray that God's Will will be done.
* Cousin - had facial procedure to remove some skin ailments. Laid up for a couple of weeks. Pray for healing.
* Cousin's Husband - laid off last week. My late uncle's son-in-law. Pray that he finds a job soon.
* Distant Cousin - married on 11/9/08. Pray that she and her new husband always put God first in their lives and may they have a richly blessed life from Him.
* Friend from another town - married on 11/9/08 as well. Pray that they may live a lifetime together and that both of them will grow close to God and turn to Him.
Newly Elected President Obama – that he might lead the country in the direction that GOD wants it to go, and that he will turn to God for guidance and wisdom.
Cousin – traveling a lot with her job
Aunt - recovering from surgery after breaking her ankle. Can't put weight on it for several weeks.
UCSC Football team - Positive attitudes and displaying a Christ like personality while playing
Sister - Tooth, recovering from shoulder surgery, being off of work
Matt's father - recovering from foot surgery and being off of work
Sunday School Young Pro class - grow closer together and closer to God through our studies
Tommy (friend of a friend) - dealing with mental illness
Unknown (friend of a friend) - dying of kidney failure
Grandmother #1 - recovering from fall on knee, mental healing, physical healing, that she might be able go home by herself.
Grandmother #2 - mental healing, physical healing
Campus ministry where we came from - that they might grow, and others might realize their importance in God's kingdom
My Aunt & my entire family - grieving the passing of my uncle.
Abby's dad - health issues
Cousin - pregnancy difficulties
Tiffany, Lee, Mindy, Mandy, Janeen, Miriam, Leslie, & Star - pregnant
Wife - headaches and tiredness; stress of first semester after PhD
Trey - health issues with being able to speak
Myself - patience, understanding, & growth; less stress at work; things to slow down in my life
Prayer Praises:
* Cousin’s son – Star student at his elementary schools WAY TO GO!!
College Student we know #1 - feeling better from episodes that were very concerning.
College Student we know #2 - successful surgery (let’s not ask the area! :S)
College Student we know #3 - successful surgery (knee)
Celebration (Religious Youth Rally) – I was told that it was a wonderful weekend of youth groups lifting up their hearts, hands, and minds to God. Several teens turned over their lives to God through baptism. Praise be to God for His blessings.
Tiffany (same Tiffany as mentioned above) – that she does not have gestational diabetes. YAY!!! WONDERFUL NEWS! PRAISE GOD!
I am looking for some input, but have yet to receive anything from anyone. I'm also having some problems with my posting. I would REALLY like to just copy paste, but when I do that it doesn't bring the formatting over to the new post.
Finally please note the first prayer request. This is a couple that we were really close to in a town that we use to live in. Please pray that God works in that situation.
Prayer Requests:
* Friends from another town - separated and getting a divorce. Couple is wonderful people with two great children. Pray that they are able to find the love that they have for each other. Pray that they can put aside their issues and work together toward reconciliation. Pray that God will help remove their hatred for each other right now. Pray for the extended family that this is affecting. Pray for those working with this couple (both together and individually) for the words to help them through this difficult time and to help bring back the family together. Pray that both of them will not lose their faith over this issue. However above all pray that God's Will will be done.
* Cousin - had facial procedure to remove some skin ailments. Laid up for a couple of weeks. Pray for healing.
* Cousin's Husband - laid off last week. My late uncle's son-in-law. Pray that he finds a job soon.
* Distant Cousin - married on 11/9/08. Pray that she and her new husband always put God first in their lives and may they have a richly blessed life from Him.
* Friend from another town - married on 11/9/08 as well. Pray that they may live a lifetime together and that both of them will grow close to God and turn to Him.
Newly Elected President Obama – that he might lead the country in the direction that GOD wants it to go, and that he will turn to God for guidance and wisdom.
Cousin – traveling a lot with her job
Aunt - recovering from surgery after breaking her ankle. Can't put weight on it for several weeks.
UCSC Football team - Positive attitudes and displaying a Christ like personality while playing
Sister - Tooth, recovering from shoulder surgery, being off of work
Matt's father - recovering from foot surgery and being off of work
Sunday School Young Pro class - grow closer together and closer to God through our studies
Tommy (friend of a friend) - dealing with mental illness
Unknown (friend of a friend) - dying of kidney failure
Grandmother #1 - recovering from fall on knee, mental healing, physical healing, that she might be able go home by herself.
Grandmother #2 - mental healing, physical healing
Campus ministry where we came from - that they might grow, and others might realize their importance in God's kingdom
My Aunt & my entire family - grieving the passing of my uncle.
Abby's dad - health issues
Cousin - pregnancy difficulties
Tiffany, Lee, Mindy, Mandy, Janeen, Miriam, Leslie, & Star - pregnant
Wife - headaches and tiredness; stress of first semester after PhD
Trey - health issues with being able to speak
Myself - patience, understanding, & growth; less stress at work; things to slow down in my life
Prayer Praises:
* Cousin’s son – Star student at his elementary schools WAY TO GO!!
College Student we know #1 - feeling better from episodes that were very concerning.
College Student we know #2 - successful surgery (let’s not ask the area! :S)
College Student we know #3 - successful surgery (knee)
Celebration (Religious Youth Rally) – I was told that it was a wonderful weekend of youth groups lifting up their hearts, hands, and minds to God. Several teens turned over their lives to God through baptism. Praise be to God for His blessings.
Tiffany (same Tiffany as mentioned above) – that she does not have gestational diabetes. YAY!!! WONDERFUL NEWS! PRAISE GOD!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Thoughts about the election
While I have my person thoughts, and comments about the recent election of a new president this blog isn't for that purpose. What I did want to do here was post some scriptures from a lesson that the campus minister at our church pointed out last night in Wednesday night Bible class.
The minister pointed out that regardless of who we were for, what our postion politically speaking was (and still is), and how we might feel about the outcome of the election, we as Christians now have a specific role to play. This role is outline by God in His word.
I encourage you to take a second and look at these scriptures that he pointed out. See if you agree with his thoughts and lesson. I've given a short reason as to why he included the scripture in his lesson. After studying God's word, let me know what you think.
1 Timothy 2:1-2 -- Pray for those in authority (including the president)
Romans 13:1-7 -- Be in subjection to government, pay your taxes as your are suppose to, however do all of this only to the point where it doesn't break a commandment by God (where's that line at? Good question, your thoughts are welcome)
1 Thess 4:11-12 -- live a quite life
Philippians 3:17-20 -- our citizenship is ultimately in heaven with God. Our US citizenship is secondary to the citizenship in Heaven.
The minister pointed out that regardless of who we were for, what our postion politically speaking was (and still is), and how we might feel about the outcome of the election, we as Christians now have a specific role to play. This role is outline by God in His word.
I encourage you to take a second and look at these scriptures that he pointed out. See if you agree with his thoughts and lesson. I've given a short reason as to why he included the scripture in his lesson. After studying God's word, let me know what you think.
1 Timothy 2:1-2 -- Pray for those in authority (including the president)
Romans 13:1-7 -- Be in subjection to government, pay your taxes as your are suppose to, however do all of this only to the point where it doesn't break a commandment by God (where's that line at? Good question, your thoughts are welcome)
1 Thess 4:11-12 -- live a quite life
Philippians 3:17-20 -- our citizenship is ultimately in heaven with God. Our US citizenship is secondary to the citizenship in Heaven.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
November 2 – 8, 2008 – UPDATE #1 (11/05/08)
I’m trying to get this blog better organized, and in doing so I’m trying some things out so please be patient with me as I try to figure all of this out. If anyone reading this blog has any suggestions PLEASE let me know. I’m all ears! (well maybe not all ears, but I am willing to listen.)
For now, I’m going to include all previous prayer requests. I thought about just adding new requests, however wanted to make sure that everyone who reads this (including myself) remembers ALL of the prayer requests and not just the new ones. Except for a few additions to those that I failed to mention who are pregnant; I’ve added the new prayer requests to the top and emphasized them with an asterisk (*). I’m also trying to keep the posts down so if I come across other prayer requests this week I’ll add them to this blog and note the date that it was updated.
Prayer Requests:
* Newly Elected President Obama – that he might lead the country in the direction that GOD wants it to go, and that he will turn to God for guidance and wisdom.
* Our country – as we select new leaders both local and national
* Celebration (Religious Youth Rally) – God works in everyone there, that lives may be transformed to be better servants of God and His Kingdom, safety for those traveling, and wisdom for those speaking, strength for those serving.
* Cousin – traveling a lot with her job
* Tiffany (same Tiffany as mentioned below) – that she does not have gestational diabetes
* Aunt - recovering from surgery after breaking her ankle. Can't put weight on it for several weeks.
UCSC Football team - Positive attitudes and displaying a Christ like personality while playing
Sister - Tooth, recovering from shoulder surgery, being off of work
Matt's father - recovering from foot surgery and being off of work
Sunday School Young Pro class - grow closer together and closer to God through our studies
Tommy (friend of a friend) - dealing with mental illness
Unknown (friend of a friend) - dying of kidney failure
Grandmother #1 - recovering from fall on knee, mental healing, physical healing, that she might be able go home by herself.
Grandmother #2 - mental healing, physical healing
Campus ministry where we came from - that they might grow, and others might realize their importance in God's kingdom
My Aunt & my entire family - grieving the passing of my uncle.
Abby's dad - health issues
Cousin - pregnancy difficulties
Tiffany, Lee, Mindy, Mandy, Janeen, Miriam, Leslie - pregnant
Wife - headaches and tiredness; stress of first semester after PhD
Trey - health issues with being able to speak
Myself - patience, understanding, & growth; less stress at work; things to slow down in my life
Prayer Praises:
* College Student we know #3 - successful surgery (knee)
College Student we know #1 - feeling better from episodes that were very concerning.
College Student we know #2 - successful surgery (let’s not ask the area! :S)
For now, I’m going to include all previous prayer requests. I thought about just adding new requests, however wanted to make sure that everyone who reads this (including myself) remembers ALL of the prayer requests and not just the new ones. Except for a few additions to those that I failed to mention who are pregnant; I’ve added the new prayer requests to the top and emphasized them with an asterisk (*). I’m also trying to keep the posts down so if I come across other prayer requests this week I’ll add them to this blog and note the date that it was updated.
Prayer Requests:
* Newly Elected President Obama – that he might lead the country in the direction that GOD wants it to go, and that he will turn to God for guidance and wisdom.
* Our country – as we select new leaders both local and national
* Celebration (Religious Youth Rally) – God works in everyone there, that lives may be transformed to be better servants of God and His Kingdom, safety for those traveling, and wisdom for those speaking, strength for those serving.
* Cousin – traveling a lot with her job
* Tiffany (same Tiffany as mentioned below) – that she does not have gestational diabetes
* Aunt - recovering from surgery after breaking her ankle. Can't put weight on it for several weeks.
UCSC Football team - Positive attitudes and displaying a Christ like personality while playing
Sister - Tooth, recovering from shoulder surgery, being off of work
Matt's father - recovering from foot surgery and being off of work
Sunday School Young Pro class - grow closer together and closer to God through our studies
Tommy (friend of a friend) - dealing with mental illness
Unknown (friend of a friend) - dying of kidney failure
Grandmother #1 - recovering from fall on knee, mental healing, physical healing, that she might be able go home by herself.
Grandmother #2 - mental healing, physical healing
Campus ministry where we came from - that they might grow, and others might realize their importance in God's kingdom
My Aunt & my entire family - grieving the passing of my uncle.
Abby's dad - health issues
Cousin - pregnancy difficulties
Tiffany, Lee, Mindy, Mandy, Janeen, Miriam, Leslie - pregnant
Wife - headaches and tiredness; stress of first semester after PhD
Trey - health issues with being able to speak
Myself - patience, understanding, & growth; less stress at work; things to slow down in my life
Prayer Praises:
* College Student we know #3 - successful surgery (knee)
College Student we know #1 - feeling better from episodes that were very concerning.
College Student we know #2 - successful surgery (let’s not ask the area! :S)
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Prayer Requests - October
Since I'm starting out and the month of October is nearly over I thought that I would just do a few prayer requests. I hope to break these down more often than just a month, however here's where we are going to start.
Prayer Requests:
UCSC Football team - Positive attitudes and displaying a Christ like personality while playing
Sister - Tooth, recovering from shoulder surgery, being off of work
Matt's father - recovering from foot surgery and being off of work
Sunday School Young Pro class - grow closer together and closer to God through our studies
Tommy (friend of a friend) - dealing with mental illness
Unknown (friend of a friend) - dying of kidney failure
Grandmother #1 - recovering from fall on knee, mental healing, physical healing, that she might be able go home by herself.
Grandmother #2 - mental healing, physical healing
Campus ministry where we came from - that they might grow, and others might realize their importance in God's kingdom
My Aunt & my entire family - grieving the passing of my uncle.
Myself - patience, understanding, & growth; less stress at work; things to slow down in my life
Abby's dad - health issues
Cousin - pregnancy difficulties
Tiffany, Lee, Mindy, Mandy, Janeen - pregnant
Wife - headaches and tiredness; stress of first semester after PhD
Trey - health issues with being able to speak
Prayer Praises:
College Student we know #1 - feeling better from episodes that were very concerning.
College Student we know #2 - successful surgery
I think that it for now. I hope over time that the second list grows longer than the first, however for now it's not that way.
Prayer Requests:
UCSC Football team - Positive attitudes and displaying a Christ like personality while playing
Sister - Tooth, recovering from shoulder surgery, being off of work
Matt's father - recovering from foot surgery and being off of work
Sunday School Young Pro class - grow closer together and closer to God through our studies
Tommy (friend of a friend) - dealing with mental illness
Unknown (friend of a friend) - dying of kidney failure
Grandmother #1 - recovering from fall on knee, mental healing, physical healing, that she might be able go home by herself.
Grandmother #2 - mental healing, physical healing
Campus ministry where we came from - that they might grow, and others might realize their importance in God's kingdom
My Aunt & my entire family - grieving the passing of my uncle.
Myself - patience, understanding, & growth; less stress at work; things to slow down in my life
Abby's dad - health issues
Cousin - pregnancy difficulties
Tiffany, Lee, Mindy, Mandy, Janeen - pregnant
Wife - headaches and tiredness; stress of first semester after PhD
Trey - health issues with being able to speak
Prayer Praises:
College Student we know #1 - feeling better from episodes that were very concerning.
College Student we know #2 - successful surgery
I think that it for now. I hope over time that the second list grows longer than the first, however for now it's not that way.
What is this blog?
Hello everyone. Well I have officially bit the bullet. Even though I'm a tech guy and been in the industry for over 10 years I have put off blogging thinking that I didn't have anything to talk about. Well lately I feel like God's been putting something on my heart to do and I kept denying that I should do it. But lately it's been on my mind a lot so I figured why not!
This blog is the first in a series of blogs that I hope to do. However this blog I feel is probably the most important. I don't promise to update it often, however I promise to try.
So what is this blog about?
This blog is an attempt to help each other remember prayer requests that we have, specifically I have. The prayer requests will probably be very vague in nature to try to protect people privacy. If you find a prayer request that is about you and you would prefer it not be on here, feel free to let me know and I'll be glad to remove it. If you have a prayer request and you would like for me to include it, let me know and I'll try to put it up. No promises on that though. This blog is also an attempt to help myself have a better prayer life. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV) says..."Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." So that's what I'm trying to do. Pray continually, and rejoice in everything.
Not all of the prayer requests are going to be negative in nature. Thanksgiving prayer requests will appear (and hopefully often).
So that's what I'm trying to do. Hope you enjoy it and I hope that this blog leads you also to a stronger prayer life.
This blog is the first in a series of blogs that I hope to do. However this blog I feel is probably the most important. I don't promise to update it often, however I promise to try.
So what is this blog about?
This blog is an attempt to help each other remember prayer requests that we have, specifically I have. The prayer requests will probably be very vague in nature to try to protect people privacy. If you find a prayer request that is about you and you would prefer it not be on here, feel free to let me know and I'll be glad to remove it. If you have a prayer request and you would like for me to include it, let me know and I'll try to put it up. No promises on that though. This blog is also an attempt to help myself have a better prayer life. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV) says..."Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." So that's what I'm trying to do. Pray continually, and rejoice in everything.
Not all of the prayer requests are going to be negative in nature. Thanksgiving prayer requests will appear (and hopefully often).
So that's what I'm trying to do. Hope you enjoy it and I hope that this blog leads you also to a stronger prayer life.
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