The title of this blog says it all .... First John 5:14,15! "This is the confidence we have in approaching God; that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of Him."
And that my precious friends is ... GOD'S WILL, NOT OURS! Thank you Jesus for knowing exactly what is best for us ... down to the absolute last detail!
I was incredibly humbled to be at MD Anderson the past two days. What a place! ... the employees are amazing, my team of doctors were incredible, and the numerous patients lining the chairs was sad. I found myself quietly praying for each woman ... with a scarf or a wig, a blazen look in their eye ... but there was also a sparkle of joy amongst each one of them. God in their midst!!!
After weeks of prayer, the incredible time of prayer and anointing on Sunday, YOUR PRAYERS, EMAILS, MESSAGES, CARDS, CALLS (I could go on and on because YOU have been amazing) we entered the doors of MD Anderson. The first person I met eye to eye was the valet parker lady ... "Maria". Her first words to me when I stepped out of the car was ... "Hello ... (a big hug and smile) ... "God Bless You!" Her smile was contagious and sincere. Her hug was massive. She meant it ... she knew I was a new patient coming to MD Anderson. It made me well up in tears. Thank You Jesus... I knew you would be there holding the door open for Richard and me. You were there ... and carried us thru both days.
I will share the details of Gods intervention thru the people, the answered prayers later ... but we received good news today. I will have surgery April 19th. It will be manageable and a true answer to our prayers. Looks like a removal of the tumor (lumpectomy) and radiation. We are still awaiting some test results ... but if my lymph nodes are not affected ... that will most likely be the treatment. If they are ... I will have chemotherapy. This is a brief option for now ... we will know more in the coming days.
We have been given 3 treatment plans ... Richard and I are praying for the right treatment. This scripture comes to mind, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29: 11-13 ( Ohh ... how I love that scripture - it's all about bowing before the Lord Christ Almighty!!)
We are grateful and thankful to have these two days at MD Anderson behind us. They were good blessings ... and we are ready to seek treatment and move on with Gods plan for our lives. I've said it before but ... My hope and prayer is this cancer "thing" will be a spiritual journey, not a medical journey for me, my precious husband and my amazing daughters. Nothing would be greater.
I will update more details later ... but just know "I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done!" Psalm:118:17
I Love You my precious friends,
Jill
PS ... Gaynor you are truly loved and your unselfish Christ centered deeds are amazing! xoxox
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Saturday, March 27, 2010
MD Anderson Monday and Tuesday- Let's PRAY!
Hello sweet friends and loved ones! I write tonight with sadness in my heart for our dear friends Preston and Ann Onstead Hill and their entire family. This family has been an amazing example of grace, love and an unshakeable faith in Gods perfect plan in the midst of such sadness. Your entire family is covered in our loving, humble prayers. I love you all so much.
If you are not tired of praying for us (smile!) ... we actually meet with MD Anderson this Monday 3/29 and Tuesday 3/30 and should have a better idea of what's to come. “Oh Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.” Psalm 30:2. With humbleness and gratitude I want to share just how amazing our church is ...
This Sunday afternoon 3/28, we are having a time of prayer at our church, First Colony Church of Christ. Several elders and their wives will be there praying over my precious family and me, along with several amazing friends, loved ones and so many incredible folks from FCCC. I rejoice and thank God for this gift of prayer- it is powerful!
"For where two or more are gathered in My Name, there I am in their midst." Matthew 18:20.
THAT MAKES ME CRY TEARS OF JOY AND EXCITEMENT! A powerful and beautiful gift to come together and cry out to God with bold confidence. Such comfort and peace come when you believe with a faith that can't be shaken ... no matter how He answers our many prayers.
Can I share some of the specific prayers the Elders will pray over ... and ask you to join us wherever you are? Satan is going to hate this day ... and I love that. "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up." James 5:14,15
1. A huge thank you to the Lord for answering our prayers regarding the genetic testing. We are so thankful and give Him all the glory for the normal results and great news. Also, thank my family for loving, supporting and embracing me. And the incredible friends and loved ones who have already touched me and my family in ways we cannot even believe.
2. Pray for my family ... most of all! My prayer for myself and my family is this will be a spiritual journey, not a medical journey. I want the Lord to change us, grow us and make us stronger, better Christians. Re-shaping who we are in Christ Jesus. Asking the Lord to prepare the way before us and carry through every detail. Filling us with a peace and joy that completely comes from Him.
3. Pray for Richard as this will be a tough journey for him. Give him wisdom, strength, and understanding. Continue to bless him as the leader of our family and carry him thru every detail, growing his faith and complete trust in Jesus Christ.
4. Pray for our marriage. My prayer and hope is this draws us even closer. That the communication between us will be open, honest and real. We will join together before the Lord in every detail. Our love will grow bigger, better and stronger. That I will be a loving, good, caring wife during this physical battle.
5. Pray for the girls ... Meredith, Megan and Makenzie. Pray that the Lord will wrap them in his love and assurance. Teach them the amazing wonders of God amidst this trial. Pray they will cling to His word and see Jesus in every detail. Pray I will be able to be the loving, caring Mother I have been for 25 years during this time. Also, pray for Kevin, Jesse and Carson (Merediths husband, Megans husband and our granson).
6. Pray for wisdom and discernment ... that God will make every decision we will be faced with. That we (as a family) will hear Him completely and with absolute assurance.
7. Pray for the doctors, oncologist, surgeons, all the nurses and other patients at MDA. Pray I will be (and my family will be) a beacon of light for Jesus Christ as we spend the next year there. If one person can come to know the Lord as we travel this journey ... Hallelujah! This cancer walk will be worth it.
8. Medically, please pray the cancer has remained contained over the 2 month wait getting into MDA. Pray it has not moved into my lymph nodes. Pray the doctors overseeing my case will be wise and the Lord will determine the best course of treatment.
9. Prayer that we will accept the answers to all our prayers and with each answer we will glorify God and give him thanks.
10. Overall prayer for my health ... that I will stay strong, free from other illnesses, eat healthy and Lord willing ... completely heal me. Making me (and my family) better, spiritually, emotionally, physically and able to touch people and love people better than ever!
Thank you, thank you, thank you ... from the bottom of my heart! I can't express my gratitude to you, the elders of our church and our entire church family. How blessed we are!
"This is the confidence we have in approaching God; that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us- whatever we ask- we know that we have what we asked of him." 1 John 5:14,15 WOO HOO ... I love that!
Ann, Preston, Ashley and your entire family ... we love you with the love of the Lord. You will be in our prayers every moment, hour, day, for days to come, months to come and over the years.
We love you so much.
Blessings and a HUGE thank you for praying for my sweet family as this cancer journey begins next week. Thank You Lord we live in America where we can openly and boldly join together and publicly shout out our prayers and requests unto you.
In Him,
Jill
If you are not tired of praying for us (smile!) ... we actually meet with MD Anderson this Monday 3/29 and Tuesday 3/30 and should have a better idea of what's to come. “Oh Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.” Psalm 30:2. With humbleness and gratitude I want to share just how amazing our church is ...
This Sunday afternoon 3/28, we are having a time of prayer at our church, First Colony Church of Christ. Several elders and their wives will be there praying over my precious family and me, along with several amazing friends, loved ones and so many incredible folks from FCCC. I rejoice and thank God for this gift of prayer- it is powerful!
"For where two or more are gathered in My Name, there I am in their midst." Matthew 18:20.
THAT MAKES ME CRY TEARS OF JOY AND EXCITEMENT! A powerful and beautiful gift to come together and cry out to God with bold confidence. Such comfort and peace come when you believe with a faith that can't be shaken ... no matter how He answers our many prayers.
Can I share some of the specific prayers the Elders will pray over ... and ask you to join us wherever you are? Satan is going to hate this day ... and I love that. "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up." James 5:14,15
1. A huge thank you to the Lord for answering our prayers regarding the genetic testing. We are so thankful and give Him all the glory for the normal results and great news. Also, thank my family for loving, supporting and embracing me. And the incredible friends and loved ones who have already touched me and my family in ways we cannot even believe.
2. Pray for my family ... most of all! My prayer for myself and my family is this will be a spiritual journey, not a medical journey. I want the Lord to change us, grow us and make us stronger, better Christians. Re-shaping who we are in Christ Jesus. Asking the Lord to prepare the way before us and carry through every detail. Filling us with a peace and joy that completely comes from Him.
3. Pray for Richard as this will be a tough journey for him. Give him wisdom, strength, and understanding. Continue to bless him as the leader of our family and carry him thru every detail, growing his faith and complete trust in Jesus Christ.
4. Pray for our marriage. My prayer and hope is this draws us even closer. That the communication between us will be open, honest and real. We will join together before the Lord in every detail. Our love will grow bigger, better and stronger. That I will be a loving, good, caring wife during this physical battle.
5. Pray for the girls ... Meredith, Megan and Makenzie. Pray that the Lord will wrap them in his love and assurance. Teach them the amazing wonders of God amidst this trial. Pray they will cling to His word and see Jesus in every detail. Pray I will be able to be the loving, caring Mother I have been for 25 years during this time. Also, pray for Kevin, Jesse and Carson (Merediths husband, Megans husband and our granson).
6. Pray for wisdom and discernment ... that God will make every decision we will be faced with. That we (as a family) will hear Him completely and with absolute assurance.
7. Pray for the doctors, oncologist, surgeons, all the nurses and other patients at MDA. Pray I will be (and my family will be) a beacon of light for Jesus Christ as we spend the next year there. If one person can come to know the Lord as we travel this journey ... Hallelujah! This cancer walk will be worth it.
8. Medically, please pray the cancer has remained contained over the 2 month wait getting into MDA. Pray it has not moved into my lymph nodes. Pray the doctors overseeing my case will be wise and the Lord will determine the best course of treatment.
9. Prayer that we will accept the answers to all our prayers and with each answer we will glorify God and give him thanks.
10. Overall prayer for my health ... that I will stay strong, free from other illnesses, eat healthy and Lord willing ... completely heal me. Making me (and my family) better, spiritually, emotionally, physically and able to touch people and love people better than ever!
Thank you, thank you, thank you ... from the bottom of my heart! I can't express my gratitude to you, the elders of our church and our entire church family. How blessed we are!
"This is the confidence we have in approaching God; that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us- whatever we ask- we know that we have what we asked of him." 1 John 5:14,15 WOO HOO ... I love that!
Ann, Preston, Ashley and your entire family ... we love you with the love of the Lord. You will be in our prayers every moment, hour, day, for days to come, months to come and over the years.
We love you so much.
Blessings and a HUGE thank you for praying for my sweet family as this cancer journey begins next week. Thank You Lord we live in America where we can openly and boldly join together and publicly shout out our prayers and requests unto you.
In Him,
Jill
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
TO GOD BE THE GLORY ... HE HAS DONE A MIGHTY GREAT THING!
The Lord continues to show me His amazing grace, mercy and blessings. I received some great news today and I am FILLED with thanksgiving unto our precious Lord and Savior. But first, I want to thank everyone of you for your continued prayers, love, encouragement and support. My family and I are so grateful for who you are and who you have been to us during this time of uncertainty and decision making. Here is a scripture of thanksgiving to you ...
"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2.
And YOU have done just that ... for me and my family ... and I am so humbled and thankful. Thank you my dear sweet friends and loved ones.
NOW ... for the amazing news we learned today. The genetic mutations test came back NORMAL! I fell into a heap of joyful tears when I received this incredible news today. My tears of thanksgiving and joy came first and foremost that the Lord would choose this for me and for my precious Meredith, Megan and Makenzie. Their lives could have been so different if we weren't granted this good news today. Basically, the "normal" means I am NOT a carrier of the dreaded "cancer gene!" Thank you Jesus ... so very much. This also means my medical treatment might not be as drastic or radical. "Blessed be God ... the father of mercies, and the God of all comfort!" 2 Cor 1:3. The Lord is truly carrying me and my family and filling us with HIS comfort, joy and blessings.
We continue to pray for other tests that are yet to come in. Peacefully we wait on our appointment at MDA March 29th and 30th. If you're looking for something to pray about ... this would be a good idea! Think God might blow everyone away ... and the cancer is gone when I get there? Hmmmm ... if not ... I do know the Lord will be waiting for me holding the door open at MDA and carrying us thru those two days. That just made me smile really big! For it is written, "The LORD your God, who is going before you, will fight for you."
It's been an interesting blessing the past few weeks. I have always been so thankful for my life, my husband, my children, my family, friends and my precious God. But sitting back and reflecting on what possibly is to come ... makes my thanksgivings even greater, my relationship with Christ the absolute most important priority of all, my family even more wonderful and precious (didn't even think that could be possible), my loved ones and friendships even more cherished, my body a true temple- that needs to be well taken care of, and I could go on and on. I even enjoy the time consuming washing, drying and straightening of this curly blonde mop ... just incase I won't have this incredible enjoyment soon! Yikes!!
I stand amazed at HIS presence because I sincerely feel a peace that surpasses all understanding. More to come ... when HE grants us yet another blessing. I want all of you to know that I pray for you everyday ... giving thanks for you. Our journey and walk in this would be much different without your love. You all are the best ... and one of Gods greatest blessings.
Love YOU ... and ... what a gorgeous day was given to us today. Today is little Karens (my sweet little sister) birthday.
My little leprachaun turned 48 ... we celebrated her life today and it was perfect!
I Love You sweet Karen.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Look at the great news that I read tonight! ....
"The Lord will fight for you; You need only to be still!" Exodus 14:14
Yep ... that's it. All we need to do is be still!
That's easy ... this walk will be a breeze if all we have to do is, be still. The Lord will do all the heavy lifting, fighting and work! It is so awesome to be a Child of God. He makes it all so easy for us. I feel so blessed to be in the arms of Jesus! Let's sit back, pray fervently, rest and let Him fight this battle! Woo Hoo!
I Love You all!
"The Lord will fight for you; You need only to be still!" Exodus 14:14
Yep ... that's it. All we need to do is be still!
That's easy ... this walk will be a breeze if all we have to do is, be still. The Lord will do all the heavy lifting, fighting and work! It is so awesome to be a Child of God. He makes it all so easy for us. I feel so blessed to be in the arms of Jesus! Let's sit back, pray fervently, rest and let Him fight this battle! Woo Hoo!
I Love You all!
Monday, March 8, 2010
So Blessed and filled with Thanksgiving!
Hello to all our incredible friends, family and loved ones! I apologize for the delay in corresponding, but I don't have "a plan" in place yet. This new truth in my life has been an interested thought process for me. I feel great and go about my days forgetting my recent diagnosis. When I sit quietly for a moment and remember ... it is almost surreal. Is this really happening?? Then I quickly remember that "God is my refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1). He is always there to help us, providing refuge, security and peace. God's power is complete and his ultimate victory is certain. He promises, He will not fail to rescue those who love him. Ahhhh ... love those sweet, loving words filled with so much hope.
Quick update ... We met with Baylor College of Medicine last week. I want to get two opinions and Dr. Osborne with Baylor has come highly recommended by several amazing women who have walked this journey. He was wonderful, I really liked him. While I was at this appt. I had a genetics mutation test done to see if I am a genetic carrier of the cancer gene. Since my sweet, wonderful Mother died of Ovarian cancer this test was at the top of the important "to do list!" (this is critical, as we have 3 amazing daughter whom we love and cherish with all our hearts). If I am a carrier, it is a blessing to know this ... the girls can be super pro active in going to the Dr. and getting their mammograms and annual check ups. PRAYER REQUEST: Please pray that I am NOT a carrier, it will mean a much easier journey ahead and such a blessing for the girls! Technology is amazing now and God is even better - He has given us all peace beyond understanding!!
I have my first appointment with MD Anderson March 29th (at a fun 6:30 am!!) and another appt. with MDA on March 30th. I will have a much better idea of what the Drs. feel is the best medical plan. Will let you know when I hear more. Another huge blessing of Gods hand in this ... I was able to get into MDA with the doctor I really wanted in an "MDA reasonable" amount of time. It's difficult to get into this place ... everyone wants to be there!!! HA!
I am doing everything humanly possible to feed my body all the right things (but none of this would matter if we didn't have every fiber of our being in the trusting arms of Jesus ... knowing without a doubt that His plan is and will be absolute perfection). BUT ... I have cut out ALL sugar (yowza ... no more skittles or twizzlers), have boosted the leafy greens to a level my body has not eatten in a year combined, super lean protein, no wheat and water in huge abundance. Exercise has kicked in ... as this is critical when one enters a new journey like this one. If you are an expert in yummy foods with no sugar and no wheat - would love to hear from you!
Quiet time alone with God is precious. He is a God of tender moments and loving assurance. I have learned a valuable truth lately ... I know that really knowing GOD is better than knowing the outcome! "Be still, and know that I am God; I will will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10. Being still has been amazing, something that is not easy for "fast little me!"
If you love to pray ... please pray for the outstanding tests we are awaiting and my upcoming appts. with MDA. (Outstanding tests: genetic test, and a few others). The Lord knows all about them ... and also what we pray His will might be. I am calling out for wisdom as many decisions will need to be made. Thank you, thank you, thank you prayer warriors!
Thank you for your love, concern, prayers, cards, calls, emails, facebook messages. I wish I could respond individually and hope to do that in the future. This walk would be so lonely without each and everyone of you. And I must say to my precious, sweet family ... I Love You with the love of the Lord. The joy, blessings and love you give to me every moment of each day ... is indescribable. I am one blessed woman to be given this amazing, incredible family ... God is toooo good to me!
I Love You all ... Blessings to each of you!
Quick update ... We met with Baylor College of Medicine last week. I want to get two opinions and Dr. Osborne with Baylor has come highly recommended by several amazing women who have walked this journey. He was wonderful, I really liked him. While I was at this appt. I had a genetics mutation test done to see if I am a genetic carrier of the cancer gene. Since my sweet, wonderful Mother died of Ovarian cancer this test was at the top of the important "to do list!" (this is critical, as we have 3 amazing daughter whom we love and cherish with all our hearts). If I am a carrier, it is a blessing to know this ... the girls can be super pro active in going to the Dr. and getting their mammograms and annual check ups. PRAYER REQUEST: Please pray that I am NOT a carrier, it will mean a much easier journey ahead and such a blessing for the girls! Technology is amazing now and God is even better - He has given us all peace beyond understanding!!
I have my first appointment with MD Anderson March 29th (at a fun 6:30 am!!) and another appt. with MDA on March 30th. I will have a much better idea of what the Drs. feel is the best medical plan. Will let you know when I hear more. Another huge blessing of Gods hand in this ... I was able to get into MDA with the doctor I really wanted in an "MDA reasonable" amount of time. It's difficult to get into this place ... everyone wants to be there!!! HA!
I am doing everything humanly possible to feed my body all the right things (but none of this would matter if we didn't have every fiber of our being in the trusting arms of Jesus ... knowing without a doubt that His plan is and will be absolute perfection). BUT ... I have cut out ALL sugar (yowza ... no more skittles or twizzlers), have boosted the leafy greens to a level my body has not eatten in a year combined, super lean protein, no wheat and water in huge abundance. Exercise has kicked in ... as this is critical when one enters a new journey like this one. If you are an expert in yummy foods with no sugar and no wheat - would love to hear from you!
Quiet time alone with God is precious. He is a God of tender moments and loving assurance. I have learned a valuable truth lately ... I know that really knowing GOD is better than knowing the outcome! "Be still, and know that I am God; I will will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10. Being still has been amazing, something that is not easy for "fast little me!"
If you love to pray ... please pray for the outstanding tests we are awaiting and my upcoming appts. with MDA. (Outstanding tests: genetic test, and a few others). The Lord knows all about them ... and also what we pray His will might be. I am calling out for wisdom as many decisions will need to be made. Thank you, thank you, thank you prayer warriors!
Thank you for your love, concern, prayers, cards, calls, emails, facebook messages. I wish I could respond individually and hope to do that in the future. This walk would be so lonely without each and everyone of you. And I must say to my precious, sweet family ... I Love You with the love of the Lord. The joy, blessings and love you give to me every moment of each day ... is indescribable. I am one blessed woman to be given this amazing, incredible family ... God is toooo good to me!
I Love You all ... Blessings to each of you!
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