Remember Randall – Again! {Update}

I talked with Jenny today and she asked me to relay another important piece of information to all you wonderful prayer warriors out there.  First she sends her gratitude specifically to you.  She is overwhelmed – as was I – at your powerful, blow-the-doors-off-Heaven prayers you offered on behalf of her family.  When we realize that God calls His people to be in conversation with Him so that we can be mindful of how He is going to act in this situation, it both humbles us and makes us feel huge all at the same time.  Jenny shared many different ways the Lord has provided in the past few days.  My response through blubbering (don’t you hate when you cry on the person who has the right to?) was, “Girl, HE is all up in your details!!!”  PRAISE HIM! PRAISE HIM! PRAISE HIM!

So, back to the new request.  If you read any of the pamphlets on CJD, you may have picked up on the fact that the only way to absolutely confirm this diagnosis is through brain testing.  That has not been done yet though doctors feel fairly confident in their conclusion.  However, Randall’s doctor encouraged a visit to Mayo Clinic to confirm the diagnosis from the most brilliant minds in the medical field.  (Where’s House when we need him?) 

Jenny’s concern is the same all of us would have.  What if the Randall goes to be with the Lord, this test is done after the fact (as is required by law) and they find out that the diagnosis was incorrect?  So, Jenny told the doc to call Mayo basically determining in her mind that if they would see them quickly versus however long it normally takes to get in, then they would brave the difficult trip.   He called. 

THEY WANT TO SEE HIM THIS FRIDAY.

They will be traveling to Minnesota for the testing (through a travel provision that is beyond generous and accommodating to his condition, another PRAISE!) and soon after will take their daughters to Disney World – a trip someone lovingly gifted them.  I could squall again just thinking about the goodness of God’s people. 

So here’s what we are praying – if he isn’t spontaneously healed before then which is still altogether possible:

1.  That someone with the mind of House and the heart of Jesus will be there and declare “NO, you DO NOT have CJD and your condition is not as hopeless as you’ve been made to believe.  It is not only treatable but curable!” 

2.  Randall’s illness, if not healed, will regress like the sun on Hezekiah’s stairs so he can be strong enough to enjoy this wonderful trip with his treasured girls.   He is in a wheelchair now and is wearing eyeglasses for his failing vision.  Lord, give him the endurance you gave Elijah to run in front of Ahab’s chariot to Jezreel and the eyes of Moses overlooking the Promised Land to fully take in the vision  before him.  

Y’all keep praying, sweet friends.  And while we are asking, ask BIG.     

Much love,

Lisa

September 30, 2009 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 21 Comments 

A Fab Weekend

***UPDATED TO ASK: In case you don’t make it to the end of this post, I’m dying to ask you about your own retreat experiences. Does your church do one, attend one, etc? Since we are continuously evaluating the format of our own, I’d love to hear the logistics of yours as in where you go, what you love, and what you don’t love. Attendees of ours are welcome to share the same! I won’t get upset if there’s something you don’t like – unless you say you can’t stand the teacher in which case I will cry.***

I want to thank all of you who prayed, sent emails, and Facebook messages to cover me during the retreat I taught in Pigeon Forge this past weekend.  God – as always – was faithful to work through His Word in spite of the girl He had deliver it. 

It was a treat being able to spend time with some of my most special  friends in this world as well as my MIL Frankie and SIL, Laura Beth.   Please keep Laura Beth and her husband TJ in your prayers.  They had to relocate their business which was totally destroyed in the flooding in North Georgia last week.  If there is anyone who needed time on a mountain, it was her!

Many of my worlds collided this weekend.  In addition to my family being there, Candice and Kelly who have been my best friends for over 20 years came along.  My MIL invited Jenny, a friend from our current church, to lead worship.  Debbie, Tara, and Cindy came from our last pastorate.  I couldn’t tell ANY of my good church stories.  Dern.

The weekend was great but I enjoyed the drive home almost as much. We drove through Wear’s Valley and stopped at the most fabulous pumpkin patch. I didn’t buy anything but now that I’ve touched mums and gourds, I’m officially in the fall spirit.

Here are a couple of pictures. There are lots more on the retreat recap on my ministry website. Y’all check it out!

Frankie Retreat 2009 022

{Debbie, Cindy, and Me. These two girls make me laugh harder than anyone I know.}

Frankie Retreat 2009 007

{Kelly, Me, and Candice. My BFF’s forever. Girls, you are my constants.}

Frankie Retreat 2009 028

{Jenny and me at the most awesome punkin’ patch ever.} 

Frankie Retreat 2009 lisapunkinpatch

{Me sitting on what I thought was a very large pumpkin. Seems my backside is larger.}

Frankie Retreat 2009 027

{Candice and Me at, you guessed it, The Pumpkin Patch.}

Frankie Retreat 2009 017

{Me and Tara. Girl, I love your non-discerning self.}

Frankie Retreat 2009 009
  
{Beth, a wonderful fellow PW, Ms. Ruth, and Ms. Ann. Y’all, I want to be all of these women when I grow up. Practically single-handed, Beth put together a wonderful bonafide Tea for her women a couple of months ago. I pray my church girls never catch wind of it. And then there’s Ruth and Ann who have the most fabulous accessorizing skillz you have EVER seen. I told Ms. Ruth (middle) that I wanted to be just like her one day and she said, “Well, I hope you can be. I hope you live as long as I have and that you have the wonderful life I’ve had.” To the law and to the testimony. I love this precious woman. And Ann? She spoke the most wonderful words of encouragement over me after the retreat that I will take to my grave. True southern belles in a world of ding dongs.}

Again, thank all of you for supporting me in every way. You have no idea how your prayers keep me from melting into a squalling heap of insecurity.

Love,

Lisa

September 29, 2009 | Filed Under Bible Study, Event Recaps, Retreats, Women's Ministry | 4 Comments 

Overwhelming Thanks

I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who are praying for the Black Family.  If you want to be blessed by some mighty petitions, go back to the original post and read over the comments.  I can’t look at the responses without bawling – especially over Jenny and Allison’s.  We love you girls and will not quit praying for the miraculous until the answer is clearly confirmed from heaven. 

I promise to keep you updated as I hear from Jenny.  By all means, please continue to leave your pleas on the prayer post.  Home Girls, we plan on doing some ministry in this situation so keep your eyes on your email for details. 

Much love to all,

Lisa

September 29, 2009 | Filed Under Prayer Warriors Unite | 1 Comment 

Next Page »

The Preacher's Wife is using WP-Gravatar