It always happens to someone else. We always have an underlying thought that it won't happen, couldn't happen to us. Through the years, we have stood at the side of many as they have received bad news. Failing health, disease, crisis of all kinds, even death. Our hearts have always felt these things in a very real way. Today, our hearts are feeling it in a much more real way. After all this time of often taking for granted the health of our family, even though we have always known it's by God's grace, we are now embarking on the longest, hardest journey we have ever taken......
Our dear, sweet daughter/sister, Anna-Renee Ruth Houston, has been diagnosed with
Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia.
This form of leukemia is most commonly found in people in their 50s-60s, it is rare for a child to get it. CML is; however, the better of the leukemias to get, as if that is a comfort. She will still need to go through chemotherapy, (possibly radiation therapy), and a bone marrow transplant. We do have a huge blessing..... she has 10 possible matches for donors!!! Each of her siblings has a 25% chance of being a match! This improves her chances of her body not rejecting the bone marrow.
We are comforted by the fact that we are in the hands of a Mighty, Sovereign God who has not been surprised by this turn of events in our lives. We are praising our Great Savior for this refining fire we are being put through. It is our prayer that we will come forth as gold.
We are blessed by the outpouring of love, support, and especially prayer that has come from family and friends already. This journey will be long, it will be hard. But, at the end of it we hope to be able to look back and see just how the Hand of God has guided us through, the light of His Word shining on the path as we have travelled.
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
We are all praying for you Anna. Elisabet made orange bracelets that we will be wearing until you are better. You are very special Anna, and I can't wait to see what plan God has for you through all of this. We love your whole family and will help in any way that we can. I love you Anna.
ReplyDelete-Brigitte
We love you Anna and are praying for you and your family even more now. We have already contacted family and friends in FL, MN, and Ohio and they have added you to their prayer lists. The DeVowe's even sent the link to this blog on their church's prayer chain. We will continually be before God's throne asking Him to give you daily courage, strength, peace, and lots of family time as well as for healing. I pray that I will be as encouraging to you as you have been to me. I love you!!
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking of one of my favorite verses, Psalm 90:17... It's says, "And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the works of our hands upon us; yea, the works of our hands establish thou it." I know you told me today that God has a purpose for this... could it be that God, in His beauty, has established a work for your hands in all this? I pray you will look for it... even when it's difficult. It's not always easy... I pray you will be better at it than I have been. Many prayers and lots of hugs, Your friend, Mrs. Potvin
Mrs. Houston, I want you all to know you guys will be in our constant prayers. I will never know they "whys" of life, so I don't even try. As you know, and I know :) our God knows it all. I can't imagine receiving such news about a child of mine. My heart and prayers are with you all. I love you and may God continue to strengthen and bless you all in a mighty way!!
ReplyDeletelove you guys lots and thinking and praying for you all!!! sending lots of hugs to you and Anna!!!!
ReplyDeleteJust heard the news, and wanted to say that our family stand behind you all in prayer. Anna is an incredibly sweet young lady. We pray for a match in donor, one that could be used soon as well as complete healing as God grants you all His grace. God is able to sustain. He is the Great Physician. He still heals and He is still on that throne. We will be praying daily.
ReplyDeleteWe are praying for your sweet Anna....I told some of our church members tonight. Also will tell the whole church (Calvary Baptist Bremerton) at prayer meeting on Wednesday....We will ALL be praying.God WILL carry you through this.
ReplyDeleteLisa Banks
Anna I'm praying for you and your family Love you sweet girl
ReplyDeleteHey, Anna would love to know who it is that loves her! ;-)
DeleteWe love her...!!
DeleteBut, it wasn't us who wrote that above =)
Anna,
DeleteMay God give you strength to walk through this fire, peace in knowing He is the great Physician and a greater relationship with Him. You have our prayers too sweet girl. Love you!
The Casaus Family
Rebecca davis
DeleteAnna I'm praying for you and for the Houston family
ReplyDeleteYour friend Brady
My heart and many prayers go out to you all and especially to Anna. I personally commit to diligently pray for you all throughout the entirety of this great trial.
ReplyDeletePlease don't be afraid to ask if you think of anything my family and I can do for you. You have been a tremendous blessing to me and my family, and we love you guys and Anna so much.
-Gilead Rose
Joshua 1:9
Pastor Reno had a special time of prayer for your sweet Anna tonight at our evening service. We will be upholding Anna and all of you in prayer.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Jim and Deby Long
Anna, we love you and are praying for you continually. My sister Kristin was especially anxious to find a good way to write you. My whole family is praying for you and the whole Houston family.
ReplyDeleteWe are sooo thankful for your family and the example that you lead of a faithful walk with Christ. We are truly blessed to have Craig as our pastor.
Please please please don't hesitate to ask for help. We are willing to do whatever you may need.
Love you all.
Amber Bernard
Anna, we love you and are praying for you continually. My sister Kristin was especially anxious to find a good way to write you. My whole family is praying for you and the whole Houston family.
ReplyDeleteWe are sooo thankful for your family and the example that you lead of a faithful walk with Christ. We are truly blessed to have Craig as our pastor.
Please please please don't hesitate to ask for help. We are willing to do whatever you may need.
Love you all.
Amber Bernard
Anna, we love you and are praying for you continually. My sister Kristin was especially anxious to find a good way to write you. My whole family is praying for you and the whole Houston family.
ReplyDeleteWe are sooo thankful for your family and the example that you lead of a faithful walk with Christ. We are truly blessed to have Craig as our pastor.
Please please please don't hesitate to ask for help. We are willing to do whatever you may need.
Love you all.
Amber Bernard
Dearest Houstons,
ReplyDeleteDave and I are praying for you all. Today has been an emotional day but also a day of prayer and seeing God answer prayers already. You have prayers going up to God all over the world. As you said Emily this prayer request has gone viral. Anna, Dave and I will be praying for tomorrow and for each day to follow until God answers. We will be back in town soon and will be checking for news while we are away.
We love you and are privileged to have you as our friend. Keep your beautiful smile going, I am looking for a hug when we get back. So here is a virtual one [[[[[HUGS}}}}}.
Love Dave and Jackie Harper
Hebrews 11:6.
Anna, sweet girl, our family will be praying for you daily that you will have amazing strength and be able to stand strong with a sense of peace that only God can give. There is already an amazing amount of people praying. Facebook if flooded with love and support for both you and your family. To the entire Houston family, our family is praying for you as well. We will be praying for as perfect of a match as possible in one of the siblings. Please keep us updated as to how Anna is doing when you are able. It is a privelege for us to be able to follow her story and continue to pray for your entire family.
ReplyDeleteKristi Long and family
Emily, Anna, and Houston clan,
ReplyDeleteI awoke this morning to see the news of your health. I can only imagine the long journey ahead of you all, however I know because we serve an AMAAAAZZZING God that it will be a sweet journey. It will be journey of you EACH seeing HIS unresting and unending love for you as HE draws you closer to HIMSELF. We are praying for healing and comfort, but also HIS glory in each of your lives as you travel this path in HIS Sovereign divine plan for you!
I would love your address please. I think ITALIAN chocolates should be on the menu...I mean "Anna, chocolates can make any girl feel better, right???" Would love to shower you ALL with some goodies from Italy!
Love and prayers,
Amanda Hand
handstrustinhim@yahoo.com
Anna, David and I are praying for you, and if there's anything we can do besides that, please let us know. Love you, lady!
ReplyDeleteI love you Anna!
ReplyDeleteAnna, MaKenzie wanted to share her song she sings when she in the hospital. We love you sweet girl. We will pray and visit lots.
ReplyDeleteIn the dark of the midnight have I oft hid my face,
While the storm howls above me, and there's no hiding place.
'Mid the crash of the thunder, Precious Lord, hear my cry,
Keep me safe till the storm passes by.
Chorus
Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more,
Till the clouds roll forever from the sky;
Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand,
Keep me safe till the storm passes by.
Many times Satan whispered, "There is no need to try,
For there's no end of sorrow, there's no hope by and by"
But I know Thou art with me, and tomorrow I'll rise
Where the storms never darken the skies.
Chorus
Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more,
Till the clouds roll forever from the sky;
Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand,
Keep me safe till the storm passes by.
When the long night has ended and the storms come no more,
Let me stand in Thy presence on the bright peaceful shore;
In that land where the tempest, never comes, Lord, may I
Dwell with Thee when the storm passes by.
Chorus
Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more,
Till the clouds roll forever from the sky;
Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand,
Keep me safe till the storm passe by.
This made me ball like a little baby! To see such young souls stronger than I in faith! Inspired! You are strong women!
DeleteDon And I, and our Church are Praying for Sweet Anna And your Family. I know God has a plan throughout this journey.I know he in control an He is Amazing.We are praying for His Healing and Comfort.We love y'all.
ReplyDeleteI know we have not been to church in awhile but I just wanted to let you know we are thinking about you and of course very much in our prayers. May God guide you through this time.
ReplyDeleteDear Anna,
ReplyDeleteWe are most definitely praying for you! That's sounds like tough news!!...We personally know the great Physician though don't we? Praise God, He doesn't leave us hopeless!
Trust Him Anna!! He is so trustworthy. God bless you and your family, especially during this time!
The Halls
Matt and I are deeply sadden by the news of Anna. We will pray everyday for the strength that Anna will have to get through this and your family also. God will provide the strength to Anna and your family. You have such a beautiful and brave daughter. God Bless you and your family.
ReplyDeleteBekka and Matt McClure
We love you all! We will be praying hard for Anna's quick recovery, and also that you will all remain steadfast and rooted in the knowledge that God is always in control and that His love for you is perfect and unshakable. :-)
ReplyDeleteIsaac and Nonna Mikat
Praying for you all. I cannot imagine.
ReplyDeleteDear Anna and Houston family,
ReplyDeleteWe are diligently praying for Anna's healing and for this whole matter of treatment and the logistics of keeping your large family afloat throughout the process. Our church is praying and my brother and his family in Indonesia are too. To those of you reading this comment: The Houstons will need tons of help. Things that they might not even think of. Laundry, dishes, homeschool, shopping,meals, helping them stay healthy for Anna's sake and for the whole families sake. They wont be able to be around Anna if they are sick. These things spiral very quickly in a household of 13. One day gone to Seattle is finacially a greater impact than for a family of 4, not to mention the laundry pile up and cleaning. Is there a grandma type out there that can just come and do their laundry? Craig and Emily, please, let us help however it is needed so that you can focus on loving your family and being there for each one. Anna, I love you. We all love you are praying for you, dear. God bless each one of you during this bend in the road. Carol Eddy
We are all praying for you Anna, and for the whole family. We love you guys! The Mcarthur's
ReplyDeleteDear Houston Family,
ReplyDeleteOn behalf of the Mckinley family from Pilgrim Bible Church, we want to assure you that, Anna and your whole family, will be lifted up before the throne of Mercy and Grace daily.
Our Lord is too good to be unkind and too wise to be mistaken. May you all feel the Lord's mighty hand in every step of the healing process.
Sincerely in Christ
Rita
Anna, I miss you so much and I am praying for you give your mom and dad a hug for me and tell them to hug you back for me and I guess I should send the rest of the houston clan hugs so all in all that should be 26 hugs coming your way from me and Peter as we both are praying for you all that feels good to say that BOTH me and PETER are praying for you All my love Patricia
ReplyDeleteThe Postmas in Vegas will not cease to pray for you all....Anna, you are a special young lady. You life has touched our hearts. Over the years you have been such a sweet example with your most sincere Christ-likeness. We're not saying you're perfect...because we know you have 10 siblings! :-) but, we're saying you have a sweetness that permeates those who are fortunate enough to know you. Ashlynne considers you her dearest friend. Please be assured that God has a plan by allowing you this hardship and He will not leave you comfortless. We know you're going to get through this and as your mom said, (well, and Jesus), you'll "Come forth as GOLD" We love you more than words!
ReplyDeleteIn all sincerity...
The Postmas
Malicdem family are praying for healing, strength, comfort, & assurance from the Lord :-)
ReplyDeleteA friend sent me to your blog this evening. I have CML and was diagnosed 2 1/2 years ago. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. And, if you need an ear or would like to know my experience, please do not hesitate to get in touch. My email is powellfour (at) gmail (dot) com. Many prayers for you guys!
ReplyDeleteDear Pastor, Emily, Naomi, Anna, Samuel, Daniel, Nathanael, Michael, Julia, Lydia, Abigail, Ezekiel, and Selah:
ReplyDeleteYour faith, joy, love for each other as well as for the church family, and peace are a beautiful testimony of God's grace, and I pray that your family will continue to bring God glory, as I know that is your desire. May this joy and peace of yours through trials lead doctors, hospital staff, and everyone else you will meet in the coming months to wonder at the mystery, and come to know that the answer is Jesus Christ. I take great comfort in knowing that our Father loves Anna more than anyone else, and that same LORD, He it is that doth go before thee. (Deuteronomy 31:8)
You are constantly in my prayers. "And the peace of God that passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7)
Anna, I love you so much. And speaking of gold...;-)
"When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace, all-sufficient shall be thy supply.
The flame shall not hurt thee, I only design
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine."
For He knoweth the way that I take, and when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. - Job 23:10
Love you all,
~Mrs Glorianna
Dear Houston Family,
ReplyDeletePraying for you all during this trial. May the God of all comfort give you peace,comfort, strength and wisdom.
We love you ALL so much.
Psalms 91:4 "He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler."
Praying in San Diego,
The Ledford Family
We are praying for you all. Anna I love you I told you once that you really touched my heart because you had a true love for others and you showed it. I know you have lifted our family up in your prayers during different trials we have faced and I thank you for that. You also made some of my children feel welcome when they needed that love. You are in Our Lords mighty arms and our Lord will be with each step of the way. I will be keeping you in my prayers I love you
ReplyDeleteMy Love and Prayers
Theresa Pennington
I just saw the news this morning about Anna-Renee;'s diagnosis. Our family will be praying for your family and for Anna-Renee's healing.
ReplyDeleteAnna,
ReplyDeleteYou are very beautiful both inside and out. You are constantly in my prayers. My wife and I have contacted many of our family and friends. As many people around the world have come to realize the situation I'm sure that you are being prayed for nearly all the time. God bless you and your family. We love you and your family very much.
Love and Prayers,
The Potvin Crew
Psalms 118:24
Emilie,
ReplyDeleteJust found out about Anna and we are praying! I've spoken with John at your church as I am organizing help for a family in our church with a 10 year old son who just was diagnosed with leukemia. We love you all and pray for strength and courage for you.
Annie McIntosh, from Moscow ID
Anna,
ReplyDeleteI myself have been going to the oncologist about possible leukemia. Im 27 years old with 3 kids and even though i cant say I know completely what you are going through I understand the scary feeling and uncertainy that comes along with it. The docs are telling me that things are looking on the good side for me, but i will be praying for you daily along with your family that God will bless you and give you the strength that you need to get through the trials life has given you.