These verses were sent to me via text by a sweet friend who didn't even know how our day had gone.
*Naomi spent the night with Anna to give Craig a night in his own bed. We wanted to be there this morning in time for rounds to make sure we heard anything that might be new. Upon arriving at the hospital, we found that Anna was receiving a bag of platelets as her count was low. Anna also shared with us, a bit tearfully, that her hair has officially started falling out. When the doctors came for rounds, we noticed them all putting isolation gowns and gloves on. Anna is now in isolation as she has contracted Rotavirus which is a stomach virus that is most common in small children and immune suppressed people. This can be scary news to someone who has been told from the beginning that any kind of virus could be life threatening once you have zero immune system. It's been a weighty day. Full of tears. And then........Remember, I asked everyone to please pray for my Father-in-law, Larry? Well, it turns out that he has been diagnosed with AML...Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Another heavy blow today. He is being admitted to OHSU to start chemo immediately. We are seeking to have him transferred as soon as possible to SCCA so that we can help take care of him. SCCA didn't have any openings until next week, so he was headed to Portland, OR. I asked our nurse if it was at all possible for patients to be transferred in the midst of treatment, to which she said it was very common. Pray that this can happen. As we have learned, treatment of leukemia isn't just a week in the hospital and then you're done. There will probably be a longer hospital stay and then daily appointments for quite a while. We are thankful that he knows the Lord as his personal Saviour!
Today has been heavy. But a friend listened to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and sent me a verse. A verse that reminded me that my sweet Comforter is there to take my heavy burdens from me and give me rest. It was what I needed, and what Anna needed...she wept as I read the verses to her knowing this friend had had no idea what the day had been like. Timing was everything! Thank you, Lord for loving me so much to use your people and your Word to be a comfort in times that weigh us down.
So lovely to see your family (most of them for the second time) at the local coffee shop this afternoon. They are a real tribute to you- confident, engaging, polite. It was delightful to chat with them for a few minutes before they headed back out into the sunny afternoon.
ReplyDeleteMany tears, hugs, and prayers for all of you tonight. Much love, Grace
ReplyDeleteDear Houston Family,
ReplyDeleteWill pray that Pastor's father is able to get tranferred to Seattle so you will be able to be with both Anna and his father.
Love and much prayer,
Rick
Pr. 3:5-6
Wow, a heavy day indeed...
ReplyDeletePraying that Anna is miraculously healed of this virus and that Larry can be promptly transferred to SCCA and responds well to treatment!
Love you guys, and praying much!
~Gilead
Our hearts and prayers are with you all. Praying for comfort, strength, healing, and for your family to be united. God has worked so many miracles, and He will be with you now. Sending hungs from 16 arms your way! The Hilsons
ReplyDeleteWe love you all so much! Sorry to hear of the latest. On my knees praying for you tonight, Anna!
ReplyDeleteI grow weary of the beast leukemia. I am praying for you all. Grandpa Larry holds a special place in my heart as he has always seemed liked a wonderful father figure to me. I will pray for you all. Sometimes it seems like it is all too much. I ache for you and my heart is heavy at this latest news. I remind us all to stand fast, seek God's comfort; knowing that He does know all about it and through it all we will come forth as pure gold! I will continue to pray.
ReplyDeletePraying for all of you...especially for peace for Anna during this scary and uncertain time and for your father/grandpa to be transferred so that he can be near you. Love you sooo much!
ReplyDelete(I know these verses are referring to the children of Israel, but I found them very encouraging)
"But cleave unto the LORD your God, as ye have done unto this day. For the LORD hath driven out from before you great nations and strong: but as for you, no man hath been able to stand before you unto this day. One man of you shall chase a thousand: for the LORD your God he it is that fighteth for you, as he hath promised you." -Joshua 23:8-10
We are praying for Anna and Larry too! Our God is able to comfort and to heal. We love you all!
ReplyDeleteDave and Jackie Harper
"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." - I Corinthians 10:13
ReplyDeleteUplifting you all in prayer. May God continue supplying you with you with HIS strength. Love you all.
Garth & Becky
I am so sorry to hear your news, but so thankful everyone involved knows our Savior. I will continue to pray for you all, your precious girl, and your father-in-law. I was reminded just recently by a situation in our lives of how the Lord uses all for good and shows Himself true to those who love Him. Thank you for keeping us updated in the midst of all you are dealing with daily. Much love to you, Houston family!
ReplyDeleteDear, dear Houstons,
ReplyDeleteI have been following Anna's story from the very beginning, and it sits on my heart each day, and I am burdened for you, Mama, as I have a daughter quite close to Anna's age too, and well, just because it seems like such a tough trial! BUT I want you to know that my family, me and my husband and our 8.5 children, we will be redoubling our efforts on your behalf, in prayer.
I loved the verse you posted.....You probably have already done this, but what about posting verses on the wall in Anna's room, across from her bed, so she can see them constantly?? Just an idea.
I pray right now that you would gain much needed strength and endurance just knowing that the Body of Christ is lifting you up constantly in prayer and supplication. I just paused and prayed for you, and here is what I prayed: that you would get some good news and be encouraged, that you would have peace and be lifted up, that you would have endurance and that you would have joy to laugh in the face of the beast.
My heart is with you down here in SW Washington!
Anna, we are sorry to hear that the awful side effects of these treatments are having to be endured. Remember that our God knows, understands, and cares what you feel, and will give you the grace to endure & persevere. It is at this point, that many girls decide to shave their heads & just apply a bandana or turban when they feel up to covering it up. We are praying for you frequently, and are sorry you are feeling miserable! God can & will carry you thru this too! Love & prayers, & sunny gentle breezes coming at you from Stuart, FL. Carole Binder & family
ReplyDelete"He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater, He sendeth more strength when the labors increase, to added affliction He addeth His mercy, to multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.
ReplyDeleteWhen we have exhausted our store of endurance, when our strength has failed ere the day is half-done, when we reach the end of our hoarded resources, our Father’s full giving is only begun.
His love has no limit; His grace has no measure.
His pow'r has no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again!"
Praying for you, Anna. Love,
The Bowers
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee : because he trusteth in thee.
ReplyDeleteTrust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength".
Isaiah 26:3-4
I'm praying !!
Dear Houston Family,
ReplyDeleteOur hearts are heavy with the sad news of Anna's virus and Grampa Larry's leukemia, and continue to lift you all up to the only One who can comfort and heal. We love you all and think of and pray for you throughout the days.
The Olsen Family
Wow, it's very hard to hear this. I can't really find the words to write, but I know that God is your strength when you're weak. I love you guys!!! "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber." Psalm 121:1-3.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCbWzuMOoYw
ReplyDeleteWe are so sorry for all the trials your family is enduring. You all are in our prayers daily! You have so much of The Lords Beauty radiating from your heart even during such a time as this. Words can't express our sadness and Love for each of you.
Much Love and Blessings <3
David and Daesha Teves
I love you, O LORD, my strength.
ReplyDeleteThe LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised,
and I am saved from my enemies.
The cords of death encompassed me;
the torrents of destruction assailed me;
the cords of Sheol entangled me;
the snares of death confronted me.
In my distress I called upon the LORD;
to my God I cried for help.
From his temple he heard my voice,
and my cry to him reached his ears…
He sent from on high, he took me;
he drew me out of many waters.
He rescued me from my strong enemy
and from those who hated me,
for they were too mighty for me.
They confronted me in the day of my calamity,
but the LORD was my support.
He brought me out into a broad place;
he rescued me, because he delighted in me…
For who is God, but the LORD?
And who is a rock, except our God?—
the God who equipped me with strength
and made my way blameless.
(Psalm 18 ESV)
May God be your comfort in this time, Anna. He is a rock that you can always find rest and a strong fortress in time of need. I am still encouraged by your trust and submissiveness to God's will. I'll be praying for you and I love you very much.
-Kristi Tanaka
We are praying for you Anna and for Mr. Huston. We pray that God gives you grace to endure this difficult time in your lives. We pray for you to feel peace and love today. Happy Birthday Anna! Know that you are in our prayers, it is times like these when God reminds us that prayers are heard and answered and the most important gift we can give to other believers.
ReplyDeleteIn Christ,
The Mcarthur family
Sweet Anna,
ReplyDeleteheard your story at the Father/Daughter Retreat and have been praying since. These words have been very dear to me and I pray will bless you. "Lord, high and holy, meek and lowly, Thou hast brought me to the valley of vision, where I live in the depths but see Thee in the heights; hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold Thy glory. Let me learn by paradox that the way down is the way up, that to be low is to be high, that the broken heart is the healed heart, that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit, that the repenting soul is the victorious soul, that to have nothing is to possess all, that to bear the cross is to wear the crown, that to give is to receive, that the valley is the place of vision."
With sisterly love and an aching heart,
Lydia Faith
Still sending you all our prayers! We love you.
ReplyDeleteIsaac and Nonna
Prayers continue and will not cease! Sending Love, *hugs*, and PRAYERS from the Evans Family in California!
ReplyDelete